2008 DODGE SPRINTER brake light

273 Controls in detail
Operating the vehicle
3
\3 Operating the vehicleWhen activated, the operating speed
governor (ADR) automatically increases
the engine speed to a preset or adjust-
able operating speed (
\2
page 275).
Activating / deactivating ADRThe switch is between the light switch
and the steering wheel.1To switch on
2To switch off
Operating speed governor (ADR)*
iThe idle speed of the engine auto-
matically increases after a cold start.
If the set operating speed is lower
than the increased idle speed, the
set operating speed is attained only
after the engine has reached its op-
erating temperature.
It is only possible to activate ADR
with the vehicle stationary and the
handbrake applied. The selector le-
ver must be in position
P.
N54.25-2932-31
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309 Operation
Driving tips
4
Towing a trailerThere are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do
with trailer towing. Make sure that your
vehicle-trailer combination will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also
for where you will be driving. A good
source for this information can be the
police or local authorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer,
check the trailer hitch, break-away
switch, safety chains, electrical connec-
tions, lighting and tires. Also adjust the
mirrors to permit an unobstructed view
beyond the rear of the trailer.If the trailer has electric brakes, start
your vehicle and trailer moving slowly,
and then apply only the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure that the
brakes are working properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasional-
ly to be sure that the load is secure, and
that lighting and trailer brakes (if so
equipped) are functioning properly.
Always secure items in the trailer to pre-
vent load shifts while driving.
Take into consideration that when tow-
ing 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
maneuvers.
The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore is limited in accel-
eration 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 understand-
ing of the vehicle’s behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing
up in an area which is free from traffic.
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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

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

426 OperationCleaning and care of the vehicle
4
\1
Clean the vehicle, particularly the
lighting equipment, windows, exteri-
or mirrors, steps, entrances, grab
handles, wheels, tires, wheel hous-
ings and license plates. Observe the
notes in this section.
\1
Remove any trapped foreign objects,
e.g. stones.
Warning (Continued)
G
Risk of skiddingDirt and mud on the tires / road surface
reduce wheel grip. This is especially so if
the road surface is wet. The vehicle could
then start to skid.Risk of slippingDirt and mud on the steps and entrances
make the steps less safe. As a result you
could slip from the steps and injure yourself.For this reason, always clean your vehicle
carefully after driving off-road and on con-
struction sites before using public roads.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
If you use a high-pressure cleaner or auto-
matic car wash for this purpose, you must
follow the relevant safety instructions in
this section.
Warning
G
Dirty brake discs and brake pads / linings
can impair braking power (to the point of
total failure).You could thereby cause an accident.Check the brake system for operating
safety by testing the brakes before driving
the vehicle onto public roads.If braking power is impaired, stop the ve-
h i c l e a s s o o n a s i t i s s a f e t o d o s o a n d c o n -
sult an authorized Sprinter Dealer which
has the necessary specialist knowledge
and tools to carry out the work required.
Continued
nf_BA.book Page 426 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

431 Practical hints
What to do if ...
5
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
The anti-theft alarm system is suddenly trig-
gered.
You have opened the vehicle using the key
while the anti-theft alarm system was still
primed.
Key:
\1Press theΠbutton.
or
\1Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The anti-theft alarm system is deacti-
vated.
You hear a warning signal.
A message appears in the display.
\1Observe the instructions on
(\2page 484).
You are driving with the handbrake applied.
\1Release the handbrake (\2page 191).
You opened the driver’s door and forgot to
switch off the lights.
\1Turn the light switch to0.
Warning
G
You are not wearing your seat belt.
\1Fasten your seat belt .
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470 Practical hintsWhat to do if ...
5

The battery is malfunctioning.
\1Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so.
\1Do not drive any further.
\1Contact a breakdown service, an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer.
2

The yellow brake pad wear
indicator lamp lights up after
the engine is started or
while the vehicle is in mo-
tion.
WA RNING
G
The brake pads / linings have reached their wear lim-
it.
\1Have the brake pads / linings replaced
as soon as possible at an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
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