towing DODGE SPRINTER 2004 1.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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CONTENTS
Ignition Lock / Starter Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Central Locking (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Unlocking: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Locking: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Central Locking Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Locking Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Locking and Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15To Program the Automatic Lock Feature when
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Remote Keyless Entry (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Unlocking with Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . 17Locking with Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . 18

Replacing Batteries in Remote Keyless Entry . . . 18

Security System with Towing and Passenger
Compartment Protection (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Audible Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Visual Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Switching off the Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Towing Protection and Passenger Compartment
Protection Switch (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Towing Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Switching off the Towing Protection . . . . . . . . . 20Passenger Compartment Protection . . . . . . . . . 21Switching off the Passenger Compartment
Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Alarm Pushbutton (Vehicles with Security
Systems only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Opening/Closing doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Sliding Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Rear Cargo Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Passenger/Cargo Area Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Occupant Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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Replacing Batteries
Rated voltage: 6 V
DC (2x 3V)
Rated current:10 mA1. Release the
mechanical key
by pressing the
release button.
2. Remove the
battery cover.
3. Remove the battery and install
new one (note correct polarity;
positive terminal up).
4. Press on the battery cover until it
snaps into place.
SECURITY SYSTEM WITH TOWING AND
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT PROTECTION
(OPTIONA L)The security system is ready for operation, if the
vehicle is locked with the remote keyless entry
transmitter.
If a door is open, the security system is not switched on
during the locking process.
Security system activation is indicated by the turn
signal lamps flashing three times in succession.
For a function check, when the security system is
switched on, the indicator lamps in the towing
protection/passenger compartment protection switch
flash.
The security system will switch off if the vehicle is
unlocked using the remote keyless entry transmitter.
The turn signal lamps flash once.
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20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEH ICLEThe alarm is triggered if the security system has been
activated and
 A door is opened,
 a door is unlocked from inside,
 the engine cover is opened,
 the key is used to unlock the vehicle at any door,
 the key is turned to position 2 in the ignition lock.Audible AlarmThe horn sounds for about 25 seconds.Visual A larmThe turn signal lamps flash for about 4 minutes.Switching off the A larmThe alarm will switch off immediately if the vehicle is
unlocked using the remote keyless entry transmitter.
NOTE: Do not manually unlock the doors as this will
trigger the alarm.
TOWING PROTECTION AND PASSENGER
COMPARTMENT PROTECTION SWITCH
(OPTIONA L)See Section 4, Understanding Your Instrument Panel,
for switch locations.
Switch off the towing protection
Indicator lamp
As a function check, (1) the indicator
lamp (2) flashes when the security
system is switched on.
Switch off the passenger compartment protection.Towing ProtectionThe towing protection is ready for operation after
30 seconds as the security system has been activated.
The alarm is triggered if the vehicle is lifted while the
security system is activated.Switching off the Towing ProtectionIf the vehicle is to be transported or loaded, the towing
protection must be switched off in order to avoid a
false alarm.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
2
1. Place the key in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock.
2. Press the switch up (1) to switch off the towing
protection.
The indicator lamp (2) is briefly illuminated.
If passenger compartment protection will be switched
off as well, wait until the indicator lamp (2) goes out,
and
3. Press switch (3) downward.
The indicator lamp (2) flashes about 10 times.
To activate the setting (towing protection/passenger
compartment protection switched off):
4. Keep the key in locking position in the driver’s
door lock for more than 2 seconds or
5. lock the vehicle using the remote keyless entry
transmitter.
The towing protection will remain switched off until
the vehicle is locked again with the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
NOTE: The alarm will switch off immediately if the
vehicle is centrally unlocked using the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
Passenger Compartment ProtectionThe passenger compartment protection is ready for
operation 30 seconds after the security system has been
activated. The alarm is triggered if movement inside
the vehicle is registered while the security system is
activated.
NOTE: Close the side windows and the glass tilting
roof.
Do not leave any objects (mascots, hangers) on the
interior mirror or on the roof grab handles, as these
could trigger a false alarm.Switching off the Passenger Compartment
ProtectionIf persons or animals remain in the locked vehicle,
switch off the passenger compartment protection to
prevent a false alarm.
1. Place the key in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock.
2. Press the switch downward (3) to switch off the
passenger compartment protection. The indicator
lamp (2) flashes about 10 times.
If towing protection is to be switched off as well, wait
until the indicator lamp (2) goes out, and
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22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEH ICLE3. Press switch up (1).
The indicator lamp (2) is briefly illuminated.
To activate the setting (passenger compartment/
towing protection switched off):
4. Lock the vehicle using the remote keyless entry
transmitter.
The passenger compartment protection will remain
switched off until the vehicle is locked again with the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
NOTE: The alarm will switch off immediately if the
vehicle is centrally unlocked using the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
A larm Pushbutton (Vehicles with Security Systems
only)See Section 4, Understanding Your Instrument Panel,
for switch locations.
Trigger the alarm manually/lock the
vehicle.
The audible and visual alarm can be
triggered manually by using the
alarm pushbutton.
Audible Alarm
The horn sounds until the alarm is switched off.
Visual Alarm
The turn signal lamps flash until the alarm is switched
off.
Trigger the alarm manually and lock the vehicle.
Press the alarm pushbutton upward once.
The indicator lamp flashes in the towing/passenger
compartment protection switch.
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102 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELLegend for Switch Locations
1. Fog lamp switch (Optional), refer to "Fog Lamp
Switch".
2. Headlamp range control, refer to "Headlamp
Range Control".
3. Auxiliary heat exchanger switch (Optional).
4. Heated rear window (Optional).
5. Left-hand seat heater switch (Optional).
6. Central locking switch with load compartment lock
(Optional).
7. Alarm pushbutton.
8. Deactivate Acceleration skid control (ASR) switch.9. Switch for auxiliary heater – water heater only
(Optional)
10. Right-hand seat heater switch (Optional),
11. Sun roof operation switch (Optional).
12. Interior cargo area lighting (Optional),
refer to "Interior Cargo Area Lighting".
13. Towing/passenger compartment protection switch
(Optional).
14. Airflow switch for the air conditioner for rear
passenger compartment (Optional).
15. Temperature control (Optional).
16. Electric blower switch (Optional).
17. Windshield heater switch (Optional).
18. Constant RPM switch (Optional).Freightliner-all.book Pag e 102 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

134 STARTING AND OPERATING
Deactivating the Acceleration Skid Control
(ASR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159Brake Assist System (BAS) (Cargo/passenger
vans type 2500 C/HC/SHC only) . . . . . . . . . . 160Indicator Lamp Electronic Stability
Program (ESP) (Cargo/passenger vans
type 2500 C/HC/SHC only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (Cargo/
passenger vans type 2500 C/HC/SHC only) . . 162

Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163Tire Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Tire Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165Tire Pressures of Loaded Vehicle in PSI (kPa) . 167Tire Pressures of Loaded Vehicle in PSI (kPa) . 168Comfort Tire Pressures in PSI (kPa) . . . . . . . . 169Comfort Tire Pressures in PSI (kPa) . . . . . . . . 169

Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . . . . . 170Diesel Fuels for Use at Very Low
Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Programmed Top Speed (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 173

Bleeding Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . 175Bleeding the Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Permissible Roof Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177Trailer Hitches (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177Electrical Connections (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 177Vehicle and Trailer Weights and Ratings . . . . 178Loading a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer . . . . 179Attaching a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180Parking a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

Emissions Control System (Catalytic Converter) . 183

Fording (Wading Capability) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

Body Builder Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183A Special Note Concerning Vehicle
Alteration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
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144 STARTING AND OPERATINGTRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER, MANUALLY
UNLOCKINGIn the case of power failure the transmission selector
lever can be manually unlocked (for vehicle towing).
To do so, insert a pin (1) (ball point pen), into the
covered opening below the position "D" of the shift
pattern. While pushing the pin down, move selector
lever from position "P".
After removal of the pin from the opening, the cover
will not close fully. Only after moving the selector lever
to positions "D+" and "D–" does the cover return to its
closed position.
LOADING THE VEHICLE
WARNING!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label on
the base of the driver’s seat). Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout,
which could cause an accident and personal injury.
In addition, braking and stopping distances can be
significantly longer if the vehicle is overloaded.
WARNING!
Always close the sliding and rear doors when
driving.
Otherwise exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle
interior and poison you.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 177
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PERMISSIBLE ROOF LOADThe maximum permissible roof load is:
 Vehicles with low roof 660 lbs (300 kg)
 Vehicles with high roof 330 lbs (150 kg)
 The weight of any load carried on the roof,
including the roof rack, must not exceed the
maximum permissible roof load.TRA I LER TOWI NGTrailer Hitches (Optional)
Only install a trailer hitch receiver approved for your
vehicle. For information on availability and
installation, please see your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not designed for use
with clamp-type hitches. Do not attach rental hitches
or other bumper-type hitches to them.
To reduce the possibility of damage, remove the hitch
ball adaptor from the receiver when not in use.Electrical Connections (Optional)The Sprinter is available with a variety of pre-installed
conditions (lines and turn signal indicator and brake
module installed and / or not installed). Make sure that
the correct trailer hitch receiver kit is used. For further
information, please see your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
In order to prevent possible damage to the vehicle’s
electrical system by incorrectly installing the trailer
wiring plug, we recommend having the harness
connected at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
WARNING!
Failure to use proper equipment and driving tech-
nique can result in a loss of vehicle control when
towing a trailer.
Improper towing or failure to follow the
instructions contained in this guide can result in
serious injury. Follow the guidelines below
carefully to assure safe trailer operation.
Ask your authorized Sprinter Dealer, if you
require an explanation of information contained
in this guide.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 179
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Checking Weights of Vehicle and TrailerTo assure that the tow vehicle and trailer are in
compliance with the maximum permissible weight
limits, and to know the actual weights, have the loaded
vehicle-trailer combination (tow vehicle including
driver, passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
Check the vehicle’s front and rear Gross Axle Weight
(GAW), the GTW and TW. The values as measured
must not be exceeded, according to the weight listed
under “Vehicle and trailer weight and ratings”.A ttaching a TrailerPlease observe maximum permitted trailer dimensions
(width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces require safety
chains between your tow vehicle and the trailer. The
chains should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue.
They must be attached to the hitch receiver, and not to
the vehicle’s bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough
slack in the chains to permit turning corners.
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
separate brake system at various trailer weights.
WARNING!
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if trailer is
so equipped) directly to the vehicle’s hydraulic
brake system as your vehicle is equipped with an-
tilock brakes. If you do, neither the vehicle’s
brakes nor the trailer’s brakes will function prop-
erly. This could cause an accident resulting in
property damage, injury or death to you or others.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for
trailer towing has a brake signal wire for hook-up
to a brake controller.
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
break-away switch on trailers with a separate
brake system. The switch activates the trailer
brakes in the possible event that the trailer might
separate from the tow vehicle.
You should consider using a trailer sway control
system. For further information see your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
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