156 Controls in detailTransporting
3
\3 Transporting
For more information about the maximum
roof load and roof carrier systems, please
refer to the "Technical data" section
(\2page 351).
Loading guidelinesWarning
G
Secure and position a load as described in
the loading guidelines. Otherwise, the load
could slide or be thrown around in the event
of strong braking maneuvers, sudden chang-
es of direction or poor road conditions,
thereby injuring you or others. The same ap-
plies to dismantled seats if left inside the ve-
hicle.
Please note that loads increase the risk of
injury during an accident even if you comply
with all loading guidelines.
Observe the notes in the "Securing a load"
section (\2page 158).Warning
G
Do not exceed the vehicle's permissible
gross weight or the permissible axle loads
when loading the vehicle or carrying addi-
tional passengers.
If you exceed the vehicle's permissible axle
loads or the maximum permissible gross
weight when transporting items or carrying
passengers, tire stability and driving safety
are reduced. The vehicle's driving and steer-
ing characteristics would be greatly altered.
Braking and stopping distances would
be significantly longer.
Your vehicle's driving, steering and braking
characteristics change as the vehicle's
gross weight increases or its center of grav-
ity is raised.
Always ensure that loads are distributed
correctly and adapt your driving style in ac-
cordance with the load.Warning
G
After an accident, have a damaged load
compartment floor or damaged load sur-
face, the lashing eyes and lashing materials
inspected by a specialist workshop having
the necessary technical expertise and tools
to carry out the required work.
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 car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop. !
CAUTION
If you are using a roof carrier system,
observe the maximum roof load and
maximum load-bearing capacity of the
roof carrier system.
162 Controls in detailTransporting
3
It is possible to mount a roof rack if your
vehicle is equipped with securing rails on
the roof.
1Securing rails
Special mountings (sliding blocks) are
available as accessories. These are avail-
able from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.Carrier systems
Warning
G
Handling and braking characteristics may
change when you have mounted carrier sys-
tems on the vehicle. You could endanger
yourself and others.
Observe the manufacturer’s installation in-
structions. An incorrectly secured carrier
system or load could:
\4come loose
\4fall off
and thereby endanger yourself and others.
Observe the maximum roof loads
(\2page 372), the maximum axle load and
the maximum load-bearing capacity of the
roof rack.
!
CAUTION
Make sure that:
\4the securing bolts for the roof
rack are tightened to a torque of
6.0 – 7.4 lb-ft (8 – 10 Nm) in the
sliding blocks provided
\4the bolts do not make contact with
the rails when tightened
\4the sliding blocks are not posi-
tioned near the plastic caps
\4the sliding blocks have the correct
cross-section
\4the securing rails are free of dirt on
the inside
\4the securing bolts are retightened
evenly after approximately
300 miles (500 km)
This will help to avoid damage to the ve-
hicle.
Only install roof racks that have been
approved or recommended for Sprinter
vehicles. These are available in any au-
thorized Sprinter Dealer.
164 Controls in detailFeatures
3
\3 FeaturesStorage compartments above the wind-
shieldStorage compartment above the roof
trim*
1Storage compartmentStorage compartments in the doors
You can use these storage compartments
for the safe storage of small and light
items.
Storage compartment under the twin
co-driver's seat*
On vehicles with a twin co-driver’s seat,
the storage compartment is under the seat
cushion (\2page 71).
You can use the storage compartment for
the safekeeping of tools and other small
items.Interior storage compartmentsWarning
G
Only load the storage compartments in such
a way that occupants cannot be injured
by their contents in the event of an accident,
braking or a sudden change in direction.
For this reason, do not transport heavy,
bulky, pointed or sharp-edged objects in the
storage spaces or compartments.!
CAUTION
It is permissible to load the right and
left-hand storage compartments up to
a maximum of 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) each.
!
CAUTION
The entire storage compartment is per-
mitted to hold a maximum load of
66 lbs (30 kg).
Do not store high, bulky loads in the
storage compartment. You could other-
wise damage the roof trim in the event
of sudden braking.
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.
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.
240 OperationMaintenance and servicing
4
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
\1Press the menu button on the in-
strument cluster repeatedly until you
see the following in the display:
\49 for service A
\4´ for service B
The following are also shown, depend-
ing on the style of driving:
\4the remaining distance in miles (kilo-
meters)
\4the remaining time in daysAn increased amount of sand or dust may
collect in the air cleaner when you drive on
dusty or sandy roads.
Air cleaner in the roof in the rear compart-
ment1Cover
2RecessesFor this reason, check the air cleaner reg-
ularly for visible damage.
Removing the air cleaner element
\1Carefully pry cover1 out of
recesses2 and remove it.
\1Remove the filter mat.
Cleaning the filter mat
\1Wash the filter mat with clean water.
\1Leave the filter mat to dry.
Installing the air cleaner element
\1Insert the filter mat.
\1Attach cover1.Air cleaner for the air-conditioning
system in the rear compartment*!
CAUTION
You must clean visible dirt from the air
cleaner or replace it if necessary. The
dirt can otherwise damage the air con-
ditioning, which is not covered by war-
ranty.
!
CAUTION
The filter mat must not be cleaned or
dried in a machine.