
220 STARTING AND OPERATING
The higher the weight of all occupants, the less cargo
and luggage load capacity is available.
For more information, refer to "Trailer Tongue Load".
ExampleCombined
weight limit of
occupants and
cargo from
placardNumber of
occupants
(driver and
passengers)Seating
configurationOccupants weightCombined
weight of all
occupantsAvailable cargo/luggage
and trailer tongue weight
(total load limit from
placard minus combined
weight of all occupants)
1 1500 lbs 5 front: 2
rear: 3Occupant 1: 150 lbs
Occupant 2: 180 lbs
Occupant 3: 160 lbs
Occupant 4: 140 lbs
Occupant 5: 120 lbs.750 lbs 1500 lbs – 750 lbs = 750 lbs
2 1500 lbs 3 front: 1
rear: 2Occupant 1: 200 lbs
Occupant 2: 190 lbs
Occupant 3: 150 lbs 540 lbs 1500 lbs – 540 lbs = 960 lbs
3 1500 lbs 1 front: 1 Occupant 1: 150 lbs 150 lbs 1500 lbs – 150 lbs = 1350 lbs

STARTING AND OPERATING 221
5
Certification Label
Even after careful determination of the combined
weight of all occupants, cargo and the trailer tongue
load (if applicable) as to not exceed the permissible
load limit, you must make sure that your vehicle never
exceeds the Gross VehicleWeight Rating (GVWR) and
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the
front or rear axle.
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle
weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear axles
must not be exceeded.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement "The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage
and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never
exceed the weight referenced here.
You can obtain the GVWR and GAWR from the
Certification label. The Certification Label can be
found below the driver’s seat on an outward facing
position of the mounting pillar. For more information on the trailer tongue load, refer
to "Trailer Tongue Load".
TRAILER TOWING
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.

222 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.Vehicle and Trailer Weights and Ratings
Gross 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:
Type GVWR GAWR (FA) GAWR (RA)
2500
C/HC /
SHC8,550 lbs
3,878 kgs3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs)5,360 lbs
(2,431 kgs)
3500
C/HC /
SHC9,990 lbs
4,531 kgs3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs)7,060 lbs
(3,202 kgs)
10,200 lbs
4,627 kgs3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs)7,060 lbs
(3,202 kgs)

STARTING AND OPERATING 223
5
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.
NOTE: The GVWR and GAWR of your vehicle is
indicated on the Certification Label.
Trailer Tongue Load
The tongue load (tongue weight at the hitch ball) of any
trailer is an important weight tomeasure because it
affects the load you can carry in your vehicle. If a trailer
is towed, the tongue load must be added to the weight
of all occupants riding and any cargo you are carrying
in the vehicle to prevent exceeding your Sprinter tow
vehicle’s rear GAWR. The tongue load typically is
between 10 % and 15 % of the trailer weight and
everything loaded in it.
For example, if the trailer tongue load equals 140 lbs.
and the determined available cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight equals 750 lbs., the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 610 lbs.
(750 – 140 = 610 lbs.)Loading a Trailer
When 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.
Load 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.

224 STARTING AND OPERATING
Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer
To assure that the tow vehicle and trailer are in
compliance with the maximum permissible weight
limits, and to know the actual weights, have the loaded
vehicle-trailer combination (tow vehicle including
driver, passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
Check the vehicle’s front and rear Gross Axle Weight
(GAW), the GTW and TW. The values as measured
must not be exceeded, according to the weight listed
under “Vehicle and trailer weight and ratings”.
Attaching a Trailer
Please observe maximum permitted trailer dimensions
(width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces require safety
chains between your tow vehicle and the trailer. The
chains should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue.
They must be attached to the hitch receiver, and not to
the vehicle’s bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough
slack in the chains to permit turning corners.
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
separate brake system at various trailer weights.
WARNING!
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if trailer is
so equipped) directly to the vehicle’s hydraulic
brake system as your vehicle is equipped with an-
tilock brakes. If you do, neither the vehicle’s
brakes nor the trailer’s brakes will function prop-
erly. This could cause an accident resulting in
property damage, injury or death to you or others.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for
trailer towing has a brake signal wire for hook-up
to a brake controller.
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
break-away switch on trailers with a separate
brake system. The switch activates the trailer
brakes in the possible event that the trailer might
separate from the tow vehicle.
You should consider using a trailer sway control
system. For further information see your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 307
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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).

INDEX 319
10
Care of Vehicle
Engine Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Headlamps, Taillamps, Turn Signal Lenses . . . . 273
Vehicle Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Care of vehicle
Paintwork, painted body components . . . . . . . . 272
Power washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tar stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Catalytic Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Central Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Central Locking Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Locking and Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Locking Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
To Program the Automatic Lock Feature . . . . . . . 19
Changing a Bulb
Additional Brake Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Exit Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Front Lamp Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Interior Lighting with Interior Sensor
Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Reading Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Side-Marker Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Side-Mounted Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Taillamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Changing the Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Checking Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer. . . . . . . . . 224
Cigar Lighter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Cleaning
Cup Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Hard Plastic Trim Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Light Alloy Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Plastic and Rubber Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Seat Belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Steering Wheel and Gear Selector Lever . . . . . . . 275
Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Wiper Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Cleaning Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

328 INDEX
Towing Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Towing Protection and Passenger Compartment
Protection Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
If the Engine is Damaged. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
If the Front Axle is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
If the Rear Axle is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
If the Transmission is Damaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Attaching a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer . . . . . . 224
Electrical Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Loading a Trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Parking a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Trailer Hitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Trailer Tongue Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Vehicle and Trailer Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Trailer Tongue Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223Transmission, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Two Way Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
UUsing the Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
VVehicle / Engine Emission Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Vehicle Alteration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Vehicle and Trailer Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Vehicle and Trailer Weights and Ratings. . . . . . . . . 221
Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Vehicle Safety Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Vehicle Tool Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Vehicle Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Vehicles type 2500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Vehicles type 3500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Ventilation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Ventilation, Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
WWading Capability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Warning Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102, 156
Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315