2008 DODGE SPRINTER warning

310 OperationDriving tips
4
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
rather engage the brake slightly at first
to permit 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
different and less stable from those when
operating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneu-
vers. Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss
of control over the vehicle-trailer combi-
nation. This could cause an accident re-
sulting 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 reduces the chance of the
engine overloading and / or over-
heating.
When going down a long hill, shift
into a lower gear and use the en-
gine’s braking 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 cool-
ant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the cli-
mate control fan speed to high and set-
ting the temperature control to the
maximum hot position.
Extreme care must be exercised since
your vehicle with a trailer will require ad-
ditional 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 ve-
hicle before you can return to your lane.
nf_BA.book Page 310 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

312 OperationDriving tips
4
You will find information about the
speed limit for your tires under “Tires
and wheels” in this section
(\2
page 383).
Check regularly, e.g. weekly or when re-
fueling:
\4
the vehicle lighting
\4
the condition of the tires
(\2
page 346) and the tire pressures
(
\2
page 361)
\4
the engine oil level (
\2
page 322)
\4
the brake fluid level (
\2
page 331)
\4
the fluid level in the windshield wash-
er system / headlamp cleaning sys-
tem reservoir (
\2
page 333)
\4
the contamination level of the rear
air-conditioning air cleaner
(\2
page 414)
Your vehicle is equipped with monolith-
ic-type catalytic converters, an impor-
tant element in conjunction 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 rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Service Booklet.
Warning
G
Exceeding the permissible maximum
speed can cause tire damage, which
could lead to loss of control of the vehi-
cle.
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 383).
Regular checks
Catalytic converter (gasoline engine)
nf_BA.book Page 312 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

313 Operation
Driving tips
4
Your vehicle is equipped with an oxida-
tion catalyst, an important element in
conjunction with the oxygen sensors to
achieve substantial control of the pollut-
ants in the exhaust emissions. Keep
your vehicle in proper operating condi-
tion by following our recommended
maintenance instructions as outlined in
your Service Booklet.
!
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium un-
leaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in en-
gine 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
operate this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible 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)
nf_BA.book Page 313 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

314 OperationDriving tips
4
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the ex-
haust gases within permissible limits re-
quired by law.These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly
according to factory specifications. Any
adjustments to the engine should there-
fore be carried out only by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Engine adjustments should not be al-
tered in any way. Moreover, the speci-
fied service jobs must be carried out
regularly according to the manufactur-
er’s servicing requirements. For details
refer to the Service Booklet.Warning
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or
operate this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible 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.Emission control
Warning
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains car-
bon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness 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 driv-
ing, have the cause determined and cor-
rected immediately. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive with at least
one window fully open at all times.
nf_BA.book Page 314 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

315 Operation
Electronic equipment
4
\3 Electronic equipment
The vehicle’s general operating permit
may be invalidated if you do not observe
the manufacturer’s installation specifi-
cations .
You will find information about retrofit-
ting electrical / electronic equipment in
the “Technical data” section
(\2
page 602).
Radio, telephone, two-way radio,
fax machine and navigation
systemWarning
G
Please do not forget that your primary re-
sponsibility is to drive the vehicle safely.
Only operate the electronic equipment
when road and traffic conditions permit.
Keep in mind that at a speed of just
30 mph (about 50 km/h), your vehicle
travels 44 feet (about 14 m) per second.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
A navigation system does not provide in-
formation about bridge load-bearing ca-
pacities or headroom clearances.
You are responsible for safety at all times.
Observe legal requirements.Telephones, two-way radios and fax ma-
chines without an exterior antenna may in-
terfere with the vehicle’s electronics, thereby
jeopardizing the vehicle’s operating safety.
The risk of an accident increases.Do not use this equipment while the vehi-
cle is in motion.
nf_BA.book Page 315 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

316 OperationRefueling
4
\3 Refueling
The fuel filler flap is next to the driver’s
door. You can only open the fuel filler
flap when the driver’s door is open.1Retaining strap
2Fuel filler cap
Warning
G
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked
flames and smoking as well as the use of
auxiliary heaters (sparks) are therefore
prohibited when handling fuel.
For this reason, switch off the auxiliary
heating when refueling.
Warning
G
Do not allow fuel to come into contact
with your skin or clothing. Your health
may be damaged if:
\4you spill fuel onto your bare skin
\4you inhale fuel vapors
nf_BA.book Page 316 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

318 OperationEngine compartment
4
\3 Engine compartment
Opening
1Release lever\1
Pull release lever
1
under the in-
strument panel on the left-hand side
in the driver’s footwell.
The hood is released.
HoodWarning
G
Do not pull the release lever while the ve-
hicle is in motion. The hood could other-
wise 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
nf_BA.book Page 318 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

319 Operation
Engine compartment
4
2
Securing hook
\1
Push up securing hook lever
2
.
3
Support strut
\1
Swing the hood upward until support
strut
3
engages and the hood is
supported. N88.40-2063-31
N88.40-2062-31
Warning
G
If the hood support strut is not engaged,
the hood can fall shut. You could be in-
jured.
After opening the hood, you should there-
fore check whether the support strut is
engaged.
nf_BA.book Page 319 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM