service DODGE SPRINTER 2005 1.G User Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING 155
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 Protect sharp edges with padding.
 Check the tire pressures after loading the vehicle.
For passenger vans:
 Do not stack loads higher than the upper edge of the backrests.
 Always place the load against the backrests of the seat benches.
 Whenever possible, transport loads behind seats that are not occupied.
 Distribute the load in such a way that the permissible axle loads are not exceeded when the
vehicle is equipped with the maximum number of
seats. Loading the luggage compartment up to the
maximum payload would cause the permissible
rear axle load to be exceeded.
BRAKES
Service Brake
WARNING!
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort
is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep
enough to wet brake components, the first
braking action may be somewhat reduced and
increased pedal pressure may be necessary. Be
sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in
front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effectiveness.
It may not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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CONTENTS

Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215


Sprinter Original Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217


Service Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Disposal of Service Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218


Emission Related Component Warranty
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218


Regular Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Windshield Washer System Fluid Reservoir . 219
Air Filter Restriction Indicator (Optional) . . . 219
Engine Oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Engine Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Ribbed V-Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Hydraulic Brake System, Clutch
Mechanism Fluid Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Checking Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224


Winter Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226


Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Disconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Reconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228


Replacing Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Appearance Care and Corrosion Protection . 231
Power Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Automatic Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Tar Stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Paintwork, Painted Body Components . . . . . . 233
Engine Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Vehicle Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Ornamental Moldings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 217
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SPRINTER ORIGINAL PARTSEvery authorized Sprinter Dealer maintains a stock of
Sprinter original parts for maintenance and repair work.Over 6,000 retailers around the world guarantee that
you can be supplied with Sprinter original parts
wherever you are. Over 300,000 different parts and
assemblies, including parts for older vehicle models,
are distributed from a central parts warehouse using
an optimally tuned logistics concept.
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.

218 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 RELATED COMPONENT WARRANTY
STATEMENTThe Manufacturer warrants to the original and each
subsequent owner of a Sprinter 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, and
(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.
REGULAR 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.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
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Brake fluidRefer to the "Recommended Fluids" chart later in this
section for recommended brake fluids.
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 Cooling SystemThe use of aluminum components in Sprinter engines
requires that anticorrosive/antifreeze specifically
formulated to protect aluminum parts be used. The
factory approved Service Products are suitable for
Sprinter engines and can be mixed with the original
anticorrosion/antifreeze filled in at factory.
Cooling system design and anticorrosion/antifreeze
agent used stipulate the replacement interval for the
coolant solution in your vehicle. Please observe the
replacement interval specified in the Service Booklet
for your vehicle.
Failure to use MB 325.0 an ticorrosion/antifreeze and/or
equivalent to DaimlerChrys ler material standard MS-
9769 and/or adhere to the specified replacement interval
may result in a significantly shortened service life.For coolant composition and water quality, contact
your authorized Sprinter Dealer.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.
Refer to the "Recommended Fluids" chart for coolant
recommendations.
For reasons of anti-corrosion protection and to increase
the boiling point, the cool ant added to the cooling
system is designed for all year round operation – even
in countries with high prevailing temperatures.

224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEHave the coolant renewed at least every 15 years or
after 160,000 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).

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
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BATTERIESThe standard battery is located in the engine
compartment. The auxiliary battery is lo
cated 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.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
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Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is an ozone-
saving product. However, the manufacturer
recommends that air conditioning service be
performed by dealers or other service facilities using
recovery and recycling equipment.
WARNING!
 Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricantsapproved by the manufacturer for your air
conditioning system. Some unapproved
refrigerants are flammable and can explode,
injuring you. Other unapproved refrigerants or
lubricants can cause the system to fail, requiring
costly repairs. Refer to Section 3 of the Warranty
Information Book for additional warranty
information.
 The air conditioning system contains refrigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding
refrigerant or any repair requiring lines to be
disconnected should be done by an experienced
repairman.

258 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLERecommended Fluids and LubricantsThe manufacturer recommends for your vehicle model
the use of DaimlerChrysler approved fluids and
lubricants, e.g. engine oil, gear oil, automatic
transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid,
coolant and anti-corrosion/anti-freeze fluid only.
WARNING!
Failure to use fluids and lubricants which meet
the standards and specifications described in this
booklet or failure to adhere to the specified re-
placement intervals may result in damage to safe-
ty-related systems of your vehicle, such as the
brake system, which could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
Use only fluids and lubricants meeting the
standards and specifications and adhere to
specified replacement intervals.
CAUTION!
Failure to use fluids and lubricants which meet
the standards and specifications described in this
booklet or failure to adhere to the specified
replacement intervals may result in a significantly
shortened service life and/or damage to
components of your vehicle, the repair of which
will not be covered by Warranty.
Use only fluids and lubricants meeting the
standards and specifications and adhere to
specified replacement intervals.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 261
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COMPONENT SERVICE INTERVAL PRODUCT NAME/PRODUCT NUMBER MB
SHEET
Air Conditioning
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer in the
upper atmosphere.
Refrigerant R-134a — Refrigerant R-134a 361.0 Automatic
Transmission Fluid once only at
80,000 mi
(128,000 km) Shell ATF 3403/M-115
MOPAR® Part No. 05127382AA, or equivalent
Fuchs/Shell ATF 3353 236.10
236.12
Brakes
Use brake fluid approved to DaimlerChr ysler standard MB 331.0 and/or DaimlerChrysler material standard MS-9971,
brake fluid certified to DOT 4 Plus standards, that also ma intains a minimum dry boiling point (ERBP) of 500°F (260°C),
a minimum wet boiling point (WERBP) of 356°F (180°C) and maximum viscosity of 1500 mm
2/s, conforming to FMVSS
116 and ISO 4925.
Brake Fluid 2 years Intac B026D Dry boiling point: 500°F (260°C )
Wet boiling point: 356°F (180°C),
MOPAR® MS-9971 Part No. 04549625AC, or equivalent 331.0
Engine Oil 12 months or 10,000 mi
(16,000 km) See "Approved Engine Oils"