2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER service

When driving off road or on unpaved roads,
check the vehicle's underside regularly. In
particular, remove parts of plants or other
flammable materials which have become
trapped. In the case of damage, contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
Have the vehicle checked and repaired immedi-
ately at a qualified specialist workshop. If you
become aware when continuing the journey that
driving safety has been effected, stop as soon as
possible in accordance with the traffic condi-
tions. In such cases, consult a qualified special- ist workshop.
Declaration of conformity
Radio-based vehicle components
USA: "The wireless devices of this vehicle com-
ply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: 1) These
devices may not cause harmful interference. 2.
This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation. Changes or modifications
not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment."
Canada: "The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Industry Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: 1) These devices may not
cause interference, and 2) these devices must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device".
Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended for the connection of diagnostic equipment at a
qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
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:
Rchange the emission values
Rcause malfunctions
Rcause 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 output 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 spe-
cialist workshop.
A qualified specialist workshop has the neces-
sary specialist knowledge, tools and qualifica-
tions to correctly carry out the work required on
the vehicle.
This is especially the case for work relevant to
safety. Observe the notes in the Maintenance or
Service Booklet.
The following work should always be carried out
at qualified specialist workshop:
Rwork relevant to safety
Rservice and maintenance work
Rrepair work
Rmodifications as well as installations and
alterations
Rwork 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 components
and connector leads, at a qualified specialist
workshop. Vehicle components may other-
26Introduction

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 safety-relevant
systems, e.g. the brake system. Only use genu-
ine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of equal qual-ity. Only use tires, wheels and accessories that
have been specifically approved for your vehi-
cle.
We test genuine Sprinter parts, as well as con-
version parts and accessories that have been
specifically approved for the type of vehicle, for:
Rreliability
Rsafety
Rsuitability
Despite ongoing market research, Mercedes-
Benz is unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
we accept no responsibility for the use of such
parts in Sprinter vehicles, even if they have been
officially approved or independently approved
by a testing center.
In some countries, certain parts are only offi-
cially approved for installation or modification if
they comply with legal requirements. All genu-
ine Sprinter parts satisfy these requirements.
Make sure that all parts are suitable for your
vehicle.
Always specify the vehicle identification number
(VIN) and engine number when ordering genuine
Sprinter parts (
Ypage 276).
QR code for rescue card
The QR Code stickers are affixed to the B-pillar
on the driver's and front-passenger side.
In the event of an accident the rescue services
use the QR Code to quickly find the rescue card
for your vehicle. The current rescue card con-
tains the most important information on your
vehicle, e.g. the electric cable routes, in a com-
pact form.
Further information can be found under http://
portal.aftersales.i.daimler.com.
Data stored in the vehicle
Data Recording
A wide range of electronic components in your
vehicle contain data memories. These data memories temporarily or perma-
nently store technical information about:
Rthe vehicle's operating state
Revents
Rfaults
In general, this technical information docu-
ments the state of a component, a module, a
system or the surroundings.
These include, for example:
Roperating conditions of system components,
e.g. fluid levels
Rthe vehicle's status messages and those of its
individual components, e.g. number of wheel
revolutions/speed, deceleration in move-
ment, lateral acceleration, accelerator pedal
position
Rmalfunctions and defects in important system
components, e.g. lights, brakes
Rvehicle reactions and operating conditions in
special driving situations, e.g. airbag deploy-
ment, intervention of stability control sys-
tems
Rambient conditions, e.g. outside temperature
This data is of an exclusively technical nature
and can be used to:
Rassist in detecting and rectifying faults and
defects
Ranalyze vehicle functions, e.g. after an acci-
dent
Roptimize vehicle functions
The data cannot be used to trace the vehicle's
movements.
When your vehicle is serviced, technical infor-
mation can be read from the event data memory
and fault data memory.
Services include, for example:
Rrepair services
Rservice processes
Rwarranty events
Rquality assurance
The vehicle is read out by employees of the ser- vice network (including the manufacturer) using
special diagnostic testers. You can obtain more
information there, if required.
After a fault has been rectified, the information
is deleted from the fault memory or is continu-
ally overwritten.
When operating the vehicle, situations are con-
ceivable in which this technical data, in connec-
Introduction29
Z

Instrument cluster
Displays and controls
Instrumentcluste ron vehicles without steering whee lbuttons
Instrumen tcluste rin vehicles wit hsteering-wheel buttons
FunctionPag e
:Speedometer162
;Tachometer162
=f, gBrightens/dims th e
instrumen tcluste rlighting16 2
?Fue lgage wit hfuel filler flap
location indicator16 2
ADisplay
Vehicles without steering
whee lbuttons16 3
Vehicles wit hsteering whee l
buttons16 4
FunctionPag e
BReset butto n932
CMen ubutto n4
• changes standard display16 3
•select smenus16 4
DService butto nË
Checks th eengin eoil level22 0
32Instrument cluster
At a glance

Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
GDANGER
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.
GWARNING
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.
RAlways switch off the vehicle's lighting sys-
tem before changing a bulb.
This will prevent a short circuit.
RDo 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.
RDo not use a bulb that has been dropped or
that has scratches on its glass tube.
The bulb could explode.
ROnly use bulbs in closed lamps which have
been designed for this purpose.
ROnly use spare bulbs of the same type and
with the prescribed voltage
RProtect the bulbs from moisture when in use.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult a
qualified specialist workshop.
RHave the LEDs and bulbs of the following
lamps changed at a qualified specialist work-
shop:
-the additional turn signals in the exterior
mirrors
-the high-mounted brake lamp
-LED daytime running lamps (Bi-Xenon
headlamps)
-Bi-Xenon lamps (Bi-Xenon headlamps)
-front fog lamps
If you require assistance changing bulbs, con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop.
Front bulbs
Overview of bulb replacement – bulb
types
The following bulbs can be replaced. Bulb types can be found in the legend.
Vehicle swit hhalogen headlamps
:
Turn signal: PY21W
;Daytime running lamps: W21W
=Low-beam headlamps: H7 55W
?High-beam headlamps: H7 55W
AParking lamps/standing lamps: W5W
86Changing bulbs
Lights and windshield wipers

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).
Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
New or replaced brake pads and brake disks
only reach their optimum braking effect after a
few 100 miles (a few 100 kilometers). Until then,
compensate for this by applying greater force to
the brake pedal.
For the service life and economy of your vehicle
it is crucial that you break in the engine with due
care.
RTherefore, protect the engine for the first
1000 miles (1500 km) by driving at varying
vehicle and engine speeds.
RAvoid overstraining the vehicle and high
engine speeds during this period, e.g. driving
at full throttle. Do not exceed Øof the max-
imum speed for each gear.
RDo not change down a gear manually in order to brake.
RTry to avoid depressing the accelerator pedal
beyond the point of resistance (kickdown).
RThe shift ranges 3,2or 1should only be
engaged when driving slowly, e.g. when driv-
ing in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and accelerate the
vehicle to full speed.
iYou should also observe these notes on
breaking-in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
Roverheat and cause a fire
Rlose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
If you park the vehicle for more than
three weeks:
Rconnect the batteries to a trickle charger or
Rdisconnect the vehicle's starter battery or
Rswitch off the electrical system using the bat-
tery main switch (Ypage 118) and
Rdisconnect the vehicle's auxiliary battery
Otherwise, you need to check the battery's con-
dition of charge every three weeks, since
standby power consumption can drain the bat-
tery. If the battery voltage is lower than 12.2 V,
the battery must be charged. Otherwise, the
battery may be damaged by exhaustive dis-
charging.
Be sure to observe the notes on disconnecting
and charging the batteries under "Battery"
(
Ypage 227). You can obtain information about
trickle chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Battery isolating switch
Important safety notes
!Make sure that the key is in position 0in the
ignition lock and wait at least 20 seconds
before disconnecting or connecting the bat-
118Driving
Dr iving an d parking

Problems with the fuel and fuel tank
If your vehicle is losing fuel, the fuel lines or thefuel tank are defective.
XTurn the key immediately to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
XDo not restart the engine under any circum-
stances.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the fuel tank has been run dry, after refueling
carry out the following steps:
XBefore starting the engine: switch on the igni-
tion three or four times.
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock
(Ypage 119).
The % preglow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up briefly.
XOnce the %preglow indicator lamp goes
out, turn the key to position 3in the ignition
lock and release it as soon as the engine is
running.
You can start the diesel engine without preglow
when the engine is warm.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Important safety notes
!Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. Never mix DEF with additives or
thin it with tap water. The exhaust gas after-
treatment may otherwise be damaged.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet 352.0.
Damage that results from the use of additives
or tap water leads to the loss of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
!If DEF comes into contact with a painted or
aluminum surface, wash the surface off
immediately with plenty of water.
!DEF is not a diesel additive and must not be
mixed with fuel in the tank. Even small
amounts of DEF can cause engine damage.
Damage that results from the blending of DEF
will not be covered by the New Vehicle Limi-
ted Warranty.
iIf the outside temperature is below 12 ‡
( Ò 11 †) it may be difficult to top up. If the DEF
is frozen and there is an active warning indi- cator, topping up may not be possible. Park
the vehicle in a warm place, e.g. in a garage,
until the DEF has become liquid again. Top-
ping up is then possible again. Alternatively,
have the DEF tank refilled at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
iIf you add DEF at temperatures below 12 ‡
( Ò 11 †) it is possible that the level is not
shown correctly due to the frozen DEF.
Drive for at least 20 minute s(heating phase in
the tank activated) and then st

op the vehicle
for at least 30 seconds. The level is then
shown correctly.
You will find further information on DEF in the
"Service products" section (
Ypage 277).
Refueling procedure
DEF filler neck
Non-lockable DEF filler cap
Example: DEF filler cap in the engine compartment
XTo open: switch off the ignition.
XOpen the hood (Ypage 218).
XTurn filler cap :counter-clockwise and
remove it.
XTo close: replace cap :on the filler neck and
turn it clockwise.
You will hear a click when cap :is fully
closed.
XClose the hood (Ypage 219).
Refueling129
Driving and parking
Z

Always park your vehicle safely and according to
legal requirements and secure it against rolling
away.
To ensure that the vehicle is properly secured
against rolling away unintentionally:
Rthe parking brake must be firmly applied
Rthe selector lever must be in positionPand
the key must be removed from the ignition
lock
Ron steep uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the curb
Rthe rear axle must be secured, e.g. with a
wheel chock, on steep uphill or downhill gra-
dients
Use the wheel chock (
Ypage 132) to do so.
If you leave the vehicle parked for more than
three weeks:
Rconnect the batteries to a trickle charger or
Rdisconnect the vehicle's starter battery or
Rswitch off the electrical system using the bat-
tery main switch (Ypage 118) and
Rdisconnect the vehicle's auxiliary battery
Otherwise, you need to check the battery's con-
dition of charge every three weeks, since
standby power consumption can drain the bat-
tery. If the battery voltage is lower than 12.2 V,
the battery must be charged. Otherwise, the
battery may be damaged by exhaustive dis-
charging.
Be sure to observe the notes on disconnecting
and chargi ng th
e batteries under "Bat-
tery“ (Ypage 227). You can obtain information
about trickle chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop.
Parking brake
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 you must brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the braking distance is considerably
longer and the wheels could lock. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Only use the parking brake to brake the vehi-
cle when the service brake is faulty. Do not
apply the parking brake too firmly. If the
wheels lock, release the parking brake until
the wheels begin turning again.
The brake lamps are not illuminated when you
brake the vehicle using the parking brake.
As a rule, you may only apply the parking brake
when the vehicle is stationary.
XTo apply the parking brake: pull brake
lever :up as far as the last possible detent.
The c warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up if the engine is running.
iOn vehicles with a folding brake lever, you
can then press lever :down to the stop.
XTo release the parking brake: on vehicles
with a folding brake lever, first pull brake
lever :up to the stop.
XRaise brake lever :slightly and press
release knob ;.
XGuide brake lever :down to the stop.
The c indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Parking131
Driving an d parking
Z

Exceptionally, if the service brake fails, the park-
ing brake can be used to brake the vehicle in an
emergency.
XEmergency braking: press and hold release
button ;and carefully apply brake lever :.
Switching off the engine
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position Nwhen you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
!If the coolant temperature is very high, e.g.
after driving on hilly roads, leave the engine
running at idle speed for about two minutes
before turning it off.
This allows the coolant temperature to return
to normal.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
P .
XApply the parking brake.
XTurn the key to position 0in the ignition lock
and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away (Ypage 130).
Wheel chock
Use the wheel chock or a similar object to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling away, e.g. when
parking or changing a wheel.
Wheel chock in the load/passenger compartment
XTo remove the wheel chock on Cargo
Vans/Passenger Vans: pull restraining
cable :down a little and remove it from
retainer ;.
XRemove the chock.
iWhen stowing the wheel chock, make sure
that restraining cable :is holding it securely
in retainer ;.
Wheel chock to the rear of the chassis on the left
side of the vehicle (example)
XTo remove the wheel chock on Cab Chas-
sis:pull the locking springs down and remove
the wheel chock.
iWhen stowing the wheel chock, make sure
that it is secured in the retainer with the lock-
ing springs.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you park your vehicle for longer than
three weeks:
Rconnect the batteries to a trickle charger or
Rdisconnect the vehicle's starter battery or
132Parking
Driving an d parking