2017 DODGE VIPER traction control

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................190
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .190
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................192
▫ After Starting ......................... .192
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION ................192
▫ Shifting ............................. .193
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ...............195
▫ Skip Shift Indicator Light .................195
 STREET/RACE MODE — IF EQUIPPED ........196
 LAUNCH MODE ....................... .196
 TRACK USE ........................... .198
▫ Guidelines For Track Use .................198
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ..........199
▫ Acceleration .......................... .199▫
Traction ............................ .199
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ..............200
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ...................200
▫ Shallow Standing Water ..................200
 POWER STEERING ..................... .201
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............202
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .202
 BRAKE SYSTEM ....................... .203
▫ Brake Pad Break-In .....................204
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .....205
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System ..................205
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) .............206
▫ Electr

onic Stability Control ................207
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STREET/RACE MODE — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with a two mode electronic
controlled damping system. This system allows for a
compliant street suspension damping setting or a firmer
race suspension damping setting. When in street mode the
system will automatically shift the suspension dampers to
the firmer Race damping setting during some hard accel-
eration and braking situations. There are two modes of
operation:
•Street Mode — This mode will give a sporty, but
comfortable ride. This mode is driver selectable when
the vehicle is placed in STREET mode (push the
“STREET” button on the Instrument Panel). This mode
is intended for a smoother ride on the various types of
pavement and road conditions while still providing
damping levels appropriate extreme capabilities.
• Race Mode — This mode is driver selectable when the
vehicle is placed in RACE mode (push the “RACE”
button on the Instrument Panel). This mode is for track
use only and will supply maximum grip to the tires. NOTE:
•
With the ignition in the ON/RUN position, the suspen-
sion damping system will be in the last mode the system
was in when the vehicle was turned off. The driver can
select either Street or Race damping mode at any time.
• The suspension mode will lock and stay in whatever the
driver selects even when the ignition is turned off and
the car restarted.
• The RACE setting will provide a much firmer ride.
• When RACE mode is enabled, a Shock symbol with
“RACE” next to it will light up in the instrument cluster.
LAUNCH MODE
This system maximizes acceleration traction for straight
line racing.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on a level track surface with the engine running.
2. Set the steering wheel for straight ahead driving.
3. Fully depress the clutch and select the first gear posi- tion.
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•Track usage results in increased operating temperatures
of the engine, transmission, clutch, driveline and brake
system. This may affect noise (NVH) countermeasures
designed into your vehicle. New components may need
to be installed to return the system to the original NVH
performance.
For ACR models, please review the supplemental manual
for track tips.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
You could lose control of the vehicle and possibly have
a collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever
there is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud,
loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should be
observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
CAUTION!
Driving your vehicle through deep puddles at speeds
over 5 mph (8 km/h), may cause water to be ingested
into the engine. This can cause severe engine damage.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
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In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off) the brakes
will still function. However, the effort required to brake the
vehicle will be much greater than that required with the
power system operating.
Brake Pad Break-In
NOTE:Your vehicle is equipped with a high performance
braking system. The brake pads are a semi-metallic com-
pound, which offer superior fade resistance for consistent
operation. A compromise to using this type of brake pad is
that the brakes may squeal slightly under certain weather
and operating conditions (.i.e., during light brake applica-
tions).
The brakes on your new vehicle do not require a long
break-in period. However, you should avoid repeated hard
brake applications from high speeds during initial break-
in. In addition, you should avoid severe brake loading,
such as may be encountered when descending long moun-
tain grades.
For ACR models, please review the supplemental manual
for CCM brake pad and rotor burnishing.
Safe Operating Tips
WARNING!
To use your brakes and accelerator more safely, follow
these tips:
• Do not “ride” the brakes by resting your foot on the
pedal. This could overheat the brakes and result in
unpredictable braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or brake damage.
• When descending mountains or hills, repeated brak-
ing can cause brake fade with loss of braking control.
Avoid repeated heavy braking by downshifting the
transmission whenever possible.
• Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially
when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can
build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, brak-
ing ability, and control.
• After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes
may become wet, resulting in decreased performance
and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by
gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at
very slow speeds.
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ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and Elec-
tronic Stability Control (ESC). All of these systems work
together to enhance vehicle stability and control in various
driving conditions.
Anti-Lock Brake System
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse brak-
ing conditions. The system operates with a separate com-
puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel
lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
NOTE:During severe braking conditions, a pulsing sen-
sation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard. This is
normal, indicating that the ABS is functioning.
The ABS conducts a low-speed self-test at approximately
12 mph (20 km/h). If you have your foot lightly on the
brake pedal while this test is occurring, you may feel a
slight pedal movement. The movement can be more appar-
ent on ice and snow and be considered normal.
The ABS pump motor runs during the self-test at 12 mph
(20 km/h) and during an ABS stop. The pump motor makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
CAUTION!
The Anti-Lock Brake System is subject to possible
detrimental effects of electronic interference caused by
improperly installed aftermarket radios or telephones.
WARNING!
•
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) contains sophis-
ticated electronic equipment that may be susceptible
to interference caused by improperly installed or
high output radio transmitting equipment. This in-
terference can cause possible loss of anti-lock brak-
ing capability. Installation of such equipment should
be performed by qualified professionals.
• Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to a collision. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
(Continued)
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WARNING!(Continued)
•The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering effi-
ciency beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
collisions, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning.
• The capabilities of an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner, that could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and type
as the original equipment and the tires must be properly
inflated to produce accurate signals for the computer.
WARNING!
Significant over or underinflation of tires, or mixing
sizes of tires or wheels on the vehicle can lead to loss
of braking effectiveness.
Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light
The “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” will turn
on and stay on briefly as a bulb check when the
ignition is first turned on. If the light does not
turn on during starting, have it repaired
promptly.
This light also illuminates at vehicle start-up to indicate
that the ABS self-check is in process. If the light remains on
after start-up, or turns on and remains on at road speeds, it
may indicate a system malfunction or that the system is
inoperative. In this case, the system reverts to standard
non-anti-lock brakes. If this occurs, safely bring the vehicle
to a complete stop as soon as possible and cycle the ignition
to attempt to reset the ABS. If the light remains on, see your
authorized dealer immediately to have the system ser-
viced. Also, if the “BRAKE Warning Light” and the “ABS
Warning Light” are on, and the parking brake is fully
released, see your authorized dealer immediately.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each
driven wheel. If wheel spin is detected, brake pressure is
applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine power is
reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and stability.
206 STARTING AND OPERATING

Electronic Stability Control
In full on mode the TCS system enhances directional
control and stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions. The ESC corrects for oversteering and under-
steering the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel. Engine power may also be reduced to assist in
counteracting the condition of oversteer or understeer and
help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
In full on mode ESC utilizes sensors in the vehicle to
determine the path that the driver intends to steer the
vehicle and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the intended path,
the ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist
in counteracting the condition of oversteer or understeer.
•Oversteer – when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer – when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent accidents re-
sulting from loss of vehicle control due to inappropri-
ate driver input for the conditions. Only a safe, atten-
tive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user ’s safety or the safety of
others.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 207

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Operating Modes
The ESC system may have five available operating modes:
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC system.
Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in
this mode. The ESC On mode should be used for most
driving situations. The ESC should only be turned OFF for
specific reasons as noted in the following paragraphs.
ESC Full Off
The ESC Off mode is intended for off-highway or off-road
use only and should not be used on any public roadways.In this mode, all TCS and ESC stability features are turned
OFF. To enter the “Full Off” mode, push and hold the
“ESC” switch for five seconds while the vehicle is stopped
with the engine running. After five seconds, a chime will
sound, the “ESC OFF” telltale will illuminate, and the “ESC
OFF” will display in the vehicle cluster (left of the odom-
eter). The “ESC OFF” message may appear in the instru-
ment cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information. To turn ESC ON again, momentarily push the
“ESC” switch.
WARNING!
With the ESC switched OFF, the enhanced vehicle sta-
bility offered by ESC is unavailable. In an emergency
evasive maneuver, the ESC system will not engage to
assist in maintaining stability. The “Full Off” ESC mode
is intended for off-highway or off-road only.
Sport Mode — If Equipped
Sport mode has reduced traction control and reduced
stability control. To enter the “Sport Mode” mode, push the
“ESC” switch once (located on the steering wheel). The
“ESC OFF” telltale will illuminate, and the “ESC SPORT”
ESC Button
208 STARTING AND OPERATING