2004 DODGE SPRINTER service

STARTING AND OPERATING 143
5
transmission are negatively affected by this mode of
operation.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km / h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95
°F (+35
°C).
To avoid overrevving the engine when the selector
lever is moved to a lower gear, the transmission will
not shift to a lower gear if the engine’s revolutions per
minute limit would be exceeded. In this case there will
be no downshift, even when the vehicle speed reaches
the engine’s rpm limit of that gear, for example by
applying the service brakes.
To prevent the engine from laboring at low rpm when
driving uphill grades or with your vehicle heavily
loaded, the automatic transmission will downshift
when necessary to maintain engine rpm within the best
torque range.Gear
qUpshift through 4th gear only. Suitable for
performance driving.
pUpshift through 3rd gear only. Suitable for
moderately steep hills. Since the transmission
does not shift higher than 3rd gear, this gear
selection will allow use of the engine’s braking
power downhill.
oUpshift through 2nd gear only. For driving in
mountainous regions or under extreme
operating conditions. This gear selection will
allow use of the engine’s braking power when
descending steep grades.
nUse this position, which makes maximum use of
the engine’s braking effect, while descending
very steep or lengthy downgrades and only at
speeds below 25 mph (38 km / h).
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 143 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

146 STARTING AND OPERATING Protect sharp edges with padding.
 Check the tire pressures after loading the vehicle.
For passenger vans:
 Do not stack loads higher than the upper edge of the
backrests.
 Always place the load against the backrests of the
seat benches.
 Whenever possible, transport loads behind seats
that are not occupied.
 Distribute the load in such a way that the
permissible axle loads are not exceeded when the
vehicle is equipped with the maximum number of
seats. Loading the luggage compartment up to the
maximum payload would cause the permissible
rear axle load to be exceeded.
BRA KES
Service Brake
WARNING!
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort
is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep
enough to wet brake components, the first
braking action may be somewhat reduced and
increased pedal pressure may be necessary. Be
sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in
front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effectiveness.
It may not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 146 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
7
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Sprinter Original Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Service Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207Disposal of Service Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Emission Related Component Warranty
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Regular Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208Windshield Washer System Fluid Reservoir . 209Air Filter Restriction Indicator (Optional) . . . 209Engine Oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209Engine Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210Ribbed V-Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211Hydraulic Brake System, Clutch Mechanism
Fluid Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Checking Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Winter Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216Disconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216Reconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

Replacing Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218Appearance Car and Corrosion Protection . . 219Power Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220Automatic Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221Tar Stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221Paintwork, Painted Body Components . . . . . . 221Engine Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221Vehicle Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222Ornamental Moldings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222Headlamps, Taillamps, Turn Signal Lenses . . 222Window Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 203 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 207
7
SPRINTER ORIGINAL PARTSEvery authorized Sprinter Dealer maintains a stock of
Sprinter original parts for maintenance and repair
work.
Sprinter original parts are subjected to the most
stringent quality inspections and will ensure that the
vehicle is maintained at a high level of operating
efficiency and safety, and that it maintains its value.
Each part has been specifically designed and
manufactured or selected and approved for use in
Sprinter vehicles.
It is therefore best to use only Sprinter original parts.
For cost-effective repairs in accordance with sound
recycling principles, the use of non-genuine parts and
accessories not authorized by the manufacturer could
damage the vehicle or compromise its durability or
safety.
When ordering original parts, always provide the
vehicle identification number and the engine number.
SERVICE PRODUCTSMechanical 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 Dealer 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, contact your
authorized
Sprinter
Dealer.
WARNING!
If handled incorrectly, service products can consti-
tute a health risk for people and an environmental
hazard.
Always observe relevant guidelines for handling,
storing and disposing of service products.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 207 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

208 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEDisposal of Service ProductsDispose of service products and of parts which come
into contact with them (e.g. filters) in an
environmentally responsible manner. Comply with
applicable bars and regulations.EMISSION RELA TED COMPONENT WA RRA NTY
STATEMENTThe 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
(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 100 000 miles or
3 000 hours of engine operation, whichever occurs
first.
REGULA R CHECKSThe following checks should be performed at regular
intervals (for example once a week or each time the
vehicle is refueled):
 Windshield cleaner system – fluid reservoir.
 Air strainer, in vehicles with an air strainer element
maintenance indicator (optional equipment).
 Engine oil level.
 Checking ribbed V-belt.
 Hydraulic brake system, clutch mechanism fluid
level.
 Coolant level.
 Tire and spare wheel condition and pressures of the
same. For more information, refer to "Wheels and
Tires".
 Vehicle lighting.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 208 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEBrake fluidUse brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4
brake fluid with: minimum dry boiling point (ERBP)
500
°F, minimum wet boiling point (WERBP)
356°F, maximum viscosity 1500 mm
2/s,
conforming to FMVSS116 and ISO 4925.
In the course of its service life, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will fall due to the continuous absorption of
moisture from the atmosphere.
If the brakes are placed under heavy loads (e.g., on
steep hills) bubbles of steam can then form in the brake
system.
This will adversely affect the brakes' effectiveness.
Engine CoolantThe coolant is a mixture of water and a corrosion
inhibitor/antifreeze additive. Within the cooling
system, the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze ensures
 anti-corrosion protection
 antifreeze protection
 a higher boiling point.
The coolant added in the factory ensures adequate
antifreeze and anti-corrosion protection.
Use coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline
GO5, or an equivalent Extended Life Coolant.
To avoid damage to the cooling system, only use
manufacturer approved corrosion inhibitor/
antifreeze additives.
Information on the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze
additive is available from any Sprinter Dealer.
For reasons of anti-corrosion protection and to increase
the boiling point, the coolant added to the cooling
system is designed for all year round operation – even
in countries with high prevailing temperatures.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 212 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 213
7
Have the coolant renewed at least every five years or
after 100,000 miles.
When the coolant is renewed, the new coolant should
contain 50% antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor by volume.
This corresponds to antifreeze protection down to -
37 °C/-35°F.
Do not exceed a proportion of about 55 % by volume
(antifreeze protection down to about -45 °C/-49 °F) as
the heat dissipation properties then deteriorate.
In the event of coolant loss, do not add water only, but
sufficient antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor to maintain
the correct concentration.
The water in the coolant must satisfy certain
requirements. These are often met by tap supply
drinking water.
The water must be specially prepared if the water
quality does not come up to the required standards.
Have the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration
in the coolant checked at the outset of winter,
respectively once a year in countries with high
prevailing temperatures.A regular check is included in the maintenance service.
Checking Coolant LevelCoolant reservoir (1)
The cooling system is pressurized. Only check the
coolant level with the vehicle parking on a level surface
and with the engine switched off.
– Wait until the coolant temperature has dropped
below 194 °F (+90 °C).
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 213 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEBA TTERIESThe standard battery is located in the engine
compartment.The auxiliary battery is located underneath the front
passenger seat (optional equipment).
The battery will not achieve its maximum service life
unless it is kept adequately charged at all times. If the
vehicle is used primarily for short distances, or left
parked for lengthy periods, have the battery charge
checked more frequently.
Disconnecting the Battery
WARNING!
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe personal injuries and death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting, you
might get injured, if the battery explodes.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush
affected area with water and seek medical help if
necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.
Use only impact-resistant batteries with a central
gas release cover to prevent corrosion damage and
to prevent occupants from caustic burns in the
event of an accident.
CAUTION!
Do not loosen or remove the battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the key is in
the ignition lock as this could damage electrical or
electronic equipment beyond repair. All electrical
consumers must be switched off.
Do not place any metal objects on the battery.
Doing so may cause a short-circuit.
Loosen and remove the negative terminal clamp
first, then the positive terminal.
Afterwards disconnect vent tube from the fitting.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 216 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM