
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 possi-
ble. 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 (
Ypage 26).
Occupant safety
Restraint system introduction
The restraint system can reduce the risk of vehi-cle occupants coming into contact with parts of
the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident.
Furthermore, the restraint system may also
reduce the forces exerted on the vehicle occu-
pants when an accident occurs.
The restraint system includes:
RSeat belt system
RAir bags
RChild restraint system
RChild seat securing systems
The components of the restraint system work in
conjunction with each other. They can only offer
the intended level of protection if all vehicle
occupants:
Rare correctly wearing their seat belts.
(Ypage 41)
Radjust their seat and head restraint properly
(Ypage 72).
The driver is also responsible for ensuring that
the steering wheel has been correctly posi-
tioned. Observe the information relating to the
correct driver's seat position (
Ypage 72).
Always ensure the air bag can inflate properly if
deployed (
Ypage 43).
An air bag supplements a correctly fastened
seat belt. As an additional safety device, the air bag increases the level of protection for vehicle
occupants in the event of an accident. For exam-
ple, if the protection already provided by a cor-
rectly fastened seat belt will suffice, the air bags
are not deployed. Furthermore, only the air bags
that would increase the degree of protection
afforded to the vehicle occupants in the event of an accident are deployed. Seat belts and air
bags generally do not protect against objects
penetrating the vehicle from the outside.
Information on restraint system operation can
be found under "Triggering of Emergency Ten-
sioning Devices and air bags" (
Ypage 45).
See “Children in the vehicle” for information on children traveling with you as well as vehicle
restraint systems (
Ypage 47).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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 functions of the restraint system are
checked after the ignition is switched on and at
regular intervals while the engine is running.
Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in
good time.
The 6 restraint system warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out no later than a few sec-
onds after the vehicle is started. The compo-
nents of the restraint system are in operational
readiness.
Occupant safety39
Safety
Z

poses an increased risk of injury or even fatalinjury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the backrest
is in an almost vertical position and that the
shoulder section of your seat belt is routed
across the center of your shoulder.
GWARNING
Persons under 5 ft (1.50 m) in height cannot
fasten the seat belt correctly without an addi- tional suitable restraint system. If the seat
belt is incorrectly fastened, it cannot protect
as intended. Furthermore, an incorrectly fas-
tened seat belt can cause additional injury, for
example, in an accident, during braking or an
abrupt change of direction. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
For this reason, always secure persons under
5 ft (1.50 m) in height in suitable restraint
systems.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft (1.50 m)in height is traveling in the
vehicle:
Ralways 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
Ralways observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Children in the vehicle" section
of this Operator's Manual (
Ypage 47) in
addition to the child restraint system manu-
facturer's installation instructions
GWARNING
The seat belts may not perform their intended protective function if:
Rthey are damaged, modified, extremely
dirty, bleach or dyed
Rthe seat belt buckle is damaged or
extremely dirty
Rthe Emergency Tensioning Devices, belt
anchorages or inertia reels have been modi-
fied
Seat belts may sustain non-visible damage in an accident, e.g. due to glass splinters. Modi-
fied or damaged seat belts may tear or fail,
e.g. in an accident. Modified Emergency Ten-
sioning Devices could accidentally trigger or
fail to deploy when necessary. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Never modify the seat belts, Emergency Ten-
sioning Devices, belt anchorages or inertia
reels. Make sure that the seat belts are
undamaged, not worn out and clean. Follow-
ing an accident, have the seat belts checked
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Only use seat belts that have been approved for
your vehicle by the sales organization named on
the inside cover.
Proper use of the seat belts
Pay attention to the safety notes about the seat
belt (Ypage 40).
All vehicle occupants must fasten the seat belt
correctly before setting off. Make sure that all
occupants are wearing their seat belts correctly
for the entire journey.
When fastening the seat belt, make sure that:
RThe seat belt tongue is inserted into the belt
buckle that belongs to the seat.
RThe seat belt is tightened across your body.
Avoid wearing bulky clothing, e.g. a winter
coat.
RThe seat belt is not twisted.
Only then can the forces produced in the
event of an accident be evenly distributed
across the belt.
RThe shoulder section of the belt must always
be routed across the center of the shoulder.
The shoulder section of the belt should not
come into contact with your neck and must
not be routed under the arm. Where possible,
adjust the seat belt to the appropriate height.
RThe lap belt must be taut and as low as pos-
sible over your lap.
The lap belt must always pass across your hip
joints and never across your stomach or
abdomen. Pregnant women must take partic-
ular care. If necessary, the lap belt can be
pushed down across the hip joints and pulled
tight using the shoulder section.
Occupant safety41
Safety
Z

RThe seat belt is not routed over sharp, pointed
or fragile objects.
If these items are on or in your clothing, e.g.
eyeglasses, pens, keys, etc., stow these items
in a more suitable location.
ROnly one person should use each seat belt at
any one time.
On no account should babies or children
travel sitting on the lap of another vehicle
occupant. During an accident, they could be
crushed between the occupant and seat belt.
RObjects are not secured with a seat belt if theseat belt is being used by one of the vehicle’s
occupants.
Also make sure that there are no objects, e.g.
cushions, between the occupant and the seat.
Seat belts are solely intended for the protection
and restraint of the vehicle occupants. To
secure objects, luggage or loads, always
observe the "Loading guidelines" (
Ypage 212).
Fastening and adjusting seat belts
Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Ypage 40) and the notes on correct use of seat
belts (Ypage 41).
Basic illustration
XAdjust the seat (Ypage 72).
The seat backrest must be in an almost ver-
tical position.
XPull the seat belt smoothly from belt outlet =
and engage belt tongue ;into belt
buckle :.
XIf necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder
section of the seat belt to tighten the belt
across your body.
The shoulder section of the seat belt must
always be routed across the center of the shoul-
der. Adjust the belt outlet if necessary.
XTo raise: slide belt outlet =upwards.
The belt outlet will engage in various posi-
tions.
XTo lower: hold belt outlet release ?and slide
the belt outlet =downwards.
XLet go of belt outlet release ?in the desired
position and make sure that the belt outlet
engages.
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are
equipped with a special seat belt retractor to
securely fasten child restraint systems in the
vehicle. Further information can be found under
"Special seat belt retractor" (
Ypage 48).
Releasing seat belts
!Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled up.
Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue will be
trapped in the door or in the seat mechanism.
This could damage the door, the door trim
panel and the seat belt. Damaged seat belts
can no longer fulfill their protective function
and must be replaced. Visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
42Occupant safety
Safety

must be such that the vehicle can be driven
safely.
RKeep hands on the outside of the steering
wheel rim. This allows the air bag to deploy
fully.
RAlways sit with your back against the seat
backrest when driving. Do not lean forward,
on the door or against the side window. Oth-
erwise, you are in the air bag deployment
area.
RAlways keep your feet in the footwell in front
of the seat. Do not, for example, place your
feet on the dashboard. Otherwise, your feet
are in the air bag deployment area.
RSuitable restraint systems must always be
used for persons under 5 ft (1.50m)in height.
The seat belt cannot be worn correctly by
persons who do not reach this height.
If children are also traveling in the vehicle,
please take note of the following points.
RAlways secure children younger than twelve
years of age and under 5 ft (1.50 m) tall in
suitable child restraint systems.
RChild restraint systems should preferably be
installed on the rear seats.
RIf you secure a child in a rearward-facing child
restraint system, always do so on a suitable
rear seat. The front-passenger front air bag
cannot be deactivated.
RBe sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes on "Children in the vehicle"
(
Ypage 47) and "Child restraint system on
the front-passenger seat" (Ypage 51) in
addition to the child restraint system manu-
facturer's installation instructions.
Objects in the passenger compartment
could prevent an air bag from functioning
properly. To prevent risks due to the required
air bag speed after deployment, ensure the fol-
lowing before starting the journey:
Rthere are no persons, animals or objects
between the vehicle occupants and an air
bag.
Rthere are no objects between the seat, door
and B-pillar.
Rno hard objects, e.g. coat hangers, hang on
the grab handles or coat hooks.
Rno accessories, such as cup holders, are
attached to the vehicle within the deployment area of an air bag, e.g. to doors or side win-
dows.
Rthere are no heavy, sharp or fragile objects in
the pockets of items of clothing. Such items
should be suitably stowed elsewhere.
GWARNING
If you modify the air bag cover or affix objects
such as stickers to it, the air bag can no longer
function correctly. There is an increased risk
of injury.
Never modify an air bag cover or affix objects
to it.
GWARNING
Sensors to control the air bags are located in
the doors. Modifications or work not per-
formed correctly to the doors or door panel-
ing, as well as damaged doors, can lead to the
function of the sensors being impaired. The air
bags might therefore not function properly
anymore. Consequently, the air bags cannot
protect vehicle occupants as they are
designed to do. There is an increased risk of
injury.
Never modify the doors or parts of the doors.
Always have work on the doors or door pan-
eling carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Front air bags
Driver's air bag :deploys in front of the steer-
ing wheel. Front-passenger air bag ;deploys in
front of and above the glove box and the center
console.
44Occupant safety
Safety

If the restraint system control unit detects a side
impact situation, the applicable components of
the restraint system are deployed independ-
ently of each other. If the system determines a
need for additional protection for the vehicle
occupants, the Emergency Tensioning Devices
are also deployed.
RSide impact air bag on the side on which the
impact occurs, independently of the Emer-
gency Tensioning Device and of the use of the
seat belt
RWindow curtain air bag on the side of the col-
lision, regardless of seat belt use and whether
front-passenger seat is occupied
iNot all air bags are deployed in an accident.
The various air bag systems work independ-
ently of each other.
How the air bag system works is determined
by the severity of the accident detected,
especially the vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration, and the apparent type of accident:
Rfrontal collision
Rside impact
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
Accident statistics show that children secured
in the rear seats are safer than children secured
in the front-passenger seat. For this reason, we
strongly advise that you install a child restraint
system on a rear seat. Children are generally
better protected there.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft (1.50 m)in height is traveling in the
vehicle:
Ralways 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
Rbe sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes in this section in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
Rstart 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.
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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 sitting
properly. Particular attention must be paid to
children.
Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(
Ypage 40) and the notes on correct use of seat
belts (Ypage 41).
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
41 lbs (18 kg) until they reach a height where a
Children in the vehicle47
Safety
Z

three-point seat belt can be properly fastened
without a booster seat.
Special seat belt retractor
GWARNING
If the seat belt is released while driving, the
child restraint system will no longer be
secured properly. The special seat belt retrac- tor is disabled and the inertia real draws in a
portion of the seat belt. The seat belt cannot
be immediately refastened. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying atten-
tion to road and traffic conditions. Reactivate
the special seat belt retractor and secure the
child restraint system properly.
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the driver's
seat belt, are equipped with a special seat belt
retractor. When activated, the special seat belt
retractor ensures that the seat belt cannot
slacken once the child seat is secured.
Installing a child restraint system:
XMake sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
XPull the seat belt smoothly from the belt out-
let.
XEngage seat belt tongue in belt buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
XPull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
he ar a ra
tcheting sound. The special seat belt
retractor is enabled.
XPush the child restraint system down so that
the seat belt is tight and does not loosen.
Removing the child restraint system and deac-
tivating the special seat belt retractor:
XMake sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
XPress the release button of the seat belt
buckle and guide the seat belt tongue back
towards the belt sash guide.
The special seat belt retractor is deactivated.
Child restraint system
The use of seat belts and infant and child
restraint systems is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
Further information about the correct child
restraint system is available from any authorized
Sprinter dealer.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly on a suitable seat, it cannot protect as
intended. The child cannot then be restrained
in the event of an accident, heavy braking or
sudden changes of direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and the notes on use. Please ensure,
that the base of the child restraint system is
always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under or behind the child restraint system. Only use
child restraint systems with the original cover
designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
GWARNING
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.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage and loads securely under
"Loading guidelines" (
Ypage 212).
48Children in the vehicle
Safety

GWARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.
Securing systems for child restraint systems
include:
Rthe seat belt system
Rthe LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings
RTop Tether anchorage points
iIf it is absolutely necessary to install a child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat,
be sure to observe the notes on "Child
restraint systems on the front-passenger
seat" (
Ypage 51).
All child restraint systems must meet the fol-
lowing standards:
RU.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 225
RCanadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
A statement by the child restraint manufacturer
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.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-
rior and on the child restraint system.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
GWARNING
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems
do not offer sufficient protective effect for
children whose weight is greater than 48 lbs
(22 kg) who are secured using the safety belt integrated in the child restraint system. In the
event of an accident, a child might not be
restrained correctly. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
If the child weighs more than 48 lbs (22 kg),
only use LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
systems with which the child is also secured
with the vehicle seat belt. Also secure the
child restraint system with the Top Tether
belt, if available.
Always comply with the manufacturer's instal-
lation and operating instructions for the child
restraint system used.
Before every trip, make sure that the LATCH-
type (ISOFIX) child restraint system is engaged
correctly in both LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings
!When installing the child restraint system,
make sure that the seat belt for the middle
seat does not get trapped. The seat belt could
otherwise be damaged.
XInstall the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint system on both LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings :.
Children in the vehicle49
Safety
Z

ISOFIX is a standardized securing system for
specially designed child restraint systems on
the rear seats. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings:for a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system are installed between the seat
cushion and the seat backrest:
Ron the outer left and right seat on rear bench
seats with 3 seats
Ron the outer left seat on rear bench seats with
2 seats
Non-LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seats may also
be used and can be installed using the vehicle's
seat belt system. Install the child seat according
to the manufacturer's instructions.
Top Tether
Introduction
Top Tether provides an additional connection
between the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
system and the vehicle. This helps reduce the
risk of injury even further. If the child restraint
system has a Top Tether belt, this should be
used at all times.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the Top Tether belt has been incorrectly
secured, e.g. to an eyelet in the cargo com-
partment, the child restraint system is not
correctly kept in place. It therefore cannot
perform its intended protective function in the
event of an accident. There is an increased
risk of injury.
Only secure the Top Tether hook to the Top
Tether anchorage intended for this purpose.
Top Tether anchorage points
Example: rear bench seat with 3 seats
Top Tether anchorages ;are on the bench seat
legs on the rear side of the respective rear bench
seat.
XSlide head restraint :upwards.
XInstall the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
system with Top Tether. Make sure you
observe the child restraint system manufac-
turer's installation instructions.
XRoute the Top Tether belt ?under head
restraint :between the two head restraint
bars.
XHook Top Tether hook =into Top Tether
anchorage ;.
Make sure that:
Rthe Top Tether hook =is hooked into Top
Tether anchorage ;, as shown
RTop Tether belt?is not twisted
XTighten Top Tether belt ?. Make sure you
observe the child restraint system manufac-
turer's installation instructions.
XIf necessary, push the head restraint back
down slightly (Ypage 76). Make sure that
you do not interfere with the correct routing of
Top Tether belt ?.
50Children in the vehicle
Safety