🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Sprinter VA

Year:

2003

Vehicle Type:

Light Commercial Van

Chassis Code:

VA (First Generation Sprinter, internally known as T1N)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size van segment, direct competitor to Ford E-Series, Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana, and later Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (in North America).

Target Audience:

Commercial fleets, tradespeople, shuttle services, motorhome conversions, specialized vehicle builders.

Key Advantages:

Often praised for its European engineering, efficient diesel engines (especially the CDI variants), relatively maneuverable size for its class, and robust construction. The NAFTA-market Sprinter (sold as Dodge) brought these advantages to the North American market.

Sprinter Va Variants:

Refers to a specific configuration or trim level of the first-generation Sprinter (T1N chassis) sold under the Dodge brand in North America. May denote a particular wheelbase, roof height, or GVWR class.

Diesel Engine Focus:

Prominence of efficient and torquey diesel engines, contributing to lower operating costs for commercial users.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Platform Compatibility:

Windows, Mac

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Components:

Detailed diagrams and part numbers for engine block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, intake and exhaust manifolds, fuel injectors, ignition system components (if applicable), cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat), lubrication system (oil pump, oil filter housing).

Powertrain:

Complete breakdown of transmission components (manual and automatic), clutch assembly, driveshafts, axles, differential, wheel bearings, and related hardware.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components (shocks, struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering system parts (steering rack, tie rods, power steering pump), brake system components (rotors, calipers, pads, lines, master cylinder, ABS components), wheel and tire specifications, chassis structural components.

Electrical System:

Wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting components (headlights, taillights, interior lights), switchgear, sensors, control modules (ECU, TCU), instrument cluster components.

Body And Interior:

Exterior body panels (doors, fenders, hood, tailgate), bumpers, grilles, mirrors, glass components, door mechanisms, interior trim panels, seating components, dashboard elements, HVAC system components (blower motor, evaporator, heater core), seat belts, airbags.

Parts Identification:

Comprehensive exploded views and part number cross-referencing for every component of the vehicle.

Component Lookup:

Detailed breakdown by assembly (e.g., front axle assembly, engine assembly) for efficient part identification.

Vin Decoding Support:

Implicit support for identifying specific parts based on Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through detailed diagrams and options listed.

Scope:

Exhaustive parts listing and identification for all factory-installed components and optional equipment. Primarily focused on OEM part numbers and their corresponding illustrations.

Diagnostic Support:

No direct diagnostic procedures, but critical for identifying replacement parts needed for diagnosis and repair.

Repair Instructions:

Does not provide step-by-step repair instructions but illustrates component relationships crucial for understanding disassembly/assembly.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for part numbers and component names, depending on OCR quality.

Print Quality:

Printable; quality depends on source document and PDF rendering.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

OM612 (2.7L I5 Diesel), OM611 (2.2L I4 Diesel)

Displacement Common:

2.7 Liters (for OM612), 2.2 Liters (for OM611)

Configuration Common:

Inline 5-cylinder (OM612), Inline 4-cylinder (OM611)

Fuel Type Common:

Diesel

Horsepower Range Typical:

100-156 hp (depending on engine variant and specific tune)

Torque Range Typical:

180-240 lb-ft (depending on engine variant and specific tune)

Fuel Injection Type:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI)

Turbocharging:

Intercooled Turbocharger (standard on most diesel variants)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (G32/5)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (NAG3)

Drive Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Typically offered in multiple wheelbase lengths (e.g., 118-inch, 138-inch, 158-inch)

Roof Height Options:

Standard Roof, High Roof options available

Cargo Volume Typical:

Varies significantly by wheelbase and roof height; large, usable cargo area is a hallmark.

Gvwr Options:

Offered in various Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) classes, indicating payload capacities.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Information:

Early T1N Sprinters did not undergo standardized US crash testing in the same way as passenger cars. Rollover potential is a consideration for tall vans. Lateral stability is important.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) became increasingly common and is highly recommended for vans.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard. Passenger airbag may be optional or standard depending on configuration.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for front occupants. Passenger seating configurations vary.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit Options:

Basic AM/FM radio with CD player, cassette player, or optional navigation systems were available. Generally utilitarian rather than feature-rich.

Cruise Control:

Often optional, a valuable feature for highway driving.

Park Assist:

Rear parking sensors were an available option on later models or specific packages.

Oem Connectivity:

Limited to basic features like power outlets. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone mirroring in the common 2003 configurations.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on operating conditions and oil type. Specific intervals can vary by model year and engine variant.

Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:

Recommended every 20,000-30,000 miles, crucial for CDI engines.

Air Filter Replacement:

Check at oil changes, replace every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on environment.

Engine Oil Type Diesel:

MB 228.51 or equivalent (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30, Castrol Edge Professional OE 5W-30) – Low SAPS oil is critical.

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G48 or similar silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 specification (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or similar).

Egr System Clogging:

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) systems can clog with soot, leading to performance issues and check engine lights.

Injector Seals Leaking:

Copper sealing washers for injectors can degrade, causing air leaks and diesel smell in the cabin.

Glow Plug Failure:

Glow plugs can fail, causing hard starting in cold weather. Often requires replacing multiple plugs and potentially the controller.

ABS Sensor Failure:

Wheel speed sensors for the ABS system can fail, triggering ABS and ESP warning lights.

Rust And Corrosion:

Common on older vehicles, particularly in areas exposed to road salt. Check wheel arches, rocker panels, and underbody.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

DaimlerChrysler (at the time of the 2003 model year), with the Sprinter originating from Mercedes-Benz.

T1N Generation:

The 2003 model is part of the first generation (T1N) of the Sprinter platform, which debuted in Europe in the mid-1990s as a Mercedes-Benz. It was rebadged and sold as Dodge Sprinter in North America starting in 2003.

Manufacturing Location:

Assembled in Germany (and later South Carolina for later generations).

Dodge Branding Period:

2003-2009

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Van Of The Year Legacy:

While specific awards for the 2003 Dodge Sprinter are not widely publicized, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform on which it is based has received numerous 'Van of the Year' accolades in various European markets throughout its development.

Consumer Ratings General:

Praised for its utility, fuel efficiency (especially diesel), and cargo capacity. Reliability can be excellent with proper maintenance, but repairs can be costly due to specialized parts and European design.