3 Introduction
\3 Environmental protection
In this manual, whenever you see instruc-
tions to discard materials, you should first
attempt to reclaim and recycle them. To
preserve our environment, follow appropri-
ate environmental rules and regulations
when disposing of materials.
Environmental note
H
DaimlerChrysler’s declared policy is one of
comprehensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
which form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
which takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can contribute to environmental
protection by operating your vehicle in an
environmentally-responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and engine, transmission,
brake and tire wear depend on the two fol-
lowing factors:
\4Operating conditions of your vehicle
\4Your personal driving style
You can influence both factors.
Observe the following notes:
Operating conditions
\4Avoid driving short distances as this in-
creases fuel consumption.
\4Make sure that the tire pressures are al-
ways correct.
\4Do not carry any unnecessary weight
in / on the vehicle.
\4Keep an eye on the vehicle’s fuel con-
sumption.
\4Remove roof racks once you no longer
need them.
\4A regularly serviced vehicle will contrib-
ute to environmental protection. You
should therefore adhere to the specified
service intervals.
\4Always have maintenance work carried
out at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Personal driving style
\4Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
\4Do not warm up the engine when the ve-
hicle is stationary.
\4Adopt an anticipatory style of driving
and keep a sufficient distance from oth-
er vehicles.
\4Avoid frequent, sudden acceleration.
\4Switch off the engine in stationary traf-
fic.
Environmental concerns and recom-
mendations
16 At a glanceInstrument cluster
1
Indicator and warning lamps
Page
v
ESP
® warning lamp
43
268
ASR warning lamp
44
45
268
/
Coolant level too low
275
D
Coolant temperature too
high
275
1
Restraint systems
malfunction
272
Brake fluid level too low
269
EBV malfunction
268
Malfunction in trailer's
brake booster
269
N
Engine oil level warning
274
±
Engine diagnostic
indicator lamp
277
q
Pre-glow system, diesel
engine only
111
276
Turn signal, left
79
Indicator and warning lamps
Page
X
Combination low tire
pressure/TPMS mal-
function telltale, USA
only
278
Low tire pressure tell-
tale, Canada only
278
J
Windshield washer/
headlamp cleaning sys-
tem* washer fluid level
too low
280
Door open
280
2
Brake pads / linings
worn
273
Turn signal, right
79
-
ABS malfunction
271
k
ASR malfunction
270
BAS malfunction
270
#
ESP
® malfunction
272
A
Reserve fuel
276
Fuel filler flap open
276
Indicator and warning lamps
Page
Water in the fuel
280
#
Battery charge malfunc-
tion
273
.
Defective bulb
280
Handbrake applied
115
B
Low-beam headlamps
on
77
™
Operating speed gover-
nor on*
154
A
High-beam headlamps
on
77
<
Seat belt reminder
280
iVehicles with steering wheel buttons:
Corresponding messages may also be
shown in display9 (\2page 93).
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.
199 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
\3 Tires and wheelsThe tires on a new vehicle provide a bal-
ance of many characteristics. They should
be inspected regularly for wear and correct
cold tire inflation pressure. The vehicle
manufacturer strongly recommends using
tires equivalent to the originals in size,
quality and performance when a replace-
ment becomes necessary.
Refer to the tire and loading information
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar
(\2page 373) for the size designation of
your tire.
The service description and load identifica-
tion will be found on the original equip-
ment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your Sprinter
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Sprinter Dealer or
an authorized tire dealer with any ques-
tions you may have on tire specifications
or capability.For more information on tire size designa-
tion, load and speed rating, see "Tire label-
ing" (\2page 222).
See an authorized Sprinter Dealer for infor-
mation on tested and recommended rims
and tires for summer and winter operation.
They can also offer advice concerning tire
service and purchase.
!
CAUTION
Only use tires which have been tested
and approved for your Sprinter vehicle
by the vehicle manufacturer. Tires ap-
proved by the vehicle manufacturer are
developed to provide the best possible
performance in conjunction with the
driving safety systems on your Sprinter
vehicle such as ABS, BAS, ASR or
ESP®.
Using tires other than those approved
by the vehicle manufacturer may result
in damage that is not covered by the
Sprinter warranty.
!
CAUTION
Using tires other than those approved
by the vehicle manufacturer can have
detrimental effects, such as
\4poor handling characteristics
\4increased noise
\4increased fuel consumption
Tires and rims not approved by the ve-
hicle manufacturer may, under load,
exhibit dimensional variations and dif-
ferent tire deformation characteristics
that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the vehi-
cle may be the result.
202 OperationTires and wheels
4
\4When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first.
The tire inflation pressure should be
checked regularly, i.e. at least each time
you refuel the vehicle. The preferred inter-
val for checking the tire inflation pressure,
however, is before each trip.
For more information on checking tire in-
flation pressure, refer to "Recommended
tire inflation pressure" (\2page 210).Tire inspection
Every time when checking the tire inflation
pressure, the tires should also be inspect-
ed for the following:
\4excessive treadwear, refer to "Tread
depth". the condition of the tread
depths, i.e. uneven tread wear or ex-
cessive treadwear on one side. Turn
the front wheels to full lock if neces-
sary to enable you to check the inner
edge of the front tires more easily. You
must also always check the inside of
the tire tread on the rear wheels.
\4cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber
\4bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in
the tread or side of the tire
\4foreign objects between the tires
(on vehicles with twin tires)
Replace the tire if any of the above condi-
tions is found.
Also inspect the spare tire periodically for
condition and inflation. Spare tires will age
and become worn over time even if never
used, and thus should be inspected and re-
placed when necessary.Tire damage
Tire damage can be caused
by:
\4the vehicle’s operating conditions
\4tire aging
\4curbs
\4foreign objects
\4insufficient or excessive tire pressures
\4weather and environmental influences
\4contact with oil, grease, fuel, etc.
Tire care and maintenanceWarning
G
Regularly check the tires for damage. Dam-
aged tires can cause tire inflation pressure
loss. As a result, you could lose control of
your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
Warning
G
Driving over curbs or sharp-edged objects
can cause damage to the tire substructure
which is not visible from the outside.
Damage to the tire substructure cannot be
detected until later and can cause the tire to
burst.
\2\2
205 Operation
Tires and wheels
4
The following labels on the vehicle show
how much weight it may properly carry.
\4Only vehicles with a gross weight ca-
pacity less than 10,000 lbs (4500 kg)
The tire and loading information plac-
ard can be found on the driver’s door B-
pillar. This placard tells you important
information about the number of peo-
ple that can be in the vehicle and the
total weight that can be carried in the
vehicle.
It also contains information on the
proper size and recommended tire in-
flation pressures for the original equip-
ment tires on your vehicle.
\4The certification label can be found be-
low the driver’s seat on an outward fac-
ing position of the mounting pillar
(\2page 373). This label tells you about
the gross weight capacity of your vehi-
cle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
fuel and cargo. The certification label also tells you about the front and rear
axle weight capacity, called the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GAWR
is the total allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front or rear).
Never exceed the GVWR or GAWR for
either the front axle or rear axle.
1Tire and loading information placard on
driver’s door B-pillar
The information below explains how to
work with the information contained on the
placard with regards to loading your vehi-
cle.Tire and loading informationLoading the vehicle
Warning
G
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the tire
and loading information placard on the driv-
er’s door B-pillar or on the certification label
below the driver’s seat on the mounting pil-
lar. Overloading the tires can overheat them,
possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the
tires can also result in handling or steering
problems, or brake failure.
Overloading of tires is dangerous. Overload-
ing can cause tire failure, affect vehicle han-
dling, and increase the stopping distance.
Use tires of the recommended load capacity
for the vehicle. Never overload them.
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must
not exceed the load carrying capacity of the
tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the
tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to
the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the tire and
loading information placard, tire pressure la-
bel and this section.
210 OperationTires and wheels
4
To assure that your vehicle does not ex-
ceed the maximum permissible weight lim-
its (GVWR and GAWR for front and rear
axle), have the loaded vehicle (including
driver, passengers and all cargo and, if ap-
plicable, trailer fully loaded) weighed on a
suitable commercial scale.
Trailer tongue load
The tongue load (tongue weight at the
hitch ball) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the
load you can carry in your vehicle. If a trail-
er is towed, the tongue load must be added
to the weight of all occupants riding and
any cargo you are carrying in the vehicle to
prevent exceeding your Sprinter tow vehi-
cle’s rear GAWR. The tongue load typically
is between 10% and 15% of the trailer
weight and everything loaded in it.
For example, if the trailer tongue load
equals 1 40 lbs and the determined avail-
able cargo/luggage and trailer tongue
weight equals 750 lbs, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
610 lbs. (750 – 140 = 610 lbs.)For further information on vehicle and trail-
er weights and ratings, loading a trailer and
trailer towing, see “Trailer towing”
(\2page 175).Your vehicle is equipped with either the
tire and loading information placard
1 or
with the tire inflation pressure placard lo-
cated on the driver’s door B-pillar.
The tire inflation pressure (including the
spare wheel) should be checked regularly
and adjusted as well as inspected for signs
of tire wear or visible damage. Use a good
quality pocket-type gauge to check tire in-
flation pressure.
Recommended tire inflation pres-
sureWarning
G
Follow recommended tire inflation pres-
sures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adverse-
ly affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can adversely affect handling and ride com-
fort, wear unevenly, increase stopping dis-
tance, and result in sudden deflation
(blowout) because they are more likely to
become punctured or damaged by road de-
bris, potholes etc.
1. For vehicles with a gross weight capacity less than
10 000 lbs (4 536 kg) (USA only).1Tire and loading information placard or
tire inflation pressure placard on dri-
ver’s door B-pillar