
260 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Check the engine oil level at regular intervals with the
vehicle standing on a level surface.
Check engine oil level about 5 minutes after
stopping the engine, which should have reached its
regular operating temperature. The normal
operating temperature should have been reached
and maintained for some time.
Wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free cloth before
checking.
The engine oil level must be between the
lower (MIN) and upper (MAX) marks on
the dipstick.
Add engine oil only up to the MAX mark.
Excess oil must be drained or siphoned off.Ribbed V-Belt
The 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.

262 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Failure to use MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze and/or
equivalent to DaimlerChrysler material standard MS-
9769 and/or adhere to the specified replacement interval
may result in a significantly shortened service life.
For coolant composition and water quality, contact
your authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Engine Coolant
The coolant is a mixture of water and a corrosion
inhibitor/antifreeze additive. Within the cooling
system, the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze ensures
anti-corrosion protection
antifreeze protection
a higher boiling point.
The coolant added in the factory ensures adequate
antifreeze and anti-corrosion protection.
Refer to the "Recommended Fluids" chart for coolant
recommendations.
For reasons of anti-corrosion protection and to increase
the boiling point, the coolant added to the cooling
system is designed for all year round operation – even
in countries with high prevailing temperatures.Have 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.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263
7
A regular check is included in the maintenance service.
Checking Coolant Level
Pressure cap on coolant 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).
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).
Allow engine to cool down before removing cap.
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.

264 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Open the hood.
At first, only turn the pressure cap on coolant
reservoir to the first detent to release the pressure
from the cooling system. Only then should the
pressure 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).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 pressure cap on coolant
reservoir.
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.
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.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 265
7
WINTER OPERATION
Have 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 and headlamp cleaning
system (optional): add windshield washer fluid
"winter wash" to the water, depending on ambient
temperatures.
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 with a minimum tread
depth of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all wheels
for the winter season.BATTERIES
The standard battery is located in the engine
compartment.
WARNING!
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe personal injuries and death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting, you
might get injured, if the battery explodes.
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
affected area with water and seek medical help if
necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.
Use only impact-resistant batteries with a central
gas release cover to prevent corrosion damage and
to prevent occupants from caustic burns in the
event of an accident.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 307
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
If bodies built by manufacturers other than
DaimlerChrysler Corporation are fitted to the vehicle, the
maintenance requirements and lubrication intervals
specified by the body manufacturer must be adhered to,
in addition to all standard maintenance requirements.
Brake Fluid
Only use brake fluids approved by the manufacturer
(DOT 4 plus). Information about brake fluids is
available from your Sprinter Dealer.
Coolant
Have the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration
in the coolant checked before the onset of winter (once
a year in countries with high prevailing temperatures).
Have the coolant renewed every fifteen years or
100,000 miles.
Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation Replacement
The dust filter and the tailgate interior filter are
renewed during routine maintenance service.
However, if operating conditions are dusty, these
filters should be renewed more frequently.ENGINE OIL CHANGE AND FILTER
REPLACEMENT
In a minimum, change the engine oil and oil filter once
a year - even if the vehicle mileage per year is extremly
low. For standard oil service schedules, please see the
chapter oil service and maintenance service.
Once a Year
Select the viscosity of the engine oil (SAE classes)
according to the outside air temperature.
Only use engine oil approved by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation if following the ASSYST system
guidelines.
Information is available from your Sprinter Dealer.
If the fuel used has a sulphur content exceeding 0.05 %
by weight, the service intervals should be split in half.
If the sulphur content of the fuel used is between 0.3%
and 0.8% by weight, the service intervals should be
split in half (i.e. every 5,000 miles instead of every
10,000 miles).

320 INDEX
Climate Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Comfortseat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Comfortseat (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Compartments in Front Doors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Constant RPMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Consumer Assistance
Be Reasonable with Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
If You Need Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Prepare a List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Prepare for the Appointment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Coolant Level Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Coolant, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Cooling System, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Cup Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
DDe-Fogging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Dehumidification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
De-Icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Diesel Fuels for Use at Very Low Temperatures . . 211Direction of Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Displaying Engine Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Doors
Front Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Rear Cargo Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Sliding Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . 214
Driver’s Airbag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Driving Safety Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
EElectric Sun Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Electrical Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Fuse and Relay Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 281
Fuse, Relay, and Diode Assignments - Optional
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Relay Assignment, Standard Equipment . . . . . . 281
Standard Fuse and Relay Equipment. . . . . . . . . . 277
Electrical Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Electronic Brake Force Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Electronic Brake Force Distribution Lamp . . . . . . . . 160
Electronic Stability Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Emission Label, Vehicle/Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

INDEX 321
10
Emission Related Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Emissions Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Engine Break-in Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Engine Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Engine Control Unit Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Engine Coolant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Engine Oil Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Engine Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Indicator in Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Engine Oil Level - Display in Instrument Cluster . 114
Engine Oil Level Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Engine Oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Engine Speed, Maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Engine, Stopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Exhaust Gas, Inhalation of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54, 228
FFax Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Fog Lamp Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68Folding Seat at Partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Fording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Front Seat Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Fuel Tank Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Bleeding the Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Diesel Fuels for Use at Very Low Temperatures 211
Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . 214
Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Fuel Tank Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Fuse and Relay Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Fuse, Relay, and Diode Assignments - Optional
Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Fuses, Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
GGear Selector Lever Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Glove Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Lockable Glove Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87