maintenance DODGE SPRINTER 2007 2.G Owners Manual

3 Introduction
\3 Environmental protection
In this manual, whenever you see instruc-
tions to discard materials, you should first
attempt to reclaim and recycle them. To
preserve our environment, follow appropri-
ate environmental rules and regulations
when disposing of materials.
Environmental note
H
DaimlerChrysler’s declared policy is one of
comprehensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
which form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
which takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can contribute to environmental
protection by operating your vehicle in an
environmentally-responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and engine, transmission,
brake and tire wear depend on the two fol-
lowing factors:
\4Operating conditions of your vehicle
\4Your personal driving style
You can influence both factors.
Observe the following notes:
Operating conditions
\4Avoid driving short distances as this in-
creases fuel consumption.
\4Make sure that the tire pressures are al-
ways correct.
\4Do not carry any unnecessary weight
in / on the vehicle.
\4Keep an eye on the vehicle’s fuel con-
sumption.
\4Remove roof racks once you no longer
need them.
\4A regularly serviced vehicle will contrib-
ute to environmental protection. You
should therefore adhere to the specified
service intervals.
\4Always have maintenance work carried
out at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Personal driving style
\4Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
\4Do not warm up the engine when the ve-
hicle is stationary.
\4Adopt an anticipatory style of driving
and keep a sufficient distance from oth-
er vehicles.
\4Avoid frequent, sudden acceleration.
\4Switch off the engine in stationary traf-
fic.
Environmental concerns and recom-
mendations

4 IntroductionOperating safety
Operating safetyWarning
G
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
In addition, certain fluids contained in vehi-
cles, and certain products of component
wear, contain chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth de-
fects or other reproductive harm.
Warning
G
Work carried out incorrectly on electronic
equipment and its software could cause the
equipment to stop working. The electronic
systems are networked with each other via
interfaces. Tampering with the electronic
systems may also cause malfunctions in
systems that have not been modified. These
malfunctions, however, can jeopardize the
operating safety of your vehicle and there-
fore put your own safety at considerable
risk.
Other work carried out incorrectly or modifi-
cations to the vehicle could also jeopardize
operating safety.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. Therefore, you should not
switch off the engine while driving.
Warning
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 purpose.
In particular, work relevant to safety or on
safety-related systems must be carried out
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.

171 Controls in detail
Features
3
Telephones may only be used inside the
vehicle if they are connected to a separate
exterior antenna of a type tested and ap-
proved by the manufacturer.The installation of the antenna must be ap-
proved by a qualified specialist workshop.
Always have maintenance work carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.Telephone*Warning
G
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are driving when
operating a cell phone in the vehicle.
If it is permitted to operate a cell phone
while the vehicle is in motion, you must only
operate it when road and traffic conditions
permit. You may otherwise be distracted
from the traffic conditions, cause an acci-
dent and injure yourself and others.
Cell phones without exterior antennas may
interfere with the vehicle electronics and
thereby jeopardize the operational safety of
the vehicle. You must therefore only use
these devices when they are connected to a
separate exterior antenna.
Warning
G
Only use the telephone when road, weather
and traffic conditions permit you to do so.
You will otherwise be too distracted. If you
are not using the hands-free system, pull
over to make a phone call.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approx. 50 km/h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of 44 feet (approx. 14 m) every
second.
Telephones without exterior antennas may
interfere with the vehicle electronics and
thereby jeopardize the operational safety of
the vehicle.
iObserve all legal requirements.iThe cell phone battery will be charged
depending on the charge status and
the position of the key in the ignition
lock. The cell phone display indicates
the charging process.

173
4 Operation
The first 1000 miles (1,500 km) ......... 174
Driving tips ......... 175
Electronic equipment ......... 183
Refueling ......... 184
Engine ......... 185
Battery ......... 195
Battery isolating switch* ......... 197
Tires and wheels ......... 199
Winter driving ......... 234
Maintenance and servicing ......... 237
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ......... 241

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.

202 OperationTires and wheels
4
\4When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first.
The tire inflation pressure should be
checked regularly, i.e. at least each time
you refuel the vehicle. The preferred inter-
val for checking the tire inflation pressure,
however, is before each trip.
For more information on checking tire in-
flation pressure, refer to "Recommended
tire inflation pressure" (\2page 210).Tire inspection
Every time when checking the tire inflation
pressure, the tires should also be inspect-
ed for the following:
\4excessive treadwear, refer to "Tread
depth". the condition of the tread
depths, i.e. uneven tread wear or ex-
cessive treadwear on one side. Turn
the front wheels to full lock if neces-
sary to enable you to check the inner
edge of the front tires more easily. You
must also always check the inside of
the tire tread on the rear wheels.
\4cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber
\4bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in
the tread or side of the tire
\4foreign objects between the tires
(on vehicles with twin tires)
Replace the tire if any of the above condi-
tions is found.
Also inspect the spare tire periodically for
condition and inflation. Spare tires will age
and become worn over time even if never
used, and thus should be inspected and re-
placed when necessary.Tire damage
Tire damage can be caused
by:
\4the vehicle’s operating conditions
\4tire aging
\4curbs
\4foreign objects
\4insufficient or excessive tire pressures
\4weather and environmental influences
\4contact with oil, grease, fuel, etc.
Tire care and maintenanceWarning
G
Regularly check the tires for damage. Dam-
aged tires can cause tire inflation pressure
loss. As a result, you could lose control of
your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
Warning
G
Driving over curbs or sharp-edged objects
can cause damage to the tire substructure
which is not visible from the outside.
Damage to the tire substructure cannot be
detected until later and can cause the tire to
burst.
\2\2

215 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
pressure which was stored at the time of
calibration of the TPMS after you inflated the
tires.
Always ensure that you re-calibrate the
TPMS after you inflated the tires to the rec-
ommended cold inflation pressure.
Always adjust tire inflation pressure accord-
ing to the tire and loading information plac-
ard on the driver’s door B-pillar.
Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or
unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to fail from be-
ing overheated.
Overinflated tires can adversely affect han-
dling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, in-
crease stopping distance, and result in
sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or dam-
aged by road debris, potholes etc.
The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due
to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g.
tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring the vehicle to a halt by care-
fully applying the brakes and avoiding
abrupt steering maneuvers.
Warning
G
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
tire and loading information placard. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or the
tire inflation pressure label, you should de-
termine the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires).
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly underinflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu-
minates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significant-
ly underinflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi-
cle’s handling and stopping ability. Please
note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv-
er’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately 1 minute
and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not
be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended.
\2\2

219 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
Always adjust the tire inflation pressure ac-
cording to the tire and loading information
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar.
Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or
unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to fail from be-
ing overheated.
Overinflated tires can adversely affect han-
dling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, in-
crease stopping distance, and result in
sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or dam-
aged by road debris, potholes etc.
The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due
to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g.
tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring the vehicle to a halt by care-
fully applying the brakes and avoiding
abrupt steering maneuvers.
Warning
G
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or the tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or the tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires).
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly underinflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu-
minates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significant-
ly underinflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi-
cle’s handling and stopping ability. Please
note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv-
er’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately 1 minute
and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not
be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended.
\2\2

237 Operation
Maintenance and servicing
4
\3 Maintenance and servicing
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.
Observe the information on spare parts in
the “Technical data” section
(\2page 352).
Warning
G
Before carrying out maintenance operations
and repairs, please make sure that you read
the relevant sections of the technical docu-
mentation, such as:
\4Operating instructions and workshop in-
formation
Familiarize yourself in advance in particular
with legal requirements, such as:
\4Safety at work and accident prevention
regulations.
You may otherwise fail to recognize dangers
and could injure yourself or others.
When working underneath the vehicle, you
must place the vehicle on stands with suffi-
cient load-bearing capacity.
Never use the vehicle jack instead. There is
a risk that the vehicle jack could give way
and the vehicle could drop, seriously injuring
yourself or others, or causing damage to
property.
The jack is only designed to raise the vehicle
for a short time.
Always have the maintenance work carried
out and checked 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 car-
ried out at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Service products

238 OperationMaintenance and servicing
4
ASSYST, the A
ctive S
ervice Syst
em, in-
forms you when the next service is due.
A service that is due is displayed about a
month or 1900 miles (3000 km) in ad-
vance. A message is then displayed while
the vehicle is in motion or the ignition is
switched on.
Service due date display
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
The following messages may be displayed:
\49
Service A in .. days
\49
Service A in .. miles
(km)
\49
Service A due now
The letters
A or
B indicate the type of ser-
vice that is due.
Warning
G
If handled incorrectly, service products can
constitute a health risk for people and an en-
vironmental hazard.
Always observe relevant guidelines for han-
dling, storing and disposing of service prod-
ucts.
Active Service System (ASSYST)*!
CAUTION
Periods when the battery is disconnect-
ed will not be recorded by ASSYST. To
make sure that you have the vehicle
serviced at the correct time, you should
therefore subtract periods when the
battery is disconnected from the days
shown.
The service indicator does not provide
information about the engine oil level.
The service indicator should not, there-
fore, be confused with theP engine
oil level display.
iThe service due date is displayed in
days or kilometers, depending on the
total distance driven.
The time between the individual service
due dates depends on your style of
driving. You can increase this by:
\4driving with care and at a moderate
engine speed
\4avoiding short journeys where the
engine does not reach the operat-
ing temperature