2004 DODGE SPRINTER open hood

60 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLEHOOD
To open:
1. Pull the release lever (1).
The hood then opens slightly and is restrained by
the safety catch.
WARNING!
When the hood is open, there is a risk of injury due
to very hot engine components.
When the engine is running or the key is in
position 2 in the ignition lock, there is a risk of
injury due to moving engine components and the
electrical system.
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils,
spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the
ignition system with the engine running, while
starting or if the ignition is on and the engine is
turned manually.
To help prevent severe personal injuries and death,
stay clear of moving parts when the hood is open
and the engine is running.
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 vehicle and do not open
the hood until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call the fire department.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 60 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 61
3
2. Open the safety catch (2).
3. Swing the hood up until the support strut (3)
engages.To close:
1. Lift the hood up slightly.
2. Press the support strut (3) down.
3. Swing the hood down and make sure that it
engages in its retaining catch.
4. Check that the hood is engaged properly by pulling
on the front edge.Freightliner-all.book Pag e 61 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

94 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Fuel Gauge with Reserve Fuel Indicator LampThe fuel level is displayed when the key is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
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 cools down.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 94 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

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.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 98 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

STARTING AND OPERATING 175
5
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.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 175 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM

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.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 214 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM