2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER steering

X
Turn tank filler cap 0006counter-clockwise,
remove it and let it hang from strap 0005.
Make sure that tool 0023remains in tank filler
cap 0006while doing so.
X Only fill up the DEFt ank until the DEFlevel
is visible for the first time in the filler neck.
X Replace tank filler cap 0006and turn
clockwise.
X Pull tool 0023out of tank filler cap 0006and
stow with the vehicle tool kit in the footwell
on the co-driver's side.
X Pull cover 0025up over hole 0026of tank filler
cap 0006, turn and release.
X Turn tank filler cap 0006.
If tank filler cap 0006turns freely, the DEF
tank is closed. Parking
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Flammable materials, e.g. leaves, grass or
twigs, may ignite if they come into contact
with hot parts of the exhaust system or
exhaust gases for extended periods. There is
a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable
materials come into contact with hot parts of
the vehicle. In particular, do not park on dry
areas of grass or harvested grainfields. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant function sare only available
with limitations, or not at all.T his could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect.Y ou will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
the parking position P
R starting the engine.
They could also operate the vehicle's
equipment. There is a risk of an accident and
injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
! Am oving vehicle can lead to damage to
the vehicle or damage to the drive train.
! When the vehicle is parked, always
remove the key to prevent the battery from
becoming discharged.
On vehicles with a battery isolating switch,
switch off the power supply if the vehicle is
to be out of use for a longer period of time.
Always park your vehicle safely and according
to legal requirements and secure it against
rolling away.
To ensure that the vehicle is properly secured
against rolling away unintentionally:
R the parking brake must be firmly applied
R the selector lever must be in position Pand
the key must be removed from the ignition
lock
R
R on steep uphill or downhill gradients, the
front wheels must be turned towards the
curb
R on steep uphill or downhill gradients, the
empty vehicle must be secured at the front
axle, e.g. with a wheel chock or similar
object
R on steep uphill or downhill gradients, the
laden vehicle must also be secured at the
rear axle, e.g. with a wheel chock or similar
object Parking
145Driving and parking Z

Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximatel
y14 m)
every second. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake .There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
! Always observe the ground clearance of
the vehicle and avoid obstacles. On
vehicles with a step, ground clearance is
further restricted. Obstacles can damage
the vehicle.
If you must drive over obstacles, drive
especially slowly and carefully. If
necessary, have another person direct you.
Drive sensibly–s ave fuelIn orde
rto save fuel, observe the following
tips:
X The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
X Remove unnecessary loads.
X Remove roof carriers when they are not
needed.
X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds.
X Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
X Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic
and in mountainous terrain. Overrun cutoff If you are in overrun mode and take your foot
off the accelerator pedal, the fuel supply is
cut off when the engine speed is out of the
idle speed control range.
Drinking and driving
G
WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Emission control G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous substances in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work optimally if they are
maintained exactly in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Any work on
the engine should therefore be carried out by
qualified and authorized technicians at a
Sprinter dealer.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. In addition, all
specific maintenance work must be carried
out at regular intervals and in accordance
with the service requirements of the dealer 148
Driving tipsDriving and parking

Driving in winter
General notes G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do no tshift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop in good time at the onset
of winter.
i Do not cover the radiator, e.g. with a
winter cover. The measurements of the on-
board diagnostic system may otherwise
return inaccurate values. Some of these
values are legally prescribed and must
therefore always be exact.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 276).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 276). Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
may roll only briefly in the neutral position
N.P rolonged rolling of the wheels, e.g.
when being towed, will result in
transmission damage.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to neutral position
N.
X Try to maintai ncontrol of the vehicle using
corrective steering.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery roads.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and
braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
You can find further information on winter
tires and snow chains in the "Wheels and
tires" section (Y page 276).152
Driving tipsDriving and parking

Driving off-road
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down )and do not turn the
vehicle. G
WARNING
Whe ndriving off-road, yourb ody is subject to
forces from all directions, due to the uneven
surface. You could be thrown from your seat,
for instance. There is a risk of injury.
Always wear a seat belt, even when driving off-
road. G
WARNING
If you drive over obstacles or in ruts, the
steering wheel may jerk out of your grip,
causing injury to your hands.
Always hold the steering wheel firmly with
both hands. When driving over obstacles, you
must expect steering forces to increase
briefly and suddenly. G
WARNING
Flammable materials, e.g. leaves, grass or
branches, may ignite if they come into contact
with hot parts of the exhaust system for
extended periods. There is arisk of fire.
When driving off-road or on unpaved surfaces,
chec kthe underside of the vehicle at regular
intervals. In particular, remove any trapped
parts of plants or other flammable material. If
there is any damage, inform a qualified
specialist workshop.
! When driving off-road or on unpaved
surfaces, check the underside of the
vehicle and the wheels and tires at regular
intervals. In particular, remove any trapped
foreign objects, e.g. stones and branches. Such foreign objects may:
R
damage the chassis, the fuel tank or the
brake system
R cause imbalances and thus vibrations
R be flung out when you continue driving
If there is any damage, inform a qualified
specialist workshop.
When driving off-road and on construction
sites, sand, mud and water mixed with oil, for
example, may get into the brakes. This may
lead to a reduction in braking performance or
total brake failure, also as a result of
increased wear. The braking characteristics
will vary depending on the material that has
got into the system. Cleant he brakes after
driving off-road. If you then notice reduced
braking performance or hear scraping noises,
have the brake system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Adjust your driving style
to the changed braking characteristics.
Driving off-road or on construction sites
increases the possibility of vehicle damage
which may in turn lead to the failure of certain
assemblies and systems. Adapt your driving
style to the off-road driving conditions. Drive
carefully. Have any vehicle damage rectified
at a qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible.
When driving on rough terrain, do not shift the
transmission into the neutral position. You
could lose control when attempting to brake
the vehicle with the service brake. If your
vehicle cannot manage an uphill slope, drive
back down the slope in reverse gear.
When loading your vehicle for driving off-road
or on a construction site, keep the vehicle's
center of gravity as low as possible.
Rules for driving off-road !
Always bear the vehicle's ground
clearance in mind and avoid obstacles, e.g.
deep ruts. Driving tips
153Driving and parking Z

steering, chassis and exhaust system for
any damage.
X Check the service brake for operating
safety, e.g. carry out a brake test.
X If you notice strong vibrations after driving
off-road, check the wheels and drive train
for foreign objects again. Remove any
foreign objects which can lead to
imbalances and thus cause vibrations. Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes Observe the notes on braking in the "Driving
tips" section (Y
page 150).
If you fail to adapty our driving style or if you
are inattentive, cruise control can neither
reduce the risk of an accident nor override the
laws of physics. Cruise control cannot take
road, weather and traffic conditions into
account .Cruise control is only an aid.Y ou are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed and for braking in
good time.
Do not use cruise control:
R in traffic conditions that are unsuitable for
driving at a constant speed, e.g. in heavy
traffic, on winding roads or off-road
R on slippery roads. Brakin goraccelerating
may cause the drive wheel sto lose traction
and the vehicle could then skid.
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, make sure that
you inform the new driver about the set cruise
speed.
General notes Cruise control maintains the speed of the
vehicle for you.
Use cruise control if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
set any speed from 20 mph upwards in
increments of 1 mph.
Use cruise control if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
set any speed from 20 mph upwards in
increments of 1 mph.
i
If you have set km/h as the unit for the
digital speedometer (Y page 185), you can
set any speed from 30 km/h upwards in
increments of 1 km/h.
i Cruise control should not be activated
when driving off-road or on construction
sites.
Cruise control may not be able to maintain
the stored speed on uphill or downhill
gradients. If the gradient evens out and the
vehicle's speed does not fall below 20 mph
(30 km/h), the stored speed is resumed.
Cruise control lever 0005
To activate and store the current speed or
a higher speed
0006 To activate at the last stored speed
0026 To activate and store the current speed or
a lower speed
0025 To deactivate cruise control
The cruise control lever is the uppermost
lever on the left of the steering column. Driving systems
155Driving and parking Z

Deactivating cruise control
There are various ways to deactivate cruise
control:
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards 0025.
Or
X Apply the brakes.
The last speed set remains stored. The last
speed stored is deleted when you switch off
the engine.
Cruise control is deactivated automatically
when:
R you apply the brakes
R you apply the parking brake and the 000B
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up
R you are driving slower than 20 mph
(30 km/h)
R you shift the automatic transmissio nto
neutral position Nwhile the vehicle is in
motion
R ESP ®
or ASR intervenes
R there is a malfunction in the ESP ®
, ASR or
ABS system
Problems with cruise control On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, the
speed canno
tbe set when cruise control is
activated.
The display is showing a message of high
priority and cannot therefore show a change
in speed.
X Proceed as instructed by the message in
the display.
X Deactivate cruise control PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It cannot replace
your own awareness of the immediate
surroundings. You are responsible for safe maneuvering, parking and pulling away. When
maneuvering, parking and pulling away, make
sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the maneuverin
garea.
PARKTRONIC does not account for obstacles
that are:
R beneath its detection range, e.g. persons,
animals or objects
R above its detection range, e.g. overhanging
loads, overhangs or truck loading ramps
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates the distance
between yourv ehicle and an objec tvisually
and audibly.
Your vehicle features two separate sound
emitters with different frequencies for the
warning tones. The warning ranges in front of
and behind the vehicle are indicated by
different warning tones.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R tur nthe key to position 2in the ignition lock
R release the parking brake and
R move the selector lever to D,Nor R.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). PARKTRONIC is
reactivated at speeds below 10 mph
(16 km/h).
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle with sensors in the front and rear
bumpers.
Range of the sensors !
Pay particular attention to obstacles
above or below the sensors when parking,
such as flower pots or trailer towbars.
PARKTRONIC does not recognize such
objects when they are in the immediate
vicinity of the vehicle. You could damage
the vehicle or objects. Driving systems
157Driving and parking Z

!
Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
Always observe the operating instructions
provided by the manufacturers of the trailer
coupling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully.
When backing up the towing vehicle, make
sure nobody is standing between the vehicle
and the trailer.
At railer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could brea kaway. Acorrectly
coupled trailer must be positioned
horizontally behind the towing 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 of both the
towing vehicle and the trailer
R the permissible gross combination weight
The applicable permissible values that may
not be exceeded can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
R on the type plates for the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 315).
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find values approved by the
manufacturer on the identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle in the
"Permissible trailer loads and trailer drawbar
noseweights" section (Y page 169).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance R
is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
R requires more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to suit the road and weather
conditions. Drive carefully. Maintain a safe
distance.
If you require explanations for the information
in this Operator's Manual, contract an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
General notes R
Observe the legally prescribed maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in
the relevant country, state or Canadian
province. Before setting off, check the
vehicle documents of the your trailer to find
out the permissible maximum speed.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use aball coupling that
is approved for your vehicle and Sprinter
trailer tow hitch. More information on the
availability, mounting and installatio nofthe
trailer electrics is available at any qualified
specialist workshop.
R The turn signals on the trailer are only
guaranteed to function when incandescent
bulbs are used. You can obtain more
information about installing the trailer
electrics at any qualified specialist
workshop.
R 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.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings. Towing
atrailer
169Driving an d parking Z

available from the police and local
authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R
Practice driving around bends, stopping
and backing up at a place where there is no
traffic. This enables you to gain experience
and get used to the new handling
characteristics.
R Before driving, check:
-that the trailer tow hitch and ball
coupling are secure
- that the safety switch for a braked trailer
is functioning properly
- that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
- that the electrical connections are
secure
- that the lights are working
- that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear sectio nofthe
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer
combination away carefully. Brake
manually using the brake controller and
check that the brakes are working.
R Secure the load on the trailer according to
the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads
(Y page 234).
R When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a
decreased gradient climbing capability and
a longer braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering. R
If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
rather moderately at first so that the trailer
can activate its brakes. Then increase the
force on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on
inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4,3,2or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
R When driving on a downhill gradient, shift
to a low gear and take advantage of the
engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature
of the heater/air conditioning to the
maximum level. Open the windows if
necessary.
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 need an additional
distance before you can return to your
original lane. Uncoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overru nbrake
is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overru nbrake. Otherwise, your 172
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking