Changing bulbs (halogen head-
lamps)............................................. .88
Switching on/off (switch) ................ 80
Switching on/off (vehicles with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 161
Dealership
see Qualified specialist workshop
Declarations of conformity ................. 27
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid )
Refilling .......................................... 126
Delayed switch-off ............................ 169
Diagnostics connection
Operating safety and vehicle
approval ........................................... 27
Diesel .................................................. 274
Diesel engine
Preglow indicator lamp .................. 197
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Display messages (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 184
Display messages (vehicles with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 175
Indicator lamp ................................ 193
Level indicator ............................... 159
Notes ............................................. 275
Storage .......................................... 276
Tank content .................................. 277
Diesel particle filter
Short-distance driving .................... 131
Digital speedometer
Setting the unit (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 166
Display
Display messages .......................... 173
Outside temperature (vehicles
with steering wheel buttons) ......... 164
Outside temperature display
(vehicles without steering wheel
buttons) ......................................... 160
Standard display (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 164
Standard display (vehicles with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 160
see Warning and indicator lamps
Display
see Warning and indicator lamps Display message (vehicle with
steering whe
el b
uttons)
Service interval display .................. 222
Display message (vehicle without
steering wheel buttons)
Service interval display .................. 222
Display messages
Calling up the message memory .... 173
Driving systems ............................. 186
Engine ............................................ 184
Important safety notes .................. 173
Lights ............................................. 182
Safety systems .............................. 178
SmartKey ....................................... 189
Tires ............................................... 188
Vehicle ........................................... 189
Distance recorder ............................. 164
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning function
Activating/deactivating ................. 140
Function/notes ............................. 139
Warning lamp ................................. 140
Door lock
see Central locking
Doors
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 59
Control panel ................................... 38
Display message ............................ 189
Indicator lamp ................................ 198
Drinking and driving ......................... 130
Drinks holder
see Bottle holder
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driver's/front-passenger door
Unlocking ......................................... 64
Driving abroad ................................... 131
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving on flooded roads .................. 134
Driving on rough terrain
Checklist before driving off-road .... 136
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) ................................................. 55
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 53
Index9
Roof load (roof carrier)..................... 282
S
Safety
Children in the vehicle ..................... 47
Operating safety .............................. 26
see Occupant safety
Safety system
see Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Adjusting the height ......................... 43
Cleaning ......................................... 234
Correct usage .................................. 42
Display message ............................ 181
Fastening ......................................... 43
Important safety guidelines ............. 41
Introduction ..................................... 41
Releasing ......................................... 43
Warning lamp ................................. 198
Warning lamp (function) ................... 44
Seat heating ......................................... 77
Seats
Adjusting lumbar support ................ 73
Adjusting the front-passenger
seat .................................................. 73
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 76
Armrest ............................................ 76
Cleaning the cover ......................... 234
Correct driver's seat position ........... 72
Folding seat ..................................... 74
Important safety notes .................... 72
Rear bench seat ............................... 75
Seat heating .................................... 77
Setting the driver's seat ................... 73
Swivel seat ....................................... 73
Twin front-passenger seat ................ 74
Securing loads
Important safety notes .................. 210
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 234
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 232
Service center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Service interval display
Calling up the service due date ...... 222
Exceeding a service due date ........ 222
Notes ............................................. 222 Service due date (automatic dis-
play) ............................................... 222
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 279
Coolant (engine) ............................ 280
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) ............. 275
Engine oil ....................................... 277
Fuel ................................................ 273
Important safety notes .................. 273
Power steering fluid ....................... 279
Refrigerant ..................................... 281
Transmissio
n oil ............................. 279
Washer fluid ................................... 281
Setting the air distribution ............... 101
Setting the airflow ............................ 101
Setting the clock
Vehicles with steering wheel but-
tons ............................................... 168
Vehicles without steering wheel
buttons .......................................... 161
Settings
Resetting all (vehicles with steer-
ing wheel buttons) ......................... 165
Resetting submenus (vehicles
with steering wheel buttons) ......... 165
Short journeys (diesel particle fil-
ter) ...................................................... 131
Side impact air bag ............................. 45
Side windows
Cleaning ......................................... 231
Hinged side windows ....................... 70
Important safety information ........... 70
Opening/closing .............................. 70
Overview .......................................... 70
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 71
Resetting ......................................... 71
Sliding door
Cleaning ......................................... 233
Closing assist ................................... 66
Important safety notes .................... 65
Opening/closing .............................. 65
Opening/closing from the inside ..... 65
Opening/closing from the out-
side .................................................. 65
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 61
Changing the locking system set-
tings ............................................... 170
Index17
repaired at least four times and Mercedes-
Benz has been informed of the necessity of
such a repair in writing.
(3) the vehicle cannot be operated for more than 30 calendar days due to repairs result-
ing from the same or other major defects ordamage.
Please send written notification to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Information booklet
describes all the necessary maintenance work
which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always bring the Service and Warranty Informa- tion booklet with you when taking the vehicle to
an authorized Sprinter dealer. Your customer
service advisor enters each service into the Ser-
vice and Warranty Information booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro-
gram provides you with technical assistance in
the case of a breakdown. Your toll-free calls to
the Roadside Assistance Hotline are answered
by our staff around the clock. 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
Further information can be found in the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance-Program
brochure (USA) or the "Roadside Assistance"
section of the Service and Warranty Information
booklet (Canada). Both are located in your vehi-
cle document wallet.
Change of address or owner
Please use the " Notice of Change of Address"
form in the Service and Warranty Information
booklet to inform us of a change of address, or
simply phone the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center (USA) on hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (Canada) on 1-800-387-0100. This enables us, if necessary,
to contact you at any time.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all the
literature in the vehicle so that it is available for
the next owner.
If your vehicle was purchased as a used vehicle,
please send us the "Notice of Purchase of Used
Car" from the Service and Warranty Information
booklet or phone the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center (USA) on hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (Canada) on
1-800-387-0100.
Operating the vehicle outside of the
USA and Canada
When traveling abroad with your vehicle,
observe the following points:
RService facilities or replacement parts may
not be available immediately.
RUnleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
can cause damage to the catalytic converter.
RThe fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available in
Europe through our European Delivery Program.
Please consult an authorized Sprinter dealer for
further information, or write to one of the fol-
lowing addresses:
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
24Introduction
Operating conditions:
Ravoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption.
Ralways make sure that the tire pressures
are correct.
Rdo not carry any unnecessary weight.
Rremove roof racks once you no longer need
them.
Ra regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
Ralways have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
Rdo not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
Rdo not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
Rdrive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
Ravoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking.
Rchange gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ôof its maximum engine speed.
Rswitch off the engine in stationary traffic.
Rkeep an eye on the vehicle's fuel consump-
tion.
Environmental issues and recommen-
dations
When prompted by this Operator's Manual to
dispose of materials, please try to regenerate
and recycle these materials. Observe all rele-
vant environmental guidelines and regulations
when disposing of materials. This helps to pro-
tect the environment.
Operating safety and vehicle approval
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or any required repairs
carried out, this can result in malfunctions or system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as any required repairs
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning
Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material,
which may require special handling and regard
for the environment. The guidelines must be
observed during disposal.
In California, you can find more information on
the Internet at www.dtsc.ca.gov.
Notes on operating the vehicle
There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
Rthe vehicle makes contact with the ground,
e.g. on a high curb or a loose road surface
Ryou drive too quickly over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb, speed bump or pothole
Ra heavy object hits the underbody or chassis
component
In these or similar situations, the vehicle body/
frame, the underbody, chassis components,
wheels or tires could be damaged even if this is
not visible from the outside. Components that
have been damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail or no longer be able to assimilate the
loads occurring in the event of an accident. If the underbody paneling is damaged, flammable
material, such as leaves, grass or twigs, could
collect between the underbody and underbody
paneling. These materials could ignite if they
remain in contact with hot components of the
exhaust system for an extended period.
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk of fire.
26Introduction
Rswitch off the electrical system using the bat-
tery main switch (Ypage 116) 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 223). You can obtain information about
trickle chargers from a qualified specialist work- shop.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
6 weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use. In this event, consult a
qualified specialist workshop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The driver's attention to the road must always be his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we rec-
ommend that you pull over to a safe location
and stop before placing or taking a telephone
call. If you choose to use the telephone while
driving, please use the hands-free device and
only use the telephone when road, weather
and traffic conditions permit.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m)
ever yse cond.
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.
!Always observe the ground clearance of the
vehicle and avoid obstacles. On vehicles with a step, ground clearance is further restricted.
Obstacles can damage the vehicle.
If you must drive over obstacles, drive espe-
cially slowly and carefully. If necessary, have
another person direct you.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
In order to save fuel, observe the following tips:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure.
XRemove unnecessary loads.
XRemove roof carriers when they are not nee-
ded.
XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or by the service interval dis-
play.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in moun-
tainous terrain.
Overrun cutoff
If you are in overrun mode and take your foot off
the accelerator pedal, the fuel supply is cut off
when the engine speed is out of the idle speed
control range.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent are greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
130Driving tips
Driving and parking
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-ing drugs.
Emission control
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous substances in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work optimally if they are
maintained exactly in accordance with the man-
ufacturer's specifications. Any work on the
engine should therefore be carried out by quali-
fied and authorized technicians at a Sprinter
dealer.
The engine settings must not be changed under any circumstances. In addition, all specific
maintenance work must be carried out at regu-
lar intervals and in accordance with the service
requirements of the dealer listed here on the
inside title page. Details can be found in the
Maintenance Booklet.
Short journey
!
If the vehicle is predominantly used for
short-distance driving or is stationary for long
periods, this could lead to a malfunction in the automatic cleaning function for the diesel par-
ticle filter. This can lead to blockage of the
diesel particle filter. This can also result in fuel
collecting in the engine oil and cause engine
failure.
Therefore, if you mainly drive short distances,
drive on a highway or an inter-urban road for
20 minute severy 300 miles (500 km). This facil-
itates the diesel particle filter's burn-off proc-
ess.
Speed limiter
GWARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing capa-
city and the approved maximum speed could
lead to tire damage or the tire bursting. There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle.
As the driver, you must find out about the max-
imum speed of the vehicle permitted for the
tires (tire and tire pressure). In particular, also
observe the tire approval regulations for each
country.
You must not exceed the speed limit for the tires
listed in the tire pressure tables. You can find
information on tire pressures in the "Wheels and
tires" section (
Ypage 246).
You can permanently limit the speed of your
vehicle to 65 mph (105 km/h) or 75 mph
(120 km/h).
We recommend that you have the speed limit
programmed at an authorized Sprinter dealer.
Before overtaking, take into consideration that
the engine speed limiter prevents the speed
increasing beyond the programmed speed limit.
Driving abroad
Service
An extensive network of authorized Sprinter
Dealers is also at your disposal when you are
traveling abroad. Nevertheless, please bear in
mind that service facilities or replacement parts may not always be immediately available. You
can obtain a list of workshops at any authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Fuel
In some countries, only fuels with a higher sulfur
content are available.
Unsuitable fuel can cause engine damage. Infor-
mation on fuel (
Ypage 273).
Driving tips131
Driving and parking
Z
Wet road surfaces
If you have been driving for a long time in heavy
rain without braking, there may be a delayed
response when you first apply the brakes. This
may also occur after driving through a car wash
or deep water.
You must depress the brake pedal more firmly.
Maintain a longer distance to the vehicle in
front.
While paying attention to the traffic conditions,
you should brake the vehicle firmly after driving
on a wet road surface or through a car wash. This
heats the brake discs, so that they dry more
quickly, which protects them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
When driving on salted roads, salt may start to
build up on the brake disks and brake pads. Thiscan increase braking distances considerably.
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front.
To remove any build-up of salt that may have
formed:
XApply the brakes at the start of the journey,
occasionally during journey and at the end of
the journey. Make sure that you do not endan-
ger other road users when doing so.
Checking the brake pad thickness
In addition to monitoring using the brake pad
wear sensor, regularly monitor and check all of
the brake pads by performing a visual inspection
to look for pad material wear.
If you are unable to check the brake wear on the
inside of the wheels, remove the wheels with the tools provided.
Make sure that the brake pad material thickness
never falls below 0.12 in (3 mm). Have the brake pads checked and replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop, if necessary.
Do not solely rely on the brake pad wear sensor.
It is strongly recommended that you have the
brake pads checked at a qualified specialist
workshop at every service displayed in the main-
tenance interval indicator, prior to long journeys
and whenever the wheels are removed.
New brake discs and brake pads/
linings
New brake pads and brake discs only reach their
optimal braking effect after a few
100 kilometers. Until then, compensate for this
by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake discs
and brake pads/linings:
Rbrake discs that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz
Rbrake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or are of an equivalent
standard of quality
Other brake discs or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake discs and brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time. Always
install new brake pads/linings when replacing
brake discs.
Parking brake
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.
When driving on wet roads or dirt-covered sur-
faces, road salt and/or dirt may get into the
parking brake. This causes corrosion and a
reduction of braking force.
In order to prevent this, drive with the parking
brake lightly applied from time to time. When
doing so, drive for a distance of approximately
110 yds (100 m) at a maximum speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h).
The brake lamps are not illuminated when you
brake the vehicle using the parking brake.
Driving tips133
Driving and parking
Z
longed rolling of the wheels, e.g. when being
towed, will result in transmission damage.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to neutral position N.
XTry to maintain control of the vehicle using
corrective steering.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery roads.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and braking
maneuvers. Do not use cruise control.
You can find further information on winter tires
and snow chains in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion (
Ypage 245).
Driving off-road
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle.
GWARNING
When driving off-road, your body is subject to
forces from all directions, due to the uneven
surface. You could be thrown from your seat,
for instance. There is a risk of injury.
Always wear a seat belt, even when driving off-
road.
GWARNING
If you drive over obstacles or in ruts, the steer-
ing wheel may jerk out of your grip, causing
injury to your hands.
Always hold the steering wheel firmly with
both hands. When driving over obstacles, you
must expect steering forces to increase
briefly and suddenly.
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk of fire.
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.
!When driving off-road or on unpaved surfa-
ces, check the underside of the vehicle and
the wheels and tires at regular intervals. In
particular, remove any trapped foreign
objects, e.g. stones and branches.
Such foreign objects may:
Rdamage the chassis, the fuel tank or the
brake system
Rcause imbalances and thus vibrations
Rbe flung out when you continue driving
If there is any damage, inform a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
When driving off-road and on construction sites,
sand, mud and water mixed with oil, for exam-
ple, may get into the brakes. This may lead to a
reduction in braking performance or total brake
failure, also as a result of increased wear. The
braking characteristics will vary depending on
the material that has got into the system. Clean
the brakes after driving off-road. If you then
notice reduced braking performance or hear
scraping noises, have the brake system checked
at a qualified specialist workshop. Adjust your
driving style to the changed braking character-
istics.
Driving off-road or on construction sites increa-
ses the possibility of vehicle damage which may
in turn lead to the failure of certain assemblies
and systems. Adapt your driving style to the off- road driving c
onditions. Drive carefully. Have
any vehicle damage rectified at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible.
When driving on rough terrain, do not shift the
transmission into the neutral position. You could
lose control when attempting to brake the vehi-
cle with the service brake. If your vehicle cannot
manage an uphill slope, drive back down the
slope in reverse gear.
Driving tips135
Driving and parking
Z