2005 DODGE SPRINTER Owners Manual

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7
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).
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).
A l l o w e n g i n e t o c o o l do w n b e f o r e r e m o v i ng c a p .
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.
WARNING!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Anti-freeze 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.

226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
If the engine is already at its regular operating
temperature:
Add coolant until the coolant level is about 0.6 inch
(1.5 cm) above the base area which is visible
through the filler opening.
 Replace and tighten the radiator cap.
If a large quantity of coolant has been lost, or if smaller
amounts are lost at regular intervals, have the engine
cooling system examined by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
For coolant composition and water quality, contact
your Sprinter Dealer.
WINTER OPERATIONHave your vehicle winterized by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer before the onset of winter.
 Have the engine oil changed, if the engine oil filled is not approved for winter use.
 Coolant: antifreeze/anti-corrosion concentration in the coolant checked.
 Windshield washer system: add winter concentrate to the washer fluid.
 Battery: the battery will lose capacity as temperatures drop. Only a well-charged battery will
ensure reliable engine starting even at low outside
temperatures.
 Tires: fit M+S radial tires, taking note of the maximum permissible speed of the tires fitted.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7
BATTERIESThe standard battery is located in the engine
compartment. The auxiliary battery is lo
cated underneath the front
passenger seat (optional equipment).
The battery will not achieve its maximum service life
unless it is kept adequately charged at all times. If the
vehicle is used primarily for short distances, or left
parked for lengthy periods, have the battery charge
checked more frequently.
Disconnecting the Battery
WARNING!
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe personal injuries and death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting, you
might get injured, if the battery explodes.
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
affected area with water and seek medical help if
necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.
Use only impact-resistant batteries with a central
gas release cover to prevent corrosion damage and
to prevent occupants from caustic burns in the
event of an accident.
CAUTION!
Do not loosen or remove the battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the key is in
the ignition lock as this could damage electrical or
electronic equipment beyond repair. All electrical
consumers must be switched off.
Do not place any metal objects on the battery.
Doing so may cause a short-circuit.
Loosen and remove the negative terminal clamp
first, then the positive terminal.
Afterwards disconnect vent tube from the fitting.

228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEReconnecting the Battery1. Vent tube
2. Fitting
All electrical consumers must be switched off. First
connect and tighten the posi tive terminal clamp, then
the negative terminal. Make sure that the terminal
clamps are not switched.
NOTE: If batteries have to be replaced, only use
batteries with a central vent cap as this will prevent
corrosion damage.
Connect the battery vent tube (1) to the fitting (2).
Charging the BatteryDisconnect the battery before charging it with a battery
charger.
Comply with the operating instructions for the battery
charger.
To ensure that the battery is disposed of in an
environmentally responsible manner, it should only be
replaced by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Batteries contain material that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
7
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is an ozone-
saving product. However, the manufacturer
recommends that air conditioning service be
performed by dealers or other service facilities using
recovery and recycling equipment.
WARNING!
 Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricantsapproved by the manufacturer for your air
conditioning system. Some unapproved
refrigerants are flammable and can explode,
injuring you. Other unapproved refrigerants or
lubricants can cause the system to fail, requiring
costly repairs. Refer to Section 3 of the Warranty
Information Book for additional warranty
information.
 The air conditioning system contains refrigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding
refrigerant or any repair requiring lines to be
disconnected should be done by an experienced
repairman.

230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEREPLACING WIPER BLADES1. Fold over the wiper arm (2) and place the wiper blade crosswise.
2. Press the retaining spring (1) and push the wiper blade out of the end of the wiper arm (2).
3. Remove the wiper blade. 4. Insert the end of the wiper arm (2) into the larger
cutout (3) of the wiper blade.
5. Push the wiper blade into the end of the wiper arm (2) until the retaining spring (1) engages.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 231
7
Appearance Care and Corrosion ProtectionIn operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying
external influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and
cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and
varying climatic conditions, but also by air pollution,
road salt, tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and
oil, fuel, coolant, brake flui d, bird droppings, insects, tree resins etc. should be removed immediately to
avoid paint damage. Frequent washing reduces and/
or eliminates the aggressiveness and potency of the
above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to deal with
unfavorable conditions; for example operation near the
ocean, in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions),
or during the winter months.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for
stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should
be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of
corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of the vehicle.
A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough inspection.
Damaged areas need to be undercoated again.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-
base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last
for the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production
treatment is neither necessary nor recommended by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
WARNING!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are poisonous, others are flammable. Always
keep cleaning products sealed and out of the
reach of children. Always follow the instructions
on the particular container. Always open your ve-
hicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the in-
side.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed
for cleaning your vehicle. Do not use fuel as a
cleaning agent. Fuel is flammable and constitutes
a health hazard.

232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEBecause of the possibility of incompatibility between
materials used in the production process and others
applied later.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be
removed or repaired with car-care products. In such
cases it is best to seek aid by your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your vehicle and give important "how-to" information
as well as references to car-care products.
Power WasherWhen using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturers’ operating instructions.
WARNING!
Never use openings in the bodywork as steps.
You could otherwise damage the vehicle and it
could lead to an accident.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
CAUTION!
The intense jet of water of a round nozzle can
result in damage to the tire. Therefore never use a
round nozzle to power wash tires.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the
surface. To avoid damaging the vehicle, do not
aim the water jet directly at electrical components,
end of electrical lines, electrical connectors, intake
or ventilation openings, brake hoses, door joints,
seals, other rubber parts.