Page 156 of 272

156 STARTING AND OPERATINGIf the
indicator lampk remains on or lights up
when the engine is running, the acceleration skid
control (ASR) or the brake assist system (BAS) is
malfunctioning.
Then the ASR will be switched off automatically.
NOTE: If the ABS is malfunctioning or the voltage in
the vehicle’s electrical system drops below 10 volts, the
indicator lampk will also light up in the instrument
cluster and the ASR and the BAS will be deactivated.
The indicator lamp will go out as soon as the voltage
reaches this level again or the ABS is operational again
– the ASR and the BAS are then reactivated.
If a malfunction is present in the acceleration skid
control (ASR), the engine’s power output may be
reduced.
WARNING!
If the
indicator lampk remains on, the acceler-
ation skid control (ASR) or the brake assist system
(BAS) is malfunctioning.
Your vehicle’s handling characteristics can
change. Drive with extra caution.
Have the malfunction traced and repaired as soon
as possible by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 156 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 159 of 272

STARTING AND OPERATING 159
5
Deactivating the A cceleration Skid Control (A SR)See Section 4, Understanding Your Instrument Panel,
for switch locations.
When driving with snow chains, in
deep snow, or on sand or gravel, it
can be beneficial to deactivate the
acceleration skid control (ASR).
The engine
’s torque is then no longer
limited and the drive wheels are free
to spin, which can help them cut into
loose surfaces.
The ASR can only be shut off with the engine running.
If the engine is shut off with the ASR deactivated, the
ASR is automatically re-activated after the engine is
started again.Cargo/passenger vans type 2500 C/HC/SHC only:
If there is a danger of skidding, and/or starting at a
speed of 38 mph (60 km/h) ESP activates ASR
automatically.
WARNING!
On a slippery road surface if both drive wheels
start to spin there is a risk of skidding. Adapt your
speed and driving style to the prevailing road,
traffic and weather conditions.
P54.25-0294-20
WARNING!
Vehicles type 2500 C/HC/SHC only:
Even when ASR is deactivated, ESP remains
active and regulates braking to improve stability
as necessary. The warning lampv flashes in
the speedometer.
The danger of your vehicle’s brake system
overheating and being damaged is increased
during long, demanding application of the
brakes. Furthermore, an overheated brake system
could result in a longer stopping distance.
Thus, only deactivate ASR if it is absolutely
necessary.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 159 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 160 of 272

160 STARTING AND OPERATINGTo deactivate the ASR:– Press the upper section of the switch – the warning
lamp
v in the speedometer lights up.
Traction control continues to cut in if, for example, a
wheel on one side of the vehicle reaches its limit of
adhesion. The wheel is then braked to increase the
vehicle’s overall traction.
The warning lamp v will flash in the speedometer
at any speed when a tire reaches its limit of adhesion.
To activate the ASR:
– Press the upper section of the switch again
– the
warning lamp v in the speedometer goes out.
Brake A ssist System (BA S) (Cargo/passenger vans
type 2500 C/HC/SHC only)The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency
situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the
BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby
potentially reducing braking distance.
Apply continuous full braking pressure until the
emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function
again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated.
WARNING!
If the indicator lamp k remains on, a malfunc-
tion may not only have occurred in the ASR sys-
tem but also in the BAS.
The handling and braking characteristics of your
vehicle change. Drive with extra caution.
Have the malfunction traced and repaired as soon
as possible by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 160 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 162 of 272

162 STARTING AND OPERATINGNOTE: If the ABS is malfunctioning or the voltage in
the vehicle’s electrical system drops below 10 volts, the
indicator lamp will also light up in the instrument
cluster and the ESP will be deactivated. The indicator
lamp will go out as soon as the voltage reaches this
level again or the ABS is operational again
– the ESP is
then reactivated.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (Cargo/
passenger vans type 2500 C/HC/SHC only)The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitors the
vehicle’s traction (force of adhesive friction between
the tires and the road surface) and handling.
The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spinning or if the
vehicle starts to skid. By applying brakes to the
appropriate wheel and by limiting engine output, the
ESP works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially
useful while driving off and on wet or slippery wet
surfaces.
The warning lamp v in the speedometer flashes
when the ESP is engaged, refer also to
"Warning Lamp
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) and Electronic
Stability Program (ESP)
".
If wheels with tires of a different size than those offered
by an authorized Sprinter Dealer are used, the correct
operation of the ESP cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING!
If the ESP indicator lamp remains on, the
electronic stability program (ESP) is malfunction-
ing. The vehicle stability will no longer be auto-
matically regulated in good time.
The danger that your vehicle breaks into a skid, is
increased in certain driving situations. Drive with
extra caution.
Have the ESP repaired as soon as possible by an
authorized Spinter Dealer.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 162 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 212 of 272

212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEBrake fluidUse brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4
brake fluid with: minimum dry boiling point (ERBP)
500
°F, minimum wet boiling point (WERBP)
356°F, maximum viscosity 1500 mm
2/s,
conforming to FMVSS116 and ISO 4925.
In the course of its service life, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will fall due to the continuous absorption of
moisture from the atmosphere.
If the brakes are placed under heavy loads (e.g., on
steep hills) bubbles of steam can then form in the brake
system.
This will adversely affect the brakes' effectiveness.
Engine CoolantThe coolant is a mixture of water and a corrosion
inhibitor/antifreeze additive. Within the cooling
system, the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze ensures
anti-corrosion protection
antifreeze protection
a higher boiling point.
The coolant added in the factory ensures adequate
antifreeze and anti-corrosion protection.
Use coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline
GO5, or an equivalent Extended Life Coolant.
To avoid damage to the cooling system, only use
manufacturer approved corrosion inhibitor/
antifreeze additives.
Information on the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze
additive is available from any Sprinter Dealer.
For reasons of anti-corrosion protection and to increase
the boiling point, the coolant added to the cooling
system is designed for all year round operation – even
in countries with high prevailing temperatures.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 212 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 232 of 272
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLENOTE: The arrangement of the fuses (1) depends on
the optional equipment installed on the vehicle. The
assignments are shown on the inside of the cover of the
fuse box.
Diodes:No. Circuit
1. Not in use
2. Not in use
3. Not in use
4. Not in use
Fuses:No. Rated Circuit
5. 10A Immobilizer
6. 7.5A Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
7. 25A Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
8. 40A Not in use
9. 40A Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
10. Not in useRelays:No. Circuit
11. Not in use
12. Starter relay
13. Not in use
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 232 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 252 of 272
252 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCOPE OF WORK FOR MA INTENA NCE SERVICE
Oil ServiceOil change
Engine:
Oil change and filter replacement
Check fluid levels of the following system, refill as
necessary.
If fluid is lost, trace and eliminate cause – as a separate
order.
Power-assisted steering
Lubrication work:
Trailer tow hitch (original equipment)
Maintenance
ASSYST maintenance computer resetFunction check
Signalling system,
warning and indicator lamps
Headlamps, exterior lighting
Windscreen wipers,
windscreen washer system
Check for leaks and damage.
Check for abrasion points and ensure that
lines are correctly routed!
All assemblies:
Engine, transmission, transfer case, front axle, rear
axle, steering, power steering pump
All lines and hoses, sensor cables
Rubber boots on front axle drive shafts,
rubber boots on front axle suspension ball joints, shock
absorbersFreightliner-all.book Pag e 252 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 258 of 272

258 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCEService Contract
You may have purchased a service contract for your
vehicle to help protect you from the high cost of
unexpected repairs after your manufacturer’s new
vehicle limited warranty expires. The manufacturer
stands behind only the manufacturer’s Service
Contracts. If you purchased a manufacturer’s Service
Contract, you will receive Plan Provisions and an
Owner Identification Card in the mail within three
weeks of your vehicle delivery date. If you have any
questions about your service contract, call the
manufacturer’s Service Contract National Customer
Hotline at 1-800-521-9922.
The manufacturer will not stand behind any service
contract that is not the manufacturer’s Service
Contract. It is not responsible for any service contract
other than the manufacturer’s Service Contract. If you
purchased a service contract that is not a
manufacturer’s Service Contract, and you require
service after your manufacturer’s new vehicle limited
warranty expires, please refer to your contract
documents and contact the person listed in those
documents.We appreciate that you have made a major investment
when you purchased your new vehicle. Your dealer
has also made a major investment in facilities, tools,
and training to assure that you are absolutely
delighted with your ownership experience. You’ll be
pleased with their sincere efforts to resolve any
warranty issues or related concerns.Freightliner-all.book Pag e 258 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM