width DODGE SPRINTER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

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

192 STARTING AND OPERATING
(3) Maximum tire inflation pressure
(4) Manufacturer
(5) Tireplymaterial
(6) Tire size designation, load and speed rating
(7) Tire name
Tire Size Designation, Load and Speed Rating
(1) Design standard
(2) Tire width
(3) Aspect ratio in %
(4) Radial tire code
(5) Rim diameter
(6) Tire load rating
(7) Tire speed rating
NOTE: Data shown on tires are for illustration
purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each
vehicle and may vary from data shown in the
illustration.

STARTING AND OPERATING 193
5
Tire Sizes for Sprinter Vehicles
1. Vehicles with programmed top speed limit of 68
mph (109 km/h) only.
Design Standard
Depending on the design standards used, the tire size
molded into the sidewall may have no letter or a letter
(1) preceding the tire width or the tire load rating
designation.
Letter "LT" preceding the tire width designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards.
Letter "C" preceding the tire load rating designation:
Commercial vehicle tire based on European design
standards.Tire Width
The tire width (2) indicates the nominal tire width in
mm.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio (3) is the dimensional relationship
between tire section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio is arrived at
by dividing section height by section width.
Tire Code
The tire code (4) indicates the tire construction type.
The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter “D” means
diagonal or bias ply construction; letter “B” means
belted-bias ply construction.
Rim Diameter
The rim diameter (5) is the diameter of the bead seat,
not the diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Tire Load Rating
The tire load rating (6) is a numerical code associated
with the maximum load a tire can support. Sprinter type
2500 C/HC/SHC 3500 C/HC/SHC
225/70 R 15 C 112/110 R
(115 N)195/70 R 15 C 104/102 R
LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 N LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 N
LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 L
1LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 L1

200 STARTING AND OPERATING
Tire Ply Material
(1) Plies in sidewall
(2) Plies under tread
NOTE: Data shown on tire are for illustration purposes
only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in the illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.Tire and Loading Terminology
Accessory Weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard
items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, radio, and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed equipment
(whether installed or not).
Air Pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on
each square inch of the tire. Air pressure is expressed
in pounds per square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect Ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire section height
and section width expressed in percentage.
Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There are 14.5038
pounds per square inch (psi) to 1 bar; there are 100
kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.

224 STARTING AND OPERATING
Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer
To 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”.
Attaching a Trailer
Please 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.

272 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Tar Stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become
more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.
Paintwork, Painted Body Components
Paint care should be applied when water drops on the
paint surface do not "bead up", normally every 3 to
5 months, depending on climate and washing
detergent used.
Paint cleaner should be applied if paint surface shows
signs of dirt embedding (i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate paint stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e., chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).
Engine Cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment, make sure
to protect electrical components and connectors from
the intrusion of water and cleaning agents.Corrosion protection, such as anticorrosion wax
should be applied to the engine compartment after
every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from
any wax.
Vehicle Washing
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of
water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a
chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Due to the width of the vehicle, prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash, fold back the
outside mirrors to prevent them from getting
damaged.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt
as soon as possible.

INDEX 327
10
Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Changing the Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Date of Manufacture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Design Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Direction of Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . 196
Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Important Notes on Tire Inflation Pressure . . . . 187
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Installing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Life of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Load Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Maximum Inflation Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Maximum Load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Recommended Tire Inflation Pressure . . . . . . . . 186
Removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Rim Diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193Rotating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Size Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Sizes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Spare Wheel Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Speed Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192, 195
Storing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Tire and Loading Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Tire and Loading Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Tire Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Tire Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Tire Ply Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Tire Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Tread Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Type Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Vehicles type 2500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Vehicles type 3500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Tires, Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225