engine overheat DODGE SPRINTER 2007 2.G Owners Manual

45 Safety
Driving safety systems
2
Activating/deactivating ASR
ASR is automatically activated as soon as
the engine is switched on.
It may be best to deactivate ASR in the fol-
lowing situations:
\4if snow chains are being used
\4in deep snow
\4on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ASR:
\4the engine’s torque is then no longer
limited and the drive wheels could spin;
the spinning wheels produce a cutting
effect for better traction
\4traction control still intervenes by brak-
ing if one drive wheel reaches its grip
limit, for example if the surface under
one side of the vehicle is slippery. The
wheel is then braked to increase trac-
tion in this situation.
\4ESP
® still intervenes to stabilize the ve-
hicleThe ASR switch is located on the center
console.
1To deactivate/activate ASR
\1To switch off: press upper section1
of the switch.
The v warning lamp in the speed-
ometer lights up.
\1To switch on: press upper section1
of the switch again.
Thev warning lamp in the speed-
ometer goes out.
Warning
G
ESP
® remains active despite ASR having
been deactivated and carries out braking in-
terventions if this is necessary to improve
driving stability. Thev warning lamp
flashes.
If ASR is deactivated, there is an increased
risk that the brake system of your vehicle
could overheat and be damaged when sub-
jected to high loads for a long period of time.
A hot brake system also increases the stop-
ping distance.
For this reason, only deactivate ASR when it
is absolutely necessary.
N54.25-2916-31

113 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Do not accelerate to prevent your vehicle
from rolling backwards on an uphill gradi-
ent. Instead, you should either use the
handbrake or depress the brake pedal.
This prevents excessive wear on the
clutch.
Select a lower gear (shift range 3, 2 or 1)
(\2page 123) in good time on long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if tow-
ing a trailer. This prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too rapidly.
It is best not to stop the vehicle immediate-
ly after the brakes have been subjected to
an extreme load; continue driving for a
short time instead. The brakes are cooled
down more quickly in the airflow.The first time the brakes are applied after
a long period of driving in heavy rain with-
out braking, it is possible that:
\4there will be a delayed braking
response
\4you will need to depress the brake
pedal more firmly
You should therefore maintain a greater
distance from the vehicle in front.
Apply the brakes so that you can feel their
response after a journey on wet roads,
especially if the road has been salted. The
brake discs will be warmed, dry more
quickly and be protected against corro-
sion.
If you make only moderate use of the ser-
vice brake, check from time to time that it
is fully functional. To do this, brake more
sharply at a higher vehicle speed. The
brake will grip better as a result.For safety reasons, the manufacturer rec-
ommends that you only have brake pads /
linings installed on your vehicle that have
been approved for the Sprinter.
Brake pads /linings that have not been ap-
proved for the Sprinter could affect your
vehicle’s operating safety.BrakingWarning
G
There is no power assistance for the service
brake when the engine is not running.
You will need to use significantly more force
to brake and could therefore lose control of
the vehicle and cause an accident.
Never switch off the engine while driving.
Warning
G
Make sure that other road users are not put
at risk by your braking.
iIn exceptional cases, the handbrake
can be used for emergency braking if
the service brake fails (\2page 115).

120 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
Alignment and balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
\4Fast tire wear
\4Uneven tire wear, such as feathering
and one-sided wear
\4Vehicle pulling to the left or right
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to
the left or right. Alignment will not correct
this condition. See an authorized Sprinter
Dealer for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle
vibration. Vibration may be the result of a
tire and wheel imbalance. Proper balanc-
ing will reduce vibration and avoid tire cup-
ping and spotty wear.Coolant temperature
During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant tem-
perature may rise close to approximately
250 °F (120 °C).
The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature over 250 °F
(120 °C). Doing so may cause serious en-
gine damage which is not covered by the
Sprinter warranty.
Warning
G
\4Driving when your engine is overheated
can cause some fluids, which may have
leaked into the engine compartment, to
catch fire. You could be seriously
burned.
\4Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.

179 Operation
Driving tips
4
Always secure items in the trailer to pre-
vent load shifts while driving.
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are dif-
ferent and less stable from those when op-
erating the vehicle without a trailer. It is
important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore is limited in acceler-
ation and climbing ability, and requires
longer stopping distances. It is more prone
to reacting to side wind gusts, and requires
more sensitive steering input.
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’s behavior, you should prac-
tice turning , st opping and backing up in a n
area which is free from traffic.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rath-
er engage the brake slightly at first to per-
mit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
Warning
G
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are dif-
ferent and less stable from those when op-
erating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of con-
trol over the vehicle-trailer combination.
This could cause an accident resulting in
property damage or injury to you or others.!
CAUTION
If the transmission hunts between
gears on inclines, manually shift to a
lower gear (select
"4", "3", "2" or
"1").
A lower gear and reduction of speed re-
duces the chance of the engine over-
loading and / or overheating.
When going down a long hill, shift into
a lower gear and use the engine’s brak-
ing effect. Avoid riding the brakes, thus
overheating the vehicle and trailer
brakes.
If the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature (coolant tem-
perature needle approaching the red
zone) when the air conditioner is on,
turn off the air conditioner. Engine
coolant heat can be additionally vented
by opening the windows, switching the
climate control fan speed to high and
setting the temperature control to the
maximum hot position.
Extreme care must be exercised since
your vehicle with a trailer will require
additional passing distance ahead than
when driving without a trailer. Because
your vehicle and trailer is longer than
your vehicle alone, you will also need to
go much farther ahead of the passed
vehicle before you can return to your
lane.

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.

265 Practical hints
What to do if ...
5
The auxiliary heating does not switch on or
the engine does not start
WARNING
G
The auxiliary heating has overheated about
ten times in succession.
The engine or heater is malfunctioning.
\1Have the auxiliary heating checked at
an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
The heater has overheated.
The coolant level is too low.
\1Check the coolant level and add cool-
ant if necessary (\2page 191).
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
Leaving the vehicle in storageWarning
G
Always have maintenance work carried out
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer which has
the necessary specialist knowledge and
tools to carry out the work required.
The manufacturer recommends that you use
an authorized Sprinter Dealer for this pur-
pose.
In particular, work relevant to safety or on
safety-related systems must be carried out
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer. There is a
risk of an accident and injury if this work is
carried out incorrectly.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
You wish to leave your vehicle in storage for
a long period of time (longer than
six weeks).
\1Obtain advice from an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
\1Disconnect the starter battery
(\2page 335).

275 Practical hints
What to do if ...
5
:
The yellow engine oil level warning
lamp lights up, the
HI
engine oil
level message appears in the dis-
play and the warning buzzer
sounds after the engine is started
or while the vehicle is in motion.
The engine oil level has exceeded the maxi-
mum level.
\1Check the engine oil level and have
any excess oil siphoned off at the
nearest refueling station
(\2page 190).
The engine or the catalytic converter
could be damaged.
\1If the oil level is correct, have the mal-
function rectified as soon as possible
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
:
The yellow engine oil level warning
lamp lights up repeatedly while
the vehicle is in motion.
The engine oil level indicator is malfunction-
ing.
\1Have the vehicle checked immediate-
ly at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
/
The yellow coolant level warning
lamp lights up while the engine is
running.
The coolant level is too low.
Never run the engine if the coolant level is
too low.
The engine could overheat and be dam-
aged.
\1Stop at the earliest opportunity.
\1Switch off the engine to cool down.
\1Check the coolant level and add cool-
ant as necessary (\2page 191).
\1If you are having to add coolant fre-
quently, have the cooling system
checked at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions

292 Practical hintsDisplay messages
5
Z
Coolant
Stop, turn engine
off
The coolant temperature is too high.
\1Do not drive any further.
\1Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
If the vehicle is switched off after being
subjected to extreme loads (for example
driving in mountainous terrain, trailer tow-
ing, etc.), this message may be displayed
when the ignition is switched on or the en-
gine is restarted. Run the engine for approx-
imately 1 minute at idling speed.
Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer if the
message remains displayed.
H
Coolant
Check level
The coolant level is too low.
Never run the engine if the coolant level
is too low. The engine could overheat and
be damaged.
\1Add coolant (\2page 191).
\1If you are having to add coolant frequent-
ly, have the cooling system checked at
an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
.
Low beam left
The left-hand low-beam headlamp is mal-
functioning.
\1Change the bulb as soon as possible.
Low beam right
The right-hand low-beam headlamp is
malfunctioning.
\1Change the bulb as soon as possible.
Turn signal left
The left-hand turn signal is malfunctioning.
\1Change the bulb as soon as possible.
Turn signal right
The right-hand turn signal is malfunction-
ing.
\1Change the bulb as soon as possible.
Brake lamp left
The left-hand brake lamp is malfunction-
ing.
\1Change the bulb as soon as possible.
Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause / result
Possible solution

329 Practical hints
Flat tire
5
\1Start the engine (\2page 111).
\1Press I on electric air pump switch1.
The electric air pump is switched on.
The tire sealant is then pumped into
the tire and the tire pressure is in-
creased. Allow the electric air pump to
run for at least 10 minutes until tire
sealant bottle 8 is completely empty
and a minimum tire pressure of
43.5 psi (3.0 bar) is achieved.
\1Inflate the tire using the electric air
pump until the recommended tire pres-
sure (\2page 210) is achieved.
\1Then press0 on electric air pump
switch1.
The electric air pump is switched off.
\1Slide knoba quickly to the stop in
valve core extractorc.
\1Turn knob a clockwise until the valve
core is firmly screwed into tire
valved.
\1Press leverb and remove valve core
extractorc from tire valved.
\1Screw the valve cap onto tire valved.
After filling with tire sealant (\2page 333).Twin tires, inner wheel
9Valve extension
aValve core extractor
\1Unscrew and remove the valve cap
from valve extension9 on the flat tire.
\1Screw valve core extractora clock-
wise all the way onto valve
extension9.
\1Continue to screw valve core
extractora about half a rotation to
loosen the valve extension.
\1Unscrew and remove the valve exten-
sion and valve core extractor counter-
clockwise from tire valve.
\1Unscrew and remove the valve exten-
sion from the valve core extractor.
!
CAUTION
Do not connect the electric air pump
connector to the cigarette lighter sock-
et or another 12 V socket. These are
not designed for operating the electric
air pump.
!
CAUTION
Do not run the electric air pump for
more than 20 minutes without a break,
otherwise it may overheat.
The air pump can be used again once it
has cooled down.
iDo not pull the valve core extractor
from the tire valve while the valve core
is unscrewed from the tire valve. Tire
sealant could otherwise escape onto
your hands.
The tire sealant is water soluble. If tire
sealant escapes, you can wash it away
with water.

330 Practical hintsFlat tire
5
aValve core extractor
bHook
cKnob
dAngle bracket
eTire valve
\1Pull knob c out of valve core
extractora as far as the stop.
\1Screw valve core extractora clock-
wise onto tire valvee.
\1Press knob c into the valve core of
tire valvee, turning it gently as you do
so, until the shaft of valve core
extractora engages.
\1Turn knob c counterclockwise until
the valve core is unscrewed.\1Pull knob c out of valve core
extractora as far as the stop.
This pulls the valve core into the valve
core extractor and seals it against the
valve core extractor stop.
\1Hook tire sealant bottle 8 into the up-
per vent hole in the wheel using hook
b.
\1Press angle bracket d on hose of tire
sealant bottle 8 to the stop on the
flange of valve extractora and clamp
it in place.
\1Make sure that the pressure release
screw on pressure gauge 5 is closed.
\1Connect connector6 to the 12 V
socket (12 V, 25 A, 300 watts) on the
center console (\2page 170).
\1Start the engine (\2page 111).\1Press I on electric air pump switch1.
The electric air pump is switched on.
The tire sealant is then pumped into
the tire and the tire pressure is in-
creased. Allow the electric air pump to
run for at least 10 minutes until tire
sealant bottle 8 is completely empty
and a minimum tire pressure of
43.5 psi (3.0 bar) is achieved.
\1Inflate the tire using the electric air
pump until the recommended tire pres-
sure (\2page 210) is achieved.
\1Then press0 on electric air pump
switch1.
The electric air pump is switched off.
\1Slide knob c quickly to the stop in
valve core extractora.
!
CAUTION
Do not connect the electric air pump
connector to the cigarette lighter sock-
et or another 12 V socket. These are
not designed for operating the electric
air pump.
!
CAUTION
Do not run the electric air pump for
more than 20 minutes without a break,
otherwise it may overheat.
The air pump can be used again once it
has cooled down.