2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER engine

²Vehicle drift
For proper tire pressure specification refer to the
Tire Inflation Pressure Chart provided with the vehi-
cles Owners Manual. A Certification Label on the
drivers side door pillar provides the minimum tire
and rim size for the vehicle. The label also list the
cold inflation pressure for these tires at full load
operation
Tire pressures have been chosen to provide safe
operation, vehicle stability, and a smooth ride. Tire
pressure should be checked cold once a month. Tire
pressure decreases as the ambient temperature
drops. Check tire pressure frequently when ambient
temperature varies widely.
Tire inflation pressures are cold inflation pressure.
The vehicle must sit for at least 3 hours to obtain the
correct cold inflation pressure reading. Or be driven
less than one mile after sitting for 3 hours. Tire
inflation pressures may increase from 2 to 6 pounds
per square inch (psi) during operation. Do not reduce
this normal pressure build-up.
WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN
AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND TREAD WEAR.
THIS MAY CAUSE THE TIRE TO FAIL SUDDENLY,
RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRESSURE
GAUGES
A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to
check tire pressure. After checking the air pressure,
replace valve cap finger tight.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE OR
VIBRATION
Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses
caused by improper mounting, vibration, wheel
defects, or possibly tire imbalance.
To find out if tires are causing the noise or vibra-
tion, drive the vehicle over a smooth road at varying
speeds. Note the noise level during acceleration and
deceleration. The engine, differential and exhaust
noises will change as speed varies, while the tire
noise will usually remain constant.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a
13 mm (1/2 in.) band (Fig. 14).Tire replacement is necessary when indicators
appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding
occurs.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE WEAR PAT-
TERNS
Under inflation will cause wear on the shoulders of
tire. Over inflation will cause wear at the center of
tire.
Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an
angle to the road. One side of tread is then worn
more than the other (Fig. 15).
Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread
(Fig. 15).
Fig. 14 Tread Wear Indicators
1 - TREAD ACCEPTABLE
2 - TREAD UNACCEPTABLE
3 - WEAR INDICATOR
VATIRES/WHEELS 22 - 9

aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
When the conditions causing a water leak have
been determined, simulate the conditions as closely
as possible.
²If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open-
ended garden hose.
²If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds
in a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the
spray in a direction comparable to actual conditions.
²If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an
incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simu-
late this condition. This method can be used when
the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or
turns. If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the
front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking,
hoist the back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left
turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the leak
occurs on right turns, hoist the right side of the vehi-
cle. For hoisting recommendations (Refer to LUBRI-
CATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point-of-entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove inte-
rior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the
leak area. If the hose cannot be positioned without
being held, have someone help do the water test.
Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak
appears, find the highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will show the point of
entry. After leak point has been found, repair the
leak and water test to verify that the leak has
stopped.
Locating the entry point of water that is leaking
into a cavity between panels can be difficult. The
trapped water may splash or run from the cavity,
often at a distance from the entry point. Most water
leaks of this type become apparent after accelerating,
stopping, turning, or when on an incline.
MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use
a suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror canalso be used to deflect light to a limited-access area
to assist in locating a leak point.
BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD
Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can
be detected without water testing. Position the vehi-
cle in a brightly lit area. From inside the darkened
luggage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the luggage
compartment. If light is visible through a normally
sealed location, water could enter through the open-
ing.
PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD
When a water leak into the passenger compart-
ment cannot be detected by water testing, pressurize
the passenger compartment and soap test exterior of
the vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compart-
ment, close all doors and windows, start engine, and
set heater control to high blower in HEAT position. If
engine can not be started, connect a charger to the
battery to ensure adequate voltage to the blower.
With interior pressurized, apply dish detergent solu-
tion to suspected leak area on the exterior of the
vehicle. Apply detergent solution with spray device or
soft bristle brush. If soap bubbles occur at a body
seam, joint, seal or gasket, the leak entry point could
be at that location.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE
Wind noise is the result of most air leaks. Air leaks
can be caused by poor sealing, improper body compo-
nent alignment, body seam porosity, or missing plugs
in the engine compartment or door hinge pillar areas.
All body sealing points should be airtight in normal
driving conditions. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal airtight under all conditions. At times,
side glass or door seals will allow wind noise to be
noticed in the passenger compartment during high
cross winds. Over compensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop wind noise that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After a repair pro-
cedure has been performed, test vehicle to verify
noise has stopped before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place and
body components are aligned and sealed. If compo-
nent alignment or sealing is necessary, refer to the
appropriate section of this group for proper proce-
dures.
ROAD TESTING WIND NOISE
(1) Drive the vehicle to verify the general location
of the wind noise.
23 - 2 BODYVA

ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Left and right hood gaps 5   0.5 mm
Flush offset for hood/
fender·1.0 mm
(1) Check hood to fender gap. Refer to the SPECI-
FICATIONS table.
(2) Loosen hinge to cowl bolts and adjust hood side
to side, if necessary.
(3) Tighten bolts to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(4) Check hood to fender flushness. Refer to the
SPECIFICATIONS table.
(5) Loosen hinge to hood nuts and adjust hood up
and down, if necessary.
(6) Tighten nuts to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(7) Loosen safety latch bolts. (Fig. 2)
(8) Adjust latch to align with hood latch, if neces-
sary.
(9) Tighten safety latch bolts.
(10) Loosen safety latch striker pin lock nut and
adjust striker pin up and down to adjust front of
hood to fender flushness. Refer to the SPECIFICA-
TIONS table.
(11) Tighten lock nut fully.
(12) Adjust hood slam bumpers up or down if nec-
essary.
LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove bolts and remove latch. (Fig. 3)(2) Disconnect latch cable.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect latch cable and install latch.
(2) Install the bolts and tighten.
LATCH RELEASE CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the release handle screws and release
handle.
(2) Disconnect the cable from the handle.
(3) Remove the latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/HOOD/
LATCH - REMOVAL)
(4) Route cable through cowl panel and remove
from engine compartment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Route cable through engine compartment and
into passenger compartment as necessary.
(2) Install latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/HOOD/
LATCH - INSTALLATION)
(3) Connect cable to release handle.
(4) Install release handle and install the screws.
LATCH RELEASE HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screws and remove the release
handle.
(2) Disconnect the cable from handle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect latch cable to release handle.
(2) Install handle and install the screws.
Fig. 2 SAFETY LATCH
1 - SAFETY LATCH
2 - BOLTS
Fig. 3 HOOD LATCH
1 - BOLTS
2 - LATCH CABLE
3-LATCH
23 - 52 HOODVA

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C PERFORMANCE....................3
HEATER PERFORMANCE TEST...........5
ATC FUNCTION TEST...................6
SPECIFICATIONS
HEATING-A/C SYSTEM..................6CONTROLS-FRONT........................8
CONTROLS - REAR......................24
DISTRIBUTION - FRONT...................45
DISTRIBUTION - REAR....................52
PLUMBING.............................60
CABIN HEATER.........................104
HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING
DESCRIPTION
An automatic temperature control (ATC) single
zone type heating-A/C system is standard equipment
on this model.
To maintain the performance level of the heating,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the
engine cooling system must be properly maintained.
The use of a bug screen is not recommended. Any
obstructions in front of the radiator or A/C condenser
will reduce the performance of the A/C and engine
cooling systems.
The engine cooling system includes the radiator,
thermostat, radiator hoses and the engine coolant
pump. Refer to 7 - Cooling for more information
before opening or attempting any service to the
engine cooling system.
All vehicles are equipped with a common ventila-
tion housing (Fig. 1) located in the engine compart-
ment which includes:
²Blower motor
²Blower motor resistor block
²Recirculation door and actuator
All vehicles are also equipped with a common
heater housing (Fig. 2) mounted under the instru-
ment panel which includes:
²Heater core
²Evaporator core
²Evaporator temperature sensor
²Expansion valve
²Air outlet temperature sensor
²Mode doors
Fig. 1 Ventilation Housing
1 - NUT (5)
2 - WASHER (5)
3 - VENTILATION HOUSING
4 - HOUSING COVER
VAHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 1

Some vehicles are equipped with an additional
Denso 10S17 A/C compressor mounted to the engine
which is used for the optional rear A/C system and
various add-on A/C systems (Fig. 3).A heater booster is used to aid in warming the
engine coolant. The heater booster system can be
switched on while the vehicle is being driven to help
the engine reach its normal operating temperature
quickly and will help aid in heating up the air within
the passenger compartment quickly when requested
by the operator (Fig. 4).
OPERATION
Outside air enters the vehicle through the hood
opening at the base of the windshield, and passes
through the ventilation housing located in the engine
compartment into the heater housing located behind
the instrument panel. Air flow velocity is adjusted
with the blower motor speed selector thumbwheel on
the A/C-heater control. The air intake openings must
be kept free of snow, ice, leaves, and other obstruc-
tions for the HVAC system to receive a sufficient vol-
ume of outside air.
The automatic temperature control (ATC) system
controls interior temperature by taking actual values
from the temperature sensors and the CAN bus and
comparing them to the nominal value of the temper-
ature control switch. The electric pulsed heater valve
is then energized depending on the requested quan-
tity of heat and an electrically-operated water pump
gives a nearly constant water flow for exact temper-
ature regulation. If the solenoid is not energized, the
coolant circuit to the heat exchanger is fully open. To
control the temperature the solenoid valve is pulsed
by the ATC in periods of four seconds.
The mode control knob on the A/C-heater control is
used to direct the conditioned air flow to the selected
air outlets. The mode control knob operates the mode
doors by cables connected to the mode doors.
Fig. 2 Heater Housing
1 - SCREW (12)
2 - UPPER HOUSING
3 - A/C EVAPORATOR
4 - EVAPORATOR O-RING SEAL (2)
5 - EVAPORATOR GASKET
6 - VENTILATION HOUSING GASKET
7 - LOWER HOUSING
8 - WIRING HARNESS
9 - BOLT (3)
10 - HEATER CORE
11 - HEATER CORE TUBE ASSEMBLY
12 - HEATER CORE TUBE GASKET
13 - HEATER CORE TUBE O-RING SEAL (2)
Fig. 3 Denso 10S17 A/C Compressor
Fig. 4 Heater Booster
24 - 2 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGVA

When the outside air contains smoke, odors, high
humidity, or if rapid cooling is desired, interior air
can by recirculated by selecting the Recirculation
Mode with the mode control knob. The mode control
knob operates the recirculation door through use of a
vacuum actuator. When the Recirculation Mode is
selected, the recirculation door is closed to prevent
outside air from entering the passenger compart-
ment.
To maintain minimum evaporator temperature and
prevent evaporator freezing, an evaporator tempera-
ture sensor is used.
The A/C system is designed for the use of non-CFC,
R-134a refrigerant only and uses an expansion valve
to meter refrigerant flow to the evaporator.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A / C PERFORMANCE
The A/C system is designed to provide the passen-
ger compartment with low temperature and low
humidity air. The A/C evaporator, located in the
HVAC housing is cooled to temperatures near the
freezing point. As warm damp air passes over the
fins of the A/C evaporator, the air transfers its heat
to the refrigerant in the evaporator coils and the
moisture in the air condenses on the evaporator fins.
During periods of high heat and humidity, an A/C
system will be more effective in the Recirculation
mode (max-A/C). With the system in the Recircula-
tion mode, only air from the passenger compartment
passes through the A/C evaporator. As the passenger
compartment air dehumidifies, the A/C system per-
formance levels rise.
Humidity has an important bearing on the temper-
ature of the air delivered to the interior of the vehi-
cle. It is important to understand the effect that
humidity has on the performance of the A/C system.
When humidity is high, the A/C evaporator has to
perform a double duty. It must lower the air temper-
ature, and it must lower the temperature of the
moisture in the air that condenses on the evaporator
fins. Condensing the moisture in the air transfers
heat energy into the evaporator fins and coils. This
reduces the amount of heat the A/C evaporator can
absorb from the air. High humidity greatly reduces
the ability of the A/C evaporator to lower the temper-
ature of the air.
However, evaporator capacity used to reduce the
amount of moisture in the air is not wasted. Wring-
ing some of the moisture out of the air entering the
vehicle adds to the comfort of the passengers.
Although, an owner may expect too much from their
A/C system on humid days. A performance test is the
best way to determine whether the system is per-
forming up to design standards. This test also pro-
vides valuable clues as to the possible cause oftrouble with the A/C system. The ambient air tem-
perature in the location where the vehicle will be
tested must be a minimum of 21É C (70É F) for this
test.
A / C PERFORMANCE TEST
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and
cautions for this system before performing the fol-
lowing operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cau-
tions could result in possible personal injury or
death.
NOTE: Very specific instructions and conditions
pertain to this procedure which are significantly dif-
ferent than procedures used in other vehicle appli-
cations. Follow each step in the order they are
presented. Do not skip steps or change conditions
from those stated or results will be adversely
affected and invalid.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection.
(1) Check for diagnostic trouble codes using a
DRBIIItscan tool. If no DTCs are found in the
engine control module (ECM), go to Step 2. If any
DTCs are found, repair as required, then proceed to
Step 2.
(2) Place the vehicle in the shade and operate the
heating-A/C system under the following conditions.
²Engine at idle at operating temperature
²All doors or windows open
²Transaxle in Neutral
²All A/C duct louvers open
²A/C-heater controls set to fresh air (NOT Recir-
culate), full cool, panel mode, high blower and with
A/C compressor engaged.
NOTE: The A/C compressor clutch is de-energized
under any of the following conditions:
²Restricted compressor (thermal fuse in the pul-
ley)
²Low pressure in the system
²Low evaporator temperature
²Hard acceleration (WOT)
²High coolant temperatures
(3) Insert a thermometer in the driver side center
panel air outlet and operate the A/C system until the
thermometer temperature stabilizes.
VAHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 3

(4) With the A/C compressor clutch engaged, duct
temperature should not be less than 2É C (35É F) or
more than 12É C (54É F). The compressor clutch may
cycle, depending upon the ambient temperature and
humidity. If the clutch cycles, use the readings
obtained before the clutch disengaged.
(5) If the A/C compressor clutch has not cycled off
and the duct temperature is less than 2É C (35É F),
check the evaporator temperature sensor and circuitby performing the ATC Function Test (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - ATC FUNCTION TEST).
(6) If the air outlet temperature fails to meet the
specifications, refer to the A/C System Diagnosis
chart.
A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
Condition Possible Causes Correction
Rapid A/C compressor clutch
cycling (ten or more cycles
per minute).Very low refrigerant system
charge.See Refrigerant System Leaks in this group.
Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair,
evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if
required.
Equal pressures, but the
compressor clutch does not
engage.1. No refrigerant in the refrig-
erant system.1. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this
group. Test the refrigerant system for leaks.
Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant
system, if required.
2. Faulty fuse. 2. Check the fuses in the Power distribution
block and junction block. Repair the shorted
circuit or component and replace the fuses, if
required. Refer to Group 8.
3. Faulty A/C compressor
clutch coil.3. See A/C Compressor Clutch Coil in this
group. Test the compressor clutch coil and
replace, if required.
4. Improperly installed or faulty
evaporator temperature sensor.4. See Evaporator Temperature Sensor in this
group. Test the sensor and replace, if re-
quired.
5. Faulty A/C pressure trans-
ducer.5. See A/C Pressure Transducer in this
group. Test the sensor and replace, if re-
quired.
6. Faulty engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM).6. Refer to Group 9 - Engine Electrical Diag-
nostics for testing of the ECM. Test the ECM
and replace, if required.
Normal pressures, but A/C
Performance Test air temper-
atures at center panel outlet
are too high.1. Excessive refrigerant oil in
system.1. See Refrigerant Oil Level in this group.
Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system and inspect the refrigerant oil content.
Restore the refrigerant oil to the proper level,
if required.
2. Blend door cable improperly
installed or faulty.2. See Mode Door Cables in this group. In-
spect the cable for proper operation and re-
place, if required.
3. Blend-air door(s) inoperative
or sealing improperly.3. See HVAC Housing in this group. Inspect
the blend-air door(s) for proper operation and
sealing. Repair if required.
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGVA

Condition Possible Causes Correction
The low side pressure is
normal or slightly low, and
the high side pressure is too
low.1. Low refrigerant system
charge.1. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this
group. Test the refrigerant system for leaks.
Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant
system, if required.
2. Refrigerant flow through the
A/C evaporator is restricted.2. See A/C Evaporator in this group. Replace
the restricted A/C evaporator, if required.
3. Faulty A/C compressor. 3. See A/C Compressor in this group. Re-
place the A/C compressor, if required.
The low side pressure is
normal or slightly high, and
the high side pressure is too
high.1. A/C condenser air flow re-
stricted.1. Check the A/C condenser for damaged
fins, foreign objects obstructing air flow
through the condenser fins, and missing or
improperly installed air seals. Clean, repair, or
replace components as required.
2. Refrigerant flow through the
receiver/drier is restricted.2. See Receiver/Drier in this group. Replace
the restricted receiver/drier, if required.
3. Inoperative radiator cooling
fan.3. Test the radiator cooling fan and replace, if
required. Refer to Group 7 - Cooling.
4. Refrigerant system over-
charged.4. See Refrigerant System Charge in this
group. Recover the refrigerant from the refrig-
erant system. Charge the refrigerant system
to the proper level, if required.
5. Air in the refrigerant system. 5. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this
group. Test the refrigerant system for leaks.
Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant
system, if required.
6. Engine overheating. 6. Test the engine cooling system and repair,
if required. Refer to Group 7 - Cooling.
The low side pressure is too
high, and the high side pres-
sure is too low.1. Accessory drive belt slip-
ping.1. Inspect the accessory drive belt condition
and tension. Repair as required. Refer to
Group 7 - Cooling.
2. Faulty A/C expansion valve. 2. See A/C Expansion Valve in this group.
Replace the valve, if required.
3. Faulty A/C compressor. 3. See A/C Compressor in this group. Re-
place the A/C compressor, if required.
The low side pressure is too
low, and the high side pres-
sure is too high.1. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the refrigerant lines.1. See Liquid Line, Suction Line and Dis-
charge Line in this group. Inspect the refriger-
ant lines for kinks, tight bends or improper
routing. Correct the routing or replace the re-
frigerant line, if required.
2. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the A/C expansion
valve.2. See A/C Expansion Valve in this group.
Replace the valve, if required.
3. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the A/C condenser.3. See A/C Condenser in this group. Replace
the restricted A/C condenser, if required.
HEATER PERFORMANCE TEST
Before performing the following tests, perform the
ATC Function Test using the DRBIIItand refer to
Cooling for the procedures to check the radiator cool-
ant level, serpentine drive belt tension, radiator air
flow and the radiator fan operation.
MAXIMUM HEATER OUTPUT
Engine coolant is provided to the heater core
through a heater valve and heater hose. With the
engine idling at normal operating temperature, set
the heater-A/C controls as follows:
²Temperature control in the full hot position
VAHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 5