171 Controls in detail
Features
3
Telephones may only be used inside the
vehicle if they are connected to a separate
exterior antenna of a type tested and ap-
proved by the manufacturer.The installation of the antenna must be ap-
proved by a qualified specialist workshop.
Always have maintenance work carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.Telephone*Warning
G
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are driving when
operating a cell phone in the vehicle.
If it is permitted to operate a cell phone
while the vehicle is in motion, you must only
operate it when road and traffic conditions
permit. You may otherwise be distracted
from the traffic conditions, cause an acci-
dent and injure yourself and others.
Cell phones without exterior antennas may
interfere with the vehicle electronics and
thereby jeopardize the operational safety of
the vehicle. You must therefore only use
these devices when they are connected to a
separate exterior antenna.
Warning
G
Only use the telephone when road, weather
and traffic conditions permit you to do so.
You will otherwise be too distracted. If you
are not using the hands-free system, pull
over to make a phone call.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approx. 50 km/h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of 44 feet (approx. 14 m) every
second.
Telephones without exterior antennas may
interfere with the vehicle electronics and
thereby jeopardize the operational safety of
the vehicle.
iObserve all legal requirements.iThe cell phone battery will be charged
depending on the charge status and
the position of the key in the ignition
lock. The cell phone display indicates
the charging process.
173
4 Operation
The first 1000 miles (1,500 km) ......... 174
Driving tips ......... 175
Electronic equipment ......... 183
Refueling ......... 184
Engine ......... 185
Battery ......... 195
Battery isolating switch* ......... 197
Tires and wheels ......... 199
Winter driving ......... 234
Maintenance and servicing ......... 237
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ......... 241
195 Operation
Battery
4
\3 BatteryYour vehicle may be equipped with two
batteries, depending on the equipment
version:
\4Starter battery in the battery recess in
the driver’s footwell
\4Auxiliary battery in the engine compart-
ment*Warning
G
A
Risk of explosion
When batteries are being charged,
explosive detonating gas is emit-
ted. Only charge batteries in well-
ventilated areas.
D
Risk of explosion
Because of the risk of explosion,
avoid creating sparks from fire,
open flames and smoking.
B
Battery acid is caustic.
Wear acid-proof protective gloves.
Neutralize splashes of acid on skin
or clothing immediately with soapy
water or acid neutralizer and clean
with water.
C
Keep out of the reach of children.
Children cannot appreciate the
dangers involved in handling bat-
teries and acid.
E
Wear eye protection.
When mixing water and acid, the
liquid can splash in your eyes.
Rinse out your eyes immediately
after acid splashes with clean wa-
ter, and consult a doctor immedi-
ately.
F
When handling batteries, observe
the safety precautions and special
protective measures contained in
these operating instructions.
Environmental note
H
Á
Batteries contain pollutants. Do
not dispose of old batteries with
the household garbage.
À
Dispose of batteries in an environ-
mentally responsible manner.
Take batteries to an authorized
Sprinter Dealer or a special collec-
tion point for old batteries.
Transport and store full batteries
in an upright position. When trans-
porting batteries, secure them so
that they do not tip over. Battery
acid can spill from the cell cap
vents and cause damage to the en-
vironment.
196 OperationBattery
4
The batteries must always be sufficiently
charged so that they achieve their intend-
ed service life.
Have the battery charge status checked
more frequently if you use the vehicle
mainly for short trips or if you leave it
parked up for a long period.
If you intend to leave your vehicle parked
up for a long period, seek advice from an
authorized Sprinter Dealer and switch off
the electrical system at the battery isolat-
ing switch (\2page 197).
You will find further information in the
“Practical hints” section (\2page 335).
!
CAUTION
Switch off the engine and wait for
approximately 20 seconds before you
loosen or disconnect the terminal
clamps. You could otherwise damage
electrical system components.
Care of batteries!
CAUTION
Dirty terminal clamps and battery sur-
faces cause leakage current, leading to
battery discharge. Always keep the ter-
minal clamps and battery surfaces
clean and dry. Lightly grease the termi-
nal clamps, particularly the undersides,
with acid-proof grease.
Cleaning agents containing fuel can
corrode the battery casing. Only clean
with commercially available cleaning
agents and clean the battery casing
with the cell caps screwed in.
197 Operation
Battery isolating switch*
4
You can disconnect the current to all your
vehicle’s consumers using the battery
isolating switch. This will prevent uncon-
trolled battery discharge caused by quies-
cent current consumption.The battery isolating switch is to the right
of the accelerator pedal in the driver’s foot-
well.
1Connector
2Slide\1Take the key out of the ignition lock
and wait for approx. 20 seconds.
\1Move red slide2 down in the direc-
tion of the arrow and disconnect
connector1 from the ground pin.
\1Clamp connector1 under the acceler-
ator pedal so that it cannot make con-
tact with the ground pin.
The consumers of the vehicle battery
are cut off from the electrical circuit.Warning
G
If the vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary
battery in the engine compartment, it is nec-
essary to disconnect both batteries when
working on the vehicle electrical system.
Only then is the electrical system fully dis-
connected from the power supply.iOnly disconnect the vehicle electrical
system from the power supply using
the battery isolating switch if the vehi-
cle is to be parked up for a long period
or when this is absolutely necessary.
After the power supply is switched on,
you must reset the electric sliding door
(\2page 57).
!
CAUTION
Make sure that the key is in position0
in the ignition lock and wait at least
20 seconds before disconnecting or
connecting the battery isolating
switch. You could otherwise damage
electrical system components.
Switching off the electrical system!
CAUTION
When you clamp the connector under
the accelerator pedal, make sure that
the connector does not become:
\4dirty
\4damaged
It may otherwise not be possible to re-
store the electrical connection when
the parts are reassembled.
198 OperationBattery isolating switch*
4
1Connector
2Ground pin\1Insert the key into the ignition lock.
\1Press connector1 onto ground
pin2 until you feel it engage and the
lock inhibitor is released.
The connector must be in full contact
with ground pin2.
\1Move the red slide up until it engages.
All consumers are reconnected to the
power supply circuit.Switching on the electrical system
230 OperationTires and wheels
4
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or ac-
cessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (P
ounds per S
quare I
nch)
A standard unit of measure for air pres-
sure. Another metric unit for air pressure is
bar or kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure list-
ed on the placard located on driver’s door
B-pillar for normal driving conditions. Pro-
vides best handling, tread life and riding
comfort.Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Side wall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
TIN (T
ire I
dentification N
umber)
Unique identifier which facilitates efforts
by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers
in recall situations or other safety matters
concerning tires and gives purchases the
means to easily identify such tires. The TIN
is comprised of the “manufacturer’s identi-
fication mark”, “tire size”, “tire type code”
and “date of manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the maxi-
mum load a tire can support.Tire ply composition and material used
This indicates the number of plies or the
number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in
the tire tread and side wall. Tire manufac-
turers also must indicate the ply materials
in the tire and side wall, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is approved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the road
via the tires. The amount of grip provided.
Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into con-
tact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called
“wear bars” that show across the tread of
a tire when only
1/16
in (1.6 mm) of tread
remains.
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.