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164 STARTING AND OPERATING
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator Lamp
When the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
ABS indicator lamp- will light up in the
instrument cluster. It goes out after about 2 seconds.
If the ABS indicator lamp- remains on or lights up
when the engine is running, the ABS is malfunctioning.
NOTE: If the voltage in the vehicle’s electrical system
drops below 10 volts, the ABS indicator lamp- will
also light up in the instrument cluster and the ABS will
be deactivated. The indicator lamp will go out as soon
WARNING!
The following factors increase the risk of acci-
dents:
Excessive speed, especially in turns
Wet and slippery road surfaces
Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, EBV, ASR, BAS and ESP
® cannot reduce
this risk nor can they prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions
and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle
and other road users as well as objects on the road.
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5
as the voltage reaches this level again – the ABS is then
reactivated.
If ABS malfunctions, the other driving safety systems
are deactivated. The handling and braking
characteristics of your vehicle change. The other
braking and driving systems still function normally.
I
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking at any speed
above about 5 mph (8 km/h), regardless of road
surface conditions. The vehicle remains steerable even
if the brakes are applied fully.
A light vibrating of the steering wheel and pulsating of
the brake pedal indicate that the ABS is working.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and works as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
WARNING!
If the ABS indicator lamp- does not go out or
lights up again while driving, the ABS is malfunc-
tioning. If ABS malfunctions, the other driving
safety systems are deactivated. The vehicle’s brak-
ing characteristics may be affected. There is an in-
creased risk that your vehicle could skid in the
event of sharp braking. Have the malfunction
traced and repaired without delay by an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.
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166 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Do not reduce the force applied to the brake pedal if
it is necessary to brake the vehicle further. This will
negate the main benefit of ABS – the ability to brake
without affecting the steerability of the vehicle.
In the event of an emergency stop, fully depress
the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal,
rather use firm, steady brake pedal pressure.
Pumping the pedal defeats the purpose of ABS
and significantly reduces braking effectiveness.
WARNING!
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehi-
cle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The ABS 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 ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.
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5
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) prevents
the rear wheels from being overbraked when there is
little load on the rear axle or if there is not much friction
between the tires and road (e.g., if the road is wet).Acceleration Skid Control Indicator Lamp (ASR)
and Brake Assist System (BAS)1 if equipped
When the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
indicator lampk will light up in the instrument
cluster as a function check. It goes out when the engine
is running.
1Vehicle type 2500 only
WARNING!
If the brake indicator lamp ;(-) does not
go out or lights up again while driving, the brake
fluid level may not necessarily have dropped be-
low the minimum filling capacity but a malfunc-
tion may have occurred in the EBD. In this case
continue driving, but with even greater care.
The wheels of the rear axle could lock if the
vehicle is braked hard. This could lead to a
skidding of the vehicle. Have the malfunction
traced and repaired without delay by an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.
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5
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) Warning Lamp
and Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)* – if
equipped
When the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
warning lampv in the speedometer will light up
for about 2 seconds. It must go out when the engine is
running.
The warning lampv flashes when:
The ASR or ESP
®* is activated.
The drive wheels spin with the ASR shut off.
*Vehicle type 2500 onlyThe warning lamp v lights up when the ASR is
shut off.
Deactivate the acceleration skid control, refer to
"Deactivating Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)".
WARNING!
If the warning lampv in the speedometer
lights up or flashes:
Do not deactivate the acceleration skid control
(ASR).
Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
Ease off on the accelerator pedal when driving at
a steady speed.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Failure to heed these warnings could cause the
vehicle to enter a skid and may result in an
accident.
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170 STARTING AND OPERATING
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
ASR makes it possible to pull away and accelerate on a
slippery surface. A spinning wheel is braked and its
tractive power is transferred to the wheel with full
grip.
The acceleration skid control (ASR) improves driving
stability at all speeds only on vehicles of the chassis
and cargo/passenger vans type 3500 C/HC/SHC
(without ESP
®).
The engine’s torque is limited to improve driving
stability. When this is happening, the warning
lampv in the speedometer flashes.
If the road surface is not capable of providing traction,
bearing in mind the tires, load and grade, it may not be
possible to pull away even with ASR.
If wheels with tires of a different size than those offered
by an authorized Sprinter Dealer are used, the correct
operation of the ASR cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING!
ASR cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded.
The ASR 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 ASR 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 ASR function is used for a prolonged period
of time, the rear axle brakes may fail due to
overheating.
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 pull the
key in position 2 in the ignition lock, because the
drive wheels could lock.
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172 STARTING AND OPERATING
To deactivate the ASR:
Press the upper section of the switch – the warning
lamp v in the speedometer lights up.
Traction control continues to cut in if, for example, a
wheel on one side of the vehicle reaches its limit of
adhesion. The wheel is then braked to increase the
vehicle’s overall traction.
The warning lamp v will flash in the speedometer
at any speed when a tire reaches its limit of adhesion
and spins.
To activate the ASR:
Press the upper section of the switch again – the
warning lamp v in the speedometer goes out.Brake Assist System (BAS) (vehicle type 2500 only)
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency
situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the
BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby
potentially reducing braking distance.
Apply continuous full braking pressure until the
emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function
again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated.
WARNING!
If the indicator lamp k remains on, a malfunc-
tion may not only have occurred in the ASR sys-
tem but also in the BAS.
The handling and braking characteristics of your
vehicle change. Drive with extra caution.
Have the malfunction traced and repaired as soon
as possible by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
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5
For the indicator lamp k refer to "Indicator Lamp
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) and Brake Assist
System (BAS)
".
Indicator Lamp Electronic Stability Program
(ESP®) (vehicle type 2500 only)
When the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
ESP
® indicator lamp will light up in the
instrument cluster as a function check. It goes out
when the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp remains on or lights up when
the engine is running, the electronic stability program
(ESP
®) is malfunctioning and switched off
automatically. The engine’s power output may be then
reduced.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist system (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that
afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes
and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS 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 BAS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others
.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Driving too fast increases the risk of an accident.