2006 DODGE SPRINTER fuel

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 107
4
NOTE: Should the water in fuel indicator lamp
still not go out after the fuel filter has been drained, the
cause should be examined by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
If the indicator lamp does not light up for about
2 seconds with the key in the ignition lock in position 2,
there is a malfunction in the water separator system.
Have the cause rectified by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.Engine Oil Level Indicator Lamp
The engine oil level indicator lamp: lights up in
the instrument cluster when the key is turned to
position 2 in the ignition lock. It must go out when the
engine is running.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 109
4
If a large quantity of coolant is being lost, or if smaller
amounts are lost at regular intervals, have the engine
cooling system examined by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.Engine Control Unit Indicator Lamp
When the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
engine control unit indicator lamp± will light up in
the instrument cluster. It must go out when the engine
is running.
If the engine control unit indicator lamp± remains on
or lights up again while the vehicle is moving, the fuel tank
was run empty or a fault has developed in the engine
control unit. The engine’s power output may be reduced.
Refuel and bleed the fuel system or have the cause
traced and rectified by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
CAUTION!
Never run the engine if the coolant level is too
low. This could cause the engine to overheat,
leading in turn to engine damage.
WARNING!
Driving when your engine is badly overheated
can cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You could
be seriously burned. Steam from an overheated
engine can cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the engine hood. Stay away from the
engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do
not stand near the vehicle until it cool downs.

132 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
AUXILIARY HEATER – WATER OR AIR HEATER
(OPTIONAL)
NOTE: The auxiliary heater (water or air heating
device) can be used whether or not the engine is
running.
After you have filled your vehicle’s gas tank with
winterized diesel fuel for the first time, it is
recommended that you operate the auxiliary heater
before beginning a journey or operating the heater
continuously so that any summer diesel fuel left in the
auxiliary heater can combust.
Before switching the auxiliary heater on make sure that
that the battery is sufficiently charged and that there is
enough fuel in the tank. At least a quarter of the tank
should be filled up. See Fuel Gauge.
WARNING!
The auxiliary heating must not be operated at gas
stations due to the risk of fire and explosion. For
this reason, switch off the auxiliary heating before
refuelling.
Auxiliary heaters emit fumes when in operation,
including carbon monoxide.
Inhaling carbon monoxide is a health hazard and
can result in unconsciousness and death.
For this reason, do not operate auxiliary heating in
enclosed spaces without ventilation or an
extractor system, e.g. in a garage. Otherwise you
could endanger yourself and others.
Always keep the ground under the vehicle as clear
as possible so that the auxiliary heater can receive
enough combustion air and exhaust fumes can
escape. Otherwise you could endanger yourself
and others.
WARNING!
Vehicles for transporting hazardous goods:
Observe the relevant safety regulations.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 133
4
NOTE: After three successive attempts to start the
heater, a malfunction will be recorded in the integrated
diagnostic system and no further operation on
auxiliary heater will be available (lock-out). The work
to annul the lock-out must be carried out at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
The auxiliary heater should be run at least once a
month for about 10 minutes.
The maximum heating period is 120 minutes. For more
information, refer to "Switching the Auxiliary Heater
On and Off - Ignition On".
The auxiliary heater will automatically switch off if the
fuel level is under about 4 US gal (15 l).
In case of faults, refer to "Auxiliary Heater – Tips for
Coping with Problems".
WARNING!
Aerosals, gas cartridges and other pressurized
containers transported in the vehicle may be high-
ly flammable and could explode when heated.
Make sure, particularly on vehicles with an air
heater, that such containers are not placed in the
flow of hot air of the auxiliary heating system
Otherwise there is a risk of severe personal
injuries, death and property damage due to
explosion.
WARNING!
Vehicles with air heater:
For safety reasons, we strongly recommend that
the heat exchanger be replaced by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer after 10 years of use.
If the vehicle is sold, the owner is required to
inform the buyer of this requirement. This should
be done when the Operator’s Manual is
transferred to the buyer.

140 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
AUXILIARY HEATER – TIPS FOR COPING WITH
PROBLEMS
NOTE: After three successive attempts to start the
heater, a malfunction will be recorded in the integrated
diagnostic system and no further operation on
auxiliary heater will be available (lock-out). The work
to annul the lock-out must be carried out at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
The heater either does not switch on or automatically
switches off:
 Insufficient fuel, fill up the fuel tank. Start up heater
two times, until the fuel lines are filled.
 The auxiliary heater will automatically switch off if
the fuel level is under about 4 US gal (15 l).
 The fuses in the fuse box are damaged. Electric
fuses.
 The battery voltage is too low, an undervoltage
protector switches off the heater if the battery
voltage falls below about 10 volts.The heater motor does not run
 The battery voltage is too low, check the battery.
Batteries.
 The fuses in the fuse box are damaged.
Electric fuses.
 The heater motor is damaged.
Overheating
 The air channels are clogged.
The heater can be restarted once the fault has been
repaired. When this is done, the heater should be
switched on and off.
 The heater will remain switched off after it has been
overheated a number of times (about 10 times in
succession). Have the fault repaired by an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
NOTE: Repairs should only be made by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.

STARTING AND OPERATING 143
5
…Winter tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Q Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Q Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
…Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . . . . . 210…Diesel Fuels for Use at Very
Low Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Q Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
…Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Q Programmed Top Speed (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 213
Q Bleeding Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Q Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . 214
…Bleeding the Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Q Permissible Roof Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Q Loading the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
…Tire and Loading Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Q Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
…Trailer Hitches (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
…Electrical Connections (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 222
…Vehicle and Trailer Weights and Ratings . . . . 222
…Trailer Tongue Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
…Loading a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223…Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer . . . . 224
…Attaching a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224…Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
…Parking a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Q Emissions Control System
(Catalytic Converter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Q Inhalation of Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Q Fording (Wading Capability) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Q Body Builder Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
…A Special Note Concerning
Vehicle Alteration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

STARTING AND OPERATING 177
5
For more information on tire size designation, load and
speed rating, refer to "Tire Labeling". See an authorized
Sprinter Dealer for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice concerning tire
service and purchase.
WARNING!
Using tires other than those approved by the vehi-
cle manufacturer can have detrimental effects,
such as
 poor handling characteristics
 increased noise
 increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by the
vehicle manufacturer may, under load, exhibit
dimensional variations and different tire
deformation characteristics that could cause them
to come into contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the vehicle may be
the result.
WARNING!
Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your Sprinter vehicle. Some
combinations of unapproved tires and wheels
may change suspension dimensions and perfor-
mance characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your Sprinter
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension compo-
nents. You could lose control and have an accident
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the
tire and wheel sizes with load ratings approved
for your Sprinter vehicle, refer to "Tire and Load-
ing Information". Never use a tire with a smaller
load index or speed index or capacity, other than
what was originally equipped on your Sprinter
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index
could result in tire overloading and failure. You
could lose control and have an accident.
Failure to equip the vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

180 STARTING AND OPERATING
 Regularly check the tires and rims for damage.
Dented or bent rims can cause tire inflation pressure
loss and damage to the tire beads.
 If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire inflation
pressure and correct as required.
 Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths under 1/8 in (3 mm) for
summer tires and 1/6 in (4 mm) for winter tires.
 When replacing individual tires, you should mount
new tires on the front wheels first.
Tire Care and MaintenanceThe tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly, i.e. at least each time you refuel the vehicle.
The preferred interval for checking the tire inflation
pressure, however, is before each trip.
For more information on checking tire inflation
pressure, refer to "Recommended Tire Inflation
Pressure".
Tire Inspection
Every time when checking the tire inflation pressure,
the tires should also be inspected for the following:
 excessive treadwear, refer to "Tread Depth"
 cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber
 bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the tread or
side of the tire
Replace the tire if any of the above conditions is found.
Also inspect the spare tire periodically for condition
and inflation. Spare tires will age and become worn
over time even if never used, and thus should be
inspected and replaced when necessary.
WARNING!
Regularly check the tires for damage. Damaged
tires can cause tire inflation pressure loss. As a re-
sult, you could lose control of your Sprinter vehi-
cle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained
damage, replace them.