154 Controls in detailOperating the vehicle
3
\3 Operating the vehicleWhen activated, the operating speed gov-
ernor (ADR) automatically increases the
engine speed to a preset or adjustable
operating speed (\2page 155).Activating / deactivating ADR
The switch is between the light switch and
the steering wheel.
1To switch on
2To switch off
\1To switch on: press upper part 1 of
the switch with the engine running.
The indicator lamp in the switch comes
on.
Vehicles without steering wheel but-
tons:
The™ indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster comes on.Vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
The
Operating speed governor active
message appears in the display.
\1To switch off: press lower part 2 of
the switch with the engine running.
The indicator lamp in the switch and
the™ indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
Operating speed governor (ADR)*iThe idle speed of the engine automati-
cally increases after a cold start. If the
set operating speed is lower than the
increased idle speed, the set operating
speed is attained only after the engine
has reached its operating temperature.
It is only possible to activate ADR with
the vehicle stationary and the hand-
brake applied. The selector lever must
be in position P.
N54.25-2932-31
iADR is automatically deactivated
when:
\4you release the handbrake
\4the vehicle moves
\4the control unit detects a malfunc-
tion
161 Controls in detail
Transporting
3
Mounting lashing points for load rails*
1Locking mechanism
\1To install: slide the lashing eye
through a recess in the load rail close
to the load until locking mechanism 1
in the recess engages.\1Check whether the lashing eye is firmly
in place.
\1To remove: pull locking mechanism 1
upward and pull the lashing eye
through a recess towards the locking
mechanism and out of the load rail.
iSecuring loads to the load compart-
ment floor is only recommended for
lightweight loads and should be rein-
forced by using anti-slip mats.Warning
G
Before releasing lashing straps, make sure
that the load is stable and would not tip over
even without being lashed down.
Otherwise, you or others could be injured by
a moving load.
iWhen you pull locking mechanism1
out of the recess, the lashing eye is
able to move within the lashing rail or
load rail. Make sure that locking
mechanism1 is always engaged in a
recess.
Warning
G
If the lashing eye is not firmly anchored in
the load rail, the lashing eye may slip or snap
out of the load rail in the event of sudden
braking or an accident.
The load would no longer be secured, which
could result in serious injuries caused by the
load slipping.
For this reason, always check that the lash-
ing eye is firmly in place whenever you in-
stall it.
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.
169 Controls in detail
Features
3
Ashtray in the passenger compart-
ment*
The ashtrays are located on the right-hand
and left-hand side in the side trims.
1Retaining clip
\1To open: open the ashtray.
\1To remove the insert: press clip1
down and remove the entire ashtray
from the trim.
\1To replace the insert: insert the ash-
tray at the bottom into the trim and fold
it closed.The cigarette lighter is located next to the
ashtray in the ashtray compartment in the
center console.
1Cigarette lighter\1Switch on the ignition (\2page 67).
\1Press in cigarette lighter 1.
The cigarette lighter will pop out automati-
cally when the heating element is red-hot.
Cigarette lighter
Warning
G
Only hold the hot cigarette lighter by its
knob. Otherwise, you may burn yourself.
Remove the cigarette lighter if children are
traveling with you. They could injure them-
selves on a hot cigarette lighter or start a
fire.Warning
G
Do not press the cigarette lighter in with too
much force. The ashtray compartment could
otherwise close and trap your finger.
178 OperationDriving tips
4
Attaching a trailer
Please observe the maximum permitted
trailer dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire safety chains between your tow vehi-
cle and the trailer. The chains should be
crisscrossed under the trailer tongue. They
must be attached to the hitch receiver, and
not to the vehicle’s bumper or axle. Be sure
to leave enough slack in the chains to per-
mit turning corners.Towing a trailer
There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer towing. Make sure that your vehicle-
trailer combination will be legal, not only
for where you reside, but also for where
you will be driving. A good source for this
information can be the police or local au-
thorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer,
check the trailer hitch, break-away switch,
safety chains, electrical connections, light-
ing and tires. Also adjust the mirrors to
permit an unobstructed view beyond the
rear of the trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to be sure that the brakes are work-
ing properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure, and that
lighting and trailer brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
iMost states and all Canadian provinces
require a separate brake system at var-
ious trailer weights.
Warning
G
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the vehi-
cle’s hydraulic brake system as your vehicle
is equipped with antilock brakes. If you do,
neither the vehicle’s brakes nor the trailer’s
brakes will function properly. This could
cause an accident resulting in property dam-
age, injury or death to you or others.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring har-
ness for trailer towing has a brake signal
wire for hook-up to a brake controller.
Most states and all Canadian provinces re-
quire a break-away switch on trailers with a
separate brake system. The switch activates
the trailer brakes in the possible event that
the trailer might separate from the tow vehi-
cle.
You should consider using a trailer sway
control system. For further information, see
your authorized Sprinter Dealer.
179 Operation
Driving tips
4
Always secure items in the trailer to pre-
vent load shifts while driving.
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are dif-
ferent and less stable from those when op-
erating the vehicle without a trailer. It is
important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore is limited in acceler-
ation and climbing ability, and requires
longer stopping distances. It is more prone
to reacting to side wind gusts, and requires
more sensitive steering input.
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’s behavior, you should prac-
tice turning , st opping and backing up in a n
area which is free from traffic.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rath-
er engage the brake slightly at first to per-
mit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
Warning
G
Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are dif-
ferent and less stable from those when op-
erating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of con-
trol over the vehicle-trailer combination.
This could cause an accident resulting in
property damage or injury to you or others.!
CAUTION
If the transmission hunts between
gears on inclines, manually shift to a
lower gear (select
"4", "3", "2" or
"1").
A lower gear and reduction of speed re-
duces the chance of the engine over-
loading and / or overheating.
When going down a long hill, shift into
a lower gear and use the engine’s brak-
ing effect. Avoid riding the brakes, thus
overheating the vehicle and trailer
brakes.
If the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature (coolant tem-
perature needle approaching the red
zone) when the air conditioner is on,
turn off the air conditioner. Engine
coolant heat can be additionally vented
by opening the windows, switching the
climate control fan speed to high and
setting the temperature control to the
maximum hot position.
Extreme care must be exercised since
your vehicle with a trailer will require
additional passing distance ahead than
when driving without a trailer. Because
your vehicle and trailer is longer than
your vehicle alone, you will also need to
go much farther ahead of the passed
vehicle before you can return to your
lane.
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.
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.