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For more information, refer to "Important Notes on
Tire Inflation Pressure".
1 Recommended cold tire inflation pressures
NOTE: Data shown on placard are for illustration
purposes only. Tire data are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in the illustration.
Refer to placard on vehicle for actual data specific to
your vehicle.The Tire and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar lists the recommended cold tire
inflation pressures for all load conditions up to the
maximum permissible weight limits (GAWR). The tire
inflation pressures listed apply to the tires installed as
original equipment.
Important Notes on Tire Inflation Pressure
Tire temperature and tire inflation pressure are also
increased while driving, depending on the driving
speed and the tire load.
Tire inflation pressure changes by approximately 1.5
psi (10 kPa) per 18 °F (10 °C) of air temperature change.
WARNING!
If the tire inflation pressure drops repeatedly:
 Check the tires for punctures from foreign
objects.
 Check to see whether air is leaking from the
valves or from around the rim. 

188 STARTING AND OPERATING
Keep this in mind when checking tire inflation
pressure where the temperature is different from the
outside temperature.
For example:
If inside temperature is 68 °F (20 °C) and the outside
temperature is 32 °F (0 °C) then the cold tire inflation
pressure should be increased by 3 psi (0.2 bar), which
equals 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) for every 18 °F (10 °C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide
range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary
with temperature changes.Checking Tire Inflation Pressure
The 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.
Inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar are
always cold tire inflation pressures. Check and adjust
the tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold. Cold
tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure
after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at an ambient
temperature of approximately 68 °F (20 °C).
The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the
maximum tire inflation pressure molded into the tire
side wall, refer to "Tire Labeling".
If you check the tire inflation pressure when the tires
are warm (the vehicle has been driven for several miles
or sitting less than 3 hours), the reading will be higher
than the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let air out
to match the specified cold tire inflation pressure.
Otherwise, the tire will be underinflated.
WARNING!
Tire pressure may increase during operation.
Never reduce this normal pressure build up or
your tire pressure will be too low.
Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or
unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to fail from being
overheated. 

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Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has been
sitting for at least 3 hours or d r i v e n  n o  m o r e  t h a n  1  m i l e
(1.6 km).
Curb Weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air conditioning
and additional optional equipment, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire meets
requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle weight.
The gross vehicle weight on each axle must never
exceed the GAWR for the front and rear axle indicatedon the Certification Label located below the driver’s
seat on an outward facing position of the mounting
pillar.
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of
all cargo, equipment, luggage etc. loaded on the trailer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the vehicle
including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed accessories,
passengers and cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GWV must never exceed the GWVR
indicated on the Certification Label located below the
driver’s seat on an outward facing position of the
mounting pillar.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is themaximum permissible vehicle weight of the
fully loaded vehicle (weight of the vehicle including all
options, passengers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable,
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on the Certification
Label located below the driver’s seat on an outward
facing position of the mounting pillar. 

202 STARTING AND OPERATING
Kilopascal (kPa)
Themetric unit for air pressure. There are 6.9 kPa to 1
psi; another metric unit for air pressure is bars. There
are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.
Maximum Load Rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can
be carried by the tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle
capacity weight and production options weight.
Maximum Tire Inflation Pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that
should ever be put in the tire under normal driving
conditions.
Normal Occupant Weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is designed to
seat, multiplied by 68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant Distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at their
designated seating positions.Production Options Weight
The combined weight of those installed regular
production options weighing over 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms)
in excess of those standard items which they replace,
not previously considered in curb weight or accessory
weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers,
roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure. Another
metric unit for air pressure is bars or kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended Tire Inflation Pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure listed on Tire
and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door
B-pillar for normal driving conditions. Provides best
handling, tread life and riding comfort.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead. 

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Information placard, refer to "Tires and Wheels". Not
all M+S rated radial-ply tires provide special winter
performance. Make sure the tires you use show M+S
and the mountain/snowflake marking.on the tire
sidewall. These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber
Association of Canada (RAC) and have been designed
specifically for use in snow conditions. Use of winter
tires is the only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS and ESP
® in winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all winter tires mounted
are of the same make and have the same tread design.
Always observe the speed rating of the winter tires
installed on your vehicle. If the maximum speed for
which your tires are rated is below the speed rating of
your vehicle, you must place a notice to this effectwhere it will be seen by the driver. Such notices are
available at your tire dealer or any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states
prohibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
SNOW CHAINS
Use "Class U" chains , or other traction aids that meet
SAE Type "U" specifications.
WARNING!
Winter tires with a tread depth under 1/6 in (4 mm)
must be replaced. They are no longer suitable for
winter operation.
WARNING!
If you use your spare tire when winter tires are fit-
ted on the other wheels, be aware that the differ-
ence in tire characteristics may very well impair
turning stability and that overall driving stability
may be reduced. Adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter tire at
the nearest authorized Sprinter Dealer. 

226 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. 

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 257
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The following checks should be performed at regular
intervals (for example once a week or each time the
vehicle is refueled):
 Windshield washer system/headlamp cleaning
system (optional) – washer system fluid reservoir.
 Air strainer, in vehicles with an air strainer element
maintenance indicator (optional equipment).
 Engine oil level.
 Checking ribbed V-belt.
 Hydraulic brake system, clutch mechanism fluid
level.
 Coolant level.
 Tire and spare wheel condition and pressures of the
same. For more information, refer to "Wheels and
Tires".
 Spare wheel location.
 Vehicle lighting.Windshield Washer System Fluid Reservoir
1. Washer system fluid reservoir
When topping off, add windshield washer fluid ("S"
for summer or "W" for winter) to the water.
Capacity of fluid reservoir (1): about 7.4 US qt (7 liters). 

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267
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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.