DODGE SPRINTER 2005 1.G Owners Manual

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 221
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Engine Oil Level1. Oil dipstick
2. Oil filler neck Check the engine oil level at regular intervals with the
vehicle standing on a level surface.
 Check engine oil level about 5 minutes after
stopping the engine, which should have reached its
regular operating temperature. The normal
operating temperature should have been reached
and maintained for some time.
 Wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free cloth before checking.
The engine oil level must be between the
lower (MIN) and upper (MAX) marks on
the dipstick.
Add engine oil only up to the MAX mark.
Excess oil must be drained or siphoned off.

222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLERibbed 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.

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 225
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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).
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).
A l l o w e n g i n e t o c o o l do w n b e f o r e r e m o v i ng c a p .
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.
WARNING!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Anti-freeze 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.

226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
If the engine is already at its regular operating
temperature:
Add coolant until the coolant level is about 0.6 inch
(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.

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.

228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEReconnecting the Battery1. Vent tube
2. Fitting
All electrical consumers must be switched off. First
connect and tighten the posi tive terminal clamp, then
the negative terminal. Make sure that the terminal
clamps are not switched.
NOTE: If batteries have to be replaced, only use
batteries with a central vent cap as this will prevent
corrosion damage.
Connect the battery vent tube (1) to the fitting (2).
Charging the BatteryDisconnect the battery before charging it with a battery
charger.
Comply with the operating instructions for the battery
charger.
To ensure that the battery is disposed of in an
environmentally responsible manner, it should only be
replaced by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Batteries contain material that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.

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.

230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEREPLACING WIPER BLADES1. Fold over the wiper arm (2) and place the wiper blade crosswise.
2. Press the retaining spring (1) and push the wiper blade out of the end of the wiper arm (2).
3. Remove the wiper blade. 4. Insert the end of the wiper arm (2) into the larger
cutout (3) of the wiper blade.
5. Push the wiper blade into the end of the wiper arm (2) until the retaining spring (1) engages.