
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLERibbed V-BeltThe ribbed V-belt drives the accessories, such as
generator, coolant pump and hydraulic steering pump.
The ribbed V-belt is automatically kept tensioned.
Check the state of the ribbed V-belt regularly, such as
at every engine oil level check.
The belt must not be damaged, worn, oiled or glazed.
There must be no cracks in the belt running surface.
Replace damaged belts.
Hydraulic Brake System, Clutch Mechanism Fluid
Level1. Brake fluid reservoir
Brake fluid level must be between the MIN and MAX
marks in the reservoir (1).
If the brake fluid is below the MIN mark, there may be
a fault in the hydraulic system. Have the system
checked as soon as possible by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.

224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEHave the coolant renewed at least every 15 years or
after 160,000 miles.
When the coolant is renewed, the new coolant should
contain 50% antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor by volume.
This corresponds to antifreeze protection down to -
37 °C/-35°F.
Do not exceed a proportion of about 55 % by volume
(antifreeze protection down to about -45 °C/-49 °F) as
the heat dissipation properties then deteriorate.
In the event of coolant loss, do not add water only, but
sufficient antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor to maintain
the correct concentration.
The water in the coolant must satisfy certain
requirements. These are often met by tap supply
drinking water.
The water must be specially prepared if the water
quality does not come up to the required standards.
Have the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration
in the coolant checked at the outset of winter,
respectively once a year in countries with high
prevailing temperatures. A regular check is included in the maintenance service.
Checking Coolant LevelCoolant reservoir (1)
The cooling system is pressurized. Only check the
coolant level with the vehicle parking on a level surface
and with the engine switched off.
– Wait until the coolant temperature has dropped
below 194 °F (+90 °C).

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7
Open the hood.
At first, only turn the radiator cap to the first detent to release the pressure from the cooling system.
Only then should the radiator cap be removed
completely.
To add coolant: If the engine is cold:
Add coolant until the coolant level reaches the base
area which is visible through the filler opening (area
moistened).
WARNING!
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:
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 the vehicle and do not open the hood until
the engine has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
Do not remove pressure cap on coolant reservoir if engine temperature is above 194 °F (+90 ×C).
A l l o w e n g i n e t o c o o l do w n b e f o r e r e m o v i ng c a p .
The coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately 1/2 turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will
be blown out under pressure.
WARNING!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Anti-freeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts.
Check coolant level only with the engine switched off and the key in position 0 in the
ignition lock.

226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
If the engine is already at its regular operating
temperature:
Add coolant until the coolant level is about 0.6 inch
(1.5 cm) above the base area which is visible
through the filler opening.
Replace and tighten the radiator cap.
If a large quantity of coolant has been lost, or if smaller
amounts are lost at regular intervals, have the engine
cooling system examined by an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
For coolant composition and water quality, contact
your Sprinter Dealer.
WINTER OPERATIONHave your vehicle winterized by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer before the onset of winter.
Have the engine oil changed, if the engine oil filled is not approved for winter use.
Coolant: antifreeze/anti-corrosion concentration in the coolant checked.
Windshield washer system: add winter concentrate to the washer fluid.
Battery: the battery will lose capacity as temperatures drop. Only a well-charged battery will
ensure reliable engine starting even at low outside
temperatures.
Tires: fit M+S radial tires, taking note of the maximum permissible speed of the tires fitted.

INDEX 279
10
Engine Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Headlamps, Taillamps, Turn Signal Lenses . . . . 234
Vehicle Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Care of vehicle
Paintwork, painted body components . . . . . . . . 233
Power washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Tar stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Catalytic Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Central Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Central Locking Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Locking and Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Locking Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
To Program the Automatic Lock Feature . . . . . . . 19
Chains, Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Changing a Bulb
Additional Brake Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Exit Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Front Lamp Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Interior Lighting with Interior Sensor Protection 255 License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Reading Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Side-Marker Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Side-Mounted Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Taillamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Changing the Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Checking Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer. . . . . . . . . 188
Cigar Lighter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Cleaning Cup Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Hard Plastic Trim Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Light Alloy Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Plastic and Rubber Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Seat Belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Steering Wheel and Gear Selector Lever . . . . . . . 236
Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Wiper Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Climate Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

280 INDEXClock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Comfort Tire Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Compartments in Front Doors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Constant RPMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Consumer Assistance Be Reasonable with Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
If You Need Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Prepare a List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Prepare for the Appointment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Coolant Level Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Coolant, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Cooling System, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Cup Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85DDe-Fogging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Dehumidification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
De-Icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Diesel Fuels for Use at Very Low Temperatures . . 180
Displaying Engine Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Doors Front Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Rear Cargo Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Sliding Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . 184
Driver’s Airbag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Driving Safety Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
EElectric Sun Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Electrical Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Fuse and Relay Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 242
Fuse, Relay, and Diode Assignments - Optional
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Relay Assignment, Standard Equipment . . . . . . 242
Standard Fuse and Relay Equipment. . . . . . . . . . 239
Electrical Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Electronic Brake Force Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Electronic Brake Force Distribution Lamp . . . . . . . . 157
Electronic Stability Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Emission Label, Vehicle/Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Emission Related Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Emissions Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Engine Break-in Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

INDEX 281
10
Engine Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine Control Unit Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Engine Coolant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Oil Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Engine Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221Indicator in Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Engine Oil Level - Display in Instrument Cluster . 112
Engine Oil Level Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Engine Oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Engine oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Engine Speed, Maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Engine, Stopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Exhaust Gas, Inhalation of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54, 192FFax Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Fog Lamp Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Folding Seat at Partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Fording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Front Seat Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Fuel Tank Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Bleeding the Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Diesel Fuels for Use at Ve ry Low Temperatures 180
Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . 184
Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Fuel Tank Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Fuse and Relay Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Fuse, Relay, and Diode Assignments - Optional
Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Fuses, Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
GGear Selector Lever Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Glove Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Lockable Glove Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86HHazard Warning Flasher Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Head Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

282 INDEXHeadlamp Range Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal lenses . . . . . . . . 234
Heated Rear Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Heater, Seat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116, 118
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Hydroplaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175IIgnitionLock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Starter Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Indicator Lamp Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Inhalation of Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Installing a Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Instrument and Display Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Instrument Cluster Battery Charge Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Coolant Level Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Coolant Temperature Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Engine Control Unit Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 107 Engine Oil Level Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Water in Fuel Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Instrument Cluster and Indicator Lamps. . . . . . . . . . 91
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Cargo Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Driver and Rear-Seat Passenger/Cargo Area. . . . 69
Interior Sensor Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Reading Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Intervals, Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Intrument Cluster Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
JJack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209LLamps Acceleration Skid Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164