137 Controls in detail
Tempmatic
3
\1To reduce: turn the temperature selec-
tor control counterclockwise.
Air vents in the roof air duct
Adjustable air vents are integrated in the
roof air duct.
1Air vents
\1Adjust the airflow by opening / closing
the air flaps.
Alter the air distribution by turning the
air vents.The fuel-fired heater booster system heats
the vehicle interior as quickly as possible
while the engine is running.
The switch for the heater booster function
is between the light switch and the steer-
ing wheel.
Vehicles with auxiliary heatingVehicles without auxiliary heating*
1To switch the auxiliary heating on / off
(\2page 140)
2To switch the heater booster function
on / off
!
CAUTION
Never close all the air vents, otherwise
there is a risk of damage to the air-
conditioning system in the rear com-
partment.
Heater booster function*iThe auxiliary heating automatically
switches to heater booster mode after
the engine is started.
N54.25-2926-31
N54.25-2927-31
139 Controls in detail
Auxiliary heating/ventilation*
3
\3 Auxiliary heating/ventilation*The auxiliary heating heats or ventilates
the interior to a temperature that you have
set. The auxiliary heating can be operated
with the engine switched on or off.
The auxiliary heating is equipped with a
water heater.
The auxiliary heating heats the coolant and
the vehicle interior and is therefore more
favorable to the engine and consumes less
fuel. The fuel tank must be at least a quar-
ter full to ensure that the auxiliary heating/
ventilation operates correctly.
The maximum heating period is
60 minutes.You can use the auxiliary heating / ventila-
tion to:
\4ventilate or preheat the vehicle interior
and to de-ice the windows
\4start the engine better in cold weather
\4support the vehicle’s heating system
while the engine is running and outside
temperatures are low (heater booster
function) (\2page 137)
You can use the operating system to define
up to three switch-on times, one of which
can be selected to switch on the auxiliary
heating / ventilation (\2page 142). Warning
G
Exhaust fumes are produced while the auxilia-
ry heating is in operation. For this reason,
switch off the auxiliary heating in enclosed
spaces without an extraction system, e.g. a
garage.
Operation of the auxiliary heating system is
prohibited at gas stations or when refueling
your vehicle. The auxiliary heating must there-
fore be switched off at refueling stations.
Warning
G
Observe the relevant safety regulations in the
case of vehicles used for the transport of haz-
ardous goods.
Aerosols, gas cartridges and other pressur-
ized containers transported in the vehicle may
be highly flammable and could explode when
heated.
Make sure that the containers described are
kept away from the flow of hot air from the
auxiliary heating.
Otherwise, you could endanger yourself and
others.
iThe auxiliary heating automatically
switches to heater booster mode after
the engine is started.
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
180 OperationDriving tips
4
If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-
eign countries, please be aware that:
\4service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,
\4unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-
alytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,
\4gasoline may have a considerably low-
er octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.
You will find information about gasoline /
diesel in the “Technical data” section
(\2page 358).You can permanently limit the maximum
speed of your vehicle to 75 mph
(120 km/h).
The manufacturer recommends that you
have the maximum speed programmed at
an authorized Sprinter Dealer. This has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools
to carry out the required work.Operating the vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
iIf you are traveling in countries where
vehicles are driven on the opposite side
of the road to that in which the vehicle
is registered, you must have the head-
lamps:
\4partially masked (halogen head-
lamps)
\4switched over (bi-xenon head-
lamps)
Relevant information can be obtained
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Programmed maximum speed Warning
G
Exceeding the permissible maximum speed
can cause tire damage, which could lead to
loss of control of the vehicle.
As the driver, you must find out about the
maximum speed of the vehicle and the re-
sulting permissible maximum speed of the
tires (tire and tire pressure).
Never exceed the speed limit for your tires
under any circumstances (\2page 222).
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.
184 OperationRefueling
4
\3 Refueling
The fuel filler flap is next to the driver’s
door. You can only open the fuel filler flap
when the driver’s door is open.
1Retaining strap
2Fuel filler cap
\1Remove the key from the ignition lock.
\1Switch off the auxiliary heating.
\1Open the driver’s door.\1Open the fuel filler flap.
\1Close all the vehicle’s doors, so that no
fuel vapors can enter the vehicle.
\1Turn fuel filler cap2 counterclock-
wise and let it hang by retaining
strap1.
\1Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
\1Replace fuel filler cap2 and turn it
clockwise.
A clicking sound indicates that the fuel
filler cap is fully closed.
\1Open the driver’s door and close the
fuel filler flap.
You will find information about fuel in the
“Technical data” section (\2page 358).
Warning
G
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames
and smoking as well as the use of auxiliary
heaters (sparks) are therefore prohibited
when handling fuel.
For this reason, switch off the auxiliary heat-
ing when refueling.Warning
G
Do not allow fuel to come into contact with
your skin or clothing. Your health may be
damaged if:
\4you spill fuel onto your bare skin
\4you inhale fuel vapors
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.
192 OperationEngine
4
The reservoir is in the engine compart-
ment. Check the brake fluid level:
\4regularly, e.g. weekly or when refueling
\4only with the vehicle standing on a level
surface and with the engine switched
off1Coolant tank cap
2Brake fluid reservoir cap
3Windshield washer reservoir cap
The brake fluid level must be between the
MIN and MAX marks.
!
CAUTION
Check the cooling and heating systems
regularly for leaks. If a large quantity of
coolant is lost, have the cause traced
and rectified at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
Brake fluid
iThere is usually a notice in the engine
compartment to remind you when the
next brake fluid change is due.
N20.30-2063-31
!
CAUTION
Brake fluid corrodes paintwork. If
brake fluid comes into contact with the
paintwork, immediately rinse with wa-
ter.
If the brake fluid does not reach the
MIN mark, the vehicle’s hydraulic sys-
tem could be malfunctioning. Do not
add brake fluid under any circumstanc-
es. This will not solve the problem.
Do not drive any further.
Have the system checked immediately
at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Warning
G
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Do not
swallow brake fluid. Consult a doctor imme-
diately if any brake fluid is swallowed.
Brake fluid must not come into contact with
the skin, eyes or clothing. Wash affected ar-
eas with plenty of clean water and consult a
doctor immediately if necessary.
\2\2