check engine DODGE SPRINTER 2007 2.G User Guide

157 Controls in detail
Transporting
3
Before loading
\1Check the tire pressures and correct
them if necessary (\2page 213).
\1Clean the load compartment floor.
The load compartment floor must be
dry, cleanly swept and free of oil and
dust to reduce the risk of the load slip-
ping.
\1If necessary, place anti-slip mats on the
load compartment floor.During loading
\1Observe the maximum permissible axle
loads and permissible gross weight for
the vehicle.
\1Observe the notes on load distribution
(\2page 158).
\1Secure the load (\2page 158). All
country-specific legal requirements
must be observed.Checks after loading
\1Securing a load: before each journey
and at regular intervals during longer
journeys, check whether the load is
properly secured and take additional
securing measures, if necessary.
\1Doors: close the sliding doors and rear
doors.
\1Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressure
in accordance with the vehicle's load
(\2page 213).
\1Driving characteristics: adapt your
driving style to the load.
!
CAUTION
As soon as the anti-slip mats start to
show signs of permanent deformation,
squashed areas or tears/holes, they
are unsuitable for securing loads and
must be replaced.
!
CAUTION
In passenger vans with the maximum
number of seats, the maximum payload
would cause the permissible rear axle
load to be exceeded.
iBear in mind that your vehicle's unlad-
en weight is increased by the installa-
tion of optional equipment and
accessories.
Warning
G
Make sure that the sliding doors and rear
doors are always closed when the engine is
running.
Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter the
vehicle interior and poison you.

181 Operation
Driving tips
4
Check regularly, e.g. weekly or when refu-
eling:
\4the vehicle lighting
\4the condition of the tires (\2page 201)
and the tire pressures (\2page 210)
\4the engine oil level (\2page 187)
\4the brake fluid level (\2page 192)
\4the fluid level in the windshield washer
system / headlamp cleaning system
reservoir (\2page 193)
\4the contamination level of the rear air-
conditioning air cleaner (\2page 240)
Your vehicle is equipped with monolithic-
type catalytic converters, an important el-
ement in conjunction with the oxygen sen-
sors to achieve substantial control of the
pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep
your vehicle in proper operating condition
by following our recommended mainte-
nance instructions as outlined in your Ser-
vice Booklet.Your vehicle is equipped with an oxidation
catalyst, an important element in conjunc-
tion with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the
exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in
proper operating condition by following
our recommended maintenance instruc-
tions as outlined in your Service Booklet.Regular checksCatalytic converter (gasoline engine)
!
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay, or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine)Warning
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay, or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

186 OperationEngine
4
\1Swing the hood upward until support
strut3 engages and the hood is sup-
ported.
Closing\1Lift the hood gently.
\1Push back support strut3
(\2page 185).
\1Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 05. ft (30 cm).
The hood engages audibly.
\1Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.Warning
G
If the hood support strut is not engaged, the
hood can fall shut. You could be injured.
After opening the hood, you should there-
fore check whether the support strut is en-
gaged.Warning
G
Engine parts may be hot and can rotate.
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open
and the engine is running.
Only open the hood when the engine has
stopped and cooled down.
Warning
G
The engine has an electronic ignition system
which carries a high voltage. For this reason,
you must never touch the ignition system
components (ignition coil, test socket)
while:
\4the engine is running
\4the engine is being started
\4the key is in position2 in the ignition
lock and the engine is being cranked by
handWarning
G
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you close the hood.
Warning
G
Make sure that the hood is securely en-
gaged before driving off. Do no continue
driving if the hood can no longer engage af-
ter an accident, for example.
The hood could otherwise come loose while
the vehicle is in motion and endanger you
and/or others.!
CAUTION
When you press the support strut back,
make sure that you do not press it
against the detent position and cause it
to bend.

187 Operation
Engine
4
If the hood can be raised slightly, it
is not properly engaged.
\1Open it again and allow it to drop from
a slightly greater height.
Mechanical elements and the lubricants
used for them must be carefully matched.
For this reason, only brands tested and ap-
proved by the manufacturer should be
used. Please contact your Sprinter Dealer
to obtain the necessary information. No lu-
bricant 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, see "Service products and
capacities" (\2page 355) and contact your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.The vehicle consumes a maximum of
1 US qt (1.0 l) oil per 620 miles (1000 km),
depending on your driving style.
Engine oil consumption may even be high-
er if:
\4the vehicle is new
\4you mainly operate the vehicle under
arduous operating conditions
\4you often drive at high engine speeds
The engine oil consumption can only be
judged after a lengthy distance has been
covered.Check the engine oil level on a regular ba-
sis, for example weekly or each time you
refuel.!
CAUTION
Do not use your hands to push the
hood down. Doing so could damage it.
Service products
Warning
G
If handled incorrectly, service products can
constitute a health risk f o r p e o p l e a n d a n e n -
vironmental hazard.
Always observe relevant guidelines for han-
dling, storing and disposing of service prod-
ucts.Engine oil
iIf the oil level exceeds the maximum
level several times during operation,
have the malfunction rectified immedi-
ately at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.

188 OperationEngine
4
Checking the engine oil level in the dis-
play
In vehicles with diesel engines, you can
view the engine oil level in the display.
When the oil is being checked, the vehicle
must
\4be standing level
\4be at normal operating temperature
\4have been standing with the engine
switched off for at least five minutes\1Switch on the ignition (\2page 67).
The display is activated.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
\1Press the menu button on the in-
strument cluster repeatedly until you
see the P symbol in the display.
The
--:--
display flashes during the
measurement process.The following messages may be displayed:
\1Check the engine oil level again after a
few minutes.
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons*
\1Press the button on the instrument
cluster (\2page 84).
iIf no oil level reading is shown again,
check the engine oil level with the dip-
stick.
Have the engine oil level display
checked at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.!
CAUTION
Have any excess oil drained or si-
phoned off at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. Otherwise, the engine or cata-
lytic converter could be damaged.
iIf at extremely low temperatures no en-
gine oil level is displayed after 5 min-
utes, wait a further 5 minutes before
repeating the engine oil level check.
POK
\1Do not add oil.
-1.0 qt
\1Add the amount of oil
shown (\2page 190).
-1.5 qts-2.0 qtsHI
\1The engine oil level is
too high. Have the oil
siphoned off.
iEngine oil level display:
\4
qt in USA only
\4l in Canada only

189 Operation
Engine
4
\1The following message is displayed for
the duration of the measurement pro-
cess:
N
Engine oil level Measuring in
progress
The following messages may be displayed:Checking the engine oil level with the
dipstick
When the oil is being checked, the vehicle
must
\4be at normal operating temperature
\4be standing level
\4have been standing with the engine
switched off for at least five minutes
Diesel engine1Engine oil filler neck
2Engine oil dipstick
NEngine oil
level OK
\1Do not add oil.
Engine oil
Add
1.0 quart
\1Add the amount of oil
shown (\2page 190).
\1Check the engine oil
level again after a few
minutes.
Engine oil
Add
1.5 quartsEngine oil
Add
2.0 quartsEngine oil
level Reduce
oil level
\1The engine oil level is
too high. Have the oil
siphoned off.
Eng. oil
lev. Turn
ignition on
for level
\1Switch on the ignition
(\2page 67).
Observe
wait. period
\1Carry out another
measurement after
approximately 5 min-
utes when the engine
is at normal operat-
ing temperature.
\1Carry out another
measurement after
approximately
30 minutes when the
engine has cooled
down.
Engine oil
level Not
when eng.
running
\1Switch off the engine
and wait for approxi-
mately 5 minutes if
the engine is at nor-
mal operating tem-
perature.
iEngine oil level display:
\4
quart(s)
in USA only
\4
liter(s)
in Canada only
N

190 OperationEngine
4
Gasoline engine1Engine oil filler neck
2Engine oil dipstick
\1Pull out dipstick2.
\1Wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth.
\1Insert it into the dipstick tube as far as
the stop and pull it back out.
3Engine oil dipstick
\1Check the engine oil level.
The oil level is correct if the oil is be-
tween the lower min and upper max
marks on the dipstick.\1Add engine oil if necessary
(\2page 190).
Adding engine oil
For specifications of engine oils see "Ser-
vice products and capacities"
(\2page 355).
\1Unscrew the cap on engine oil filler
neck1.
Make sure that you only fill the engine
oil as far as the upper max mark.
\1Unscrew the cap on filler neck1.
iThe difference in the quantity of oil be-
tween the upper and lower marks on
the dipstick is approx.
\42 US qts (2 l) in vehicles with diesel
engines
\43 US qts (3 l) in vehicles with gaso-
line engines
N18.00-2041-31
!
CAUTION
Have any excess engine oil drained or
siphoned off at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. Otherwise, the engine or cata-
lytic converter could be damaged.
The alternator is underneath the en-
gine oil filler neck. For this reason, add
the engine oil carefully. There is a risk
of damage to the alternator from en-
gine oil dripping down.

192 OperationEngine
4
The reservoir is in the engine compart-
ment. Check the brake fluid level:
\4regularly, e.g. weekly or when refueling
\4only with the vehicle standing on a level
surface and with the engine switched
off1Coolant tank cap
2Brake fluid reservoir cap
3Windshield washer reservoir cap
The brake fluid level must be between the
MIN and MAX marks.
!
CAUTION
Check the cooling and heating systems
regularly for leaks. If a large quantity of
coolant is lost, have the cause traced
and rectified at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Brake fluid
iThere is usually a notice in the engine
compartment to remind you when the
next brake fluid change is due.
N20.30-2063-31
!
CAUTION
Brake fluid corrodes paintwork. If
brake fluid comes into contact with the
paintwork, immediately rinse with wa-
ter.
If the brake fluid does not reach the
MIN mark, the vehicle’s hydraulic sys-
tem could be malfunctioning. Do not
add brake fluid under any circumstanc-
es. This will not solve the problem.
Do not drive any further.
Have the system checked immediately
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Warning
G
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Do not
swallow brake fluid. Consult a doctor imme-
diately if any brake fluid is swallowed.
Brake fluid must not come into contact with
the skin, eyes or clothing. Wash affected ar-
eas with plenty of clean water and consult a
doctor immediately if necessary.
\2\2

194 OperationEngine
4
Check assemblies regularly for leaks. In
the event of fluid loss (e.g. spots of oil un-
der the vehicle when it has been parked),
have the cause traced and rectified imme-
diately at an authorized Sprinter Dealer
which has the necessary specialist knowl-
edge and tools to carry out the work re-
quired.
The manufacturer recommends that you
use an authorized Sprinter Dealer for this
purpose. All work relevant to safety or on
safety-related systems must be carried out
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.Vehicle assemblies

196 OperationBattery
4
The batteries must always be sufficiently
charged so that they achieve their intend-
ed service life.
Have the battery charge status checked
more frequently if you use the vehicle
mainly for short trips or if you leave it
parked up for a long period.
If you intend to leave your vehicle parked
up for a long period, seek advice from an
authorized Sprinter Dealer and switch off
the electrical system at the battery isolat-
ing switch (\2page 197).
You will find further information in the
“Practical hints” section (\2page 335).
!
CAUTION
Switch off the engine and wait for
approximately 20 seconds before you
loosen or disconnect the terminal
clamps. You could otherwise damage
electrical system components.
Care of batteries!
CAUTION
Dirty terminal clamps and battery sur-
faces cause leakage current, leading to
battery discharge. Always keep the ter-
minal clamps and battery surfaces
clean and dry. Lightly grease the termi-
nal clamps, particularly the undersides,
with acid-proof grease.
Cleaning agents containing fuel can
corrode the battery casing. Only clean
with commercially available cleaning
agents and clean the battery casing
with the cell caps screwed in.