GAWR (Gross Axle Weigh
tRating)
(definition) ..................................... 293
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 293
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 293
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................293
Important safety notes ..................274
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......293
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........293
Labeling (overview )........................ 289
Load bearing index (definition) ......294
Load index ..................................... 291
Load index (definition) ...................294
M+S tires ....................................... 276
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 293
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 294
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 294
Maximum tire loa d......................... 291
Maximum tire load (definition) .......294
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 294
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 294
Replacing ....................................... 302
Service life ..................................... 276
Sidewall (definition) .......................294
Speed rating (definition) ................293
Storing ........................................... 303
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 292
Summer tires ................................. 276
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 294
Tire bea d(definition) ...................... 294
Tire pressure (definition) ................294
Tire pressures (recommended )...... 293
Tire size (data) ............................... 285
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 290
Tire tread ....................................... 275
Tire tread (definition) .....................294
Total load limit (definition) .............295 Traction (definition)
.......................295
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................295
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standard s(definition) .................... 293
Unladen weight (definition) ............294
valve, Snap-In ................................ 280
Wea rindicato r(definition) .............295
Whee lrim (definition ).................... 293
Tire sealant
Storage location ............................ 265
Using ............................................. 295
Top Tether ............................................ 53
Touchshift (automatic
transmission) ..................................... 139
Tow-away alarm Arming/deactivating ........................61
Deactivating .................................... .61
Operation ........................................ .60
Towing
If the vehicl eisstuck..................... 270
Important safety guidelines ...........268
Installing/removing the towing
eye. ................................................ 269
In the event of malfunction s.......... 269
With a raised front or rear axle ......269
Towing atrailer
Axle load ,permissible .................... 329
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 260
Coupling up atrailer ...................... 171
Decoupling atrailer ....................... 172
Driving tips .................................... 168
Important safety notes ..................168
Installing and removing the ball
coupling ......................................... 170
Notes on retrofitting ......................328
Power supply ................................. 174
Trailer loads ................................... 329
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......270
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............271
Important safety notes ..................268
Trailer
Brake force booster malfunction ...211
Trailer coupling
see Towing atrailer
see Trailer tow hitch Index
19
Further information can be obtained at any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Notes on the radiator
Even seemingly small changes to the vehicle,
such as attaching a radiator trim for winter
driving, is not permitted
.Do not cover up the
radiator. Do not use thermal mats, insect
protection covers or anything similar.
Otherwise, the values of the diagnostic
system may be affected. Some of these
values are legally prescribed and must always
be correct.
Information on the cargo compartment
floor !
The wooden or plastic cargo area floor
fitted at the factory is an integral
component of the vehicle structure. The
vehicle body could be damaged if you have
the load area floor removed. This then
affects the securing of loads and the
maximum loading capacity of the lashing
points is no longer guaranteed.
Therefore, do not have the load area floor
removed.
Sprinter body/equipment mounting
directives G
WARNING
The function of systems or components can
be affected by conversions or modifications
to the vehicle. They might not function
properly any more and/or jeopardize the
operational safety of the vehicle. There is an
increased risk of an accident and injury.
Conversions or modifications should always
be carried out at qualified specialist
workshop.
If you intend to make modifications to your
vehicle, we strongly recommend that you
contact the distributor named on the inside
of the front cover. There you will receive all the necessary information and a charge may
be levied.
You alone accept the responsibility if body
manufacturers or dealers make modifications
that affect the final certification of the engine,
the vehicle or the equipment. This also
applies to the identification and
documentation of modifications to the
affected vehicle components.
You are responsible for certification and
confirmation that:
R all the applicable standards and regulations
that are affected by the vehicle
modification are met
R the modified vehicle fulfills the vehicle
safety standards and emissions laws and
regulations
R the modifications or installation of
accessories does not affect the safety of
the vehicle.
We are not responsible for the final
certification, product liability or warranty
claims which result from the modifications.
This applies to:
R the modified components, assemblies or
systems
R any resulting noncompliance with any of
the emissions laws and regulations or the
motor vehicle safety standards
R any consequences arising from the
changes that make the vehicle less safe or
even render it defective
We do not assume responsibility as the final-
stage manufacturer or for the consequential
product liability. Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience aproble mwith your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affec tits safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Sprinter Dealer
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. 28
Introduction
listed here on the inside title page. Details can
be found in the Maintenance Booklet. Short journey
! If the vehicle is predominantly used for
short-distance driving, this could lead to a
malfunction in the automatic cleaning
function for the diesel particle filter. As a
result, fuel may accumulate in the engine
oil and cause engine failure.
Therefore, if you mainly drive short
distances, you should drive on a highway or
on rural roads for 20 minutes every
310 miles (50 0km). This ensures sufficient
regeneration of the diesel particle filter.
Therefore, if you mainl ydrive short distances,
drive on a freeway or an inter-urban road for
20 minutes every 300 miles (500 km). This
facilitates the diesel particl efilter's burn-off
process. Speed limiter
G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tir eload-bearing
capacity and the approved maximum speed
could lead to tire damage or the tire bursting.
There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle.
As the driver, you must find out about the
maximum speed of the vehicle and the
resulting permissible maximum speed of the
tires (tire and tire pressure). In particular, also
observe the tire approval regulations for each
country.
You must not exceed the speed limit for the
tires listed in the tire pressure tables. You can
find information on tire pressures in the
"Wheels and tires" section (Y page 278).You can permanently limit the maximum
speed of your vehicle to 75 mph (120 km/h).
We recommend that you use an authorized
Sprinter Dealer for the programming of the
maximum speed.
Before overtaking, take into consideration
that the engine speed limiter prevents the
speed increasing beyond the programmed
maximum speed. Driving abroad
Service An extensive network of authorized Sprinter
Dealers is also at your disposal when you are
traveling abroad. Nevertheless, please bear
in mind that service facilities or replacement
parts may not always be immediately
available. You can obtain
alist of workshops
at any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Fuel In some countries, only fuels with a higher
sulfur conten
tare available.
Unsuitable fuel can cause engine damage.
You will find information on fuels in the
"Service products and capacities" section
(Y page 317).
Low-beam headlamps If you are traveling in countries where
vehicles are drive
nonthe opposite side of the
road to that in which the vehicle is registered,
you will need to:
R have the halogen headlamps partially
masked
R have the Bi-Xenon headlamps set to
symmetrical low beam
This prevents glare to oncoming traffic and no
longer illuminates the edge of the road to the
same height and distance.
Have the headlamps masked or adjusted at a
qualified specialist workshop before you Driving tips
149Driving and parking Z
as discussed in scientific circles, is taken into
account. Only have the exterior antenna
installed by a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend the use of an approved
exterior antenna for operating the mobile
phone. Only in this way can optimal mobile
phone reception quality in the vehicle be
ensured and mutual interference between the
vehicle electronics and mobile phones
minimized.
Observe the legal requirements for each
individual country. Mobile phone pre-installation
The mobile phone pre-installatio nincludes a
hands-free system integrated into the
vehicle. The microphone for the hands-free
system is installed in the overhead control
panel or in the overhead stowage
compartment together with the front interior
light.
In order to use the hands-free system, you will
need a special bracket. The Sprinter
accessories include brackets for various
mobile phone models.
i Mobile phone brackets which are
available from various manufacturers on
the open market are not compatible with
the Sprinter telephone system .You can
recognize suitable holders for your mobile
phone by the imprinted star and the B6
spare part number on the back of the
bracket.
Detailed instructions for use can be found in
the operating instructions for the mobile
phone bracket and in the separate operating
instructions for the mobile phone pre-
installation.
i The mobile phone battery is charged
depending on the condition of charge and
the position of the key in the ignition lock.
The mobile phone display indicates the
charging process. Additional communications
equipment
G
WARNING
Always pay attention to road and traffic
conditions.
Only operate electronic equipment when road
and traffic conditions permit. Bear in mind
that at a speed of only 30 mph (approximately
50 km/h), your vehicle covers about 44 ft
(approximately 14 m) every second.
An avigation system does no tsupply
informatio nonthe load-bearing capacity of
bridges or the overhead clearance of
underpasses.
The driver remains responsible for the safety
of the vehicle at all times.
Observe legal requirements.
Telephones, two-way radios and fax machines
without an exterior antenna could interfere
with the vehicle electronicsa nd thus
compromise the operational safety of the
vehicle. There is an increased ris kofaccident.
Do not use this equipment while the vehicle
is in motion. G
WARNING
You and others may damage your health due
to excessive electromagnetic radiation. By
using an external antenna, the possible health
risks of electromagnetic fields, which are
under discussion among the scientific
community, should be largel yprevented.
Therefore, only have the exterior antenna
installed at a qualified specialist workshop.
You will find information on retrofitting
electrical or electronic equipment in the
“Vehicle electronics” section (Y page 314). Additional communications equipment
229Stowing and features Z
!
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
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
example. The maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight rating is vehicle-specific and
may differ from that which is illustrated.
You can find the valid maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight rating for
your vehicle on the Tire and Loading
Information placard.
Number of seats 0005
Maximum number of seats
0006 Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
Maximum number of seats 0005determines the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
i The details on the Tire and Loading
Information placard illustration are only an
example. The number of seats is vehicle-
specific and can differ from the details
shown. The number of seats in your vehicle
can be found on the Tire and Loading
Information placard.
Determining the maximum load Individual steps
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S.F ederal Regulations, Part 575 in
accordance with the "National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
X Step 1: Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on
your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard.
X Step 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
traveling in your vehicle.
X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX lbs.
X Step 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400l bs and there will be five
150 pound passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacit yis6 50 lbs (1400 0027750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs).
X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. For reasons of safety, that weight
must not exceed the available cargo and
luggage cargo capacity calculated in step
4.
X Step 6 (if applicable): If you intend to tow
a trailer behind you rvehicle, the load on the
trailer is transferred to your vehicle. Please
consult the Tire and Loading Information
placard, to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. Loading the vehicle
287Wheels and tires Z
0026
Maximum tire pressure (Y page 280)
0025 Manufacturer
0023 Tire material (Y page 292)
0024 Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index (Y page 290)
0018 Tire name
The markings described above are on the tire
in addition to the tire name (sales
designation) and the manufacturer's name.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Tire size designation, load bearing index
and speed index G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing
capacity and the approved maximum speed
could lead to tire damage or the tire bursting.
There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle. 0005
Design standard
0006 Tire width
0026 Nominal aspect ration in %
0025 Tire code
0023 Rim diameter
0024 Load bearing index
0018 Speed index General:
depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter 0005that precedes the size
description
If "LT" precedes the size description (as
shown above): these are light truck tires
according to U.S. manufacturing standards.
If "C" precedes the size description: these are
commercial motor vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
Tire width: tire width0006shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Aspect ratio: aspect ratio0026is the size ratio
between the tire height and tire width and is
shown in percent.T he aspect ratio is
calculated by dividing the tire width by the tire
height.
Tire code: tire code0025specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Rim diameter: rim diameter0023is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter
of the rim flange. The rim diameter is
specified in inches (in).
Load-bearing index: load-bearing index0024
is a numerical code that specifies the
maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum
permissible load can be found on the
vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side
(Y page 286).
Example:
The load-bearing index 120 indicates a
maximum load of 3,042 lb (1,380 kg) for the
tire. If two load-bearing capacity indices are
specified (as shown above), the first number
states the load-bearing capacity for single
tires, the second number the load-bearing
capacity for twin tires. For further information
on the maximum tire load in kilograms and
pounds, see (Y page 291).290
What you should know about wheels and tiresWheels and tires