maintenance DODGE SPRINTER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1010
SECTIONPAGE
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
STARTING AND OPERATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
4
CONTENTS
Q Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Q Instrument Cluster and Indicator Lamps . . . . . . . 93
…Indicator Lamp Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
…Multi-Function Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
…Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
…Odometer and Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
…Instrument and Display Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . 99
…Outside Temperature Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
…Reversing Aid Distance Display (Optional) . . 101
…Tachometer (Engine rpm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
…Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
…Fuel Gauge with Reserve Fuel
Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
…Battery Charge Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
…Water in Fuel Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
…Engine Oil Level Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . 107
…Coolant Level Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
…Engine Control Unit Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . 109
Q Switch Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Q ASSYST Maintenance Computer (Optional). . . . 112
…Engine Oil Level – Display in Instrument
Cluster (Vehicles with ASSYST Maintenance
Computer only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
…Displaying Engine Oil Level with
Engine Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Q Engine Oil Level Indicator in Instrument
Cluster (Vehicles without ASSYST
Maintenance Computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Q Heating, Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
…Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
…Air Recirculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
…Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
…De-Fogging and De-Icing The Front
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
…Side Air Vents and Center Air Vents . . . . . . . . 122

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 97
4
The multi-function indicator can be used to call up the
odometer, trip meter, clock and outside temperature,
or information such as remaining time/distance until
the next service is due, or the engine oil level.
If your vehicle is equipped with reversing aid, the
multi-function indicator also displays the distance
between your vehicle and a detected obstacle.
The multi-function indicator is activated by:
Turning the key to position 2 in the ignition lock,
opening the driver’s door,
pressing one of the buttons (‘), I, ç or
æ,
switching the side lights on, refer to "Combination
Switch".1. Press the button (‘) to switch between the
odometer and the trip meter, and to reset the trip
meter.
Press the button (‘) to activate the ASSYST
maintenance computer.
2. Press the I button to switch between the time
and outside temperature and to activate the time
adjustment.
3. Press the ç to adjust (dim) the display and
instrument lighting and to adjust the clock.
4. Press the æ to adjust (brighten) the display and
instrument lighting and to adjust the clock.

112 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
ASSYST MAINTENANCE COMPUTER (OPTIONAL)
Function button (‘) (1)
Approximately one month or 2,000 miles (3,000 km)
before a service is due, the maintenance symbol
or
lights up when the key is turned to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
If the remaining time (in days) is shown, the additional
symbol
È also appears in the multi-function indicator.
If additional maintenance operations are due, the
maintenance indicator
or
lights up when the key is turned to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
For additional maintenance operations, see Sprinter
Service Booklet.
If a service deadline is exceeded, the display will flash
with a minus sign in front when the key is turned to
position 2 in the ignition lock.
The display will be cancelled when the
button (‘) is pressed, or automatically after
10 seconds.
The remaining time or remaining distance can also be
called up manually.
To manually call up the remaining time/distance:
Activate the multi-function indicator, refer to "Multi-
Function Indicator".
Briefly press the button (‘) twice.
Symb
N00.00-2387-00Symb
N00.00-2156-00
Symb
N00.00-2388-00Symb
N00.00-2157-00

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 113
4
Depending on the driving style, the mileage covered
and the operating conditions, the next service due is
displayed either as a remaining distance in "mi"
(in km) or as a remaining time in "days". The length of
time between services should not exceed 2 years.
The display will be cancelled when the
button (‘) is pressed, or automatically after
10 seconds.
When a service has been performed, have the ASSYST
maintenance computer reset by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Should your Sprinter for any reason not be serviced by
an authorized Sprinter Dealer, the ASSYST
maintenance computer can, in exceptional
circumstances, be reset as follows:
Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock and
immediately press the button (‘) twice.
Within 10 seconds, return the key to position 0 in the
ignition lock.
Press and hold the button (‘). Turn the key to
position 2 in the ignition lock. Keep the
button (‘) pressed.The maintenance indicator with the current remaining
time/distance is shown.
After about 10 seconds, an acoustic signal will sound
and the maintenance indicator is displayed with the
new remaining time/distance.
Release the button (‘).
NOTE: The ASSYST maintenance computer provides
information on the optimum maintenance requirements.
If maintenance intervals are not observed, resulting
damage will not be covered by Warranty.
The ASSYST maintenance computer is not an engine
oil gauge.
Engine oil level – for display in instrument cluster, see
next page.
If the engine oil level indicator lamp lights up, refer to
"Engine Oil Level Indicator Lamp".
If the battery is disconnected, the time is not recorded
by the ASSYST maintenance computer. Such periods
must be considered if maintenance intervals are
measured by time.

114 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Engine 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.
Symb
N00.00-2384-00qt

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 117
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.Symb
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 OPERATING
…Deactivating the Acceleration Skid
Control (ASR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
…Brake Assist System (BAS)
(vehicle type 2500 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
…Indicator Lamp Electronic Stability Program
(ESP®) (vehicle type 2500 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
…Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
(vehicle type 2500 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Q Auxiliary Drive (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Q Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Q Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
…Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
…Important Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179…Tire Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
…Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
…Life of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181…Tread Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
…Storing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
…Cleaning Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182…Direction of Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
…Vehicles type 2500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
…Vehicles type 3500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
…Tire Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185…Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
…Recommended Tire Inflation Pressure . . . . . . 186
…Important Notes on Tire Inflation Pressure . . 187
…Checking Tire Inflation Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 188
…Potential Problems associated with
Underinflated and Overinflated Tires . . . . . . . 190
…Tire Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
…Tire Size Designation, Load and
Speed Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
…Tire Sizes for Sprinter Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
…Design Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193…Tire Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
…Aspect Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
…Tire Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193…Rim Diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
…Tire Load Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
…Tire Speed Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195…DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . 196
…DOT (Department Of Transportation) . . . . . . 197
…Manufacturer’s Identification Mark . . . . . . . . 197…Tire Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
…Tire Type Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
…Date of Manufacture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197…Maximum Tire Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
…Maximum Tire Inflation Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 199
…Tire Ply Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
…Tire and Loading Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . 200…Rotating Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
…Alignment and Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

180 STARTING AND OPERATING
 Regularly check the tires and rims for damage.
Dented or bent rims can cause tire inflation pressure
loss and damage to the tire beads.
 If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire inflation
pressure and correct as required.
 Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths under 1/8 in (3 mm) for
summer tires and 1/6 in (4 mm) for winter tires.
 When replacing individual tires, you should mount
new tires on the front wheels first.
Tire Care and MaintenanceThe tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly, i.e. at least each time you refuel the vehicle.
The preferred interval for checking the tire inflation
pressure, however, is before each trip.
For more information on checking tire inflation
pressure, refer to "Recommended Tire Inflation
Pressure".
Tire Inspection
Every time when checking the tire inflation pressure,
the tires should also be inspected for the following:
 excessive treadwear, refer to "Tread Depth"
 cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber
 bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the tread or
side of the tire
Replace the tire if any of the above conditions is found.
Also inspect the spare tire periodically for condition
and inflation. Spare tires will age and become worn
over time even if never used, and thus should be
inspected and replaced when necessary.
WARNING!
Regularly check the tires for damage. Damaged
tires can cause tire inflation pressure loss. As a re-
sult, you could lose control of your Sprinter vehi-
cle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained
damage, replace them.

254 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Legend For Engine Compartment
1. Washer system fluid reservoir.
2. Maintenance indicator for air cleaner element
(Optional).
3. Oil dipstick.
4. Oil filler neck.
5. Ribbed V-belt.
Auxiliary drive (Optional) refer to “Auxiliary
drive“.6. Fuel filter with water separator.
7. Hydraulic brake fluid reservoir.
8. Coolant reservoir.
9. Battery
The auxiliary battery is located underneath the
front passenger seat (optional equipment).
10. Fuse box
(These special fuses should only be replaced at by
an authorized Sprinter Dealer).