
A malfunction has occurred if the6restraint
system warning lamp:
Rdoes not light up after the ignition is switched
on
Rdoes not go out after a few seconds
Rgoes out but then lights up again while the
engine is running, for example
GWARNING
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or may not deploy as
intended during an accident. This can affect
for example the Emergency Tensioning
Device or the air bag. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired in a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
Seat belts
Introduction
Seat belts are the most effective means of
restricting the movement of vehicle occupants
in the event of an accident or the vehicle rolling
over. This reduces the risk of vehicle occupants coming into contact with parts of the vehicle
interior or being ejected from the vehicle. Fur-
thermore, the seat belt helps to keep the vehicle
occupant in the best position in relation to the
air bag.
The seat belt system comprises:
RSeat belts
REmergency Tensioning Devices for the front
seat belts
The seat belt system also includes a belt force
limiter for the relevant seat if the vehicle is
equipped with a front air bag.
On vehicles with a front-passenger bench
seat, only the seat belt of the outer front-
passenger seat has a belt force limiter.
The seat belt system does not include an Emer- gency Tensioning Device and a belt force limiter
if the vehicle does not have a driver's air bag.
If the seat belt is pulled out of the belt outlet
quickly or with a jerky movement, the belt
retractor locks. The belt strap cannot be extrac-
ted any further. The Emergency Tensioning Device tightens the
seat belt in an accident, pulling the belt close
against the body. However it does not pull the
vehicle
occup
ant back in the direction of the
backrest.
The Emergency Tensioning Device does not cor-
rect an incorrect seat position or the routing of
an incorrectly fastened seat belt.
When triggered, a belt force limiter helps to
reduce the force exerted by the seat belt on the
vehicle occupant.
The belt force limiters are synchronized with the
front air bags which absorb part of the deceler-
ation force. This can reduce the force exerted on
the vehicle occupants during an accident.
The Emergency Tensioning Device of the front-
passenger seat is triggered independently of the
lock status of the seat belt.
Important safety notes
The use of seat belts and child restraint systems
is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
Even where this is not required by law, all vehicle
occupants should correctly fasten their seat
belts before starting the journey.
GWARNING
If the seat belt is not worn correctly, it cannot
perform its intended protective function. An
incorrectly fastened seat belt can also cause
injuries, for example, in the event of an acci-
dent or when braking or changing direction
abruptly. This poses an increased risk of injury
or even fatal injury.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sit-
ting properly.
GWARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended level of protection if you have not moved the back-
rest to an almost vertical position. When brak-
ing or in the event of an accident, you could
slide underneath the seat belt and sustain
abdomen or neck injuries, for example. This
Occupant safety41
Safety
Z

Method of operation
During the first stage of a collision, the restraint
system control unit evaluates important physi-
cal data relating to vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration, such as:
Rduration
Rdirection
Rintensity
Based on the evaluation of this data, the
restraint system control unit triggers the Emer-
gency Tensioning Devices during a frontal or
rear collision.
An Emergency Tensioning Device can only be
triggered, if:
Rthe ignition is switched on
Rthe components of the restraint system are
operational. You can find further information
under: "Restraint system warning lamp"
(
Ypage 40)
Rthe seat belt buckle tongue has engaged in
the belt buckle of the respective front seat
The Emergency Tensioning Device of the front-
passenger seat is triggered independently of the
lock status of the seat belt.
If the restraint system control unit detects a
more severe accident, further components of
the restraint system are activated independ-
ently of each other in certain frontal collision
situations:
RFront air bags
RWindow curtain air bag on the side on which
the impact occurs
The activation threshold of the Emergency Ten-
sioning Devices and the air bag are determined
by evaluating the rate of vehicle deceleration or
acceleration which occurs at various points in
the vehicle. This process is pre-emptive in
nature. Deployment should take place in good
time at the start of the collision.
The rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration
and the direction of the force are essentially
determined by:
Rthe distribution of forces during the collision
Rthe collision angle
Rthe deformation characteristics of the vehicle
Rthe characteristics of the object with which
the vehicle has collided
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred do not play a deci-
sive role in the deployment of an air bag . Nor dothey provide a
n indication of air bag deploy-
ment.
The vehicle can be deformed considerably, with-
out an air bag being deployed. This is the case if
only parts which are relatively easily deformed
are affected and the rate of deceleration is not
high. Conversely, air bags may be deployed even though the vehicle suffers only minor deforma-
tion. This is the case if, for example, very rigid
vehicle parts such as longitudinal body mem-
bers are hit, and sufficient deceleration occurs
as a result.
If the restraint system control unit detects a side
impact, the relevant restraint system compo-
nents are deployed independently of each other.
If the system determines a need for additional
protection for the vehicle occupants, the Emer-
gency Tensioning Devices are triggered.
RSide impact air bag on the side of impact,
independently of the Emergency Tensioning
Device and the use of the seat belt
RWindow curtain air bag on the side of impact,independently of the use of the seat belt and
independently of whether the front-
passenger seat is occupied
iNot all air bags are deployed in an accident.
The different 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
Children in the vehicle47
Safety
Z

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 41) and the notes on correct use of seat
belts (Ypage 42).
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
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
hear a ratcheting 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.
48Children in the vehicle
Safety

Override features/Child-proof locks
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If children are traveling in the vehicle, they
could:
Ropen doors, thus endangering other people
or road users
Rexit the vehicle and be caught by oncoming
traffic
Roperate vehicle equipment and become
trapped
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always activate the child-proof locks and
override feature if children are traveling in the vehicle. When leaving the vehicle, always take
the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Child-proof locks for rear doors (
Ypage 52).
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.
Child-proof locks for the rear door
Rear door
:
Child safety bolt
2Door secured – then make sure that the
child-proof locks are working properly.
3Door released
The child-proof lock on the doors enable you to
secure each door individually.
A door with an activated child-proof lock cannot
be opened from the inside. If the vehicle is
unlocked, the door can be opened from the out-
side.
Pets in the vehicle
GWARNING
If you leave animals unattended or unsecured
in the vehicle, they could press buttons or
switches, for example.
52Pets in the vehicle
Safety

As a result, they could:
Ractivate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
Ractivate or deactivate systems, thereby
endangering other road users
Unsecured animals could also be flung around
the vehicle in the event of an accident or sud-
den steering or braking, thereby injuring vehi- cle occupants. There is a risk of an accident
and injury.
Never leave animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Always secure animals properly during
the journey, e.g. use a suitable animal trans-
port box.
Driving safety systems
Overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
RABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
RASR (Acceleration SkidControl)
RBAS ( Brake Assist System)
REBD ( Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
RESP®(E lectronic StabilityProgram)
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you are
inattentive, the driving safety systems can nei-
ther reduce the risk of accident nor override the
laws of physics. Driving safety systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, braking in good time
and for staying in your lane. Always adapt your
driving style to the prevailing road and weather
conditions and maintain a sufficient, safe dis-
tance from other road users. Drive carefully.
Please note that the driving safety systems
described only work optimally when:
Rthere is adequate contact between the tires
and the road surface
Ryou use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary, when the road conditions
are wintry Pay particular attention to the information
regarding tires, tire tread and winter operation
under "Wheels and tires" (
Ypage 243).
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
Observe the important safety guidelines for the
driving safety system (Ypage 53).
GWARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
If ABS is malfunctioning, other systems will also
fail, including driving safety systems. Observe
the information relating to the !warning
lamp (
Ypage 191).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that
the wheels do not lock when you brake. This
allows you to continue steering the vehicle when
braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even when you
only brake gently.
The yellow !warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. The lamp goes out when the engine starts
running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a
pulsating in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication
of hazardous road conditions and functions as a
reminder to take extra care while driving.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking sit-
uation is over.
XTo make a full brake application: depress
the brake pedal with full force.
Driving safety systems53
Safety
Z

In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons: if the
BAS driving safety system is malfunctioning,
the : warning lamp lights up while the
engine is running (
Ypage 191).
BAS operates in emergency braking situations.
If you depress the brake quickly, BAS automat-
ically increases the brake pressure, thereby
reducing the stopping distance.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
GWARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the rear wheels can
lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the
risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure
to the rear wheels. This enables EBD to improve
handling during braking.
Observe the information on warning and indica-
tor lamps (
Ypage 191).
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If ESP
®is malfunctioning it will not provide
any vehicle stabilization. There is an increased
risk of skidding or of an accident.
Exercise caution when continuing to drive.
Have ESP
®checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
!Do not run the vehicle on a roller dynamom-
eter (e.g. for performance tests). If you must
operate the vehicle on a roller dynamometer, please consult a qualified specialist workshop
in advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
If you activate or deactivate the all-wheel drive
in a vehicle with this option, ESP
®will be deac-
tivated for the duration of the activation/deac-
tivation process.
If ESP
®is malfunctioning, the hindicator
lamp lights up while the engine is running and
the engine power may be reduced
(
Ypage 190).
iOnly use wheels with the recommended tire
sizes. Only then will ESP®function properly.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
!A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a two-axle dynamometer.
Before you operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
workshop. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
4ETS is only active when all-wheel drive is acti-
vated (
Ypage 145).
4ETS ensures permanent drive for all four
wheels, and together with ESP
®it improves the
vehicle's traction.
If a driven wheel spins due to lack of traction:
RWhen pulling away, make use of the traction
control integrated in ESP®. Depress the
accelerator pedal as far as necessary.
RWhile driving, slowly take your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow chains
(
Ypage 246). This is the only way to get the full
benefit from the all-wheel drive system.
Crosswind Assist
Crosswind Assist does not work if ESP®is deac-
tivated or disabled because of a malfunction.
Crosswind Assist does not react:
Rin the event of severe jolts and vibrations, e.g.
as a result of uneven surfaces or potholes.
Rif the vehicle loses traction, e.g. on snow or
ice or when hydroplaning.
Rto large and sudden steering movements by
the driver.
Driving safety systems55
Safety
Z

Crosswind Assist is operational again as soon as
the driving conditions return to normal.
Cros swind Assist detects strong crosswind
gusts that can impair the road holding of your
veh icle when driving straight ahead. Cros swind
Assist intervenes dependin g on thedirection
and strength of the crosswind .
A stabiliz ing brake application helps you to keep
the veh icleon track.
In formation appears inthe instrument cluster In
the event that Cros swind Assist intervenes
noticeably.
On vehicles without steering wheel buttons:
the d indicator lamp inthe instrument clus-
ter flashes.
On vehicles with steering wheel buttons: the
d indicator lamp inthe instrument cluster
flashes and the message Crosswind Assist
Activeappearsinthe multifunction display.
Cros swind Assist isactive above a veh iclespeed
of 50 mph (80 km/h) when the veh icle is driving
straight ahead or cornering gently.
Emergency exit
Emergency exit window
GWAR NING
The emergency exit wind ow cannotbelocked
in plac e. You risk injury ifyou exit the vehicle
through the emergency exit wind ow.
RMake sure that nobodybecomes tr apped,
both when closing and when opening the
emergency exit wind ow.
RThe opened emergency exit wind ow must
be held in plac eby another person.
Pay attention to traff icconditions.
GWAR NING
If the emergency exit wind owisunlocked
while driv ing,itcould open and slam shut and
consequently fall down. There isa risk of an
acc iden t and injury.
Before starting off, make sure that the emer-
gency exit wind owislocked and the locking
pin s are undamage d.
!Make sure there issuff icient clearance
when opening the emergency exit wind ow.Hold the open window in position. You could
otherwise damage the emergency exit win-
dow.
The emergency exit wind
owisintended for use
in an emergency only and must not be opened
unless the vehicle isstationary. The emergency
exit window isthe first window behind the driv-
er's seat on the driver's side. It is marked by the
"Emergency Exit" label.
XTo open: position both handles :vertically.
This willbreak locking pins ;.
The wind ow is unlocked.
XSwin g the window outward by the handles
and hold it in this position. Make sure there is
sufficient clearance when doing so.
XTo close: close the window.
XPosition both handles :horizontally. Make
sure that the locks =are inside infront of the
window frame.
The wind ow is locked.
XReplace locking pins ;at the latest before
starting on a new journey.
You can obtain information on this at any
qualif ied specialist workshop.
In an emergency, or after an accident, the vehi-
cle occupants can exit the vehicle through the
emergency exit wind ow.
Observe the foll owing notes to make sure that
the emergency exit window can be used safely in
the event of an emergency:
RBefore beginning a journey, inform the vehicle
occupants of the emergency exit wind ow and
explain how to use it. Make sure to explicitly
poin t out the risks describe d here.
ROnlyvehicle occupants who know how to use
the emergency exit wind ow are permitted to
sit next to it.
RAccess to the emergency exit wind ow must
remain unobstructed. Do not place any large
56Emergency exit
Safety

or heavy objects on or in front of the seats
next to the emergency exit window.
RThe window handles must not be used as
hooks, e.g. to hang up light objects, bags or
items of clothing.
RWhen exiting the vehicle through the emer-
gency exit window, pay attention to the vehi-
cle height and the local conditions. Particu-
larly children and smaller adults may require
assistance when exiting the vehicle.
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
XTo activate:remove the key from the ignition
lock.
XTo deactivate: turn the key to position 2in
the ignition lock.
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
Always take the key with you and lock the vehi-
cle when leaving the vehicle. If you leave the key
in the vehicle, anyone can start the engine.
iThe immobilizer is always deactivated when
you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be started
when the starter battery is fully charged, the
immobilizer may be faulty. Contact an author-
ized Sprinter dealer or call 1-877-762-8267
(in USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
XTo arm: close all doors.
XLock the vehicle with the key.
The indicator lamp in the central locking but-
ton (
Ypage 63) flashes.
XTo disarm: unlock the vehicle with the key.
The indicator lamp in the central locking but-
ton (
Ypage 63) goes out.
iCargo Van and Passenger Van only:
Unless you open a door within 40 seconds
after unlocking the vehicle:
Rthe vehicle will be locked again
Rthe anti-theft alarm system will be armed
again If the alarm system is armed, a visual and audi-
ble alarm is triggered by the following:
RUnlocking the vehicle from inside
ROpening a door
ROpening the hood
iThe alarm is not switched off, even if you
immediately close the open door that has trig- gered it, for example.
XTo stop the alarm: press the%button on
the remote control.
or
XInsert the key into the ignition lock.
The alarm stops.
Tow-away alarm
Operation
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
inclination of the vehicle changes when the tow- away alarm is armed. This can be the case if the
vehicle is raised on one side, for example.
Arming and disarming
The tow-away alarm is automatically armed
approximately 20 seconds after you lock the
vehicle.
The tow-away alarm is automatically deactiva-
ted when you unlock the vehicle.
Disarming
Theft deterrent locking system57
Safety
Z