brake DODGE SPRINTER 2008 2.G Owner's Manual

185 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Automatic transmissionGearshift patternP Parking position (selector lever lock)R Reverse gearN NeutralD Drive position
\1
Make sure that the automatic trans-
mission is in parking position
P be-
fore starting the engine.
!
CAUTION
Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
iIf you depress the brake pedal when
starting the engine, pedal travel may
be short and the pedal resistance
may be high.
Pedal travel and resistance return to
normal when you depress the brake
pedal again while the engine is run-
ning.
iIt is also possible to start the engine
in neutral
N.
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187 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
\1
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
\1
Release the handbrake
(\2
page 191).
The7
indicator lamp in the in-
strument cluster goes out.
\1
Move the selector lever to position
D
or
R.
\1
Release the brake pedal.
\1
Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
You will find more information about se-
lector lever positions, shift ranges and
driving tips in the “Automatic transmis-
sion” section (
\2
page 201).
iOn vehicles with a reverse warning
feature*, an audible warning sounds
for other road users when reverse
gear is engaged (
\2
page 271).
iDepending on the vehicle's settings,
the vehicle automatically locks itself
centrally after it has driven off, at the
latest (
\2
page 106). The locking
knobs on the front doors and the
sliding door drop down.
You can open the doors from the in-
side at any time.
You can also switch off the automat-
ic door lock (
\2
page 106).
!
CAUTION
Only select reverse gear when the ve-
hicle is stationary, otherwise you
could damage the automatic trans-
mission.
iWait until the gear selection has
completed before pulling away.iAutomatic transmission upshifts are
made at higher engine speeds after a
cold start. This helps the catalytic
converter to reach its operating tem-
perature more quickly.
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188 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
Do not accelerate to prevent your vehi-
cle from rolling backwards on an uphill
gradient. Instead, you should either use
the handbrake or depress the brake ped-
al. This prevents excessive wear on the
clutch.
Select a lower gear (shift range
3, 2 or
1)
(
\2
page 204) in good time on long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if
towing a trailer. This prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too rapidly.
It is best not to stop the vehicle immedi-
ately after the brakes have been subject-
ed 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 af-
ter a long period of driving in heavy rain
without braking, it is possible that:
\4
there will be a delayed braking
response
\4
you will need to depress the brake
pedal more firmly
You should therefore maintain a greater
distance from the vehicle in front.
BrakingWarning
G
There is no power assistance for the ser-
vice 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 acci-
dent.
Never switch off the engine while driving.
Warning
G
Make sure that other road users are not
put at risk by your braking.
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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.
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190 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
Warning
G
Always switch off the engine and apply
the handbrake before leaving the vehicle.
The vehicle could roll away if it is not
secured.
On uphill or downhill gradients steeper
than 15%:
\4apply the handbrake
\4secure an unloaded vehicle by chock-
ing the front axle (\2page 521)
\4secure a loaded vehicle by, for exam-
ple, chocking the rear axle
(\2page 521)
!
CAUTION
Whenever you park the vehicle, al-
ways remove the key to prevent the
battery from excessively discharg-
ing.
For vehicles which are out of use for
extended periods and have a battery
isolating switch*, switch off the elec-
trical system (
\2
page 338).
Warning
G
Make sure that the exhaust system does
not come into contact with highly flamma-
ble materials, e.g. dry grass or gasoline.
The flammable material could otherwise
ignite and set vehicle components on fire.
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191 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Handbrake
The handbrake is located between the
driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat.1Lever
2Release knob
Warning
G
Regulations in some countries require the
parking lamps to be switched on to illumi-
nate the vehicle for other road users if
parked on a public road at night. In built-
up areas, night reflectors can also be
used.
Observe legal requirements.
Warning
G
Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. They could release the hand-
brake. This could lead to a serious or fatal
accident.
!
CAUTION
You must only apply the handbrake
when the vehicle is stationary.
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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.
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193 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Stopping the engine\1
Apply handbrake (
\2
page 191).
\1
Move selector lever to
P.
\1
Turn key to position
0 (\2
page 111)
in the ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
\1
Secure the vehicle at the front axle if
unloaded and at the rear axle if load-
ed, e.g. using a chock (
\2
page 521).
Warning
G
The wheels on the rear axle could lock if
the handbrake lever is applied too abrupt-
ly. The vehicle could then start to skid.
Make sure that you apply the handbrake
lever carefully to ensure that braking ap-
plication is moderated.
!
CAUTION
If the coolant temperature is raised,
e.g. following driving in mountainous
terrain, run the engine at idling speed
for a further 1 or 2 minutes before
you switch off the engine. This allows
the coolant temperature to return to
normal again.
iWhen parking on steep uphill or
downhill gradients, turn the front
wheels towards the curb.
iYou can only remove the key from
the ignition lock when the selector le-
ver is in position
P.
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195 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Driving in wet conditions Driving on flooded roads
If you are forced to drive on stretches of
road on which water has collected,
please note that:\4
the water level must not reach above
the lower edge of the front bumper
\4
the maximum speed at which you
may drive is walking speed
TiresThe tires are particularly important for
the operating and road safety of the ve-
hicle. 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 informa-
tion regarding the:\4
list of recommended makes of tire
\4
tire load-bearing capacity (LI Load
Index)
\4
maximum tire speed (SI Speed In-
dex)
\4
tire age
Warning
G
The vehicle may hydroplane despite hav-
ing 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 oncom-
ing vehicles create waves.
This may mean that the maximum
permitted water depth is exceeded.
These notes must be observed to
avoid the risk of engine damage.
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196 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
\4
causes and consequences of tire
wear
\4
measures to be taken in the event of
tire damage
\4
tire types for certain regions, areas
of operation or conditions of vehicle
use
\4
interchangeability 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 in-
validate the vehicle’s general operating
permit.Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required
by law. These indicators are located in
six places on the tread circumference
and become visible at a tread depth of
approximately 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.
Warning
G
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has oc-
curred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down,
and drive with caution 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.
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