service DODGE SPRINTER 2008 2.G User Guide

189 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
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 corrosion.
If you make only moderate use of the
service 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 re-
sult.For safety reasons, the manufacturer
recommends that you only have brake
pads / linings installed on your vehicle
that have been approved for the Sprinter
Vehicle.
Brake pads /linings that have not been
approved for the Sprinter Vehicle could
affect your vehicle’s operating safety.
iIn exceptional cases, the handbrake
can be used for emergency braking if
the service brake fails (
\2
page 192).
ParkingWarning
G
Only remove the key from the ignition
lock when the vehicle is stationary, since
it is not possible to steer the vehicle with
the key removed.
Always apply the handbrake after parking
the vehicle.
Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. They could release the hand-
brake. This could lead to a serious or fatal
accident.
nf_BA.book Page 189 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

192 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
Applying the handbrake
\1
Pull lever
1
up as far as the last de-
tent.
The
7
indicator lamp in the in-
strument cluster lights up while the
engine is running.
Releasing the handbrake
\1
Raise lever
1
slightly and press re-
lease knob
2
.
\1
Guide lever
1
down to the stop.
The
7
indicator lamp in the in-
strument cluster goes out.
Emergency brakingNormally, you are only permitted to ap-
ply the handbrake when the vehicle is
stationary.
In exceptional cases, the handbrake can
be used for emergency braking if the
service brake fails.\1
Keep release knob
2
pressed and
carefully apply lever1
.
iOn vehicles with a folding handbrake
lever, you can then press lever
1

down to the stop.
iOn vehicles with a folding handbrake
lever, you must first pull lever
1
up
to the stop.
nf_BA.book Page 192 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

311 Operation
Driving tips
4
If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-
eign countries, please be aware that:\4
service facilities or replacement
parts may not be readily available,
\4
unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be
available; the use of leaded fuels will
damage the catalysts,
\4
gasoline may have a considerably
lower octane rating, and improper
fuel can cause engine damage.
You will find information about
gasoline / diesel in the “Technical data”
section (
\2
page 610).You can permanently limit the maximum
speed of your vehicle to 75 mph
(120 km/h).
The manufacturer recommends that you
have the maximum speed programmed
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer. This
has the necessary specialist knowledge
and tools to carry out the required work.
Operating the vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
iIf you are traveling in countries
where vehicles are driven on the op-
posite side of the road to that in
which the vehicle is registered, you
must have the headlamps:\4
partially masked (halogen head-
lamps)
\4
switched over (bi-xenon head-
lamps)
Relevant information can be ob-
tained at an authorized Sprinter Deal-
er.
Programmed maximum speed
nf_BA.book Page 311 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

312 OperationDriving tips
4
You will find information about the
speed limit for your tires under “Tires
and wheels” in this section
(\2
page 383).
Check regularly, e.g. weekly or when re-
fueling:
\4
the vehicle lighting
\4
the condition of the tires
(\2
page 346) and the tire pressures
(
\2
page 361)
\4
the engine oil level (
\2
page 322)
\4
the brake fluid level (
\2
page 331)
\4
the fluid level in the windshield wash-
er system / headlamp cleaning sys-
tem reservoir (
\2
page 333)
\4
the contamination level of the rear
air-conditioning air cleaner
(\2
page 414)
Your vehicle is equipped with monolith-
ic-type catalytic converters, an impor-
tant element in conjunction 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 rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Service Booklet.
Warning
G
Exceeding the permissible maximum
speed can cause tire damage, which
could lead to loss of control of the vehi-
cle.
As the driver, you must find out about the
maximum speed of the vehicle and the re-
sulting permissible maximum speed of
the tires (tire and tire pressure).
Never exceed the speed limit for your
tires under any circumstances
(\2page 383).
Regular checks
Catalytic converter (gasoline engine)
nf_BA.book Page 312 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

313 Operation
Driving tips
4
Your vehicle is equipped with an oxida-
tion catalyst, an important element in
conjunction with the oxygen sensors to
achieve substantial control of the pollut-
ants in the exhaust emissions. Keep
your vehicle in proper operating condi-
tion by following our recommended
maintenance instructions as outlined in
your Service Booklet.
!
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium un-
leaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in en-
gine 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
operate this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible 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)
nf_BA.book Page 313 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

314 OperationDriving tips
4
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the ex-
haust gases within permissible limits re-
quired by law.These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly
according to factory specifications. Any
adjustments to the engine should there-
fore be carried out only by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Engine adjustments should not be al-
tered in any way. Moreover, the speci-
fied service jobs must be carried out
regularly according to the manufactur-
er’s servicing requirements. For details
refer to the Service Booklet.Warning
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or
operate this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible 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.Emission control
Warning
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains car-
bon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness and lead to
death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driv-
ing, have the cause determined and cor-
rected immediately. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive with at least
one window fully open at all times.
nf_BA.book Page 314 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

322 OperationEngine compartment
4
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 Deal-
er 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, see "Service products
and capacities" (
\2
page 604) and con-
tact 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
higher if:
\4
the vehicle is new
\4
you mainly operate the vehicle under
arduous operating conditions
\4
you often drive at high engine
speeds
The engine oil consumption can only be
judged after a lengthy distance has been
covered.
Service products
Warning
G
If handled incorrectly, service products
can constitute a health risk for people and
an environmental hazard.
Always observe relevant guidelines for
handling, storing and disposing of service
products.
Engine oil
nf_BA.book Page 322 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

328 OperationEngine compartment
4
3
Engine oil dipstick
\1
Check 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.
\1
Add engine oil if necessary
(\2
page 328).
Adding engine oilFor specifications of engine oils see
"Service products and capacities"
(\2
page 604).
\1
Unscrew the cap on engine oil filler
neck
1
.
Make sure that you only fill the en-
gine oil as far as the upper
max

mark.
\1
Unscrew the cap on filler neck
1
. N18.00-2041-31
!
CAUTION
Have any excess engine oil drained
or siphoned off at an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. Otherwise, the en-
gine or catalytic 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 engine oil dripping down.
nf_BA.book Page 328 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

330 OperationEngine compartment
4
\1
Slowly unscrew cap
1
counter-
clockwise to reduce excess pres-
sure.
\1
Continue turning the cap and remove
it.
\1
Add coolant as far as the MAX mark.
\1
Twist cap
1
back on.
For coolant specifications, see "Service
products and capacities" (
\2
page 604).
Warning
G
When opening the coolant expansion tank
there is a risk of scalding from hot coolant
spraying out. The cooling system and the
coolant expansion tank are pressurized
when the engine is at normal operating
temperature.
Wear gloves and eye protection. Only
open the coolant expansion tank when
the coolant temperature is less than
122 °F (50 °C).
Warning
G
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore
toxic. Do not swallow coolant. Consult a
doctor immediately if any coolant is swal-
lowed.
Do not allow coolant to come into contact
with your skin, eyes or clothing. In the
event of contact with the eyes, rinse them
thoroughly with clean water. Clean skin
and clothes immediately with soap and
water. Change out of soiled clothing with-
out delay.
!
CAUTION
Check the cooling and heating sys-
tems regularly for leaks. If a large
quantity of coolant is lost, have the
cause traced and rectified at an au-
thorized Sprinter Dealer.
nf_BA.book Page 330 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

333 Operation
Engine compartment
4
For specifications of brake fluid, see
"Service products and capacities"
(\2
page 616).The windshield washer reservoir is in the
engine compartment. It holds approx.
7.4 US qt (7.0 l).
On vehicles with a headlamp cleaning
system, this is also supplied from the
windshield washer reservoir.
1Coolant tank cap
2Brake fluid reservoir cap
3Windshield washer reservoir capAdd windshield washer fluid concentrate
to the water all year round.
Warning
G
If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too
low, vapor pockets may form in the brake
system when the brakes are applied hard
(e.g. when driving on long downhill
stretches). This has a detrimental effect
on braking efficiency, which could in-
crease the stopping distance. This in-
creases the risk of an accident.
Have the brake fluid replaced every
two years.
Windshield washer system/
headlamp cleaning system*
N20.30-2063-31
nf_BA.book Page 333 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM