2004 DODGE SPRINTER steering

STARTING AND OPERATING 163
5
STEERINGWhen the engine is not running, there is no power
assistance for the steering. Greater force will be
required to steer the vehicle.WHEELS AND TIRESCheck tires regularly for even tread wear, tread depth
(note legal requirements) and signs of external
damage.
Only use wheels and tires of the same size, make and
pattern.
Do not install tires that are not approved for the size
and type of wheel installed or the vehicle itself. Only
use those wheel sizes which were delivered to you by
your authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Use only wheels and tires which have been tested and
approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
Break in new tires at moderate speeds for a distance of
about 65 miles (about 100 km).
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded.
The ESP 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 ESP equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.If the vehicle is to be towed away with the front
wheels clear of the ground, or if the brakes are to be
tested on a brake dynamometer, do not put the key
in position 2 in the ignition lock because the ESP
would engage the brakes to stabilize the vehicle.If the ESP function is used for a prolonged period
of time, the rear axle brakes may fail due to
overheating.
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180 STARTING AND OPERATINGTowing a TrailerThere are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailer towing. Make
sure that your vehicle-trailer combination will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also for where you
will be driving. A good source for this information can
be the police or local authorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer, check the
trailer hitch, break-away switch, safety chains,
electrical connections, lighting and tires. Also adjust
the mirrors to permit unobstructed view beyond rear
of trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and
trailer moving slowly, and then apply only the trailer
brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally to be sure
that the load is secure, and that lighting and trailer
brakes (if so equipped) are functioning properly.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shifts
while driving.Take into consideration that when towing a trailer, the
handling characteristics are different and less stable
from those when operating the vehicle without a
trailer. It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers. The
vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and
therefore is limited in acceleration and climbing ability,
and requires longer stopping distances. It is more
prone to reacting to side wind gusts, and requires more
sensitive steering input.
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning, stopping
and backing up in an area which is free from traffic.If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rather engage
the brake slightly at first to permit the trailer to activate
its brake. Then increase the braking force.
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186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESHA ZA RD WA RNING FLA SHER SWITCHThe switch is located on top of the steering column
housing.
When the hazard warning flasher switch is switched
on, the indicator lamp in the switch and the turn signal
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster both flash.
WARNING!
If the rear cargo doors are opened to 90° (detent
position), the rear lights will be concealed. The
vehicle is then not sufficiently safeguarded at the
rear and may only be seen by other road users
when they are close to the vehicle. This could
lead to an accident.
The vehicle must then be clearly marked in
accordance with state and local laws, e.g., with a
warning triangle.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 187
6
VEHICLE TOOL KIT 1. Locked
2. Unlocked
The vehicle tool kit and the jack are located under the
hatch in the front passenger footwell.
CHA NGING THE TIREIf you get a flat tire while driving, gradually decrease
your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slowly
move to a safe place on the side of the road. The
pressure of the spare wheel always has to be checked
regularly (at least after every tenth time at the filling
station).
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 201
6
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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204 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Wiper Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223Light Alloy Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224Steering Wheel and Gear Selector Lever . . . . 224Cup Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224Headliner and Shelf Below Rear Window . . . 224Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224Hard Plastic Trim Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225Plastic and Rubber Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

Electrical Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225Standard Fuse and Relay Equipment . . . . . . . 226Relay Assignment, Standard Equipment . . . . 230Fuse and Relay Optional Equipment . . . . . . . 230

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233Front Lamp Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
License Plate Lamps
(Cargo/Passenger Vans Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240Additional Brake Lamp
(Cargo/Passenger Vans Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240Side-Mounted Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241Side-Marker Lamps,
Standing Lamps (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241Interior Lighting in Passenger Compartment
and Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242Interior Lighting with Reading Lamp . . . . . . . 242Interior Lighting with Interior Sensor
Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243Exit Lamps (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . 245
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 211
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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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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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