2007 DODGE SPRINTER service

191 Operation
Engine
4
The expansion tank is in the engine com-
partment. Only add coolant with the vehi-
cle standing on a level surface and with the
engine switched off. The coolant tempera-
ture must have dropped below 122 °F
(50 °C).1Coolant tank cap
2Brake fluid reservoir cap
3Windshield washer reservoir cap
\1Slowly unscrew cap1 counterclock-
wise to reduce excess pressure.
\1Continue turning the cap and remove
it.
\1Add coolant as far as the MAX mark.
\1Twist cap1 back on.
For coolant specifications, see "Service
products and capacities" (\2page 355).Environmental note
H
When adding oil, take care not to spill any.
No engine oil must be allowed to enter sew-
age systems, surface water, ground water or
soil.
You would otherwise be damaging the envi-
ronment.
Dispose of engine oil in an environmentally
responsible manner. Comply with the manu-
facturer’s instructions.Coolant
Warning
G
When opening the coolant expansion tank
there is a risk of scalding from hot coolant
spraying out. The cooling system and the
coolant expansion tank are pressurized
when the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature.
Wear gloves and eye protection. Only open
the coolant expansion tank when the cool-
ant temperature is less than 122 °F (50 °C).
N20.30-2063-31
Warning
G
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore tox-
ic. Do not swallow coolant. Consult a doctor
immediately if any coolant is swallowed.
Do not allow coolant to come into contact
with your skin, eyes or clothing. In the event
of contact with the eyes, rinse them thor-
oughly with clean water. Clean skin and
clothes immediately with soap and water.
Change out of soiled clothing without delay.

193 Operation
Engine
4
For specifications of brake fluid, see
"Service products and capacities"
(\2page 362).The windshield washer reservoir is in the
engine compartment. It holds approx.
7.4 US qt (7.0 l).
On vehicles with a headlamp cleaning sys-
tem, this is also supplied from the wind-
shield washer reservoir.
1Coolant tank cap
2Brake fluid reservoir cap
3Windshield washer reservoir cap
Add windshield washer fluid concentrate
to the water all year round.Adapt the mixing ratio to the outside tem-
perature. Use:
\4Summerwash to protect against
smearing at temperatures above freez-
ing.
\4Winterwash when there is a risk of frost
so that the water does not freeze onto
the windshield.
\1Mix the windshield washer fluid in a
container and in the specified propor-
tions.
\1Remove cap3.
\1Fill up the windshield washer fluid.
\1Press cap3 back on.You should always wear eye protection and
gloves when you are adding brake fluid.
Only store brake fluid in its closed original
container and keep out of the reach of chil-
dren. Comply with safety regulations when
handling brake fluid.Warning
G
If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too
low, vapor pockets may form in the brake
system when the brakes are applied hard
(e.g. when driving on long downhill stretch-
es). This has a detrimental effect on braking
efficiency, which could increase the stop-
ping distance. This increases the risk of an
accident.
Have the brake fluid replaced every
two years.
Windshield washer system/head-
lamp cleaning system*
N20.30-2063-31
Warning
G
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable. Fire, open flames and smoking
are prohibited when you are handling wind-
shield washer concentrate.

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.

199 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
\3 Tires and wheelsThe tires on a new vehicle provide a bal-
ance of many characteristics. They should
be inspected regularly for wear and correct
cold tire inflation pressure. The vehicle
manufacturer strongly recommends using
tires equivalent to the originals in size,
quality and performance when a replace-
ment becomes necessary.
Refer to the tire and loading information
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar
(\2page 373) for the size designation of
your tire.
The service description and load identifica-
tion will be found on the original equip-
ment 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 ques-
tions you may have on tire specifications
or capability.For more information on tire size designa-
tion, load and speed rating, see "Tire label-
ing" (\2page 222).
See an authorized Sprinter Dealer for infor-
mation on tested and recommended rims
and tires for summer and winter operation.
They can also offer advice concerning tire
service and purchase.
!
CAUTION
Only use tires which have been tested
and approved for your Sprinter vehicle
by the vehicle manufacturer. Tires ap-
proved by the vehicle manufacturer are
developed to provide the best possible
performance in conjunction with the
driving safety systems on your Sprinter
vehicle such as ABS, BAS, ASR or
ESP®.
Using tires other than those approved
by the vehicle manufacturer may result
in damage that is not covered by the
Sprinter warranty.
!
CAUTION
Using tires other than those approved
by the vehicle manufacturer can have
detrimental effects, such as
\4poor handling characteristics
\4increased noise
\4increased fuel consumption
Tires and rims not approved by the ve-
hicle manufacturer may, under load,
exhibit dimensional variations and dif-
ferent tire deformation characteristics
that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the vehi-
cle may be the result.

203 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
Life of tire
The service life of a tire depends on varying
factors including but not limited to:
\4Driving style
\4Tire inflation pressure
\4Distance drivenTread depth
Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths under
1/8in (3 mm) for summer tires and
1/6in
(4 mm) for winter tires.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and be-
come visible at a tread depth of approxi-
mately
1/16
in (1.6 mm), at which point
the tire is considered worn and should be
replaced.
Recommended minimum tire tread depth:
\4Summer tires
1/8in (3 mm)
\4Winter tires
1/6in (4 mm)
You could lose control of the vehicle as a re-
sult, cause an accident and injure yourself
or others.
Avoid driving up against curbs or parking the
vehicle with part of the tire tread surface on
the curb.Warning
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.
Warning
G
Although the applicable federal motor safety
laws consider a tire to be worn when the
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) become visible
at approximately
1/16in (1.6 mm), we rec-
ommend that you do not allow your tires to
wear down to that level. As tread depth ap-
proaches
1/8in (3 mm) for summer tires or
1/6in (4 mm) for winter tires, the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply re-
duced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.

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