2008 DODGE SPRINTER fuel

317 Operation
Refueling
4
\1
Remove the key from the ignition
lock.
\1
Switch off the auxiliary heating.
\1
Open the driver’s door.
\1
Open the fuel filler flap.
\1
Close all the vehicle’s doors, so that
no fuel vapors can enter the vehicle.
\1
Turn fuel filler cap
2
counterclock-
wise and let it hang by retaining
strap
1
.
\1
Only fill the tank until the pump noz-
zle switches off.
\1
Replace fuel filler cap
2
and turn it
clockwise.A clicking sound indicates that the
fuel filler cap is fully closed.
\1
Open the driver’s door and close the
fuel filler flap.
You will find information about fuel in
the “Technical data” section
(
\2
page 610).
nf_BA.book Page 317 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

323 Operation
Engine compartment
4
Check the engine oil level on a regular ba-
sis, for example weekly or each time you re-
fuel.Checking the engine oil level in the
displayIn vehicles with diesel engines, you can
view the engine oil level in the display.When the oil is being checked, the vehi-
cle must
\4
be standing level
\4
be at normal operating temperature
\4
have been standing with the engine
switched off for at least five minutes
\1
Switch on the ignition (
\2
page 111).
The display is activated.
iIf the oil level exceeds the maximum
level several times during operation,
have the malfunction rectified imme-
diately at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
iIf no oil level reading is shown again,
check the engine oil level with the dip-
stick.
Have the engine oil level display
checked at an authorized Sprinter Deal-
er.
!
CAUTION
Have any excess oil drained or si-
phoned off at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. Otherwise, the engine or cat-
alytic converter could be damaged.
iIf at extremely low temperatures no
engine oil level is displayed after 5
minutes, wait a further 5 minutes be-
fore repeating the engine oil level
check.
nf_BA.book Page 323 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

331 Operation
Engine compartment
4
The reservoir is in the engine compart-
ment. Check the brake fluid level:\4
regularly, e.g. weekly or when refuel-
ing
\4
only with the vehicle standing on a
level surface and with the engine
switched off
1Coolant tank cap
2Brake fluid reservoir cap
3Windshield washer reservoir capThe brake fluid level must be between
the MIN and MAX marks.
Brake fluid
N20.30-2063-31
iThere is usually a notice in the engine
compartment to remind you when
the next brake fluid change is due.
nf_BA.book Page 331 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

337 Operation
Battery
4
The batteries must always be sufficiently
charged so that they achieve their in-
tended service life.
Have the battery charge status checked
more frequently if you use the vehicle
mainly for short trips or if you leave it
parked up for a long period.
If you intend to leave your vehicle
parked up for a long period, seek advice
from an authorized Sprinter Dealer and
switch off the electrical system at the
battery isolating switch (
\2
page 338).You will find further information in the
“Practical hints” section (
\2
page 573).
!
CAUTION
Switch off the engine and wait for
approximately 20 seconds before you
loosen or disconnect the terminal
clamps. You could otherwise damage
electrical system components.Care of batteries!
CAUTION
Dirty terminal clamps and battery
surfaces cause leakage current, lead-
ing to battery discharge. Always keep
the terminal clamps and battery sur-
faces clean and dry. Lightly grease
the terminal clamps, particularly the
undersides, with acid-proof grease.
!
CAUTION
Cleaning agents containing fuel can
corrode the battery casing. Only
clean with commercially available
cleaning agents and clean the bat-
tery casing with the cell caps
screwed in.
nf_BA.book Page 337 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

342 OperationTires and wheels
4
For more information on tire size desig-
nation, load and speed rating, see "Tire
labeling" (
\2
page 382).
See an authorized Sprinter Dealer for in-
formation on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter op-
eration. They can also offer advice con-
cerning tire service and purchase.
!
CAUTION
Only use tires which have been test-
ed and approved for your Sprinter ve-
hicle by the vehicle manufacturer.
Tires approved by the vehicle manu-
facturer are developed to provide the
best possible performance in con-
junction with the driving safety sys-
tems on your Sprinter vehicle such as
ABS, BAS, ASR or ESP
®.
Using tires other than those ap-
proved by the vehicle manufacturer
may result in damage that is not cov-
ered by the Sprinter vehicle warran-
ty.
!
CAUTION
Using tires other than those ap-
proved by the vehicle manufacturer
can have detrimental effects, such as
\4
poor handling characteristics
\4
increased noise
\4
increased fuel consumption
Tires and rims not approved by the
vehicle manufacturer may, under
load, exhibit dimensional variations
and different tire deformation char-
acteristics that could cause them to
come into contact with the vehicle
body or axle parts. Damage to the
tires or the vehicle may be the result.
nf_BA.book Page 342 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

347 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
The tire inflation pressure should be
checked regularly, i.e. at least each time
you refuel the vehicle. The preferred in-
terval for checking the tire inflation pres-
sure, however, is before each trip.
For more information on checking tire
inflation pressure, refer to "Recom-
mended tire inflation pressure"
(\2
page 361).
Tire inspectionEvery time when checking the tire infla-
tion pressure, the tires should also be in-
spected for the following:\4
excessive treadwear, refer to "Tread
depth".
\4
the condition of the tread depths, i.e.
uneven tread wear or excessive
treadwear on one side. Turn the front
wheels to full lock if necessary to en-
able you to check the inner edge of
the front tires more easily. You must
also always check the inside of the
tire tread on the rear wheels.
\4
cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber
Tire care and maintenanceWarning
G
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
nf_BA.book Page 347 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

348 OperationTires and wheels
4
\4
bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits
in the tread or side of the tire
\4
foreign objects between the tires
(on vehicles with twin tires)
Replace the tire if any of the above con-
ditions is found.
Also inspect the spare tire periodically
for condition and inflation. Spare tires
will age and become worn over time
even if never used, and thus should be
inspected and replaced when neces-
sary.
Tire damageTire damage can be caused
by:
\4
the vehicle’s operating conditions
\4
tire aging
\4
curbs
\4
foreign objects
\4
insufficient or excessive tire inflation
pressures
\4
weather and environmental influenc-
es
\4
contact with oil, grease, fuel, etc.
Warning
G
Driving over curbs or sharp-edged objects
can cause damage to the tire substruc-
ture which is not visible from the outside.
Damage to the tire substructure cannot
be detected until later and can cause the
tire to burst.
You could lose control of the
vehicle as a result, cause an accident and
injure yourself or others.
Avoid driving up against curbs or parking
the vehicle with part of the tire tread sur-
face on the curb.
nf_BA.book Page 348 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

353 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
The GVWR includes the weight of the ve-
hicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
The GAWR is the total allowable weight
that can be carried by a single axle (front
or rear).
The GCWR is the total allowable weight
of vehicle and trailer when weighed in
combination.
Never exceed the GVWR, the GAWR for
either the front axle or rear axle or the
GCWR.
Warning
G
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the
tire and loading information placard on
the driver’s door B-pillar or on the certifi-
cation label below the driver’s seat on the
mounting pillar. Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blow-
out. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
Overloading of tires is dangerous. Over-
loading can cause tire failure, affect vehi-
cle handling, and increase the stopping
distance. Use tires of the recommended
load capacity for the vehicle. Never over-
load them.
nf_BA.book Page 353 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM