2004 DODGE SPRINTER transmission

144 STARTING AND OPERATINGTRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER, MANUALLY
UNLOCKINGIn the case of power failure the transmission selector
lever can be manually unlocked (for vehicle towing).
To do so, insert a pin (1) (ball point pen), into the
covered opening below the position "D" of the shift
pattern. While pushing the pin down, move selector
lever from position "P".
After removal of the pin from the opening, the cover
will not close fully. Only after moving the selector lever
to positions "D+" and "D–" does the cover return to its
closed position.
LOADING THE VEHICLE
WARNING!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label on
the base of the driver’s seat). Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout,
which could cause an accident and personal injury.
In addition, braking and stopping distances can be
significantly longer if the vehicle is overloaded.
WARNING!
Always close the sliding and rear doors when
driving.
Otherwise exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle
interior and poison you.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 181
5
WARNING!
Take into consideration that when towing a trail-
er, the handling characteristics are different and
less stable from those when operating the vehicle
without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of control
over the vehicle-trailer combination. This could
cause an accident resulting in property damage or
injury to you or others.
CAUTION!
If the transmission hunts between gears on
inclines, manually shift to a lower gear (select
"4",
"3", "2" or
"1"). A lower gear and reduction of
speed reduces the chance of engine overloading
and / or overheating.
When going down a long hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine’s braking effect. Avoid
riding the brakes, thus overheating the vehicle
and trailer brakes.
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high
temperature (coolant temperature needle
approaching the red zone) when the air
conditioner is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Engine coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the climate
control fan speed to high and setting the
temperature control to the maximum hot position.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 183
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EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM (CATALYTIC
CONVERTER)
FORDING (WA DING CA PA BILITY)Avoid fording flooded roads or passing through water
unless you are certain as to how deep it is. Driving
through deep water can cause damage to the vehicle,
including but not limited to the electrical components,
engine, transmission, etc. This type of damage is not
covered under the Warranty.
BODY BUILDER GUIDELINEIf you intend on making any alterations to the vehicle,
we strongly recommend that you call DaimlerChrysler
Corporation at telephone 704-655-1050 or 704-655-1054
to request a copy of the Sprinter Body Builder
Guideline.
Body Builders and Dealers who makes any
modifications which may affect the final certification of
the engine, vehicle or equipment assume the sole
responsibility for the vehicle, including labeling and
documentation, affected by their modifications.
WARNING!
When driving or parking the vehicle, make sure
that its exhaust system does not come into contact
with flammable material (such as dry leaves) as
these materials may otherwise catch fire.
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations of the Sprinter
vehicle not in compliance with the Sprinter Body
Builder Guideline and the Sprinter Operator’s
Manual may seriously inhibit its roadworthiness
and safety and may lead to an accident resulting in
serious personal injury or death. Consult the
Sprinter Body Builder Guideline and the Sprinter
Operator’s Manual prior to initiating any alter-
ations or modifications.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
6
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Vehicle Tool Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Changing the Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187Spare Wheel Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192Using the Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Removing a Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Installing a Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200If the Engine is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201If the Transmission is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . 201If the Front Axle is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202If the Rear Axle is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
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188 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level, non-slippery
surface.
2. Switch on the hazard warning flasher switch, apply
the parking brake, and place the transmission
selector in "P".
WARNING!
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the
vehicle at the jack take-up brackets built into ei-
ther side of the vehicle. To help avoid personal in-
jury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a
wheel change. Never get beneath the vehicle
while it is supported by the jack only.
Keep hands and feet away from the area under the
lifted vehicle. Always firmly set parking brake
and block wheels before raising vehicle with jack.
Do not disengage parking brake while the vehicle
is raised.
Always use the jack on a level surface.
Do not change wheels on either steep uphill or
downhill grades. Be sure that the jack arm end is
fully seated in the jack take-up bracket. The
vehicle may begin to move and fall from the jack
which could cause serious or fatal personal injury
and property damage.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity
jack stands before working under the vehicle.
Precautions when changing a wheel:
For the torque, refer to "Installing a wheel";
Do not damage, grease or oil wheel bolts or their
threads.
Do not jack the vehicle up more than 1.2 in (30
mm) between the tire and the surface. Otherwise,
the vehicle may tip over and may cause serious
injury or death to you or others.
Precautions when changing a wheel:
For the torque, refer to "Installing a wheel";
Do not damage, grease or oil wheel bolts or their
threads.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 201
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If the Engine is DamagedFor towing distances up to 30 miles (about 50 km)
 Shift selector lever to "N" position.
 Do not exceed a towing speed of 30 mph (50 km / h).
For towing distances greater than 30 miles (about
50 km)
 Remove the propeller shafts leading to the drive
axles.
The vehicle can be towed without restriction.If the Transmission is Damaged Remove the propeller shafts leading to the drive
axles.
WARNING!
Do not tow the vehicle if the key cannot be turned
in the ignition lock.
If the key cannot be turned, the ignition lock re-
mains locked and the vehicle cannot be steered.
With the engine not running there is no power
assistance for the braking and steering systems.
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.
The vehicle must not be towed with the front axle
raised and the key in position 2 in the ignition
lock as the drive wheels could then lock due to the
acceleration skid control (ASR) or the optional
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 245
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Recommended Fluids and LubricantsComponent Recommended Fluid
Brake Use 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 FMVSS 116
and ISO 4925.
Coolant Use coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent
Extended Life Coolant.
Engine Use engine oils approved to MB 228.3 or MB 228.5 that are also licensed to
API CI-4.
Automatic Transmission Use ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12. Synthetic Dexron III®
Automatic Transmission Fluid may be substituted.
Power Steering No fluid service required. Use Power Steering Fluid approved to MB 341.
Dexron III® Automatic Transmission Fluid may be substituted.
Rear Axle Use oils approved to MB 235.0, such as Shell Spirax MB 90. Reduced axle
durability may result if an unapproved product is used.
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250 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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MA INTENA NCE - WITH A SSYST MA INTENA NCE
COMPUTERASSYST provides you with information on the best
possible timing for maintenance work.
NOTE: The engine manufacturer strongly
recommends the use of synthetic engine oils, such as
Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40.
When the next maintenance service is due, this will be
indicated in the multi-function display with the
symbol
9 Oil service
9 Maintenance service - displayed in km/miles
or days.
9
If the display shows the number of days, the symbol
È will also appear in the multi-function display.
You should have the maintenance performed within
the stated period/distance.
The service indicator will be reset by your Sprinter
Dealer after an oil service and/or maintenance service
has been performed.
REGULA R CHECK-UPSTo maintain the safe operation of your vehicle, it is
recommended that you perform the following tasks on
a regular basis (i.e., weekly or whenever the vehicle is
refueled). Check:
 Engine oil level
 Brake system, clutch mechanism – fluid level
 Battery – acid level
 Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning
system – fluid level
 Mechanical assemblies (e. g. ,engine, transmission,
etc.) – check for leaks
 Condition of tires and tire pressures
 All exterior lights
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