2008 DODGE SPRINTER ESP

400 OperationTires and wheels
4
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehi-
cles operate at different loads and per-
form different steering, driving and
braking functions. For these reasons,
they wear at unequal rates, and develop
irregular wear patterns. These effects
can be reduced by timely rotation of
tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially
worthwhile with aggressive tread de-
signs such as those on On/Off Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread
life, help to maintain mud, snow, and wet
traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth ride. If applicable to your vehicle’s tire config-
uration, tires can be rotated according
to the tire manufacturer’s recommend-
ed intervals in the tire manufacturer’s
warranty pamphlet located in your vehi-
cle literature portfolio. If none is avail-
able, tires should be rotated every
10 000 miles (16 000 km), or sooner if
necessary, according to the degree of
tire wear.
The same rotation (spinning) direction
must be maintained when mounted, see
"Direction of rotation" (
\2
page 351).
Warning (Continued)
G
could result in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your Sprinter vehicle.
This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension
components. You could lose control and
have an accident resulting in serious inju-
ry or death.could result in tire overloading and failure,
if the tires' load index are not identical.
You could lose control and have an acci-
dent.
nf_BA.book Page 400 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

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

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

417 Operation
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
4
Environmental note
H
Only clean the vehicle in a suitable place
for washing vehicles. Dispose of empty
containers and used cleaning materials in
an environmentally responsible manner.iIf you need to clean the areas to-
wards the top of the vehicle, always
use\4
suitable ladders
\4
secure steps
!
CAUTION
Under no circumstances should you
affix unsuitable stickers, films, mag-
nets or similar to painted surfaces.
You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
Care of the vehicle!
CAUTION
After cleaning your vehicle, especial-
ly the wheel rims with rim cleaner, do
not simply park the vehicle and leave
it. Rim cleaners can promote corro-
sion of the brake discs and the brake
pads / linings. Before parking and
leaving the vehicle after cleaning, al-
ways warm the vehicle up to normal
operating temperature first.
nf_BA.book Page 417 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

438 Practical hintsWhat to do if ...
5
The engine does not start.
You cannot hear the starter motor working.
The on-board voltage is too low (the battery has
too little charge or is discharged).
The selector lever is not in positionP orN.
\1The engine may be jump-started
(\2page 581).
If the engine does not start despite jump-
starting:
\1Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
The battery isolating switch is disconnected.
\1Switch on the electrical system
(\2page 338).
Vehicles with a gasoline engine:
The engine is not running smoothly and it is
misfiring.
The engine electronics or a mechanical compo-
nent of the engine control has malfunctioned.
\1Do not use too much throttle.
\1Have the cause rectified immediately at
an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Otherwise, unburned fuel may get into
the catalytic converter and damage it.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
nf_BA.book Page 438 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

461 Practical hints
What to do if ...
5
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
v
The yellow ASR/ESP
® warning
lamp flashes while the vehicle is in
motion.
WARNING
G
ESP
® or ASR is intervening because at least one
of the wheels has reached its tire grip limit.
\1Adapt your driving style to suit the road
and traffic conditions. Do not use too
much throttle.
\1Drive slowly.
The yellow ASR / ESP
® warning
lamp is lit while the engine is run-
ning.
WARNING
G
ASR is deactivated.
\1Reactivate ASR. Exceptions .
nf_BA.book Page 461 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

462 Practical hintsWhat to do if ...
5
#
-
k
6
The yellow ESP
®, ABS-, ASR/BAS
indicator lamps and the red brake
system indicator lamp are lit while
the engine is running.
WAR NING
G
EBV has malfunctioned.
The rear wheels could lock up sooner than ex-
pected when you apply the brakes.
\1Also observe the messages in the dis-
play on vehicles with steering wheel
buttons (\2page 489).
\1Continue driving, but with even greater
care.
\1Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
#
-
k
6
The yellow ESP
®, ABS, ASR/BAS
indicator lamps and the red brake
system indicator lamp are lit while
the engine is running.
WAR NING
G
EBV has been deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery may not be being charged.
The rear wheels could lock up sooner than ex-
pected when you apply the brakes.
\1Also observe the messages in the dis-
play on vehicles with steering wheel
buttons (\2page 489).
\1S t o p y o u r v e h i c l e a s s o o n a s i t i s s a f e t o
do so.
\1Do not drive any further.
\1Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
nf_BA.book Page 462 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM