engine coolant DODGE SPRINTER 2004 1.G User Guide

MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 207
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SPRINTER ORIGINAL PARTSEvery authorized Sprinter Dealer maintains a stock of
Sprinter original parts for maintenance and repair
work.
Sprinter original parts are subjected to the most
stringent quality inspections and will ensure that the
vehicle is maintained at a high level of operating
efficiency and safety, and that it maintains its value.
Each part has been specifically designed and
manufactured or selected and approved for use in
Sprinter vehicles.
It is therefore best to use only Sprinter original parts.
For cost-effective repairs in accordance with sound
recycling principles, the use of non-genuine parts and
accessories not authorized by the manufacturer could
damage the vehicle or compromise its durability or
safety.
When ordering original parts, always provide the
vehicle identification number and the engine number.
SERVICE PRODUCTSMechanical elements and the lubricants used for them
must be carefully matched.
For this reason, only brands tested and approved by
the manufacturer should be used. Please contact your
Sprinter Dealer to obtain the necessary information.
No lubricant additives should be used.
The use of such additives could affect your warranty
rights. Information is available from any authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
For specifications of engine oils, coolant and brake
fluid, contact your
authorized
Sprinter
Dealer.
WARNING!
If handled incorrectly, service products can consti-
tute a health risk for people and an environmental
hazard.
Always observe relevant guidelines for handling,
storing and disposing of service products.
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208 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 RELA TED COMPONENT WA RRA NTY
STATEMENTThe Manufacturer warrants to the original and each
subsequent owner of a MERCEDES-BENZ 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
(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.
REGULA R 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.
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 211
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Ribbed V-BeltThe ribbed V-belt drives the accessories, such as
generator, coolant pump and hydraulic steering pump.
The ribbed V-belt is automatically kept tensioned.
Check the state of the ribbed V-belt regularly, such as
at every engine oil level check.
The belt must not be damaged, worn, oiled or glazed.
There must be no cracks in the belt running surface.
Replace damaged belts.
Hydraulic Brake System, Clutch Mechanism Fluid
Level1. Brake fluid reservoir
Brake fluid level must be between the MIN and MAX
marks in the reservoir (1).
If the brake fluid is below the MIN mark, there may be
a fault in the hydraulic system. Have the system
checked as soon as possible by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
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212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEBrake fluidUse brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4
brake fluid with: minimum dry boiling point (ERBP)
500
°F, minimum wet boiling point (WERBP)
356°F, maximum viscosity 1500 mm
2/s,
conforming to FMVSS116 and ISO 4925.
In the course of its service life, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will fall due to the continuous absorption of
moisture from the atmosphere.
If the brakes are placed under heavy loads (e.g., on
steep hills) bubbles of steam can then form in the brake
system.
This will adversely affect the brakes' effectiveness.
Engine CoolantThe coolant is a mixture of water and a corrosion
inhibitor/antifreeze additive. Within the cooling
system, the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze ensures
 anti-corrosion protection
 antifreeze protection
 a higher boiling point.
The coolant added in the factory ensures adequate
antifreeze and anti-corrosion protection.
Use coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline
GO5, or an equivalent Extended Life Coolant.
To avoid damage to the cooling system, only use
manufacturer approved corrosion inhibitor/
antifreeze additives.
Information on the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze
additive is available from any Sprinter Dealer.
For reasons of anti-corrosion protection and to increase
the boiling point, the coolant added to the cooling
system is designed for all year round operation – even
in countries with high prevailing temperatures.
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 213
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Have the coolant renewed at least every five years or
after 100,000 miles.
When the coolant is renewed, the new coolant should
contain 50% antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor by volume.
This corresponds to antifreeze protection down to -
37 °C/-35°F.
Do not exceed a proportion of about 55 % by volume
(antifreeze protection down to about -45 °C/-49 °F) as
the heat dissipation properties then deteriorate.
In the event of coolant loss, do not add water only, but
sufficient antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor to maintain
the correct concentration.
The water in the coolant must satisfy certain
requirements. These are often met by tap supply
drinking water.
The water must be specially prepared if the water
quality does not come up to the required standards.
Have the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration
in the coolant checked at the outset of winter,
respectively once a year in countries with high
prevailing temperatures.A regular check is included in the maintenance service.
Checking Coolant LevelCoolant reservoir (1)
The cooling system is pressurized. Only check the
coolant level with the vehicle parking on a level surface
and with the engine switched off.
– Wait until the coolant temperature has dropped
below 194 °F (+90 °C).
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214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
 Open the hood.
 At first, only turn the radiator cap to the first detent
to release the pressure from the cooling system.
Only then should the radiator cap be removed
completely.
 To add coolant:
If the engine is cold:
Add coolant until the coolant level reaches the base
area which is visible through the filler opening (area
moistened).
If the engine is already at its regular operating
temperature:
Add coolant until the coolant level is about 0.6 inch
WARNING!
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:
 If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant
temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move away
from the vehicle and do not open the hood until
the engine has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
 Do not remove pressure cap on coolant reservoir
if engine temperature is above 194 °F (+90 ×C).
Allow engine to cool down before removing cap.
The coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
 Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately 1/2
turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will
be blown out under pressure.
 Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine
parts.
 Check coolant level only with the engine
switched off and the key in position 0 in the
ignition lock.
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 215
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(1.5 cm) above the base area which is visible
through the filler opening.
 Replace and tighten the radiator cap.
If a large quantity of coolant has been lost, or if smaller
amounts are lost at regular intervals, have the engine
cooling system examined by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
For coolant composition and water quality, contact
your Sprinter Dealer.
WINTER OPERATIONHave your vehicle winterized by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer before the onset of winter.
 Have the engine oil changed, if the engine oil filled
is not approved for winter use.
 Coolant: antifreeze/anti-corrosion concentration in
the coolant checked.
 Windshield washer system: add winter concentrate
to the washer fluid.
 Battery: the battery will lose capacity as
temperatures drop. Only a well-charged battery will
ensure reliable engine starting even at low outside
temperatures.
 Tires: fit M+S radial tires, taking note of the
maximum permissible speed of the tires fitted.
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 245
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Recommended Fluids and LubricantsComponent Recommended Fluid
Brake Use brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4 brake fluid with:
minimum
dry boiling point (ERBP) 500°F, minimum wet boiling point
(WERBP) 356°F, maximum viscosity 1500 mm
2/s, conforming to FMVSS 116
and ISO 4925.
Coolant Use coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent
Extended Life Coolant.
Engine Use engine oils approved to MB 228.3 or MB 228.5 that are also licensed to
API CI-4.
Automatic Transmission Use ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12. Synthetic Dexron III®
Automatic Transmission Fluid may be substituted.
Power Steering No fluid service required. Use Power Steering Fluid approved to MB 341.
Dexron III® Automatic Transmission Fluid may be substituted.
Rear Axle Use oils approved to MB 235.0, such as Shell Spirax MB 90. Reduced axle
durability may result if an unapproved product is used.
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MA INTENA NCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
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Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

Maintenance - Without ASSYST Maintenance
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249Maintenance Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

Maintenance - With ASSYST Maintenance
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

Regular Check-Ups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

Special Maintenance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 251Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

Engine Oil Change and Filter Replacement . . . . 251Once a Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

Scope of Work for Maintenance service . . . . . . . 252Oil Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252Additional Maintenance Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254Additional Maintenance Work
After ... Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 251
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SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTSIf bodies built by manufacturers other than
DaimlerChrysler Corporation are fitted to the vehicle, the
maintenance requirements and lubrication intervals
specified by the body manufacturer must be adhered to,
in addition to all standard maintenance requirements.Brake FluidOnly use brake fluids approved by the manufacturer
(DOT 4 plus). Information about brake fluids is
available from your Sprinter Dealer.CoolantHave the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration
in the coolant checked before the onset of winter (once
a year in countries with high prevailing temperatures).
Have the coolant renewed every five years or 100,000
miles.Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation ReplacementThe dust filter and the tailgate interior filter are
renewed during routine maintenance service.
However, if operating conditions are dusty, these
filters should be renewed more frequently.
ENGINE OIL CHA NGE A ND FILTER
REPLACEMENTIn a minimum, change the engine oil and oil filter once
a year - even if the vehicle mileage per year is extremly
low. For standard oil service schedules, please see the
chapter oil service and maintenance service.Once a YearSelect the viscosity of the engine oil (SAE classes)
according to the outside air temperature.
Only use engine oil approved by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation if following the ASSYST system
guidelines.
Information is available from your Sprinter Dealer.
If the fuel used has a sulphur content exceeding 0.05 %
by weight, the service intervals should be split in half.
If the sulphur content of the fuel used is between 0.3%
and 0.8% by weight, the service intervals should be
split in half (i.e. every 5,000 miles instead of every
10,000 miles).
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