191 Operation
Engine
4
The expansion tank is in the engine com-
partment. Only add coolant with the vehi-
cle standing on a level surface and with the
engine switched off. The coolant tempera-
ture must have dropped below 122 °F
(50 °C).1Coolant tank cap
2Brake fluid reservoir cap
3Windshield washer reservoir cap
\1Slowly unscrew cap1 counterclock-
wise to reduce excess pressure.
\1Continue turning the cap and remove
it.
\1Add coolant as far as the MAX mark.
\1Twist cap1 back on.
For coolant specifications, see "Service
products and capacities" (\2page 355).Environmental note
H
When adding oil, take care not to spill any.
No engine oil must be allowed to enter sew-
age systems, surface water, ground water or
soil.
You would otherwise be damaging the envi-
ronment.
Dispose of engine oil in an environmentally
responsible manner. Comply with the manu-
facturer’s instructions.Coolant
Warning
G
When opening the coolant expansion tank
there is a risk of scalding from hot coolant
spraying out. The cooling system and the
coolant expansion tank are pressurized
when the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature.
Wear gloves and eye protection. Only open
the coolant expansion tank when the cool-
ant temperature is less than 122 °F (50 °C).
N20.30-2063-31
Warning
G
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore tox-
ic. Do not swallow coolant. Consult a doctor
immediately if any coolant is swallowed.
Do not allow coolant to come into contact
with your skin, eyes or clothing. In the event
of contact with the eyes, rinse them thor-
oughly with clean water. Clean skin and
clothes immediately with soap and water.
Change out of soiled clothing without delay.
193 Operation
Engine
4
For specifications of brake fluid, see
"Service products and capacities"
(\2page 362).The windshield washer reservoir is in the
engine compartment. It holds approx.
7.4 US qt (7.0 l).
On vehicles with a headlamp cleaning sys-
tem, this is also supplied from the wind-
shield washer reservoir.
1Coolant tank cap
2Brake fluid reservoir cap
3Windshield washer reservoir cap
Add windshield washer fluid concentrate
to the water all year round.Adapt the mixing ratio to the outside tem-
perature. Use:
\4Summerwash to protect against
smearing at temperatures above freez-
ing.
\4Winterwash when there is a risk of frost
so that the water does not freeze onto
the windshield.
\1Mix the windshield washer fluid in a
container and in the specified propor-
tions.
\1Remove cap3.
\1Fill up the windshield washer fluid.
\1Press cap3 back on.You should always wear eye protection and
gloves when you are adding brake fluid.
Only store brake fluid in its closed original
container and keep out of the reach of chil-
dren. Comply with safety regulations when
handling brake fluid.Warning
G
If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too
low, vapor pockets may form in the brake
system when the brakes are applied hard
(e.g. when driving on long downhill stretch-
es). This has a detrimental effect on braking
efficiency, which could increase the stop-
ping distance. This increases the risk of an
accident.
Have the brake fluid replaced every
two years.
Windshield washer system/head-
lamp cleaning system*
N20.30-2063-31
Warning
G
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable. Fire, open flames and smoking
are prohibited when you are handling wind-
shield washer concentrate.
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.
255 Practical hints
What to do if ...
5
The coolant temperature gauge is above
250 °F (+120 °C).
The coolant is too hot and the engine is not
being sufficiently cooled.
\1Park your vehicle in a safe location as
quickly as possible and let the engine
continue to run at idle speed for about
1 to 2 minutes before switching it off.
This allows the coolant temperature
to return to normal again.
If the coolant temperature is still too high:
\1Switch off the engine and let it as well
as the coolant cool down.
\1Check the coolant level and observe
the warning notes as you do so
(\2page 191).
\1Add coolant as necessary.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
276 Practical hintsWhat to do if ...
5
•
The red coolant warning lamp
lights up while the engine is run-
ning.
The coolant temperature is too high.
\1Do not drive any further.
\1Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
If the vehicle is switched off after being
subjected to extreme loads (for example
driving in mountainous terrain, trailer
towing, etc.), the coolant warning lamp
may light up when the ignition is switched
on or the engine is restarted. Run the en-
gine for approximately 1 minute at idling
speed.
Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer if
the coolant warning lamp remains lit.
A
The yellow reserve fuel warning
lamp lights up while the vehicle is
in motion.
The fuel level has fallen into the reserve
range.
\1Refuel at the nearest refueling station
(\2page 184).
A
The yellow reserve fuel warning
lamp lights up while the engine is
running and the gauge for the fuel
tank shows zero although there is
still fuel in the tank.
The fuel filler cap is not closed.
\1Close the fuel filler cap. A clicking
sound indicates that the fuel filler cap
is closed.
\1If the malfunction continues to be in-
dicated, have it rectified immediately
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
q
The yellow preglow indicator lamp
lights up while the engine is running.
There is a malfunction in the preglow sys-
tem.
\1Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Problem
Possible cause / result
Suggested solutions
292 Practical hintsDisplay messages
5
Z
Coolant
Stop, turn engine
off
The coolant temperature is too high.
\1Do not drive any further.
\1Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
If the vehicle is switched off after being
subjected to extreme loads (for example
driving in mountainous terrain, trailer tow-
ing, etc.), this message may be displayed
when the ignition is switched on or the en-
gine is restarted. Run the engine for approx-
imately 1 minute at idling speed.
Consult an authorized Sprinter Dealer if the
message remains displayed.
H
Coolant
Check level
The coolant level is too low.
Never run the engine if the coolant level
is too low. The engine could overheat and
be damaged.
\1Add coolant (\2page 191).
\1If you are having to add coolant frequent-
ly, have the cooling system checked at
an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
.
Low beam left
The left-hand low-beam headlamp is mal-
functioning.
\1Change the bulb as soon as possible.
Low beam right
The right-hand low-beam headlamp is
malfunctioning.
\1Change the bulb as soon as possible.
Turn signal left
The left-hand turn signal is malfunctioning.
\1Change the bulb as soon as possible.
Turn signal right
The right-hand turn signal is malfunction-
ing.
\1Change the bulb as soon as possible.
Brake lamp left
The left-hand brake lamp is malfunction-
ing.
\1Change the bulb as soon as possible.
Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause / result
Possible solution
379 Index
Care of batteries
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Care of the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
after driving off-road or on
construction sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Carrier systems
. . . . . . . . . . . 162
, 372
Catalytic converter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
CD player/CD changer
. . . . . . . . . . . 94
Cell phone
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Center console
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
switch unit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Central locking
locking/unlocking
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
(from the inside)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Central locking system
malfunctions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Certification label
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Changing bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
clearance lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
headlamps
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
identification lamps
. . . . . . . . 311
, 313
interior lamp
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
license plate lamp
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
rear lamp units
chassis
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
panel van/crewbus
. . . . . . . . . . 310
side marker lamps
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 312Checking tire pressure electronically
with the Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
(Advanced TPMS)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Checking tire pressure electronically
with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Checks, regular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Children
in the vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
ISOFIX seat securing system
. . . . . . 39
LATCH type child restraint system
. 39
restraint systems
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Chock
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Cigarette lighter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Cleaning
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
after driving off-road or
on construction sites
. . . . . . . . . . . 246
air cleaner element
. . . . . . . . . . . . 240
cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
headlamps
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
padded boss of the steering wheel
245
rear view camera lens
. . . . . . . . . . 244
rear window
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
side windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
windshield wipers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 243Clearance lamp
changing bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
see identification lamp
. . . . . . . . . . 311
Clock
setting
vehicles with steering wheel
buttons
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
vehicles without steering wheel
buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Co-driver's seat
foldable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Cold tire inflation pressure
. . . . . . 228
COMAND
see the separate Operating Instructions
Comfort seat
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Constant headlamp mode
. . . . . . . 102
Consumption statistics
(vehicles with steering wheel
buttons)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
anticorrosion/antifreeze fluid
. . . . 363
display message
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
temperature
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
temperature display
(vehicle with steering wheel
buttons)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
385 Index
Messages
bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
, 293
coolant
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
doors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
engine oil level
. . . . . . . . . . . . 296
–297
reserve fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
telephone
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
, 298
Mirrors
exterior mirrors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
N
Navigation system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
NHTSA reporting procedure
. . . . . . . 9
Night reflectors
securing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Normal occupant weight
. . . . . . . . 229
Notes on operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
O
Occupant distribution
. . . . . . . . . . 229
Odometer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
setting the unit
(vehicle with steering wheel
buttons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99trip meter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
, 87
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board voltage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
One-touch gearshifting
. . . . . . . . . 122
Opening and closing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Operating safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operating speed governor (ADR)
. 154
adjusting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
indicator lamp
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Operating system
vehicles with steering wheel buttons
audio menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
clock/date submenu
. . . . . . . . . 101
convenience submenu . . . . . . . . 105
display messages
. . . . . . . . . . . . 284
instrument cluster submenu
. . . . 99
lighting submenu
. . . . . . . . . . . . 102
malfunction memory menu
. . . . . 95
menu overview
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
operation menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
settings menu
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
standard display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
telephone menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
trip computer menu . . . . . . . . . . 106
vehicle submenu
. . . . . . . . . . . . 104
vehicles without steering wheel buttons
display messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 281standard display
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
vehicles without steering wheel
buttons
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Outside temperature display
vehicles with steering wheel buttons
93
vehicles without steering wheel
buttons
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Overhead control panel
. . . . . . . . . . 19
hands-free microphone . . . . . . . . . . 19
interior lighting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Overrun cut-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Overview
indicator and warning lamps
. . . . . . 16
menus
(vehicles with steering wheel
buttons)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
switch
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Oxidation catalyst
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
P
Paper holder
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Parking
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
on uphill or downhill gradients
. . . . 114
Parking aid
see Parktronic
Parking brake
see Handbrake
N
OP