Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended
for the connection of diagnostic equipment at
a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If you connect equipment to the diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it may affect the
operation of the vehicle systems. As a result, the operating safety of the vehicle could be
affected. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not connect any equipment to a diagnos-
tics connection in the vehicle. Changing the engine power output
! Increases in engine power can:
R change the emission values
R cause malfunctions
R cause consequential damage
The operating reliability of the engine is not
guaranteed in all cases.
Any tampering with the engine management
system in order to increase the engine power output will lead to the loss of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty and other warranty entitle-
ments.
If you sell the vehicle, inform the purchaser
about the changes to the engine power out-
put of the vehicle. If you do not inform the
buyer, this may constitute a punishable
offense under national legislation. Qualified specialist workshops
An authorized Sprinter Dealer is a qualified
specialist workshop.
A qualified specialist workshop has the nec-
essary specialist knowledge, tools and quali-
fications to correctly carry out the work
required on the vehicle.
This is especially the case for work relevant to
safety. Observe the information in the Main-
tenance Booklet. The following work should always be carried
out at qualified specialist workshop:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
R modifications as well as installations and
alterations
R work on electronic components
For this reason, we recommend an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
! Only have work carried out on the engine
electronics and its associated parts, such
as control units, sensors, actuating com-
ponents and connector leads, at a qualified specialist workshop. Vehicle components
may otherwise wear more quickly and the
vehicle's operating permit may be invalida-
ted. Registering your vehicle
We may ask our authorized Sprinter Dealers
to carry out technical inspections on certain
vehicles to improve their quality or safety. We can only inform you about vehicle checks if
we have your registration data.
Your registration data is not stored if:
R you did not purchase your vehicle at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
R your vehicle has never been inspected at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
It is advisable to register your vehicle with an
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Please inform us
as soon as possible about any change of
address or vehicle ownership. Exhaust gas aftertreatment
To function properly, exhaust gas aftertreat-
ment must be operated with Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF) reducing agent . The DEF range is dependent on operating and driving condi-
tions. Therefore, add to the DEF supply tank
regularly during vehicle operation or, at the Int
roduction
25 Z
latest, after receiving the first warning mes-
sage 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 message
appears for the first time, and under normal
driving conditions, the remaining DEF supply
will last for approximately 1000 miles
(1600 km).
If a reserve mark of 0.8 US gal (3.0 l) is
reached, a second warning message is issued and a warning tone sequence sounds. After
the first message, the DEF supply will last for
approximately 1200 miles (1900 km). Subse-
quently, you will only be able to start the
engine a further 16 times.
You should immediately add 2.0 US gal (7.6 l)
of DEF (Y page 147) or have the DEF supply
reservoir filled at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
When the number of remaining engine starts
is 0
0 and the engine is restarted, the engine
management prevents the vehicle from being
driven at a speed exceeding 5 mph (8 km/h).
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 211). 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 147) and "Service
products and capacities" (Y page 320) sec-
tions. Attachments, bodies, equipment and
conversions
Information about body/equipment
mounting directives !
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.
Please observe the information concerning
Mercedes-Benz Genuine Parts (Y page 27).
Further information can be obtained at any
authorized Sprinter Dealer. 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. 26
Introduction
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.
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. Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
! Air bags and Emergency Tensioning Devi-
ces, as well as control units and sensors for
these restraint systems, may be installed in the following areas of your vehicle:
R doors
R door pillars
R door sills
R seats
R cockpit
R instrument cluster
R center console
Do not install accessories such as audio
systems in these areas. Do not carry out
repairs or welding. You could impair the
operating efficiency of the restraint sys-
tems.
Have aftermarket accessories installed at a
qualified specialist workshop. H
Environmental note
We supply reconditioned assemblies and
parts which are of the same quality as new
parts. The same New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty applies as for new parts.
The operating safety of the vehicle could be
jeopardized if you use parts, tires and wheels
as well as accessories relevant to safety
which have not been approved by Mercedes-
Benz. This could lead to malfunctions in Introduction
27 Z
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 functions.
This also applies to systems and functions
relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 25). Occupant safety
Restraint system introduction
The restraint system reduces the risk of vehi- cle occupants coming into contact with parts of the vehicle's interior in the event of an
accident. The restraint system can also
reduce the forces to which vehicle occupants
are subjected during an accident.
The restraint system comprises:
R Seat belt system
R Air bags
R Child restraint system
R Child seat securing systems
The components of the restraint system work
in conjunction with each other. They can only
deploy their protective function if, at all times,
all vehicle occupants:
R have fastened their seat belts correctly
(Y page 45)
R have adjusted their seat and head restraint
properly (Y page 82).
As the driver, you also have to make sure that
the steering wheel is adjusted correctly.
Observe the information relating to the cor-
rect driver's seat position (Y page 82).
You also have to make sure that an air bag can inflate properly if deployed (Y page 47).
An air bag supplements a correctly worn seat
belt. As an additional safety device, the air
bag increases the level of protection for vehi- cle occupants in the event of an accident. For
example, if, in the event of an accident, the
protection offered by the seat belt is suffi-
cient, the air bags are not deployed. When an
accident occurs, only the air bags that
increase protection in that particular accident
situation are deployed. However, seat belts
and air bags generally do not protect against objects penetrating the vehicle from the out-
side.
Information on restraint system operation
can be found under "Deployment of Emer-
gency Tensioning Devices and air bags"
(Y page 49).
For more information about children traveling with you in the vehicle and on child restraint
systems, see "Children in the vehicle"
(Y page 51). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Modifications to the restraint system, may
cause it to no longer work as intended. The
restraint system may then not perform its
intended protective function and may fail in an accident or trigger unexpectedly, for example.
This poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Never modify parts of the restraint system.
Never tamper with the wiring, the electronic
components or their software.
If it is necessary to modify an airbag system to
accommodate a person with disabilities, con- tact an authorized Sprinter dealership for
details. USA only: contact our Customer
Assistance Center at 1‑877‑762 ‑8267 for
details. Restraint system warning lamp
The restraint systems functions are checked
after the ignition is switched on and at regular
intervals when the engine is running. This 42
Occupant safetySafety
allows malfunctions to be detected in good
time.
When the ignition is switched on, the 0075
restraint system warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up. It goes out no later
than a few seconds after the vehicle is star-
ted. The components of the restraint system
are on standby.
A malfunction has occurred if the 0075
restraint system warning lamp:
R does not light up after the ignition is
switched on.
R does not switch off after a few seconds.
R goes out, but then lights up again, e.g. when
the engine is running. G
WARNING
If restraint system is malfunctioning, restraint system components may be triggered unin-
tentionally or might not be triggered at all in
the event of an accident with a high rate of
vehicle deceleration. This can affect the Emer- gency Tensioning Device or air bag, for exam-
ple. This poses an increased risk of injury or
even fatal injury.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired in a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible. Seat belts
Introduction Seat belts are the most effective means of
restricting the movement of vehicle occu-
pants in the event of an accident or the vehi-
cle rolling over. This reduces the risk of vehi- cle occupants coming into contact with parts
of the vehicle interior or being ejected from
the vehicle. Furthermore, the seat belt helps
to keep the vehicle occupant in the best posi- tion in relation to the air bag. The seat belt system comprises:
R Seat belts
R Emergency Tensioning Devices and seat
belt force limiters for the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts
On vehicles with two seats on the front-
passenger side, both seat belts on the
front-passenger side have an Emergency
Tensioning Device. Only the seat belt on the
outer front-passenger seat has a seat belt
force limiter.
The seat belt system only includes Emer-
gency Tensioning Devices and seat belt force
limiters for the driver and front passenger if
the vehicle is equipped with a driver's air bag.
If the seat belt is pulled out of the belt outlet quickly or with a jerky movement, the belt
retractor locks. The belt strap cannot be
extracted any further.
The Emergency Tensioning Device tightens
the seat belt in an accident, pulling the belt
close against the body. However it does not
pull the vehicle occupant back in the direction
of the backrest.
The Emergency Tensioning Device does not
correct an incorrect seat position or the rout- ing of an incorrectly fastened seat belt.
When triggered, seat belt force limiters help
to reduce the force exerted by the seat belt on
the vehicle occupant.
The seat belt force limiters are synchronized
with the front air bags, which absorb part of
the deceleration force. This can reduce the
force exerted on the vehicle occupants during an accident.
! If the front-passenger seat is unoccupied,
do not insert the belt tongue into the buckle of the front-passenger seat. This may oth-
erwise lead to the triggering of the Emer-
gency Tensioning Device in the event of anaccident, which will then need to be
replaced.
Vehicles with two seats on the front-
passenger side: the Emergency Tensioning
Device of the inner front-passenger seat is Occupant safety
43Safety Z
If the restraint system control unit detects a
side impact or that the vehicle is rolling over, the relevant restraint system components areactivated independently of one another
depending on the apparent type of accident.
If the system determines a need for additional
protection for the vehicle occupants, the
Emergency Tensioning Devices are triggered.
R Thorax bag on the side of impact, inde-
pendently of the Emergency Tensioning
Device and the use of the seat belt
R Window curtain air bag on the side of
impact, independently of the use of the
seat belt and independently of whether the
front-passenger seat is occupied
i Not all air bags are deployed in an acci-
dent. The different air bag systems work
independently of each other.
How the air bag system works is deter-
mined by the severity of the accident detec- ted, especially the vehicle deceleration or
acceleration and the apparent type of acci-
dent:
R frontal collision
R side impact Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
Accident statistics show that children
secured in the rear seats are safer than chil-
dren secured in the front-passenger seat. For this reason, we strongly advise that you install
a child restraint system on a rear seat. Chil-
dren are generally better protected there.
If a child younger than 12 years and under 5 ft
(1.50 m) in height is traveling in the vehicle:
R always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for this vehicle. The child
restraint system must be appropriate to the
age, weight and size of the child
R be sure to observe the instructions and
safety notes in this section in addition to the child restraint system manufacturer's
installation instructions G
WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi- cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
R start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. G
WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle. 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.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sit- ting properly. Particular attention must be
paid to children.
Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Y page 44) and the notes on correct use of
seat belts (Y page 45). Children in the vehicle
51Safety Z
Motion detector
G
WARNING
The motion detector sends the invisible infra- red radiation emitted by LEDs (light emitting
diodes).
These LEDs are classified as class 1M lasers
and can damage the retina if you:
R look directly into the unfiltered laser beam
of the motion detector for an extended
period
R look directly into the laser beam of the
motion detector using optical instruments,
e.g. eyeglasses or a magnifying glass.
There is a risk of injury.
Never look directly into the motion detector.
The cargo compartment lighting is also
switched on by the motion detector in the
cargo compartment of Cargo Vans equipped
with this feature.
If the motion detector detects a movement in the cargo compartment when the vehicle is
stationary, the cargo compartment lighting
switches on for approximately two minutes.
The cargo compartment lighting can be
switched on by the motion detector within
four seconds if:
R the rear interior light switch (Y page 98) is
set to automatic control.
R the vehicle is stationary, the parking brake
is applied and the brake pedal is not being
depressed
Or
R the selector lever is in position Pon vehi-
cles with automatic transmission and the
brake pedal is not being depressed and
R the vehicle has not been locked from the
outside using the key
The motion detector switches off automati-
cally if no change is detected in the vehicle for
several hours, e.g. if a door is opened, if the
ignition key is turned, etc. This prevents the
battery from becoming discharged. Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
G
DANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You can get an electric shock if you remove the cover of
the Xenon bulb and touch the electrical con-
tacts. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Never touch the parts or the electrical con-
tacts of the Xenon bulb. Always have work on
the Xenon bulbs carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. G
WARNING
Bulbs, lamps and connectors can get very hot when operating. If you change a bulb, you
could burn yourself on these components.
There is a risk of injury.
Allow these components to cool down before changing a bulb.
! Make sure the bulbs are always securely
installed.
If your vehicle is equipped with Bi-Xenon
bulbs, you can recognize this by the following: the cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the low-beam headlamps must be
switched on before starting the engine.
The bulbs and lamps are an essential compo- nent of vehicle safety. You must therefore
make sure that these function correctly at all
times. Have the headlamp setting checked
regularly.
R Always switch off the vehicle's lighting sys-
tem before changing a bulb.
This will prevent a short circuit.
R Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs
with your bare hands. Always use a clean,
lint-free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb when installing.
Even minor contamination can burn into
the glass surface and reduce the service life
of the bulbs. Changing bulbs
99Lights and windshield wipers Z
On vehicles with rear-compartment air con-
ditioning, adjustable air vents are integrated
into the roof duct.
X To adjust the airflow: open or close the
air flap in air vents 0043as needed.
X To adjust the air distribution: turn air
vent 0043to the desired position. Operating the auxiliary heating sys-
tem Important safety notes
G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, for example in
enclosed spaces or if the vehicle gets stuck in
snow. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Switch the auxiliary heating off in enclosed
spaces without extraction systems, e.g. in
garages. If the vehicle is stuck in snow and
you have to leave the auxiliary heating run-
ning, keep the exhaust pipe and the area
around the vehicle free of snow. To ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a window
on the side of the vehicle that is not facing into
the wind. G
WARNING
When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
parts of the vehicle can become very hot, e.g. the exhaust system.
Flammable materials such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact
with:
R hot parts of the exhaust system
R the exhaust gas itself
There is a risk of fire. When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
make sure that:
R no flammable materials come into contact
with hot vehicle components
R the exhaust gas can escape from the
exhaust pipe unhindered
R the exhaust gas does not come into contact
with flammable materials.
! Turn on the auxiliary heating at least once
a month for approximately 10 minutes. The
auxiliary heating could otherwise be dam-
aged.
! Make sure that the flow of hot air is not
blocked. The auxiliary heating will other-
wise overheat and switch off.
Your vehicle may be equipped with either an
auxiliary hot-water heater or an auxiliary
warm-air heater. Adjustment and operation of the:
R hot-water auxiliary heater is done via the
on-board computer and with the auxiliary
heating button in the control panel
(Y page 123) or with the remote control
(Y page 125).
R auxiliary warm-air heater is done via the
timer above the overhead control panel
(Y page 127).
The auxiliary heating works independently of
the engine and supplements the climate con- trol system in the vehicle. The auxiliary heat-
ing heats the air in the vehicle interior to the
temperature set.
If your vehicle is equipped with a hot-water
auxiliary heater, the auxiliary heating also
keeps the coolant warm. This way, the load on
the engine is minimized and fuel is saved.
The heater booster function (Y page 130) of
the auxiliary heating supports the climate
control system when the engine is running
and the outside temperature is low.
You can use the auxiliary heating at an out-
side temperature of up to 39 ‡ (4 †). At an
outside temperature above 39 ‡ (4 †) the 122
Operating the auxiliary heating systemClimate control