
erly secured in an appropriately sized child
restraint system or booster seat recom-
mended for the size and weight of the child.
For additional information, see the "Children
in the vehicle" section.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is sig-
nificantly increased if the child restraints are
not properly secured in the vehicle and/or the
child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
! Make sure that the seat belt retracts fully.
The seat belt or belt buckle may otherwise
become trapped in the door or the seat
adjustment mechanism. This could dam-
age the door, door trim panels and the seat
belt. Damaged seat belts can no longer ful-
fill their protective function and must be
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop. X
To fasten the seat belt: adjust the seat
and move the backrest to an almost vertical
position (Y page 82).
X Pull the seat belt smoothly through belt
sash guide 0044.
X Without twisting it, guide the shoulder sec-
tion of the seat belt across the middle of
your shoulder and the lap section across
your hips.
X Engage belt tongue 0087in seat belt buckle
0083. X
The upper part of the seat belt must be
routed across the middle of your shoulder.
Adjust the seat belt to the appropriate
height as necessary.
X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder
section of the seat belt to tighten the belt
across your body.
X To raise the seat belt: slide belt sash
guide 0044upwards.
Belt sash guide 0044engages in various posi-
tions.
X To lower the seat belt: press and hold
release button 0043.
X Adjust belt sash guide 0044to the appropri-
ate height.
X Let go of release button 0043and make sure
that belt sash guide 0044has engaged.
X To release the seat belt: press release
button 0085on seat belt buckle 0083.
X Guide seat belt to belt sash guide 0044.
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the driv-
er's seat belt, are equipped with a special seat
belt retractor. This helps to secure the child
restraint system properly in the vehicle. For
further information on "Special seat belt
retractors", see (Y page 54).
Belt warning for drivers and co-drivers Regardless of whether the driver's and co-
driver's seat belts have already been fas-
tened, the
0076seat belt warning lamp lights
up for six seconds each time the engine is
started. It then goes out if the driver and the
co-driver have fastened their seat belts. If the
driver's seat belt is not fastened when the
engine is started, an additional warning tone
will sound. This warning tone switches off
after approximately six seconds or once the
driver's seat belt is fastened. Occupant safety
49Safety Z 

Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat
belt force limiters G
WARNING
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the pyro-
technic ETDs always follow our safety instruc-
tions. These instructions are available from
any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
! If the front-passenger seat is not occu-
pied, do not engage the seat belt tongue in
the buckle on the front-passenger seat.
Otherwise, the Emergency Tensioning
Device could be triggered in the event of an
accident.
X In order to ensure that the pyrotechnic
Emergency Tensioning Devices have not
been triggered, always have the seat belts
checked after an accident.
If the Emergency Tensioning Devices have
been triggered, they must be replaced.
If the vehicle is equipped with a driver's air
bag, the seat belts on the driver's and co-
driver's seats have Emergency Tensioning
Devices and seat belt force limiters.
ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident,
pulling them close against the seat occu-
pant's body.
ETDs do not correct incorrect seat positions
or incorrectly fastened seat belts.
ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back
towards the backrest.
When activated, the seat belt force limiters
reduce the force exerted by the seat belt on
the driver or co-driver.
The seat belt force limiters are synchronized
with the front air bags, which absorb part of
the deceleration force, resulting in the force
exerted on the occupant being distributed
over a greater area.
The ETDs can only be triggered if the ignition
is switched on and the restraint systems are
operational, see " 007Ewarning lamp"
(Y page 42). The Emergency Tensioning Devices are trig-
gered depending on the type and severity of
an accident:
R
in the event of a head-on or rear-end colli-
sion if the vehicle decelerates or acceler-
ates rapidly in a longitudinal direction dur-
ing the initial stages of the impact
R in the event of a side impact if the vehicle
decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a lat-
eral direction and the vehicle is equipped
with thorax side impact air bags and/or
window curtain air bags
If the ETDs are triggered, you will hear a bang
and powder may also be released. Only in rare
cases will the bang affect your hearing. The
powder emitted is not generally hazardous to
health. The 007Ewarning lamp lights up. Child restraint systems
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is not installed
correctly to a suitable seat, the child may not
be secured in the event of an accident or sud-
den braking and may be seriously or even
fatally injured. Therefore, when installing a
child restraint system, you must observe the
manufacturer's installation instructions as
well as the notes on using the child restraint
system.
Child restraint systems should preferably be
installed to the rear seats. Children are gen-
erally better protected there.
Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under the
child restraint system. The entire base of the
child restraint system must always rest on the
seat cushion.
A child restraint system must not be used
without the genuine cover designed for it.
Only replace damaged covers with genuine
covers.
On the rear seats, use only child restraint sys-
tems that have been recommended for use in
the Sprinter. 50
Child restraint systemsSafety 

G
WARNING
Accident statistics show that children
secured in the rear seats are safer than chil-
dren secured in the co-driver's seat. For this
reason, we strongly advise that you always
secure children in the rear seats. Regardless
of the seat position, children under 12 years
must be secured correctly in a suitable infant
or child restraint system or booster seat suit-
able for the size and weight of the child.
Never place anything between the seat cush-
ion and child seat (e.g. pillow). The bottom of
the child seat must make full contact with the
vehicle seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted
child seat could cause injuries to the child in
the event of an accident, instead of protecting
the child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat
belt and Top Tether strap, or lower anchors
and Top Tether strap, fully in accordance with
the child seat manufacturer's instructions.
Always observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions when installing special child restraint
systems.
Occupants, in particular children, must sit as
upright as possible, fasten the seat belt cor-
rectly and use a suitable infant restraint sys-
tem, child restraint system or booster seat
suitable for the size and weight of the child.
Children can be seriously or even fatally
injured by an air bag deploying. Observe the
following important information if it is abso-
lutely necessary to carry a child on the co-
driver's seat:
R The co-driver's front air bag is not deacti-
vated.
R Never secure your child in a rearward-
facing child restraint system on the co-driv-
er's seat. A child in a rearward-facing child
restraint system on the co-driver's seat can
be seriously injured or even killed if the co-
driver's front air bag deploys. Only install a rearward-facing child restraint system on a
suitable rear seat.
R Where permitted by state law, if you secure
your child in a forward-facing child restraint
system on the co-driver's seat, move the
co-driver's seat as far back to the rear as
possible. You must then use an appropri-
ately sized child restraint system recom-
mended for the age, size and weight of the
child and secure it with the vehicle seat belt
in accordance with the child seat manufac-
turer's instructions. G
WARNING
Infants and small children should never share
a seat belt with another occupant. In the event
of an accident, they could be crushed
between the occupant and seat belt.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is sig-
nificantly increased if the child restraints are
not properly secured in the vehicle and/or the
child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
Children that are too large for a child restraint
must travel in seats using normal seat belts.
Position the shoulder belt across the chest
and shoulder, not the face or neck. A booster
seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat
belt positioning for children over 41 lbs
(18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap/
shoulder belt fits properly without a booster
seat.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove
it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat
belt to prevent the child restraint from becom-
ing a projectile in the event of an accident. G
WARNING
When extending or retracting, parts of the
body could become trapped within the sweep
of the roller sunblind. There is a risk of injury.
When extending or retracting, make sure that
no one has any parts of the body within the
sweep of the roller sunblind. If someone
becomes trapped, briefly press the button Child restraint systems
51Safety
Z 

again. The opening or closing procedure will
be stopped. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
Further information on secure stowage of
loads can be found under "Loading guide-
lines".
If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle:
R secure the child with a child or infant seat
restraint system appropriate to the age and
weight of the child
R make sure that the infant or child is prop-
erly secured at all times while the vehicle
is in motion.
We recommend that you always properly
secure all infants and children in an infant or
child restraint system for the journey.
The use of seat belts and infant and child
restraint systems is required by law in:
R all 50 states
R the U.S. territories
R the District of Columbia
R all Canadian provinces
Infants and children must always be seated in
an appropriate infant or child restraint system
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. This must be properly secured in
accordance with the manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions for the infant or child seat
restraint system. All infant or child restraint systems must meet
the following standards:
R
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand-
ards 213 and 225
R Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
A statement by the child restraint manufac-
turer of compliance with these standards can
be found on the instruction label on the child
restraint system. You will also find the state-
ment in the instruction manual provided with
the child restraint system.
When using any infant restraint, child
restraint or booster seat, make sure to care-
fully read and follow all manufacturer's
instructions for installation and use.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle
interior or on the infant or child restraint. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
G
WARNING
Children that are too large for a child restraint
must travel in seats using normal seat belts.
Position shoulder belt across the chest and
shoulder, not face or neck.
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where
a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a
booster.
Install the child restraint system in accord-
ance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Attach the child restraint system to both
securing rings.
An incorrectly installed child restraint system
could come loose during an accident and ser-
iously or even fatally injure the child.
Child restraint systems or child seat securing
rings that are malfunctioning or damaged as
the result of a collision must be replaced. 52
Child restraint systemsSafety 

These include, for example:
R
Top Tether belt
R Seat belts
R LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat securing
system
! When installing the child restraint system,
make sure that the seat belt for the middle
seat does not get trapped. 0043
Securing rings
X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system. Comply with the manu-
facturer's instructions when installing the
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint sys-
tem.
ISOFIX is a standardized securing system for
special child restraint systems on the rear
seats. Securing rings 0043for the LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) child restraint systems are located
between the seat cushion and the seat back-
rest:
R on the outer left and right-hand sides on a
narrow rear bench seat with three seats
R on the outer left side on a rear bench seat
with two seats
Secure child restraint systems without a
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat securing sys-
tem using the seat belts in the vehicle. When
installing child restraint systems, you must
observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Top Tether
Top Tether anchorage points
Top Tether belt
Top Tether provides an additional connection
between the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system and the rear seat. This helps
reduce the risk of injury even further.
The Top Tether anchorage points
0044are
located on the rear side at the bases of the
rear bench seats.
X Slide head restraint 0043upwards.
X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system with Top Tether. Comply
with the manufacturer's installation
instructions when doing so.
X Route the Top Tether belt 0085under head
restraint 0043between the two head restraint
bars.
X Hook Top Tether hook 0087into Top Tether
anchorage 0044. Child restraint systems
53Safety Z 

Make sure that:
R
the Top Tether hook 0087is hooked into
Top Tether anchorage 0044, as shown
R the Top Tether belt 0085is not twisted
X Tighten Top Tether belt 0085. Comply with the
manufacturer's installation instructions
when doing so.
X If necessary, push the head restraint back
down slightly. Make sure that you do not
interfere with the correct routing of Top
Tether belt 0085. Special seat belt retractor
G
WARNING
If the seat belt is released while driving, the
child restraint system will no longer be
secured properly. The special seat belt retrac-
tor is disabled and the inertia real draws in a
portion of the seat belt. The seat belt cannot
be immediately refastened. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying atten-
tion to road and traffic conditions. Reactivate
the special seat belt retractor and secure the
child restraint system properly.
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the driv-
er's seat belt, are equipped with a special seat
belt retractor. When activated, the special
seat belt retractor ensures that the seat belt
cannot slacken once the child seat is secured.
X To activate the special seat belt retrac-
tor: install the child restraint system.
Observe the child-seat manufacturer's
installation instructions when doing so.
X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the inertia
reel.
X Engage the belt tongue in the seat belt
buckle. X
Extend the seat belt fully and then allow the
inertia reel to retract the belt.
A ratcheting noise can be heard when the
belt is retracting; this indicates activation
of the special seat belt retractor.
X Press the child restraint system down
firmly into the seat to avoid any play.
X To disable the special seat belt retrac-
tor: press the seat belt buckle release but-
ton and allow the belt to retract fully.
The seat belt can be used in the normal
manner again. Child-proof locks
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot. Chil-
dren may burn themselves on these parts,
particularly on the metal parts of the child
restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you leave the vehicle, taking the child with
you, always ensure that the child restraint
system is not exposed to direct sunlight. Pro-
tect it with a blanket, for example. If the child
restraint system has been exposed to direct
sunlight, let it cool down before securing the
child in it. Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
You can activate the child-proof lock for the
sliding door (Y page 55) and for the rear
door (Y page 55). 54
Child-proof locksSafety 

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 func-
tions. This also applies to systems and func-
tions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Key
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Activate the child-proof door locks if children
are traveling in the vehicle. The children could
otherwise open the doors while the vehicle is
in motion, injuring themselves and others. G
WARNING
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system. Children could otherwise
injure themselves on parts of the vehicle.
They could be severely or even fatally injured
by prolonged exposure to intense heat or
cold.
If children open a door, they could:
R injure other people
R get out of the vehicle and thereby injure
themselves or be injured by a passing vehi-
cle
R severely injure themselves by falling down,
in particular due to the vehicle height
Always take the key with you when leaving the
vehicle, even if you are only leaving for a short
time. G
WARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey, the SmartKey could be uninten- tionally turned in the ignition lock. This could
cause the engine to be switched off. There is
a risk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to
the SmartKey. Remove any bulky key rings
before inserting the SmartKey into the igni-
tion lock.
Do not keep the key with remote control:
R with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile
phone or another key with remote control
R with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal
foil
R in metallic objects, e.g. metal cases
This can affect the key's functionality. Key functions of the remote control
General notes The vehicle is equipped with either 2 or
4 remote controls with a folding key, or 4
mechanical keys. In this Operator's Manual,
both the mechanical keys and the keys with
remote control are referred to as keys. The
remote control key has a range of up to
32 ft (10 m). Use the remote control of the
key only when in immediate proximity of the
vehicle. This prevents theft.
Remote controls that are not included in the
scope of delivery for the vehicle must be pro-
grammed before use. Further information can
be obtained at any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
The key's remote control locks/unlocks the
driver's door and/or the following centrally if
the factory settings have not been changed:
R the driver's and the co-driver's door
R the sliding doors
R the rear doors
i If the driver's or co-driver's door is not
closed, the corresponding door is not
locked. If a sliding door or a rear door is not
closed properly, none of the rear doors are
locked. 66
KeyOpening and closing 

Central locking
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Activate the child-proof door locks if children
are traveling in the vehicle. The children could
otherwise open the doors while the vehicle is
in motion, injuring themselves and others. G
WARNING
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system. Children could otherwise
injure themselves on parts of the vehicle.
They could be severely or even fatally injured
by prolonged exposure to intense heat or
cold.
If children open a door, they could:
R injure other people
R get out of the vehicle and thereby injure
themselves or be injured by a passing vehi-
cle
R severely injure themselves by falling down,
in particular due to the vehicle height
Always take the key with you when leaving the
vehicle, even if you are only leaving for a short
time.
You can open a locked front door from the
inside at any time. You can open a locked
sliding door or rear door from the inside if it
has been previously unlocked from inside. Locking and unlocking manually
Central locking buttons
Use the central locking buttons to centrally
lock/unlock either the entire vehicle or just
the sliding doors and rear doors from the
inside.
X
To lock/unlock the entire vehicle: press
the upper 00BFcentral locking button
when the doors are closed.
When the entire vehicle is locked, the indi-
cator lamp in the 00BFcentral locking but-
ton lights up.
i If the key has been removed or is in posi-
tion 0in the ignition lock, the indicator
lamp in the 00BFcentral locking button
remains lit for 5 seconds.
X To lock/unlock the sliding doors and
rear doors: press the lower section of the
00C0 central locking button when the
doors are closed.
When the sliding doors and rear doors are
locked, the indicator lamp in the upper
00BF central locking button lights up. Automatic locking
General notes The vehicle locks automatically as standard
once a speed of 9 mph (15 km/h) has been
reached. Depending on the vehicle's equip-
ment, the doors may be locked automatically
once the ignition is switched on. Information
on the functions of the automatic locking Central locking
71Opening and closing Z