2004 DODGE SPRINTER Owners Manual

MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 209
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Windshield Washer System Fluid Reservoir1. Washer system fluid reservoir
When topping off, add windshield washer fluid ("S"
for summer or "W" for winter) to the water.
Capacity of fluid reservoir (1): about 7.4 US qt (7 liters).
A ir Filter Restriction Indicator (Optional)The indicator on the air filter housing in the engine
compartment shows the degree of contamination in the
air filter element. If the red field reaches the 100 %
range, the air filter element should be replaced as soon
as possible.Engine OilsUse engine oils approved to MB 228.3 or MB 228.5 that
are also licensed to API CI-4.
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210 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEEngine Oil Level 1. Oil dipstick
2. Oil filler neckCheck the engine oil level at regular intervals with the
vehicle standing on a level surface.
 Check engine oil level about 5 minutes after
stopping the engine, which should have reached its
regular operating temperature. The normal
operating temperature should have been reached
and maintained for some time.
 Wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free cloth before
checking.
The engine oil level must be between the
lower (MIN) and upper (MAX) marks on
the dipstick.
Add engine oil only up to the MAX mark.
Excess oil must be drained or siphoned off.
 For approved engine oils, contact your Sprinter
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Ribbed V-BeltThe ribbed V-belt drives the accessories, such as
generator, coolant pump and hydraulic steering pump.
The ribbed V-belt is automatically kept tensioned.
Check the state of the ribbed V-belt regularly, such as
at every engine oil level check.
The belt must not be damaged, worn, oiled or glazed.
There must be no cracks in the belt running surface.
Replace damaged belts.
Hydraulic Brake System, Clutch Mechanism Fluid
Level1. Brake fluid reservoir
Brake fluid level must be between the MIN and MAX
marks in the reservoir (1).
If the brake fluid is below the MIN mark, there may be
a fault in the hydraulic system. Have the system
checked as soon as possible by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
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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.
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 213
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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).
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214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
 Open the hood.
 At first, only turn the radiator cap to the first detent
to release the pressure from the cooling system.
Only then should the radiator cap be removed
completely.
 To add coolant:
If the engine is cold:
Add coolant until the coolant level reaches the base
area which is visible through the filler opening (area
moistened).
If the engine is already at its regular operating
temperature:
Add coolant until the coolant level is about 0.6 inch
WARNING!
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:
 If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant
temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move away
from the vehicle and do not open the hood until
the engine has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
 Do not remove pressure cap on coolant reservoir
if engine temperature is above 194 °F (+90 ×C).
Allow engine to cool down before removing cap.
The coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
 Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately 1/2
turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will
be blown out under pressure.
 Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine
parts.
 Check coolant level only with the engine
switched off and the key in position 0 in the
ignition lock.
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 215
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(1.5 cm) above the base area which is visible
through the filler opening.
 Replace and tighten the radiator cap.
If a large quantity of coolant has been lost, or if smaller
amounts are lost at regular intervals, have the engine
cooling system examined by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
For coolant composition and water quality, contact
your Sprinter Dealer.
WINTER OPERATIONHave your vehicle winterized by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer before the onset of winter.
 Have the engine oil changed, if the engine oil filled
is not approved for winter use.
 Coolant: antifreeze/anti-corrosion concentration in
the coolant checked.
 Windshield washer system: add winter concentrate
to the washer fluid.
 Battery: the battery will lose capacity as
temperatures drop. Only a well-charged battery will
ensure reliable engine starting even at low outside
temperatures.
 Tires: fit M+S radial tires, taking note of the
maximum permissible speed of the tires fitted.
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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.
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