
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). Seats
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the driver's seat is not engaged, it could
move unexpectedly while the vehicle is in
motion. This could cause you to lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Always make sure that the driver's seat is
engaged before starting the engine. G
WARNING
When you adjust a seat, you or other vehicle
occupants could become trapped, e.g. on the
seat guide rail. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure when adjusting a seat that no one
has any body parts in the sweep of the seat. G
WARNING
If head restraints are not installed and
adjusted correctly, they cannot provide pro-
tection as intended. There is an increased risk
of injury in the head and neck area, e.g. in the
event of an accident or when braking.
Always drive with the head restraints instal-
led. Before driving off, make sure for every
vehicle occupant that the center of the head
restraint supports the back of the head at
about eye level.
Your seat must be adjusted in such a way that
you can wear the seat belt correctly. Observe the following points:
R
Position the backrest in an almost vertical
position so that you are sitting virtually
upright. Do not drive with the backrest
reclined too far back.
R Your arms should be slightly bent when you
are holding the steering wheel.
R Avoid seat positions that prevent the seat
belt from being routed correctly. The
shoulder section of the belt must be routed
over the middle of your shoulder and be
pulled tight against your upper body. The
lap belt must always pass across your lap
as low down as possible, i.e. over your hip
joints.
R Adjust the head restraint so that it supports
the back of the head at eye level.
R The distance from the pedals should be
such that you can depress them fully.
Observe also the safety notes in the section
on "Air bags" (Y page 44) and "Children in the
vehicle" ( Ypage 50).
If you swap over the head restraints for the
front and rear seats, you will not be able to
adjust the height and angle of the head
restraints to the correct position.
Use the head restraint pad to adjust the head
restraint so that it is as close as possible to
the back of your head.
Before the journey, make sure the head
restraints have been correctly set for each of
the vehicle's passengers (Y page 86).82
SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors 

If the seat moves up and down frequently and
to a great extent, you can lock the seat in the
lower movement range.
X To engage the seat suspension lock:
turn lever 006Bupwards.
When it next moves, the seat will lock in
position.
i The seat suspension lock will only engage
if your body weight equals or exceeds the
weight selected for the seat suspension.
X To release the seat suspension lock:
turn lever 006Bto the right.
The seat can now move up and down again. Swiveling front seats
G
WARNING
You could lose control of your vehicle if you
do the following while driving:
R adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirror and fasten your seat belt
before starting the engine. G
WARNING
If the driver's and co-driver's seats are not
engaged facing the direction of travel while
driving, the restraint systems may not be able
to provide the intended protection. There is
an increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Engage the driver's and co-driver's seats so
they are facing the direction of travel before
starting the engine.
! When rotating the seats, make sure that
there is sufficient space to do so.
Move the seat forward or back first. This
will help to avoid contact with other parts
of the interior.
Push the handbrake lever down to the stop. The parking brake or handbrake lever could
otherwise be damaged.
Seat release (example: co-driver's seat)
The driver's seat and co-driver's seat can be
rotated by 50° and 180°.
The seats engage when facing in the direction
of travel as well as when facing in the opposite
direction and also engage at an angle of 50°
to the door.
X Make sure that the parking brake has been
engaged and that the handbrake lever has
been pushed down to the stop
(Y page 152).
X Adjust the steering wheel to provide the
necessary space to rotate and adjust the
driver's seat (Y page 88).
X Before rotating, push the co-driver's seat
forwards (Y page 83).
X 2To rotate the seat: push lever0043on the
rear of the seat towards the center of the
vehicle and rotate the seat slightly inwards.
The rotation device is released.
X Release lever 0043.
X Turn the seat about 50° towards the out-
side or inside to the desired position. 84
SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors 

Twin co-driver's seat
X
To fold a seat cushion forwards: lift the
seat cushion out of front anchorage 0043.
X Pull the seat cushion forwards slightly and
out of rear anchorage 0044.
X Fold the rear edge of the seat cushion up.
i You can stow various articles in the space
under the twin co-driver's seat.
X To fold the seat cushion back: fold down
the seat cushion by the rear edge.
X Slide the seat cushion under the seat back-
rest into rear anchorage 0044.
X Push down on the seat cushion at the front
until it engages in front anchorage 0043.Folding seat
G
WARNING
If the key is inserted in the partition sliding
door, it may come into contact with the per-
son on the folding seat. There is a risk of
injury.
Always remove the key from the partition slid-
ing door before a person sits on the folding
seat. Folding seat (example with partition sliding door)
X
Remove key 0043from the partition sliding
door.
X Pull grip 0044of the catch in the direction of
the arrow and fold seat cushion 0087up or
down.
X Release grip 0044of seat cushion 0087in the
corresponding end position.
X Move the seat cushion 0087until it engages.
Grip 0044of the catch must lie completely on
the seat frame. Rear bench seat (Passenger Van)
G
WARNING
If the rear bench seat is not installed as descri-
bed or an unsuitable rear bench seat is instal-
led, the seat belts may not provide protection
as intended. There is an increased risk of
injury.
Install the rear bench seat as described. Only
use rear bench seats that are approved for
your vehicle by the distributor named on the
inside cover page.
! For safety reasons, the four-seat rear
bench must only be removed or installed at
a qualified specialist workshop.
Keep the seat bench mounting recesses in
the vehicle floor free from dirt and foreign
objects. Seats
85Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z