113 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Do not accelerate to prevent your vehicle
from rolling backwards on an uphill gradi-
ent. Instead, you should either use the
handbrake or depress the brake pedal.
This prevents excessive wear on the
clutch.
Select a lower gear (shift range 3, 2 or 1)
(\2page 123) in good time on long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if tow-
ing a trailer. This prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too rapidly.
It is best not to stop the vehicle immediate-
ly after the brakes have been subjected to
an extreme load; continue driving for a
short time instead. The brakes are cooled
down more quickly in the airflow.The first time the brakes are applied after
a long period of driving in heavy rain with-
out braking, it is possible that:
\4there will be a delayed braking
response
\4you will need to depress the brake
pedal more firmly
You should therefore maintain a greater
distance from the vehicle in front.
Apply the brakes so that you can feel their
response after a journey on wet roads,
especially if the road has been salted. The
brake discs will be warmed, dry more
quickly and be protected against corro-
sion.
If you make only moderate use of the ser-
vice brake, check from time to time that it
is fully functional. To do this, brake more
sharply at a higher vehicle speed. The
brake will grip better as a result.For safety reasons, the manufacturer rec-
ommends that you only have brake pads /
linings installed on your vehicle that have
been approved for the Sprinter.
Brake pads /linings that have not been ap-
proved for the Sprinter could affect your
vehicle’s operating safety.BrakingWarning
G
There is no power assistance for the service
brake when the engine is not running.
You will need to use significantly more force
to brake and could therefore lose control of
the vehicle and cause an accident.
Never switch off the engine while driving.
Warning
G
Make sure that other road users are not put
at risk by your braking.
iIn exceptional cases, the handbrake
can be used for emergency braking if
the service brake fails (\2page 115).
117 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
3
Overrun cut-off
The gasoline/diesel supply is cut off if the
driver's foot is completely removed from
the accelerator pedal when the engine is
overrunning at engine speeds outside of
the idling control range.
Driving in wet conditionsDriving on flooded roads
If you are forced to drive on stretches of
road on which water has collected, please
note that:
\4the water level must not reach above
the lower edge of the front bumper
\4the maximum speed at which you may
drive is walking speed
Tires
The tires are particularly important for the
operating and road safety of the vehicle.
You should therefore check the pressure,
tread and condition of the tires on a regular
basis.A tire dealer, a qualified specialist work-
shop or any authorized Sprinter Dealer will
be able to provide further information re-
garding the:
\4list of recommended makes of tire
\4tire load-bearing capacity (LI Load
Index)
\4maximum tire speed (SI Speed Index)
\4tire age
\4causes and consequences of tire wear
\4measures to be taken in the event of
tire damage
\4tire types for certain regions, areas of
operation or conditions of vehicle use
\4interchangeability of tires, etc.
Modifications to the brake system or
wheels are not permissible, nor is the use
of spacer plates or brake dust shields. Any
such modifications will invalidate the vehi-
cle’s general operating permit.Warning
G
The vehicle may hydroplane despite having
adequate tire tread depth and being driven
at low speeds, depending on the depth of
water on the road surface.
For this reason, avoid tire ruts and brake
carefully.
!
CAUTION
Note that vehicles in front or oncoming
vehicles create waves.
This may mean that the maximum per-
mitted water depth is exceeded.
These notes must be observed to avoid
the risk of engine damage.
157 Controls in detail
Transporting
3
Before loading
\1Check the tire pressures and correct
them if necessary (\2page 213).
\1Clean the load compartment floor.
The load compartment floor must be
dry, cleanly swept and free of oil and
dust to reduce the risk of the load slip-
ping.
\1If necessary, place anti-slip mats on the
load compartment floor.During loading
\1Observe the maximum permissible axle
loads and permissible gross weight for
the vehicle.
\1Observe the notes on load distribution
(\2page 158).
\1Secure the load (\2page 158). All
country-specific legal requirements
must be observed.Checks after loading
\1Securing a load: before each journey
and at regular intervals during longer
journeys, check whether the load is
properly secured and take additional
securing measures, if necessary.
\1Doors: close the sliding doors and rear
doors.
\1Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressure
in accordance with the vehicle's load
(\2page 213).
\1Driving characteristics: adapt your
driving style to the load.
!
CAUTION
As soon as the anti-slip mats start to
show signs of permanent deformation,
squashed areas or tears/holes, they
are unsuitable for securing loads and
must be replaced.
!
CAUTION
In passenger vans with the maximum
number of seats, the maximum payload
would cause the permissible rear axle
load to be exceeded.
iBear in mind that your vehicle's unlad-
en weight is increased by the installa-
tion of optional equipment and
accessories.
Warning
G
Make sure that the sliding doors and rear
doors are always closed when the engine is
running.
Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter the
vehicle interior and poison you.
181 Operation
Driving tips
4
Check regularly, e.g. weekly or when refu-
eling:
\4the vehicle lighting
\4the condition of the tires (\2page 201)
and the tire pressures (\2page 210)
\4the engine oil level (\2page 187)
\4the brake fluid level (\2page 192)
\4the fluid level in the windshield washer
system / headlamp cleaning system
reservoir (\2page 193)
\4the contamination level of the rear air-
conditioning air cleaner (\2page 240)
Your vehicle is equipped with monolithic-
type catalytic converters, an important el-
ement in conjunction with the oxygen sen-
sors to achieve substantial control of the
pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep
your vehicle in proper operating condition
by following our recommended mainte-
nance instructions as outlined in your Ser-
vice Booklet.Your vehicle is equipped with an oxidation
catalyst, an important element in conjunc-
tion with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the
exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in
proper operating condition by following
our recommended maintenance instruc-
tions as outlined in your Service Booklet.Regular checksCatalytic converter (gasoline engine)
!
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay, or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine)Warning
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay, or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
186 OperationEngine
4
\1Swing the hood upward until support
strut3 engages and the hood is sup-
ported.
Closing\1Lift the hood gently.
\1Push back support strut3
(\2page 185).
\1Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 05. ft (30 cm).
The hood engages audibly.
\1Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.Warning
G
If the hood support strut is not engaged, the
hood can fall shut. You could be injured.
After opening the hood, you should there-
fore check whether the support strut is en-
gaged.Warning
G
Engine parts may be hot and can rotate.
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open
and the engine is running.
Only open the hood when the engine has
stopped and cooled down.
Warning
G
The engine has an electronic ignition system
which carries a high voltage. For this reason,
you must never touch the ignition system
components (ignition coil, test socket)
while:
\4the engine is running
\4the engine is being started
\4the key is in position2 in the ignition
lock and the engine is being cranked by
handWarning
G
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you close the hood.
Warning
G
Make sure that the hood is securely en-
gaged before driving off. Do no continue
driving if the hood can no longer engage af-
ter an accident, for example.
The hood could otherwise come loose while
the vehicle is in motion and endanger you
and/or others.!
CAUTION
When you press the support strut back,
make sure that you do not press it
against the detent position and cause it
to bend.
187 Operation
Engine
4
If the hood can be raised slightly, it
is not properly engaged.
\1Open it again and allow it to drop from
a slightly greater height.
Mechanical elements and the lubricants
used for them must be carefully matched.
For this reason, only brands tested and ap-
proved by the manufacturer should be
used. Please contact your Sprinter Dealer
to obtain the necessary information. No lu-
bricant additives should be used.
The use of such additives could affect your
warranty rights. Information is available
from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
For specifications of engine oils, coolant
and brake fluid, see "Service products and
capacities" (\2page 355) and contact your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.The vehicle consumes a maximum of
1 US qt (1.0 l) oil per 620 miles (1000 km),
depending on your driving style.
Engine oil consumption may even be high-
er if:
\4the vehicle is new
\4you mainly operate the vehicle under
arduous operating conditions
\4you often drive at high engine speeds
The engine oil consumption can only be
judged after a lengthy distance has been
covered.Check the engine oil level on a regular ba-
sis, for example weekly or each time you
refuel.!
CAUTION
Do not use your hands to push the
hood down. Doing so could damage it.
Service products
Warning
G
If handled incorrectly, service products can
constitute a health risk f o r p e o p l e a n d a n e n -
vironmental hazard.
Always observe relevant guidelines for han-
dling, storing and disposing of service prod-
ucts.Engine oil
iIf the oil level exceeds the maximum
level several times during operation,
have the malfunction rectified immedi-
ately at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
188 OperationEngine
4
Checking the engine oil level in the dis-
play
In vehicles with diesel engines, you can
view the engine oil level in the display.
When the oil is being checked, the vehicle
must
\4be standing level
\4be at normal operating temperature
\4have been standing with the engine
switched off for at least five minutes\1Switch on the ignition (\2page 67).
The display is activated.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
\1Press the menu button on the in-
strument cluster repeatedly until you
see the P symbol in the display.
The
--:--
display flashes during the
measurement process.The following messages may be displayed:
\1Check the engine oil level again after a
few minutes.
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons*
\1Press the button on the instrument
cluster (\2page 84).
iIf no oil level reading is shown again,
check the engine oil level with the dip-
stick.
Have the engine oil level display
checked at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.!
CAUTION
Have any excess oil drained or si-
phoned off at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. Otherwise, the engine or cata-
lytic converter could be damaged.
iIf at extremely low temperatures no en-
gine oil level is displayed after 5 min-
utes, wait a further 5 minutes before
repeating the engine oil level check.
POK
\1Do not add oil.
-1.0 qt
\1Add the amount of oil
shown (\2page 190).
-1.5 qts-2.0 qtsHI
\1The engine oil level is
too high. Have the oil
siphoned off.
iEngine oil level display:
\4
qt in USA only
\4l in Canada only
189 Operation
Engine
4
\1The following message is displayed for
the duration of the measurement pro-
cess:
N
Engine oil level Measuring in
progress
The following messages may be displayed:Checking the engine oil level with the
dipstick
When the oil is being checked, the vehicle
must
\4be at normal operating temperature
\4be standing level
\4have been standing with the engine
switched off for at least five minutes
Diesel engine1Engine oil filler neck
2Engine oil dipstick
NEngine oil
level OK
\1Do not add oil.
Engine oil
Add
1.0 quart
\1Add the amount of oil
shown (\2page 190).
\1Check the engine oil
level again after a few
minutes.
Engine oil
Add
1.5 quartsEngine oil
Add
2.0 quartsEngine oil
level Reduce
oil level
\1The engine oil level is
too high. Have the oil
siphoned off.
Eng. oil
lev. Turn
ignition on
for level
\1Switch on the ignition
(\2page 67).
Observe
wait. period
\1Carry out another
measurement after
approximately 5 min-
utes when the engine
is at normal operat-
ing temperature.
\1Carry out another
measurement after
approximately
30 minutes when the
engine has cooled
down.
Engine oil
level Not
when eng.
running
\1Switch off the engine
and wait for approxi-
mately 5 minutes if
the engine is at nor-
mal operating tem-
perature.
iEngine oil level display:
\4
quart(s)
in USA only
\4
liter(s)
in Canada only
N