Page 9 of 272

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
2
IGNITION LOCK / STA RTER SWITCH0 The steering wheel is locked when the key is
removed
To remove the key, place the selector lever in
position "P"; rotate the key in the ignition lock to
position 0; and remove the key.
1 The steering wheel is unlocked
2 Preheating and driving position
3Start positionTo engage the steering wheel lock:
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel until
the steering wheel lock engages.
To release the steering wheel lock:
Turn the steering wheel slightly while turning the key
to position 1.
NOTE: If the driver’s or passenger’s door is opened
with the key in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock, a
warning buzzer sounds.
WARNING!
Do not remove the key from the ignition lock un-
less the vehicle is stationary. Always remove the
key from the ignition lock when leaving the ve-
hicle to prevent children or unauthorized per-
sons from starting the engine.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 9 Monday, December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 38 of 272
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEH ICLESeat Belt Warning Lamp and A irbag MalfunctionWhen the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
warning lamp < lights up for about 6 seconds; this
takes place whether or not the driver’s seat belt is
fastened.
The warning lamp< must go out after about
6seconds.
If the warning lamp< flashes after about 6 seconds,
the malfunction indicator lamp1 is defective.
The fault should be repaired as soon as possible by an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
NOTE: When the key is turned to position 2 in the
ignition lock, a warning buzzer sounds for about
6 seconds if the driver’s safety belt is not pressed into
the belt buckle. The buzzer stops as soon as the safety
belt is fastened. Press the safety belt into the belt
buckle.
Fastening and RemovingBelt tongue (1)
Belt buckle (2)
Release button (3)
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 38 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 40 of 272

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEH ICLEBelt Height AdjustmentBelt height adjustment button 4
Do not adjust the belt height while the vehicle is
moving.
To lower:
Press the button and move the belt sash guide down.
To raise:
Move the belt sash guide up.
The shoulder strap must pass between the neck and the
shoulder.
A IRBA G A ND BELT TENSIONERSThe vehicle is equipped with an airbag for the driver
and the front seat passenger as well as belt tensioners
for the driver and the front passenger. The system is
known as a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). It
has been designed to work together with the seat belt
and to supplement.SRS Malfunction Indicator LampWhen the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
malfunction indicator lamp1 will light up in the
instrument cluster for about 4 seconds as a function
check.
WARNING!
Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You
may damage the airbags and you could be injured
because the airbags are not there to protect you.
These protective covers for the airbag cushions are
designed to open only when the airbags are inflat-
ing.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 40 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 41 of 272
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
2
Driver’s A irbagThe driver’s airbag is located within the padded center
of the steering wheel.
WARNING!
If the malfunction indicator lamp1 does not
light up when the key is in position 2 in the igni-
tion lock, if it flickers or lights up while the vehi-
cle is moving, there might be a problem in the
airbag system. There is then a danger that the air-
bag will not deploy in the event of an accident or
will deploy when it should not do so. Have the ve-
hicle inspected and repaired by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer without delay.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 41 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 49 of 272

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2
NOTE: Use neither elastic fastening straps nor nets
when lashing down the load. These are only intended
as anti-slip protection for lighter loads.
The means used to tie down the load must not be run
over sharp edges or corners. Sharp edges or corners
should be given protective padding. Observe the
operating instructions for the material used to tie down
the material. Spread the load evenly between the
anchorages. If using a tensioning device, do not
overstress the lashing rings.
WARNING!
If you tension the tensioning belts between the
sidewalls, the maximum permissible load for the
lashing rings could be exceeded if the brakes are
applied suddenly or in the event of an accident.
The load would no longer be secured, which could
result in serious injuries caused by the load slip-
ping.
For this reason, do not tension a tensioning belt
between the side walls.
Observe the loading guidelines.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 49 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 60 of 272

60 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLEHOOD
To open:
1. Pull the release lever (1).
The hood then opens slightly and is restrained by
the safety catch.
WARNING!
When the hood is open, there is a risk of injury due
to very hot engine components.
When the engine is running or the key is in
position 2 in the ignition lock, there is a risk of
injury due to moving engine components and the
electrical system.
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils,
spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the
ignition system with the engine running, while
starting or if the ignition is on and the engine is
turned manually.
To help prevent severe personal injuries and death,
stay clear of moving parts when the hood is open
and the engine is running.
If you see flames or smoke coming from the engine
compartment, or if the coolant\temperature gauge
indicates that the engine is overheated, do not open
the hood. Move away from vehicle and do not open
the hood until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call the fire department.
Freightliner-all.book Pag e 60 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 67 of 272

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67
3
Lamp switch (3)
CSide lamps, license plate and instrument
lighting
õLow beam headlamps, high beam
headlamps
ƒMarker lamps, right, combination switch
up (1)
Marker lamps, left, combination switch
down (2)High beam headlamps (lamp switch positionõ) (4)
Headlamp flasher (also when turn signals are on) (5)
NOTE: When the key is in the ignition lock in the 0
position and the driver’s or passenger’s door is open, a
warning buzzer sounds, if the vehicle exterior lighting
(except for the marker lamps) has been switched on.
On vehicles with automatic switching-off of high
beam, with the key in 0 position and the lamp switch
position õ on low and high beam, parking lamps
are automatically switched on. When the driver’s or
passenger’s door is opened, a warning buzzer also
sounds.
For high beam (4) and headlamp flasher (5), the
indicator lamp A in the combination instrument
lights up.Freightliner-all.book Pag e 67 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM
Page 86 of 272
86 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELLegend For Instrument Cluster And Indicator Lamps
1. Tachometer (Engine rpm), refer to "Tachometer
(Engine rpm)".
2. Turn signal indicator lamp (left), refer to
"Combination Switch".
3. Turn signal indicator lamp (right), refer to
"Combination switch".
4. ASR warning lamp or ESP warning lamp.
5. Speedometer.
6. Multi-function indicator, refer to "Multi-Function
Indicator".
7. Gear selector lever position.
8. Coolant temperature gauge, refer to "Coolant
Temperature Gauge".9. Fuel gauge with reserve fuel indicator lamp
(yellow), refer to "Fuel Gauge with Reserve Fuel
Indicator Lamp".
10. Warning and indicator lamps.
11. Odometer/trip meter selector, refer to "Odometer
and Trip Meter".
Clock/outside temperature display selector, refer
to "Clock and Outside Temperature Display".
12. Instrument lighting brighter/dimmer, refer to
"Instrument Lighting".Freightliner-all.book Pag e 86 Monday , December 1, 2003 2:54 PM