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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. 
         
        
        
     
        
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174 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 malfunc-
tioning. The vehicle stability will no longer be au-
tomatically 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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182 STARTING AND OPERATING
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These
indicators are located in six places on the tread
circumference and become visible at a tread depth of
approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire
is considered worn and should be replaced.
Recommended minimum tire tread depth:
 Summer tires 1/8 in (3 mm)
 Winter tires 1/6 in (4 mm)Storing Tires
Cleaning Tires
Direction of Rotation
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the intended
direction of rotation (spinning) of the tire which
means, the wheel must mounted in the direction of
rotation.
WARNING!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when the
treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible at ap-
proximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), do not allow your
tires to wear down to that level. As tread depth ap-
proaches 1/8 in (3 mm) for summer tires or 1/6 in 4
mm) for winter tires, the adhesion properties on a
wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road surface
conditions), the tire traction varies widely.
WARNING!
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as
little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires
from contact with oil, grease and diesel fuel.
WARNING!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the
tire.
Always replace a damaged tire. 
         
        
        
     
        
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5
Tire Sizes for Sprinter Vehicles
1. Vehicles with programmed top speed limit of 68
mph (109 km/h) only.
Design Standard
Depending on the design standards used, the tire size
molded into the sidewall may have no letter or a letter
(1) preceding the tire width or the tire load rating
designation. 
Letter "LT" preceding the tire width designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards.
Letter "C" preceding the tire load rating designation:
Commercial vehicle tire based on European design
standards.Tire Width
The tire width (2) indicates the nominal tire width in
mm.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio (3) is the dimensional relationship
between tire section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio is arrived at
by dividing section height by section width.
Tire Code
The tire code (4) indicates the tire construction type.
The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter “D” means
diagonal or bias ply construction; letter “B” means
belted-bias ply construction.
Rim Diameter
The rim diameter (5) is the diameter of the bead seat,
not the diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Tire Load Rating
The tire load rating (6) is a numerical code associated
with the maximum load a tire can support. Sprinter type
2500 C/HC/SHC 3500 C/HC/SHC
225/70 R 15 C 112/110 R
(115 N)195/70 R 15 C 104/102 R 
LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 N LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 N
LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 L
1LT 225/75 R 16 115/112 L1 
         
        
        
     
        
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214 STARTING AND OPERATING
BLEEDING DIESEL FUEL SYSTEM
If 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.DRAINING FUEL FILTER WITH WATER 
SEPARATOR
1. Fuel filter
2. Drain hose
3. Water drain screw
The fuel filter (1) is located in the engine compartment.
NOTE: The fuel filter must be drained as soon as the
water in fuel indicator lamp   lights up. 
         
        
        
     
        
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5
NOTE: Prior to opening water drain screw (3), place a
suitable receptacle underneath the drain hose (2). Turn
water drain screw (3) on and off only by hand. 
Diesel fuels and diesel fuel mixtures must be disposed
of properly; we recommend water be drained from fuel
filters by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Draining Fuel Filter
 Stop the engine.
 Shift gear selector lever to ‘‘P’’ position.
 Open the hood.
 Place a suitable receptacle underneath the drain
hose (2).
 Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2. Open immediately the water drain screw (3) about 1
turn (counterclockwise) until fluid emerges. Ensure
that the fluid is collected in the receptacle.
 Close the water drain screw (3) as soon as about 0.25
US qt (0.2 liters) are emerged.
 After draining, return the key in the ignition lock to
position 0.
 Dispose of the collected fluid in an environmentally
responsible manner.
 If the filter is still saturated, drain the filter once
more.
After draining, the engine may run briefly but stall for
lack of fuel. If this occurs, bleed the system.
NOTE: Should the water in the fuel indicator lamp
 still not go out after the fuel filter has been drained
twice, the cause should be examined by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
CAUTION!
Delaying draining of the fuel filter for a 
considerable time after the indicator lamp lights 
up may lead to engine damage. 
         
        
        
     
        
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5
Towing a Trailer
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailer towing. Make
sure that your vehicle-trailer combination will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also for where you
will be driving. A good source for this information can
be the police or local authorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer, check the
trailer hitch, break-away switch, safety chains,
electrical connections, lighting and tires. Also adjust
the mirrors to permit unobstructed view beyond rear
of trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and
trailer moving slowly, and then apply only the trailer
brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally to be sure
that the load is secure, and that lighting and trailer
brakes (if so equipped) are functioning properly. 
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shifts
while driving.Take into consideration that when towing a trailer, the
handling characteristics are different and less stable
from those when operating the vehicle without a
trailer. It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers. The
vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and
therefore is limited in acceleration and climbing ability,
and requires longer stopping distances. It is more
prone to reacting to side wind gusts, and requires more
sensitive steering input.
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning, stopping
and backing up in an area which is free from traffic.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rather engage
the brake slightly at first to permit the trailer to activate
its brake. Then increase the braking force.