Exhaust gas aftertreatment
The exhaust gas aftertreatment requires a
reducing agent known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) in order to function correctly. Filling up
the DEF tank is usually part of the service
scope. DEF consumption depends on opera-
tional and driving conditions and it is not nec-
essary to wait until the next scheduled
service to replenish the fluid. Fluid should be
added regularly to the DEF supply reservoir
during vehicle operation or, at the latest, after
receiving the first warning message via the
on-board computer.
To conform to emission regulations, you must
operate the vehicle with DEF and refill the
supply regularly. The engine management
recognizes attempts to operate the vehicle
without DEF, with thinned DEF or with
another reducing agent. After previous warn-
ing messages, the engine management then
prevents a further engine start.
If the DEF level drops below 1.5 US gal
(5.5 l), the first warning message is issued
and a warning tone sounds. After the mes-
sage appears for the first time, and under
normal driving conditions, the remaining DEF
reserve will last for approximately
1000 miles (1600 km) before the next mes-
sage.
After that, the 0.8 US gal (3.0 l)reserve mark
is reached. Once the reserve range has been
reached, you will receive the next warning
message and you will hear a series of warning
tones. After the first message, the DEF
reserve will last for approximately
1,200 miles (1,900 km) until the next mes-
sage is shown. However, you will only be able
to start the engine another 16 times.
You should immediately add 2.0 US gal
(7.6 l) of DEF (Y page 150) or have the DEF
supply reservoir filled at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When the number of remaining engine starts
is 0
0 the engine management prevents the
vehicle being driven at a speed exceeding 5 mph (8 km/h). The
Idle Mode Idle Modemessage
appears in the multifunction display:
If the 00B9 Check Engine indicator lamp lights
up, the exhaust gas aftertreatment is faulty or
an emission-related malfunction has occur-
red (Y page 213). You will then only be able
to drive a maximum 50 mi (80 km) before the
engine management restricts the number of
starts remaining.
If the exhaust gas aftertreatment is faulty,
have it checked and repaired at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Further information on DEF can be found in
the "Refueling" (Y page 149) and "Service
products and capacities" (Y page 324) sec-
tions. Attachments, bodies, equipment and
conversions
General notes !
For safety reasons, have add-on equip-
ment manufactured and installed accord-
ing to the Sprinter body/equipment mount-
ing directives in force. These body/equip-
ment mounting directives ensure that the
chassis and the body form one unit and that
maximum operating and road safety is ach-
ieved.
We recommend for safety reasons that:
R you carry out no other modifications to
the vehicle.
R you obtain the agreement of the distrib-
utor named on the inside of the front
cover for any deviations from the
approved body/equipment mounting
directives.
Approval from certified inspection agen-
cies or official approvals cannot rule out
risks to your safety.
We recommend that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts as well as conversion
parts and accessories that have been specif-
ically approved by Mercedes-Benz for the
type of vehicle. Introduction
27 Z
These parts have been specially tested to
establish their safety, reliability and suitabil-
ity.
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 pro-
tection covers or anything similar.
Otherwise, the values of the diagnostic sys-
tem 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 fit-
ted 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 secur-
ing 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 prop-
erly any more and/or jeopardize the opera-
tional 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 work-
shop.
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 documenta-
tion of modifications to the affected vehicle
components.
You are responsible for certification and con-
firmation that:
R all the applicable standards and regulations
that are affected by the vehicle modifica-
tion are met
R the modified vehicle fulfills the vehicle
safety standards and emissions laws and
regulations
R the modifications or installation of acces-
sories does not affect the safety of the
vehicle
We are not responsible for the final certifica-
tion, 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 a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to con-
tact an authorized Sprinter Dealer immedi- 28
Introduction
Instrument cluster
Displays and controls
Instrument cluster on vehicles without steering wheel buttons
Instrument cluster in vehicles with steering-wheel buttons
Function Page
0043
Speedometer 183
0044
Tachometer 183
0087
0074,
0075Brightens/dims the
instrument cluster lighting 183
0085
Fuel gage with fuel filler flap
location indicator
183
0083
Display
Vehicles without steering
wheel buttons
184
Vehicles with steering
wheel buttons 186 Function Page
0084
Reset button
0045 34
006B
Menu button
0079 • changes standard display 184
• selects menus 185
006C
Service button
0098 Checks the engine oil level 25234
Instrument clusterAt a glance
Indicator and warning lamps
Instrument cluster on vehicles without steering
wheel buttons Instrument cluster in vehicles with steering-wheel buttons
Function Page
0043
Speedometer with warn-
ing and indicator lamps
0072
ESP
®
warning lamp 221
ASR warning lamp 221
003F
Coolant level too low 226
00AC
Coolant temperature too
high 226
0075
Restraint systems malfunc-
tion 42
0065
Brake fluid level too low 222
EBD malfunctioning 221
Trailer brake force booster
malfunction
222
00B2
Engine oil level warning 225 Function Page
00B9
Check Engine indicator
lamp
227
0028
Preglow 138
Preglow system malfunc-
tion
228
0044
Indicator and warning
lamps
004A
Left-hand turn signal 95
0025
ABS malfunction 221
0077
Tire pressure loss or the tire
pressure monitor is mal-
functioning (USA only)
229
Tire pressure loss (Canada
only)
294Instrument cluster
35At a glance
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). Occupant safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Modifications to the restraint systems could
result in them not functioning properly any
more. The restraint systems could then no
longer protect vehicle occupants as they are
designed to do and could fail in the event of
an accident or activate unexpectedly, for
example. There is an increased risk of injury.
Never modify parts of the restraint systems.
Do not attempt to modify the wiring as well as
electronic components or their software.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz center.
USA only: for further information contact our
Customer Assistance Center at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1800-367-6372).
In this section you will learn the most impor-
tant facts about the restraint system compo-
nents of the vehicle.
The restraint system consists of:
R Seat belts
R Child restraint systems
R LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat securing
system
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) and
the air bag system offer additional protection
potential. Although the systems are independent, their
protective functions work in conjunction with
one another.
i
For information on infants and children
traveling with you in the vehicle as well as
restraint systems for infants and children,
see the "Children in the vehicle" section
(Y page 50). SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction SRS consists of:
R
007E warning lamp
R Air bags
R Air bag control unit with crash sensors
R ETDs for the driver's and co-driver's seat
R Seat belt force limiters
R Seat belt force limiters for the driver's and
co-driver seats
SRS reduces the risk of occupants hitting
parts of the vehicle interior in the event of an
accident. In addition, it can reduce the forces
the occupants are subjected to during an
accident.
SRS warning lamp G
WARNING
If SRS is malfunctioning, child restraint sys-
tem components may be triggered uninten-
tionally or might not be triggered at all in the
event of an accident with a high rate of vehicle
deceleration. There is an increased risk of
injury, possibly even fatal.
Have SRS checked and repaired immediately
at a qualified specialist workshop.
SRS functions are checked regularly when
you switch on the ignition and when the
engine is running. This allows malfunctions to
be detected in good time. 42
Occupant safetySafety
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
switched on. The lamp goes out when the
engine starts running.
Braking If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsating in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions and func-
tions as a reminder to take extra care while
driving.
X If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking sit-
uation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force. BAS (Brake Assist System)
G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons: if
the BAS driving safety system is malfunction-
ing, the 003Dwarning lamp lights up while the
engine is running (Y page 221).
BAS operates in emergency braking situa-
tions. If you depress the brake quickly, BAS
automatically increases the brake pressure,
thereby reducing the stopping distance.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident. You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure to the rear wheels. This enables EBD to
improve handling during braking.
Observe the information on warning and indi-
cator lamps (Y page 221). ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Observe the important safety guidelines for
the driving safety system (Y page 56). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning it will not provide
any vehicle stabilization. There is an increased
risk of skidding or of an accident.
Exercise caution when continuing to drive.
Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! Only operate the vehicle briefly (maxi-
mum of 10 seconds) on a brake dynamom-
eter. The key must be turned to position 1
in the ignition lock during this time. You
could otherwise damage the drive train or
the brake system.
! Do not run the vehicle on a roller dyna-
mometer (e.g. for performance tests). If
you must operate the vehicle on a roller
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
specialist workshop in advance. You could
otherwise damage the drive train or the
brake system.
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, the 0089warning
lamp lights up while the engine is running and
the engine power may be reduced
(Y page 221).
Only use wheels with the recommended tire
sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function properly.
If you select the drive program S+on a vehicle
with an AGILITY SELECT switch, ESP ®
only
stabilizes the vehicle to a limited degree. Driving safety systems
57Safety Z
R
there is interference from other radar sour-
ces
R there are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle is traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle is traveling in front on a different
line
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-
cle, have the configuration and operation of
the radar sensor checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. This also applies to colli-
sions at slow speeds where there is no visible
damage to the front of the vehicle.
Activating/deactivating the distance
warning function
When you switch on the engine, the distance
warning function switches on after a few sec-
onds.
X To deactivate: press the00D4button
(Y page 37).
Vehicles without steering wheel but-
tons: the00C7 warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up and the OFF
OFF message
flashes.
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
the 00C7 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up and the message Dis‐ Dis‐
tance warning deactivated
tance warning deactivated appears.
X To activate: press the00D4button again
(Y page 37).
Vehicles without steering wheel but-
tons: the00C7 warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out and the ON
ON message
flashes.
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
the 00C7 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out and the message Dis‐ Dis‐
tance
tance warning
warning activated
activated appears in the
multifunction display.
Adaptive Brake Assist
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems
(Y page 56). G
WARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic situa-
tions.
In such cases, Adaptive Brake Assist may:
R intervene unnecessarily
R not intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation. G
WARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R to stationary obstacles
R when cornering
As a result, Adaptive Brake Assist may not
intervene in all critical conditions. There is a
risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
Adaptive Brake Assist aids you when braking
during hazardous situations at speeds above
20 mph (30 km/h). With the help of the radar
sensor system, adaptive Brake Assist can rec-
ognize obstacles that are in the path of your
vehicle for an extended period of time.
When you approach an obstacle and adaptive
Brake Assist detects that there is a risk of a
collision, adaptive Brake Assist calculates the
braking force necessary to avoid a collision.
Should you apply the brakes forcefully, adap-
tive Brake Assist will automatically increase
the braking force to the calculated level.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking. Driving safety systems
59Safety Z