2004 DODGE SPRINTER coolant

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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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 219
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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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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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MA INTENA NCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
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Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

Maintenance - Without ASSYST Maintenance
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249Maintenance Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

Maintenance - With ASSYST Maintenance
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

Regular Check-Ups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

Special Maintenance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 251Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

Engine Oil Change and Filter Replacement . . . . 251Once a Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

Scope of Work for Maintenance service . . . . . . . 252Oil Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252Additional Maintenance Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254Additional Maintenance Work
After ... Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 251
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SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTSIf bodies built by manufacturers other than
DaimlerChrysler Corporation are fitted to the vehicle, the
maintenance requirements and lubrication intervals
specified by the body manufacturer must be adhered to,
in addition to all standard maintenance requirements.Brake FluidOnly use brake fluids approved by the manufacturer
(DOT 4 plus). Information about brake fluids is
available from your Sprinter Dealer.CoolantHave the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration
in the coolant checked before the onset of winter (once
a year in countries with high prevailing temperatures).
Have the coolant renewed every five years or 100,000
miles.Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation ReplacementThe dust filter and the tailgate interior filter are
renewed during routine maintenance service.
However, if operating conditions are dusty, these
filters should be renewed more frequently.
ENGINE OIL CHA NGE A ND FILTER
REPLACEMENTIn a minimum, change the engine oil and oil filter once
a year - even if the vehicle mileage per year is extremly
low. For standard oil service schedules, please see the
chapter oil service and maintenance service.Once a YearSelect the viscosity of the engine oil (SAE classes)
according to the outside air temperature.
Only use engine oil approved by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation if following the ASSYST system
guidelines.
Information is available from your Sprinter Dealer.
If the fuel used has a sulphur content exceeding 0.05 %
by weight, the service intervals should be split in half.
If the sulphur content of the fuel used is between 0.3%
and 0.8% by weight, the service intervals should be
split in half (i.e. every 5,000 miles instead of every
10,000 miles).
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254 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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A dditional Maintenance WorkAutomatic transmission once only at 80,000 miles/
128000km
Oil and filter change
During every second maintenance service
Air cleaner without maintenance indicator:
Air cleaner filter element renewal
Check poly-V-belt for wear and signs of damage
During every sixth maintenance service
Rear axle
A dditional Maintenance Work A fter ... YearsEvery 3 years
Air cleaner filter element renewal
(note installation date
)
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles
Coolant renewal
Note coolant composition
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