2005 DODGE SPRINTER Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING 177
5
Tire Pressures of Loaded Vehicle in PSI (kPa)
Vehicle type 2500 C/HC/SHCTire pressures for size 225/70 R 15 C 115 N– Front axle with max. axle load 3,858 lbs (1,750 kg) 51 psi (350 kPa)
– Rear axle with max. axle load 5,357 lbs (2,430 kg) 70 psi (480 kPa)Tire pressures for size LT225/75 R 16 115 N– Front axle with max. axle load
3,858 lbs (1,750 kg) 55 psi (380 kPa)
– Rear axle with max. axle load 5,357 lbs (2,430 kg) 80 psi (550 kPa)
Vehicle type 3500 C/HC/SHCTire pressures for size 195/70 R 15 C 104 / 102 R– Front axle with max. axle load3,858 lbs (1,750 kg) 65 psi (450 kPa)
– Rear axle with max. axle load 7,054 lbs (3,200 kg) 65 psi (450 kPa)Tire pressures for size LT225/75 R 16 115/112– Front axle with max. axle load 3,858 lbs (1,750 kg) 58 psi (400 kPa)
– Rear axle with max. axle load 7,054 lbs (3,200 kg) 57 psi (390 kPa)

178 STARTING AND OPERATINGComfort Tire Pressures in PSI (kPa)For reasons of comfort, we recommend setting the tire
pressures according to the table below, depending on
axle loads, on longer journeys with an unloaded or
only partially loaded vehicle.
Comfort Tire Pressures in PSI (kPa)
Front Axle
Size Application Axle loads in lbs (kg), see
type plate
2,315
(1,050) 2,646
1,200) 2,976
(1,350) 3,219
(1,460)
195/70 R 15 C
104 / 102 R Single
36
(250) 40
(275) 47
(325) 51
(350)
225/70 R 15 C
112 / 110 R
(115 N) Single
33
(225) 36
(250) 36
(250) 36
(250)
WARNING!
Correct the tire pressures before loading the
vehicle fully. If the tire pressure is too low driving
safety and tire mileage are decreased.
Rear Axle
Size Appli-
cationAxle loads in lbs (kg), see type plate1,764
(800) 2,205
(1,000) 2,646
(1,200) 3,307
(1,500) 3,748
(1,700)
195/70 R 15 C
104 / 102 R
Double
–
36
(250) –––
225/70 R 15 C
112 / 110 R
(115 N) Single
33
(225)
33
(225) 36
(250) 43
(300) 47
(325)

STARTING AND OPERATING 179
5
SNOW CHAINSInstall 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.FUEL REQUIREMENTSUse only commercially available vehicular diesel fuels
No. 2 or No. 1 (ASTM D 975 No. 2-D or No. 1-D).
NOTE: Because of its better quality the manufacturer
recommends the use of commercially available
vehicular diesel fuel No. 2.
For information on cold weather operation, contact
your authorized Sprinter Dealer. If diesel fuels are used with a sulphur content
exceeding 0.5 % by weight, engine oil change intervals
must be shortened. Please contact your Sprinter Dealer
to obtain the necessary information.
Refueling from drums or canisters may lead to the fuel
becoming contaminated. This in turn can cause faults
in the fuel system. Always f
ilter the fuel before adding
it to the vehicle’s tank.
WARNING!
Marine diesel fuel, Bio diesel fuel, heating oil or
the like must not be used.
Do not blend diesel fuel with marine diesel fuel,
Bio diesel fuel or heating oil.
The use of such non-approved fuels or blending
diesel fuel may result in malfunction or cause
engine damage. Damage or malfunctions
resulting from poor fuel quality or from blending
specific fuel additives are not covered by the
Sprinter Warranty.

180 STARTING AND OPERATINGFuel 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).
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.
A t tem pera tures below 1 4 ° F (–1 0 °C) us e win teriz ed 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.
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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 181
5
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%
Kerosene: 30%
Ambient temperature:
below –4 °F to (–20 °C)No. 2 Diesel Fuel: 50 %
Kerosene: 50 %
Even in extreme climatic conditions, the maximum
mixture ratio should not exceed 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.
REFUELING1. Fuel filler neck
2. Fuel filler capThe 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) coun terclockwise 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).
CAUTION!
Damage or malfunctions resulting from poor fuel
quality or from blending specific fuel additives
are not covered by the Sprinter Warranty.

182 STARTING AND OPERATINGNOTE: 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 183
5
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 three to four times.
The malfunction indicator light (MIL) ± 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.
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.

184 STARTING AND OPERATINGDRAINING 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.