Dodge Viper (2017 year). Manual

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through

standing water. This will minimize wave effects.

• Driving through standing water may cause damage

to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause

it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

POWER STEERING

The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.

If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.

NOTE:

• Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel

travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.

• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering

pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.

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201

Power Steering Fluid Check

Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should be checked at every
oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coordi-
nate inspection efforts through an authorized dealer.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

WARNING!

Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.

PARKING BRAKE

The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.

WARNING!

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
REVERSE. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.

Parking Brake Lever

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As an added precaution when parking the vehicle, turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and
away from the curb on an uphill grade.

To apply the parking brake, grasp the handle and pull it
rearward until you feel resistance. To release the parking
brake, grasp the handle and pull it slightly while pushing
the button on the end of the handle. When the button drops
into the handle (releasing the lock), guide the handle
downward to its stop and then release the button and the
handle.

The “Brake System Warning Light” in the instrument
cluster will turn on when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position and the parking brake is applied.

NOTE:

• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied

or a brake/ABS system fault. It does not show the
degree of brake application. If the “Brake System Warn-
ing Light” is illuminated when the parking brake is not
applied, please see your authorized dealer.

• Each time the parking brake is applied, the instrument

cluster will automatically go to the highest illumination
setting regardless of the dimmer control setting.

WARNING!

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be injured seri-
ously or fatally. Do not leave the key fob in or near
the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children),
and do not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped
with Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.

• Ensure the parking brake is fully disengaged before

driving. Failure to do so can lead to brake failure,
and an accident.

BRAKE SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. However, there will be

some loss of overall braking effectiveness. You may notice
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and potential activation of
the “Brake System Warning Light.”

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203

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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205

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.

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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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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

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will display in the vehicle cluster (left of the odometer).
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

WARNING!

When in Sport Mode, the TCS functionality of ESC,
(except for the limited slip feature described in the
TCS section), has been disabled, the “ESC Sport Light”
will illuminate, and the “ESC SPORT” message will
display in the vehicle cluster. When in Sport Mode, the
engine power reduction feature of TCS is disabled, and
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC
system is reduced.

Track Mode — If Equipped

Track Mode has no traction control and has reduced
stability control. To enter the “Track Mode” mode, push the
“ESC” switch twice. The “ESC OFF” telltale will illuminate,
and the “ESC TRACK” message will display in the vehicle
cluster (left of the odometer). Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.

WARNING!

When in Track Mode, the TCS functionality of ESC,
(except for the limited slip feature described in the
TCS section), has been disabled, the “ESC Track Light”
will illuminate, and the “ESC TRACK” message will
display in the vehicle cluster. When in Track Mode, the
engine power reduction feature of TCS is disabled, and
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC
system is greatly reduced. Track Mode is intended for
off-highway or off-road only.

Rain Mode

Rain mode offers increased traction control and stability
control for low traction conditions such as wet roads, dry
roads during cold temperatures, or when the driver wants
enhanced stability due to lack of familiarity or experience
with the vehicle’s response. To enter the “Rain Mode”
mode, push the “ESC” switch three times. The “ESC Rain
Light” will illuminate, and the “ESC RAIN” message will
display in the vehicle cluster (left of the odometer). Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.

NOTE:

Some models may not offer “Sport” or “Track” Mode.

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TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION

Tire Markings

NOTE:

• P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation.
Example: P215/65R15 95H.

• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European

design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the
section width. The letter

⬙P⬙ is absent from this tire size

designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.

• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters
“LT” that are molded into the sidewall preceding the
size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emer-

gency use only. Temporary high pressure compact spare
tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded into the sidewall
preceding the size designation. Example: T145/80D18
103M.

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design stan-

dards and it begins with the tire diameter molded into
the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

1 — U.S. DOT Safety Standards
Code (TIN)

4 — Maximum Load

2 — Size Designation

5 — Maximum Pressure

3 — Service Description

6 — Treadwear, Traction and
Temperature Grades

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Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT

= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or

ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT

= Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or

T or S

= Temporary spare tire or

= Overall diameter in inches (in)

215, 235, 145

= Section width in millimeters (mm)

65, 85, 80

= Aspect ratio in percent (%)
– Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or

10.5

= Section width in inches (in)

= Construction code

–

⬙R⬙ means radial construction, or

–

⬙D⬙ means diagonal or bias construction

15, 16, 18

= Rim diameter in inches (in)

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211

EXAMPLE:

Service Description:

= Load Index

– A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

= Speed Symbol

– A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its
load index under certain operating conditions
– The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under speci-
fied operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed
limits)

Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:

• XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or

• LL = Light load tire or

• C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load

– Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry

Maximum Pressure

– Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire

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Tire Identification Number (TIN)

The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire;
however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires with
white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the date
code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire. Look for

the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall tires as
mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the
outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard side of
the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT

= Department of Transportation

– This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety
standards and is approved for highway use

= Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)

= Code representing the tire size (two digits)

ABCD

= Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)

= Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

– 03 means the 3rd week

= Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

– 01 means the year 2001
– Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in
which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991

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213

Tire Terminology And Definitions

Term

Definition

B-Pillar

The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located be-
hind the front door.

Cold Tire Inflation Pressure

Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the
vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours, or driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. In-
flation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per square inch)
or kPa (kilopascals).

Maximum Inflation Pressure

The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold
tire inflation pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is
molded into the sidewall.

Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure

Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire inflation pressure as
shown on the tire placard.

Tire Placard

A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s
loading capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressures.

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Tire Loading And Tire Pressure

Tire And Loading Information Placard Location

NOTE:

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on

the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of the driver’s
side door.

Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the
spare tire (if equipped), at least monthly and inflate to the
recommended pressure for your vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door)

Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)

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215

WARNING!

• Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading

can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.

• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can

cause collisions. Under-inflation increases tire flex-
ing and can result in over-heating and tire failure.
Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure. Unequal tire
pressures can cause steering problems. You could
lose control of your vehicle. Over-inflated or under-
inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control. Always
drive with each tire inflated to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure.

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about the:

1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.

2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.

3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.

4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare

tires.

Tire And Loading Information Placard

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Dodge Viper (2017 year). Manual - part 13