2004 DODGE SPRINTER warning

146 STARTING AND OPERATING Protect sharp edges with padding.
 Check the tire pressures after loading the vehicle.
For passenger vans:
 Do not stack loads higher than the upper edge of the
backrests.
 Always place the load against the backrests of the
seat benches.
 Whenever possible, transport loads behind seats
that are not occupied.
 Distribute the load in such a way that the
permissible axle loads are not exceeded when the
vehicle is equipped with the maximum number of
seats. Loading the luggage compartment up to the
maximum payload would cause the permissible
rear axle load to be exceeded.
BRA KES
Service Brake
WARNING!
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort
is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep
enough to wet brake components, the first
braking action may be somewhat reduced and
increased pedal pressure may be necessary. Be
sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in
front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effectiveness.
It may not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
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NOTE: If you find that the minimum mark on the
brake fluid reservoir is reached, have the brake system
checked for pad thickness and leaks.
Parking Brake Indicator LampWith the key in position 2 in the ignition lock and the
parking brake released, the indicator lamp lights
up for about 2 seconds.
If the parking brake is on, the indicator lamp does
not go out before the parking brake is released.
WARNING!
Driving with the brake indicator lamp; (3)
illuminated can result in an accident. There may
be a malfunction in the brake system or in the
electronic brake force distribution. The braking
characteristics are affected and the vehicle could
skid if it is braked hard.
Have your brake system checked immediately if
the brake indicator lamp; (3) stays on. Do
not add brake fluid before checking the brake
system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts
and the brake fluid catching fire. There is a risk of
injury due to hot engine parts or hot steam.
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150 STARTING AND OPERATINGParking BrakeOnly apply the parking brake when the vehicle is
stationary.
To apply:
Pull the lever up as many notches as possible. When
the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the parking
brake indicator lamp will light up in the
instrument cluster.To release:
Lift the lever up slightly, press the button on the lever
in and move the lever down to the stop. The parking
brake indicator lamp should go out.
WARNING!
Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or vehicle may roll and cause
damage or injury.
WARNING!
On uphill or downhill grades steeper than 15%
the vehicle must be safeguarded. Vehicles which
are not secured could roll away and result in se-
vere personal injuries, death and property dam-
age.
Safeguard an unloaded vehicle by chocking the
front axle.
Safeguard a loaded vehicle by chocking the rear
axle.
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5
Driving SystemsThe vehicle can be equipped with the following
Driving Safety Systems:
 Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
 Electronic brake force distribution (EBV)
 Acceleration skid control (ASR)
 Brake assist system (BAS)
1
 Electronic stability program (ESP)
1
NOTE: The maximum effectiveness of ABS, EBV, ASR
and ESP is only achieved if you drive with correct tire
pressures and adjust tire pressures to correspond with
the vehicle’s load. In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS and the ESP is only achieved
with winter tires (M+S tires), or snow chains as
required.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the vehicle,
even if they are secured by a child restraint
system. The children could
 injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
 release the child-proof locks by pressing the
central locking button and could thereby open
the doors and
 cause injury to others as a result
 get out of the vehicle and could either injure
themselves when doing so or they could be
injured by the traffic approaching from the rear
 suffer serious or fatal effects in the event of long
periods of hot weather
 release the parking brake. The vehicle could
then start moving of its own accord.Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause
severe personal injuries, death and property damage.
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152 STARTING AND OPERATING
A nti-Lock Brake System (A BS) Indicator LampWhen the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
ABS indicator lamp- will light up in the
instrument cluster. It goes out after about 2 seconds.
If the ABS indicator lamp- remains on or lights up
when the engine is running, the ABS is malfunctioning.
NOTE: If the voltage in the vehicle’s electrical system
drops below 10 volts, the ABS indicator lamp- will
also light up in the instrument cluster and the ABS will
be deactivated. The indicator lamp will go out as soon
WARNING!
The following factors increase the risk of acci-
dents:
 Excessive speed, especially in turns
 Wet and slippery road surfaces
 Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, EBV, ASR, BAS and ESP cannot reduce
this risk nor can they prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions
and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle
and other road users as well as objects on the road.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 153
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as the voltage reaches this level again
– the ABS is then
reactivated.
If ABS malfunctions, the other driving safety systems
are deactivated. The handling and braking
characteristics of your vehicle change. The other
braking and driving systems still function normally.
I
A nti-Lock Brake System (A BS)ABS prevents the wheels from locking at any speed
above about 5 mph (8 km/h), regardless of road
surface conditions. The vehicle remains steerable even
if the brakes are applied fully.
A light vibrating of the steering wheel and pulsating of
the brake pedal indicate that the ABS is working.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and works as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
WARNING!
If the ABS indicator lamp- does not go out or
lights up again while driving, the ABS is malfunc-
tioning. If ABS malfunctions, the other driving
safety systems are deactivated. The vehicle’s brak-
ing characteristics may be affected. There is an in-
creased risk that your vehicle could skid in the
event of sharp braking. Have the malfunction
traced and repaired without delay by an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.
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154 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Do not reduce the force applied to the brake pedal if
it is necessary to brake the vehicle further. This will
negate the main benefit of ABS – the ability to brake
without affecting the steerability of the vehicle.In the event of an emergency stop, fully depress
the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal,
rather use firm, steady brake pedal pressure.
Pumping the pedal defeats the purpose of ABS
and significantly reduces braking effectiveness.
WARNING!
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehi-
cle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The ABS 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 ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.
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Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) prevents
the rear wheels from being overbraked when there is
little load on the rear axle or if there is not much friction
between the tires and road (e.g., if the road is wet).
A cceleration Skid Control Indicator Lamp (A SR)
and Brake A ssist System (BA S) if equippedWhen the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
indicator lampk will light up in the instrument
cluster as a function check. It goes out when the engine
is running.
WARNING!
If the brake indicator lamp ;(-) does not
go out or lights up again while driving, the brake
fluid level may not necessarily have dropped be-
low the minimum filling capacity but a malfunc-
tion may have occurred in the EBD. In this case
continue driving, but with even greater care.
The wheels of the rear axle could lock if the
vehicle is braked hard. This could lead to a
skidding of the vehicle. Have the malfunction
traced and repaired without delay by an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.
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