2007 DODGE SPRINTER engine

170 Controls in detailFeatures
3
The paper holder is on the control panel for
the air-conditioning system. 1Paper holder
\1Press top of paper holder1.The 12 V sockets for accessories are
\4on the bottom of the center console
(12 V, 25 A)
\4on the inside of the driver's seat base
(12 V, 15 A)
\4in the corner trim next to each rear
door in the passenger compartment
(12 V, 15 A)
\4in the load compartment next to the
rear door on the left-hand side (12 V,
15 A)*.
Socket at the bottom of the center console112 V, 25 A socketYou can use the 12 V sockets (15 A) for ac-
cessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 watts. You can connect
accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 300 watts to the 12 V socket
(25 A) at the bottom of the center console.
For more information about the electric air
pump* and the Premium tire sealant*,
please refer to the "Practical hints" section
(\2page 303).
Paper holder
N68.00-2425-31
12 V socket
!
CAUTION
Only connect the electric air pump*
(Premium tire sealant*) to the 12 V
socket (25 A) on the bottom of the cen-
ter console. You could otherwise dam-
age the vehicle electrical system.
iThe sockets are supplied with power
even if the key is removed from the ig-
nition lock. Please note that the battery
may be discharged if you have connect-
ed an accessory, e.g. a coolbox, and
the engine is switched off.

173
4 Operation
The first 1000 miles (1,500 km) ......... 174
Driving tips ......... 175
Electronic equipment ......... 183
Refueling ......... 184
Engine ......... 185
Battery ......... 195
Battery isolating switch* ......... 197
Tires and wheels ......... 199
Winter driving ......... 234
Maintenance and servicing ......... 237
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ......... 241

174 OperationThe first 1000 miles (1,500 km)
4
You will find detailed information about op-
erating, maintaining and caring for your ve-
hicle in the “Operation” section.If you treat the engine with sufficient care
from the very start, it will reward you with
excellent performance for a very long time
afterward.
\4You should therefore drive at varying
road and engine speeds for the first
1000 miles (1500 km).
\4Avoid heavy loads during this time, for
example driving at full throttle. Do not
exceed
2/3 of the maximum permissible
engine speed for each gear.\4Avoid depressing the accelerator pedal
in vehicles beyond the pressure point
(kickdown).
\4Do not downshift manually in order to
brake.
\4Only use shift ranges4, 3, 2 and 1 for
slow driving, for example in mountain-
ous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you may
gradually bring the vehicle up to full road
and engine speeds.

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.

180 OperationDriving tips
4
If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-
eign countries, please be aware that:
\4service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,
\4unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-
alytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,
\4gasoline may have a considerably low-
er octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.
You will find information about gasoline /
diesel in the “Technical data” section
(\2page 358).You can permanently limit the maximum
speed of your vehicle to 75 mph
(120 km/h).
The manufacturer recommends that you
have the maximum speed programmed at
an authorized Sprinter Dealer. This has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools
to carry out the required work.Operating the vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
iIf you are traveling in countries where
vehicles are driven on the opposite side
of the road to that in which the vehicle
is registered, you must have the head-
lamps:
\4partially masked (halogen head-
lamps)
\4switched over (bi-xenon head-
lamps)
Relevant information can be obtained
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Programmed maximum speed Warning
G
Exceeding the permissible maximum speed
can cause tire damage, which could lead to
loss of control of the vehicle.
As the driver, you must find out about the
maximum speed of the vehicle and the re-
sulting permissible maximum speed of the
tires (tire and tire pressure).
Never exceed the speed limit for your tires
under any circumstances (\2page 222).

181 Operation
Driving tips
4
Check regularly, e.g. weekly or when refu-
eling:
\4the vehicle lighting
\4the condition of the tires (\2page 201)
and the tire pressures (\2page 210)
\4the engine oil level (\2page 187)
\4the brake fluid level (\2page 192)
\4the fluid level in the windshield washer
system / headlamp cleaning system
reservoir (\2page 193)
\4the contamination level of the rear air-
conditioning air cleaner (\2page 240)
Your vehicle is equipped with monolithic-
type catalytic converters, an important el-
ement in conjunction with the oxygen sen-
sors to achieve substantial control of the
pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep
your vehicle in proper operating condition
by following our recommended mainte-
nance instructions as outlined in your Ser-
vice Booklet.Your vehicle is equipped with an oxidation
catalyst, an important element in conjunc-
tion with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the
exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in
proper operating condition by following
our recommended maintenance instruc-
tions as outlined in your Service Booklet.Regular checksCatalytic converter (gasoline engine)
!
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay, or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine)Warning
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay, or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

182 OperationDriving tips
4
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the exhaust
gases within permissible limits required by
law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly ac-
cording to factory specifications. Any ad-
justments to the engine should therefore
be carried out only by an authorized Sprint-
er Dealer.
Engine adjustments should not be altered
in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly accord-
ing to the manufacturer’s servicing re-
quirements. For details refer to the Service
Booklet.Emission control
Warning
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause un-
consciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive with at least one window
fully open at all times.

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