6 INTRODUCTIONVehicle identification number (location: on the chassis,
right hand).
VEHICLE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABEL,
SAMPLE AND LOCATIONLocation: below the driver’s seat on an outward facing
position of the mounting pillar.1. Incomplete vehicle certific ation label for chassis/cab.2. Type plate (vehicle identification number,
permissible weights)
140 STARTING AND OPERATING
Deactivating the Acceleration Skid
Control (ASR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168Brake Assist System (BAS)
(vehicle type 2500 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169Indicator Lamp Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) (type 2500 vehicles only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 170Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
(vehicle type 2500 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Auxiliary Drive (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173Tire Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Tire Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175Tire Pressures of Loaded Vehicle in PSI (kPa) . . . 177Vehicle type 2500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . 177Vehicle type 3500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . 177Comfort Tire Pressures in PSI (kPa) . . . . . . . . 178Comfort Tire Pressures in PSI (kPa) . . . . . . . . 178
Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . . . . . 180Diesel Fuels for Use at Very Low
Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Programmed Top Speed (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 182
Bleeding Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . 184Bleeding the Diesel Fuel Syst em . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Permissible Roof Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186Trailer Hitches (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186Electrical Connections (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 186Vehicle and Trailer Weights and Ratings . . . . 187Loading a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer . . . . 188Attaching a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189Parking a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Emissions Control System (Catalytic Converter) 192
Inhalation of Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Fording (Wading Capability) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Body Builder Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193A Special Note Concerning Vehicle
Alteration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
STARTING AND OPERATING 153
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For all sensors, the minimum distance between sensor
and obstacle is 12 in (30 cm).
In the event of a malfunction, a continuous warning
signal sounds for approximately three seconds when
the vehicle is reversingNOTE: Distance display– "in" in USA only
– "cm" in Canada only
LOADING THE VEHICLE
WARNING!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label on
the base of the driver’s seat). Overloading the tires
can overheat them, poss ibly causing a blowout,
which could cause an accident and personal injury.
In addition, braking and stopping distances can be
significantly longer if the vehicle is overloaded.
WARNING!
Always close the sliding and rear doors when
driving.
Otherwise exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle
interior and poison you.
154 STARTING AND OPERATING
The handling characteristics of a vehicle when laden
are dependent on the type of load and the distribution
of the load within the vehicle.
Carrying heavy or bulky loads may alter the vehicle’s
handling characteristic.Loading GuidelinesPlease note and comply with the following information
when loading and transporting goods.
Do not allow the load, including passengers, to exceed the permitted gross vehicle weight or the
permitted axle loads for the vehicle. Bear in mind
that the unladen weight could be increased by
installing items of optional equipment and
accessories.
Distribute the load uniformly. Excessive loads on individual points of the load surface could cause
damage to the floor covering.
Transport heavy loads between the axles near the rear axle as low as possible in the vehicle.
Secure any kind of load with sufficient wear and tear-resistant load restraints. See tie-down rings.
WARNING!
Unsecured or poorly secured loads, and seats that
have been removed, could move around the vehi-
cle interior uncontrollably in the event of sudden
braking, a rapid change in direction or an acci-
dent. This increases the risk of injury to occu-
pants in these situations.
Secure and position a load as described in the
following loading guidelines.
Piling up heavy objects or placing them on upper
shelves or loading them otherwise high up in the
vehicle will significantly raise the center of
gravity of the vehicle. Placing excessive loads on
individual points of the load surface or behind
the rear axle will also adversely affect the
handling characteristics of your vehicle and may
lead to loss of control over the vehicle.
Road safety and tire durability are adversely
affected if the permissible axle loads or gross
vehicle weight are exceeded due to the vehicle’s
load. Braking and stopping distances can be
significantly longer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 175
5
Tire GripTire grip is greatly reduced on a wet or icy road. Speed
and driving style must therefore be adapted to suit
road conditions.
In winter, install M+S radial tires.
Below a tread depth of 1/8 inch (3 mm), tire grip
begins to decrease rapidly on wet roads.HydroplaningDepending on the depth of the water layer on the road,
hydroplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with
new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid grooves in the
road, and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.
TIRE PRESSURES
WARNING!
If tire pressures are too low, there is a risk of the
tire’s tread deteriorating and sudden loss of pres-
sure due to the excessive temperature of the tire.
This has an adverse effect on road safety and in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The limiting speed for the tires (tires and tire
pressure) must not be exceeded. Exceeding the
permissible maximum speed causes tire damage,
which can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires can
result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they
are more likely to become punctured or damaged by
road debris, potholes, etc. Follow recommended
inflation pressures.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
vehicle capacity weight as indicated by the label on
the base of the driver’s seat. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout,
which could cause an accident resulting in severe
personal injuries, death and property damage.
STARTING AND OPERATING 179
5
SNOW CHAINSInstall snow chains on rear wheels only. Install snow
chains on exterior wheel in vehicles with double tires.
Comply with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
NOTE: Vehicles with snow chains installed are only to
be driven on a snow-covered surface. The snow chains
must be removed on road surfaces free of snow.FUEL REQUIREMENTSUse only commercially available vehicular diesel fuels
No. 2 or No. 1 (ASTM D 975 No. 2-D or No. 1-D).
NOTE: Because of its better quality the manufacturer
recommends the use of commercially available
vehicular diesel fuel No. 2.
For information on cold weather operation, contact
your authorized Sprinter Dealer. If diesel fuels are used with a sulphur content
exceeding 0.5 % by weight, engine oil change intervals
must be shortened. Please contact your Sprinter Dealer
to obtain the necessary information.
Refueling from drums or canisters may lead to the fuel
becoming contaminated. This in turn can cause faults
in the fuel system. Always f
ilter the fuel before adding
it to the vehicle’s tank.
WARNING!
Marine diesel fuel, Bio diesel fuel, heating oil or
the like must not be used.
Do not blend diesel fuel with marine diesel fuel,
Bio diesel fuel or heating oil.
The use of such non-approved fuels or blending
diesel fuel may result in malfunction or cause
engine damage. Damage or malfunctions
resulting from poor fuel quality or from blending
specific fuel additives are not covered by the
Sprinter Warranty.
186 STARTING AND OPERATINGPERMISSIBLE ROOF LOADThe maximum permissible roof load is:
Vehicles with low roof 660 lbs (300 kg)
Vehicles with high roof 330 lbs (150 kg)
The weight of any load carried on the roof, including the roof rack, must not exceed the
maximum permissible roof load.TRAILER TOWING Trailer Hitches (Optional)
Only install a trailer hitch
receiver approved for your
vehicle. For information on availability and
installation, please see your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not designed for use
with clamp-type hitches. Do not attach rental hitches
or other bumper-type hitches to them.
To reduce the possibility of damage, remove the hitch
ball adaptor from the receiver when not in use.Electrical Connections (Optional)The Sprinter is available with a variety of pre-installed
conditions (lines and turn signal indicator and brake
module installed and / or not installed). Make sure that
the correct trailer hitch receiver kit is used. For further
information, please see your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
In order to prevent possible damage to the vehicle’s
electrical system by incorrectly installing the trailer
wiring plug, we recommend having the harness
connected at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
WARNING!
Failure to use proper equipment and driving tech-
nique can result in a loss of vehicle control when
towing a trailer.
Improper towing or failure to follow the
instructions contained in this guide can result in
serious injury. Follow the guidelines below
carefully to assure safe trailer operation.
Ask your authorized Sprinter Dealer, if you
require an explanation of information contained
in this guide.
STARTING AND OPERATING 187
5
Vehicle and Trailer Weights and RatingsGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum
permissible vehicle weight: 8,550 lbs (3,878 kgs),
9,990 lbs (4,531 kgs) or 10,200 lbs (4,627 kgs).
NOTE: The weight of your Sprinter is indicated on the
type plate. For type plate, see Identification Labels.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): comprises weight of
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed
accessories, passengers, cargo and trailer tongue. It
must never exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum
permissible axle weight: Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the maximum
permissible trailer weight to be towed:
5,000 lbs. (2,260 kgs)
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the maximum
permissible weight of the trailer tongue:
500 lbs. (225 kgs) limit for Sprinter approved hitch
receiver.
Loading a TrailerWhen loading a trailer, you should observe that
neither the permissible GTW, nor the GVWR are
exceeded.
Maximum permissible values are listed on the safety
compliance certification labels for the vehicle and for
the trailer to be towed. The lowest value listed must be
selected when determining how the vehicle and trailer
are loaded.
We recommend loading the trailer in such a manner
that it has a tongue weight (TW) between 10% and 15%
of the GTW.
The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be added to
the GVW to prevent exceeding your Sprinter tow
vehicle’s rear GAWR.
Type GVWR GAWR (FA) GAWR (RA)
2500
C/HC / SHC 8,550 lbs
3,878 kgs 3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs) 5,360 lbs
(2,431 kgs)
3500
C/HC / SHC 9,990 lbs
4,531 kgs 3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs) 7,060 lbs
(3,202 kgs)
10,200 lbs 4,627 kgs 3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs) 7,060 lbs
(3,202 kgs)