2008 DODGE SPRINTER Owners Manual

7 Introduction
Operating safety
Operating safetyWarning
G
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain
or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth de-
fects or other reproductive harm.
In addition, certain fluids contained in ve-
hicles, and certain products of compo-
nent wear, contain chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
Warning
G
Work carried out incorrectly on electronic
equipment and its software could cause
the equipment to stop working. The elec-
tronic systems are networked with each
other via interfaces. Tampering with the
electronic systems may also cause mal-
functions in systems that have not been
modified. These malfunctions, however,
can jeopardize the operating safety of
your vehicle and therefore put your own
safety at considerable risk.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
Other work carried out incorrectly or
modifications to the vehicle could also
jeopardize operating safety.Some safety systems only function while
the engine is running. Therefore, you
should not switch off the engine while
driving.
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8 IntroductionOperating safetyWarning
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
purpose.
In par ti c ula r , w or k rel ev an t to s afe ty or on
safety-related systems must be carried
out at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Warning
G
A heavy impact to the underbody, tires or
wheels, for example when bottoming out
on rough terrain or driving over an obsta-
cle at high speed, could damage your ve-
hicle. This also applies to vehicles
equipped with underbody protection.In this case, have your vehicle checked 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.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
I n p a r t i c u l a r , w o r k r e l e v a n t t o s a f e t y o r o n
safety-related systems must be carried
out at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
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9 Introduction
Operating safety
The manufacturer warrants to the origi-
nal and each subsequent owner of a
Mercedes-Benz heavy-duty on highway
diesel engine that:
(1) the engine was designed, built and
equipped so as to conform at the
time of sale with the applicable regu-
lations adopted by the Federal Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency, and
(2) the emission control system of such
engine is free from defects in materi-
als and workmanship which would
cause it not to conform with those
regulations for a period of use of five years or 100000 miles (160000 km)
or 3000 hours of engine operation,
whichever occurs first.
The Owner’s Warranty Information Book
contains detailed information about the
warranties covering your Sprinter Vehi-
cle.
The manufacturer may instruct its au-
thorized Sprinter Dealer to carry out
technical inspections on certain vehicles
to improve their quality or safety.
If you did not purchase your vehicle from
an authorized dealership and your vehi-
cle has not yet been inspected at an au-thorized Sprinter Dealer, there is a
possibility that your vehicle has not been
registered in your name with the manu-
facturer. The manufacturer will only be
able to inform you about vehicle inspec-
tions if the manufacturer is in posses-
sion of your registration data.
It is advisable to have your vehicle regis-
tered at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Inf orm the ma nuf a ctu re r a s s oon as pos -
sible if your address has changed or
there has been a change of vehicle own-
er.Service and warranty information
Registering your vehicle
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10 IntroductionOperating safetyDo not allow the electronically stored to-
tal distance covered by your vehicle to
be modified as a result of tampering with
the electronics system.
This type of modification or failing to in-
form the buyer when selling the vehicle
could constitute an offense punishable
by law, depending on the country con-
cerned.Having the engine power output of your
vehicle increased by tampering with the
electronic engine management system
will invalidate the vehicle’s general oper-
ating permit and insurance coverage, as
well as your warranty and warranty enti-
tlement.
Modifications to the output of the engine
must be reported to the insurance pro-
vider and require the vehicle to be recer-
tified. The tires, chassis, brake and
cooling systems must be adapted to the
increased engine power output.Tampering with the electronic engine
management system modifies emission
values and it will not be possible to guar-
antee the operating safety of the engine
in every case. Increases in performance
may lead to malfunctions and conse-
quential damage to other assemblies.
If you sell the vehicle, failing to inform
the buyer of the modified engine power
output could constitute an offense pun-
ishable by law, depending on the country
concerned.Digital speedometer and total
distance recorder
Modifying the engine power out-
put
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11 Introduction
Operating safety
The manufacturer recommends the use
of genuine Sprinter parts and conversion
parts as well as accessories that have
been expressly approved for your vehi-
cle model (
\2
page 600).
These parts have been subjected to spe-
cial tests in order to determine their
safety, reliability and suitability.
Body builder guidelineIf you intend on making any alterations
to the vehicle, we strongly recommend
that you select one of the following op-
tions in order to obtain all necessary in-
formation:\4
Contact the authorized Sprinter
Dealer nearest you to obtain a copy
of the Sprinter Body Builder Guide-
line.
\4
Call Chrysler Vans LLC at telephone
(800) 992-1997 to request a copy of
the Sprinter Body Builder Guideline
(there may be a charge).
\4
Write to the following address and
order the Sprinter Body Builder
Guideline (there may be a charge).Chrysler Vans LLC
P.O. Box 21-8004
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004
United States of America
Vehicle alterations
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12 IntroductionOperating safetyBody builders and dealers who make any
modifications which may affect the final
certification of the engine, vehicle or
equipment assume the sole responsibil-
ity for the vehicle, including labeling and
documentation, affected by their modifi-
cations.
It is their responsibility to certify that the
altered vehicle conforms to all applica-
ble standards and regulations affected
by the vehicle alteration or continues to
comply with the motor vehicle safety
standards and emissions regulations.
They are responsible for ensuring that
modifications or equipment installation
does not affect the safety of the vehicle.The manufacturer is not responsible for
any final certification or claims regard-
ing product liability, or warranty claims,
which result from any component, as-
sembly, or system being altered, or
which cause non-compliance with any of
the emission control standards or motor
vehicle safety standards, or which would
otherwise cause the vehicle to be or be-
come defective or unsafe.
The manufacturer does not assume the
responsibility as the final stage manu-
facturer or the consequential product li-
ability.
Warning
G
Any modifications or alterations of the
Sprinter vehicle not in compliance with
the Sprinter Body Builder Guideline and
the Sprinter Operator’s Manual may seri-
ously inhibit its roadworthiness and safe-
ty and may lead to an accident resulting
in serious personal injury or death.
Consult the Sprinter Body Builder Guide-
line and the Sprinter Operator’s Manual
prior to initiating any alterations or modi-
fications.
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13 Introduction
Operating safety
Observe the following information when
using your vehicle:\4
The safety notes in this manual
\4
The “Technical data” section in this
manual
\4
Traffic rules and regulations
\4
Motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Stickers and warning labels
If you should experience a problem with
your vehicle, particularly one that you
believe may affect its safe operation, we
urge you to immediately contact an au-
thorized Sprinter Dealer to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected if re-
quired.
If the matter is not handled to your sat-
isfaction, please discuss the problem
with the Sprinter Dealer management,
or if necessary contact us at the follow-
ing address.
Correct useWarning
G
Be sure to read the Operating Instructions.
Otherwise, you may not be aware of certain
risks and could injure yourself or others.
Warning
G
Various warning labels are affixed to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intend-
ed to make you and others aware of vari-
ous risks. You should not remove any of
these warning labels unless explicitly in-
st ru ct ed t o do s o by i nf or ma ti on o n t he la -
bel itself. Removal of any of these labels
may cause you and others to be unaware
of certain risks which may result in an ac-
cident and/or personal injury.
Problems with your vehicle
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14 IntroductionOperating safetyIn the USA:
Chrysler Vans LLC Customer Center
P.O. Box 21-8004
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8001
United States of America
Telephone: 800-992-1997In Canada:
Chrysler Canada, Inc. Customer Center
P.O. Box 1621
Windsor, Ontario N9A 4H6
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