Air bags
Important safety notes G
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury when the front air
bags inflate, it is very important for the driver
and co-driver to always be in a properly seated
position and to wear their respective seat
belt.
For maximum protection in the event of a col-
lision always be in normal seated position with
your back against the seat backrest. Fasten
your seat belt and make sure it is properly
positioned on your body.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R Move the driver's seat as far back as pos-
sible, still permitting proper operation of
vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
You should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
R Do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or instrument panel.
R Keep hands on the outside of the steering
wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside
the rim can increase the risk and potential
severity of hand/arm injury when the driver
front air bag inflates. R
Move the co-driver's seat as far as possible
away from the instrument panel when the
seat is occupied.
R Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
impact air bag inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should the side
impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt prop-
erly and use an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
R Children twelve years old and under must
never travel on the co-driver's seat. They
will otherwise be struck by the co-driver's
front air bag when it inflates in a crash. This
could result in serious or fatal injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety informa-
tion. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator's
Manual. G
WARNING
The air bag parts are hot after the airbag has
been deployed. There is a risk of injury.
Do not touch the air bag parts. Have the
deployed air bags replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible.
i If the vehicle is still in running condition,
have it towed to a qualified specialist work-
shop. G
WARNING
If you modify the air bag covers or affix objects
such as stickers to them, the air bags may not
function correctly. There is an increased risk
of injury.
Never modify the air bag covers or affix
objects to them. 44
Occupant safetySafety
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
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
If the alarm system is armed, a visual and
audible alarm is triggered by the following:
R Unlocking the vehicle from inside
R Opening a door
R Opening the hood
i The alarm is not switched off, even if you
immediately close the open door that has
triggered it, for example.
X To stop the alarm: press the0036button
on the remote control.
Or
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The alarm stops. Tow-away alarm
Operation A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
inclination of the vehicle changes when the
tow-away alarm is armed. This can be the
case if the vehicle is raised on one side, for
example.
Arming/deactivating The tow-away alarm is automatically armed
approximately 20 seconds after you lock the
vehicle.
The tow-away alarm is automatically deacti-
vated when you unlock the vehicle.
Deactivating X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Press button 0043.
When the button is released, the indicator
lamp on button 0044lights up for about
5 seconds.
X Lock the vehicle.
The tow-away alarm is deactivated.
The tow-away alarm remains deactivated
until you lock the vehicle again.
Deactivate the tow-away alarm when locking
your vehicle and:
R loading and/or transporting the vehicle, on
a ferry or car transporter, for example
R parking on a moving surface, as split-level
garage
This will prevent false alarms. Interior motion sensor
Operation If the armed interior motion sensor detects
motion in the vehicle interior, a visual and
acoustic alarm is triggered. This can happen
if someone reaches into the vehicle interior,
for example.
i
If the interior motion sensor is armed and
the auxiliary heating system (Y page 122)
switches on, a false alarm may occur as a
result of interior temperature monitoring.
In this case, either deactivate the interior
motion sensor or switch off the auxiliary
heating.
Arming X
Close the side windows.
X Make sure that nothing (such as mascots
or coat hangers) are hanging on the rear-
view mirror or on the grab handles on the
headliner.
This will prevent false alarms.
X Lock the vehicle.
The interior motion sensor is armed after
approximately 40 seconds. Theft deterrent locking system
63Safety Z
mechanism of your vehicle can be obtained
from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
If the automatic locking when driving function
is activated, there is a risk of being locked out
when the vehicle is pushed or towed.
For this reason, deactivate the automatic
locking when driving function:
R before pushing the vehicle
R before towing the vehicle
If activated, automatic locking is deactivated
when the vehicle is unlocked or locked using
the central locking button.
Automatic locking is reactivated after the
ignition is switched off or a door is opened
with the vehicle stationary.
Activating automatic locking when driv-
ing X
Turn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock when the doors are closed.
X For the entire vehicle: press the upper
00BF central locking button until the indi-
cator lamp in the button flashes four times.
X For the sliding doors and rear doors
only: press the 00C0lower central locking
button until the indicator lamp in the
00BF upper button flashes four times.
Deactivating automatic locking when
driving X
Turn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock when the doors are closed.
X For the entire vehicle: press the00BF
upper central locking button until the indi-
cator lamp in the button flashes twice.
X For the sliding doors and rear doors
only: press the 00C0lower central locking
button until the indicator lamp in the
00BF upper button flashes twice. Driver's door and co-driver's door
! Only open the doors when road and traffic
conditions permit. Make sure that there is
sufficient clearance when opening the
doors. Otherwise, you could damage your
vehicle or other vehicles. You can open the driver's or co-driver's door
from the inside at any time, even if it is locked.
X
Pull door handle 0043.
Locking knob 0044pops up.
The door opens. Sliding door
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the open sliding door is not engaged, it could
move on its own if the vehicle is on a slope.
This could trap you or other persons. There is
a risk of injury.
Always make sure that the open sliding door
is engaged.
! Only open the doors when road and traffic
conditions permit. Make sure that there is
sufficient clearance when opening the
doors. Otherwise, you could damage your
vehicle or other vehicles.
The sliding door of your vehicle can be equip-
ped with an electrical access step. Observe
the notes on the electrical step when opening
and closing the sliding door (Y page 73).72
Sliding doorOpening and closing
Driver's and co-driver's seat
0043
Seat fore-and-aft adjustment
0044 Lumbar support adjustment
0087 Seat backrest adjustment
0085 Seat height adjustment
0083 Seat cushion angle adjustment
0084 Seat suspension adjustment
006B Seat suspension lock
i Depending on the seat model, some
adjustments may not be available.
You can find information on rotating the
front seats under "Swiveling front seats"
(Y page 84).
X To adjust the seat fore-and-aft posi-
tion: pull lever 0043up.
X Slide the seat forwards or back until you
can depress the pedals.
X Release lever 0043.
X Slide the seat forwards or back until you
hear it engage.
X To adjust the backrest: turn handwheel
0087 towards the front.
The seat backrest moves to a vertical posi-
tion.
X Turn handwheel 0087towards the rear.
The seat backrest tilts towards the rear. X
To adjust the seat height: press or pull
lever 0085repeatedly until you have reached
the desired seat height.
X To adjust the seat angle: turn handwheel
0083 towards the front.
The front of the seat cushion is lowered.
X Turn handwheel 0083towards the rear.
The front of the seat cushion is raised.
i The lumbar support allows you to use the
backrest to increase the support provided
to the lumbar spine.
When the lumbar support is correctly
adjusted, it reduces strain on your back
while driving.
X To adjust the lumbar support: turn hand-
wheel 0044upwards.
This increases the support provided to the
lumbar region.
X Turn handwheel 0044downwards.
This reduces the support provided to the
lumbar region.
The seat suspension must be adapted to your
body weight. Adjust the seat suspension only
while the seat is unoccupied.
X To adjust the seat suspension: take your
weight off the seat.
X Using handwheel 0084, set your body weight
(40 to 120 kg) for optimum seat suspen-
sion.
The seat suspension will become more rigid
the higher you set the weight. It will then
not move as far. Seats
83Seats, ste ering wheel and mirrors Z
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