Obstacles may damage the following parts
of the vehicle:
R
the chassis
R the drive train
R the fuel and supply tanks
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.
i We recommend that you additionally
carry a shovel and a recovery rope with
shackle in the vehicle.
R Ensure that loads and items of luggage are
securely stowed or lashed down
(Y page 232).
R Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
shift to a low gear.
R If the surface demands it, temporarily
deactivate ASR when pulling away
(Y page 58).
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 Avoid spinning the drive wheels.
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 in advance.
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.
Checklist after driving off-road !
If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. Off-road driving places a higher demand on
your vehicle than normal road operation.
Check your vehicle after driving on rough
terrain. By doing so you will notice any
damage in good time and reduce the risk of
an accident for yourselfa
nd otherroad users.
Clean your vehicle thoroughly before driving
on public roads.
Observe the following points after driving off-
road, on construction sites and before driving
on public roads:
X Activate ASR (Y page 58).
X Clean the headlamps and tail lamps and
check them for damage.
X Clean the front and rear license plates.
X Clean the windshield, windows and exterior
mirrors.
X Clean the steps, door sills and grab
handles.
This increases safety of footing.
X Clean the wheels/tires, wheel housings
and the underbody of the vehicle with a
water jet.
This increases road grip, especially on wet
road surfaces.
X Check the wheels/tires and wheel
housings for trapped foreign objects and
remove them.
Trapped foreign objects can damage the
wheels/tires and may be flung out from the
vehicle when you continue driving.
X Check the underbody for trapped branches
or other parts of plants and remove them.
Trapped branches or other parts of plants
increase the risk of fire and can cause
damage to fuel lines, brake hoses and the
rubber bellows of axle jointsa nd drive
shafts.
X Clea nthe brake disks, brake pads and axle
joints, particularly after operation in sand,
mud, grit/gravel, water or similarly dirty
conditions.
X Check the entire floor assembly, the tires,
wheels, bodywork structure, brakes, 154
Driving tipsDriving and parking
Display messages on vehicles withou
tsteering wheel buttons Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
...
LIM km/h The speed display flashes.
The vehicle has exceeded the speed se
tfor variable SPEEDTRONIC
or the programmed maximum speed for permanent
SPEEDTRONIC, e.g. on a steep downhill gradient (overrun mode).
X Apply the brakes yourself as required. NO TPMS The
NO message is displayed for 30 seconds. The
TPMS message
is also displayed after 30 seconds.
The tire pressure monitor has malfunctioned.
X Have the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. NO TPMS The
NO message is displayed for 30 seconds. The
TPMS message
is also displayed after 30 seconds.
The tire pressure monitor is not receiving signals from one or more
wheels because:
R a wheel has been replaced with the spare wheel without wheel
electronics.
R the maximum temperature on one of the wheel electronics units
has been exceeded.
R the wheel electronics are malfunctioning.
X Have wheels with suitable wheel electronics units installed at a
qualified specialist workshop. — — TPMS The
—— message is displayed for 30 seconds. The
TPMS message
is also displayed after 30 seconds.
The pressure is insufficient in one or more tires, or the pressures
of the individual tires differ significantly.
X Check the tire pressure at the next opportunity and correc titif
necessary (Y page 281).194
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
Limit
... km/h The speed display flashes.
The vehicle has exceeded the speed set fo
rvariable
SPEEDTRONIC, e.g .onasteep downhill gradient (overrun mode).
X Apply the brakes yourselfa s required.Cruise control
Visit workshop Cruise control has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
X Have cruise control checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Tires
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
Tire pres. Adjust
pres.
0001 The pressure is insufficient in one or more tires, or the pressures
of the individual tires differ significantly.
X
Check the tire pressure at the next opportunity and correct it if
necessary (Y page 281). Tire pres.
monitor
inoperative The tire pressure monitor has malfunctioned.
X
Have the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. Tire pres.
monitor currently
unavailable The tire pressure monitor function is temporarily unavailable due
to radio interference or undervoltage.
X
Once the causes have been remedied, the tire pressure monitor
is automatically activated. Tire pres.-
monitor
inoperative No
wheel sensors The tire pressure monitor is not receiving signals from one or more
wheels because:
R a wheel has been replaced with the spare wheel without wheel
electronics.
R the maximum temperature on one of the wheel electronics units
has been exceeded.
R the wheel electronics are malfunctioning.
X Have the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
207On-board computer and displays Z
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
Check tire(s)
0001 The pressure of one or more tires has dropped significantly. If the
tire pressure monitor has detected the affected wheel, the wheel
position is also displayed.
X
Stop the vehicle as soo naspossible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the tires.
X Repairorc hange the wheel if necessary (Y page 302).
X Check the tire pressure and correct it if necessary
(Y page 281).
The display message disappears automatically after driving for
a few minutes with the corrected tire pressure. Warning Tire defect
0001 One or more tires is losing air rapidly.Ift
he tire pressure monitor
has detected the affected wheel, the wheel position is also
displayed.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers, paying attention to the traffic conditions as you do
so.
X Repair or change the wheel (Y page 302).Vehicle
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0010
Battery/
Alternator Visit
workshop The battery is not being charged. Possible causes are a defective
alternator or a torn poly-V-belt.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the poly-V-belt.
X If the poly-V-belt is torn: do not continue driving. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop.
X If the poly-V-belt is not damaged: have the vehicle checked as
soon as possible by a qualified specialist workshop. 0001
Electrical Step The electrical step has retracted or extended only partially or not
at all.
X
Make sure there is sufficient free space for the electrical step.
X Open or close the sliding door again.
X If the electrical step still does not extend or retract fully, push
the step in manually (Y page 72). Before stepping out, remind
the passengers that the step is missing. 208
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0013
The yellow air
filter indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. The service limit for the air filter has been reached. The air filter
is dirty.
X
Have the air filter element replaced as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop. 000A
The yellow tire
pressure
monitor warning
lamp comes on. G
WARNING
The tire pressure monitor indicates a rapid or severe loss of
pressure in at least one tire.
X Stop the vehicle without making any extreme steering
maneuvers or braking suddenly. Pay attention to the traffic
conditions while doing so.
X Check the tires and correctt he tire pressure. If a tire continues
to lose pressure, it must be replaced. Replace damaged tires
immediately.
The warning light will go out after the flat tire has been rectified
and you have been driving for a few minutes.
X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the
messages in the display (Y page 192).000A
US vehicles
only:
The yellow tire
pressure
monitor warning
lamp flashes for
60 seconds and
then remains lit. The tire pressure monitor has malfunctioned.
X
Have the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. 000E
The yellow water
separator
indicator lamp is
lit when the
ignition is
switched on. The water that has collected in the water separator of the fuel filter
has reached the maximum level.
X
Drain the water separator (Y page 247).218
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment
of your vehicle that were available at the time
of going to print. Country-specific variations
are possible. Note that your vehicle may not
be equipped with all of the described
functions. This also applies to systems and
functions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Loading guidelines
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
As a result of improperly placed or unevenly
distributed loads, the center of gravity of the
load being transported may be too high or too
far back. This can significantly impair handling
as well as steering and braking
characteristics. There is a risk of an accident.
Always make sure that the center of gravity of
the load is:
R between the axles
and
R as low as possible, near the rear axle. G
WARNING
When objects are unsecured or inadequately
secured, they can slip, turn over or be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants .This also
applies to:
R luggage or loads
R a rear bench seat which has been removed
and is being transported in the vehicle in an
exceptional case.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of braking maneuvers or abrupt
changes in direction.
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about. Before traveling,
secure objects, luggage or loads to prevent them slipping or tipping over. If you remove a
rear bench seat, it is advisable to store it
outside the vehicle. G
WARNING
When the permissible wheel loads, axle loads
and/or the maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight are exceeded, driving safety is
compromised. The handling as well as
steering and braking characteristics may be
significantly impaired. Overloaded tires may
overheat, causing them to burst. There is a
risk of an accident.
When transporting a load, always observe the
permissible wheel loads, axle loads and the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
for the vehicle (including occupants). G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving
characteristics change. If you exceed the
maximum roof load, the driving
characteristics, as well as steering and
braking, will be greatly impaired. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! 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 327) and information about roof
carriers in the "Carrier systems" section
(Y page 236).
R Do not stack luggage or loads higher than
the backrests.
R Objects to be transported should
preferably be stowed in the cargo
compartment. 232
Loading guidelinesTransporting loads
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
High-pressure cleaning equipment
G
WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components.
Components damaged in this way may fail
unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis componentsr eplaced
immediately.
! Observe the minimum distance to be
maintained between the nozzle of the
power washer and objec ttobe cleaned, as
outlined below:
R approximately 2.2 ft(70 cm) when using
round-jet nozzles
R approximately 1ft(30 cm) whe nusing
25°flat-spray jets and dirt blasters
Keep the water jet moving while cleaning.
To avoid causing damage, do not point the
water jet directly at:
R door joints
R brake hoses
R electrical components
R electrical connections
R seals
R drive train, especially not at the
intermediate bearing of the propeller
shaft
R rear view camera (camera lens and
microphone opening on the bottom)
Keep a minimum distance of
1.6 ft(50 cm).
Cleaning the engine !
Water must not enter intake or ventilation
openings. When cleaning with high
pressure water or steam cleaners, the spray must not be aimed directly at
electrical components or the terminals of
electrical lines.
Preserve the engine after the engine has
been cleaned. Protect the belt drive system
from exposure to the preservative agent.
Also observe the information in the section
"Powerw asher" (Y page 257).
Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces .You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Remove impurities immediately, where
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
Cleaning the windows G
WARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades. Care
257Maintenance and care Z
!
Do not fold the windshield wipers away
from the windshield unless the hood is
closed. Otherwise, you could damage the
hood.
! Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if
the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
! Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not touch the insides of the windows
with hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or
ring. There is otherwise a risk of damaging
the windows.
Before cleaning the windshield
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock or remove it.
X Fold the windshield wiper arms away from
the windshield until you feel them engage.
Before switching the ignition on again, fold
the windshield wipers back into position.
Cleaning the windows
X Cleant he inside and outside of the
windows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
agent that is recommended and approved
for Sprinter vehicles. Exterior
Cleaning the wheels !
Do not use any acidic or alkaline cleaning
agents. They can cause corrosion on the
wheel bolts (wheel nuts) or the retainer
springs for the wheel-balancing weights.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
If you clean the wheels with a power washer,
observe the safety notes for the power
washer (Y page 257). You could otherwise
damage the tires.
Cleaning the wiper blades G
WARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
! Do not fold the windshield wipers away
from the windshield unless the hood is
closed. Otherwise, you could damage the
hood.
! Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper blade could be damaged.
! Do not clean wiper blades too often and
do not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the
graphite coating could be damaged. This
could cause wiper noise.
! Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if
the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock or remove it.
X Fold the windshield wiper arms away from
the windshield until you feel them engage.
X Carefully clean the wiper blades with a
damp cloth.
X Fold back the wiper arms before switching
on the ignition.
Cleaning the exterior lighting !
Only use cleaning agents or cleaning
cloths which are suitable for plastic light
lenses. Unsuitable cleaning agents or 258
CareMaintenance and care