2004 DODGE SPRINTER cooling

98 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELCoolant Level Indicator LampWhen the key is turned to position 2 in the ignition
lock, the coolant level indicator lamp
/ in the
instrument cluster lights up for about 2 seconds. It
must go out when the engine is running.
If the coolant level indicator lamp
/ remains on or lights
up again when the engine is running, the coolant level
is too low.
Do not drive on. Switch the engine off and add coolant.If a large quantity of coolant is being lost, or if smaller
amounts are lost at regular intervals, have the engine
cooling system examined by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
CAUTION!
Never run the engine if the coolant level is too
low. This could cause the engine to overheat,
leading in turn to engine damage.
WARNING!
Driving when your engine is badly overheated
can cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You could
be seriously burned. Steam from an overheated
engine can cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the engine hood. Stay away from the
engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do
not stand near the vehicle until it cool downs.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 109
4
HEATING, VENTILATIONTemperature control (1)
Airflow control (2)
Air distribution control (3)ZAir to the windshield and from the air vents
XAir to the windshield and footwell and from
the air vents
YAir to the footwell and from the air vents
hAir from the air vents
NOTE: If the vehicle interior has been heated up by
intense sunlight, ventilate the interior briefly before
driving the vehicle.
Only with automatic heater control (Optional):
The selected temperature is reached as quickly as
possible in heater mode and then held constant.
WARNING!
Follow the recommended settings for heating and
cooling given on the following pages. Otherwise
the windows could fog up, impairing visibility
and endangering you and others.
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116 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELTo switch on:
Press switch (1), the indicator lamp (2) in the switch
lights up.
To switch off:
Press switch (1) again, the indicator lamp (2) goes out.
NOTE: Run the air conditioning at least once a month
for about 10 minutes.
It is possible that the air conditioning will
automatically switch off at outside temperatures below
41 °F (+5 °C). Dehumidification is then also not
possible.
Condensation may emerge from the underside of the
vehicle.
The air conditioner only uses the refrigerant R-134a.
This refrigerant does not damage the earth’s ozone
layer.
Climate Control (on Vehicles with A ir Conditioning)1. Set the airflow control (2) to position 1 to 4.
Position 4 gives maximum cooling.
2. Set the temperature switch (1) as required (The
interior temperature is regulated by the
Tempmatik. If the interior temperature falls below
the preset temperature, warm air is automatically
supplied).
3. Set the air distribution control (3) to h.
4. To switch on air conditioning, press switch (4).
WARNING!
While driving, deactivate the air conditioning
only temporarily to prevent window fogging.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 117
4
NOTE: Open and adjust the air vents as required, refer
to "Side Air Vents and Center Air Vents".
At high outside temperatures, a better cooling
performance is achieved by switching on air
recirculation. For note on air recirculation, refer to "Air
Recirculation".
Dehumidification
(on Vehicles with Air Conditioning)1. Set the airflow control (2) to position 3 or 4.
2. Set the temperature control (1) as required.
3. Set the air distribution control (3) between X
and Z.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 119
4
To switch it on:
1. Press switch (1) on air conditioning, regulated.
The indicator lamp (2) will light up.
2. Operate the airflow switch (3).
Blower level 1, press the airflow switch (3)
upwards; the left-hand indicator lamp will light up.
Blower level 2, press the airflow switch (3)
downwards; the right-hand indicator lamp will
light up.
3. Set temperature control (4) as needed.
Increase cooling turn upwards.
Decrease cooling turn downwards.
To switch off:
1. Switch the airflow switch (3) to the center position.
2. Press switch (1) air conditioning, regulated; the
indicator lamp (2) will go out.
Air RecirculationRecirculation mode can now be assisted by the air
conditioner for rear passenger compartment.
To switch it on:
Operate the airflow switch (3)
Blower level 1, press the airflow switch (3) upwards;
the left-hand indicator lamp will light up.
Blower level 2, press the airflow switch (3)
downwards; the right-hand indicator lamp will light
up.
To switch off:
Switch the airflow switch (3) to the center position.
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212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEBrake fluidUse 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 FMVSS116 and ISO 4925.
In the course of its service life, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will fall due to the continuous absorption of
moisture from the atmosphere.
If the brakes are placed under heavy loads (e.g., on
steep hills) bubbles of steam can then form in the brake
system.
This will adversely affect the brakes' effectiveness.
Engine CoolantThe coolant is a mixture of water and a corrosion
inhibitor/antifreeze additive. Within the cooling
system, the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze ensures
 anti-corrosion protection
 antifreeze protection
 a higher boiling point.
The coolant added in the factory ensures adequate
antifreeze and anti-corrosion protection.
Use coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline
GO5, or an equivalent Extended Life Coolant.
To avoid damage to the cooling system, only use
manufacturer approved corrosion inhibitor/
antifreeze additives.
Information on the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze
additive is available from any Sprinter Dealer.
For reasons of anti-corrosion protection and to increase
the boiling point, the coolant added to the cooling
system is designed for all year round operation – even
in countries with high prevailing temperatures.
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MAINTAININ G YOUR VEHICLE 213
7
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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