2008 DODGE SPRINTER Owners Manual

191 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Handbrake
The handbrake is located between the
driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat.1Lever
2Release knob
Warning
G
Regulations in some countries require the
parking lamps to be switched on to illumi-
nate the vehicle for other road users if
parked on a public road at night. In built-
up areas, night reflectors can also be
used.
Observe legal requirements.
Warning
G
Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. They could release the hand-
brake. This could lead to a serious or fatal
accident.
!
CAUTION
You must only apply the handbrake
when the vehicle is stationary.
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192 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
Applying the handbrake
\1
Pull lever
1
up as far as the last de-
tent.
The
7
indicator lamp in the in-
strument cluster lights up while the
engine is running.
Releasing the handbrake
\1
Raise lever
1
slightly and press re-
lease knob
2
.
\1
Guide lever
1
down to the stop.
The
7
indicator lamp in the in-
strument cluster goes out.
Emergency brakingNormally, you are only permitted to ap-
ply the handbrake when the vehicle is
stationary.
In exceptional cases, the handbrake can
be used for emergency braking if the
service brake fails.\1
Keep release knob
2
pressed and
carefully apply lever1
.
iOn vehicles with a folding handbrake
lever, you can then press lever
1

down to the stop.
iOn vehicles with a folding handbrake
lever, you must first pull lever
1
up
to the stop.
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193 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Stopping the engine\1
Apply handbrake (
\2
page 191).
\1
Move selector lever to
P.
\1
Turn key to position
0 (\2
page 111)
in the ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
\1
Secure the vehicle at the front axle if
unloaded and at the rear axle if load-
ed, e.g. using a chock (
\2
page 521).
Warning
G
The wheels on the rear axle could lock if
the handbrake lever is applied too abrupt-
ly. The vehicle could then start to skid.
Make sure that you apply the handbrake
lever carefully to ensure that braking ap-
plication is moderated.
!
CAUTION
If the coolant temperature is raised,
e.g. following driving in mountainous
terrain, run the engine at idling speed
for a further 1 or 2 minutes before
you switch off the engine. This allows
the coolant temperature to return to
normal again.
iWhen parking on steep uphill or
downhill gradients, turn the front
wheels towards the curb.
iYou can only remove the key from
the ignition lock when the selector le-
ver is in position
P.
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194 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
Drinking and drivingSteering
Overrun cut-off
The gasoline/diesel supply is cut off if
the driver's foot is completely removed
from the accelerator pedal when the en-
gine is overrunning at engine speeds
outside of the idling control range.
General driving tipsWarning
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, percep-
tions and judgment. The possibility of a
serious or even fatal accident is sharply
increased when you drink or take drugs
and drive.
Never drink or take drugs and drive or al-
low anyone to drive after drinking or tak-
ing drugs.
Warning
G
There is no power-steering assistance
when the engine is not running.
You will need to use significantly more
force to steer and could therefore lose
control of the vehicle and cause an acci-
dent.
Never switch off the engine while driving.
!
CAUTION
Do not hold the steering wheel in its
end positions for longer than neces-
sary (e.g. when turning or maneuver-
ing).
The hydraulic pump can be damaged
by the increased temperature of the
hydraulic fluid.
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195 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Driving in wet conditions Driving on flooded roads
If you are forced to drive on stretches of
road on which water has collected,
please note that:\4
the water level must not reach above
the lower edge of the front bumper
\4
the maximum speed at which you
may drive is walking speed
TiresThe tires are particularly important for
the operating and road safety of the ve-
hicle. You should therefore check the
pressure, tread and condition of the tires
on a regular basis.
A tire dealer, a qualified specialist work-
shop or any authorized Sprinter Dealer
will be able to provide further informa-
tion regarding the:\4
list of recommended makes of tire
\4
tire load-bearing capacity (LI Load
Index)
\4
maximum tire speed (SI Speed In-
dex)
\4
tire age
Warning
G
The vehicle may hydroplane despite hav-
ing adequate tire tread depth and being
driven at low speeds, depending on the
depth of water on the road surface.
For this reason, avoid tire ruts and brake
carefully.
!
CAUTION
Note that vehicles in front or oncom-
ing vehicles create waves.
This may mean that the maximum
permitted water depth is exceeded.
These notes must be observed to
avoid the risk of engine damage.
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196 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
\4
causes and consequences of tire
wear
\4
measures to be taken in the event of
tire damage
\4
tire types for certain regions, areas
of operation or conditions of vehicle
use
\4
interchangeability of tires, etc.
Modifications to the brake system or
wheels are not permissible, nor is the
use of spacer plates or brake dust
shields. Any such modifications will in-
validate the vehicle’s general operating
permit.Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required
by law. These indicators are located in
six places on the tread circumference
and become visible at a tread depth of
approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), at
which point the tire is considered worn
and should be replaced.
The Treadwear Indicator appears as a
solid band across the tread.
Warning
G
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has oc-
curred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down,
and drive with caution to an area which is
a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle undercar-
riage for possible damage. If the vehicle
or tires appear unsafe, have the vehicle
towed to the nearest authorized Sprinter
Dealer or tire dealer for repairs.
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197 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Specified tire inflation pressures must
be maintained. This applies particularly
if the tires are subject to extreme oper-
ating conditions (e.g. high speeds, heavy
loads, high ambient temperatures).For detailed information on tires, see
"Tires and wheels" (
\2
page 341).
HydroplaningDepending on the depth of the water lay-
er on the road, hydroplaning may occur,
even at low speeds and with new tires.
Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track
grooves in the road and apply brakes
cautiously in the rain.
Warning
G
Although the applicable federal motor ve-
hicle safety laws consider a tire to be
worn when the Treadwear Indicators
(TWI) become visible at approximately 1/
16 in (1.6 mm), do not allow your tires to
wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1/8 in (3 mm) for summer
tires or 1/6 in (4 mm) for winter tires, the
adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction var-
ies widely.
Warning
G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire af-
fects the ability to steer or brake the vehi-
cle. You may lose control of the vehicle.
Continued driving with a flat tire or driving
at high speed with a flat tire will cause ex-
cessive heat buildup and possibly a fire.
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198 Controls in detailDriving and parking
3
Tire tractionTire grip is greatly reduced on a wet,
snow covered or icy road. Speed and
driving style must therefore be adapted
to suit road conditions. The safe speed
on a wet, snow covered or icy road is al-
ways lower than on a dry road.
Below a tread depth of 1/8 in (3 mm),
tire grip begins to decrease rapidly on
wet roads.
Pay particular attention to the condition
of the road whenever the outside tem-
peratures is close to the freezing point.In winter, install M+S radial tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately
1/6 in (4 mm) on all wheels to ensure
normal balanced handling characteris-
tics. On packed snow, they can reduce
y ou r st opp ing di st ance com pa re d to s um -
mer tires.Stopping distance, however, is still con-
siderably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise
appropriate caution.
For information on winter tires, see
"Winter tires" (
\2
page 404).
Warning
G
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and
brake with extreme caution.
!
CAUTION
Avoid spinning a drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the
drive train which is not covered by
the Sprinter warranty.
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