THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2
IGNITION LOCK / STARTER SWITCH
The steering wheel is locked when the key is removed (0)
To remove the key, place the gear selector lever in position
"P"; rotate the key in the ignition lock to position 0; and
remove the key.
The steering wheel is unlocked (1)
Preheating and driving position (2)
Start position (3)To engage the steering wheel lock:
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel until
the steering wheel lock engages.
To release the steering wheel lock:
Turn the steering wheel slightly while turning the key
to position 1.
NOTE: If the driver’s or passenger’s door is opened
with the key in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock, a
warning buzzer sounds.
WARNING!
Do not remove the key from the ignition lock un-
less the vehicle is stationary. Always remove the
key from the ignition lock when leaving the ve-
hicle to prevent children or unauthorized per-
sons from starting the engine.
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Seat Belt Warning Lamp and Airbag Malfunction
When the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
warning lamp < lights up for about 6 seconds; this
takes place whether or not the driver’s seat belt is
fastened.
The warning lamp< must go out after about
6 seconds if the driver’s safety belt is fastened, or the
vehicle is standing still and the driver’s door is opened.
If after about 6 seconds, the driver’s safety belt is not
fastened with all doors closed,
and the vehicle speed does not exceed 15 mph (25
km/h), the warning lamp < remains on for as
long as the driver’s safety belt is not fastened.
and the vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h),
the warning lamp< flashes and a warning signal
sounds, which is repeated increasingly frequently
until the driver’s safety belt is fastened, or for a
maximum of 153 seconds from the time the vehicle
speed exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) if the driver’s
safety belt remains unfastened.If the driver’s safety belt remains unfastened after 153
seconds, the warning lamp < stops flashing and the
warning signal stops sounding. The warning lamp
< lights up for as long as the driver’s safety belt is
not fastened.
If the warning lamp < flashes after the first 6
seconds and no warning signal is audible, the
malfunction indicator lamp 1 is defective.
Have the malfunction indicator lamp 1checked and
repaired by an authorized Sprinter Dealer as soon as
possible.
Malfunction indicator lamp 1, refer to “SRS
Malfunction Indicator Lamp”.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2
AIRBAG AND BELT TENSIONERS
The vehicle is equipped with an airbag for the driver
and the front seat passenger as well as belt tensioners
for the driver and the front passenger. The system is
known as a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). It
has been designed to work together with the seat belt
and to supplement.
SRS Malfunction Indicator Lamp
When the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock, the
malfunction indicator lamp1 will light up in the
instrument cluster for about 4 seconds as a function
check.Belt Tensioners
The belt tensioners are located on the three-point seat
belts of the driver’s and front passenger seats.
The belt tensioners will not operate unless the key has
been turned to position 1 or 2 in the ignition lock.
The airbag and / or belt tensioners are designed to only
trigger in certain frontal impacts as not all accidents
call for airbag and / or belt tensioner deployment.
WARNING!
Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You
may damage the airbags and you could be injured
because the airbags are not there to protect you.
These protective covers for the airbag cushions are
designed to open only when the airbags are inflat-
ing.
WARNING!
If the malfunction indicator lamp1 does not
light up when the key is in position 2 in the igni-
tion lock, if it flickers or lights up while the vehi-
cle is moving, there might be a problem in the
airbag system. There is then a danger that the air-
bag will not deploy in the event of an accident or
will deploy when it should not do so. Have the ve-
hicle inspected and repaired by an authorized
Sprinter Dealer without delay.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55
2
NOTE: Use neither elastic fastening straps nor nets
when lashing down the load. These are only intended
as anti-slip protection for lighter loads.
The means used to tie down the load must not be run
over sharp edges or corners. Sharp edges or corners
should be given protective padding. Observe the
operating instructions for the material used to tie down
the material. Spread the load evenly between the
anchorages. If using a tensioning device, do not
overstress the lashing rings.
WARNING!
If you tension the tensioning belts between the
sidewalls, the maximum permissible load for the
lashing rings could be exceeded if the brakes are
applied suddenly or in the event of an accident.
The load would no longer be secured, which could
result in serious injuries caused by the load slip-
ping.
For this reason, do not tension a tensioning belt
between the side walls.
Observe the loading guidelines.
60 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
SEAT ADJUSTMENT
Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Seat
WARNING!
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving. Ad-
just the seat only while the vehicle is parked.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle. The seat belt
might not be properly adjusted and you could be
injured. Avoid seat positions in which you cannot
wear your seat belt correctly. They are a safety
hazard and must therefore be avoided; refer to
"Seat Belts".
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the backrest
reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position
can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat
belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt
would apply force at the abdomen or neck as this
could result in severe personal injuries and death.
The backrest and seat belt provide the best
restraint when the wearer is in an upright position
and the belt is properly positioned on the body.
Use the recliner only when the vehicle is parked.
WARNING!
Never place hands under seat or near any moving
parts while a seat is being adjusted. If the seat is
moved, to ensure engagement, the seat catches
must be heard.
The arms should be slightly bent when you are
holding the steering wheel. The distance from the
pedals should be such that you can depress them fully.
The rear area of the vehicle should not be used as
a play area by children when the vehicle is in
motion. They could be seriously injured in an
accident. Children should be seated and using the
proper restraint system.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision,
people riding in these area are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
HOODTo open:
1. Pull the release lever (1).
The hood then opens slightly and is restrained by
the safety catch.
WARNING!
When the hood is open, there is a risk of injury due
to very hot engine components.
When the engine is running or the key is in
position 2 in the ignition lock, there is a risk of
injury due to moving engine components and the
electrical system.
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils,
spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the
ignition system with the engine running, while
starting or if the ignition is on and the engine is
turned manually.
To help prevent severe personal injuries and death,
stay clear of moving parts when the hood is open
and the engine is running.
If you see flames or smoke coming from the engine
compartment, or if the coolant emperature gauge
indicates that the engine is overheated, do not open
the hood. Move away from vehicle and do not open
the hood until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call the fire department.WARNING!
Do not pull the release lever (1) while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be forced
open by passing air flow.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73
3
Lamp switch (3)
CSide lamps, license plate and instrument
lighting
õLow beam headlamps, high beam
headlamps
ƒMarker lamps, right, combination switch
up (1)
Marker lamps, left, combination switch
down (2)High beam headlamps (lamp switch positionõ) (4)
Headlamp flasher (also when turn signals are on) (5)
NOTE: When the key is in the ignition lock in the 0
position and the driver’s or passenger’s door is open, a
warning buzzer sounds, if the vehicle exterior lighting
(except for the marker lamps) has been switched on.
On vehicles with automatic switching-off of high
beam, with the key in 0 position and the lamp switch
position õ on low and high beam, parking lamps
are automatically switched on. When the driver’s or
passenger’s door is opened, a warning buzzer also
sounds.
For high beam (4) and headlamp flasher (5), the
indicator lamp A in the combination instrument
lights up.
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ELECTRICAL OUTLET
The electrical outlet is located on the
lower right in the center of the
dashboard.
NOTE: Maximum capacity: 180 VACONTROL AND OPERATION OF RADIO
TRANSMITTERS
Radio, Telephone and Two Way Radio
CAUTION!
Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not
in use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery
will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these
intermittently and with greater caution.
After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
alternator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
WARNING!
Please do not forget that your primary responsi-
bility is to drive the vehicle. Only operate the ra-
dio, telephone, navigation system, two-way radio
or fax when road and traffic conditions permit.
Otherwise you could be distracted from the traffic
and cause an accident. Always obey local laws and
regulations.
Remember that at a speed of just 30 mph (about 50
km/h), your vehicle is covering a distance of 50
feet (about 14 m) every second.