2005 DODGE SPRINTER Owners Manual

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 Open immediately the water drain screw (3) about 1 turn (counterclockwise) until fluid emerges. Ensure
that the fluid is collected in the receptacle.
 Close the water drain screw (3) as soon as about 0.25 US qt (0.2 liters) are emerged.
 After draining, return the key in the ignition lock to position 0.
 Dispose of the collected fluid in an environmentally responsible manner.
 If the filter is still saturated, drain the filter once more.
After draining, the engine may run briefly but stall for
lack of fuel. If this occurs, bleed the system.
NOTE: Should the water in the fuel indicator lamp
still not go out after the fuel filter has been drained
twice, the cause should be examined by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Bleeding the Diesel Fuel SystemThe diesel fuel system must be bled before starting the
engine.
 Turn the key in the ignition lock position 2 for at
least 30 seconds.
 Return the key to position 0.
 Start the engine three to four times. The engine control unit indicator lamp ± 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.

186 STARTING AND OPERATINGPERMISSIBLE ROOF LOADThe maximum permissible roof load is:
 Vehicles with low roof 660 lbs (300 kg)
 Vehicles with high roof 330 lbs (150 kg)
 The weight of any load carried on the roof, including the roof rack, must not exceed the
maximum permissible roof load.TRAILER TOWING Trailer Hitches (Optional)
Only install a trailer hitch
receiver approved for your
vehicle. For information on availability and
installation, please see your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not designed for use
with clamp-type hitches. Do not attach rental hitches
or other bumper-type hitches to them.
To reduce the possibility of damage, remove the hitch
ball adaptor from the receiver when not in use.Electrical Connections (Optional)The Sprinter is available with a variety of pre-installed
conditions (lines and turn signal indicator and brake
module installed and / or not installed). Make sure that
the correct trailer hitch receiver kit is used. For further
information, please see your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
In order to prevent possible damage to the vehicle’s
electrical system by incorrectly installing the trailer
wiring plug, we recommend having the harness
connected at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
WARNING!
Failure to use proper equipment and driving tech-
nique can result in a loss of vehicle control when
towing a trailer.
Improper towing or failure to follow the
instructions contained in this guide can result in
serious injury. Follow the guidelines below
carefully to assure safe trailer operation.
Ask your authorized Sprinter Dealer, if you
require an explanation of information contained
in this guide.

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Vehicle and Trailer Weights and RatingsGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum
permissible vehicle weight: 8,550 lbs (3,878 kgs),
9,990 lbs (4,531 kgs) or 10,200 lbs (4,627 kgs).
NOTE: The weight of your Sprinter is indicated on the
type plate. For type plate, see Identification Labels.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): comprises weight of
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed
accessories, passengers, cargo and trailer tongue. It
must never exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum
permissible axle weight: Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the maximum
permissible trailer weight to be towed:
5,000 lbs. (2,260 kgs)
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the maximum
permissible weight of the trailer tongue:
500 lbs. (225 kgs) limit for Sprinter approved hitch
receiver.
Loading a TrailerWhen loading a trailer, you should observe that
neither the permissible GTW, nor the GVWR are
exceeded.
Maximum permissible values are listed on the safety
compliance certification labels for the vehicle and for
the trailer to be towed. The lowest value listed must be
selected when determining how the vehicle and trailer
are loaded.
We recommend loading the trailer in such a manner
that it has a tongue weight (TW) between 10% and 15%
of the GTW.
The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be added to
the GVW to prevent exceeding your Sprinter tow
vehicle’s rear GAWR.
Type GVWR GAWR (FA) GAWR (RA)
2500
C/HC / SHC 8,550 lbs
3,878 kgs 3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs) 5,360 lbs
(2,431 kgs)
3500
C/HC / SHC 9,990 lbs
4,531 kgs 3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs) 7,060 lbs
(3,202 kgs)
10,200 lbs 4,627 kgs 3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs) 7,060 lbs
(3,202 kgs)

188 STARTING AND OPERATINGChecking Weights of Vehicle and TrailerTo assure that the tow vehicle and trailer are in
compliance with the maximum permissible weight
limits, and to know the actual weights, have the loaded
vehicle-trailer combination (tow vehicle including
driver, passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
Check the vehicle’s front and rear Gross Axle Weight
(GAW), the GTW and TW. The values as measured
must not be exceeded, according to the weight listed
under “Vehicle and trailer weight and ratings”.Attaching a TrailerPlease observe maximum permitted trailer dimensions
(width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces require safety
chains between your tow vehicle and the trailer. The
chains should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue.
They must be attached to the hitch receiver, and not to
the vehicle’s bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough
slack in the chains to permit turning corners.
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
separate brake system at various trailer weights.
WARNING!
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if trailer is
so equipped) directly to the vehicle’s hydraulic
brake system as your vehicle is equipped with an-
tilock brakes. If you do, neither the vehicle’s
brakes nor the trailer’s brakes will function prop-
erly. This could cause an accident resulting in
property damage, injury or death to you or others.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for
trailer towing has a brake signal wire for hook-up
to a brake controller.
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
break-away switch on trailers with a separate
brake system. The switch activates the trailer
brakes in the possible event that the trailer might
separate from the tow vehicle.
You should consider using a trailer sway control
system. For further information see your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.

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Towing a TrailerThere are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailer towing. Make
sure that your vehicle-trailer combination will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also for where you
will be driving. A good source for this information can
be the police or local authorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer, check the
trailer hitch, break-away switch, safety chains,
electrical connections, lighting and tires. Also adjust
the mirrors to permit unobstructed view beyond rear
of trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and
trailer moving slowly, and then apply only the trailer
brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally to be sure
that the load is secure, and that lighting and trailer
brakes (if so equipped) are functioning properly.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shifts
while driving. Take into consideration that when towing a trailer, the
handling characteristics are different and less stable
from those when operating the vehicle without a
trailer. It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers. The
vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and
therefore is limited in acceleration and climbing ability,
and requires longer stopping distances. It is more
p r o n e t o r e a c t i n g t o s i d e w i n d g u s t s , a n d r e q u i r es m o r e
sensitive steering input.
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning, stopping
and backing up in an area which is free from traffic.If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rather engage
the brake slightly at first to
permit the trailer to activate
its brake. Then increase the braking force.

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.

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Parking a Trailer
CAUTION!
Extreme care must be exercised since your vehicle
with a trailer will require additional passing
distance ahead than when driving without a
trailer. Because your vehicle and trailer is longer
than your vehicle alone, you will also need to go
much farther ahead of the passed vehicle before
you can return to your lane.
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of personal injury, or damage to
the vehicle powertrain, as a result of vehicle/trail-
er movement, always:
Keep right foot on brake pedal.
Shift gear selector lever to position
"N".
Have a second person place wheel chocks on
downhill side of left and right trailer wheels.
Slowly release brake pedal and let vehicle and
trailer roll into chocks until stopped.
Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
Move gear selector lever to position
"P".
On inclines turn front wheels towards the road
curb.

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.