2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER ESP

Checks after loading
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases, such as carbon monoxide. If the sliding
door or rear door is open when the engine is
running, exhaust gases can ente rthe vehicle
interior, especially during the journey. There
is a risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the sliding door or rear door. Never drive the
vehicle when the sliding door or rear door is
open.
X Securing loads: check that the load is
secure before every journey and at regular
intervals during a long journey, and correct
if necessary.
X Doors: close the sliding doors and rear
doors.
X Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
according to the vehicle load
(Y page 278).
X Driving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load. Load distribution
General notes
! Excessive loads on individualp oints of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair
vehicle handling characteristics and could
cause damage to the floor covering.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
On Cargo Vans/Passenger Vans:
X Always transport loads in the cargo
compartment.
X Always place the load against the backrests
of the rear bench seat.
X Move large and heavy loads as far towards
the front of the vehicle as possible against the rear bench seat. Stow the load flush
with the rear bench seat.
X Always additionally secure the load with
suitable load-securing aids or tie downs.
Observe the following notes:
R Do not stack loads higher than the upper
edge of the backrests.
R Transport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
R If the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
the seat belts crosswise into the buckle of
the opposite seat belt. Securing loads
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction,
braking maneuvers or an accident:
R the cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
R the load may not be restrained.
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be
tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads. G
WARNING
You may not transport anyone in the cargo
compartment or on the load surface. Never
let more people ride in the vehicle than there
are seat belts available. Make sure everyone
riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained
with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat
belt for more than one person at a time. 234
Securing loadsTransporting loads

!
Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the
maximum loading capacity of the weakest
cargo tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces
acting could be up to several times the
weight force of the load. Always use
multiple cargo tie-down points in order to
distribute the force absorption. Load the
anchorages evenly.
Spread the load evenly between the cargo tie-
down points or tie-down rings.
Please also refer to the notes aboutq ualified
specialist workshops (Y page 26).
Always observe the operating instructions or
the notes of the lashing strap manufacturer
for the operation of th elashing strap.
Information about the maximum loading
capacity of the cargo tie-down points can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 327).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
R The applicable requirements and
guidelines relating to load-securing
practices must be met.
If this is no tthe case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local
legislation and any ensuing consequences.
You should therefore observe the
respective legal requirements for the
relevant country.
Make sure that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey. Correct an incorrectly or
inadequately secured load if necessary.
You can obtain information about securing
the load correctly from the manufacturer of
the load securing aids or tie down for securing
the load.
X Fill spaces between the load and the cargo
compartmentw alls or wheel housings (form-locking). Use rigid load securing aids,
such as wedges, woode
nfixings or
padding.
X Attach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions. Use the carg otie-down points
or cargo tie-down rings and the loading rails
in the cargo compartmen toronthe loading
area.
Only use tie downs, such as lashing rods or
lashing nets and lashing straps, that have
been tested in accordance with current
standards (e.g. DIN EN).
Always use the cargo tie-down rings closest
to the load to secure it and pad sharp edges
for protection.
Loads, and heavy loads in particular, should
preferably be secured using the cargo tie-
down rings.
i Tie downs tested in accordance with
current standards (e.g. DIN EN) are
available at any qualified specialist
workshop. Cargo tie-down points (example: Passenger Van)
0005
Cargo tie-down rings Securing loads
235Transporting loads Z

Adding washer fluid
X
Mix the washe rfluid to the appropriate
mixing ratio in a container beforehand.
X Open the hood (Y page 240).
X Pull cap 0005on the washer fluid reservoir
upwards at the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X Press cap 0005onto the filler neck until it
engages audibly.
X Close the hood. Fuel system
Draining the fuel filter G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. Improper handing of
fuel creates a risk of fire and explosion.
Avoid fire, open flames ,smoking and creating
sparks under all circumstances. Switch off the
ignitio nand auxiliary heating before carrying
ou tw ork to the fuel system. Always wear
protective gloves. H
Environmental note
Dispose of the water-fuel mixture in an
environmentally responsible manner.
! When the 000Eindicator lamp lights up,
drain the fuel filter with water separator
immediately. Otherwise, the engine may be
damaged. If the
000E indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes on, drain the fuel filter with water
separator 0026immediately.
i We recommend that you have this
maintenance work carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Park the vehicle safely and secure it from
rolling away.
X Switch off the auxiliary heating system .
X Switch off the engine.
X Open the hood (Y page 240).
X Place a suitable receptacle under drain
hose 0005.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Open drain plug 0006immediately until the
water/fuel mixture flows out of drain
hose 0005.
X Screw in drain plug 0006as soon as
approximately 0.2 US qt (0.2 l) of the
water/fuel mixture have been collected.
i The electrical fuel pump halts the flow of
the water/fuel mixture after 30 seconds.
X After draining, turn the key back to
position 0in the ignition lock.
X Dispose of the collected water/fuel
mixture in an environmentally responsible
manner, e.g. at a qualified specialist
workshop.
X Check drain plug 0006.The drain plug must
be closed.
When the engine is running and drain
hose 0006is open, fuel is lost through drain
hose 0005.
X Close the hood.
If the 000E indicator lamp does not go out
after draining:
X Drain the fuel filter again.
X If the 000E indicator lamp does not go out
after draining for the second time, have the
cause checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop. Engine compartment
247Maintenance and care Z

Vehicle interior
Air filter for the rear-compartment air
conditioning
! Regularly check the ai rfilters for visible
dirt .Clean or replace a dirty filter mat .The
dirt may otherwise lead to damage to the
air-conditioning system. Filter magazine, located on the roof in the rear
compartment
An increased amount of sand or dust may
collect in the air filter of the rear-
compartmenta
ir conditioning when you drive
on dusty or sandy roads.
X To remove the filter mat: carefully pry
cover 0005out of recesses 0006and remove.
X Remove the filter mat from cover 0005.
X To clean the filter mat: wash the dirty
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.
X To install the filter mat: insert the filter
mat in cover 0005.
X Replace and engage cover 0005.Maintenance
General notes
H
Environmental note
Observe measures to protect the
environment when working on the vehicle. You must observe the legal requirements
when disposing of service products, e.g.
engine oil. This also includes all components,
e.g. filters, which have come into contac twith
service products. Any qualified specialist
workshop can provide information about this.
Dispose of empty containers, cleaning cloths
and care products in an environmentally
responsible manner. Comply with the
instructions for use of the care products.
Do not run the engine for longer than
necessary when the vehicle is stationary.
Before having maintenance and repairs
performed, it is essential to read the materials
related to the maintenance and repairs:
R the applicable sections of the technical
documentation, e.g. the Operator's Manual
and workshop information.
R regulations such as industrial safety
regulations and accident prevention
regulations.
While working under the vehicle, you must
secure the vehicle on jackstands with
sufficient load capacity.
Never use the jac kasas ubstitute .the
vehicle's jack is intended only to raise the
vehicle for a short time when changing a
wheel. It is not suited for performing
maintenance work under the vehicle.
Please also refer to the notes about qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 26).
The scope and regularity of the inspection
and maintenance work primarily depend on
the often diverse operating conditions.
Specialist knowledge beyond the scope of
this Operator's Manual is required when
carrying out testing and maintenance work.
This work should only be carried out by
trained staff.
The vehicle's Maintenance Booklet describes
the extenta nd frequency of the maintenance
work and contains additional informatio non
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and on the
service products. 248
MaintenanceMaintenance and care

H
Environmental note
Only clean your vehicle at specially designed
wash bays. Dispose of empt ycontainers and
used cleaning products in an environmentally
responsible manner. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
Regula rcare of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved for Sprinter
vehicles. Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle .There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle.
Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, fold in the exterior mirrors and
remove any additional antennas.
Otherwise, the exterior mirror, antenna or
the vehicle itself could be damaged.
Make sure that the exterior mirrors are fully
folded out again and that any additional
antennas are re-installed when you leave
the automatic car wash. !
Make sure that:
R the side windows and the roof are
completely closed
R the climate control blower is switched off
R the windshield wiper switch is at position
0
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the
vehicle in an automatic car wash.
After putting the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, wipe off wax from:
R the rear view camera lens (Y page 259)
R the windshield
R the windshield wiper blades
This will prevent smears and reduce wiping
noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements for each
individual country.
X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft car sponge.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, e.g. a car
shampoo approved for use with Sprinter
vehicles.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlets.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agents dry on the
paintwork. 256
CareMaintenance and care

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

Installing/removing the towing eye
The fixture for the fron
ttowing eye is located in the
bumper. Rear towing eye under the bumper, attached to the
chassis
Your vehicle may be equipped with rear
towing eye 0006. If you tow or tow-start a
vehicle, attach the towing device to rear
towing eye 0006.
If your vehicle is equipped with a trailer tow
hitch, attach the towing device to the trailer
tow hitch (Y page 168).
Installing the front towing eye
X Take the towing eye and screwdriver from
the vehicle tool kit (Y page 264).
X Press cover 0005and remove cover 0005from
the opening.
You will see the fixture for the towing eye.
X Screw in the towing eye clockwise to the
stop.
X Insert screwdriver into the towing eye and
tighten it. Removing the front towing eye
X
Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle
tool kit.
X Insert the screwdriver into the towing eye
and turn the screwdriver counter-
clockwise.
X Unscrew the towing eye.
X Insert cover 0005with the lug at the bottom
and press it in at the top until it engages.
X Place the towing eye and screwdriver back
in the vehicle tool kit. Towing in the event of malfunctions
With transmission damage !
Always use new bolts when installing the
propeller shafts.
If the vehicle has transmission damage, have
the propeller shaft removed before towing
away.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system If the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position
P. In
order to be able to shift the automatic
transmission to position N, you must provide
power to the vehicle's 12 Velectrical system
in the same way as when jump-starting
(Y page 267).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer. Towing with the front or rear axle
raised
General notes !
The ignition must be switched off if the
vehicle is being towed with the front or rear
axle raised. Otherwise, ESP ®
may intervene
and damage the brake system. Tow-starting and towing away
269Breakdown assistance Z

If the drive wheels get trapped on loose or
muddy ground, recover the vehicle with the
utmost care. This is especially the case if the
vehicle is laden.
Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a
traile rattached.
Pull ou tthe vehicle backwards, if possible,
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. Transporting the vehicle
! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye or trailer tow hitch can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or
transporter if you wish to transport it.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position N.
If the vehicle is loaded:
X Apply the parking brake.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
X Lash down the vehicle. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
Vehicles with automatic transmission !
Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission.
Information on "Jump-starting" can be found
at the beginning of the "Breakdown
assistance" section (Y page 267). Electrical fuses
G
WARNING
Only use fuses that have been approved for
your vehicle and which have the correct fuse
rating for the systems concerned. Do not
repair or bypass defective fuses. Acircuit
overload could otherwise cause afire. Have
the cause determined and rectified at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Sprinter vehicles and that have the
required fuse rating for the systems
concerned. Components or systems could
otherwise be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle switch off defective
power circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
will cease to operate.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and fuse rating.
Observe the information about fuse rating in
the fuse allocation chart.
You can obtain advice fro maqualified
specialist workshop.
The fuse allocation chart and other
information on the fuses can be found in the
"Fuse allocation chart" supplement. Electrical fuses
271Breakdown assistance Z