2004 DODGE SPRINTER steering

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 87
4
Multi-Function Indicator
WARNING!
Never operate buttons (1, 2, 3 and 4) in the multi-
function indicator while driving.
To operate these buttons the driver must reach
through the steering wheel, which could
significantly impede its movement.
Your attention will also be diverted from the road
and traffic conditions.
This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle
and could lead to an accident and result in severe
personal injuries or death.
For this reason, make sure that the traffic
conditions are safe before pressing the buttons, so
that nobody may be endangered.
When possible, reach around the steering wheel
to operate the multi-function indicator buttons.
Do not rest your head or chest on the steering
wheel or dashboard when operating the buttons.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 87 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

114 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELHeated Rear Window (Optional)
The switch for the heated rear
window is located on the right-hand
side next to the steering column.
It can be used only when the engine
is running.
To switch it on:
 Press upward; the indicator lamp in the switch will
light up.
To switch off:
 Press upward one more time.
NOTE: The heated rear window will automatically
switch off after about 15 minutes or when the engine is
turned off.
Windshield Heater (Optional)
The switch for the windshield heater
is located on the center section of the
dashboard.
It can be used only when the engine
is running.
To switch it on:
 Press upward; the indicator lamp in the switch will
light up.
To switch off:
 Press upward one more time.
NOTE: The windshield heater will automatically
switch off after about 5 minutes or when the engine is
turned off.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 129
4
Settings with the A uxiliary Heater switched on
(only with Water Heater)In preheat mode, the blower is automatically switched
on at blower speed 1 when the water heater is switched
on. When driving, the airflow control switch (2) can be
set as desired.NOTE: Only on vehicles with automatic heater
control/regulated air conditioner:
Before switching on the heater or entering the switch-
on time, the temperature control (1) must be set to
maximum heater output (as illustrated).
Set the air distribution control (3) as required between
Y and Z.
AUXILIARY HEAT EXCHANGER IN LOAD
COM PA RTM ENT, ONLY WI TH A UXILIA RY WA TER
HEATER (OPTIONAL)
The auxiliary heat exchanger switch
is located on the right next to the
steering column.
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134 STARTING AND OPERATING
Deactivating the Acceleration Skid Control
(ASR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159Brake Assist System (BAS) (Cargo/passenger
vans type 2500 C/HC/SHC only) . . . . . . . . . . 160Indicator Lamp Electronic Stability
Program (ESP) (Cargo/passenger vans
type 2500 C/HC/SHC only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (Cargo/
passenger vans type 2500 C/HC/SHC only) . . 162

Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163Tire Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Tire Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165Tire Pressures of Loaded Vehicle in PSI (kPa) . 167Tire Pressures of Loaded Vehicle in PSI (kPa) . 168Comfort Tire Pressures in PSI (kPa) . . . . . . . . 169Comfort Tire Pressures in PSI (kPa) . . . . . . . . 169

Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . . . . . 170Diesel Fuels for Use at Very Low
Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Programmed Top Speed (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 173

Bleeding Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . 175Bleeding the Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Permissible Roof Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177Trailer Hitches (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177Electrical Connections (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 177Vehicle and Trailer Weights and Ratings . . . . 178Loading a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer . . . . 179Attaching a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180Parking a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

Emissions Control System (Catalytic Converter) . 183

Fording (Wading Capability) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

Body Builder Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183A Special Note Concerning Vehicle
Alteration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
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STARTING AND OPERATING 135
5
POWER ASSISTANCE STARTING THE ENGINE
Battery charge warning lamp (1)
Engine oil level indicator lamp (2)
Preheater indicator lamp (3)
WARNING!
When the engine is not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering system. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is necessary
to brake and steer the vehicle.
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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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 153
5
as the voltage reaches this level again
– the ABS is then
reactivated.
If ABS malfunctions, the other driving safety systems
are deactivated. The handling and braking
characteristics of your vehicle change. The other
braking and driving systems still function normally.
I
A nti-Lock Brake System (A BS)ABS prevents the wheels from locking at any speed
above about 5 mph (8 km/h), regardless of road
surface conditions. The vehicle remains steerable even
if the brakes are applied fully.
A light vibrating of the steering wheel and pulsating of
the brake pedal indicate that the ABS is working.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and works as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
WARNING!
If the ABS indicator lamp- does not go out or
lights up again while driving, the ABS is malfunc-
tioning. If ABS malfunctions, the other driving
safety systems are deactivated. The vehicle’s brak-
ing characteristics may be affected. There is an in-
creased risk that your vehicle could skid in the
event of sharp braking. Have the malfunction
traced and repaired without delay by an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.
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154 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Do not reduce the force applied to the brake pedal if
it is necessary to brake the vehicle further. This will
negate the main benefit of ABS – the ability to brake
without affecting the steerability of the vehicle.In the event of an emergency stop, fully depress
the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal,
rather use firm, steady brake pedal pressure.
Pumping the pedal defeats the purpose of ABS
and significantly reduces braking effectiveness.
WARNING!
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehi-
cle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.
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