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5
as the voltage reaches this level again – the ABS is then
reactivated.
If ABS malfunctions, the other driving safety systems
are deactivated. The handling and braking
characteristics of your vehicle change. The other
braking and driving systems still function normally.
I
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking at any speed
above about 5 mph (8 km/h), regardless of road
surface conditions. The vehicle remains steerable even
if the brakes are applied fully.
A light vibrating of the steering wheel and pulsating of
the brake pedal indicate that the ABS is working.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and works as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
WARNING!
If the ABS indicator lamp- does not go out or
lights up again while driving, the ABS is malfunc-
tioning. If ABS malfunctions, the other driving
safety systems are deactivated. The vehicle’s brak-
ing characteristics may be affected. There is an in-
creased risk that your vehicle could skid in the
event of sharp braking. Have the malfunction
traced and repaired without delay by an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.
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166 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Do not reduce the force applied to the brake pedal if
it is necessary to brake the vehicle further. This will
negate the main benefit of ABS – the ability to brake
without affecting the steerability of the vehicle.
In the event of an emergency stop, fully depress
the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal,
rather use firm, steady brake pedal pressure.
Pumping the pedal defeats the purpose of ABS
and significantly reduces braking effectiveness.
WARNING!
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehi-
cle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.
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176 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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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.
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190 STARTING AND OPERATING
Potential Problems associated with Underinflated
and Overinflated Tires
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire inflation pressure:
1. Safety
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to
cushionshock. Objects on the road and chuck
holes can cause damage that results in tire
failure.
Unequal tire inflation pressures can cause
steering problems.You could lose control of
your vehicle.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affectvehicle handling and can fail suddenly,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift
to the right or left. Always drive with each tire
inflated to the recommended cold tire inflation
pressure.
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194 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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198 STARTING AND OPERATING
Maximum Tire Load
(1) Maximum tire load rating
NOTE: Data shown on tire are for illustration purposes
only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in the illustration.The maximum tire load is the maximum weight the
tires are designed to support.
For more information on tire load rating, refer to "Tire
Size Designation, Load and Speed Rating".
For information on calculating total and cargo load
capacities, refer to "Tire and Loading Information".
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after 6
years, regardless of the remaining tread.
WARNING!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information 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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200 STARTING AND OPERATING
Tire Ply Material
(1) Plies in sidewall
(2) Plies under tread
NOTE: Data shown on tire are for illustration purposes
only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in the illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.Tire and Loading Terminology
Accessory Weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard
items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, radio, and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed equipment
(whether installed or not).
Air Pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on
each square inch of the tire. Air pressure is expressed
in pounds per square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect Ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire section height
and section width expressed in percentage.
Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There are 14.5038
pounds per square inch (psi) to 1 bar; there are 100
kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.