2007 DODGE SPRINTER ECU

163 Controls in detail
Transporting
3
Observe the instructions in the “Opera-
tion” section (\2page 175).
!
CAUTION
If you wish to retrofit securing rails,
have them installed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop which has the neces-
sary specialist knowledge and tools to
carry out the work required. You could
otherwise damage the vehicle.
The manufacturer recommends that
you use an authorized Sprinter Dealer
for this purpose.
Trailer towing

178 OperationDriving tips
4
Attaching a trailer
Please observe the maximum permitted
trailer dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire safety chains between your tow vehi-
cle and the trailer. The chains should be
crisscrossed under the trailer tongue. They
must be attached to the hitch receiver, and
not to the vehicle’s bumper or axle. Be sure
to leave enough slack in the chains to per-
mit turning corners.Towing a trailer
There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer towing. Make sure that your vehicle-
trailer combination will be legal, not only
for where you reside, but also for where
you will be driving. A good source for this
information can be the police or local au-
thorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer,
check the trailer hitch, break-away switch,
safety chains, electrical connections, light-
ing and tires. Also adjust the mirrors to
permit an unobstructed view beyond the
rear of the trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure that the brakes are work-
ing properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure, and that
lighting and trailer brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
iMost states and all Canadian provinces
require a separate brake system at var-
ious trailer weights.
Warning
G
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the vehi-
cle’s hydraulic brake system as your vehicle
is equipped with antilock brakes. If you do,
neither the vehicle’s brakes nor the trailer’s
brakes will function properly. This could
cause an accident resulting in property dam-
age, injury or death to you or others.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring har-
ness for trailer towing has a brake signal
wire for hook-up to a brake controller.
Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire a break-away switch on trailers with a
separate brake system. The switch activates
the trailer brakes in the possible event that
the trailer might separate from the tow vehi-
cle.
You should consider using a trailer sway
control system. For further information, see
your authorized Sprinter Dealer.

179 Operation
Driving tips
4
Always secure items in the trailer to pre-
vent load shifts while driving.
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are dif-
ferent and less stable from those when op-
erating the vehicle without a trailer. It is
important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore is limited in acceler-
ation and climbing ability, and requires
longer stopping distances. It is more prone
to reacting to side wind gusts, and requires
more sensitive steering input.
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’s behavior, you should prac-
tice turning , st opping and backing up in a n
area which is free from traffic.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rath-
er engage the brake slightly at first to per-
mit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
Warning
G
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are dif-
ferent and less stable from those when op-
erating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of con-
trol 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 re-
duces the chance of the engine over-
loading and / or overheating.
When going down a long hill, shift into
a lower gear and use the engine’s brak-
ing effect. Avoid riding the brakes, thus
overheating the vehicle and trailer
brakes.
If the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature (coolant tem-
perature 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.
Extreme care must be exercised since
your vehicle with a trailer will require
additional passing distance ahead than
when driving without a trailer. Because
your vehicle and trailer is longer than
your vehicle alone, you will also need to
go much farther ahead of the passed
vehicle before you can return to your
lane.

185 Operation
Engine
4
\3 EngineOpening 1Release lever
\1Pull release lever1 under the instru-
ment panel on the left-hand side in the
driver’s footwell.
The hood is released.2Securing hook
\1Push up securing hook lever 2.
3Support strutHoodWarning
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. The hood could otherwise
open, thereby impairing visibility and leading
to loss of control of the vehicle.
For this reason, only open the hood when
the vehicle is parked.!
CAUTION
Make sure that the windshield wipers
are not folded away from the wind-
shield. The windshield wipers or the
hood may otherwise be damaged.
N88.40-2060-31
N88.40-2063-31N88.40-2062-31

186 OperationEngine
4
\1Swing the hood upward until support
strut3 engages and the hood is sup-
ported.
Closing\1Lift the hood gently.
\1Push back support strut3
(\2page 185).
\1Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 05. ft (30 cm).
The hood engages audibly.
\1Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.Warning
G
If the hood support strut is not engaged, the
hood can fall shut. You could be injured.
After opening the hood, you should there-
fore check whether the support strut is en-
gaged.Warning
G
Engine parts may be hot and can rotate.
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open
and the engine is running.
Only open the hood when the engine has
stopped and cooled down.
Warning
G
The engine has an electronic ignition system
which carries a high voltage. For this reason,
you must never touch the ignition system
components (ignition coil, test socket)
while:
\4the engine is running
\4the engine is being started
\4the key is in position2 in the ignition
lock and the engine is being cranked by
handWarning
G
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you close the hood.
Warning
G
Make sure that the hood is securely en-
gaged before driving off. Do no continue
driving if the hood can no longer engage af-
ter an accident, for example.
The hood could otherwise come loose while
the vehicle is in motion and endanger you
and/or others.!
CAUTION
When you press the support strut back,
make sure that you do not press it
against the detent position and cause it
to bend.

195 Operation
Battery
4
\3 BatteryYour vehicle may be equipped with two
batteries, depending on the equipment
version:
\4Starter battery in the battery recess in
the driver’s footwell
\4Auxiliary battery in the engine compart-
ment*Warning
G
A
Risk of explosion
When batteries are being charged,
explosive detonating gas is emit-
ted. Only charge batteries in well-
ventilated areas.
D
Risk of explosion
Because of the risk of explosion,
avoid creating sparks from fire,
open flames and smoking.
B
Battery acid is caustic.
Wear acid-proof protective gloves.
Neutralize splashes of acid on skin
or clothing immediately with soapy
water or acid neutralizer and clean
with water.
C
Keep out of the reach of children.
Children cannot appreciate the
dangers involved in handling bat-
teries and acid.
E
Wear eye protection.
When mixing water and acid, the
liquid can splash in your eyes.
Rinse out your eyes immediately
after acid splashes with clean wa-
ter, and consult a doctor immedi-
ately.
F
When handling batteries, observe
the safety precautions and special
protective measures contained in
these operating instructions.
Environmental note
H
Á

Batteries contain pollutants. Do
not dispose of old batteries with
the household garbage.
À

Dispose of batteries in an environ-
mentally responsible manner.
Take batteries to an authorized
Sprinter Dealer or a special collec-
tion point for old batteries.
Transport and store full batteries
in an upright position. When trans-
porting batteries, secure them so
that they do not tip over. Battery
acid can spill from the cell cap
vents and cause damage to the en-
vironment.

241 Operation
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
4
\3 Cleaning and care of the vehicleRegular and proper care will help to main-
tain the value of your vehicle. The best way
to protect your vehicle from harmful envi-
ronmental influences is to wash it and use
protective treatments regularly.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas af-
fected by corrosion and damage caused by
neglect or inadequate care cannot always
be completely remedied. In such cases,
visit an authorized Sprinter Dealer.Repair damage caused by loose chippings
and remove the following substances im-
mediately:
\4Insect remains
\4Bird droppings
\4Tree resin
\4Oils and grease
\4Fuel
\4Tar stains
Wash the vehicle more frequently in winter
to remove salt residue.
iIt is recommended that you use Mopar
care products. These have been spe-
cially adapted to Sprinter vehicles and
are state of the art. Mopar care prod-
ucts are available from any authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Warning
G
Always follow the instructions for using the
care products.
Always keep care products sealed and out
of the reach of children.
Do not use fuel as a cleaning agent. Fuel is
flammable and constitutes a health hazard.
Environmental note
H
Only clean the vehicle in a suitable place for
washing vehicles. Dispose of empty contain-
ers and used cleaning materials in an envi-
ronmentally responsible manner.iIf you need to clean the areas towards
the top of the vehicle, always use
\4suitable ladders
\4secure steps!
CAUTION
Under no circumstances should you af-
fix unsuitable stickers, films, magnets
or similar to painted surfaces. You
could otherwise damage the paint-
work.

262 Practical hintsWhat to do if ...
5
Driving systemsWarning
G
Always have maintenance work carried out
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 carried out
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer. There is a
risk of an accident and injury if this work is
carried out incorrectly.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
Only the red segments in the Parktronic*
warning displays are lit.
A warning tone also sounds for approxi-
mately 2 seconds.
Parktronic* switches off after approxi-
mately 20 seconds.
The indicator lamp on the Parktronic
switch comes on and the red segments in
the warning display go out.
Parktronic* has malfunctioned and has
switched off.
When you press the Parktronic switch, the
red segments in the Parktronic warning dis-
plays light up again and the warning tone
sounds for approximately 2 seconds.
\1Have Parktronic* checked as soon as
possible at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
The Parktronic* warning displays indicate
implausible distances.
For example, all the segments may be lit
even though there is no obstacle present.
The Parktronic* sensors are dirty or iced up.
\1Clean the Parktronic* sensors
(\2page 244).
\1Switch on the ignition again.
An external radio or ultrasonic source may
be causing interference.
\1Check whether Parktronic* works at
another location.
The license plate or other attachment parts
near the sensors may not be secured cor-
rectly.
\1Check the number plate and attach-
ment parts near the sensors to see if
they are securely in place.