Roof ventilator in the cargo
compartment
The roof ventilator can be used to ventilate or
extract air from the cargo compartment.
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X To extract air: press upper section 0046 of
the 00B4 switch.
The roof ventilator removes used air from
the cargo compartment.
X To ventilate: press lower section 0047 of the
00B3 switch.
The roof ventilator feeds fresh air into the
cargo compartment.
X To switch off: set the
switch to the middle
position. Driving and parking
Preparing for a journey
Visual check of the vehicle exterior X
In particular, check the following
components on the vehicle, and on the
trailer as necessary:
R
license plates, vehicle lighting, turn
signals, brake lamps
and wiper blades for
dirt and damage
R tires and wheels for firm seating, correct
tire pressure and general condition
R trailer tow hitch for play and security
i The towing device is one of the most
important components on the vehicle with regard to road safety. The separate
instructions issued by the manufacturer
pertaining to operation, care and
maintenance should be observed.
X Rectify any noticeable defects before
commencing the journey.
Checks in the vehicle Emergency equipment/first-aid kit
The equipment for first aid and breakdown
assistance is located in the storage
compartment in
the
driver's/co-driver's door
and behind the driver's seat.
X Check the equipment to make sure that it
is accessible, complete and ready for use.
Vehicle lighting
X Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
X Check the lighting system with the aid of a
second person.
X Replace defective bulbs ( Y page 234). Before driving off
G
Warning
Free movement of the pedals must not be
impaired. This would
otherwise jeopardize the
operating and road safety of the vehicle.
Objects could get caught between the pedals
if you accelerate or brake suddenly. You will
then be unable to brake, declutch or
accelerate as intended. You could cause an
accident, thereby endangering yourself and
others.
R If you are using floormats and carpets,
make sure that they are properly secured
in the driver's footwell so that they do not108
Driving and parking
Controls
Obstacles could damage the vehicle, for
example:
R
the axles
R the propeller shafts
and the transmission
R the tanks and supply reservoirs
For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when driving off-road. If you have to
drive over obstacles, have the co-driver
direct you. G
Warning
If you drive too fast off-road, you may not
recognize obstacles in good time or you may
underestimate the roughness of the ground.
When driving off-road, always drive slowly to
avoid damaging the vehicle.
The vehicle may slip to the side, tip and roll
over. Always drive along the line of fall when
you are on
a slope. Never drive across a slope.
Never turn the vehicle around on a slope. If
the vehicle cannot manage an uphill slope,
drive back down the slope in reverse gear.
You could lose control of the vehicle if you
shift the transmission to neutral or disengage
the clutch on an incline and then try to brake
the vehicle using only the service brake.
Never let the vehicle roll.
Overloading the vehicle will increase the risk
of the vehicle tipping over. Never exceed the
maximum permissible axle loads under any
circumstances. Keep the vehicle's center of
gravity as low as possible when the vehicle is
laden.
If the vehicle is frequently or mainly operated
in muddy or marshy terrain, substances that
impair braking efficiency, such as sand or oil
mixed with water, could get into the brake
system. This may lead to excessive wear and
a reduction in braking efficiency. In an
emergency, there is a risk that full braking
power may no longer be available.
After driving off-road, always carry out a short
brake test. If you detect a reduced braking
effect or hear grinding noises, have the brake
system checked at a qualified specialist workshop, for example at an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
G
Warning
When driving off-road, your body is subject to
forces from all directions, due to the uneven
surface. There is a danger that you could be
thrown out of
your seat and be injured. Always
wear a seat belt, even when driving off-road.
Rules for driving off-road G
Warning
If you drive over obstacles or in ruts, the
steering wheel may jerk out of your grip and
you could injure the thumbs on both hands.
Always hold the steering wheel cross firmly
with both hands.
When driving over obstacles,
you must expect steering forces to increase
briefly and suddenly.
R Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
shift to a low gear.
R Only drive off-road with the engine running
and a gear engaged.
R Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
necessary in many situations.
R Make sure that the wheels always remain
in contact with the ground.
R Drive with extreme care over unknown
terrain where you can only see for a short
distance. As a precaution, get out of the
vehicle to take a look at the route to be
taken first.
R Check the water depth before fording.
R Watch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
tree stumps and ruts).
R Avoid edges where the surface could
crumble or break away. Driving tips
139
Operation Z
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