Page 247 of 330
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 247
6
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.
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.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 249
6
*Vehicle Type 2500 onlyIf the Engine is Damaged
For towing distances up to 30 miles (about 50 km)
Shift gear selector lever to "N" position.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 30 mph (50 km / h).
For towing distances greater than 30 miles (about
50 km)
Remove the propeller shafts leading to the drive
axles.
The vehicle can be towed without restriction.
If the Transmission is Damaged
Remove the propeller shafts leading to the drive
axles.
If the Front Axle is Damaged
Raise the front axle.
Observe the same towing restrictions as for engine
damage.
If the Rear Axle is Damaged
Raise the rear axle.
NOTE: Comply with local legal regulations regarding
towing vehicles.
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
®)*.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 255
7
SPRINTER ORIGINAL PARTS
Every authorized Sprinter Dealer maintains a stock of
Sprinter original parts for maintenance and repair work.
Over 6,000 retailers around the world guarantee that
you can be supplied with Sprinter original parts
wherever you are. Over 300,000 different parts and
assemblies, including parts for older vehicle models,
are distributed from a central parts warehouse using
an optimally tuned logistics concept.
Sprinter original parts are subjected to the most
stringent quality inspections and will ensure that the
vehicle is maintained at a high level of operating
efficiency and safety, and that it maintains its value.
Each part has been specifically designed and
manufactured or selected and approved for use in
Sprinter vehicles.
It is therefore best to use only Sprinter original parts.
For cost-effective repairs in accordance with sound
recycling principles, the use of non-genuine parts and
accessories not authorized by the manufacturer could
damage the vehicle or compromise its durability or safety.
When ordering original parts, always provide the
vehicle identification number and the engine number. SERVICE PRODUCTS
Mechanical elements and the lubricants used for them
must be carefully matched.
For this reason, only brands tested and approved by
the manufacturer should be used. Please contact your
Sprinter Dealer to obtain the necessary information.
No lubricant additives should be used.
The use of such additives could affect your warranty
rights. Information is available from any authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
For specifications of engine oils, coolant and brake
fluid, contact your authorized Sprinter Dealer.
WARNING!
If handled incorrectly, service products can consti-
tute a health risk for people and an environmental
hazard.
Always observe relevant guidelines for handling,
storing and disposing of service products.
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256 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Disposal of Service Products
Dispose of service products and of parts which come
into contact with them (e.g. filters) in an
environmentally responsible manner. Comply with
applicable bars and regulations.
EMISSION RELATED COMPONENT WARRANTY
STATEMENT
The Manufacturer warrants to the original and each
subsequent owner of a Sprinter heavy-duty on
highway diesel engine that:
(1) the engine was designed, built and equipped so as
to conform at the time of sale with the applicable
regulations adopted by the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency, and
(2) the emission control system of such engine is free
from defects in materials and workmanship which
would cause it not to conform with those regulations
for a period of use of five years or 100 000 miles or
3 000 hours of engine operation, whichever occurs
first.REGULAR CHECKS
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 posi-
tion 2 in the ignition lock, there is a risk of injury
due to moving engine components and the electri-
cal system.
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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263
7
A regular check is included in the maintenance service.
Checking Coolant Level
Pressure cap on coolant reservoir (1)
The cooling system is pressurized. Only check the
coolant level with the vehicle parking on a level surface
and with the engine switched off.
– Wait until the coolant temperature has dropped
below 194 °F (+90 °C).
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.
Page 264 of 330

264 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Open the hood.
At first, only turn the pressure cap on coolant
reservoir to the first detent to release the pressure
from the cooling system. Only then should the
pressure 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
(1.5 cm) above the base area which is visible
through the filler opening.
Replace and tighten the pressure cap on coolant
reservoir.
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.
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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 265
7
WINTER OPERATION
Have 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 and headlamp cleaning
system (optional): add windshield washer fluid
"winter wash" to the water, depending on ambient
temperatures.
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 with a minimum tread
depth of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all wheels
for the winter season.BATTERIES
The standard battery is located in the engine
compartment.
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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267
7
Charging the Battery
Disconnect 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.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved 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.