Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0065
The red brake
system indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. There is insufficient brake fluid in the expansion tank.
G WARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident. X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the mes-
sages in the display (Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank (Y page 254).
X If the brake fluid is below the MIN mark: do not drive on!
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not solve the problem.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0065
When towing a
trailer: the red
brake system
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is run-
ning.
Additionally, a
warning tone
sounds. G
WARNING
The brake force booster in the trailer is faulty.
The driving and braking characteristics of your vehicle could
change. There is a risk of the trailer overbraking and of you losing control over the truck/trailer combination.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the mes-
sages in the display (Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 003D
The yellow ASR/
BAS indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. ASR has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
The engine power output may be reduced.
G WARNING
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
219On-board computer and displays Z
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0025
The yellow ABS
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is run-
ning. ABS is deactivated due to a malfunction or is temporarily unavail-
able. ESP ®
, ASR and BAS, as well as cruise control, are also
unavailable as a result.
Self-diagnosis may not be complete, or the battery may not be
charging.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock, e.g. if thebrakes are applied with maximum force.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking situa-
tions.
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive a short distance at a speed above 13 mph (20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
indicator lamp goes out.
If the indicator lamp does not go out: X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 00E2
The yellow DEF
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is run-
ning. The exhaust gas aftertreatment is malfunctioning or the current
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) supply is limiting the vehicle range.
X Observe the messages in the display. 0089
The yellow ESP ®
indicator lamp is lit while the
engine is run-
ning. ESP
®
is deactivated due to undervoltage or a malfunction. As a
result, cruise control has also been deactivated.
Engine power output may be reduced.
The battery may not be being charged.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the mes-
sages in the display (Y page 197).
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
221On-board computer and displays Z
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0077
The yellow tire
pressure moni-
tor warning lamp
comes on. G
WARNING
The tire pressure monitor indicates a rapid or severe loss of pres- sure in at least one tire.
X Stop the vehicle without making any extreme steering maneu-
vers or braking suddenly. Pay attention to the traffic conditions
while doing so.
X Check the tires and correct the tire pressure. If a tire continues
to lose pressure, it must be replaced. Replace damaged tires
immediately.
The warning light will go out after the flat tire has been rectified
and you have been driving for a few minutes.
X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the mes-
sages in the display (Y page 197).0077
US vehicles
only:
The yellow tire
pressure moni-
tor warning lamp
flashes for
60 seconds and
then remains lit. The tire pressure monitor has malfunctioned.
X Have the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. 00B8
The yellow water
separator indi-
cator lamp is lit
when the igni-
tion is switched
on. The water that has collected in the water separator of the fuel filter
has reached the maximum level.
X Drain the water separator (Y page 255).00B1
The yellow
washer fluid
level indicator
lamp for the
windshield
washer/head-
lamp cleaning
system is lit
after the engine
is started or
while the vehicle
is in motion. The water level is too low.
X
Add washer fluid (Y page 255).226
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
Hood release lever in the driver's footwell
Observe the safety notes when you open the
hood.
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 lever 0044on the
hood catch up. 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. If the hood is not cor-
rectly engaged, open the hood again. Let
the hood fall with a little more momentum. Engine compartment
249Maintenance and care Z
Overview of the engine compartment
Example: engine
0043
Coolant expansion tank cap
(Ypage 253)
0044 DEF filler neck cap 4
(Y page 148)
0087 Engine oil filler neck cap (Y page 250)
0085 Brake fluid expansion tank cap
(Ypage 254)
0083 Washer fluid reservoir cap (Y page 255)
Regularly check the fluid level and the assem- bly for leaks. If you detect fluid loss, e.g. oil
flecks on the vehicle parking space, consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Engine oil
General notes !
Engine oil gets dirty in the course of oper-
ation and its quality and volume are gradu- ally diminished. Regularly check the oil
level, and top up or have it replaced as nee-
ded.
Observe the information on engine oils and oil
consumption in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 322).
You can check the oil level in the engine:
R on the display of the on-board computer
R with the oil dipstick Checking the oil level shown in the dis-
play If at extremely low temperatures no engine oil
level is displayed after 5 minutes, repeat the
engine oil level check after another
5 minutes.
If an oil level reading is still not displayed,
check the engine oil level with the dipstick
(Y page 251). Have the engine oil level
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Only check the oil level when the engine is at
normal operating temperature.
X Park the vehicle on a level surface.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait 5 minutes.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
The display is activated.
X Vehicles without steering wheel but-
tons: press the 0079menu button on the
instrument cluster (Y page 34) repeatedly
until the display shows the 00AFsymbol.
The --:--
--:-- display message appears in the
display while the engine oil level measure-
ment is running.
X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
press the 0098service button on the instru-
ment cluster (Y page 34).
The 00B2 Engine Engine oil
oillevel
level Measuring
Measuring
in progress
in progress display message appears in
the display while the engine oil level meas-
urement is in progress.
Display message for vehicles without
steering-wheel buttons: the display may
show the following messages after the engine oil level measurement. 00AF Action
OK OK X
Do not add oil. 4
For Cargo Van/Passenger Van only 250
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
– 1.0 qts
– 1.0 qts X
Add the amount of oil
shown (Y page 252).
X Check the engine oil level
again after a few minutes. – 1.5 qts – 1.5 qts
– 2.0 qts
– 2.0 qts
HI
HI The oil level is too high.
X Have excess oil removed. Measurement units in the display:
R qts
qts USA only
R ltr
ltr Canada only
Display message for vehicles with steer-
ing-wheel buttons: the display may show
the following messages after the engine oil
level measurement. 00AF Action
Engine
Engine
oil level oil level
OK OK X
Do not add oil. Engine
Engine
oil Add oil Add
1.0 quart 1.0 quart X
Add the amount of oil
shown (Y page 252).
X Check the engine oil level
again after a few minutes. Engine Engine
oil Add oil Add
1.5 1.5
quarts
quarts Engine
Engine
oil Add oil Add
2.0 2.0
quarts
quarts Engine
Engine
oil level oil level
Reduce Reduce
oil level oil level The oil level is too high.
X Have excess oil removed. Eng. oil
Eng. oil
lev. Turn lev. Turn
ignition ignition
on for on for
level level X
Turn the key to position 2
in the ignition lock. Observe
Observe
wait. wait.
period period X
Repeat the engine oil
measurement after about
5 minutes if the engine is
at normal operating tem-
perature.
X Repeat the engine oil
measurement after about
30 minutes if the engine is
not at normal operating
temperature. Engine Engine
oil level oil level
Not when Not when
eng. run‐ eng. run‐
ning ning X
Switch off the engine
when it is at normal oper-
ating temperature and
wait approximately
5 minutes before measur- ing the engine oil level. Measurement units in the display:
R qts qts USA only
R ltr
ltr Canada only
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick Example: 4-cylinder diesel engine Engine compartment
251Maintenance 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 25).
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 Maintenance Booklet describes
the scope and frequency of maintenance
work and contains additional notes on the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty and on service products.
Maintenance services must be carried out in
accordance with the provisions and recom-
mendations in the Maintenance Booklet. 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 27). 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 engine oil level. The service interval display should there-
fore 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
257Maintenance and care Z
Service due date has been exceeded
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
if
you have missed the service due date, one of
the following messages appears in the display and warning tone also sounds.
R 0099 Service A overdue by ... days Service A overdue by ... days
R 0099 Service
Service A
Aoverdue
overdue by
by...
... km
km(kmkm)
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons:
if you have missed the service due date, the
0099 or009A symbol for the service flashes
for 10 seconds after the ignition is switched
on. A minus sign also appears in front of the
service due date.
Calling up the service due date X
Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
The display is activated.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons X Press the 0079menu button on the instru-
ment cluster repeatedly until the 0099or
009A symbol for the service appears in the
display.
Additionally, you will see the remaining dis-
tance in miles (mi mi) or kilometers ( km km) or the
remaining time in days ( d
d).
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
X Press the 0080or007F button on the steer-
ing wheel until the standard display
(Y page 187) appears in the display.
X Press the 0041or0068 button on the steer-
ing wheel repeatedly until the service mes-
sage appears in the display, for example:
R 0099 Service A due in ... days
Service A due in ... days
R 0099 Service A due in ... km Service A due in ... km (kmkm) Battery
Important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or instal-
ling, requires specialist knowledge and the
use of special tools. Therefore, always have work on the battery carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g. the lighting sys-
tem, ABS (anti-lock braking system) or ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program). The operating
safety of your vehicle may be restricted. You
could lose control of the vehicle, for example:
R braking
R in the event of abrupt steering maneuver
and/or when the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a short circuit or a similar inci- dent, contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Do not drive any further. You
should have all work involving the battery car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information can be found under "ABS"
(Y page 57) and under "ESP ®
" (Y page 59). G
WARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The flammable gas mix is produced when the
battery is charged or when the vehicle is
jump-started.
Always make sure that neither you nor the
battery are electrostatically charged. Electro- static charging results, for example, from:
R wearing synthetic clothing
R friction between clothing and the seat 258
BatteryMaintenance and care