2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER check engine

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

Change intervals for brake fluid
Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Brake fluid 2 years Intac B026E
R
Boiling point: 500 ‡(260 †)
R Wet boiling point:
356 ‡ (180 †) 331.0
Coolant
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.
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor.
In the coolant, the antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor is responsible for:
R corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
The coolant must remain in the cooling
system all year round for corrosion protection
purposes and to increase the boiling point –
even in countries with hot climates.
At the factory, the vehicle is filled with a
coolant that ensures protection against frost
and corrosion and which can be mixed with
approved antifreeze/corrosion inhibitors.
! Use only approved antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitors that comply with the MB
Specification for Service Products, Sheet
No. 325. Using other, non-approved
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitors may cause damage to the coolant system and reduce
the engine's service life.
Check the antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the coolant every six
months.
When the coolant is being renewed, the
coolant must contain 50 % by volume of
anticorrosion/antifreeze

agent. This provides
antifreeze protection down to
–34.6 ‡(–37 †).
Do not exceed a proportion of
55 % by volume (antifreeze protection down
to approximately –49.0 ‡ (–45 †)),
otherwise heat dissipation is reduced.
If there is a loss of coolant, do not replenish
with water only, but also add an approved
corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze agent. The
water in the coolant must meet certain
requirements, which are often fulfilled by
drinking water. If the water quality is not
sufficient, you must treat the water.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet Number 325.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Sprinter Dealer. 160
Service products
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

Have the system checked immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
i There is usually a notice in the engine
compartment to remind
you when the next
brake fluid change is due. Windshield washer system/
headlamp cleaning system
Add windshield washer concentrate to the
washer fluid all year round. G
Warning
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable.
Fire, naked flames

and smoking are therefore
prohibited when you are handling windshield
washer concentrate.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
Adapt the mixing ratio to the ambient
temperature. If the temperature is above
freezing, use Summerwash to prevent
smearing. If there is a risk of frost, use
Winterwash to prevent the water from
freezing on the windshield.
The washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of
approximately 6.3 US qt (6.0 l). X
Mix the washer fluid to the appropriate
mixing ratio in a container beforehand.
X Remove washer fluid reservoir cap 0046.X
Add washer fluid.
X Replace cap 0046. Engine oil level
You will find information about engine oil
consumption in the "Driving tips" section
(Y page 141).
Check the engine oil level on a regular basis,
e.g. weekly or each time you refuel.
Checking the engine oil level in the
display Depending on the vehicle's equipment, in
vehicles with a diesel engine, the engine oil
level is shown in the display.
Only check the engine oil level when the
engine is at operating temperature.
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait for five minutes.
X Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
The display is activated.
i If at extremely low temperatures no
engine oil level is displayed after five
minutes, repeat the engine oil level check
after a further five minutes.
If an oil level reading is still not displayed,
check the engine

oil level with the dipstick.
Have the oil level display checked at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
X Press the 007B menu button on the
instrument cluster repeatedly until the
display shows the 00B1 symbol.
The --:-- display flashes

while the oil level
is being measured. Maintenance
171
Operation Z

The following messages may be displayed:
00B1
OK X
Do not add oil. – 1.0 qts X
Add the amount of oil
shown (Y page 173).
X Check the engine oil
level again after a few
minutes. – 1.5 qts
– 2.0 qts
HI X
Have excess oil
removed. The oil
level is
too high. Measurement units in the display:
R
qts USA only
R ltr Canada only
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
X Press the 00A4 button on the instrument
cluster (Y page 70).
The following message is displayed for the
duration of the measurement process:
00B4Engine oil
level

Measuring in
progress
The following messages may be displayed: 00B1
Engine oil
level OK X
Do not add oil. Engine oil
Add 1.0
quart X
Add the amount of oil
shown (Y page 173).
X Check the engine oil
level again after a few
minutes. Engine oil
Add 1.5
quarts
Engine oil
Add 2.0
quarts Engine oil
level
Reduce oil
level X
Have excess oil
removed. The oil

level is
too high. Eng. oil
lev. Turn
ignition
on for
level X
Turn the key to position
2 in the ignition lock. Observe
wait.
period X
Repeat the
measurement after
about five minutes

if the
engine is at normal
operating temperature.
X Repeat the
measurement after
about 30 minutes if the
engine is not at normal
operating temperature. Engine oil
level Not
when eng.
running X
Switch off the engine
and wait for
approximately five
minutes, if the engine is
at normal operating
temperature, before
performing the
measurement. Measurement units in the display:
R
quart(s) USA only
R liter(s) Canada only
Checking the engine oil level using the
dipstick Vehicles with a red oil dipstick: only check the
oil level when the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait for five minutes.172
Maintenance
Operation

Vehicles with a yellow oil dipstick: only check
the oil level when the engine is cold.
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface. X
Pull out oil dipstick 0046.
X Wipe oil dipstick 0046 using a lint-free cloth.
X Reinsert oil dipstick 0046 into the dipstick
tube to the stop and remove it again.
X Check the oil level on oil dipstick 0046.
The oil level must be between MIN mark
008A and MAX mark 0047.
The difference in quantity between
marks 0047 and 008A is approximately
2 US quarts (2 l).
X Add engine oil if necessary.
Adding engine oil You will find information about approved
engine oils in the "Service products" section
(Y page 156).
X
Unscrew cap 0088 of the filler neck and
remove it.
! The alternator
is
located below the engine
oil filler neck. If engine oil spills onto the
alternator, there is a danger of alternator
damage. Be very careful when adding
engine oil.
X Add the amount of oil required.
! Do not add
too much oil. If the oil level is
above the MAX mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to engine damage or catalytic converter
damage. Have excess oil siphoned off.
0040Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
X Place cap 0088 on the
filler neck and tighten. Air filter for the rear-compartment air
conditioning
An increased amount of sand or dust may
collect in the

air filter when you drive on dusty
or sandy roads. Air filter in the roof in the rear compartment
!
If the air filter is visibly dirty, it must be
cleaned or replaced.

The dirt can otherwise
damage the air-conditioning system. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
For this reason, check the air filter regularly
for visible dirt.
X To remove the air filter: carefully prize
cover 0046 out of recesses 0047 and remove.
X Remove the filter mat.
X To clean the filter mat:
wash the
filter mat
with clear water.
X Leave the filter mat to dry.
i The filter mat
must not be cleaned or dried
in a machine. Maintenance
173
Operation Z

Batteries
G
Warning Risk of explosion.
Explosive oxyhydrogen is
produced when batteries
are being charged. Only
charge batteries in well-
ventilated areas.
Risk of explosion. Avoid
creating sparks. Avoid
naked flames and do not
smoke in
the
vicinity of the
battery. Battery acid is caustic.
Wear acid-proof protective
gloves. If skin or clothes
are splashed with acid,
neutralize the splashes
immediately with soapy
water or an acid
neutralizer, and then clean
the affected areas with
water.
Wear eye
protection. When
mixing water and acid, the
liquid can splash into your
eyes. Rinse acid splashes
to the eyes immediately
with clean water and
contact a doctor
immediately. Keep children at a safe
distance. Children are not
able to assess the dangers
posed by batteries and
acid.
When handling batteries,
observe the safety
precautions and special
protective measures
contained in these
Operating Instructions. 0040Environmental note Batteries contain pollutants. It is
against the law to dispose of them
with the household garbage. They
must be collected separately and
recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally responsible
manner. Take discharged batteries
to a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Sprinter Dealer,
or to a special collection point for
old batteries.
In order for the batteries to achieve their
maximum possible service life, they must
always be sufficiently charged.
Have the battery charge checked more
frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it parked up for a
lengthy period.
If you intend to leave your vehicle parked up
for a long period, seek advice from an
authorized Sprinter Dealer or switch off the
electrical system using the battery isolating
switch (Y page 87).
Your vehicle may be equipped with two
batteries, depending on the equipment
version:
R a starter battery in the battery case in the
driver's footwell
R an additional battery in the engine
compartment
Have the batteries removed at a qualified
specialist workshop which

has the necessary
specialist knowledge and tools to carry out
the work required. We recommend that you
use an authorized Sprinter Dealer for this
purpose. Maintenance
175Operation 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