2008 Dodge Sprinter Owners Manual

tires.

Cuts and punctures in radial tires are re- pairable only in the tread area because of side wall flexing. Consult an autho- rized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.

Tire valves (snap-in valves)

Warning

Sprinter vehicle tire valves are tested and ap- proved under rough operating conditions.

The installation of additional hub caps or other wheel simulators could cause dam- age to the tire valve and lead to a loss of tire pressure at the valve stem.

Continued

Operation Tires and wheels

Warning (Continued)

Do not install any of these parts on your Sprinter vehicle. To help ensure safe and reliable operation of your Sprinter vehicle, only use parts and accessories tested and approved by the vehicle manufacturer for your Sprinter vehicle.

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Operation Tires and wheels

!CAUTION Vehicles not equipped with Tire Pres- sure Monitoring System (TPMS)*: For safety reasons, whenever you change a tire, you must also change the tire valve. The following tire valves from the company Schrader must be used on the vehicles not equipped with TPMS*: 앫 TR 600 for vehicle model type

앫 TR 418 for vehicle model type

2500

3500

Other tire valves could be damaged by the specified tire pressures.

346

앫 Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply reduced at tread depths under 1/8 in (3 mm) for sum- mer tires and 1/6 in (4 mm) for win- ter tires. 앫 When replacing individual tires, you should mount new tires on the front wheels first.

Important guidelines 앫 Only use sets of tires and rims of the

same type and make.

앫 Tires must be of the correct size for

the rim.

앫 Break in new tires for approximately

65 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.

앫 Regularly check the tires and rims

for damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire inflation pressure loss or damage to the tire beads.

앫 If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire inflation pressure and correct as required.

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Tire care and maintenance

Warning

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.

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" (컄 page 361).

Operation Tires and wheels

Tire inspection Every time when checking the tire infla- tion pressure, the tires should also be in- spected for the following: 앫 excessive treadwear, refer to "Tread

depth".

앫 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.

앫 cord or fabric showing through the

tire’s rubber

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Operation Tires and wheels 앫 bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits

in the tread or side of the tire

앫 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.

348

Tire damage Tire damage can be caused by: 앫 the vehicle’s operating conditions 앫 tire aging 앫 curbs 앫 foreign objects 앫 insufficient or excessive tire inflation

앫 weather and environmental influenc-

pressures

es

앫 contact with oil, grease, fuel, etc.

Warning

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.

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Life of tire The service life of a tire depends on vary- ing factors including but not limited to: 앫 Driving style 앫 Tire inflation pressure 앫 Distance driven

Warning

Tires and spare tire should be replaced af- ter 6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.

Tread depth Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply reduced at tread depths un- der 1/8 in (3 mm) for summer tires and 1/6 in (4 mm) for winter tires. 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.

Operation Tires and wheels

Recommended minimum tire tread depth: 앫 Summer tires 1/8 in (3 mm) 앫 Winter tires 1/6 in (4 mm)

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Operation Tires and wheels

Warning

Although the applicable federal motor safety laws consider a tire to be worn when the Treadwear Indicators (TWI) be- come visible at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow your tires to wear down to that lev- el. 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.

350

Storing tires

!CAUTION Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from con- tact with oil, grease and gasoline/ diesel.

Cleaning tires

!CAUTION Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire. Always replace a damaged tire.

1 Treadwear Indicator (TWI) The Treadwear Indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.

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Direction of rotation

An arrow on the side wall indicates the intended direction of rotation (spinning) of the tire which means the wheel must be mounted in the direction of rotation. If a tire does not have an arrow on the side wall indicating the direction of rota- tion, the wheel can be mounted either way.

The Tire Identification Number (TIN) must always be visible on the out- board side of the tire.

!CAUTION Spare wheels may be mounted against the direction of rotation (spinning) even with a unidirectional tire for temporary use only until the regular drive wheel has been re- paired or replaced. Always observe and follow applicable temporary use restrictions and speed limitations in- dicated on the spare wheel. Have a spare wheel that was mount- ed against the direction of rotation replaced with a regular road wheel as soon as possible.

Operation Tires and wheels

Loading the vehicle

The following labels on the vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. 앫 USA only - vehicles with a gross

weight capacity less than 10,000 lbs (4536 kg)

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Operation Tires and wheels

4 1 Tire and loading information placard on

driver’s door B-pillar

Tire and loading information The information below explains how to work with the information contained on the tire and loading information placard with regards to loading your vehicle.

352

The tire and loading information placard can be found on the driver’s door B-pillar. This placard tells you important information about the number of people that can be in the vehicle and the total weight that can be carried in the vehicle. It also contains information on the proper size and recommended tire inflation pressures for the original equipment tires on your vehicle.

앫 The certification label can be found

below the driver’s seat on an out- ward facing position of the mounting pillar (컄 page 358).

This label tells you about

앫 the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

앫 the front and rear axle weight ca-

pacity, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

앫 the gross combination capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)

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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.

Operation Tires and wheels

Warning (Continued)

Warning

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

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.

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Operation Tires and wheels Placard (USA Only) For vehicles with a gross weight capacity less than 10,000 lbs (4536 kg) only. The tire and loading information placard is located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

Tire and loading information placard 1 Seating capacity 2 Load limit information

354

The data shown on this placard is for illustrative purposes only. The load limit data and seating data are spe- cific to each vehicle and may vary from the data shown in the illustra- tion below. Refer to the placard on your vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

Seating capacity The seating capacity 1 gives you im- portant information on the number of occupants that can be in the vehicle. Ob- serve front and rear seating capacity. Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are designated seating posi- tions and seat belts available. Make sure that everyone riding in the vehicle is cor- rectly restrained with a separate seat belt.

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Load limit information Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” 2 on the tire and loading information placard. The combined weight of all occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue load (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced in that statement.

Steps for determining correct load limit For vehicles with a gross weight capacity less than 10,000 lbs (4536 kg) only. The following steps have been devel- oped as required of all manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Reg- ulations, Part 575 pursuant to the “Na- tional Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.

Operation Tires and wheels

Step 1
왘 Locate the statement “The combined

weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.

Step 2
왘 Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

Step 3
왘 Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

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Operation Tires and wheels Step 4
왘 The resulting figure equals the avail- able amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbs passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail- able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400-750 (5 x150) = 650 lbs).

Step 5
왘 Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not

356

safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.

Step 6 (if applicable) 왘 If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,

load from your trailer will be trans- ferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduc- es the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

The following table shows examples on how to calculate total load, cargo load and towing capacities with varying seat- ing configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use a load limit of 1500 lbs. This is for

illustrative purposes only. Make sure you are using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on the vehicle’s tire and loading information placard (컄 page 354). The higher the weight of all occupants, the less cargo and luggage load capacity is available.

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Exam- ple

Combined weight limit of occu- pants and cargo from placard 1500 lbs

1500 lbs

1500 lbs

Seating configura- tion

Number of occupants (driver and passen- gers)

Occupants' weight Combined

weight of all occupants

Front: 2

Rear: 3

Front: 1
Rear: 2

Front:1

750 lbs

Occupant 1: 150 lbs Occupant 2: 180 lbs Occupant 3: 160 lbs Occupant 4: 140 lbs Occupant 5: 120 lbs Occupant 1: 200 lbs Occupant 2: 190 lbs Occupant 3: 150 lbs Occupant 1: 150 lbs 150 lbs

540 lbs

Operation Tires and wheels

Available cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (total load limit or vehicle capacity weight from placard minus combined weight of all occupants)

1500 lbs - 750 lbs = 750 lbs

1500 lbs - 540 lbs = 960 lbs

1500 lbs - 150 lbs = 1350 lbs

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Operation Tires and wheels Certification label Even after careful determination of the combined weight of all occupants, cargo and the trailer tongue load (if applicable) as to not exceed the permissible load limit, you must make sure that your vehi- cle never exceeds the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle and the Gross Combi- nation Weight Rating (GCWR) (if applica- ble). Under a maximum loaded vehicle condi- tion, gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded.

358

USA only - for vehicles with a gross weight capacity less than 10,000 lbs (4536 kg) only: To determine the maximum loading con- ditions of your vehicle, locate the state- ment "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never ex- ceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on the tire and loading information placard. The com- bined weight of occupants, cargo/lug- gage and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced here. You can obtain the GVWR, the front/rear GAWR and the GCWR from the certifica- tion label. The certification label can be

found below the driver’s seat on an out- ward facing position of the mounting pil- lar (컄 page 632). For more information on the trailer tongue load, refer to "Trailer tongue load". Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The total weight of the vehicle, all occu- pants, all cargo, and the trailer tongue load must never exceed the GVWR. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The total allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front (FA) or rear (RA)).

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Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): The total allowable weight of ve- hicle and trailer when weighed in comin- bation including a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a driver.

Vehicle Model type GVWR 2500

8550 lbs (3878 kg)

3500

9990 lbs (4531 kg)

11030 lbs (5003 kg)

Operation Tires and wheels

GAWR (FA) 3970 lbs (1801 kg)

4080 lbs (1851 kg) 4410 lbs (2000 kg)* 4080 lbs (1851 kg) 4410 lbs (2000 kg)

GAWR (RA) 5360 lbs (2431 kg)

GCWR 13550 lbs (6146 kg)

7060 lbs (3202 kg)

15250 lbs (6917 kg)

7720 lbs (3502 kg)

15250 lbs (6917 kg)

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Operation Tires and wheels To assure that your vehicle does not ex- ceed the maximum permissible weight limits (GVWR and GAWR for front and rear axle and GCWR), have the loaded vehicle (including driver, passengers and all cargo and, if applicable, trailer fully loaded) weighed on a suitable commer- cial scale.

360

Trailer tongue load The tongue load (tongue weight at the hitch ball) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the load you can carry in your vehicle. If a trailer is towed, the tongue load must be added to the weight of all occupants riding and any cargo you are carrying in the vehicle to prevent exceeding your Sprinter tow vehicle’s rear GAWR. The tongue load is 10% of the trailer weight and everything loaded in it.

For example, if the trailer tongue load equals 140 lbs (63.5 kg) and the deter- mined available cargo/luggage and trail- er tongue weight equals 500 lbs (227 kg), the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 360 lbs (500 – 140 = 360 lbs) (163.5 kg (227 – 63.5 = 163.5 kg)). For further information on vehicle and trailer weights and ratings, loading a trailer and trailer towing, see “Trailer towing” (컄 page303).

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Recommended tire inflation pressure

Warning

Your vehicle is equipped with either the tire and loading information placard1 or with the tire inflation pressure placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

Follow recommended tire inflation pres- sures. Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel econo- my, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stop- ping distance, and result in sudden defla- tion (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

1 Tire and loading information placard or

tire inflation pressure placard on driver’s door B-pillar

1. For vehicles with a gross weight capacity less

than 10 000 lbs (4 536 kg) (USA only).

Operation Tires and wheels The tire inflation pressure (including the spare wheel) should be checked regular- ly and adjusted as well as inspected for signs of tire wear or visible damage. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to check tire inflation pressure. Do not make a visual judgment when de- termining proper inflation. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they are underinflated. The tire inflation pressure should be checked regularly, i.e. at least each time you refuel the vehicle, and should only be adjusted on cold tires. The preferred interval for checking the tire inflation pressure, however, is before each trip.

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Operation Tires and wheels The tires can be considered cold if the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at an ambient temperature of approximately 68 °F (20 °C). Follow recommended cold tire inflation pressures listed on vehicle placard. Keeping the tires properly inflated pro- vides the best handling, tread life and riding comfort. The pressure difference between the tires on a single axle should not exceed 1.5 psi (10 kPa). In addition to the placard, also consult the tire inflation pressure table (컄 page 628).

362

For more information, refer to “Impor- tant notes on tire inflation pressure”.

Placard The placard is located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

Tire and loading information placard

Tire inflation pressure placard

Recommended cold tire inflation pressure

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The data shown on the tire and loa- ding information placard1and on the tire inflation pressure placard is for il- lustrative purposes only. Tire data is specific to each vehicle and may vary from the data shown in the illustrati- on below. Refer to your vehicle’s pla- card for actual data specific to your vehicle.

1 For vehicles with a gross weight capacity less

than 10 000 lbs (4 536 kg) (USA only).

The placard lists the recommended cold tire inflation pressures for all load condi- tions up to the maximum permissible weight limits (GAWR). The tire inflation pressures listed apply to the tires in- stalled as original equipment.

Operation Tires and wheels

Important notes on tire inflation pressure

Warning

If the tire inflation pressure repeatedly drops: 앫 Check the tires for punctures from

foreign objects.

앫 Check to see whether air is leaking from the valves or from around the rim.

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Operation Tires and wheels Tire temperature and tire inflation pres- sure are also increased while driving, de- pending on the driving speed and the tire load. Tire inflation pressure changes by ap- proximately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18 °F (10 °C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire inflation pressure where the temperature is dif- ferent from the outside temperature.

364

For example: If the inside temperature is 68 °F (20 °C) and the outside temperature is 32 °F (0 °C) then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (0.2 bar), which equals 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) for every 18 °F (10 °C) for this outside temperature condition. Check tire inflation pressures more of- ten if subject to a wide range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes.

Warning

Tire pressure may increase during opera- tion.

Never reduce this normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will be too low.

Underinflated tires wear excessively and/ or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

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Checking tire inflation pressure 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. The tire inflation pressures specified ei- ther on the tire and loading information placard or on the tire inflation pressure placard on the driver’s door B-pillar are always cold tire inflation pressures. Check and adjust the tire inflation pres- sure when the tires are cold. Cold tire in- flation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has been

parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at an ambient tem- perature of approximately 68°F (20°C). The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres- sure molded into the tire side wall, see "Tire labeling" (컄 page 382).

Operation Tires and wheels If you check the tire inflation pressure when the tires are warm (the vehicle has been driven for several miles (kilome- ters) or sitting less than 3 hours), the reading will be higher than the cold read- ing. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the specified cold tire inflation pressure. Otherwise, the tire will be un- derinflated.

365

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Operation Tires and wheels

Warning

Warning (Continued)

Observe the recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel econo- my, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

Continued

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stop- ping distance, and result in sudden defla- tion (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

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. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.

366

Checking tire inflation pressure manually Follow the steps below to achieve cor- rect tire inflation pressure: 왘 Remove the cap from the valve on

one tire.

왘 Firmly press a tire gauge onto the

valve.

왘 Read the tire inflation pressure on the tire gauge and compare it with the recommended tire inflation pres- sure on the placard (컄 page 362) lo- cated on the driver’s door B-pillar.

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In addition to the placard also con- sult the tire inflation pressure table (컄 page 628).

왘 If necessary, add air to achieve the recommended tire inflation pressu- re.

If you have overfilled the tire, release tire inflation pressure by pushing the metal stem of the valve with for ex- ample a tip of a pen. Then recheck the tire inflation pressure with the tire gauge.

왘 Reattach the valve cap.

!CAUTION After inspecting or adjusting the tire inflation pressure, always reattach the valve cap if equipped. This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.

왘 Repeat this procedure for each tire.

Operation Tires and wheels Checking tire inflation pressure elec- tronically with the Tire Pressure Mon- itoring System (TPMS)* (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)

USA only: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is equipped with a combina- tion low tire pressure/TPMS mal- function telltale in the instrument cluster (컄 page 20). Depending on how the telltale illuminates, it indi- cates a low tire pressure condition or a malfunction in the TPMS system it- self:

367

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Operation Tires and wheels

If the telltale illuminates continuous- ly, one or more of your tires is signif- icantly underinflated. There is no malfunction in the TPMS. If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and then stays illuminated, the TPMS system itself is not operating proper- ly.

368

Canada only: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is equipped with a low tire pressure telltale in the instrument cluster (컄 page 20). If the telltale il- luminates, one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated.

The TPMS only functions on wheels that are equipped with the proper electronic sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pressure, as selected by the driver, in all four tires. A warning is issued to alert you to a decrease in pressure in one or more of the tires.

Warning

The TPMS does not warn you against in- correctly selected tire inflation pressure and does not warn you when the tire pres- sure is not properly selected for the re- spective vehicle load. It warns you only when the pressure of one or more tires decreases significantly below the refer- ence inflation

pressure which was stored at the time of calibration of the TPMS after you inflated the tires.

Continued

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Warning (Continued)

Warning (Continued)

Warning

Operation Tires and wheels

Always ensure that you re-calibrate the TPMS after you inflated the tires to the recommended cold inflation pressure.

Always adjust tire inflation pressure ac- cording to the tire and loading information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar.

Underinflated tires wear excessively and/ or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

Continued

Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g. tire blowout caused by a foreign ob- ject). In this case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure rec- ommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the tire and loading information plac- ard. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or the tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire infla- tion pressure for those tires).

Continued

369

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Operation Tires and wheels

Warning (Continued)

Warning (Continued)

Warning (Continued)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illumi- nates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under- inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as pos- sible, and inflate them to the proper pres- sure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to over- heat and can lead to tire failure.

Continued

370

Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the ve- hicle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi- tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain cor- rect tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumi- nation of the TPMS low tire pressure tell- tale.

Continued

USA only: Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately 1 minute and then re- main continuously illuminated. This se- quence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illu- minated, the system may not be able to de- tect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

Continued

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Warning (Continued)

TPMS malfunctions may occur for a vari- ety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Al- ways check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

If a condition causing the TPMS to malfunction develops, it may take up to 10 minutes for the system to sig- nal a malfunction using the TPMS tell- tale flashing and illumination sequence. The telltale extinguishes after driving a few minutes if the malfunction has been corrected.

Operation Tires and wheels

Operating radio transmission equip- ment (e.g. wireless headsets, two- way radios) in or near the vehicle could cause the TPMS to malfunction

Reactivating the TPMS The TPMS must be reactivated when you have adjusted the tire inflation pressure to a new level (e.g. because of different load or driving conditions). The TPMS is then recalibrated to the current tire in- flation pressures.

371

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Operation Tires and wheels

Warning

It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the TPMS on the recommended cold infla- tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control over the vehicle.

왘 Make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct, using the tire and loading information placard1

1. For vehicles with a gross weight capacity less

than 10 000 lbs (4 536 kg) (USA only).

372

or the tire inflation pressure placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 362). In addition to the placard also con- sult the tire inflation pressure table (컄 page 628).

Reactivate the TPMS after adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the infla- tion pressure recommended for the vehicle operating condition. Tire pressure should only be adjusted on cold tires. Observe the recommend- ed tire inflation pressure on the tire and loading information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 354).

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왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 111). 왘 Press the 5 menu button on the in- strument cluster until you see the +CAL TPMS message in the display. 왘 Press the , menu button on the in-

strument cluster. The following message is displayed: OK TPMS The tire pressure monitor activation process has begun. The tire pressures of the individual wheels are stored as the new refer- ence values if they are determined to be plausible for the tire pressure monitor.

If you wish to cancel the activation pro- cess: 왘 Press the . button or the 5 menu but-

ton on the instrument cluster. The activation process is canceled automatically if 30 seconds elapse with no input.

Checking tire inflation pressure elec- tronically with the Tire Pressure Mon- itoring System (TPMS)* (vehicles with steering wheel buttons) Vehicles with steering wheel buttons are equipped with the Advanced Tire Pres- sure Monitoring System.

Operation Tires and wheels

USA only: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is equipped with a combina- tion low tire pressure/TPMS mal- function telltale in the instrument cluster (컄 page 20). Depending on how the telltale illuminates, it indi- cates a low tire pressure condition or a malfunction in the TPMS system it- self: If the telltale illuminates continuous- ly, one or more of your tires is signif- icantly underinflated. There is no malfunction in the TPMS.

373

nf_BA.book Page 374 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

Operation Tires and wheels

If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and then stays illuminated, the TPMS system itself is not operating proper- ly.

Canada only: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is equipped with a low tire pressure telltale in the instrument cluster (컄 page 20). If the telltale il- luminates, one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated.

374

The TPMS only functions on wheels that are equipped with the proper electronic sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pressure, as selected by the driver, in all four tires. A warning is issued to alert you to a decrease in pressure in one or more of the tires. Tire pressure inquiries are made using the multifunction display. The present inflation pressures are displayed only af- ter a few minutes’ travel time.

Possible differences between the readings of a tire pressure gauge of an air hose, e.g. gas station equip- ment, and the vehicle’s control sys- tem can occur. Usually the readings issued by the control system are more precise.

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 111). 왘 Press the j or k button until

the current inflation pressures for each tire appear in the multifunction display.

nf_BA.book Page 375 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

54.32-2278-31

When the message Tire pres. dis- played after driving for several minutes appears in the multifunction display, the individual inflation pres- sure values are matched with the tires. The individual values are dis- played after a few minutes' driving.

Warning

It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the TPMS on the recommended cold infla- tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control over the vehicle.

Operation Tires and wheels

If a spare wheel without wheel sen- sors is mounted, the system may still indicate the tire inflation pressure of the removed wheel for some min- utes. If this happens, keep in mind that the indicated value where the spare wheel is mounted does not re- flect the actual spare tire inflation pressure.

375

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Operation Tires and wheels

Warning

Warning (Continued)

Warning (Continued)

The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g. tire blowout caused by a foreign ob- ject). In this case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers.

The TPMS does not warn you against in- correctly selected tire inflation pressure and does not warn you when the tire pres- sure is not properly selected for the re- spective vehicle load. It warns you only when the pressure of one or more tires decreases significantly below the refer- ence inflation pressure which was stored at the time of calibration of the TPMS af- ter you inflated the tires.

Always ensure that you recalibrate the TPMS after you have inflated the tires to the recommended cold inflation pressure.

Always adjust the tire inflation pressure according to the tire and loading informa- tion placard on the driver’s door B-pillar.

Underinflated tires wear excessively and/ or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

Continued

Continued

376

nf_BA.book Page 377 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

Warning

Warning (Continued)

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure rec- ommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or the tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or the tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires).

Continued

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illumi- nates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under- inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as pos- sible, and inflate them to the proper pres- sure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to over- heat and can lead to tire failure.

Continued

Operation Tires and wheels

Warning (Continued)

Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the ve- hicle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substi- tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain cor- rect tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumi- nation of the TPMS low tire pressure tell- tale.

Continued

377

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Operation Tires and wheels

Warning (Continued)

Warning (Continued)

TPMS malfunctions may occur for a vari- ety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Al- ways check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

USA only: Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately 1 minute and then re- main continuously illuminated. This se- quence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illu- minated, the system may not be able to de- tect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

Continued

378

If a condition causing the TPMS to malfunction develops, it may take up to 10 minutes for the system to sig- nal a malfunction using the TPMS telltale flashing and illumination se- quence. The telltale extinguishes after driving a few minutes if the malfunction has been corrected.

Operating radio transmission equip- ment (e.g. wireless headsets, two-way radios) in or near the vehicle could cause the TPMS to malfunction

nf_BA.book Page 379 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

Reactivating the Advanced TPMS The TPMS must be reactivated when you have adjusted the tire inflation pressure to a new level (e.g. because of different load or driving conditions). The TPMS is then recalibrated to the current tire in- flation pressures.

Warning!

It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the TPMS on the recommended cold infla- tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control over the vehicle.

왘 Make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct, using the tire and loading information placard1 or the tire inflation pressure placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 362).

Operation Tires and wheels

Reactivate the TPMS after adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the infla- tion pressure recommended for the vehicle operating condition. Tire in- flation pressure should only be adju- sted on cold tires. Observe the recommended tire inflation pressure on the tire and loading information placard1 or on the tire inflation pres- sure placard on the driver’s door B- pillar (컄 page 362).

1. For vehicles with a gross weight capacity less

than 10 000 lbs (4 536 kg) (USA only).

379

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Operation Tires and wheels 왘 Press button è or ÿ on the multifunction steering wheel repeat- edly until the standard display menu appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 157).

왘 Press the j or k button re-

peatedly until you see the current in- flation pressures for each tire appear in the display or the following mes- sage appears in the display Tire pres. displayed after driving for several minutes

왘 Press reset button 0 on the instru-

ment cluster (컄 page 20).

380

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Tire pres. Adjust pres.

If you wish to cancel the activation pro- cess : 왘 Press ç button.

왘 Press æ button.

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Tire pres. monitor reactivated After a few minutes' driving, the cur- rent tire inflation pressure values are accepted as reference values and then monitored.

Potential problems associated with underinflated and overinflated tires Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. The following three primary areas are affected by improper tire infla- tion pressure:

nf_BA.book Page 381 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

1. Safety

Warning

Warning

Follow recommended tire inflation pres- sures. Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, ad- versely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being over- heated. Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride com- fort, wear unevenly, increase stopping dis- tance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road de- bris, potholes etc.

Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents.

Unequal tire inflation pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your vehicle.

Unequal tire inflation pressures from one side of the vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left. Al- ways drive with each tire inflated to the recommended cold tire inflation pres- sure.

Operation Tires and wheels

2. Economy Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear pat- terns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for earlier tire replacement. Under- inflation also increases tire rolling resis- tance and results in higher fuel consumption.

381

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Operation Tires and wheels 3. Ride comfort and vehicle stability Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.

Tire labeling

Besides the tire name (sales designa- tion) and manufacturer's name, a num- ber of markings can be found on a tire. Below are some explanations regarding the markings on your vehicle’s tires:

For illustrative purposes only. The ac- tual data on tires is specific to each vehicle and may vary from the data shown in the above illustration.

382

(컄 page 397)

1 DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) 2 Maximum tire load (컄 page 390) 3 Maximum tire inflation pressure

(컄 page 396) 4 Manufacturer 5 Tire ply material (컄 page 393) 6 Tire size designation, load and speed rat-

ing (컄 page 383)

7 Tire name

nf_BA.book Page 383 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

Tire size designation, load and speed rating

1 Design standard 2 Tire width 3 Aspect ratio in % 4 Radial tire code 5 Rim diameter 6 Tire load rating 7 Tire speed rating

For illustrative purposes only. The ac- tual data on tires is specific to each vehicle and may vary from the data shown in the above illustration.

Tire sizes for Sprinter vehicles

2500
3500

Sprinter Vehicle type LT 245/75 R 16 120/116 N LT 215/85 R 16 115/112 N LT 215/85 R 16 115/112 Q

Operation Tires and wheels

Design standard Depending on the design standards used, the tire size molded into the side wall may have no letter or a letter 1 preceding the tire width or the tire load rating designation. Letter “LT” preceding the size designa- tion: Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards. Letter “C” preceding the tire load desig- nation: Commercial vehicle tire based on Euro- pean design standards.

383

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Operation Tires and wheels Tire width The tire width 2 indicates the nominal tire width in mm.

Aspect ratio The aspect ratio 3 is the dimensional relationship between tire section height and section width and is expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio is arrived at by dividing section height by section width.

384

Tire code The tire code 4 indicates the tire con- struction type. The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diagonal or bias ply construction; letter “B” means belted-bias ply construction.

Rim diameter The rim diameter 5 is the diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is indicated in inches (in).

Tire load rating The tire load rating 6 is a numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can support. For example, a load rating of 120 corre- sponds to a maximum load of 3042 lbs (1380 kg) the tire is designed to sup- port. If two values are given (as illustrated), the first value, preceding the slash "/", applies to single tires (rear axle). The second value, succeeding the slash "/", applies to twin tires (dual wheel rear ax- le).

nf_BA.book Page 385 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

The commercial vehicle tires based on European standards may have an addi- tional value in the parentheses (as illus- trated). In such cases, the value preceding the parentheses is valid for European countries and the parenthe- sized for the USA and Canada. Refer also to "Maximum tire load" (컄 page 390) where the maximum load associated with the load index is indicat- ed in kg and lbs.

Warning

Warning

Operation Tires and wheels

The tire load rating must always be at least half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise, tire failure may be the result which may cause an accident and/or se- rious personal injury to you or others.

Always replace rims and tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part.

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the placard located on the driver’s door B-pil- lar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Over- loading the tires can also result in han- dling or steering problems, or brake failure.

Tire load rating 6 and tire speed rating 7 are also referred to as “ser- vice description”.

385

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Operation Tires and wheels Tire speed rating The tire speed rating 6 indicates the approved maximum speed for the tire. The commercial vehicle tires based on European standards may have an addi- tional index in the parentheses. In such cases, the index preceding the paren- theses is valid for European countries and the parenthesized for the USA and Canada.

386

Warning

Even when permitted by law, never oper- ate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires.

Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail- ure, causing loss of vehicle control and possibly resulting in an accident and/or personal injury and possible death, for you and for others.

Always observe the speed rating of the winter tires installed on your Sprinter vehicle. If the maximum speed for which your tires are rated is below the speed rating of your Sprinter 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.

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Index Speed rating

up to 50 mph (80 km/h) up to 56 mph (90 km/h) up to 62 mph (100 km/h) up to 68 mph (110 km/h) up to 74 mph (120 km/h) up to 80 mph (130 km/h) up to 87 mph (140 km/h) up to 93 mph (150 km/h) up to 100 mph (160 km/h) up to 106 mph (170 km/h)

Tire load rating 5 and tire speed rating 6 are also referred to as “ser- vice description”.

DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)

U.S. tire regulations require each new tire manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a TIN into or onto a side wall of each tire produced.

Operation Tires and wheels The TIN is a unique identifier which facil- itates efforts by tire manufactures to no- tify purchasers in recall situations or other safety matters concerning tires and gives purchasers the means to easi- ly identify such tires. The TIN is comprised of the “manufac- turer’s identification mark”, “tire size”, “tire type code” and “date of manufac- ture”.

387

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Operation Tires and wheels

4 1 DOT

2 Manufacturer’s identification mark 3 Tire size 4 Tire type code (tire manufacturer's op-

tion)

5 Date of manufacture

388

If the TIN is not found on the outboard side then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire. In this case, the tire must be remounted. Make sure the TIN is vis- ible on the outboard side of the tire and if applicable that the direction of rota- tion is correct when remounting the tire. Rotation (spinning) direction, see "Direc- tion of Rotation" (컄 page 351).

For illustrative purposes only. The ac- tual data on tires is specific to each vehicle and may vary from the data shown in the above illustration.

The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire; however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires with white side walls will have the full TIN including date code located on the white side wall side of the tire. Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black side wall tires as mounted on the vehicle.

nf_BA.book Page 389 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

DOT (Department Of Transportation) A tire branding symbol 1 which de- notes the tire meets requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Manufacturer’s identification mark The manufacturer’s identification mark 2 denotes the tire manufacturer. New tires have a mark with two symbols. Retreaded tires have a mark with four symbols. For more information on re- treaded tires, see (컄 page 341).

Tire size The code 3 indicates the tire size.

Tire type code The code 4 may, as the manufacturer's option, be used as a descriptive code for identifying significant characteristics of the tire.

Date of manufacture The date of manufacture 5 identifies the week and year of manufacture. The first two figures identify the week, starting with “01” to represent the first full week of the calendar year. The sec- ond two figures represent the year. For example, "031" could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991.

Operation Tires and wheels

Prior to July 2000, tire manufactur- ers were only required to have 1 number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. For example, "031" could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991.

If the date of manufacture code indicat- ed on the tire is less than 4 figures, do not use it.

389

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Operation Tires and wheels

Warning

Maximum tire load

Tires and spare tire should be re- placed after 6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.

1 Maximum tire load rating

390

For illustrative purposes only. The ac- tual data on tires is specific to each vehicle and may vary from the data shown in the above illustration.

The maximum tire load is the maximum weight the tires are designed to support.

nf_BA.book Page 391 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

Warning

Warning (Continued)

Maximum tire inflation pressure

Operation Tires and wheels

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. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

Never overload them.

The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the load carrying capac- ity of the tire on your vehicle.

Continued

You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading con- ditions, tire size and cold tire inflation pressures specified on the tire and load- ing information placard.

For more information on tire load rating, refer to "Tire size designation, load and speed rating" (컄 page 383). For information on calculating total and cargo load capacities, refer to "Tire and loading information" (컄 page 352).

1 Maximum permissible tire inflation pres-

sure

391

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Operation Tires and wheels

For illustrative purposes only. The ac- tual data on tires is specific to each vehicle and may vary from the data shown in the above illustration.

This is the maximum permissible tire in- flation pressure for the tire. Always follow the recommended tire in- flation pressure (컄 page 361) for proper tire inflation.

392

Warning

Warning (Continued)

Never exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure. Follow recommended tire infla- tion pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel econo- my, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

Continued

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stop- ping distance, and result in sudden defla- tion (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

nf_BA.book Page 393 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

Tire ply material

1 Plies in side wall 2 Plies under tread

For illustrative purposes only. The actual data on tires is specific to each vehicle and may vary from the