tire type DODGE SPRINTER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Press the Πbutton a second time. The passenger
door and cargo doors are unlocked and the turn signal
lamps, as well as the remote keyless entry transmitter
indicator lamp, blink once again. The button must be
pressed a second time within about 2.5 seconds,
otherwise the second request to open can not be
performed.
NOTE: The vehicle is automatically locked again, if
within about 40 seconds of unlocking with the remote
keyless entry transmitter, none of the doors are
opened. The hazard warning lamp does not blink.
Locking with Remote Keyless Entry
Press the ‹ button. The entire vehicle is locked and
the hazard warning lamp blinks three times. The
remote keyless entry transmitter indicator lamp blinks
once.
If the hazard warning lamp does not blink, at least one
door is improperly closed. Check to see if there is a
door that is not properly closed or if there is a key in the
ignition lock. Remove key from ignition lock and/or
close doors properly and press the ‹ button again.REPLACING BATTERIES IN REMOTE KEYLESS
ENTRY
Do not touch the battery contact surfaces (insert the
batteries with a lint-free cloth).
NOTE: Do not operate the remote control while the
battery is being replaced.
WARNING!
Keep batteries away from children.
Consult a doctor immediately if a battery is
swallowed.
Dispose of used batteries in an environmentally
responsible manner.
Danger of explosion if the battery is not correctly
replaced. Replacements should always be either
of the same type or one which has been
recommended by the manufacturer.

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

STARTING AND OPERATING 157
5
The handling characteristics of a vehicle when laden
are dependent on the type of load and the distribution
of the load within the vehicle.
Carrying heavy or bulky loads may alter the vehicle’s
handling characteristic.
Loading Guidelines
Please note and comply with the following information
when loading and transporting goods.
 Do not allow the load, including passengers, to
exceed the permitted gross vehicle weight or the
permitted axle loads for the vehicle. Bear in mind
that the unladen weight could be increased by
installing items of optional equipment and
accessories.
 Distribute the load uniformly. Excessive loads on
individual points of the load surface could cause
damage to the floor covering.
 Transport heavy loads between the axles near the
rear axle as low as possible in the vehicle.
 Secure any kind of load with sufficient wear and
tear-resistant load restraints. See tie-down rings.WARNING!
Unsecured or poorly secured loads, and seats that
have been removed, could move around the vehi-
cle interior uncontrollably in the event of sudden
braking, a rapid change in direction or an acci-
dent. This increases the risk of injury to occu-
pants in these situations.
Secure and position a load as described in the
following loading guidelines.
Piling up heavy objects or placing them on upper
shelves or loading them otherwise high up in the
vehicle will significantly raise the center of
gravity of the vehicle. Placing excessive loads on
individual points of the load surface or behind
the rear axle will also adversely affect the
handling characteristics of your vehicle and may
lead to loss of control over the vehicle.
Road safety and tire durability are adversely
affected if the permissible axle loads or gross
vehicle weight are exceeded due to the vehicle’s
load. Braking and stopping distances can be
significantly longer.

STARTING AND OPERATING 163
5
Driving Safety Systems
The vehicle can be equipped with the following
Driving Safety Systems:
 Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
 Electronic brake force distribution (EBV)
 Acceleration skid control (ASR)
 Brake assist system (BAS)
1
 Electronic stability program (ESP®)*
NOTE: The maximum effectiveness of ABS, EBV, ASR
and ESP®* is only achieved if you drive with correct
tire pressures and adjust tire pressures to correspond
with the vehicle’s load. In winter operation, the
maximum effectiveness of the ABS and the ESP
®* is
only achieved with winter tires (M+S tires), or snow
chains as required.
*Vehicle type 2500 only
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the vehicle,
even if they are secured by a child restraint
system. The children could
 injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
 release the child-proof locks by pressing the
central locking button and could thereby open
the doors and
 cause injury to others as a result
 get out of the vehicle and could either injure
themselves when doing so or they could be
injured by the traffic approaching from the rear
 suffer serious or fatal effects in the event of long
periods of hot weather
 release the parking brake. The vehicle could
then start moving of its own accord.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause
severe personal injuries, death and property damage.

STARTING AND OPERATING 167
5
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) prevents
the rear wheels from being overbraked when there is
little load on the rear axle or if there is not much friction
between the tires and road (e.g., if the road is wet).Acceleration Skid Control Indicator Lamp (ASR)
and Brake Assist System (BAS)1 if equipped
When the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
indicator lampk will light up in the instrument
cluster as a function check. It goes out when the engine
is running.
1Vehicle type 2500 only
WARNING!
If the brake indicator lamp ;(-) does not
go out or lights up again while driving, the brake
fluid level may not necessarily have dropped be-
low the minimum filling capacity but a malfunc-
tion may have occurred in the EBD. In this case
continue driving, but with even greater care.
The wheels of the rear axle could lock if the
vehicle is braked hard. This could lead to a
skidding of the vehicle. Have the malfunction
traced and repaired without delay by an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.

170 STARTING AND OPERATING
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
ASR makes it possible to pull away and accelerate on a
slippery surface. A spinning wheel is braked and its
tractive power is transferred to the wheel with full
grip.
The acceleration skid control (ASR) improves driving
stability at all speeds only on vehicles of the chassis
and cargo/passenger vans type 3500 C/HC/SHC
(without ESP
®).
The engine’s torque is limited to improve driving
stability. When this is happening, the warning
lampv in the speedometer flashes.
If the road surface is not capable of providing traction,
bearing in mind the tires, load and grade, it may not be
possible to pull away even with ASR.
If wheels with tires of a different size than those offered
by an authorized Sprinter Dealer are used, the correct
operation of the ASR cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING!
ASR cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded.
The ASR cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ASR equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
If the ASR function is used for a prolonged period
of time, the rear axle brakes may fail due to
overheating.
If the vehicle is to be towed away with the front
wheels clear of the ground, or if the brakes are to
be tested on a brake dynamometer, do not pull the
key in position 2 in the ignition lock, because the
drive wheels could lock.

172 STARTING AND OPERATING
To deactivate the ASR:
Press the upper section of the switch – the warning
lamp v in the speedometer lights up.
Traction control continues to cut in if, for example, a
wheel on one side of the vehicle reaches its limit of
adhesion. The wheel is then braked to increase the
vehicle’s overall traction.
The warning lamp v will flash in the speedometer
at any speed when a tire reaches its limit of adhesion
and spins.
To activate the ASR:
 Press the upper section of the switch again – the
warning lamp v in the speedometer goes out.Brake Assist System (BAS) (vehicle type 2500 only)
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency
situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the
BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby
potentially reducing braking distance.
Apply continuous full braking pressure until the
emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function
again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated.
WARNING!
If the indicator lamp k remains on, a malfunc-
tion may not only have occurred in the ASR sys-
tem but also in the BAS.
The handling and braking characteristics of your
vehicle change. Drive with extra caution.
Have the malfunction traced and repaired as soon
as possible by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.

STARTING AND OPERATING 173
5
For the indicator lamp k refer to "Indicator Lamp
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) and Brake Assist
System (BAS)
".
Indicator Lamp Electronic Stability Program
(ESP®) (vehicle type 2500 only)
When the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
ESP
® indicator lamp will light up in the
instrument cluster as a function check. It goes out
when the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp remains on or lights up when
the engine is running, the electronic stability program
(ESP
®) is malfunctioning and switched off
automatically. The engine’s power output may be then
reduced.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist system (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that
afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes
and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an BAS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others
.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.

174 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE: If the ABS is malfunctioning or the voltage in
the vehicle’s electrical system drops below 10 volts, the
indicator lamp will also light up in the instrument
cluster and the ESP
® will be deactivated. The indicator
lamp will go out as soon as the voltage reaches this
level again or the ABS is operational again – the ESP
®
is then reactivated.Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®) (vehicle type
2500 only)
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®) monitors the
vehicle’s traction (force of adhesive friction between
the tires and the road surface) and handling.
The ESP
® recognizes when a wheel is spinning or if the
vehicle starts to skid. By applying brakes to the
appropriate wheel and by limiting engine output, the
ESP
® works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP® is
especially useful while driving off and on wet or
slippery road surfaces.
The warning lamp v in the speedometer flashes
when the ESP
® is engaged, refer also to "Warning
Lamp Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) and Electronic
Stability Program (ESP
®)".
If wheels with tires of a different size than those offered
by an authorized Sprinter Dealer are used, the correct
operation of the ESP
® cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING!
If the ESP® indicator lamp remains on, the
electronic stability program (ESP®) is malfunc-
tioning. The vehicle stability will no longer be au-
tomatically regulated in good time.
The danger that your vehicle breaks into a skid, is
increased in certain driving situations. Drive with
extra caution.
Have the ESP
® repaired as soon as possible by an
authorized Spinter Dealer.

178 STARTING AND OPERATING
Use only wheels and tires which have been tested and
approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
WARNING!
Replace rims or tires with the same designation, man-
ufacturer and type as shown on the original part. See
an authorized Sprinter Dealer for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are mounted:
 The wheel brakes or suspension components
can be damaged.
 The operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
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.
WARNING!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different
size may result in false speedometer and odome-
ter readings.
WARNING!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is
badly
worn, or if the tires have sustained damage,
replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine wheel
bolts approved from the vehicle manufacturer and
specified for the particular rim type. Failure to do
so can result in the bolts loosening and possibly
an accident.
Do not use retreaded/remolded tires. This process
does not always permit previous damage to be
detected. Therefore vehicle safety cannot be
guaranteed if retreaded/remolded tires are fitted.