tires DODGE SPRINTER 2007 2.G Owners Manual

5 Introduction
Operating safety
The manufacturer warrants to the original
and each subsequent owner of a
Mercedes-Benz 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
100000 miles or 3000 hours of engine
operation, whichever occurs first.
The Owner’s Warranty Information Book
contains detailed information about the
warranties covering your Sprinter.The manufacturer may instruct its autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer to carry out technical
inspections on certain vehicles to improve
their quality or safety.
If you did not purchase your vehicle from
an authorized dealership and your vehicle
has not yet been inspected at an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer, there is a possibility
that your vehicle has not been registered in
your name with the manufacturer. The
manufacturer will only be able to inform
you about vehicle inspections if the manu-
facturer is in possession of your registra-
tion data.
It is advisable to have your vehicle regis-
tered at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Inform the manufacturer as soon as possi-
ble if your address has changed or there
has been a change of vehicle owner.
Warning
G
A heavy impact to the underbody, tires or
wheels, for example when bottoming out on
rough terrain or driving over an obstacle at
high speed, could damage your vehicle. This
also applies to vehicles equipped with un-
derbody protection.
In this case, have your vehicle checked at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools to
carry out the work required. The manufac-
turer recommends that you use an autho-
rized 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.
Service and warranty information
Registering your vehicle

6 IntroductionOperating safetyDo not allow the electronically stored total
distance covered by your vehicle to be
modified as a result of tampering with the
electronics system.
This type of modification or failing to in-
form the buyer when selling the vehicle
could constitute an offense punishable by
law, depending on the country concerned.
Having the engine power output of your
vehicle increased by tampering with the
electronic engine management system will
invalidate the vehicle’s general operating
permit and insurance coverage, as well as
your warranty and warranty entitlement.
Modifications to the output of the engine
must be reported to the insurance provider
and require the vehicle to be recertified.
The tires, chassis, brake and cooling sys-
tems must be adapted to the increased en-
gine power output.Tampering with the electronic engine man-
agement system modifies emission values
and it will not be possible to guarantee the
operating safety of the engine in every
case. Increases in performance may lead
to malfunctions and consequential dam-
age to other assemblies.
If you sell the vehicle, failing to inform the
buyer of the modified engine power output
could constitute an offense punishable by
law, depending on the country concerned.
The manufacturer recommends the use of
genuine Sprinter parts and conversion
parts as well as accessories that have
been expressly approved for your vehicle
model (\2page 352).
These parts have been subjected to spe-
cial tests in order to determine their safety,
reliability and suitability.Body builder guideline
If you intend on making any alterations to
the vehicle, we strongly recommend that
you select one of the following options in
order to obtain all necessary information:
\4Contact the authorized Sprinter Dealer
nearest you to obtain a copy of the
Sprinter Body Builder Guideline.
\4Call DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC at tele-
phone (800) 992-1997 to request a
copy of the Sprinter Body Builder
Guideline (there may be a charge).
\4Write to the following address and or-
der the Sprinter Body Builder Guideline
(there may be a charge).
DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC
P.O. Box 21-8004
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004
United States of AmericaDigital speedometer and total
distance recorderModifying the engine power output
Vehicle alterations

42 SafetyDriving safety systems
2
\3 Driving safety systemsIn this section, you will find information
about the following driving safety systems:
\4ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
\4BAS (B
rake As
sist)
\4ESP
® (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
\4ASR (acceleration skid control)
\4EBV (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)ABS regulates the brake pressure in such a
way that the wheels do not lock when you
brake. This allows you to continue steering
when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 3 mph
(5 km/h) upwards, regardless of road sur-
face conditions.
ABS works on slippery surfaces, even
when you only brake gently.
There is a malfunction if the - indicator
lamp is permanently lit while the engine is
running (\2page 271).
Despite this, the normal driving and brak-
ing functions remain available.
iThe maximum effect of ABS, BAS,
ESP
®, ASR and EBV can only be
achieved if you:
\4always drive with the correct tire
pressures adjusted according to
the load (\2page 210)
\4use winter tires (M+S tires) in win-
try conditions, with snow chains if
necessary
Warning
G
There is an increased risk of an accident if
you:
\4drive too fast, in particular when corner-
ing and on a wet or slippery road surface
\4drive too close to the vehicle in front
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce this risk and are un-
able to override the laws of physics.
Always adapt your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions, and
maintain an adequately safe distance from
other road users as well as any obstacles on
the road.iOnly use wheels with the recommend-
ed tire sizes (\2page 367), otherwise
the driving safety systems will not work
correctly.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning
G
Do not depress the brake pedal several
times in quick succession (pumping). De-
press the brake firmly and evenly. Pumping
the brake pedal may reduce the braking ef-
fect.

44 SafetyDriving safety systems
2
There is a malfunction if the # indicator
lamp is permanently lit while the engine is
running (\2page 272).
If ESP
® malfunctions, engine power output
may be reduced.ASR improves traction for a sustained peri-
od, i.e. the transfer of power from the tires
to the road surface, and thus also improves
the driving stability of the vehicle. ASR as-
sists you when pulling away and accelerat-
ing, especially on smooth and slippery
surfaces.
ASR brakes individual drive wheels and
limits the engine torque to prevent the
drive wheels from spinning. When ASR in-
tervenes, thev indicator lamp in the
speedometer flashes.
If the road surface is not capable of provid-
ing sufficient traction, bearing in mind the
tires, load and gradient, it is not be possi-
ble to pull away smoothly even with ASR.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons:
There is a malfunction if thek indicator
lamp is permanently lit while the engine is
running (\2page 270).
If ASR malfunctions, engine power output
may be reduced.
Warning
G
Proceed as follows if the v warning lamp
in the speedometer flashes:
\4Do not deactivate ASR under any cir-
cumstances.
\4Only depress the accelerator pedal as
far as necessary when pulling away.
\4Adapt your driving style to suit the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Otherwise, the vehicle could begin to skid.
ESP
® cannot reduce the risk of an accident
if you drive too fast. ESP
® is unable to over-
ride the laws of physics.
!
CAUTION
Only operate the vehicle briefly (maxi-
mum of 10 seconds) on a brake dyna-
mometer. The key must be turned to
position1 in the ignition lock during
this time. You could damage the drive
train or the brake system.
!
CAUTION
Do not operate the vehicle on a roller
dynamometer (for example for perfor-
mance testing). If you wish to operate
the vehicle on a roller dynamometer,
please consult an authorized Sprinter
Dealer beforehand. You could other-
wise damage the drive train or the
brake system.
Acceleration skid control (ASR)

117 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Overrun cut-off
The gasoline/diesel supply is cut off if the
driver's foot is completely removed from
the accelerator pedal when the engine is
overrunning at engine speeds outside of
the idling control range.
Driving in wet conditionsDriving on flooded roads
If you are forced to drive on stretches of
road on which water has collected, please
note that:
\4the water level must not reach above
the lower edge of the front bumper
\4the maximum speed at which you may
drive is walking speed
Tires
The tires are particularly important for the
operating and road safety of the vehicle.
You should therefore check the pressure,
tread and condition of the tires on a regular
basis.A tire dealer, a qualified specialist work-
shop or any authorized Sprinter Dealer will
be able to provide further information re-
garding the:
\4list of recommended makes of tire
\4tire load-bearing capacity (LI Load
Index)
\4maximum tire speed (SI Speed Index)
\4tire age
\4causes and consequences of tire wear
\4measures to be taken in the event of
tire damage
\4tire types for certain regions, areas of
operation or conditions of vehicle use
\4interchangeability of tires, etc.
Modifications to the brake system or
wheels are not permissible, nor is the use
of spacer plates or brake dust shields. Any
such modifications will invalidate the vehi-
cle’s general operating permit.Warning
G
The vehicle may hydroplane despite having
adequate tire tread depth and being driven
at low speeds, depending on the depth of
water on the road surface.
For this reason, avoid tire ruts and brake
carefully.
!
CAUTION
Note that vehicles in front or oncoming
vehicles create waves.
This may mean that the maximum per-
mitted water depth is exceeded.
These notes must be observed to avoid
the risk of engine damage.

118 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and be-
come visible at a tread depth of approxi-
mately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point
the tire is considered worn and should be
replaced.
The Treadwear Indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.Specified tire inflation pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if the
tires are subject to extreme operating con-
ditions (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high
ambient temperatures).For detailed information on tires, see "Tires
and wheels" (\2page 199).
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even
at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce
vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in the
rain.Warning
G
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possi-
ble damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with cau-
tion to an area which is a safe distance from
the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle undercar-
riage for possible damage. If the vehicle or
tires appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized Sprinter Dealer or
tire dealer for repairs.
Warning
G
Although the applicable federal motor vehi-
cle safety laws consider a tire to be worn
when the Treadwear Indicators (TWI) be-
come visible at approximately 1/16 in
(1.6 mm), do not allow your tires to wear
down to that level. As tread depth approach-
es 1/8 in (3 mm) for summer tires or 1/6 in
(4 mm) for winter tires, the adhesion proper-
ties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Warning
G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
may lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause excessive
heat buildup and possibly a fire.

119 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Tire traction
Tire grip is greatly reduced on a wet, snow
covered or icy road. Speed and driving
style must therefore be adapted to suit
road conditions. The safe speed on a wet,
snow covered or icy road is always lower
than on a dry road.
Below a tread depth of 1/8 in (3 mm), tire
grip begins to decrease rapidly on wet
roads.
Pay particular attention to the condition of
the road whenever the outside tempera-
tures is close to the freezing point.In winter, install M+S radial tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately 1/
6 in (4 mm) on all wheels to ensure normal
balanced handling characteristics. On
packed snow, they can reduce your stop-
ping distance compared to summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still consid-
erably greater than when the road is not
covered with snow or ice. Exercise appro-
priate caution.
For information on winter tires, see "Winter
tires" (\2page 234).
Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use pru-
dent driving speeds appropriate to prevail-
ing conditions.The vehicles are factory equipped with "L"
(vehicles type 2500 only) or "N"-rated
tires, which have a speed rating of 74 mph
(120 km / h) or 87 mph (140 km / h) re-
spectively.
For information on speed ratings or for ad-
ditional general information on tire speed
markings on the tire side wall, see "Tire
speed rating" (\2page 224).Warning
G
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
!
CAUTION
Avoid spinning a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drive train
which is not covered by the Sprinter
warranty.
Warning
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and / or serious
injury and possible death, for you and for
others.

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.

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

178 OperationDriving tips
4
Attaching a trailer
Please observe the maximum permitted
trailer dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire safety chains between your tow vehi-
cle and the trailer. The chains should be
crisscrossed under the trailer tongue. They
must be attached to the hitch receiver, and
not to the vehicle’s bumper or axle. Be sure
to leave enough slack in the chains to per-
mit turning corners.Towing a trailer
There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer towing. Make sure that your vehicle-
trailer combination will be legal, not only
for where you reside, but also for where
you will be driving. A good source for this
information can be the police or local au-
thorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer,
check the trailer hitch, break-away switch,
safety chains, electrical connections, light-
ing and tires. Also adjust the mirrors to
permit an unobstructed view beyond the
rear of the trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure that the brakes are work-
ing properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure, and that
lighting and trailer brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
iMost states and all Canadian provinces
require a separate brake system at var-
ious trailer weights.
Warning
G
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the vehi-
cle’s hydraulic brake system as your vehicle
is equipped with antilock brakes. If you do,
neither the vehicle’s brakes nor the trailer’s
brakes will function properly. This could
cause an accident resulting in property dam-
age, injury or death to you or others.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring har-
ness for trailer towing has a brake signal
wire for hook-up to a brake controller.
Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire a break-away switch on trailers with a
separate brake system. The switch activates
the trailer brakes in the possible event that
the trailer might separate from the tow vehi-
cle.
You should consider using a trailer sway
control system. For further information, see
your authorized Sprinter Dealer.