check oil DODGE SPRINTER 2005 1.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
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Engine Oil ConsumptionWhen the engine has passed the break-in period, oil
consumption may reach 0.5 % of the fuel consumption
recorded in actual operating circumstances. In isolated
cases and in arduous operating conditions, oil
consumption may increase to 1 % of the fuel
consumption recorded in actual operating
circumstances.
Engine oil consumption depends on the driving style
adopted and the operating conditions. It can only be
judged after the engine has passed the break-in period.
SAFETY TIPS Check the vehicle’s lights and the general condition
of the vehicle before each trip.
 Keep tires at the recommended inflation pressure.
 All occupants should fasten their seat belts before each trip.
 Driving in an environmentally responsible manner will reduce noise, fuel consumption and exhaust
emissions.
 Allow the engine to warm up under low load use.
 Avoid unnecessarily hard acceleration, driving with the throttle fully open, and carrying loads not
specifically needed on the journey.
 Stop the engine during lengthy waiting periods, for example at traffic lights.
 Remove ancillary parts, such as wind deflectors and roof racks, as soon as they are no longer needed.

106 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELIf the engine oil level indicator lamp: does not go
out, or if it lights up again while the vehicle is moving,
the engine oil level has dropped to a point close to the
minimum level mark on the dipstick.
The indicator lamp : lights up only briefly at first,
becoming permanent as the oil level drops further.
Stop the engine immediately and check the engine oil
level. If no obvious leak is visible, correct the oil level.
If the engine oil level indicator lamp : lights up,
even if the engine oil level is sufficient, have the cause
traced and rectified by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
For approved engine oils, please contact your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Coolant Level Indicator LampWhen the key is turned to position 2 in the ignition
lock, the coolant level indicator lamp / in the
instrument cluster lights up for about 2 seconds. It
must go out when the engine is running.
If the coolant level indicator lamp / remains on or
lights up again when the engine is running, the coolant
level is too low.
Do not drive on. Switch the engine off and add coolant.

112 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELEngine Oil Level – Display in Instrument Cluster
(Vehicles with ASSYST Maintenance Computer only)If the : indicator lamp lights up briefly when the
engine is running, the engine oil level has dropped to
the minimum mark. Check the engine oil level without
delay and add oil to the upper mark on the dipstick. If no engine oil is added and the engine oil level drops
further, a warning buzzer will also sound and
will appear in the multi-function indicator. 2.0 quarts
(about 1.9 liters) of oil must be added.
NOTE:
Engine oil level display
– "qt" in USA only.
– "l" in Canada only.
CAUTION!
If the : indicator lamp lights up, the warning
symbol in the multi-function indicator appears
and the warning buzzer sounds, the operating
safety of the engine is endangered (possibility of
engine damage).
A sudden decrease or absence of oil pressure may
indicate a mechanical failure. Bring the vehicle to
a safe stop, and investigate the cause to prevent
further damage. Do not operate the engine until
the cause has been determined and corrected.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 113
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If the warning
is displayed in the multi-function indicator while the
engine is running, the engine oil level is above
maximum.
Siphon or drain off engine oil until the engine oil level
is between the lower and up per marks on the dipstick.
Check the engine oil level again.
must be displayed.
NOTE: If the oil level is correct and a fault warning is
still given, have the fault traced and rectified by an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Displaying Engine Oil Level with Engine OffIf the engine has reached normal operating
temperature, the engine oil level can be displayed on
the multi-function indicator for about 5 minutes after
the engine has been switched off.
The vehicle must be standing on a level surface when
the engine oil is being checked.
Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock and wait
about 10 seconds until the multi-function indicator
shows the : symbol.
CAUTION!
Do not operate the engine if the oil level is above
maximum. There is a danger of damage to the
engine or catalytic converter.
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114 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELBriefly press button (1) twice within 1 second.
The following displays can then appear in the multi-
function indicator: It is not necessary to add
engine oil.
1 quart (about 1 liter) of
engine oil must be added.
1.5 quarts (about 1.4 liters)
of engine oil must be
added.
2 quarts (about 1.9 liters) of
engine oil must be added.
Excess engine oil must be
drained or siphoned off.
NOTE: Engine oil level display– "qt" in USA only.
– "l" in Canada only.
NOTE: If the engine oil level is correct and a warning
that the engine oil level is too high or too low is still
given, have the fault traced and rectified by an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
If it is not possible to measure the engine oil level
correctly, the È symbol will flash in the multi-
function indicator – repeat the measurement after
waiting a short time.
If no engine oil level reading is shown again, the engine
oil level can still be checked with the dipstick.
Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer to have the
system checked.
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qt
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CAUTION!
If the engine oil level is too high or too low the
engine can be damaged.
Add engine oil or siphon or drain off engine oil
until the engine oil level is between the lower and
upper marks on the dipstick. Only add engine oil
up to the upper mark-do not overfill.If the engine oil level is above maximum, there is a
danger of damage to the engine or catalytic converter.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 115
4
ENGINE OIL LEVEL INDICATOR IN INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER
(VEHICLES WITHOUT ASSYST MAINTENANCE
COMPUTER)If the : indicator lamp lights up when the engine is
running, the engine oil level has dropped to the
minimum mark. Check the engine oil level without
delay and add engine oil up to the upper mark on the
dipstick.
If there is no engine oil in the oil sump, a warning
buzzer will sound if the key is turned to position 2 in
the ignition lock or if the vehicle is being driven, and
the warning
will appear in the multi-function indicator. About 2
quarts (1.9 liters) of oil must be added.
Check the engine oil level without delay and add
engine oil to the upper mark on the dipstick.
NOTE: Engine oil level display– "qt" in USA only.
– "l" in Canada only.
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N00.00-2384-00
qt
CAUTION!
If the : indicator lamp lights up, the warning
symbol in the multi-function indicator appears
and the warning buzzer sounds, the operating
safety of the engine is endangered (possibility of
engine damage).
Safely pull off the road and turn off the engine (do
not restart the engine). Determine the cause of the
problem. If there are no obvious signs of leakage,
add engine oil. The engine oil level must be
between the lower and upper marks on the
dipstick. Only add engine oil up to the upper
mark – do not overfill.
If the engine oil level is above maximum, there is
a danger of damage to the engine or catalytic
converter.

142 STARTING AND OPERATING1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic transmission, shift selector lever to "P" or "N" position, refer to "Automatic Transmission".
3. Do not depress the accelerator pedal.
4. Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock. The preheater indicator lamp q lights up.5. Turn the key clockwise to the stop as soon as the
preheater indicator lamp
q
goes out.
If the engine is at its normal operating temperature,
the preheater indicator lamp will only light up briefly.
Release the key as soon as the engine is running.
NOTE: The key must be returned to position 0 in the
ignition lock before repeating the starting procedure.
If the display Á lights up alternately with î in
the multi-function display, there is an immobilizer
malfunction or the key used has not been
programmed.
The : engine oil level warning lamp and the #
battery charge warning lamp must go out after the
engine is started.
If either lamp remains on, stop the engine at once and
have the cause traced and repaired by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
During the trip, check the displays and the warning/
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster at regular
intervals.Maximum Engine SpeedThe maximum engine speed for all vehicles is
4,200 rpm.

174 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
In order to avoid losing a wheel and in order to re-
duce the risk of fatal or serious injuries or vehicle
damage, please follow these safety instructions:
 Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or rusted.
 Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
If a wheel hub thread is damaged, you must not
drive the vehicle. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop.
 Be sure to use correct mounting bolts. Check tightness of wheel bolts or nuts regularly and
retighten with a torque wrench, if necessary.
Tighten wheel bolts or nuts in a cross-pattern
sequence.
 After changing a wheel, the wheel bolts or nuts must be tightened once the vehicle has been
driven for about 30 miles (50 km).
If new or repainted wheels are fitted, the wheel
bolts or nuts must be retightened again after about
600 to 3,000 miles (about 1,000 to 5,000 km).
WARNING!
Sprinter tire valves are tested and approved under
rough operating conditions. The installation of
additional hub caps or other wheel simulators
could cause damage to the tire valve and lead to a
loss of tire pressure at the valve stem.
Do not install any of these parts on your Sprinter
vehicle. To help ensure safe and reliable
operation of your Sprinter vehicle, only use parts
and accessories tested and approved by the
vehicle manufacturer for your Sprinter vehicle.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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CONTENTS

Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215


Sprinter Original Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217


Service Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Disposal of Service Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218


Emission Related Component Warranty
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218


Regular Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Windshield Washer System Fluid Reservoir . 219
Air Filter Restriction Indicator (Optional) . . . 219
Engine Oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Engine Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Ribbed V-Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Hydraulic Brake System, Clutch
Mechanism Fluid Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Checking Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224


Winter Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226


Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Disconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Reconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228


Replacing Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Appearance Care and Corrosion Protection . 231
Power Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Automatic Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Tar Stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Paintwork, Painted Body Components . . . . . . 233
Engine Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Vehicle Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Ornamental Moldings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

218 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEDisposal of Service ProductsDispose of service products and of parts which come
into contact with them (e.g. filters) in an
environmentally responsible manner. Comply with
applicable bars and regulations.EMISSION RELATED COMPONENT WARRANTY
STATEMENTThe Manufacturer warrants to the original and each
subsequent owner of a Sprinter heavy-duty on
highway diesel engine that:
(1) the engine was designed, built and equipped so as
to conform at the time of sale with the applicable
regulations adopted by the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency, and
(2) the emission control system of such engine is free
from defects in materials and workmanship which
would cause it not to conform with those regulations
for a period of use of five years or 100 000 miles or
3 000 hours of engine operation, whichever occurs
first.
REGULAR CHECKSThe following checks should be performed at regular
intervals (for example once a week or each time the
vehicle is refueled):
 Windshield cleaner system – fluid reservoir.
 Air strainer, in vehicles with an air strainer element maintenance indicator (optional equipment).
 Engine oil level.
 Checking ribbed V-belt.
 Hydraulic brake system, clutch mechanism fluid level.
 Coolant level.
 Tire and spare wheel condition and pressures of the same. For more information, refer to "Wheels and
Tires".
 Vehicle lighting.