
Hood release lever in the driver's footwell
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic
as possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Pull release handle 0043on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap and push grip 0044on the
hood catch upwards. X
Swing the hood upwards until support strut
0087 engages and the hood is supported. Closing the hood G
WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it could tip forward
during rapid deceleration of the vehicle and
hit persons or objects within its path. There is
a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, always make sure that the hood is
closed and locked completely before driving
off.
If the hood is not locked and you are already
driving at walking pace:
R the yellow 003Eindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes on for vehicles
without steering-wheel buttons.
R the 003E Hood open Hood open display appears for
vehicles with steering-wheel buttons.
! When you press the support strut back,
make sure that you do not press it against
the detent position and cause it to bend.
! Do not use your hands to push the hood
down. You could damage it otherwise.
X Lift the hood slightly.
X Press support strut 0087towards the back.
X Lower the hood and allow it to fall with
momentum from a height of approximately
1 ft (30 cm).
The hood locks audibly.
X Check that the hood is correctly locked.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged.
i If the hood is not correctly engaged, open
the hood again. Let the hood fall with a little
more momentum. Engine compartment
251Maintenance and care Z 

For vehicles with a red oil dipstick, only check
the oil level when the engine is at normal
operating temperature:
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic
as possible on level ground.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait for five minutes.
For vehicles with a yellow oil dipstick, only
check the oil level when the engine is cold.
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic
as possible on level ground.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Open the hood (Y page 250).
X Pull out oil dipstick 0043.
X Wipe oil dipstick 0043using a lint-free cloth.
X Insert oil dipstick 0043back into the guide
tube as far as it will go and remove it again.
If the level is between minimum mark 0087
and maximum mark 0044, the oil level is cor-
rect.
X If the oil level has dropped to or below min-
imum mark 0087, open cap 0085and add
engine oil (Y page 254).
The difference in quantity between
marks 0044and 0087is approximately
2 US quarts (2 l).
X Close the hood.
OM651 4-cylinder diesel engine: At outside temperatures between 32 ‡
(–0 †) and 86
‡(30 †) you can measure the
oil level when cold.
Measuring the engine oil when the engine is
cold is less precise than measuring when the
engine is at normal operating temperature.
When the appropriate warning is shown in the
display
X Adding engine oil (Y page 254)
Or
X Have engine oil siphoned off.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com-
ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next
to the filler neck. Let the engine cool down
and thoroughly clean the engine oil off the
components before starting the engine.
! The alternator is located below the engine
oil filler neck. If engine oil spills onto the
alternator, there is a danger of alternator
damage. Be very careful when adding
engine oil. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off.
! Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
X Open the hood (Y page 250).
X Unscrew and remove cap 0085.
X Add engine oil. 254
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care 

X
Place cap 0043on the filler neck and tighten.
When doing so, make sure that the cap
engages correctly.
X Check the oil level with the oil dipstick
(Y page 253) or on the display
(Y page 252).
X Close the hood. Coolant
G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized, par-
ticularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hot
coolant spraying out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape.
Only check the coolant level and/or fill the
coolant if the vehicle is on a level surface and
the engine has cooled down. The coolant tem-
perature must be below 122 ‡ (50 †).
! Check the engine cooling and heating sys-
tem regularly for leaks.
If a large quantity of coolant is lost, have
the cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore toxic.
Do not swallow the coolant. See a doctor
immediately if you swallow coolant.
Make sure that coolant does not come into
contact with skin, eyes or clothing. In case of
contact with eyes, rinse immediately with
plenty of clean water. Clean affected areas of
skin and clothing with soap and water imme-
diately. Change any affected clothing imme-
diately. G
WARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com-
ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
! Take care not to spill any coolant on
painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork. Example: cap and coolant expansion tank
Checking the coolant level
X
Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic
as possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Open the hood (Y page 250).
X Slowly turn cap 0043half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap 0043further and remove it.
X Check the coolant level.
If the coolant reaches the maximum mark
on coolant expansion tank 0044, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank 0044. Engine compartment
255Maintenance and care Z 

Adding coolant
X
If the coolant drops under the minimum
mark on coolant expansion tank 0044, add
coolant to the maximum mark.
Observe the information on coolant mix-
ture ratio and water quality in the "Techni-
cal data" section ( Ypage 329). To prevent
damage to the engine cooling system, use
only approved corrosion inhibitor/anti-
freeze that comply with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products.
X Replace cap 0043and turn it clockwise to
tighten.
X Start the engine.
X After approximately 5 minutes, switch off
the engine and allow it to cool down.
X Check the coolant level again and add cool-
ant if necessary.
X Close the hood. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the labels
of the respective original containers. Always
store service products sealed in their original
containers. Always keep service products out
of the reach of children.
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Also
observe the safety notes in the "Service prod-
ucts and capacities" section (Y page 320).G
WARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake
fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the
brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident. You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
! Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and
rubber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come
into contact with brake fluid, rinse with
water immediately.
Have the brake fluid renewed every 2 years
at a qualified specialist workshop. Observe
the information on brake fluid in the "Techni-
cal data" section ( Ypage 328). Check the brake fluid level regularly, e.g.
weekly or when refueling.
Checking the brake fluid level
X
Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic
as possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Open the hood (Y page 250).
X Check the brake fluid level.
The brake fluid level is correct if the level is
between the MIN mark and MAX mark on
brake fluid reservoir 0043.
X Close the hood.
! If the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir has fallen to the MIN mark or
below, check the brake system immedi-
ately for leaks. Also check the thickness of
the brake linings. Visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not cor-
rect the malfunction. 256
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care 

Washer fluid
G
WARNING
Windshield washer concentrate is highly flam-
mable. If it comes into contact with hot engine
components or the exhaust system it could
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
! Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or
MB WinterFit. Unsuitable washer fluid
could damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps. Example: washer fluid reservoir
Add windshield washer concentrate to the
washer fluid all year round. Observe the infor-
mation on washer fluid in the "Technical data"
section (Y
page 330).
Adding washer fluid
X Mix the washer fluid to the appropriate mix-
ing ratio in a container beforehand.
X Open the hood (Y page 250).
X Pull cap 0043on the washer fluid reservoir
upwards at the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X Press cap 0043onto the filler neck until it
engages audibly.
X Close the hood. Fuel system
Draining the fuel filter G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. Improper handling
of fuel creates a risk of fire and explosion.
Avoid fire, open flames, smoking and creating
sparks under all circumstances. Switch off the
ignition and auxiliary heating before carrying
out work to the fuel system. Always wear pro-
tective gloves. H
Environmental note
Dispose of the water-fuel mixture in an envi-
ronmentally responsible manner.
! When the 00B8indicator lamp lights up,
drain the fuel filter with water separator
immediately. Otherwise, the engine may be
damaged. If the
00B8 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes on, drain the fuel filter with water
separator 0087immediately.
i We recommend that you have this main-
tenance work carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
X Park the vehicle safely and secure it from
rolling away.
X Switch off the auxiliary heating system .
X Switch off the engine.
X Open the hood (Y page 250).
X Place a suitable receptacle under drain
hose 0043. Engine compartment
257Maintenance and care Z 

responsible manner. Comply with the instruc-
tions for use of the care products.
Do not run the engine for longer than neces-
sary when the vehicle is stationary.
Before having maintenance and repairs per-
formed, 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 regu-
lations and accident prevention regula-
tions.
While working under the vehicle, you must
secure the vehicle on jack stands with suffi-
cient load capacity.
Never use the jack as a substitute. the vehi-
cle'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. Spe-
cialist 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 extent and frequency of the maintenance
work and contains additional information on
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and on the
service products.
i Maintenance services must be carried out
in accordance with the provisions and rec-
ommendations in the Maintenance Book-
let.
Not doing so could void the warranty claim
and lead to refusal of goodwill gestures
after the manufacturer has submitted a
damage report. i
Observe the information on Sprinter orig-
inal parts in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 318). Service interval display
General notes A service that is due is displayed in the service
interval display about 1 month in advance. A
message is then displayed while the vehicle
is in motion or when the ignition is switched
on.
i
The service interval display does not pro-
vide information about the oil level. The
service interval display should therefore
not be confused with the 00B3engine oil
level display.
The service due date is displayed in days or
miles (kilometers), depending on the total
distance driven.
The symbols or letters on the service display
show the type of service that is due.
0099 orA
A for a minor service
009A orB B for a major service
Service due date display Vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
the
following messages may be displayed.
R 0099 Service A due in ... days
Service A due in ... days
R 0099 Service A due in ... mi Service A due in ... mi (kmkm)
R 0099 Service A Carry out now
Service A Carry out now
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons:
the following messages may be displayed.
R 0099 for service A
R 009A for Service B
Additionally, you will see the remaining dis-
tance in miles (mi mi) or kilometers (km km) or the
remaining time in days (d d). Maintenance
259Maintenance and care Z 

cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
Observe the following notes:
R Have the condition of charge checked for
the batteries more frequently if you use the
vehicle mainly for short trips or if you leave
it parked for an extended period.
In order for the batteries to achieve their
maximum possible service life, they must
always be sufficiently charged.
R When replacing a battery, only use batter-
ies that are recommended for use in
Sprinter vehicles.
R Have the battery removed at a qualified
specialist workshop.
R If you intend to leave your vehicle parked
for a long period:
- consult a qualified specialist workshop
or
- switch off the electrical system using the
battery main switch (Y page 136).
i When you park the vehicle, remove the
key if you do not require any electrical con-
sumers. The vehicle will then use very little
energy, thus conserving battery power. Installation locations
Your vehicle may be equipped with three bat-
teries, depending on the equipment version:
R a starter battery in the battery case in the
driver's footwell
R additional battery in the engine compart-
ment
R auxiliary battery under the driver's seat Installing/removing the floor cover-
ing (starter battery)
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another. X
Switch off all electrical consumers.
X To remove: remove screws 0087and take off
trim 0044.
X Remove floor covering 0043.
X To install: place floor covering 0043in the
driver's footwell.
X Slide floor covering 0043underneath the car-
rier of the accelerator pedal and align it at
the base of the driver's seat and at the door
sill.
Make sure that the floor covering does not
obstruct the accelerator pedal.
X Put trim 0044in place and screw screws 0087
back in. Battery
261Maintenance and care Z 

If you do not unscrew the caps for cleaning,
there is a risk of short circuit.
The breathers in the caps and the cell ven-
tilation tubes must be open. Otherwise, gas
cannot escape.
X Only clean the battery casing with a com-
mercially available cleaning product. Care
Notes on care
G
WARNING
If you use openings in the bodywork or
detachable parts as steps, you could:
R slip and/or fall
R damage the vehicle and cause yourself to
fall.
There is a risk of injury.
Always use secure climbing aids, e.g. a suita-
ble ladder.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked. H
Environmental note
Only clean your vehicle at specially designed
wash bays. Dispose of empty containers and
used cleaning products in an environmentally
responsible manner. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved for Sprinter vehi-
cles. Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle.
Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, fold in the exterior mirrors and
remove any additional antennas. Other-
wise, the exterior mirror, antenna or the
vehicle itself could be damaged.
Make sure that the exterior mirrors are fully
folded out again and that any additional
antennas are re-installed when you leave
the automatic car wash. Care
267Maintenance and care Z