2006 DODGE SPRINTER service

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NOTE: After selecting any driving position from "N"
or "P", wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage
before accelerating, especially when the engine is cold.
Accelerator Position
Partial throttle, for early upshifting and normal
acceleration
Full throttle, for later upshifting and rapid acceleration
Kickdown, (depressing the accelerator beyond full
throttle) for downshifting to a lower gear and
maximum acceleration. Once the desired speed is
attained, ease up on the accelerator, the transmission
shifts up again.
Stopping
For brief stops, such as at traffic lights, leave the
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into "N"
or "P" and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill grade, do not
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids
unnecessary transmission heat build up.Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, such as when pulling into
a parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while
applying slight partial throttle.
WARNING!
Getting out of your vehicle with the gear selector le-
ver not fully engaged in position "P" is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, position "P" alone
may not prevent your vehicle from moving, possibly
hitting people or objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to
shifting to position "P".
When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
against curb.

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transmission are negatively affected by this mode of
operation.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km / h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95 °F (+35 °C).
To avoid overrevving the engine when the gear
selector lever is moved to a lower gear, the
transmission will not shift to a lower gear if the
engine’s revolutions per minute limit would be
exceeded. In this case there will be no downshift, even
when the vehicle speed reaches the engine’s rpm limit
of that gear, for example by applying the service
brakes.
To prevent the engine from laboring at low rpm when
driving uphill grades or with your vehicle heavily
loaded, the automatic transmission will downshift
when necessary to maintain engine rpm within the best
torque range.Gear
qUpshift through 4th gear only. Suitable for
performance driving.
pUpshift through 3rd gear only. Suitable for
moderately steep hills. Since the transmission
does not shift higher than 3rd gear, this gear
selection will allow use of the engine’s braking
power downhill.
oUpshift through 2nd gear only. For driving in
mountainous regions or under extreme
operating conditions. This gear selection will
allow use of the engine’s braking power when
descending steep grades.
nUse this position, which makes maximum use of
the engine’s braking effect, while descending
very steep or lengthy downgrades and only at
speeds below 25 mph (38 km / h).

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Protect sharp edges with padding.
 Check the tire pressures after loading the vehicle.
For passenger vans:
 Do not stack loads higher than the upper edge of the
backrests.
 Always place the load against the backrests of the
seat benches.
 Whenever possible, transport loads behind seats
that are not occupied.
 Distribute the load in such a way that the
permissible axle loads are not exceeded when the
vehicle is equipped with the maximum number of
seats. Loading the luggage compartment up to the
maximum payload would cause the permissible
rear axle load to be exceeded.BRAKES
Service Brake
WARNING!
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort
is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep
enough to wet brake components, the first
braking action may be somewhat reduced and
increased pedal pressure may be necessary. Be
sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in
front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effectiveness.
It may not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.

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STEERING
When the engine is not running, there is no power
assistance for the steering. Greater force will be
required to steer the vehicle.
WHEELS AND TIRES
The tires on a new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The
vehicle manufacturer strongly recommends to use tires
equivalent to the originals in size, quality and
performance when replacement is needed. Refer to the
Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s
door B-pillar for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your Sprinter vehicle.Contact an authorized Sprinter Dealer or an
authorized tire dealer with any questions you may
have on tire specifications or capability.
CAUTION!
Power take off must not exceed 10 kW. Exceeding
the power take off may cause damage to the
auxiliary drive and/or ribbed V-belt.
WARNING!
Only use tires which have been tested and ap-
proved for your Sprinter vehicle by the vehicle
manufacturer. Tires approved by the vehicle man-
ufacturer are developed to provide best possible
performance in conjunction with the driving safe-
ty systems on your Sprinter vehicle such as ABS or
ESP
®.
Using tires other than those approved by the
vehicle manufacturer may result in damage that is
not covered by Warranty.

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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.

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Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
driving style
 tire inflation pressure
 distance drivenTread Depth
Tread Wear Indicator (TWI) (1)
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid band across
the tread.
Do not allow 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.
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after 6
years, regardless of the remaining tread.

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For example, a load rating of 115 corresponds to a
maximum load of 2680 lbs (1215 kg) the tire is designed
to support.
If two values are given (as illustrated), the first value,
preceding the slash "/", applies to single tires (rear
axle).
The second value, succeeding the slash "/", applies to
twin tires (dual wheel rear axle).
The commercial vehicle tires based on European
standards may have an additional value in the
parentheses (as illustrated). In such case, the value
preceding the parentheses is valid for European
countries and the parenthesized for the USA and
Canada.
Refer also to "Maximum Tire Load" where the
maximum load associated with the load index is
indicated in kilograms and lbs.
NOTE: Tire load rating (6) and tire speed rating (7) are
also referred to as "service description".
WARNING!
The tire load rating must always be at least half of
the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise, tire failure
may be the result which may cause an accident
and/or serious personal injury to you or others.
For information on GAWR, refer to "Tire and
Loading Terminology".
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown on
the original part.
WARNING!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard on the driver’s door B-pillar.
Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly
causing a blowout.
Overloading the tires can also result in handling
or steering problems, or brake failure.

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Tire Speed Rating
The tire speed rating (7) indicates the approved
maximum speed for the tire.
The commercial vehicle tires based on European
standards may have an additional index in the
parentheses (as illustrated). In such case, the index
preceding the parentheses is valid for European
countries and the parenthesized for the USA and
Canada.
NOTE: Always observe the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your Sprinter vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are rated is belowthe speed rating of your Sprinter vehicle, youmust
place a notice to this effect where it will be seen by the
driver.
Such notices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
NOTE: Tire load rating (6) and tire speed rating (7) are
also referred to as "service description".
WARNING!
Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at
speeds greater than the maximum speed rating
of the
tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are
rated can lead to sudden tire failure, causing loss
of vehicle control and possibly resulting in an
accident and/or personal injury and possible
death, for you and for others.
Index Speed Rating
F up to 50 mph (80 km/h)
G up to 56 mph (90 km/h)
J up to 62 mph (100 km/h)
K up to 68 mph (110 km/h)
L up to 74 mph (120 km/h)
M up to 80 mph (130 km/h)
N up to 87 mph (140 km/h)
P up to 93 mph (150 km/h)
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R up to 106 mph (170 km/h)