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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.
178 STARTING AND OPERATING
Use only wheels and tires which have been tested and
approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
WARNING!
Replace rims or tires with the same designation, man-
ufacturer and type as shown on the original part. See
an authorized Sprinter Dealer for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are mounted:
The wheel brakes or suspension components
can be damaged.
The operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
WARNING!
Sprinter tire valves are tested and approved under
rough operating conditions.
The installation of additional hub caps or other wheel
simulators could cause damage to the tire valve and
lead to a loss of tire pressure at the valve stem.
Do not install any of these parts on your Sprinter
vehicle. To help ensure safe and reliable
operation of your Sprinter vehicle, only use parts
and accessories tested and approved by the
vehicle manufacturer for your Sprinter vehicle.
WARNING!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different
size may result in false speedometer and odome-
ter readings.
WARNING!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is
badly
worn, or if the tires have sustained damage,
replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine wheel
bolts approved from the vehicle manufacturer and
specified for the particular rim type. Failure to do
so can result in the bolts loosening and possibly
an accident.
Do not use retreaded/remolded tires. This process
does not always permit previous damage to be
detected. Therefore vehicle safety cannot be
guaranteed if retreaded/remolded tires are fitted.
206 STARTING AND OPERATING
matched for wear to prevent overloading one tire in
a set.
To check if tires are even, lay a straight edge across
all four tires.
The straight edge should touch all the tires.Alignment and Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
Fast tire wear
Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear
Vehicle pull to right or left
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or
right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See an
authorized Sprinter Dealer for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance.
Proper balancing will reduce vibration and avoid tire
cupping and spotty wear.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures below 45°F
(7°C) and whenever wintry road conditions prevail.
Winter tires should be of the same size and type
construction as the summer tires. Winter tires should
also be operated as printed at the Tire and Loading
WARNING!
3500 Dual Rear Tires have only one approved di-
rection of rotation. This is to accomodate the asy-
metrical design (tread pattern) of the ON/OFF
road tire and the use of Outline White Letter
(OWL) tires.
When replacing a flat tire, the spare tire may have
to be remounted on the rim or installed at a
different location tomaintain the correct
placement of the tire on the wheel relative to the
tire/wheel position on the vehicle. For example, if
the spare is used to replace an outer rear tire it will
have to remounted on the rim so that the wheel is
dished inward. That way the tread design of
asymmetrical tires and the white writing of the
OWL tires will maintain proper position.
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5
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains,
observe the following precautions:
Because of limited chain clearance between tires and
other suspension components, it is important that
only chains in good condition are used. Broken
chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop the
vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts
of the chain before further use.
Install chains as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
Do not install tire chains on front wheels.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions
on method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for usage. Always use the lower
suggested operating speed of the chain
manufacturer if different than the speed
recommended by the manufacturer.FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Use only commercially available vehicular diesel fuels
No. 2 or No. 1 (ASTM D 975 No. 2-D or No. 1-D).
NOTE: Because of its better quality the manufacturer
recommends the use of commercially available
vehicular diesel fuel No. 2.
For information on cold weather operation, contact
your authorized Sprinter Dealer.
WARNING!
Marine diesel fuel, Bio diesel fuel, heating oil or
the like must not be used.
Do not blend diesel fuel with marine diesel fuel,
Bio diesel fuel or heating oil.
The use of such non-approved fuels or blending
diesel fuel may result in malfunction or cause
engine damage. Damage or malfunctions
resulting from poor fuel quality or from blending
specific fuel additives are not covered by the
Sprinter Warranty.
308 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULESM
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SCOPE OF WORK FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil Service
Oil change
Engine:
Oil change and filter replacement
Check fluid levels of the following system, refill as
necessary.
If fluid is lost, trace and eliminate cause – as a separate
order.
Power-assisted steering
Lubrication work:
Trailer tow hitch (original equipment)
Maintenance
ASSYST maintenance computer resetFunction check
Signalling system,
warning and indicator lamps
Headlamps, exterior lighting
Windscreen wipers,
windscreen washer system
Check for leaks and damage.
Check for abrasion points and ensure that
lines are correctly routed!
All assemblies:
Engine, transmission, transfer case, front axle, rear
axle, steering, power steering pump
All lines and hoses, sensor cables
Rubber boots on front axle drive shafts,
rubber boots on front axle suspension ball joints, shock
absorbers