
199 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
\3 Tires and wheelsThe tires on a new vehicle provide a bal-
ance of many characteristics. They should
be inspected regularly for wear and correct
cold tire inflation pressure. The vehicle
manufacturer strongly recommends using
tires equivalent to the originals in size,
quality and performance when a replace-
ment becomes necessary.
Refer to the tire and loading information
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar
(\2page 373) for the size designation of
your tire.
The service description and load identifica-
tion will be found on the original equip-
ment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your Sprinter
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Sprinter Dealer or
an authorized tire dealer with any ques-
tions you may have on tire specifications
or capability.For more information on tire size designa-
tion, load and speed rating, see "Tire label-
ing" (\2page 222).
See an authorized Sprinter Dealer for infor-
mation on tested and recommended rims
and tires for summer and winter operation.
They can also offer advice concerning tire
service and purchase.
!
CAUTION
Only use tires which have been tested
and approved for your Sprinter vehicle
by the vehicle manufacturer. Tires ap-
proved by the vehicle manufacturer are
developed to provide the best possible
performance in conjunction with the
driving safety systems on your Sprinter
vehicle such as ABS, BAS, ASR or
ESP®.
Using tires other than those approved
by the vehicle manufacturer may result
in damage that is not covered by the
Sprinter warranty.
!
CAUTION
Using tires other than those approved
by the vehicle manufacturer can have
detrimental effects, such as
\4poor handling characteristics
\4increased noise
\4increased fuel consumption
Tires and rims not approved by the ve-
hicle manufacturer may, under load,
exhibit dimensional variations and dif-
ferent tire deformation characteristics
that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the vehi-
cle may be the result.

234 OperationWinter driving
4
\3 Winter drivingHave your vehicle winterproofed at the
onset of winter at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. This service includes the following:
\4Oil change, if the current engine oil
used has not been approved for winter
use
\4The antifreeze / anti-corrosion concen-
tration in the coolant is checked
\4The addition of a concentrated clean-
ing agent to the water in the windshield
washer system
\4Battery check
\4A tire change
You will find information about diesel fuel
for use at low outside temperatures in the
“Technical data” section (\2page 360).
Please also observe the information about
winter driving (\2page 235).Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Winter tires should
be of the same size and type construction
as the summer tires.
Winter tires should also be operated as
printed on the tire and loading information
placard, refer to "Tires and wheels"
(\2page 199). Not all M+S rated radial-ply
tires provide special winter performance.
Make sure the tires you use show M+S and
the mountain/snowflake marking.on
the tire side wall. These tires meet specific
snow traction performance requirements
of the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of Can-
ada (RAC) and have been designed specif-
ically for use in snow conditions. Use of
winter tires is the only way to achieve the
maximum effectiveness of the ABS, BAS,
ASR and ESP
® in winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all winter
tires mounted are of the same make and
have the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
\1Reactivate the tire pressure monitor.
While studded tires improve performance
on ice, skid and traction capability on wet
or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of
non-studded tires. Some states prohibit
studded tires; therefore, local laws should
be checked before using these tire types.
Winter tires
Warning
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under 1/6 in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.

268 Practical hintsWhat to do if ...
5
Indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument clusterWarning
G
Always have maintenance work carried out
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer which has
the necessary specialist knowledge and
tools to carry out the work required.
The manufacturer recommends that you use
an authorized Sprinter Dealer for this pur-
pose.
In particular, work relevant to safety or on
safety-related systems must be carried out
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer. There is a
risk of an accident and injury if this work is
carried out incorrectly.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
v
The yellow ASR/ESP
® warning
lamp flashes while the vehicle is
in motion.
WARNING
G
ESP
® or ASR is intervening because at least
one of the wheels has reached its tire grip
limit.
\1Adapt your driving style to suit the
road and traffic conditions. Do not
use too much throttle.
\1Drive slowly.
The yellow ASR / ESP
® warning
lamp is lit while the engine is run-
ning.
WARNING
G
ASR is deactivated.
\1Reactivate ASR.
Exceptions (\2page 45).
#
-
k
6
The yellow ESP
®, ABS-, ASR/
BAS indicator lamps and the red
brake system indicator lamp are
lit while the engine is running.
WARNING
G
EBV has malfunctioned.
The rear wheels could lock up sooner than
expected when you apply the brakes.
\1Also observe the messages in the dis-
play on vehicles with steering wheel
buttons (\2page 284).
\1Continue driving, but with even great-
er care.
\1Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer as soon as pos-
sible.

269 Practical hints
What to do if ...
5
#
-
k
6
The yellow ESP
®, ABS, ASR/BAS
indicator lamps and the red
brake system indicator lamp are
lit while the engine is running.
WARNING
G
EBV has been deactivated due to undervolt-
age.
The battery may not be being charged.
The rear wheels could lock up sooner than
expected when you apply the brakes.
\1Also observe the messages in the dis-
play on vehicles with steering wheel
buttons (\2page 284).
\1Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so.
\1Do not drive any further.
\1Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
6
The red brake system indicator
lamp is lit while the engine is run-
ning.
A signal also sounds.
WARNING
G
There is insufficient brake fluid in the fluid
reservoir.
\1Also observe the messages in the dis-
play on vehicles with steering wheel
buttons (\2page 284).
\1Do not add brake fluid under any cir-
cumstances. This will not solve the
problem.
\1Do not drive any further.
\1Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
6
When towing a trailer:
The red brake system indicator
lamp is lit while the engine is run-
ning.
A signal also sounds.
WARNING
G
The trailer's brake booster is malfunctioning.
The vehicle's driving and braking characteris-
tics may change. There is a risk of the trailer
overbraking.
\1Also observe the messages in the dis-
play on vehicles with steering wheel
buttons (\2page 284).
\1Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so.
\1Do not drive any further.
\1Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions

271 Practical hints
What to do if ...
5
-
The yellow ABS indicator lamp is
lit while the engine is running.
WARNING
G
ABS has been deactivated due to a malfunc-
tion. ESP
®, ASR and BAS as well as cruise
control have also been deactivated as a re-
sult.
The brake system continues to function
with the normal braking effect but with no
electronic support. The wheels could there-
fore lock up, for example if the brakes are
applied with maximum force.
\1Also observe the messages in the dis-
play on vehicles with steering wheel
buttons (\2page 284).
\1Continue driving, but with even great-
er care.
\1Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
WARNING
G
ABS is temporarily unavailable.
Self diagnosis may not have been complet-
ed yet.
The brake system is still available with the
normal braking effect.
\1Drive on for a distance of more than
13 mph (20 km / h).
ABS is available again if the message
goes out.
ABS has been deactivated due to undervolt-
age.
The battery may not be being charged.
The brake system continues to function
with the normal braking effect but with no
electronic support. The wheels could there-
fore lock up, for example if the brakes are
applied with maximum force.
\1Continue driving, but with even great-
er care.
\1Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions

285 Practical hints
Display messages
5
Text messagesDisplay messages
Possible cause / result
Possible solution
ABS
Visit workshop
WARNING
G
ABS has been deactivated due to a malfunc-
tion. ESP
®, ASR and BAS as well as cruise
control have also been deactivated as a re-
sult.
The brake system is still available with the
full brake boosting effect but without ABS.
\1Continue driving, but with even greater
care.
\1Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Sprinter Dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
unavailable
WARNING
G
ABS is temporarily unavailable.
Self diagnosis may not have been complet-
ed yet.
The brake system is still available with the
normal braking effect.
\1Drive on for a distance of more than
13 mph (20 km / h).
ABS is available again if the message
goes out.
ABS has been deactivated due to undervolt-
age.
The battery may not be being charged.
The brake system is still available with the
normal braking effect.
\1Continue driving, but with even greater
care.
\1Visit an authorized Sprinter Dealer im-
mediately.

299 Practical hints
Where will I find...?
5
The warning triangles are behind the driv-
er's seat.
1Warning triangles
\1Remove warning triangles1 from the
brackets upward.The fire extinguisher is secured to the front
of the co-driver’s seat base.
1Fire extinguisher
2Tabs
\1Pull tabs2 upward.
\1Take fire extinguisher1 out of the
bracket.The first-aid kit is located in the storage
compartment in the co-driver’s door.
1Locked
2Unlocked
Turn the two quick-release locks clockwise
to unlock2 and fold out the cover.
Warning triangle and warning lamp
N72.10-2148-31
Fire extinguisheriRead the instructions on the fire extin-
guisher carefully and familiarize your-
self with its operation.
First-aid kit

347 Practical hintsFuses
5
Fuse block F55/1Fuse block F55/2
No.
Consumer
Amp.
1
Horn
15 A
2
Electric steering lock ESTL
(electronic ignition switch
EIS)
25 A
3
Te rm ina l 30 Z , ve hi cle s wit h
gasoline engine/electronic
ignition switch EIS/instru-
ment cluster
10 A
4
Light switch/center
console switch unit
5A
5
Windshield wipers
30 A
6
Fuel pump
15 A
7
MRM (jacket tube module)
5A
8
Terminal 87 (2)
20 A
9
Terminal 87 (3)
20 A
10
Terminal 87 (4)
10 A
11
Terminal 15 R vehicle
15 A
12
Airbag control unit
10 A
13
Cigarette lighter/glove box
lighting/radio*
15 A
14
Diagnostic socket/light
switch/instrument cluster
5A
No.
Consumer
Amp.
15
Front heating system
5A
16
Terminal 87 (1)
10 A
17
Airbag control unit
10 A
18
Terminal 15 vehicle, brake
lamp switch
7.5 A
19
Interior lights
7.5 A
20
Power window co-driver’s
side/terminal 30/2 signal
acquisition and actuation
module SAM
25 A
21
Engine control unit
5A
22
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)
5A
23
Starter motor
25 A
24
Diesel engine components
10 A
25
12V socket on the bottom
of the center console
25 A
No.
Consumer
Amp.
1
Control panel, left door
25 A
2
Diagnostic socket
10 A
No.
Consumer
Amp.
3
Brake system (valves)
25 A
4
Brake system (delivery
pump)
40 A
5
Terminal 87 (5), vehicles
with gasoline engine
7.5 A
6
Terminal 87 (6), vehicles
with gasoline engine
7.5 A
7
Headlamp cleaning system*
30 A
8
Anti-theft alarm system
(ATA)
15 A
9
Unassigned
–
No.
Consumer
Amp.
10
Radio*
15 A
11
Telephone*
7.5 A
12
Front blowers
30 A
13
Unassigned
–
14
Seat heating*/center
console switch unit
30 A