2007 DODGE SPRINTER check engine

190 OperationEngine
4
Gasoline engine1Engine oil filler neck
2Engine oil dipstick
\1Pull out dipstick2.
\1Wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth.
\1Insert it into the dipstick tube as far as
the stop and pull it back out.
3Engine oil dipstick
\1Check the engine oil level.
The oil level is correct if the oil is be-
tween the lower min and upper max
marks on the dipstick.\1Add engine oil if necessary
(\2page 190).
Adding engine oil
For specifications of engine oils see "Ser-
vice products and capacities"
(\2page 355).
\1Unscrew the cap on engine oil filler
neck1.
Make sure that you only fill the engine
oil as far as the upper max mark.
\1Unscrew the cap on filler neck1.
iThe difference in the quantity of oil be-
tween the upper and lower marks on
the dipstick is approx.
\42 US qts (2 l) in vehicles with diesel
engines
\43 US qts (3 l) in vehicles with gaso-
line engines
N18.00-2041-31
!
CAUTION
Have any excess engine oil drained or
siphoned off at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. Otherwise, the engine or cata-
lytic converter could be damaged.
The alternator is underneath the en-
gine oil filler neck. For this reason, add
the engine oil carefully. There is a risk
of damage to the alternator from en-
gine oil dripping down.

192 OperationEngine
4
The reservoir is in the engine compart-
ment. Check the brake fluid level:
\4regularly, e.g. weekly or when refueling
\4only with the vehicle standing on a level
surface and with the engine switched
off1Coolant tank cap
2Brake fluid reservoir cap
3Windshield washer reservoir cap
The brake fluid level must be between the
MIN and MAX marks.
!
CAUTION
Check the cooling and heating systems
regularly for leaks. If a large quantity of
coolant is lost, have the cause traced
and rectified at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Brake fluid
iThere is usually a notice in the engine
compartment to remind you when the
next brake fluid change is due.
N20.30-2063-31
!
CAUTION
Brake fluid corrodes paintwork. If
brake fluid comes into contact with the
paintwork, immediately rinse with wa-
ter.
If the brake fluid does not reach the
MIN mark, the vehicle’s hydraulic sys-
tem could be malfunctioning. Do not
add brake fluid under any circumstanc-
es. This will not solve the problem.
Do not drive any further.
Have the system checked immediately
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Warning
G
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Do not
swallow brake fluid. Consult a doctor imme-
diately if any brake fluid is swallowed.
Brake fluid must not come into contact with
the skin, eyes or clothing. Wash affected ar-
eas with plenty of clean water and consult a
doctor immediately if necessary.
\2\2

194 OperationEngine
4
Check assemblies regularly for leaks. In
the event of fluid loss (e.g. spots of oil un-
der the vehicle when it has been parked),
have the cause traced and rectified imme-
diately at an authorized Sprinter Dealer
which has the necessary specialist knowl-
edge and tools to carry out the work re-
quired.
The manufacturer recommends that you
use an authorized Sprinter Dealer for this
purpose. All work relevant to safety or on
safety-related systems must be carried out
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.Vehicle assemblies

196 OperationBattery
4
The batteries must always be sufficiently
charged so that they achieve their intend-
ed service life.
Have the battery charge status checked
more frequently if you use the vehicle
mainly for short trips or if you leave it
parked up for a long period.
If you intend to leave your vehicle parked
up for a long period, seek advice from an
authorized Sprinter Dealer and switch off
the electrical system at the battery isolat-
ing switch (\2page 197).
You will find further information in the
“Practical hints” section (\2page 335).
!
CAUTION
Switch off the engine and wait for
approximately 20 seconds before you
loosen or disconnect the terminal
clamps. You could otherwise damage
electrical system components.
Care of batteries!
CAUTION
Dirty terminal clamps and battery sur-
faces cause leakage current, leading to
battery discharge. Always keep the ter-
minal clamps and battery surfaces
clean and dry. Lightly grease the termi-
nal clamps, particularly the undersides,
with acid-proof grease.
Cleaning agents containing fuel can
corrode the battery casing. Only clean
with commercially available cleaning
agents and clean the battery casing
with the cell caps screwed in.

234 OperationWinter driving
4
\3 Winter drivingHave your vehicle winterproofed at the
onset of winter at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. This service includes the following:
\4Oil change, if the current engine oil
used has not been approved for winter
use
\4The antifreeze / anti-corrosion concen-
tration in the coolant is checked
\4The addition of a concentrated clean-
ing agent to the water in the windshield
washer system
\4Battery check
\4A tire change
You will find information about diesel fuel
for use at low outside temperatures in the
“Technical data” section (\2page 360).
Please also observe the information about
winter driving (\2page 235).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 on the tire and loading information
placard, refer to "Tires and wheels"
(\2page 199). 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 side wall. These tires meet specific
snow traction performance requirements
of the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of Can-
ada (RAC) and have been designed specif-
ically for use in snow conditions. Use of
winter tires is the only way to achieve the
maximum effectiveness of the ABS, BAS,
ASR 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 ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
\1Reactivate the tire pressure monitor.
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.
Winter tires
Warning
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under 1/6 in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.

235 Operation
Winter driving
4
Drive with particular care on icy roads.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering move-
ments and braking.If it seems likely that the vehicle is about to
enter a skid or cannot be stopped at a low
speed:
\4Move the selector lever to position N.
\4Try to maintain control of the vehicle
using light corrective steering.
Road salt may adversely affect braking ef-
ficiency. It may therefore be necessary to
apply the brakes more forcefully in order to
achieve the same braking force as normal.
Apply the brakes regularly when making
longer journeys on gritted or salted roads.
This will have the effect of restoring the
brakes to their normal level of perfor-
mance.
When stopping the vehicle after traveling
on roads that have been salted, check that
the brakes are fully functional before pro-
ceeding further.
Warning
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may im-
pair turning stability and overall driving sta-
bility may be reduced. Adapt your driving
style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized Sprinter Deal-
er.iWhen they have been removed, store
wheels and tires in a cool, dry, and if
possible dark place. Protect the tires
from oil, grease, and gasoline / diesel.
Driving in winterWarning
G
Downshifting to brake could cause the drive
wheels to lose grip on a slippery surface due
to the increased difference in speed be-
tween the engine and the drive wheels at
this time.
Do not downshift for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery surface. Use the service
brake in accordance with road conditions.
Only downshift to a lower gear when travel-
ing at a low engine speed.

237 Operation
Maintenance and servicing
4
\3 Maintenance and servicing
Mechanical elements and the lubricants
used for them must be carefully matched.
For this reason, only brands tested and ap-
proved by the manufacturer should be
used. Please contact your Sprinter Dealer
to obtain the necessary information. No lu-
bricant additives should be used.
The use of such additives could affect your
warranty rights. Information is available
from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
For specifications of engine oils, coolant
and brake fluid, see "Service products and
capacities" (\2page 355) and contact your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Observe the information on spare parts in
the “Technical data” section
(\2page 352).
Warning
G
Before carrying out maintenance operations
and repairs, please make sure that you read
the relevant sections of the technical docu-
mentation, such as:
\4Operating instructions and workshop in-
formation
Familiarize yourself in advance in particular
with legal requirements, such as:
\4Safety at work and accident prevention
regulations.
You may otherwise fail to recognize dangers
and could injure yourself or others.
When working underneath the vehicle, you
must place the vehicle on stands with suffi-
cient load-bearing capacity.
Never use the vehicle jack instead. There is
a risk that the vehicle jack could give way
and the vehicle could drop, seriously injuring
yourself or others, or causing damage to
property.
The jack is only designed to raise the vehicle
for a short time.
Always have the maintenance work carried
out and checked at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
The manufacturer recommends that you use
an authorized Sprinter Dealer for this pur-
pose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be car-
ried out at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Service products

255 Practical hints
What to do if ...
5
The coolant temperature gauge is above
250 °F (+120 °C).
The coolant is too hot and the engine is not
being sufficiently cooled.
\1Park your vehicle in a safe location as
quickly as possible and let the engine
continue to run at idle speed for about
1 to 2 minutes before switching it off.
This allows the coolant temperature
to return to normal again.
If the coolant temperature is still too high:
\1Switch off the engine and let it as well
as the coolant cool down.
\1Check the coolant level and observe
the warning notes as you do so
(\2page 191).
\1Add coolant as necessary.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions