Page 174 of 272

174 STARTING AND OPERATING
BLEEDING DIESEL FUEL SYSTEMIf the fuel tank was run empty, the diesel fuel system
must be bled after refueling before starting the engine.– Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2 for at
least 30 seconds.– Return the key to position 0.– Start the engine.
NOTE: Too many attempts to start the engine could
drain the battery. If the engine does not start after
several attempts, consult an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
WARNING!
Possible tire damage resulting in serious personal
injury or death may occur if the vehicle’s electron-
ic speed controller is programmed at a speed
above the maximum speed allowed by the manu-
facturer of the specific tires mounted on the vehi-
cle. The maximum speed of the tires prescribed by
the tire manufacturer must be determined and ac-
curately programmed into the electronic speed
controller. The electronic speed controller must
never be programmed at a speed greater than the
maximum allowable tire speed as prescribed by
the manufacturer of the specific tires mounted on
the vehicle.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 174 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 176 of 272

176 STARTING AND OPERATING Open immediately the water drain screw (3) about 1
turn (counterclockwise) until fluid emerges. Ensure
that the fluid is collected in the receptacle.
Close the water drain screw (3) as soon as about 0.25
US qt (0.2 liters) are emerged.
After draining, return the key in the ignition lock to
position 0.
Dispose of the collected fluid in an environmentally
responsible manner.
If the filter is still saturated, drain the filter once
more.
After draining, the engine may run briefly but stall for
lack of fuel. If this occurs, bleed the system.
NOTE: Should the water in the fuel indicator lamp
still not go out after the fuel filter has been drained
twice, the cause should be examined by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Bleeding the Diesel Fuel SystemThe diesel fuel system is bled before starting the
engine.
Turn the key in the ignition lock position 2 for at
least 30 seconds.
Return the key to position 0.
Start the engine three to four times. The engine
control unit indicator lamp± must go out.
NOTE: Too many attempts to start the engine could
drain the battery. If the engine does not start after
several attempts, consult an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 176 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 216 of 272

216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEBA TTERIESThe standard battery is located in the engine
compartment.The auxiliary battery is located underneath the front
passenger seat (optional equipment).
The battery will not achieve its maximum service life
unless it is kept adequately charged at all times. If the
vehicle is used primarily for short distances, or left
parked for lengthy periods, have the battery charge
checked more frequently.
Disconnecting the Battery
WARNING!
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe personal injuries and death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting, you
might get injured, if the battery explodes.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush
affected area with water and seek medical help if
necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.
Use only impact-resistant batteries with a central
gas release cover to prevent corrosion damage and
to prevent occupants from caustic burns in the
event of an accident.
CAUTION!
Do not loosen or remove the battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the key is in
the ignition lock as this could damage electrical or
electronic equipment beyond repair. All electrical
consumers must be switched off.
Do not place any metal objects on the battery.
Doing so may cause a short-circuit.
Loosen and remove the negative terminal clamp
first, then the positive terminal.
Afterwards disconnect vent tube from the fitting.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 216 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 262 of 272

262 INDEXAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator Lamp . . . 152
Appearance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
ASSYST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
ASSYST Maintenance Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Automatic Lock Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Accelerator Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Maneuvering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Selector Lever Manually Unlocking. . . . . . . . . . . 144
Selector Lever Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Stopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Auxiliary Heat Exchanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Auxiliary Heater
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Timer Auxiliary Heater (Water and
Air Heater) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Tips for Coping with Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Disconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Reconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Replacing Batteries in Remote Keyless Entry . . . . 18
Battery Charge Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Belt Tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Bleeding the Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Body Builder Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Brake Assist System (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Brake Fluid Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Brake Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Brake Pad Wear Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Fluid Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Brake System, Anti-Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212Freightliner-all.book Pag e 262 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM