Page 130 of 288

130 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELAUXILIARY HEATER – WATER OR AIR HEATER
(OPTIONAL)
NOTE: The auxiliary heater (water or air heating
device) can be used whether or not the engine is
running.
After you have filled your vehicle’s gas tank with
winterized diesel fuel for the first time, it is
recommended that you operate the auxiliary heater
before beginning a journey or operating the heater
continuously so that any summer diesel fuel left in the
auxiliary heater can combust.
Before switching the auxiliary heater on make sure that
that the battery is sufficiently charged and that there is
enough fuel in the tank. At least a quarter of the tank
should be filled up. See Fuel Gauge.
WARNING!
The auxiliary heating must not be operated at gas
stations due to the risk of fire and explosion. For
this reason, switch off the auxiliary heating before
refuelling.
Auxiliary heaters emit fumes when in operation,
including carbon monoxide.
Inhaling carbon monoxide is a health hazard and
can result in unconsciousness and death.
For this reason, do not operate auxiliary heating in
enclosed spaces without ventilation or an
extractor system, e.g. in a garage. Otherwise you
could endanger yourself and others.
Always keep the ground under the vehicle as clear
as possible so that the auxiliary heater can receive
enough combustion air and exhaust fumes can
escape. Otherwise you could endanger yourself
and others.
WARNING!
Vehicles for transporting hazardous goods:
Observe the relevant safety regulations.
Page 133 of 288

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 133
4
6. ButtonH – Select memory (1 – 3), activate
preselected time
7. Button ö – Switch on heater
8. Button ý – Set time, day, and preselected time;
shorten heating period (min. 1 minute)
9. Button þ – Set time, day, and preselected time;
lengthen heating period (max. 120 minutes)
10. Air Heater only, adjustable temperature selection transformer – adjustment range from 50 °F to 86 °F
(+10 °C to +30 °C)
NOTE: All symbols and digits in the display will flash
if the battery voltage has been interrupted over a
longer period of time. The timer must be reset.
The heater cannot be switched on until the time of day
has been set.
The timer lights up when the heater is switched on. Switching the Auxiliary Heater On and Off - Ignition
Off
To switch it on:
Press button
ö.
The vehicle-side blower automatically switches on.
Display: Symbol ö and remaining heating period.
The remaining heating period can be lengthened by
using the button þ (max. of 120 minutes); it may be
shortened by using the button ý (min. of 1 minute).
To switch off:
Press button ö again.
The blower inside the vehicle automatically switches
off. The auxiliary heater will automatically switch off
after about 3 minutes.
Display: Current time and current day of the week
(about 15 seconds).
Switching the Auxiliary Heater On and Off - Ignition
On
To switch it on:
Press the button ö.
Page 138 of 288

138 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELAUXILIARY HEATER – TIPS FOR COPING WITH
PROBLEMSNOTE: After three successive attempts to start the
heater, a malfunction will be recorded in the integrated
diagnostic system and no further operation on
auxiliary heater will be available (lock-out). The work
to annul the lock-out must be carried out at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
The heater either does not switch on or automatically
switches off:
Insufficient fuel, fill up the fuel tank. Start up heater two times, until the fuel lines are filled.
The auxiliary heater will automatically switch off if the fuel level is under about 4 US gal (15 l).
The fuses in the fuse box are damaged. Electric fuses.
The battery voltage is too low, an undervoltage protector switches off the heater if the battery
voltage falls below about 10 volts. The heater motor does not run
The battery voltage is too low, check the battery.
Batteries.
The fuses in the fuse box are damaged. Electric fuses.
The heater motor is damaged.
Overheating The air channels are clogged. The heater can be restarted once the fault has been
repaired. When this is done, the heater should be
switched on and off.
The heater will remain switched off after it has been overheated a number of times (about 10 times in
succession). Have the fault repaired by an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
NOTE: Repairs should only be made by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Page 141 of 288
STARTING AND OPERATING 141
5
POWER ASSISTANCE STARTING THE ENGINE
Battery charge warning lamp (1)
Engine oil level indicator lamp (2)
Preheater indicator lamp (3)
WARNING!
When the engine is not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering system. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is necessary
to brake and steer the vehicle.
Page 142 of 288

142 STARTING AND OPERATING1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic transmission, shift selector lever to "P" or "N" position, refer to "Automatic Transmission".
3. Do not depress the accelerator pedal.
4. Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock. The preheater indicator lamp q lights up.5. Turn the key clockwise to the stop as soon as the
preheater indicator lamp
q
goes out.
If the engine is at its normal operating temperature,
the preheater indicator lamp will only light up briefly.
Release the key as soon as the engine is running.
NOTE: The key must be returned to position 0 in the
ignition lock before repeating the starting procedure.
If the display Á lights up alternately with î in
the multi-function display, there is an immobilizer
malfunction or the key used has not been
programmed.
The : engine oil level warning lamp and the #
battery charge warning lamp must go out after the
engine is started.
If either lamp remains on, stop the engine at once and
have the cause traced and repaired by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
During the trip, check the displays and the warning/
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster at regular
intervals.Maximum Engine SpeedThe maximum engine speed for all vehicles is
4,200 rpm.
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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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 185
5
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 209 of 288

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 209
6
JUMP STARTINGIf the battery is dead, the engine can be started with
jumper cables from another vehicle’s battery.
WARNING!
A battery will produce hydrogen gas, which is
flammable and very explosive. Avoid open flames
and the formation of sparks in the vicinity of the
batteries. Refrain from smoking or cell phone use.
Avoid improper connection of jumper cables.
Observe safety precautions when handling
batteries.
Exercise care near moving engine components and
electrical cables.
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components and can lead
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.
WARNING!
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 affect-
ed area with water, and seek medical help.
The battery housing could be damaged. Never
lean over batteries while connecting or jump-
starting. You might get injured.
Read all instructions before proceeding.