Page 172 of 288

172 STARTING AND OPERATING
AUXILIARY DRIVE (OPTIONAL)1. Auxiliary drive
2. Ribbed V-belt (not part of factory package)
3. Tensioner pulley
4. Support
5. Unit (not part of factory package)
NOTE: When retrofitting a unit pay attention to the
running direction of the engine.
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded.
The ESP cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.If the vehicle is to be towed away with the front
wheels clear of the ground, or if the brakes are to be
tested on a brake dynamometer, do not put the key
in position 2 in the ignition lock because the ESP
would engage the brakes to stabilize the vehicle.If the ESP function is used for a prolonged period
of time, the rear axle brakes may fail due to
overheating.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 181
5
The following information can be used as a reference,
if adding of kerosene becomes necessary. The mixing
ratios shown refer to the total mixture.
Ambient temperature:
14 °F to –4 °F (–10 °C to –20 °C)No. 2 Diesel Fuel: 70%
Kerosene: 30%
Ambient temperature:
below –4 °F to (–20 °C)No. 2 Diesel Fuel: 50 %
Kerosene: 50 %
Even in extreme climatic conditions, the maximum
mixture ratio should not exceed 50 %.
Adding of kerosene to No. 1 diesel fuel is not
recommended even at low temperatures.Do not blend other specific fuel additives with diesel fuel
except for fuel flow improver. They only result in unnecessary
cost, and may be harmful to the engine operation.
REFUELING1. Fuel filler neck
2. Fuel filler capThe fuel filler neck (1) is located behind the fuel filler flap
next to the driver’s door. The fuel filler flap can be opened
when the driver’s door is open. Turn the fuel filler cap (2)
on the fuel filler neck (1) coun terclockwise and take it off.
For cargo/passenger vans, place the fuel filler cap (2) in
the holder on the inside of the fuel filler flap.When you have finished refueling, install the fuel filler
cap (2).
CAUTION!
Damage or malfunctions resulting from poor fuel
quality or from blending specific fuel additives
are not covered by the Sprinter Warranty.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 183
5
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 three to four times.
The malfunction indicator light (MIL) ± 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.
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.
Page 184 of 288
184 STARTING AND OPERATINGDRAINING FUEL FILTER WITH WATER
SEPARATOR1. Fuel filter
2. Drain hose
3. Water drain screw
The fuel filter (1) is located in the engine compartment.
NOTE: The fuel filter must be drained as soon as the
water in fuel indicator lamp lights up. NOTE:
Prior to opening water drain screw (3), place a
suitable receptacle underneath the drain hose (2). Turn
water drain screw (3) on and off only by hand.
Diesel fuels and diesel fuel mixtures must be disposed
of properly; we recommend water be drained from fuel
filters by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Draining Fuel Filter
Stop the engine.
Shift gear selector lever to ‘‘P’’ position.
Open the hood.
Place a suitable receptacle underneath the drain hose (2).
Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2.
CAUTION!
Delaying draining of the fuel filter for a
considerable time after the indicator lamp lights
up may lead to engine damage.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 185
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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 must be 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.
Page 188 of 288

188 STARTING AND OPERATINGChecking Weights of Vehicle and TrailerTo assure that the tow vehicle and trailer are in
compliance with the maximum permissible weight
limits, and to know the actual weights, have the loaded
vehicle-trailer combination (tow vehicle including
driver, passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
Check the vehicle’s front and rear Gross Axle Weight
(GAW), the GTW and TW. The values as measured
must not be exceeded, according to the weight listed
under “Vehicle and trailer weight and ratings”.Attaching a TrailerPlease observe maximum permitted trailer dimensions
(width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces require safety
chains between your tow vehicle and the trailer. The
chains should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue.
They must be attached to the hitch receiver, and not to
the vehicle’s bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough
slack in the chains to permit turning corners.
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
separate brake system at various trailer weights.
WARNING!
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if trailer is
so equipped) directly to the vehicle’s hydraulic
brake system as your vehicle is equipped with an-
tilock brakes. If you do, neither the vehicle’s
brakes nor the trailer’s brakes will function prop-
erly. This could cause an accident resulting in
property damage, injury or death to you or others.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for
trailer towing has a brake signal wire for hook-up
to a brake controller.
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
break-away switch on trailers with a separate
brake system. The switch activates the trailer
brakes in the possible event that the trailer might
separate from the tow vehicle.
You should consider using a trailer sway control
system. For further information see your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Page 197 of 288
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 197
6
FIRE EXTINGUISHER (OPTIONAL)1. Fire extinguisher
2. Locking mechanism
The fire extinguisher is located in the driver’s side
entrance area.
Pull locking mechanism (2) on the side marked with an
arrow to release the tether. Take the fire extinguisher
(1) from the holder with an upward movement. NOTE: Read the manufacturer’s instructions on the
fire extinguisher carefully and make yourself familiar
with the operation of the fire extinguisher.
VEHICLE TOOL KIT1. Locked
2. Unlocked
The vehicle tool kit and the jack are located under the
hatch in the front passenger footwell.
Page 198 of 288

198 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESCHANGING THE TIREIf you get a flat tire while driving, gradually decrease
your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slowly
move to a safe place on the side of the road. The
pressure of the spare wheel always has to be checked
regularly (at least after every tenth time at the filling
station).
WARNING!
Only certain tires meeting the tire size/load/speed
rating specifications contained in the Tire Pres-
sure Tables are certified to conform to FMVSS 120
for the Sprinter vehicle at this time. Please check
your side walls of your originally equipped tires
for specific makes/sizes, and speed load ratings
when you need to replace your tires.
To prevent accident, injury or possible death, use
only the correct tires for your tire replacement.
WARNING!
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the
vehicle at the jack take-up brackets built into ei-
ther side of the vehicle. To help avoid personal in-
jury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a
wheel change. Never get beneath the vehicle
while it is supported by the jack only.
Keep hands and feet away from the area under the
lifted vehicle. Always firmly set parking brake
and block wheels before raising vehicle with jack.
Do not disengage parking brake while the vehicle
is raised.
Always use the jack on a level surface.
Do not change wheels on either steep uphill or
downhill grades. Be sure that the jack arm end is
fully seated in the jack take-up bracket. The
vehicle may begin to move and fall from the jack
which could cause serious or fatal personal injury
and property damage.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity
jack stands before working under the vehicle.