2007 DODGE SPRINTER engine

111 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
\1Before starting the engine, make sure
that all vehicle occupants are wearing
their seat belt correctly (\2page 27)
and the handbrake (\2page 115) is ap-
plied.Automatic transmission
Gearshift patternP Parking position (selector lever lock)
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
D Drive position
\1Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in parking position P before
starting the engine.Starting the engine
Gasoline engine
\1Turn the key to position3 in the igni-
tion lock (\2page 67) and release it im-
mediately ("touch-start" function).
The engine starts automatically.
Diesel engine
\1Switch on the ignition (\2page 67).
Theq preglow indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on.
\1As soon as the q preglow indicator
lamp goes out, turn the key to position
3 in the ignition lock and release it as
soon as the engine is running.
\1Warm the engine up quickly.
\1Do not run the engine at full speed until
it has reached operating temperature.
!
CAUTION
Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
iIf you depress the brake pedal when
starting the engine, pedal travel may be
short and the pedal resistance may be
high.
Pedal travel and resistance return to
normal when you depress the brake
pedal again while the engine is running.
iIt is also possible to start the engine in
neutral N.
iYou can start the engine without pre-
glow when the engine is warm.After a cold start

112 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
\1Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
\1Release the handbrake (\2page 115).
The7 indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
\1Move the selector lever to position D or
R.\1Release the brake pedal.
\1Carefully depress the accelerator ped-
al.
You will find more information about selec-
tor lever positions, shift ranges and driving
tips in the “Automatic transmission” sec-
tion (\2page 121).
Pulling awayWarning
G
Do not downshift for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery surface. The drive wheels
may lose their grip and the vehicle could
skid.!
CAUTION
Only drive at high speeds once the en-
gine has warmed up. This protects the
engine.
When driving on slippery surfaces,
avoid spinning the drive wheels where
possible as this could damage the drive
train.
iOn vehicles with a reverse warning fea-
ture*, an audible warning sounds for
other road users when reverse gear is
engaged (\2page 153).
iDepending on the vehicle's settings,
the vehicle automatically locks itself
centrally after it has driven off, at the
latest (\2page 64). The locking knobs
on the front doors and the sliding door
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside
at any time.
You can also switch off the automatic
door lock (\2page 64). !
CAUTION
Only select reverse gear when the vehi-
cle is stationary, otherwise you could
damage the automatic transmission.
iWait until the gear selection has com-
pleted before pulling away.iAutomatic transmission upshifts are
made at higher engine speeds after a
cold start. This helps the catalytic con-
verter to reach its operating tempera-
ture more quickly.

113 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Do not accelerate to prevent your vehicle
from rolling backwards on an uphill gradi-
ent. Instead, you should either use the
handbrake or depress the brake pedal.
This prevents excessive wear on the
clutch.
Select a lower gear (shift range 3, 2 or 1)
(\2page 123) in good time on long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if tow-
ing a trailer. This prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too rapidly.
It is best not to stop the vehicle immediate-
ly after the brakes have been subjected to
an extreme load; continue driving for a
short time instead. The brakes are cooled
down more quickly in the airflow.The first time the brakes are applied after
a long period of driving in heavy rain with-
out braking, it is possible that:
\4there will be a delayed braking
response
\4you will need to depress the brake
pedal more firmly
You should therefore maintain a greater
distance from the vehicle in front.
Apply the brakes so that you can feel their
response after a journey on wet roads,
especially if the road has been salted. The
brake discs will be warmed, dry more
quickly and be protected against corro-
sion.
If you make only moderate use of the ser-
vice brake, check from time to time that it
is fully functional. To do this, brake more
sharply at a higher vehicle speed. The
brake will grip better as a result.For safety reasons, the manufacturer rec-
ommends that you only have brake pads /
linings installed on your vehicle that have
been approved for the Sprinter.
Brake pads /linings that have not been ap-
proved for the Sprinter could affect your
vehicle’s operating safety.BrakingWarning
G
There is no power assistance for the service
brake when the engine is not running.
You will need to use significantly more force
to brake and could therefore lose control of
the vehicle and cause an accident.
Never switch off the engine while driving.
Warning
G
Make sure that other road users are not put
at risk by your braking.
iIn exceptional cases, the handbrake
can be used for emergency braking if
the service brake fails (\2page 115).

114 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
ParkingWarning
G
Only remove the key from the ignition lock
when the vehicle is stationary, since it is not
possible to steer the vehicle with the key re-
moved.
Always apply the handbrake after parking
the vehicle.
Never leave children unsupervised in the ve-
hicle. They could release the handbrake.
This could lead to a serious or fatal accident.
Warning
G
Always switch off the engine and apply the
handbrake before leaving the vehicle.
The vehicle could roll away if it is not
secured.
On uphill or downhill gradients steeper than
15%:
\4apply the handbrake
\4secure an unloaded vehicle by chocking
the front axle (\2page 303)
\4secure a loaded vehicle by, for example,
chocking the rear axle (\2page 303)!
CAUTION
Whenever you park the vehicle, always
remove the key to prevent the battery
from excessively discharging.
For vehicles which are out of use for ex-
tended periods and have a battery iso-
lating switch*, switch off the electrical
system (\2page 197).
Warning
G
Make sure that the exhaust system does not
come into contact with highly flammable
materials, e.g. dry grass or gasoline. The
flammable material could otherwise ignite
and set vehicle components on fire.Warning
G
Regulations in some countries require the
parking lamps to be switched on to illumi-
nate the vehicle for other road users if
parked on a public road at night. In built-up
areas, night reflectors can also be used.
Observe legal requirements.

115 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Handbrake
The handbrake is located between the driv-
er’s seat and the co-driver’s seat.
1Lever
2Release knobApplying the handbrake
\1Pull lever1 up as far as the last de-
tent.
The7 indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up while the engine
is running.
Releasing the handbrake
\1Raise lever1 slightly and press re-
lease knob2.
\1Guide lever1 down to the stop.
The7 indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.Emergency braking
Normally, you are only permitted to apply
the handbrake when the vehicle is station-
ary.
In exceptional cases, the handbrake can
be used for emergency braking if the ser-
vice brake fails.
\1Keep release knob2 pressed and
carefully apply lever1.Warning
G
Never leave children unsupervised in the ve-
hicle. They could release the handbrake.
This could lead to a serious or fatal accident.!
CAUTION
You must only apply the handbrake
when the vehicle is stationary.
iOn vehicles with a folding handbrake
lever, you can then press lever1
down to the stop.iOn vehicles with a folding handbrake
lever, you must first pull lever1 up to
the stop.
Warning
G
The wheels on the rear axle could lock if the
handbrake lever is applied too abruptly. The
vehicle could then start to skid.
Make sure that you apply the handbrake le-
ver carefully to ensure that braking applica-
tion is moderated.

116 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
Stopping the engine
\1Apply handbrake (\2page 115).
\1Move selector lever to P.
\1Turn key to position 0 (\2page 67) in
the ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.\1Secure the vehicle at the front axle if
unloaded and at the rear axle if loaded,
e.g. using a chock (\2page 303).
Drinking and drivingSteering
!
CAUTION
If the coolant temperature is raised,
e.g. following driving in mountainous
terrain, run the engine at idling speed
for a further 1 or 2 minutes before you
switch off the engine. This allows the
coolant temperature to return to nor-
mal again.
iWhen parking on steep uphill or down-
hill gradients, turn the front wheels to-
wards the curb.iYou can only remove the key from the
ignition lock when the selector lever is
in positionP.
General driving tipsWarning
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment. The possibility of a serious or
even fatal accident is sharply increased
when you drink or take drugs and drive.
Never drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive after drinking or taking
drugs.
Warning
G
There is no power-steering assistance when
the engine is not running.
You will need to use significantly more force
to steer and could therefore lose control of
the vehicle and cause an accident.
Never switch off the engine while driving.!
CAUTION
Do not hold the steering wheel in its
end positions for longer than neces-
sary (e.g. when turning or maneuver-
ing).
The hydraulic pump can be damaged
by the increased temperature of the
hydraulic fluid.

117 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Overrun cut-off
The gasoline/diesel supply is cut off if the
driver's foot is completely removed from
the accelerator pedal when the engine is
overrunning at engine speeds outside of
the idling control range.
Driving in wet conditionsDriving on flooded roads
If you are forced to drive on stretches of
road on which water has collected, please
note that:
\4the water level must not reach above
the lower edge of the front bumper
\4the maximum speed at which you may
drive is walking speed
Tires
The tires are particularly important for the
operating and road safety of the vehicle.
You should therefore check the pressure,
tread and condition of the tires on a regular
basis.A tire dealer, a qualified specialist work-
shop or any authorized Sprinter Dealer will
be able to provide further information re-
garding the:
\4list of recommended makes of tire
\4tire load-bearing capacity (LI Load
Index)
\4maximum tire speed (SI Speed Index)
\4tire age
\4causes and consequences of tire wear
\4measures to be taken in the event of
tire damage
\4tire types for certain regions, areas of
operation or conditions of vehicle use
\4interchangeability of tires, etc.
Modifications to the brake system or
wheels are not permissible, nor is the use
of spacer plates or brake dust shields. Any
such modifications will invalidate the vehi-
cle’s general operating permit.Warning
G
The vehicle may hydroplane despite having
adequate tire tread depth and being driven
at low speeds, depending on the depth of
water on the road surface.
For this reason, avoid tire ruts and brake
carefully.
!
CAUTION
Note that vehicles in front or oncoming
vehicles create waves.
This may mean that the maximum per-
mitted water depth is exceeded.
These notes must be observed to avoid
the risk of engine damage.

120 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
Alignment and balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
\4Fast tire wear
\4Uneven tire wear, such as feathering
and one-sided wear
\4Vehicle pulling to the left or right
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 the result of a
tire and wheel imbalance. Proper balanc-
ing will reduce vibration and avoid tire cup-
ping and spotty wear.Coolant temperature
During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant tem-
perature may rise close to approximately
250 °F (120 °C).
The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature over 250 °F
(120 °C). Doing so may cause serious en-
gine damage which is not covered by the
Sprinter warranty.
Warning
G
\4Driving when your engine is overheated
can cause some fluids, which may have
leaked into the engine compartment, to
catch fire. You could be seriously
burned.
\4Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.