check oil MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2005 Service Repair Manual

LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FLUID TYPES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS -
DIESEL ENGINE.......................1
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT........1
DESCRIPTION - HOAT COOLANT..........2
DESCRIPTION - AXLE...................3
DESCRIPTION - BRAKE FLUID............3
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING FLUID . . 3
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE OIL - DIESEL
ENGINES............................3
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID - NAG1............4
OPERATION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID...............................4
FLUID CAPACITIES
SPECIFICATIONS - FLUID CAPACITIES.......4FLUID FILL/CHECK LOCATIONS
INSPECTION - FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS..........................4
PARTS & LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATION
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PARTS &
LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS.........5
HOISTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HOISTING........5
JUMP STARTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - JUMP STARTING . . 6
TOWING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING.........6
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
DESCRIPTION..........................7
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION..........................9
FLUID TYPES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FUEL REQUIREMENTS -
DIESEL ENGINE
DESCRIPTION
WARNING: Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel
blending agent. They can be unstable under certain
conditions and hazardous or explosive when mixed
with diesel fuel.
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable sup-
plier in your Dodge truck. For most year-round ser-
vice, number 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM
specification D-975 will provide good performance. If
the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below 0ÉF/-
18ÉC), or is required to operate at colder-than-normal
conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized No. 2
diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50%
No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better protection
from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel filters.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To
prevent fuel system trouble, including fuel line freez-
ing in winter, drain the accumulated water from the
fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good-quality fuel and fol-low the cold-weather advice above, fuel conditioners
should not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane ªpremiumº diesel fuel may
offer improved cold starting and warm-up perfor-
mance.
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLANT
ETHYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
CAUTION: Richer antifreeze mixtures cannot be
measured with normal field equipment and can
cause problems associated with 100 percent ethyl-
ene-glycol.
The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and water
mixture depends upon the climate and vehicle oper-
ating conditions. The recommended mixture of 50/50
ethylene-glycol and water will provide protection
against freezing to -37É C (-34É F). The antifreeze
concentrationmust alwaysbe a minimum of 44 per-
cent, year-round in all climates.If percentage is
lower than 44 percent, engine parts may be
eroded by cavitation, and cooling system com-
ponents may be severely damaged by corrosion.
Maximum protection against freezing is provided
with a 68 percent antifreeze concentration, which
prevents freezing down to -67.7É C (-90É F). A higher
percentage will freeze at a warmer temperature.
Also, a higher percentage of antifreeze can cause the
VALUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 1

Full synthetic oils, such as Mobilt1 0W-40, is
required if the ASSYST Oil Service Reminder is fol-
lowed. Use of a lower quality oil on this service
schedule may cause severe engine damage.
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID - NAG1
NOTE: Refer to Service Procedures in this group for
fluid level checking procedures.
Shellt3403 Automatic Transmission Fluid is the
recommended fluid for the NAG1 DaimlerChrysler
automatic transmission.
Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch
chatter can result from the use of improper
fluid.
MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid, or
other fluids meeting MS-9602, may be used if Shellt
3403 Automatic Transmission Fluid is not available.
Shellt3403 Automatic Transmission Fluid when
new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be
identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such
as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not per-
manent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As
the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look
darker in color and may eventually become brown.
This is normal.
FLUID ADDITIVES
DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the
addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than
those automatic transmission fluids listed above.
Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes
to aid in detecting fluid leaks.
Various ªspecialº additives and supplements exist
that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These
additives and others also claim to improve converter
clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation,
varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been sup-
ported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and
these additivesmust not be used.The use of trans-
mission ªsealersº should also be avoided, since they
may adversely affect the integrity of transmission
seals.
OPERATION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
The automatic transmission fluid is selected based
upon several qualities. The fluid must provide a high
level of protection for the internal components by
providing a lubricating film between adjacent metal
components. The fluid must also be thermally stable
so that it can maintain a consistent viscosity through
a large temperature range. If the viscosity stays con-
stant through the temperature range of operation,transmission operation and shift feel will remain con-
sistent. Transmission fluid must also be a good con-
ductor of heat. The fluid must absorb heat from the
internal transmission components and transfer that
heat to the transmission case.
FLUID CAPACITIES
SPECIFICATIONS - FLUID CAPACITIES
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
ENGINE COOLANT
10 Liters 10.5 Quarts
ENGINE OIL
9.0L with Filter
Replacement9.5 Quarts with Filter
Replacement
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Service Fill - NAG1 5.0 L (10.6 pts.)
O-haul Fill - NAG1 7.7 L (16.3 pts.)
Dry fill capacity Depending on type and size of
internal cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler
lines, or use of an auxiliary cooler, these figures may
vary. (Refer to appropriate 21 - TRANSMISSION/
AUTOMATIC/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
REAR AXLE   .03L (1 oz.)
8 1/2 1.8 L (4.0 pts.)
FUEL TANK
Primary 100 L (26.4 gal.)*
Reserve 10.5 L (2.8 gal.)*
*Nominal refill capacities are shown. A variation may
be observed from vehicle to vehicle due to
manufacturing tolerance and refill procedure
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Power steering fluid capacities are dependent on
engine/chassis options as well as steering gear/cooler
options. Depending on type and size of internal
cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or
use of an auxiliary cooler, these capacities may vary.
Refer to 19, Steering for proper fill and bleed
procedures.
FLUID FILL/CHECK
LOCATIONS
INSPECTION - FLUID FILL/CHECK LOCATIONS
The fluid fill/check locations and lubrication points
are located in each applicable group.
0 - 4 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEVA
FLUID TYPES (Continued)

MAINTENANCE - WITH ASSYST MAINTENANCE
COMPUTER
ASSYST provides information on the best possible
timing for maintenance work.
NOTE: The engine manufacturer strongly recom-
mends the use of synthetic engine oils, such as
TMobil 1 SAE 0W-40.
When the next maintenance service is due, this
will be indicated in the multi-function display with
the wrench icon symbol displayed in km/miles or
days.
²One wrench icon showing indicates Oil Service
is necessary.
²Two wrench icons showing indicates Mainte-
nance Service is necessary ± displayed in km/miles or
days.
If the display shows the number of days, a clock
symbol will also appear in the multi-function display.
You should have the maintenance performed
within the stated period/distance.
The service indicator should be reset after an oil
service and/or maintenance service has been per-
formed.
REGULAR CHECK-UPS
To maintain the safe operation of the vehicle, it is
recommended that the following tasks be performed
on a regular basis (i.e. weekly or whenever the vehi-
cle is refueled). Check:
²Engine oil level
²Brake system, clutch mechanism ± fluid level
²Battery ± acid level
²Windshield washer system and headlamp clean-
ing system ± fluid level
²Mechanical assemblies (e. g. engine, transmis-
sion, etc.) ± check for leaks
²Condition of tires and tires pressures
²All exterior lights
SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
If bodies built by manufacturers other than
DaimlerChrysler Corporation are fitted to the vehi-
cle, the maintenance requirements and lubrication
intervals specified by the body manufacturer must be
adhered to, in addition to all standard maintenance
requirements.
Brake Fluid
Only use brake fluids approved by the manufac-
turer (DOT 4 plus).
Coolant
Corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration in the
coolant should be checked before the onset of winter
(once year in countries with high prevailing temper-
atures).Replace the coolant every five years or 100,000
miles.
Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation Replace-
ment
The dust filter and the tailgate interior filter are to
be renewed during routine maintenance service. If
operating conditions are dusty, these filters should be
renewed more frequently.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
At the minimum, change the engine oil and oil fil-
ter once a year ± even if the vehicle mileage per year
is extremely low. For standard oil service schedules
refer to the chapter oil service and maintenance ser-
vice.
Once a Year
Select the viscosity of the engine oil (SAE classes)
according to the outside air temperature.
Only use engine oil approved by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation if following the ASSYST system guide-
lines.
If the fuel used has a sulphur content exceeding
0.05% by weight, the service intervals should be split
in half.
SCOPE OF WORK FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil Service
²Engine:
Oil change and filter replacement
Check fluid levels of the following system,
refill as necessary.
²If fluid is lost, trace and eliminate cause ± as a
separate order.
²Power-assisted steering
Lubrication work:
²Trailer tow hitch (original equipment)
Maintenance
²ASSYST maintenance computer reset
Function check
²Signalling system, warning and indicator lamps
²Headlamps, exterior lighting
²Windshield wipers, windshield washer system
Check for leaks and damage.
²Check for abrasion points and ensure that lines
are correctly routed!
²All lines and hoses, sensor cables
²Rubber boots on front axle drive shafts, rubber
boots on front axle suspension ball joints, shock
absorbers
Check fluid levels for the following systems,
correct as necessary.
NOTE: Should there be a loss of fluid which cannot
be explained by regular use, trace and eliminate the
cause.
0 - 8 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEVA
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

²Engine cooling system. Check corrosion inhibi-
tor/antifreeze, refill as necessary.
²Hydraulic brake system
²Battery
²Windshield washer system
Engine
²Fuel filter renewal
²Air cleaner with maintenance indicator:
²Check degree of contamination.
²Air cleaner filter element renewed as necessary.
Chassis and body
²Trailer coupling:
Check operation, play and retaining fixtures
²Secondary rubber springs:
Visual check
²Tire pressures:
Correct as necessary, including spare tire
²Check thickness of brake pads
²Brake test
²Check condition of steering mechanism
²Heating/ventilation dust filter renewal
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE WORK
Automatic transmission once only at 80,000
miles/128000 km
Oil and filter change
During every second maintenance service
Air cleaner without maintenance indicator:
Air cleaner filter element renewal
Check poly-V-belt for wear and signs of damage
During every 6th maintenance service
Rear axle
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE WORK AFTER YEARS
Every 3 years
Air cleaner filter element renewal (note installa-
tion date)
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles
Coolant renewal
Note coolant composition
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DESCRIPTION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation uses international
symbols to identify engine compartment lubricant
and fluid inspection and fill locations (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
VALUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES (Continued)

REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR
DESCRIPTION.........................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK.............................11
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART........12
SHOCK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK........13
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
SPRING
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - (SRW)....................14REMOVAL - (DRW)....................14
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - (SRW).................14
INSTALLATION - (DRW).................15
SPRING SHACKLE
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
REAR
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension is comprised of:
²Shock Absorbers
²Jounce Bumpers
²Stabilizer Bar
²Leaf Springs
²Drive Axle
CAUTION: A vehicle should always be loaded so
the vehicle weight center-line is located immedi-
ately forward of the rear axle. Correct vehicle load-
ing provides proper front tire-to-road contact. This
results in maximum vehicle handling stability and
safety. Incorrect vehicle weight distribution can
cause excessive tire tread wear, spring fatigue or
failure, and erratic steering.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be
tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is
important to have the springs supporting the weight
of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If
springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle
ride comfort could be affected and premature bush-
ing wear may occur.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK
A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber
may be caused by movement between mounting
bushings and metal brackets or attaching compo-
nents. These noises can usually be stopped by tight-
ening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.
A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston in and out of
the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout
each stroke should be smooth and even.
The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to
stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.
Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deterio-
rate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined periodically. Check
for broken and shifted leafs, loose and missing clips,
and broken center bolts. Refer to Spring and Shock
Absorber Diagnosis chart for additional information.
VAREAR 2 - 11

heard during a coast, the front pinion bearing is the
source.
Differential bearings usually produce a low pitch
noise. Differential bearing noise is similar to pinion
bearing noise. The pitch of differential bearing noise
is also constant and varies only with vehicle speed.
Axle shaft bearingsproduce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise generally changes
when the bearings are loaded. Road test the vehicle.
Turn the vehicle sharply to the left and to the right.
This will load the bearings and change the noise
level. Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise
is usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 mph.
LOW SPEED KNOCK
Low speed knock is generally caused by a worn
U-joint or by worn side-gear thrust washers. A worn
pinion shaft bore will also cause low speed knock.
VIBRATION
Vibration at the rear of the vehicle is usually
caused by a:
²Damaged drive shaft.
²Missing drive shaft balance weight(s).
²Worn or out-of-balance wheels.
²Loose wheel lug nuts.
²Worn U-joint(s).
²Loose/broken springs.
²Damaged axle shaft bearing(s).
²Loose pinion gear nut.
²Excessive pinion yoke run out.
²Bent axle shaft(s).
Check for loose or damaged front-end components
or engine/transmission mounts. These components
can contribute to what appears to be a rearend vibra-
tion. Do not overlook engine accessories, brackets
and drive belts.
NOTE: All driveline components should be exam-
ined before starting any repair.
DRIVELINE SNAP
A snap or clunk noise when the vehicle is shifted
into gear (or the clutch engaged), can be caused by:
²High engine idle speed.
²Transmission shift operation.
²Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts.
²Worn U-joints.
²Loose spring mounts.
²Loose pinion gear nut and yoke.
²Excessive ring gear backlash.
²Excessive side gear to case clearance.
The source of a snap or a clunk noise can be deter-
mined with the assistance of a helper. Raise the vehi-
cle on a hoist with the wheels free to rotate. Instruct
the helper to shift the transmission into gear. Listenfor the noise, a mechanics stethoscope is helpful in
isolating the source of a noise.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAIN AND FILL
NOTE: Drain oil when warm.
(1) Clean area around oil fill plug and drain plug.
(2) Remove oil drain plug and drain oil (Fig. 1).
(3) Install oil drain plug and tighten to N´m 100
(74 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove oil fill plug and fill housing up to bot-
tom edge of oil fill hole (Fig. 1).
(5) Install oil fill plug and tighten to N´m 100 (74
ft. lbs.).
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Position a suitable lifting device under the axle
and secure axle to device.
(3) Remove wheels and tires.
(4) Unplug wear indicator cable (Fig. 2) and (Fig.
3).
(5) Detach cable connector for brake pad wear
indicator.
(6) Remove ABS sensor and clamp bushing from
mounting bore.
NOTE: The right-hand ABS sensor cable is labeled
at the factory with a white tag.
(7) Remove cable ties from the park brake cables.
Release connection cable of brake pad wear indicator
and ABS sensor cable up to the relay unit of the
parking brake.
(8) Remove brake cables from adjuster.
(9) Remove brake calipers with adapters and lines.
Fig. 1 FILL PLUG
1 - FILL PLUG
2 - DRAIN PLUG
VAREAR AXLE 3 - 11
REAR AXLE (Continued)

PINION SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove wheels.
(2) Push back brake pads and release hand brake.
NOTE: If it is not possible to spin rear axle shafts
manually, detach rear brake cables.
(3) Drain rear axle oil.
(4) Remove propeller shaft.
(5) Spin pinion flange by hand and check axial
play of bearing.
CAUTION: There must not be any thrust bearing
play. If play excess or there are particles (shavings)
in the drained oil, replace gear assembly.
(6) Mark installation position of collared nut (Fig.
26) with respect to drive pinion.
(7) Unlock collared nut.
(8) Hold pinion flange with Flange Wrench C-3281
and remove nut.
(9) Remove pinion flange from pinion shaft with
Flange Puller 8992 (Fig. 27).
(10) Check sealing surfaces of joint flange for score
marks and replace joint flange if necessary.
(11) Remove both pinion radial seals (Fig. 28).
INSTALLATION
(1) Pack space between dust lip and sealing lip on
radial seal ring with multi-purpose grease.
(2) On radial seal rings without rubberized exter-
nal surface, coat outer circumference with sealant.CAUTION: Do not coat partially rubberized seals
with sealant.
(3) Drivenewpinion radial seals into rear axle
housing as far as the stop using Installer 9276 (Fig.
29).
(4) Fit coupling flange on drive pinion shaft.
NOTE: The groove in the drive pinion and the
groove in the joint flange must be in alignment.
(5) Hold pinion flange with Flange Wrench C-3281.
(6) Screw on the collared nut illustrated up to the
marking applied beforehand.
(7) Detach retainer wrench from joint flange.
(8) With a torque wrench, measure torque to
rotate pinion and record measurement.
Fig. 26 COLLARED NUT
1 - PINION FLANGE
2 - COLLARED NUT
Fig. 27 FLANGE PULLER
1 - FLANGE PULLER
2 - PINION FLANGE
Fig. 28 PINION SEALS
1 - SEALS
2 - AXLE
3 - 22 REAR AXLEVA

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT
(1) Install the brake caliper adapter to the steering
knuckle. Tighten to 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the disc brake shoes (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE
PADS/SHOES - INSTALLATION).
NOTE: Do not install the brake hose twisted and
ensure freedom of movement.
(3) Install the disc brake caliper. Tighten the bolt
to 14 N´m (124 in. lbs.) (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
- INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the front wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - REAR
(1) Install the brake caliper adapter to the axle
mount. Tighten to 90 N´m (66 ft. lbs.) for M12X1.5
bolt or 170 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) for M14X1.5 bolt.
(2) Install the disc brake pads (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE
PADS/SHOES - INSTALLATION).
NOTE: Do not install the brake hose twisted and
ensure freedom of movement.
(3) Install the disc brake caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the rear wheels (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Lower the vehicle.
FLUID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Indications of fluid contamination are swollen or
deteriorated rubber parts.
Swollen rubber parts indicate the presence of
petroleum in the brake fluid.
To test for contamination, put a small amount of
drained brake fluid in clear glass jar. If fluid sepa-
rates into layers, there is mineral oil or other fluid
contamination of the brake fluid.
If brake fluid is contaminated, drain and thor-
oughly flush system. Replace master cylinder, ALB
Controller, caliper seals, Antilock Brakes hydraulic
unit and all hydraulic fluid hoses.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL
Always clean the master cylinder reservoir and
caps before checking fluid level. If not cleaned, dirt
could enter the fluid.
The fluid fill level is indicated on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir (Fig. 13).
The correct fluid level is to the MAX indicator on
the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add fluid to the
proper level.
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FLUID
The brake fluid used in this vehicle must conform
to DOT 4 specifications and SAE standards. No other
type of brake fluid is recommended or approved for
usage in the vehicle brake system. Use only Mopar
brake fluid or an equivalent from a tightly sealed
container.
CAUTION: Never use reclaimed brake fluid or fluid
from an container which has been left open. An
open container of brake fluid will absorb moisture
from the air and contaminate the fluid.
CAUTION: Never use any type of a petroleum-based
fluid in the brake hydraulic system. Use of such
type fluids will result in seal damage of the vehicle
brake hydraulic system causing a failure of the
vehicle brake system. Petroleum based fluids would
be items such as engine oil, transmission fluid,
power steering fluid, etc.
Fig. 13 FLUID LEVEL TYPICAL
1 - FLUID RESERVOIR
2 - MAX LEVEL MARK
5 - 14 BRAKES - BASEVA
DISC BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER (Continued)

ACCESSORY DRIVE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BELT TENSIONERS
DESCRIPTION..........................5
OPERATION............................5
DRIVE BELTS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT..........................5REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................8
BELT TENSIONERS
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not attempt to check belt tension with
a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an
automatic belt tensioner.
Drive belts on all engines are equipped with a
spring loaded automatic belt tensioner. This ten-
sioner maintains constant belt tension at all times
and requires no maintenance or adjustment.
OPERATION
WARNING: THE AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER
ASSEMBLY IS SPRING LOADED. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO DISASSEMBLE THE TENSIONER ASSEMBLY.
The automatic belt tensioner maintains correct belt
tension using a coiled spring within the tensioner
housing. The spring applies pressure to the tensioner
arm pressing the arm into the belt, tensioning the
belt.
If a new belt is being installed, the arrow must be
within approximately 3 mm (1/8 in.) of indexing
mark. Belt is considered new if it has been used 15
minutes or less. If this specification cannot be met,
check for:
²The wrong belt being installed (incorrect length/
width)
²Worn bearings on an engine accessory (A/C com-
pressor, power steering pump, water pump, idler pul-
ley or generator)
²A pulley on an engine accessory being loose
²Misalignment of an engine accessory
²Belt incorrectly routed.
DRIVE BELTS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT
VISUAL DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing serpentine accessory drive belts,
small cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the
belt from rib to rib (Fig. 1), are considered normal.
These are not a reason to replace the belt. However,
cracks running along a rib (not across) arenotnor-
mal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib must
be replaced (Fig. 1). Also replace the belt if it has
excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
Fig. 1 Belt Wear Patterns
1 - NORMAL CRACKS BELT OK
2 - NOT NORMAL CRACKS REPLACE BELT
VAACCESSORY DRIVE 7 - 5

Operate tester pump to apply 103.4 kPa (15 psi)
pressure to system. If hoses enlarge excessively or
bulges while testing, replace as necessary. Observe
gauge pointer and determine condition of cooling sys-
tem according to following criteria:
Holds Steady:If pointer remains steady for two
minutes, serious coolant leaks are not present in sys-
tem. However, there could be an internal leak that
does not appear with normal system test pressure. If
it is certain that coolant is being lost and leaks can-
not be detected, inspect for interior leakage or per-
form Internal Leakage Test.
Drops Slowly:Indicates a small leak or seepage
is occurring. Examine all connections for seepage or
slight leakage with a flashlight. Inspect radiator,
hoses, gasket edges and heater. Seal small leak holes
with a Sealer Lubricant (or equivalent). Repair leak
holes and inspect system again with pressure
applied.
Drops Quickly:Indicates that serious leakage is
occurring. Examine system for external leakage. If
leaks are not visible, inspect for internal leakage.
Large radiator leak holes should be repaired by a
reputable radiator repair shop.
INTERNAL LEAKAGE INSPECTION
Remove engine oil pan drain plug and drain a
small amount of engine oil. If coolant is present in
the pan, it will drain first because it is heavier than
oil. An alternative method is to operate engine for a
short period to churn the oil. After this is done,
remove engine dipstick and inspect for water glob-
ules. Also inspect transmission dipstick for water
globules and transmission fluid cooler for leakage.
WARNING: WITH RADIATOR PRESSURE TESTER
TOOL INSTALLED ON RADIATOR, DO NOT ALLOW
PRESSURE TO EXCEED 110 KPA (20 PSI). PRES-
SURE WILL BUILD UP QUICKLY IF A COMBUSTION
LEAK IS PRESENT. TO RELEASE PRESSURE,
ROCK TESTER FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WHEN
REMOVING TESTER, DO NOT TURN TESTER MORE
THAN 1/2 TURN IF SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE.
Operate engine without pressure cap on coolant
container until thermostat opens. Attach a Pressure
Tester to container. If pressure builds up quickly it
indicates a combustion leak exists. This is usually
the result of a cylinder head gasket leak or crack in
engine. Repair as necessary.
If there is not an immediate pressure increase,
pump the Pressure Tester. Do this until indicated
pressure is within system range of 110 kPa (16 psi).
Fluctuation of gauge pointer indicates compression or
combustion leakage into cooling system.Because the vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter,do notremove spark plug cables or short
out cylinders to isolate compression leak.
If the needle on dial of pressure tester does not
fluctuate, race engine a few times to check for an
abnormal amount of coolant or steam. This would be
emitting from exhaust pipe. Coolant or steam from
exhaust pipe may indicate a faulty cylinder head gas-
ket, cracked engine cylinder block or cylinder head.
A convenient check for exhaust gas leakage into
cooling system is provided by a commercially avail-
able Block Leak Check tool. Follow manufacturers
instructions when using this product.
COMBUSTION LEAKAGE TEST - WITHOUT
PRESSURE TESTER
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean and suitably marked
container for reuse.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE CYLINDER BLOCK
DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAIN
WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. SERI-
OUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
Drain sufficient coolant to allow thermostat removal.
Remove accessory drive belt.
Add coolant to pressure container to bring level to
within 6.3 mm (1/4 in) of top of thermostat housing.
CAUTION: Avoid overheating. Do not operate
engine for an excessive period of time. Open drain-
cock immediately after test to eliminate boil over.
Start engine and accelerate rapidly three times, to
approximately 3000 rpm while observing coolant. If
internal engine combustion gases are leaking into
cooling system, bubbles will appear in coolant. If bub-
bles do not appear, internal combustion gas leakage
is not present.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ADDING
ADDITIONAL COOLANT
The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder
heads and water pumps requires special corrosion
protection. Only MopartAntifreeze/Coolant, 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula (glycol base coolant with
corrosion inhibitors called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic
Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant
offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when
mixed with 50% distilled water to obtain to obtain a
freeze point of -37ÉC (-35ÉF). If it loses color or
becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with
fresh properly mixed coolant solution.
VAENGINE 7 - 11
COOLANT (Continued)