2008 DODGE SPRINTER winter tires

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

405 Operation
Winter driving
4
For safe handling, make sure all winter
tires mounted are of the same make and
have the same tread design.
Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If
the maximum speed for which your tires
are rated is below the speed rating of
your vehicle, you must place a notice to
this effect where it will be seen by the driver. Such notices are available at your
tire dealer or any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
\1
Reactivate the tire pressure monitor.
While studded tires improve perfor-
mance on ice, skid and traction capabil-
ity on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded tires. Some
states prohibit studded tires; therefore,
local laws should be checked before us-
ing these tire types.
Warning
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are
no longer suitable for winter operation.
Warning
G
If you use your spare tire when winter
tires are fitted on the other wheels, be
aware that the difference in tire charac-
teristics may impair turning stability and
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
nf_BA.book Page 405 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

407 Operation
Winter driving
4
Apply the brakes regularly when making
longer journeys on gritted or salted
roads. This will have the effect of restor-
ing the brakes to their normal level of
performance.
When stopping the vehicle after travel-
ing on roads that have been salted,
check that the brakes are fully functional
before proceeding further.
Use "Class U" chains, or other traction
aids that meet SAE Type "U" specifica-
tions.Snow chai ns m us t be the p rope r si ze f or
the vehicle, as recommended by the
chain manufacturer. They should only be
driven on snow-covered roads at speeds
not to exceed 30 mph (50 km / h). Re-
move chains as soon as possible when
driving on roads without snow.Snow chains
!
CAUTION
Use snow chains on rear wheels only.
Some tire sizes do not leave ade-
quate clearance for snow chains. To
help avoid serious damage to your
vehicle or tires, use of snow chains is
not permissible with the spare wheel.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ASR
(\2
page 73) before setting the vehi-
cle in motion. This will improve the
vehicle’s traction.
nf_BA.book Page 407 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

408 OperationWinter driving
4
Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:\4
Snow chains should only be used on
rear wheels. In vehicles with dual
rear wheels, they should be mounted
on the exterior wheels. Follow the
manufacturer’s mounting instruc-
tions.
\4
Only use snow chains that are ap-
proved by the vehicle manufacturer.
For approved snow chains, please
contact your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
\4
Use of snow chains may be prohibit-
ed depending on location. Always
check local and state laws before
mounting snow chains.T o a v o i d d a m a g e t o y o u r v e h i cl e , t i r e s o r
chains, observe the following precau-
tions:
\4
Because of limited chain clearance
between tires and other suspension
components, it is important that only
chains in good condition are used.
Broken chains can cause serious ve-
hicle damage. Stop the vehicle im-
mediately if noise occurs that could
suggest chain breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the chain before
further use.
\4
Install chains as tightly as possible
and then retighten after driving
about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
\4
Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
\4
Drive cautiously and avoid severe
turns and large bumps, especially
with a loaded vehicle.
\4
Do not install tire chains on front
wheels.
\4
Do not drive for a prolonged period
on dry pavement.
\4
Observe the tire chain manufactur-
er’s instructions on method of instal-
lation, operating speed, and
conditions for usage. Always use the
lower suggested operating speed of
the chain manufacturer if different
than the speed recommended by the
manufacturer.
nf_BA.book Page 408 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

495 Practical hints
Display messages
5
Tire pres.
monitor
currently
unavailable
The TPMS or Advanced TPMS* is unable to moni-
tor the tire pressure due to
\4a nearby radio interference source.
\4excessive wheel sensor temperatures.
\1As soon as the causes of the malfunction
have been removed, the TPMS automati-
cally becomes active again after a few min-
utes of driving.
Tire pres.
monitor
inoperative
No wheel
sensors
There are wheels without appropriate wheel sen-
sors mounted (for example winter tires).
\1Have the TPMS checked at an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
\1Have the wheel sensors installed by an au-
thorized Sprinter Dealer.
Wheel sens.
missing
One ore more sensors are malfunctioning (for ex-
ample battery discharged).
One or more wheels without appropriate wheel
sensors mounted (for example spare tire)
\1Have the TPMS checked by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
\1Have the wheel sensors installed by an au-
thorized Sprinter Dealer.
The tire pressure for the respective tire is
shown in the multifunction display.
Display messages
Possible cause / result
Possible solution
nf_BA.book Page 495 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

625 *Technical data
Rims and tires
6
Vehicle Model Type
2500
3500
Rims (steel)
6.5 J x 16
5.5 J x 16
Rims (light alloy)
6.5 J x 16
–
Wheel offset
2.13 in (54 mm)
–
Half dual spacing
4.82 in (122.5 mm)
Wheel fixture
Wheel bolts
Wheel nuts
Tightening torque (steel wheel)
177 lb-ft (240 Nm)
133 lb-ft (180 Nm)
Tightening torque (light-alloy wheel)
133 lb-ft (180 Nm)
-
Summer tires
–
–
All-season tires
1
1Radial-ply tires
LT 245/75 R16 120/116N
LT 215/85 R16 115/112N
LT 215/85 R16 115/112Q
Winter tires
2
2Radial-ply tires
LT 245/75 R16 120/116N M+S
.
LT 215/85 R16 115/112N M+S
.
nf_BA.book Page 625 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

642 IndexConsumption statistics
(vehicles with steering wheel
buttons)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Coolant
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 618
adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
anticorrosion/antifreeze fluid . . 618
display message . . . . . . . . . . . . 502
temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
temperature display (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) . . . . . . . 158
temperature gauge
(vehicle with steering wheel
buttons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
Cornering lampschanging bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 527Correct use
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Cruise control
. . . . . . . . . . . 248
,258deactivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
display message . . . . . . . . . . . . 496
downhill gradients . . . . . . . . . . . 249
lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 496
problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452
setting the speed . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
uphill gradients . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Cup holders
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Curb weight
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
D
Dashboard lightingsee Instrument lightingData cards, vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . 632
Dehumidification
. . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Delayed switch-offexterior lighting
(vehicles with steering wheel
buttons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173Department of Transportationsee DOTDiesel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612
consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 622
low outside temperatures . . . . . 614
reserve fuel warning lamp . 475
,476
tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 621
Diesel enginepreglow indicator lamp . . . 186
,476
winter driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 614
Digital speedometer
. . . . . . . . . . . 10
Digital total distance recorder
. . 10
Direction of rotation (tires)
. . . . 351
Disconnecting the battery
. . . . . 574
D
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