2004 DODGE SPRINTER Owners Manual

MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 217
7
Reconnecting the Battery1. Vent tube
2. Fitting
All electrical consumers must be switched off. First
connect and tighten the positive terminal clamp, then
the negative terminal. Make sure that the terminal
clamps are not switched.
NOTE: If batteries have to be replaced, only use
batteries with a central vent cap as this will prevent
corrosion damage.
Connect the battery vent tube (1) to the fitting (2).
Charging the BatteryDisconnect the battery before charging it with a battery
charger.
Comply with the operating instructions for the battery
charger.
To ensure that the battery is disposed of in an
environmentally responsible manner, it should only be
replaced by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Batteries contain material that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.
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218 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEREPLACING WIPER BLADES1. Fold over the wiper arm (2) and place the wiper
blade crosswise.
2. Press the retaining spring (1) and push the wiper
blade out of the end of the wiper arm (2).
3. Remove the wiper blade.4. Insert the end of the wiper arm (2) into the larger
cutout (3) of the wiper blade.
5. Push the wiper blade into the end of the wiper
arm (2) until the retaining spring (1) engages.Freightliner-all.book Pag e 218 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 219
7
A ppearance Car and Corrosion ProtectionIn operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying
external influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and
cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and
varying climatic conditions, but also by air pollution,
road salt, tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and
oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, bird droppings, insects,
tree resins etc. should be removed immediately to
avoid paint damage. Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates the aggressiveness and potency of the
above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to deal with
unfavorable conditions; for example operation near the
ocean, in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions),
or during the winter months.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for
stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should
be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of
corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of the vehicle.
A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough inspection.
Damaged areas need to be undercoated again.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-
base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last
for the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production
treatment is neither necessary nor recommended by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
Because of the possibility of incompatibility between
materials used in the production process and others
applied later.
WARNING!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are poisonous, others are flammable. Always fol-
low the instructions on the particular container.
Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows
when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed
for cleaning your vehicle. Do not use fuel as a
cleaning agent. Fuel is flammable and constitutes
a health hazard.
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220 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEScratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be
removed or repaired with car-care products. In such
cases it is best to seek aid by your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your vehicle and give important "how-to" information
as well as references to car-care products.
Power WasherWhen using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturers’ operating instructions.
WARNING!
Never use openings in the bodywork as steps.
You could otherwise damage the vehicle and it
could lead to an accident.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
CAUTION!
The intense jet of water of a round nozzle can
result in damage to the tire. Therefore never use a
round nozzle to power wash tires.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the
surface. To avoid damaging the vehicle, do not
aim the water jet directly at electrical components,
end of electrical lines, electrical connectors, intake
or ventilation openings, brake hoses, door joints,
seals, other rubber parts.
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 221
7
A utomatic Car WashIf the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it before you drive
into the car wash.
Fold in the exterior mirrors before washing the vehicle
in an automatic car wash and make sure that the
windshield wiper switch is in position 0.
The exterior mirrors and windshield wipers could
otherwise be damaged.
Make sure that mirrors are fully folded out after
leaving the automatic car wash.
Tar StainsQuickly remove tar stains before they dry and become
more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.Paintwork, Painted Body ComponentsPaint care should be applied when water drops on the
paint surface do not "bead up", normally every 3 to
5 months, depending on climate and washing
detergent used.
Paint cleaner should be applied if paint surface shows
signs of dirt embedding (i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate paint stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e., chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).Engine Cleaning Prior to cleaning the engine compartment, make sure
to protect electrical components and connectors from
the intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
WARNING!
Smears impair visibility, which is impaired fur-
ther by unfavourable conditions (e.g. fog, dark-
ness, driving snow).
If a wax preservative is sprayed on after washing
the vehicle, wipe off the wax from the windshield
and the wiper blade rubbers. This will prevent
smears forming on the windshield.
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222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLECorrosion protection, such as anticorrosion wax
should be applied to the engine compartment after
every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from
any wax.Vehicle WashingDo not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of
water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a
chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Due to the width of the vehicle, prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash, fold back the
outside mirrors to prevent them from getting
damaged.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt
as soon as possible.When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean
the inner sides of the wheels.
Ornamental MoldingsFor regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-
plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.Headlamps, Taillamps, Turn Signal LensesUse a mild car wash detergent with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the
lenses. Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry
cloth or sponge.
WARNING!
Dirty or iced-up steps and entrances create a risk
of slipping or falling.
Keep steps, entrances and footwear free from dirt
(e.g. mud, clay, snow and ice).
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 223
7
Window CleaningUse a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
There are 2 steps in the front bumper. This makes it
easier to clean the windshield.
Wiper BladeClean the wiper blade rubber with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.
WARNING!
For safety reasons, remove key from ignition lock
before cleaning the windshield, otherwise the
wiper motor can suddenly turn on and cause in-
jury.
Dirty or iced-up steps create a risk of slipping or
falling. Do not use the step in the front bumper
when it is icy or dirty.
WARNING!
For safety reasons, remove key from ignition lock
before cleaning the wiper blade, otherwise the
wiper motor can suddenly turn on and cause se-
vere personal injuries and death.
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224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLELight A lloy WheelsA wheel care product should be used for regular
cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
NOTE: Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid
could lead to corrosion.Instrument ClusterUse a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.Steering Wheel and Gear Selector LeverWipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with a leather care product.
Cup HolderUse a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.Seat BeltsThe webbing must not be treated with chemical
cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above
176
°F (+80
°C) or in direct sunlight.
Headliner and Shelf Below Rear WindowClean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.UpholsteryUsing aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that
have the tendency to give off coloring (e.g. when wet
WARNING!
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severe-
ly weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to
provide adequate protection.
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