2008 DODGE SPRINTER engine

333 Operation
Engine compartment
4
For specifications of brake fluid, see
"Service products and capacities"
(\2
page 616).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
system, this is also supplied from the
windshield washer reservoir.
1Coolant tank cap
2Brake fluid reservoir cap
3Windshield washer reservoir capAdd windshield washer fluid concentrate
to the water all year round.
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
stretches). This has a detrimental effect
on braking efficiency, which could in-
crease the stopping distance. This in-
creases the risk of an accident.
Have the brake fluid replaced every
two years.
Windshield washer system/
headlamp cleaning system*
N20.30-2063-31
nf_BA.book Page 333 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

334 OperationEngine compartment
4
Adapt the mixing ratio to the outside
temperature. Use:\4
Summerwash to protect against
smearing at temperatures above
freezing.
\4
Winterwash when there is a risk of
frost so that the water does not
freeze onto the windshield.
\1
Mix the windshield washer fluid in a
container and in the specified pro-
portions.
\1
Remove cap
3
.
\1
Fill up the windshield washer fluid.
\1
Press cap
3
back on.
Check assemblies regularly for leaks. In
the event of fluid loss (e.g. spots of oil
under the vehicle when it has been
parked), have the cause traced and rec-
tified immediately 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 purpose. All work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be
carried out at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Warning
G
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable. Fire, open flames and smok-
ing are prohibited when you are handling
windshield washer concentrate.
Vehicle assemblies
nf_BA.book Page 334 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

335 Operation
Battery
4
\3 BatteryYour vehicle may be equipped with two
batteries, depending on the equipment
version:\4
Starter battery in the battery recess
in the driver’s footwell
\4
Auxiliary battery in the engine com-
partment*
Warning
G
A
Risk of explosion
When batteries are being
charged, explosive detonating
gas is emitted. Only charge bat-
teries in well-ventilated areas.
D
Risk of explosion
Because of the risk of explosion,
avoid creating sparks from fire,
open flames and smoking.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
B
Battery acid is caustic.
Wear acid-proof protective
gloves. Neutralize splashes of
acid on skin or clothing immedi-
ately with soapy water or acid
neutralizer and clean with wa-
ter.
Continued
nf_BA.book Page 335 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

337 Operation
Battery
4
The batteries must always be sufficiently
charged so that they achieve their in-
tended 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 isolating switch (
\2
page 338).You will find further information in the
“Practical hints” section (
\2
page 573).
!
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
surfaces cause leakage current, lead-
ing to battery discharge. Always keep
the terminal clamps and battery sur-
faces clean and dry. Lightly grease
the terminal clamps, particularly the
undersides, with acid-proof grease.
!
CAUTION
Cleaning agents containing fuel can
corrode the battery casing. Only
clean with commercially available
cleaning agents and clean the bat-
tery casing with the cell caps
screwed in.
nf_BA.book Page 337 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

338 OperationBattery isolating switch*
4
\3 Battery isolating switch*You can disconnect the current to all
your vehicle’s consumers using the bat-
tery isolating switch. This will prevent
uncontrolled battery discharge caused
by quiescent current consumption.
The battery isolating switch is to the
right of the accelerator pedal in the driv-
er’s footwell.
1Connector
2Slide
Warning
G
If the vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary
battery in the engine compartment, it is
necessary to disconnect both batteries
when working on the vehicle electrical
system. Only then is the electrical system
fully disconnected from the power supply.
iOnly disconnect the vehicle electrical
system from the power supply using
the battery isolating switch if the ve-
hicle is to be parked up for a long pe-
riod or when this is absolutely
necessary.
After the power supply is switched
on, you must reset the electric sliding
door (
\2
page 92).
nf_BA.book Page 338 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

404 OperationWinter driving
4
\3 Winter drivingHave your vehicle winterproofed at the
onset of winter at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. This service includes the follow-
ing:\4
Oil change, if the current engine oil
used has not been approved for win-
ter use
\4
The antifreeze / anti-corrosion con-
centration in the coolant is checked
\4
The addition of a concentrated
cleaning agent to the water in the
windshield washer system
\4
Battery check
\4
A tire changeYou will find information about diesel
fuel for use at low outside temperatures
in the “Technical data” section
(
\2
page 614).
Please also observe the information
about winter driving (
\2
page 406).
Winter tires should also be operated as
printed on the tire and loading informa-
tion placard
1 or on the tire inflation pres-
sure placard located on the driver’s door
B-pillar, refer to “Tires and wheels” (
\2
page 362). Not all M+S rated radial-
ply tires provide special winter perfor-
mance. 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 Rub-
ber Manufacturers Association (RMA)
and the Rubber Association of Canada
(RAC) and have been designed specifi-
cally 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.
Winter tires1. For vehicles with a gross weight capacity less
than 10 000 lbs (4 536 kg) (USA only).
nf_BA.book Page 404 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

406 OperationWinter driving
4
Drive with particular care on icy roads.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
movements and braking.
If it seems likely that the vehicle is about
to enter a skid or cannot be stopped at a
low speed:\4
Move the selector lever to position N.
\4
Try to maintain control of the vehicle
using light corrective steering.
Road salt may adversely affect braking
efficiency. It may therefore be necessary
to apply the brakes more forcefully in or-
der to achieve the same braking force as
normal.
iW h e n t h e y h a v e b e e n r e m o v e d , s t o r e
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 sur-
face due to the increased difference in
speed between the engine and the drive
wheels at this time.
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. Use the ser-
vice brake in accordance with road condi-
tions. Only downshift to a lower gear
when traveling at a low engine speed.
nf_BA.book Page 406 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

410 OperationMaintenance and servicing
4
Mechanical elements and the lubricants
used for them must be carefully
matched.
For this reason, only brands tested and
approved by the manufacturer should be
used. Please contact your Sprinter Deal-
er to obtain the necessary information.
No lubricant 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" (
\2
page 604) and con-
tact your authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Observe the information on spare parts
in the “Technical data” section
(
\2
page 600).
Warning (Continued)
G
The manufacturer recommends that you
use an authorized Sprinter Dealer for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to
safety or on safety-related systems must
be carried out at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Service products
Warning
G
If handled incorrectly, service products
can constitute a health risk for people and
an environmental hazard.
Always observe relevant guidelines for
handling, storing and disposing of service
products.
nf_BA.book Page 410 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM