Page 190 of 288
190 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
Page 192 of 288
192 STARTING AND OPERATINGEMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM (CATALYTIC
CONVERTER)
INHALATION OF EXHAUST GAS FORDING (WADING CAPABILITY)
Avoid fording flooded roads or passing through water
unless you are certain as to how deep it is. Driving
through deep water can cause damage to the vehicle,
including but not limited to the electrical components,
engine, transmission, etc. This type of damage is not
covered under the Warranty.
WARNING!
When driving or parking the vehicle, make sure
that its exhaust system does not come into contact
with flammable material (such as dry leaves) as
these materials may otherwise catch fire.
WARNING!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and
lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you
think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the
vehicle while driving, have the cause determined
and corrected immediately. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive only with at least
one window fully open.
Page 193 of 288
STARTING AND OPERATING 193
5
BODY BUILDER GUIDELINEIf you intend on making any alterations to the vehicle,
we strongly recommend that you select one of the
following options in order to obtain all necessary
information:
1. Contact the authorized Sprinter Dealer nearest you to obtain a copy of the Sprinter Body Builder
Guideline.
2. Call DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC at telephone (800) 992-1997 to request a copy of the Sprinter Body
Builder Guideline (there may be a charge).
3. Write to the following address and order the Sprinter Body Builder Guideline (there may be a
charge).
DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC
P. O . B o x 2 1 - 8 0 0 4
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004
United States of America Body Builders and Dealers who makes any
modifications which may affect the final certification of
the engine, vehicle or equipment assume the sole
responsibility for the vehicle, including labeling and
documentation, affected by their modifications.
It is their responsibility to certify that the altered
vehicle conforms to all applicable standards and
regulations affected by the vehicle alteration or
continues to comply with the Motor Vehicle Safety
standards and Emissions regulations.
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations of the Sprinter
vehicle not in compliance with the Sprinter Body
Builder Guideline and the Sprinter Operator’s
Manual may seriously inhibit its roadworthiness
and safety and may lead to an accident resulting in
serious personal injury or death. Consult the
Sprinter Body Builder Guideline and the Sprinter
Operator’s Manual prior to initiating any alter-
ations or modifications.
Page 195 of 288
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
6
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Fire Extinguisher (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Vehicle Tool Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Changing the Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198Spare Wheel Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203Using the Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Removing a Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Installing a Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211If the Engine is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212If the Transmission is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . 212If the Front Axle is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212If the Rear Axle is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Page 203 of 288
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 203
6
JACK Using the Jack
The jack is located together with the vehicle tool kit
under the hatch in the front passenger footwell, refer to
"Vehicle Tool Kit".
1. Loosen the wheel bolts before raising the vehicle.
2. Close the release valve on the jack.
3. Assemble the pump leve r provided and insert it
into the socket on the jack.
4. Secure the lever by turning it clockwise in the socket.
Position the jack under the appropriate jack point and
raise the vehicle by pumping the lever.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of serious or fatal injuries or vehicle
damage, please bear the fo llowing points in mind:
The jack is intended only for raising the vehicle briefly, for instance, when changing a wheel. If it is
not designed to enable work to be carried out
underneath the vehicle.
Do not crawl under the jacked-up vehicle. For work
under the vehicle, stands must be used.
The jack must be placed on a firm, flat surface only.
Do not change wheels on uphill or downhill gradients under any circumstances.
Make sure that no persons are present in the vehicle when jacking up the vehicle.
Do not start the engine while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the distance between the underside of the tires and the ground does not exceed 1.2 in (30
mm). Otherwise the vehicle may tip over.
Page 209 of 288
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 209
6
JUMP STARTINGIf the battery is dead, the engine can be started with
jumper cables from another vehicle’s battery.
WARNING!
A battery will produce hydrogen gas, which is
flammable and very explosive. Avoid open flames
and the formation of sparks in the vicinity of the
batteries. Refrain from smoking or cell phone use.
Avoid improper connection of jumper cables.
Observe safety precautions when handling
batteries.
Exercise care near moving engine components and
electrical cables.
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components and can lead
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.
WARNING!
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affect-
ed area with water, and seek medical help.
The battery housing could be damaged. Never
lean over batteries while connecting or jump-
starting. You might get injured.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
Page 210 of 288
210 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES A dead battery can freeze at a temperature of 14
°F
(–10
°C). Never try to start the engine if the battery
is frozen. Thaw the battery out first.
Only use a battery of the same rated voltage and of approximately the same capacity for jump-starting.
The two vehicles must not touch.
Switch off all electrical accessories.
Run the vehicle with the booster battery at idle.
Connect the jumper cables in the sequence given in the illustration. 1. First connect the positive terminals of the two
batteries (see illustration, Items 1 + 2). Start with the
booster battery.
2. Then connect the negative terminal of the vehicle with the booster battery to a vehicle ground point
of the vehicle with the discharged battery, such as
to the engine block (see illustration, Items 3 + 4).
Start with the booster battery.
3. Start the engine in the customary manner.
4. Allow the engine to run for a short time.
5. Before disconnecting the jumper cables from the vehicle with the booster battery, switch on an
electrical consumer (e.g. the blower, but not the
lamps).
6. Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order to that in which they were connected.
7. Disconnect the jumper cable from negative terminal and vehicle ground point first (see
illustration, items 3 + 4), then from positive
terminals of the batteries (see illustration 1 + 2).
NOTE: Never try to start the engine with the aid of a
battery quick-charge unit.
Page 211 of 288
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 211
6
TOWING THE VEHICLE
*Vehicle Type 2500 only
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)
*.
