🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Sprinter

Year:

2003

Variant:

VA

Chassis Code:

W903

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Light commercial vehicle (LCV), passenger van, cargo van.

Key Competitors:

Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (pre-divestiture), Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana.

Vehicle Strengths:

Spacious interior, robust construction (German engineering heritage via Mercedes-Benz origins), versatile configurations (cargo, passenger, chassis cab).

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential tool for accurate part identification, reducing ordering errors and facilitating efficient repairs for owners and mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Parts Catalog

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific catalog version, typically hundreds of pages.

Type:

Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, potentially interactive HTML)

📖 Manual Coverage

Component Identification:

Comprehensive identification of all OEM replacement parts for Dodge Sprinter 2003 VA.

Engine Components:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, intake and exhaust manifolds, fuel injection system, cooling system components, lubrication system components.

Drivetrain Components:

Transmission assembly (manual and automatic), clutch assembly, driveshafts, axles, differential components, transfer case (if applicable).

Suspension And Steering Components:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings), steering gearbox, steering column, power steering components, tie rods, steering knuckles.

Braking System Components:

Brake master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, parking brake system components, ABS components.

Electrical System Components:

Starter motor, alternator, battery, ignition system components, lighting system components, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, control modules (ECU, BCM), sensors.

Body And Chassis Components:

Body panels (doors, fenders, hood, roof), bumpers, grille, glass, mirrors, door hardware, interior trim, chassis frame components, exhaust system, fuel tank and lines.

HVAC Components:

Air conditioning compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, heater core, control panels.

Part Identification Method:

Illustration-based part identification with corresponding OEM part numbers.

Parts Lookup Logic:

Organized by vehicle system and sub-system for efficient part searching.

Depth:

OEM part identification and cross-referencing.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF, searchable text is highly desirable for efficient part number retrieval.

Clarity Of Illustrations:

High-resolution diagrams essential for accurate part recognition.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format; if printed, likely spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability.

Paper Quality:

Not applicable for digital format; if printed, typically durable paper suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder and V6 diesel engines, and potentially gasoline engines depending on market and configuration.

Engine Displacement:

Common displacements include 2.7L I4 Diesel (OM612), 2.1L I4 Diesel (OM611), 2.7L I5 Diesel (OM612), and 3.0L V6 Diesel (OM642) though the 2003 model year predominantly features the earlier generations.

Fuel Delivery:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for diesel engines.

Horsepower Range:

Typically 100-160 HP, varying by specific engine option.

Torque Range:

Typically 180-280 lb-ft, varying by specific engine option.

Fuel Type:

Diesel (primary), potentially Gasoline.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (G32/5); 5-speed Automatic Transmission (W5A380/W5A310) were common options.

Transmission Options:

Availability of 4-speed or 6-speed automatics and different manual gearboxes varied by specific model and market.

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Multiple wheelbase options were available, typically in the range of 118 inches (3000 mm) to 144 inches (3650 mm).

Overall Length:

Varies significantly based on wheelbase and body style (standard or extended).

Height Options:

Standard roof and high-roof options were common.

Cargo Volume:

Highly variable based on configuration, ranging from approximately 300 cubic feet to over 500 cubic feet.

Gvwr:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) varied by model, typically ranging from 5,999 lbs to over 9,000 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited public data from NHTSA/IIHS for this specific Dodge-branded model, as it was a rebadged Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models from this era generally performed well for their class.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags were standard. Side airbags may have been optional on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM/CD audio systems were common. Higher trims might have offered cassette players or premium speaker options.

Navigation:

Factory navigation systems were rare or optional on this generation and model year.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) was often available or standard on certain configurations.

Auxiliary Input:

Auxiliary audio input jacks were not common on standard factory systems of this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (or annually), depending on driving conditions and oil type. Consult a service manual for specific recommendations.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Intervals vary greatly; sealed transmissions may not have scheduled changes, while others require changes every 60,000-100,000 miles. Fluid type is critical.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or 2-5 years for ethylene glycol-based coolants.

Engine Oil Type:

For diesel engines, typically API CJ-4 or CK-4 compliant synthetic diesel engine oil, with specific viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-40, 15W-40) depending on ambient temperature and manufacturer recommendation. Gasoline engines would use appropriate API SN/SP oils.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Varies by engine; common capacities range from 7 to 10 quarts (6.6 to 9.5 liters).

Coolant Type:

Typically HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant. MB 325.0 or 326.0 specifications were common for Mercedes-derived systems.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Varies by transmission. Automatic transmissions often required specific ATF fluids like ATF 3/4 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1) for W5A380. Manual transmissions used GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil.

Diesel Particulate Filter:

Earlier diesel models may have had less sophisticated emissions controls; later models are susceptible to DPF clogging if driven primarily on short trips. EGR valve issues are also common.

Rust And Corrosion:

Can be an issue, especially in areas with road salt, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and frame members.

Injector Problems:

Diesel fuel injector issues can arise with mileage and fuel quality.

Window Regulators And Actuators:

These can be common failure points on vans with numerous doors and windows.

Cooling System Leaks:

Radiator, hoses, and water pump leaks can occur with age.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Commercial Vehicles:

Dodge's history in commercial vehicles included Ram pickups and vans, but the Sprinter marked a significant entry into the full-size van segment through a partnership/rebadging agreement.

Mercedes Benz Origins:

The Dodge Sprinter is a rebadged version of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (W906 platform designation for Mercedes, but W903 chassis code for this generation).

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Germany by Mercedes-Benz.

Dodge Rebadging Period:

Dodge sold the Sprinter from 2003 until 2009, after which it transitioned to the Freightliner Sprinter and later the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the US market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Van Of The Year:

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, on which this model is based, received numerous 'Van of the Year' awards in various markets during its production cycles.

Commercial Vehicle Awards:

As a rebadged Mercedes-Benz product, it inherited the strong reputation for reliability and capability in the commercial sector.