2004 DODGE SPRINTER engine

170 STARTING AND OPERATINGSNOW CHA INSInstall snow chains on rear wheels only. Install snow
chains on exterior wheel in vehicles with double tires.
Comply with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
NOTE: Vehicles with snow chains installed are only to
be driven on a snow-covered surface. The snow chains
must be removed on road surfaces free of snow.FUELSUse only commercially available vehicular diesel fuels
No. 2 or No. 1 (ASTM D 975 No. 2-D or No. 1-D).
If diesel fuels are used with a sulphur content
exceeding 0.05 % by weight, engine oil change
intervals must be shortened. Please contact your
Sprinter Dealer to obtain the necessary information.
Marine diesel fuel, heating oil or the like must not be
used.
Refueling from drums or canisters may lead to the fuel
becoming contaminated. This in turn can cause faults
in the fuel system. Always filter the fuel before adding
it to the vehicle’s tank.
Fuel Filter with Water SeparatorCheck the water separator when the fuel indicator
lamp does not go out or comes on while the engine
is running. For more information on the indicator
lamp .
The interval for changing the fuel filter is reduced to
10,000 miles (about 15,000 km).
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Diesel Fuels for Use at Very Low TemperaturesAt very low temperatures the fluidity of No. 2 diesel
fuel may become insufficient due to parraffin
separation. For this reason the vehicle comes equipped
with a fuel preheater. It permits a troublefree engine
operation to a temperature of approximately 14 °F (–
10 °C) when using No. 2 diesel fuel.
To avoid malfunctions, No. 2 diesel fuel of a lowered
cloud point is marketed during the cold season.
At temperatures below 14 °F (–10 °C) use winterized or
No. 1 diesel fuel only. If not available, a certain
quantity of kerosene or fuel flow improver may be
added. Mixing only to be done within the vehicle’s fuel
tank. Kerosene has to be filled in before the diesel fuel.
Engine power may drop according to the proportion of
kerosene. For this reason, keep percentage of kerosene
added to the minimum necessitated by the ambient
temperature.
The following information can be used as a reference,
if adding of kerosene becomes necessary. The mixing
ratios shown refer to the total mixture.Ambient temperature:
14 °F to –4 °F (–10 °C to –20 °C)
No. 2 Diesel Fuel: 70%
Kersosene: 30%
Ambient temperature:
below –4 °F to (–20 °C)
No. 2 Diesel Fuel: 50 %
Kersosene: 50 %
Even in extreme climatic conditions, the maximum
mixture ratio should not exeed 50 %.
Adding of kerosene to No. 1 diesel fuel is not
recommended even at low temperatures.
Do not blend other specific fuel additives with diesel
fuel except for fuel flow improver. They only result in
unnecessary cost, and may be harmful to the engine
operation.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from poor fuel
quality or from blending specific fuel additives are not
covered by the Sprinter Warranty.Freightliner-all.book Pag e 171 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

172 STARTING AND OPERATING
REFUELINGThe fuel filler neck (1) is located behind the fuel filler
flap next to the driver’s door. The fuel filler flap can be
opened when the driver’s door is open. Turn the fuel
filler cap (2) on the fuel filler neck (1) counterclockwise
and take it off. For cargo/passenger vans, place the
fuel filler cap (2) in the holder on the inside of the fuel
filler flap.
When you have finished refueling, install the fuel filler
cap (2).
WARNING!
Under no circumstances should gasoline be mixed
with diesel fuel.
Due to the high pressure and high temperature in
the injection system, there is a risk of fire and
explosion.
In addition, there is a risk of engine damage.
Always follow basic safety rules when working
with any combustible material.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 173
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NOTE: Only fill the fuel tank until the fill nozzle cuts
off, do not overfill.
NOTE: Holder on the inside of the fuel filler flap only
for cargo/passenger vans.
CapacityFuel tank including reserve fuel about 26.4 US gal
(100 l).PROGRAMMED TOP SPEED (OPTIONAL)NOTE: The top speed of this vehicle can be
electronically limited to a speed between 19 mph
(30 km / h) and 82 mph (132 km / h). The vehicle’s
electronic speed controller should be programmed
only by a qualified technician by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
When programming the electronic speed controller,
the circumference of the specific tires actually mounted
on the vehicle must be determined and that
circumference must be correctly programmed into the
vehicle’s electronic speed controller. It is critical that
the correct tire circumference be programmed
accurately into the vehicle’s electronic speed
controller. Accurate tire circumference information
should be confirmed each time the electronic speed
controller is programmed and each time new wheels or
tires are mounted on the vehicle.
WARNING!
Always handle fuel with great care.
Shut off the engine and the auxiliary heater before
refueling.
Fuel is flammable and explosive. Keep open
flames away from the fuel.
Refrain from smoking as well as use of any
electrical equipment (such as cell phones). This
also applies to places where the characteristic
smell of fuel is evident.
If diesel fumes are noticed inside the vehicle, have
the cause traced and rectified immediately by an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
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174 STARTING AND OPERATING
BLEEDING DIESEL FUEL SYSTEMIf the fuel tank was run empty, the diesel fuel system
must be bled after refueling before starting the engine.– Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2 for at
least 30 seconds.– Return the key to position 0.– Start the engine.
NOTE: Too many attempts to start the engine could
drain the battery. If the engine does not start after
several attempts, consult an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
WARNING!
Possible tire damage resulting in serious personal
injury or death may occur if the vehicle’s electron-
ic speed controller is programmed at a speed
above the maximum speed allowed by the manu-
facturer of the specific tires mounted on the vehi-
cle. The maximum speed of the tires prescribed by
the tire manufacturer must be determined and ac-
curately programmed into the electronic speed
controller. The electronic speed controller must
never be programmed at a speed greater than the
maximum allowable tire speed as prescribed by
the manufacturer of the specific tires mounted on
the vehicle.
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DRAINING FUEL FILTER WITH WATER
SEPARATOR1. Fuel filter
2. Drain hose
3. Water drain screw
The fuel filter (1) is located in the engine compartment.
NOTE: The fuel filter must be drained as soon as the
water in fuel indicator lamp lights up.NOTE: Prior to opening water drain screw (3), place a
suitable receptacle underneath the drain hose (2). Turn
water drain screw (3) on and off only by hand.
Diesel fuels and diesel fuel mixtures must be disposed
of properly; we recommend water be drained from fuel
filters by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Draining Fuel Filter
 Stop the engine.
 Shift gear selector lever to ‘‘P’’ position.
 Open the hood.
 Place a suitable receptacle underneath the drain
hose (2).
 Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2.
CAUTION!
Delaying draining of the fuel filter for a
considerable time after the indicator lamp lights
up may lead to engine damage.
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176 STARTING AND OPERATING Open immediately the water drain screw (3) about 1
turn (counterclockwise) until fluid emerges. Ensure
that the fluid is collected in the receptacle.
 Close the water drain screw (3) as soon as about 0.25
US qt (0.2 liters) are emerged.
 After draining, return the key in the ignition lock to
position 0.
 Dispose of the collected fluid in an environmentally
responsible manner.
 If the filter is still saturated, drain the filter once
more.
After draining, the engine may run briefly but stall for
lack of fuel. If this occurs, bleed the system.
NOTE: Should the water in the fuel indicator lamp
still not go out after the fuel filter has been drained
twice, the cause should be examined by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Bleeding the Diesel Fuel SystemThe diesel fuel system is bled before starting the
engine.
 Turn the key in the ignition lock position 2 for at
least 30 seconds.
 Return the key to position 0.
 Start the engine three to four times. The engine
control unit indicator lamp± must go out.
NOTE: Too many attempts to start the engine could
drain the battery. If the engine does not start after
several attempts, consult an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
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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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