Target Audience:
Commercial fleets, tradespeople, shuttle operators, and DIY owners who need a full-size high-roof cargo or passenger van
Segment:
Full-size van with exceptional cargo height and standing room
Key Advantage:
Up to approximately 6 feet of interior standing height, superior fuel economy from the turbodiesel engine, and tighter turning radius than domestic full-size vans
Versus Competitors:
More cargo volume and better diesel efficiency than the Chevrolet Express or Ford E-Series of the era
Engine:
2.7L 5-cylinder turbodiesel with excellent torque and fuel economy
Body Styles:
Cargo van, passenger van, and cab-chassis configurations with multiple wheelbases and roof heights
Systems Covered:
Complete vehicle coverage: engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical, fuel, emission, cooling, chassis and body, restraint system, axles
Diagram Types:
Full electrical wiring diagrams, exploded component views, torque specifications, diagnostic procedures
Manual Type:
Complete factory-style service and repair workshop manual
Page Count:
N/A - not specified for this manual
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Software Required:
Adobe PDF Reader and WinZip; compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac
Binding:
Digital (PDF download)
General Maintenance:
Scheduled service procedures, inspection checklists, fluid capacities and specifications
Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based diagnostic charts for engine, drivetrain, electrical, and chassis faults
Torque Specifications:
Fastener torque values provided throughout all repair procedures
Special Tools:
Special tool requirements identified for each procedure
Engine Service / Repair:
Complete teardown, rebuild, and reassembly procedures for the 2.7L turbodiesel engine
Fuel Injection / Fuel System:
Fuel supply, filters, injection pump, and injector service and testing
Engine Control System:
ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, and fault code information
Emission System:
EGR, crankcase ventilation, and emission component service
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, and fan clutch replacement and testing
Transmission Service / Repair:
Automatic and manual transmission service, adjustments, and repair procedures
Axle:
Front and rear axle, driveshaft, and CV joint service
Suspension:
Front strut, rear spring, control arm, and shock replacement with alignment data
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering gear, linkage, and power steering service
Brake System:
Disc and drum brake service, ABS diagnostics, master cylinder, and brake bleeding
Wiring Diagram:
Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits and systems
Electrical System:
Starting, charging, lighting, gauges, and body electrical diagnostics and repair
Restraint System:
Airbag and seatbelt system service with safety precautions
Chassis / Body:
Body panels, doors, trim, and chassis component repair
Periodic Lubrication:
Lubrication points, intervals, and approved lubricant specifications
Parts Information:
Part numbers, exploded views, and wear limits included with each repair procedure
Fluid Capacities:
Oil, coolant, transmission, and other fluid capacities specified per system
Technical Depth:
Written to factory workshop level for professional technicians and experienced DIY owners
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary Engine:
2.7L inline 5-cylinder turbodiesel (Mercedes-Benz OM647)
Engine Options:
Single engine option for the US-market 2003 Sprinter
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 10 valves
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 18.0:1
Block / Head:
Cast iron block, aluminum alloy head
Horsepower:
Approximately 154 hp @ 3,800 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 243 lb-ft @ 1,800-2,400 rpm
Aspiration:
Turbocharged with intercooler
Fuel System:
Common rail direct diesel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity:
N/A - varies by wheelbase and configuration; consult the manual
Standard Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (Mercedes-Benz derived)
Optional Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission available on some configurations
Drive Type:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Differential:
Rear differential with serviceable gear oil
Manual Coverage:
The manual covers fluid service, adjustments, diagnostics, and repair for both transmission types
Wheelbase:
Available in approximately 118 in, 140 in, and 158 in wheelbases
Length:
Varies by wheelbase, roughly 190-233 in depending on configuration
Roof Heights:
Standard and high roof options with up to approximately 6 ft of interior standing height
Width:
Approximately 79 in
Height:
Approximately 84-99 in depending on roof height
Curb Weight:
Approximately 5,000-5,600 lb depending on configuration
GVWR:
Approximately 8,550 lb (2500) to 9,900 lb (3500) depending on configuration
Oil Change:
Oil and filter service per the FlexCare/service interval system; manual includes the full schedule
Fuel Filter:
Diesel fuel filter replacement at regular service intervals, critical for common rail injection
Periodic Lubrication:
Chassis lubrication points and intervals specified in the manual
Engine Oil:
Diesel-rated engine oil per Mercedes-Benz/Chrysler specification; capacity approximately 8-9 quarts with filter
Coolant:
Extended-life coolant per factory specification
Transmission Fluid:
Factory-specified automatic transmission fluid with fill-level procedure included
Common Wear Items:
Glow plugs, turbocharger components, and front suspension bushings are known service items on high-mileage T1N Sprinters
Electrical:
Battery drain and sensor faults are addressed in the troubleshooting section
Manufacturer:
DaimlerChrysler; the Sprinter was developed by Mercedes-Benz and badged Dodge/Freightliner for North America
Platform:
First-generation Sprinter (T1N / NCV3 predecessor) platform
North American Launch:
The Sprinter entered the US market in 2001 as a Freightliner, with Dodge branding following shortly after
2003 Updates:
2003 models continued the T1N design with the OM647 5-cylinder turbodiesel and multiple wheelbase and roof height options
Legacy:
The T1N Sprinter defined the modern high-roof diesel van segment in North America
Production Location:
Assembled in Dsseldorf, Germany, with complete knock-down kits assembled in Charleston, South Carolina for the North American market