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STARTING AND OPERATING 171
5
NOTE: If the ABS is malfunctioning or the voltage in
the vehicle’s electrical system drops below 10 volts, the
indicator lamp will also light up in the instrument
cluster and the ESP will be deactivated. The indicator
lamp will go out as soon as the voltage reaches this
level again or the ABS is operational again
– the ESP is
then reactivated.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (vehicle type
2500 only)The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitors the
vehicle’s traction (force of adhesive friction between
the tires and the road surface) and handling.
The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spinning or if the
vehicle starts to skid. By applying brakes to the
appropriate wheel and by limiting engine output, the
ESP works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially
useful while driving off and on wet or slippery road
surfaces.
The warning lamp v in the speedometer flashes
when the ESP is engaged, refer also to
"Warning Lamp
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) and Electronic
Stability Program (ESP)
".
If wheels with tires of a different size than those offered
by an authorized Sprinter Dealer are used, the correct
operation of the ESP cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING!
If the ESP indicator lamp remains on, the
electronic stability program (ESP) is malfunction-
ing. The vehicle stability will no longer be auto-
matically regulated in good time.
The danger that your vehicle breaks into a skid, is
increased in certain driving situations. Drive with
extra caution.
Have the ESP repaired as soon as possible by an
authorized Spinter Dealer.
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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 196 of 288
196 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESHAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCHThe switch is located on top of the steering column
housing.
When the hazard warning flasher switch is switched
on, the indicator lamp in th e switch and the turn signal
indicator lamp in the inst rument cluster both flash.
WARNING!
If the rear cargo doors are opened to 90° (detent
position), the rear lights will be concealed. The
vehicle is then not sufficiently safeguarded at the
rear and may only be seen by other road users
when they are close to the vehicle. This could
lead to an accident.
The vehicle must then be clearly marked in
accordance with state and local laws, e.g., with a
warning triangle.
Page 200 of 288

200 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESSpare Wheel Location
NOTE: Lug wrench and jack, refer to "Vehicle Tool
Kit". For reasons of safety, check at regular intervals
that the spare wheel is properly secured.
WARNING!
If the rear cargo doors are opened to 90° (detent
position), the rear lights will be concealed. The ve-
hicle is then not sufficiently safeguarded at the
rear and may only be seen by other road users
when they are close to the vehicle. This could lead
to an accident.
The vehicle must then be clearly marked in
accordance with state and local laws, e.g., with a
warning triangle.
WARNING!
The spare wheel holder should be reattached once
the wheel has been changed.
Regularly check the spare wheel fastening.
A loose spare wheel or spare wheel holder could
be loosen or could move around the vehicle
interior uncontrollably in the event of sudden
braking, a rapid change in direction or an
accident. This increases the risk of injury to
vehicle occupants and other road users in these
situations.
Do not use retreaded/remolded tires. This process
does not always permit previous damage to be
detected. Therefore vehicle safety cannot be
guaranteed if retreaded/remolded tires are fitted.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 207
6
NOTE: The optional light alloy wheels are supplied
with 5 short wheel lug bolts enclosed for the steel spare
wheel in the vehicle tool kit.
Before fitting the spare wheel, clean rust and dirt off the contact surfaces of the wheel and the wheel hub,
and from the wheel bolts.
Note the specified wheel and tire size, tire load capacity and speed code.
Do not change the tire’s direction of rotation.
Do not damage, grease or oil wheel bolts or their threads.
WARNING!
Different wheel bolts are required for pressed
steel and light-alloy wheels.
Incorrect wheel lug bolts for the wheels could
work loose, thereby causing you to lose control of
the vehicle. This could cause an accident resulting
in severe personal injuries and and property
damage.
WARNING!
Incorrect mounting bolts or improperly tightened
mounting bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
To avoid the risk of serious or fatal injuries or ve-
hicle damage, please bear the following points in
mind:• Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or
rusted.• Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts• If a wheel hub thread is damaged, you must not
drive the vehicle. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop.
Page 208 of 288

208 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESCentering wheels with wheel bolts
If dual assemblies are used, before placement the inner wheel should be inspected to ensure that all
ball bearing rings are in proper position.
Install the wheel and snug the wheel bolts.
Slightly tighten wheel bolts.
Slowly open jack release va lve to lower vehicle until
tire is resting on ground.
Tighten the wheel bolts in a crosswise pattern to the specified torque with a torque wrench.
Tightening torque for 8,550 lbs (3,880 kgs)
(vehicle type 2500 C/HC/SHC):
Steel wheel – 177 lbf.ft ±7 lbf.ft (240 N.m ±10 N.m)
Light alloy wheel – 138 lbf.ft ±14 lbf.ft
(190 N.m ±20 N.m) Tightening torque for 9,990 lbs (4,530 kgs)
(vehicle type 3500 C/HC/SHC):
Steel wheel – 138lbf.ft ±14lbf.ft (190N.m ±20N.m)
Remove jack and stow it in the vehicle tool kit.
Check the tire pressure.
Re-tighten the wheel bolts to the specified torque with a torque wrench after a distance of 30 miles
(about 50 km).
WARNING!
Do not tighten the wheel bolts and wheel nuts
completely while the vehicle is still jacked up.
The vehicle could tip.
WARNING!
After changing a wheel, you must, for safety reasons, have the specified tightening torque checked. The
wheels could otherwise work loose.
check the tire pressure and correct it if necessary.
retighten the wheel bolts and wheel nuts to the specified tightening torque once the vehicle has
been driven for 30 miles (50 km).
have a reversed direction of tire rotation corrected as soon as possible at a qualified specialist
workshop. The vehicle handling characteristics
could otherwise be affected.
Page 234 of 288

234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLECorrosion protection, such as anticorrosion wax
should be applied to the engine compartment after
every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from
any wax.Vehicle WashingDo not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of
water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a
chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Due to the width of the vehicle, prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash, fold back the
outside mirrors to prevent them from getting
damaged.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt
as soon as possible. When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean
the inner sides of the wheels.
Ornamental MoldingsFor regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-
plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.Headlamps, Taillamps, Identification Lamps, Turn
Signal LensesUse a mild car wash detergent with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the
lenses. Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry
cloth or sponge.
WARNING!
Dirty or iced-up steps and entrances create a risk
of slipping or falling.
Keep steps, entrances and footwear free from dirt
(e.g. mud, clay, snow and ice).
Page 236 of 288

236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEWiper BladeClean the wiper blade rubber with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.
Light Alloy WheelsA wheel care product should be used for regular
cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
NOTE: Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid
could lead to corrosion.Instrument ClusterUse a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.Steering Wheel and Gear Selector LeverWipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with a leather care product.
WARNING!
For safety reasons, remove key from ignition lock
before cleaning the windshield, otherwise the
wiper motor can suddenly turn on and cause in-
jury.
Dirty or iced-up steps create a risk of slipping or
falling. Do not use the step in the front bumper
when it is icy or dirty.
WARNING!
For safety reasons, remove key from ignition lock
before cleaning the wiper blade, otherwise the
wiper motor can suddenly turn on and cause se-
vere personal injuries and death.