length DODGE SPRINTER 2004 1.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2
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.
For engine oil level.SA FETY TI PS 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.Freightliner-all.book Pag e 47 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77
3
Ashtray in the rear passenger compartment.
The ashtrays are located in the side linings in the
passenger compartment.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETThe electrical outlet is located on the
lower right in the center of the
dashboard.
NOTE: Maximum capacity: 180 VACAUTION!
 Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not
in use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery
will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
 Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these
intermittently and with greater caution. After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
alternator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 77 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

104 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELDepending 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.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 104 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 125
4
Timer A uxiliary Heater (Water and A ir Heater)NOTE: The timer water heater has no adjustable
temperature selection transformer (10).
1. Memory location (1 – 3)
2. Current day or preselected day
3. Current time or preselected time
4. Symbolö – Status display
5. Button ” – Set time and day 6. ButtonH – Select memory (1 – 3), activate
preselected time
7. Buttonö – Switch on heater
8. Buttoný – Set time, day, and preselected time;
shorten heating period (min. 1 minute)
9. Buttonþ – Set time, day, and preselected time;
lengthen heating period (max. 120 minutes)
10. Air Heater only, adjustable temperature selection
transformer – adjustment range from 50 °F to 86 °F
(+10 °C to +30 °C)
NOTE: All symbols and digits in the display will flash
if the battery voltage has been interrupted over a
longer period of time. The timer must be reset.
The heater cannot be switched on until the time of day
has been set.
The timer lights up when the heater is switched on.Freightliner-all.book Pag e 125 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

126 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELSwitching the Auxiliary Heater On and Off - Ignition
Off
To switch it on:
Press buttonö.
The vehicle-side blower automatically switches on.
Display: Symbolö and remaining heating period.
The remaining heating period can be lengthened by
using the buttonþ (max. of 120 minutes); it may be
shortened by using the buttoný (min. of 1 minute).
To switch off:
Press buttonö again.
The blower inside the vehicle automatically switches
off. The auxiliary heater will automatically switch off
after about 3 minutes.
Display: Current time and current day of the week
(about 15 seconds).
Switching the Auxiliary Heater On and Off - Ignition
On
To switch it on:
Press the buttonö.The auxiliary heater is running.
Display: Symbolö, current time and current day of
the week.
If the ignition is switched off, the auxiliary heater will
remain on for another 15 minutes before automatically
switching off. The remaining heating period can be
lengthened by using the buttonþ (max. of
120 minutes); it may be shortened by using the
buttoný (min. of 1 minute).
To switch off:
Press the buttonö again.
The auxiliary heater will automatically switch off after
about 3 minutes.
Display: Current time and current day of the week.
Setting the time and day
Press the button” until the "Time" display begins to
flash.
Use either the buttonýorþ to set the current
time. The current time has been saved when the
display stops flashing or the button” is used for
confirmation.Freightliner-all.book Pag e 126 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

STARTING AND OPERATING 143
5
transmission are negatively affected by this mode of
operation.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km / h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95
°F (+35
°C).
To avoid overrevving the engine when the selector
lever is moved to a lower gear, the transmission will
not shift to a lower gear if the engine’s revolutions per
minute limit would be exceeded. In this case there will
be no downshift, even when the vehicle speed reaches
the engine’s rpm limit of that gear, for example by
applying the service brakes.
To prevent the engine from laboring at low rpm when
driving uphill grades or with your vehicle heavily
loaded, the automatic transmission will downshift
when necessary to maintain engine rpm within the best
torque range.Gear
qUpshift through 4th gear only. Suitable for
performance driving.
pUpshift through 3rd gear only. Suitable for
moderately steep hills. Since the transmission
does not shift higher than 3rd gear, this gear
selection will allow use of the engine’s braking
power downhill.
oUpshift through 2nd gear only. For driving in
mountainous regions or under extreme
operating conditions. This gear selection will
allow use of the engine’s braking power when
descending steep grades.
nUse this position, which makes maximum use of
the engine’s braking effect, while descending
very steep or lengthy downgrades and only at
speeds below 25 mph (38 km / h).
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 143 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

STARTING AND OPERATING 179
5
Checking Weights of Vehicle and TrailerTo 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”.A ttaching a TrailerPlease 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.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 179 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEBA TTERIESThe standard battery is located in the engine
compartment.The auxiliary battery is located underneath the front
passenger seat (optional equipment).
The battery will not achieve its maximum service life
unless it is kept adequately charged at all times. If the
vehicle is used primarily for short distances, or left
parked for lengthy periods, have the battery charge
checked more frequently.
Disconnecting the Battery
WARNING!
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe personal injuries and death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting, you
might get injured, if the battery explodes.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush
affected area with water and seek medical help if
necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.
Use only impact-resistant batteries with a central
gas release cover to prevent corrosion damage and
to prevent occupants from caustic burns in the
event of an accident.
CAUTION!
Do not loosen or remove the battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the key is in
the ignition lock as this could damage electrical or
electronic equipment beyond repair. All electrical
consumers must be switched off.
Do not place any metal objects on the battery.
Doing so may cause a short-circuit.
Loosen and remove the negative terminal clamp
first, then the positive terminal.
Afterwards disconnect vent tube from the fitting.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 216 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM