2008 Dodge Viper Owner Manual - Page 139

138 STARTING AND OPERATING driving. The noise may also be more noticeable when the transmission is warm. This noise is normal and is not an indication of a problem with your clutch or transmission. Recommended Shift Speeds To use your manual transmission for fuel economy it should be upshifted as listed below. Shift at the vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (relatively steady speeds) will result in increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated. MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 15 25 40 45 (24) (40) (64) (72) Skip Shift Indicator Light There are times when you must shift the transmission directly from First gear to Fourth gear instead of from First gear to Second gear. This is to help you get the best possible fuel economy from your vehicle. This occurs when engine coolant is higher than 106°F (41°C), and vehicle speed is greater than 12 MPH but less than 20 MPH, and engine speed is less than 1322 RPM, and the transmission is in 1st gear, and the accelerator is at 1/4 throttle or less. The Skip Shift Indicator Light located in the tachometer will turn Amber during these times. When the indicator light turns amber, the shift mechanism will only allow shifts from First gear to Fourth gear. After you shift the transmission to Fourth gear, you can press the clutch in and shift to another forward gear. Downshifting - Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and prolong engine life. MPH (km/h) 5-6 50 (80) Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired acceleration rate.