GWARNING
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:
Rhot parts of the exhaust system
Rthe exhaust gas itself
There is a risk of fire.
When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
make sure that:
Rno flammable materials come into contact
with hot vehicle components
Rthe exhaust gas can escape from the
exhaust pipe unhindered
Rthe 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 otherwise
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:
Rhot-water auxiliary heater is done via the on-
board computer and with the auxiliary heating
button in the control panel (
Ypage 108) or
with the remote control (Ypage 109).
Rauxiliary warm-air heater is done via the timer
above the overhead control panel
(
Ypage 114).
The auxiliary heating works independently of the
engine and supplements the climate control
system in the vehicle. The auxiliary heating
heats the air in the vehicle interior to the tem-
perature set.
If your vehicle is equipped with a hot-water aux-
iliary 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 (
Ypage 111) of the
au xiliary heating supports the climate control system when the engine is running and the out-
side temperature is low.
You can use the auxiliary heating at an outside
temperature of up to 39 ‡ (4 †). At an outside
temperature above 39 ‡ (4 †) the auxiliary
heating system and the heater booster function
switch off automatically.
Hot-water auxiliary heating
Heating time
The heating time when operating the auxiliary
heating with the vehicle is stationary without the
engine running depends on the outside temper-
ature and the electrical consumers switched on.
Outside
tempera-
tureHeating
timePossible startup
procedures
Above
23 ‡
(Ò5 †)Approx.
20 minutes6
23 ‡
(Ò5 †) to
5 ‡
(Ò15 †)Approx.
40 minutes3
Below 5 ‡
(Ò15 †)Approx.
50 minutes2
You can then switch on the auxiliary heating
again.
If you do not start the engine for a while, the total
duration of heating is limited to a maximum of
120 minutes to protect the starter battery.
Switching on the auxiliary heating is then auto-
matically disabled. You can, for example, switch
on the auxiliary heating without the engine run- ning if the outside temperature is Ò5‡( Ò20 †) a
maximum of two times. If you try it again, the
indicator lamps in the ybutton
(
Ypage 108) flash alternately for approximately
2 minutes to signal switch-on interlock. The aux-
iliary heating cannot be switched on without
starting the engine.
When the condition of charge of the starter bat-
tery is sufficient again, the switch-on interlock
will be deactivated. To charge the starter bat-
tery, let the engine run. The engine run time
required to reach the necessary condition of
charge depends on the outside temperature and
on the electrical consumers switched on.
Operating the auxiliary heating system107
Climate control
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 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
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuelvapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
RWash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
RIf fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay.
RIf fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
GWARNING
If you mix diesel fuel with gasoline, the flash
point is lower than that of pure diesel fuel.
When the engine is running, exhaust system
components could overheat without being
noticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with gasoline. Never mix gasoline with diesel fuel.
HEnvironmental note
If fuels are handled improperly, they pose a
danger to persons and the environment. Do
not allow fuels to run into the sewage system,
the surface waters, the ground water or into
the ground.
!Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Even small amounts of gasoline
will cause damage to the fuel system and
engine.
!Do not switch on the ignition if you acciden-
tally refuel with the wrong fuel. Otherwise, the
fuel will enter the fuel lines. Notify a qualified
specialist workshop and have the fuel tank
and fuel lines drained completely.
!Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
!Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
!Filter the fuel before transferring it to the
vehicle if you are refueling the vehicle from
barrels or containers.
This will prevent malfunctions in the fuel sys-
tem due to contaminated fuel.
Further information on fuel and on fuel grades
can be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 277).
Refueling procedure
The fuel filler flap is beside the front left-hand
door when viewed in the direction of travel. It is
only possible to open the fuel filler flap when the front door is open.
XRemove the key from the ignition lock.
XSwitch off the auxiliary heating system
(Ypage 106).
XOpen the front left-hand door first, and then
the fuel filler flap.
XClose all vehicle doors to prevent fuel vaporsfrom entering the vehicle interior.
XTurn fuel filler cap ;counter-clockwise,
remove it and let it hang from strap :.
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.
XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off. Fuel may otherwise leak out.
XReplace tank filler cap;on tank and turn
clockwise.
You will hear a click when the fuel filler cap is
closed fully.
XOpen the front left-hand door first, and then
close the filler flap.
128Refueling
Driving and parking
Low-beam headlamps
If you are traveling in countries where vehicles
are driven on the opposite side of the road to
that in which the vehicle is registered, you will
need to:
Rhave the halogen headlamps partially masked
Rhave the Bi-Xenon headlamps set to symmet-
rical low beam
This prevents glare to oncoming traffic and no
longer illuminates the edge of the road to the
same height and distance.
Have the headlamps masked or adjusted at a
qualified specialist workshop before you cross
the border, but as close to it as possible.
When you return from your journey, and as close
to the border as possible, you will need to:
Rremove the adhesive surfaces from your hal-
ogen headlamps and clean the glass of the
headlamps if necessary
Rhave the Bi-Xenon headlamps reset to asym-
metrical low beam at a qualified specialist
workshop
Transport by rail
Transporting your vehicle by rail may be subject
to certain restrictions or require special meas-
ures to be taken in some countries due to vary- ing tunnel heights and loading standards.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Sprinter dealer.
Brakes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
Downhill gradients
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
should change down to shift range 2or1 in
good time. This should be observed in particular
when driving with a laden vehicle and when tow-
ing a trailer.
iYou must also change the shift range in
good time when cruise control is switched on.
You thereby make use of the braking effect of
the engine and do not have to brake as often to
maintain the speed. This relieves the load on the
service brake and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. The brakes are cooled down
more quickly in the airflow.
Driving tips135
Driving and parking
Z
Weight information can be found in the “Per-
missible trailer and drawbar noseweights” sec-
tion (
Ypage 159).
iThe height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. If this is case,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer
drawbar.
Driving tips
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, check the vehicle
documents of the your trailer to find out the
permissible maximum speed. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations in the relevant country,
state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must select
shift range 3,2or 1in good time.
iThis also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily to
keep the correct speed. which protects the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to not depress the brake
pedal constantly, but periodically.
Driving tips
If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
iYou can reduce the risk of the trailer swing-
ing and rocking by retrofitting anti-roll bars or trailer stability programs. More information is
available from your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
RMaintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
RAvoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer brake to overrun.
Then, increase the brake force quickly.
RThe figures for the gradient climbing capabil-
ities from a standstill refer to sea level. When
driving in mountainous areas, note that the
power output of the engine, and with it its
gradient climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude.
Coupling up a trailer
Trailer coupled ready for use
XMake sure the selector lever of the automatic
transmission is in position P.
XApply the vehicle's parking brake.
XClose all doors.
XPosition the trailer horizontally behind your
vehicle.
iThe height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. In this case, use
a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer draw-
bar.
XCouple the trailer.
XEstablish all electrical and other connections to the trailer. When doing so, hook the break-
away cable of the trailer into eyelet :on the
ball coupling.
XRemove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
XRelease the trailer parking brake.
iThe subharness of the vehicle has a cable
connection to the brake lamp indicator lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Towing a trailer157
Driving and parking
Z
Most federal states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
Rsafety chains between the towing vehicle andthe trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This allows you to drive round tight corners.
Ra separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
Ra safety shut-off for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-tions. Make sure your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion complies with local laws. This not only
means where you live, but also anywhere you
are driving to. Information is available from the
police and local authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RPractice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traffic.
This enables you to gain experience and get
used to the new handling characteristics.
RBefore driving, check:
-that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
-that the safety switch for a braked trailer is
functioning properly
-that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
-that the electrical connections are secure
-that the lights are working
-that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer combination
away carefully. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check that the brakes
are working.
RSecure the load on the trailer according to the
applicable specifications and current stand-
ards on securing loads (
Ypage 214).
RWhen driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that the
brakes and lights are working.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
RThe vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
RIf possible, do not brake suddenly, but rather
moderately at first so that the trailer can acti-
vate its brakes. Then increase the force on the
brake pedal.
RIf the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on inclines,
restrict the shift range. Select shift range 4,3,
2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
RWhen driving on a downhill gradient, shift to a
low gear and take advantage of the engine's
braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if inst
al-
led, the trailer brakes.
RIf the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the heater/air conditioning to the maximum
level. Open the windows if necessary.
RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer com- bination you need an additional distance
before you can return to your original lane.
158Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
*
CoolantCheck level
The coolan tlevel is to olow.
Never run th eengin eif th ecoolan tlevel is to olow. The engin ecould
overheat and be damaged.
XStop th evehicl eas soo nas possible, payin gattention to roa dand
traffic conditions.
XSwitc hoff th eengin eand let it cool down .
XAddcoolan tand be sur eto observ eth ewarning note s
(Ypage 283).
XIf you need to add coolan tfrequently, hav eth eengin ecoolin gsys-
te m checke dat aqualified specialist workshop .
7
Reservefue lDriveto agas statio n
The fuel level has fallen int oth ereserv erange.
XRefue lat th eneares tgas station (Ypage 127).
:
WaterinfuelVisitworkshop
The water that has collecte din th ewater separator has reached th e
maximum level.
XDrain th ewater separator (Ypage 224).
m
Fuelfilter Visitworkshop
The fuel filter is dirty.
XHav eth efuel filter elemen treplace das soo nas possibl eat aquali-
fie dspecialist workshop .
4
Engine oil Add 1.0quart(Canada:1.0liter)
The oil level is to olow.
XChec kth eoil level th enext time you refuel (Ypage 220), and add
oil.
4
Engine oil levelNot whe neng .run ‐ning
You wan tto chec kth eengin eoil level eve nthough th eengin eis still
running.
XSwitc hoff th eengine.
XChec kth eoil level (Ypage 220).
4
Engine oil levelReduce oil level
You haveadded to omuc hengin eoil. There is aris kof damaging th e
engin eor catalytic converter.
XChec kth eoil level (Ypage 220).
XIf theoil level is to ohigh :hav eth eengin eoil extracted at th enext
qualified specialist workshop .
XIf theoil level is correct: hav eth emalfunction rectifie dat th enext
qualified specialist workshop .
Display messages189
On-board computer and displays
Z
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Ã
The green Lane
Keeping Assist
indicator lamp
lights up while
you are driving.Lane Keeping Assist is operational.
ÃThe red Lane
Keeping Assist
indicator lamp
lights up while
you are driving.
Additionally, an
intermittent
warning tone
sounds.You are driving with the front wheel on a lane marking.
dThe yellow
ASR/ESP®warn-
ing lamp flashes
while the vehicle
is in motion.GWARNING
ESP
®or ASR is intervening because at least one of the wheels has
reached its tire grip limit.
Cruise control is deactivated for the duration of the intervention.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do
not use too much throttle.
XDrive slowly.
d The yellow
ASR/ESP®warn-
ing lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.
The all-wheel drive is activated/deactivated. When changing gear,
ASR and ESP®are deactivated.
After changing gear, ASR and ESP®are automatically reactivated.
Engage/disengage the all-wheel drive (
Ypage 148).
d The yellow
ASR/ESP®warn-
ing lamp flashes
slowly while the
vehicle is in
motion.
In vehicles with all-wheel drive the brake system is overheated.
GWARNING
The performance of 4ETS is reduced. The braking power output may
be lower.
There is a risk of an accident.
XDrive on carefully and adapt your driving style to suit the road and
traffic conditions.
XWhen the message is no longer displayed, 4ETS and normal braking
power are available again.
d The yellow
ASR/ESP®warn-
ing lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.
ASR is deactivated.
GWARNING
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XActivate ASR again. Exceptions (Ypage 53).
194Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays