engine coolant DODGE SPRINTER 2006 1.G User Guide

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
7
CONTENTS
Q Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Q Sprinter Original Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Q Service Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
…Disposal of Service Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Q Emission Related Component Warranty
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Q Regular Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
…Windshield Washer System Fluid Reservoir . 257
…Air Filter Restriction Indicator (Optional) . . . 258
…Approved Engine Oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
…Engine Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
…Ribbed V-Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
…Hydraulic Brake System, Clutch
Mechanism Fluid Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
…Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
…Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
…Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
…Checking Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Q Winter Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Q Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
…Disconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
…Reconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
…Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Q Replacing Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
…Appearance Care and Corrosion Protection . 269
…Power Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
…Automatic Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
…Tar Stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
…Paintwork, Painted Body Components . . . . . . 272
…Engine Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
…Vehicle Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
…Ornamental Moldings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

254 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Legend For Engine Compartment
1. Washer system fluid reservoir.
2. Maintenance indicator for air cleaner element
(Optional).
3. Oil dipstick.
4. Oil filler neck.
5. Ribbed V-belt.
Auxiliary drive (Optional) refer to “Auxiliary
drive“.6. Fuel filter with water separator.
7. Hydraulic brake fluid reservoir.
8. Coolant reservoir.
9. Battery
The auxiliary battery is located underneath the
front passenger seat (optional equipment).
10. Fuse box
(These special fuses should only be replaced at by
an authorized Sprinter Dealer).

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 255
7
SPRINTER ORIGINAL PARTS
Every 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 PRODUCTS
Mechanical 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.

256 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Disposal of Service Products
Dispose 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
STATEMENT
The 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 CHECKS
WARNING!
When the hood is open, there is a risk of injury
due to very hot engine components.
When the engine is running or the key is in posi-
tion 2 in the ignition lock, there is a risk of injury
due to moving engine components and the electri-
cal system.
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 vehicle and
do not open the hood until the engine has cooled.
If necessary, call the fire department.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 257
7
The following checks should be performed at regular
intervals (for example once a week or each time the
vehicle is refueled):
 Windshield washer system/headlamp cleaning
system (optional) – washer 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".
 Spare wheel location.
 Vehicle lighting.Windshield Washer System Fluid Reservoir
1. Washer system fluid reservoir
When topping off, add windshield washer fluid ("S"
for summer or "W" for winter) to the water.
Capacity of fluid reservoir (1): about 7.4 US qt (7 liters).

260 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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.Ribbed V-Belt
The 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.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 261
7
Hydraulic Brake System, Clutch Mechanism Fluid
Level
1. 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.Brake fluid
Refer 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 System
The 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.

262 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Failure to use MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze and/or
equivalent to DaimlerChrysler 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 Coolant
The 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 coolant added to the cooling
system is designed for all year round operation – even
in countries with high prevailing temperatures.Have 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.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263
7
A regular check is included in the maintenance service.
Checking Coolant Level
Pressure cap on coolant 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).
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.

264 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
 Open the hood.
 At first, only turn the pressure cap on coolant
reservoir to the first detent to release the pressure
from the cooling system. Only then should the
pressure 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
(1.5 cm) above the base area which is visible
through the filler opening.
 Replace and tighten the pressure cap on coolant
reservoir.
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.
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.