2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER warning

Always make sure that the distribution of the
load is correct and adapt your driving style
according to the load. G
Warning
If you have installed a roof carrier, the
vehicle’s handling, steering and braking
characteristics may change

due to the higher
center of gravity. This is the case particularly
if the roof carrier is laden. Adapt your driving
style according to the vehicle load.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. An incorrectly secured roof
carrier and/or load could come loose, fall off
and thereby endanger you or others.
Observe the maximum roof load and
maximum roof carrier load. Loads transported
on the roof must always be secured with
particular care.
Do not allow the load, including passengers,
to exceed the permissible gross vehicle
weight or the gross axle weight rating for your
vehicle. G
Warning
When using suitable load securing aids and
lashing material, always follow the
manufacturer's operating instructions, in
particular the notes on discard criteria
contained therein.
Load securing aids and lashing material may
not be used, for example, if:
R identification marks are

missing or illegible
R there are yarn breakages, damage to
bearing seams or other signs of tearing
R there are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
R there is damage to clamping or connecting
elements
Load securing aids and lashing material in this
condition are ready for discard and must be
replaced.
If you use load securing aids or lashing
materials that are ready for discard, the load
is not correctly secured and could cause serious injuries to you and others and cause
material damage.
G
Warning!
After an
accident, have a damaged cargo floor
or cargo area, lashing eyelets and lashing
material checked at a qualified specialist
workshop that has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. The cargo could otherwise be
insufficiently secured during the next
transport and could lead to serious injury to
you and other persons or material damage.
For this reason,

we recommend an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. In particular, all work relevant
to safety or on safety-related systems must
be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof
carrier load.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 283) and information about roof
carriers in the "Carrier systems" section
(Y page 149).
Before loading X
Tire pressure: check the
tire pressure and
correct if necessary ( Y page 281).
X Cargo floor: clean the cargo floor.
The cargo floor must be free from oil and
dust, dry and clean swept to prevent the
load from slipping.
X Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo floor if necessary.
! As soon as the non-slip mats show signs
of deformation or

develop squashed areas,
or traces of cracking/cutting, they can no
longer be used to secure a load and must
be replaced. Transporting loads with the vehicle
145
Operation Z

During loading
X
Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible gross vehicle weight for your
vehicle.
! On passenger van versions with
maximum seating layout, the permissible
rear axle load
would be exceeded if the full
payload were to be loaded in the cargo
compartment.
i Bear in mind that the curb weight of the
vehicle is increased by installing optional
equipment and accessories.
X Observe the information about load
distribution ( Y page 146).
X Secure the load ( Y page 146). Always
observe the relevant national regulations.
Checks after loading X
Securing loads: check that the load is
secure before every

journey and at regular
intervals during a long journey, and correct
if necessary.
X Doors: close the sliding doors and rear
doors. G
Warning
Make sure that the sliding doors and rear
doors are always closed when the engine is
running.
Exhaust fumes could otherwise enter the
vehicle interior and poison you.
X Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
according to the vehicle load
(Y page 281).
X Driving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load. Load distribution
The overall center

of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle. !
Excessive loads on

individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair
vehicle handling characteristics and could
cause damage to the floor covering.
On crewbuses:
X Always transport loads in the cargo
compartment.
X Always place the load against the backrests
of the rear bench seat.
X Move large and heavy loads as far towards
the front of the vehicle as possible against
the rear bench seat. Stow the load flush
with the rear bench seat.
X Always additionally secure the load with
suitable load securing aids or tie down.
i Observe the following notes:
R Do not stack

loads higher than the upper
edge of the backrests.
R Transport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
R If the rear bench seat is not occupied,
insert the seat belts crosswise into the
buckle of the opposite seat belt. Securing loads
General notes As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that the cargo is secured against sliding,
tipping, rolling or falling. This applies to
general traffic situations as well as evasive
maneuvers or full brake application and on
poor stretches of road.
If your load

is not secured in accordance with
applicable requirements and guidelines
regarding the securing of loads, you may be
liable to prosecution, depending on the local
legislation and the consequences of
inadequately secured loads.
You should therefore observe the respective
legal requirements for the relevant country.
Check that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long 146
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation

journey, and correct an incorrectly or
inadequately secured load if necessary.
i
You can obtain information about
securing the load correctly from the
manufacturer of the load securing aids or
tie down for securing the load.
X Fill spaces between the load and the cargo
compartment walls or wheel arches (form-
locking). Use rigid
load securing aids, such
as wedges, wooden fixings or padding.
X Attach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions to the cargo tie-down points,
cargo tie-down rings

and loading rails in the
cargo compartment or on the load surface,
depending on the equipment in the vehicle.
Only use tie downs, such as lashing rods or
lashing nets and lashing straps, that have
been tested in accordance with current
standards (e.g. DIN EN).
Always use the cargo tie-down rings closest
to the load to secure it and pad sharp edges
for protection.
i Tie-downs which have been tested in
accordance with current standards (e.g.
DIN EN) can be obtained from specialist
firms or an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Loads, and

heavy loads in particular, should
preferably be secured using the cargo tie-
down rings. Cargo tie-down points (example: Passenger Van)
0046
Cargo tie-down rings Cargo tie-down points (example: Cargo Van)
0046
Cargo tie-down rings
0047 Load rails G
Warning
You may not transport anyone in the cargo
compartment or on the load surface. Never
let more people

ride in the vehicle than there
are seat belts available. Make sure everyone
riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained
with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat
belt for more than one person at a time. Transporting loads with the vehicle
147
Operation Z

G
Warning
Do not attempt to modify or repair the lashing
points, cargo tie-down

rings or tie downs. The
load or the cargo tie-down rings could work
loose and cause serious injury to you and
other people as well as material damage.
Spread the load evenly between the lashing
points or cargo tie-down rings.
Observe the loading guidelines.
i Secure loose loads with a tested lashing
net or a tarpaulin.
X Always fasten the lashing net or tarpaulin
to all available

cargo tie-down points. Make
sure that the retaining hooks are secured
against accidental opening.
! Observe the information

on the maximum
loading capacity of the lashing points.
If you use multiple lashing points to secure
a load, you should observe the maximum
loading capacity of the weakest lashing
point.
When you brake hard, for example, forces
apply that can be far higher than the weight
force of the transported load. Always use
multiple lashing points to distribute these
forces, and distribute the load equally
among them.
Information about the maximum loading
capacity of the cargo tie-down points can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 283).
i If your vehicle is equipped with loading
rails in the cargo floor, you should place
lashing rods directly in front of and behind
the load. The lashing rods directly absorb
the potential shifting forces. G
Warning
If you
tension the lashing straps between the
side walls, or between a side wall and the
cargo floor, the

maximum permissible load for
the loading rails or lashing points or eyelets
could be exceeded if the brakes are applied suddenly, if
the vehicle's direction is changed
abruptly or in the event of an accident.
The load would no longer be secured,
resulting in a risk of serious injury being
caused by the load slipping.
For this reason,

do not tension a lashing strap
between the side walls or between a side wall
and the cargo floor.
Only lashing rods are to be used between the
loading rails on the side walls. Observe the
operating instructions of the lashing rod
manufacturer.
i Securing loads on the cargo floor by
lashing them down is only recommended
for lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats
(anti-slip mats) on the cargo floor to
increase load security. G
Warning
Before releasing
the lashing straps, you must
make sure that

the load is standing firmly and
that it cannot tip over once the straps have
been removed. Otherwise, you or others could
be injured by the load slipping.
Installing/removing cargo tie-down
points for the loading rails X
To install: slide the cargo tie-down ring
through a recess

in the loading rail close to
the load until locking mechanism 0046
engages in the recess.
i When you pull locking mechanism 0046 up
and out of the recess, the cargo tie-down
ring is able to move within the loading rail. 148
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation

Make sure that locking mechanism 0046 is
always engaged in a recess.
G
Warning
If not firmly anchored in the loading rail, the
cargo tie-down ring
may slip or be torn out of
the loading rail in the event of sudden braking.
The load would no longer be secured,
resulting in a risk of serious injury being
caused by the load slipping. For this reason,
always check the cargo tie-down ring for firm
seating after installing.
X Check the cargo tie-down ring for firm
seating.
X To remove:
pull locking

mechanism 0046 up
and pull the cargo tie-down ring towards
the locking mechanism and out of the
loading rail through a recess. Carrier systems
It is possible to install a roof carrier if your
vehicle is equipped

with securing rails on the
roof.
Special mountings (sliding blocks) are
available as accessories. These are available
from any authorized Sprinter Dealer. 0046
Securing rails G
Warning
If you have installed a roof carrier, the
vehicle’s handling, steering and braking
characteristics may change

due to the higher
center of gravity. This is the case particularly if the roof carrier is laden. Adapt your driving
style according to the vehicle load.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. An incorrectly secured roof
carrier and/or
load

could come loose, fall off
and thereby endanger you or others.
Observe the maximum roof load and
maximum roof carrier load. Loads transported
on the roof must always be secured with
particular care.
Do not allow the load, including passengers,
to exceed the permissible gross vehicle
weight or the gross axle weight rating for your
vehicle.
You can find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 283).
! Make sure that:
R the roof rack mounting bolts are
tightened in the slot nuts provided with
a torque of 6.0 – 7.4 lb-ft(8 – 10 Nm).
R the bolts, when tightened, do not touch
the rails.
R the slot nuts are not located in the area
of the plastic caps.
R the slot nuts have the right cross-section.
R the mounting rails in the interior are free
of dirt.
R retighten the mounting bolts evenly after
approximately 300 miles (500 km).
We recommend that you only use roof
racks tested and approved by Sprinter.
These help avoid vehicle damage.
! If you would like to have the mounting
rails retrofitted, have them installed at a
qualified specialist workshop which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools
to carry out the work required. You could
otherwise damage the vehicle.
For this reason, we recommend an
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Transporting loads with the vehicle
149
Operation Z

Towing a trailer
Notes on trailer towing Important safety notes
The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road
safety. The notes on operation, care and
maintenance issued by the manufacturer
should be observed.
G
Warning!
Improper equipment or driving technique
while driving with a trailer can cause you to
lose control of your vehicle.
Improper towing or failure to observe the
Operator's Manual can lead to vehicle
damage and/or serious
injuries. Observe the
following guidelines in order to guarantee safe
driving with trailers.
Contact an authorized Sprinter Dealer if you
require any explanation of the information
contained in the Operator's Manual.
General notes
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information about availability and
installation of trailer couplings can be
obtained from any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install rented trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings to the
bumpers.
R To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling when using a detachable trailer
coupling, remove the ball coupling from its
mounting when it is not needed.
Coupling up a trailer Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length). Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
R
safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the
trailer.

The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your federal state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
i The vehicle's subharness has an electric
cable to the brake light indicator lamp. G
Warning
Follow the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer tow hitch when
using a detachable trailer tow hitch.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. A
trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could break away. A correctly
coupled trailer must be positioned
horizontally behind the vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not
exceeded:
R the permissible noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear

axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the permissible gross weight for both the
towing vehicle and the trailer
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle
documents and on the trailer tow hitch type
plates for the trailer and the vehicle. Where
the values differ, the lowest is valid. 150
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation

Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening
the
windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
original lane.
If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
X do not accelerate.
X do not counter-steer.
X brake if necessary. G
Warning
Under no circumstances try to straighten the
vehicle/trailer combination by

increasing the
speed.
i You can reduce the risk of the trailer
swinging and snaking by retrofitting anti-
roll bars or trailer stability programs. You
can obtain further information from an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Uncoupling a trailer X
Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Remove the trailer cable and uncouple the
trailer.
X Engage the trailer's parking brake.
Load distribution The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the
combined weight of the trailer together with
the cargo and equipment loaded on the
trailer. The maximum permissible gross
weight is
vehicle-specific

and depends on the
equipment level: 5000 lbs (2268 kg) or
7500 lbs (3402 kg). The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight
Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight
permitted on the trailer drawbar: 750 lbs
(340 kg) or 500 lbs (227 kg) is the limit for
trailer couplings approved by the vehicle
distributor named on the inside of the front
cover.
The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
is
the

sum of the Gross Trailer Weight and the
vehicle weight, including a driver weight of
approximately 150 lbs (68 kg). The
permissible GCWR is vehicle-specific and
depends on the equipment level.
When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the permitted Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
You must distribute the load on the vehicle
and trailer so that the permitted maximum
values for the vehicle (GCWR) and trailer
(GTW) weight as well as permitted axle loads
(GAWR) and noseweight (TWR) of your vehicle
are not exceeded.
i Take into account that the vehicle's
permissible payload must be reduced to
compensate for the noseweight.
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found in your
vehicle documents and on the type plates for
the trailer tow hitch, trailer and vehicle
(Y page 277). You will also find a list of the
permissible values in the "Technical data"
(Y page 284) section. Where the values
differ, the lowest is valid.
! The permissible gross combination
weight is less than the sum of the
permissible gross vehicle weight plus the
permissible trailer load. Exceeding the
permissible gross combination weight can
lead to damage to the drivetrain, to the
transmission or to the trailer tow hitch.
For this reason, applicable values for the
permissible gross vehicle weight or the
permissible trailer load are reduced
accordingly if either the vehicle or the
trailer is fully loaded. In this case, the trailer
or the vehicle may only be partially loaded. 152
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation

Verify compliance with weight limitations on
a weighbridge.
Trailer power supply
Your vehicle may be equipped with various
electrical fittings for trailer towing.
Depending on your trailer, you may need an
adapter to allow your trailer to be connected
to the vehicle. Information about your
vehicle's electrical equipment is available
from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
!
Faulty wiring of the connector plug could
in certain circumstances cause other
electronic systems to
malfunction. For this
reason, we recommend having the wiring
of the connector plug performed at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Operation in winter
General notes
Have your vehicle winterized at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer, at the onset of winter.
This service includes the following:
R oil change, if the engine oil currently used
does not have adequate low temperature
characteristics or if these are no longer
sufficient due to aging
R the antifreeze/anticorrosion
concentration in the coolant is checked.
R the addition of a concentrated cleaning
agent to the water in the windshield
washer/headlamp cleaning system
R battery check
R a tire change
Prior to the

onset of winter, ensure that snow
chains are available in the vehicle.
Do not cover the surface of the radiator or the
radiator grill, even in winter. Doing so could
cause the engine diagnostics to record false
or incorrect data. Recording of engine
diagnostic data is legally prescribed and must therefore be correct, clear and
comprehensible at all times.
You
will find

information about diesel fuel for
use at low outside temperatures in the
"Operation" section ( Y page 154).
Please also observe the information about
winter driving (Y page 111).
You will find information about winter tires
and about driving with snow chains in the
"Wheel and tires" section (Y page 153). Service products
Fuel
G
Warning
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames
and smoking as well as the use of auxiliary
heaters (sparks) are therefore prohibited
when handling fuel.
Switch off the

engine and the auxiliary heating
before refueling. G
Warning
Avoid any contact with fuels.
You can damage your health if your skin
comes into direct contact with fuel or if you
inhale fuel vapors.
! Filter the fuel

before transferring it to the
vehicle if you are refueling the vehicle from
barrels or containers.
This will prevent malfunctions in the fuel
system due to contaminated fuel.
! Refuel only with commercially available
vehicle diesel fuel, ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
DIESEL with a sulfur content no greater
than 15 ppm. Fuels such as fatty acid
methyl ester FAME (bio-diesel fuels),
marine diesel, heating oil etc. may not be
used as a diesel fuel mixture.
Refuel with B5 bio-diesel only if it fulfills the
requirements listed under "Fuel quality". Service products
153
Operation Z