2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER brakes

R
Grab handles
R Wheels, tires and wheel arches
R License plates
X Remove any trapped foreign objects, e.g.
stones.
X Check the wheel suspension for damage. G
Warning
Dirty brake discs and brake pads/linings can
impair braking performance (up to the point
of total failure).
This could lead to an accident.
Check the brake system for operating safety
by testing the brakes before driving the
vehicle on public roads.
In the event of impaired braking, stop the
vehicle while paying attention to the traffic
conditions and contact a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools for the work required.
For this, we recommend an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. In particular, work relevant to
safety or on safety-related systems must be
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
After driving in mud, sand, water or in similar
conditions:
R check the brake system for operating
safety.
R clean the wheels, chassis and brake
system.
R check the wheels, chassis and brake
system for damage. Have any damage
repaired at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Sprinter Dealer. Maintenance
General notes
The scope and regularity of the maintenance
work primarily depend on the often diverse
operating conditions.
The vehicle Maintenance Booklet describes
the scope and frequency of maintenance
work and contains additional notes on the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and on service
products.
Specialist knowledge beyond the scope of
these Operating
Instructions

is required when
carrying out testing and maintenance work.
Have this work carried out by trained
personnel.
i Maintenance services must be carried out
in accordance with the provisions and
recommendations in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Not doing so could void the warranty claim
and lead to refusal of goodwill gestures
after the manufacturer has submitted a
damage report. G
Warning
Before carrying out maintenance operations
and repairs, you must read the sections
referring to maintenance operations and
repairs:
R this includes relevant sections of the
technical documentation, such as the
operating instructions and workshop
information.
R you should also

familiarize yourself with the
legal requirements, such as work safety
regulations and accident prevention
measures.
You could otherwise fail to recognize dangers
and thereby injure yourself or others.
You must secure the vehicle on axle stands of
sufficient load bearing capacity if work is
being carried out beneath it.
Never use the vehicle jack instead of stands.
The jack could slip and the vehicle could drop.
This could result in serious injury to yourself
or others.
The vehicle jack is intended only to raise the
vehicle for a short time.
Always have maintenance work carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop. The workshop
must have the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. For this, we recommend an 166
Maintenance
Operation

Only open the coolant expansion tank when
the coolant temperature is below 122 ‡
(50 †).
G
Warning
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore toxic.
Do not swallow the coolant. See a doctor
immediately if you swallow coolant.
Make sure that coolant does not come into
contact with skin,

eyes or clothing. In case of
contact with eyes, rinse immediately with
plenty of clean water. Clean affected areas of
skin and clothing with soap and water
immediately. Change any affected clothing
immediately.
X Slowly turn cap 0046 counter-clockwise and
allow the excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap 0046 further and remove it.
X Add coolant until it is at the MAX mark.
Observe the correct coolant mixture ratio
and the required water quality
(Y page 160).
X Replace cap 0046 and tighten
it until the stop.
! Check the cooling and heating system
regularly for leaks.
If a large quantity of coolant is lost, have
the cause traced

and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. Clutch mechanism and brake system
G
Warning
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Do not
swallow brake fluid.

See a doctor immediately
if you swallow brake fluid.
Make sure that brake fluid does not come into
contact with skin, clothing or eyes. Rinse
affected areas with plenty of clean water and
consult a doctor if necessary.
Always wear gloves and eye protection when
topping up brake fluid. Store brake fluid only in the original closed
container and keep it out of the reach of
children. Comply with safety regulations
when handling brake fluid.
G
Warning
If the
boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes

are subjected to a heavy load
(e.g. on long downhill stretches). This would
impair braking efficiency. The vehicle's
stopping distance may then be longer. This
increases the risk of an accident.
Have the brake fluid renewed every two years.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment.
Check the brake fluid level:
R regularly, e.g. weekly or when refueling
R only with the vehicle standing on a level
surface and with the engine switched off
! Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and
rubber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come
into contact with brake fluid, rinse with
water immediately. 0046
Brake fluid reservoir cap
The brake fluid level must be between the
MIN and
MAX marks.
! If the brake fluid does not reach the
MIN mark, the vehicle's hydraulic system
could be faulty. Do not add brake fluid
under any circumstances. This will not
rectify the malfunction.
Do not drive any further. 170
Maintenance
Operation

Troubleshooting
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
G
Warning
The operating safety of your vehicle could be jeopardized if maintenance work is carried out
incorrectly. As a
result, you could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition,
the safety systems may no longer be able to protect you or others as they are designed to do.
Always have maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. The qualified
specialist workshop must have the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the
work required. We recommend visiting an authorized Sprinter Dealer. In particular, work relevant
to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions0067
The yellow
ASR/
ESP ®
warning
lamp flashes
while the vehicle
is in motion. G
Warning!
ESP ®
or ASR is intervening because at least one of the wheels has
reached its tire grip limit.
Cruise control is deactivated for the duration of the intervention.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and traffic conditions.
Do not use too much throttle.
X Drive slowly. 0067
The yellow ASR/
ESP ®
warning
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. G
Warning!
ASR is deactivated.
X Activate ASR again. Exceptions ( Y page 49).
009E 0031 003D 0065
The yellow ESP ®
, ABS
and ASR/BAS warning
lamps, and the red
brake system warning
lamp light up while the
engine is running. G
Warning!
EBD has malfunctioned.
The rear wheels

could lock sooner than expected when you apply
the brakes.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Troubleshooting
187
Practical advice Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions009E 0031 003D 0065
The yellow ESP
®
, ABS
and ASR/BAS warning
lamps, and the red
brake system warning
lamp light up while the
engine is running. G
Warning!
EBD has been deactivated due to undervoltage.
It is possible that the battery is not being charged.
The rear wheels
could lock sooner than expected when you apply
the brakes.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0065
The red brake
system indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. A
warning tone
also sounds. G
Warning!
There is insufficient brake fluid in the supply reservoir.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the brake fluid level in the supply reservoir
(

Y page 170).
X If the brake fluid is below the MIN mark: do not drive on!
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not solve the problem.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0065
When towing a
trailer: The red
brake system
warning lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running.
A warning tone
also sounds. G
Warning!
The brake force booster in the trailer is faulty.
The driving and braking characteristics of your vehicle could
change. There is

a risk of the trailer overbraking and of you losing
control over the truck/trailer combination.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.188
Troubleshooting
Practical advice

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions003D
The yellow ASR/
BAS indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. G
Warning!
ASR has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
The engine power output may be reduced.
X Drive on with care.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible. 003D
The yellow ASR/
BAS indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. G
Warning!
BAS has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
electronic support.
X Drive on with care.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible. 003D
The yellow ASR/
BAS indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. G
Warning!
ASR and BAS have been deactivated due to undervoltage.
It is possible that the battery is not being charged.
The brake system
is still available with the normal braking effect.
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 0031
The yellow ABS
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running. G
Warning!
ABS has been deactivated due to a malfunction. ESP ®
, ASR and
BAS, as well as cruise control, have also been deactivated as a
result.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
electronic support. The wheels could therefore lock, e.g. if the
brakes are applied with maximum force.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 0031
The yellow ABS
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running. G
Warning!
ABS is temporarily unavailable. Self diagnosis may not have been
completed yet.
The brake system

is still available with the normal braking effect.
X Drive on for a short distance at a speed of more than
13 mph(20 km/h).
ABS is available again if the message goes out. Troubleshooting
189
Practical advice Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions0031
The yellow ABS
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running. G
Warning!
ABS has been deactivated due to undervoltage. It is possible that
the battery is not being charged.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
electronic support. The wheels could therefore lock, e.g. if the
brakes are applied with maximum force.
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 00E4
The yellow DEF
indicator lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The exhaust gas aftertreatment is malfunctioning or the current
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) supply is limiting the vehicle range.
X
Observe the messages in the display ( Y page 199).009E
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running. G
Warning!
ESP ®
has been deactivated due to a malfunction. This also
deactivates cruise control.
The vehicle's stability is no longer automatically regulated at an
early stage. Engine power output may be reduced.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Drive on with care.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible. 009E
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running. G
Warning!
ESP ®
has been deactivated due to undervoltage. This also
deactivates cruise control.
It is possible that the battery is not being charged.
The vehicle's stability is no longer automatically regulated at an
early stage. Engine power output may be reduced.
X Drive on with care.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible.190
TroubleshootingPractical advice

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions0065
Brake force
distribution G
Warning!
EBD has been deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery might not be charging.
The rear wheels
could lock sooner than expected when you apply
the brakes.
X Pull over immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Do not continue driving.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0065
Brake force
distribution Visit
workshop G
Warning!
EBD has malfunctioned.
The rear wheels
could lock sooner than expected when you apply
the brakes.
X Pull over immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Do not continue driving.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0066
Parking brake
Release brake A warning tone also sounds.
You are driving with the parking brake applied.
X
Release the parking brake ( Y page 112).0082
Seatbelt sys.
Visit workshop G
Warning!
The belt system has malfunctioned.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible. 00AE
Coolant Stop,
turn
engine off The coolant temperature is too high.
X
Pull over immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 00AE
Coolant Stop,
turn
engine off The coolant temperature is too high.
If the vehicle is stopped after being subjected to extreme loads
(e.g. driving in mountainous terrain, trailer towing, etc.), this
display message may be shown when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is restarted.
X
Run the engine for approximately one minute at idling speed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop if the display message
continues to be shown.206
Troubleshooting
Practical advice

Vehicle equipment
i Diese Betriebsanleitung beschreibt alle
Modelle, Serien- und
Sonderausstattungen
Ihres Fahrzeugs, die zum Zeitpunkt des
Redaktionsschlusses dieser
Betriebsanleitung erhältlich waren.
Länderspezifische Abweichungen sind
möglich. Beachten Sie, dass Ihr Fahrzeug
nicht mit allen beschriebenen Funktionen
ausgestattet sein könnte. Dies betrifft auch
sicherheitsrelevante Systeme und
Funktionen. Important safety notes
Contact an authorized Sprinter Dealer if you
require information on tested and
recommended tires and wheels for summer
and winter driving.

Advice on purchasing and
caring for tires is also available there. G
Warning
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and

type as shown
on the original part. For further information,
contact an authorized Sprinter Dealer. If
incorrectly sized rims and tires are mounted,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
can be damaged. Also, the operating
clearance of the wheels and the tires may no
longer be correct. G
Warning!
Worn, old
tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Sprinter wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type.

Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by the dealer named on the
inside cover page, since previous damage cannot always
be recognized on retreads. The
operating safety of the vehicle cannot be
assured when such tires are used. G
Warning!
Only for vehicles without a tire pressure
monitor:
For safety reasons, we recommend that you
only use tire valves manufactured by
Schrader. These have been tested for use on
your vehicle.
Use only tire valves of type:
R TR 600 for the vehicle types 2500
R TR 418 for the vehicle types 3500
Using other tire inflation valves or valves
made by other manufacturers can result in
tire pressure loss and thereby impair the
operating safety of the vehicle.
! Do not screw additional weights (check
valves, etc.) onto the tire valves. The
electronic components could thus be
damaged. G
Warning
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or

you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning lamps,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle appears
unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized Sprinter Dealer for repairs. G
Warning
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a

flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire. 252
Important safety notes
Wheels and tires