
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

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
ESP
Visit workshop
ESP®has been deactivated due to amalfunction .As aresult ,cruise
control has also been deactivated.
Engin epowe routput may be reduced.
GWARNIN G
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®will notstabiliz eth evehicle.
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
ESP
Unavailable
ES P®has been deactivated due to undervoltage. As aresult ,cruise
control has also been deactivated.
The battery may no tbe bein gcharged.
GWARNIN G
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®will notstabiliz eth evehicle.
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XConsult aqualified specialized workshop as soo nas possible.
c
Parkin gbrakeReleas ebrake
Additionally, awarning tone sounds.
You are drivin gwit hth eparking brak eapplied.
XReleas eth eparking brak e (Ypage 128).
7
Seatbeltsys.Visitworkshop
The belt system has malfunctioned.
GWARNIN G
In th eevent of an acciden tor arapi ddeceleration ,th eseat belt seither
canno tprotect you as intended.
There is aris kof injury.
XConsult aqualified specialized workshop as soo nas possible.
6
Restraint systemVisit workshop
The restrain tsystem is faulty.
GWARNIN G
If th erestrain tsystem is malfunctioning ,individual systems could be
triggered inadvertentl yor might no tbe triggered at all in th eevent of
an accident.
There is an increased ris kof injury and accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
Display messages18 1
On-board computer and displays
Z

Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Ð
SteeringAssistanceFailure
The power assistance for the steering has malfunctioned. You need to
steer more forcefully.
XCarefully continue to a qualified specialist workshop and have the
steering checked immediately.
#
Battery/AlternatorVisit workshop
The battery is not being charged. Possible causes are a defective
alternator or a torn poly-V-belt.
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XCheck the poly-V-belt.
XIf the poly-V-belt is torn: do not continue driving. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop.
XIf the poly-V-belt is not damaged: have the vehicle checked as soon
as possible by a qualified specialist workshop.
÷
Electrically oper‐ated step
The electrical step has retracted or extended only partially or not at all.
XMake sure there is sufficient free space for the electrical step.
XOpen or close the sliding door again.
XIf the electrical step still does not extend or retract fully, push the
step in manually (Ypage 66). Before stepping out, remind the pas-
sengers that the step is missing.
1
Hood open
You are already driving at walking pace, even though the hood is not
closed.
XClose the hood.
9
Please enter PIN:
You have not yet entered your PIN in the mobile phone.
XEnter the PIN for the SIM card.
1
Doors open
You are already driving at walking pace, even though not all the doors
are closed.
XClose the doors.
¦
Washer fluid Checklevel
The washer fluid level is too low.
XAdd washer fluid (Ypage 220).
Key
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
+
Replace key Visitworkshop
The key is no longer working.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Display messages189
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
h
The yellow ESP®
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.ESP®is deactivated due to undervoltage or a malfunction. As a result,
cruise control has also been deactivated.
Engine power output may be reduced.
The battery may not be being charged.
GWARNING
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the messages in the display (Ypage 173).
XDrive on with care.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
6 The red warning
lamp does not go
out approx-
imately 4 seconds
after the ignition
is switched on, or
it lights up again.The restraint systems have malfunctioned.
GWARNING
If the restraint systems are malfunctioning, individual systems could
be triggered inadvertently or might not be triggered at all in the event
of an accident.
There is an increased risk of injury and accidents.
XDrive on with care.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
# The red battery
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.The battery is not being charged. Possible causes are a defective
alternator or a torn poly-V-belt.
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XCheck the poly-V-belt.
XIf the poly-V-belt is torn: do not continue driving. Consult the near-
est qualified specialist workshop.
XIf the poly-V-belt is not damaged: have the vehicle checked as soon
as possible by a qualified specialist workshop.
#The red battery
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.The battery is faulty.
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XDo not continue driving under any circumstances.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
#The yellow brake
pad wear indica-
tor lamp is lit after
the engine is star-
ted or while the
vehicle is in
motion.The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
GWARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XHave the brake pads/linings replaced as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop.
194Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
h
US vehicles only:
The yellow tire
pressure monitor
warning lamp
flashes for
60 seconds and
then remains lit.The tire pressure monitor has malfunctioned.
XHave the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
:
The yellow water
separator indica-
tor lamp is lit
when the ignition
is switched on.The water that has collected in the water separator of the fuel filter has
reached the maximum level.
XDrain the water separator (Ypage 220).
m
The yellow water
separator indica-
tor lamp is lit
when the ignition
is switched on.The fuel filter is dirty.
XHave the fuel filter element replaced as soon as possible at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
¦The yellow
washer fluid level
indicator lamp for
the windshield
washer/head-
lamp cleaning
system is lit after
the engine is star-
ted or while the
vehicle is in
motion.The water level is too low.
XAdd washer fluid (Ypage 220).
7The red seat belt
warning lamp
lights up continu-
ously or flashes. A
warning tone may
also sound.The warning lamp is to remind you to fasten your seat belt.
XFasten seat belt (Ypage 43).
bWhen the Smart-
Key is turned to
position 2in the
ignition lock, the
yellow bulb warn-
ing lamp lights up.One of the exterior lighting bulbs is faulty, with the exception of the
perimeter lamps and the trailer lighting.
iDepending on the equipment, the bulb failure indicator can fail for
all lamps with the exception of the turn signal lamps.
XReplace the faulty bulb as soon as possible (Ypage 87).
1 The yellow "door
open" indicator
lamp is lit while
driving.The vehicle is moving without all doors or the hood being closed.
XClose the doors or hood.
198Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Load distribution
General notes
!
Excessive loads on individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair vehi-
cle handling characteristics and could cause
damage to the floor covering.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
On Cargo Vans and Passenger Vans:
XAlways transport loads in the cargo compart-
ment.
XAlways place the load against the backrests of the rear bench seat.
XMove large and heavy loads as far towards the
front of the vehicle as possible against the
rear bench seat. Stow the load flush with the
rear bench seat.
XAlways additionally secure the load with suit-
able load-securing aids or tie downs.
Observe the following notes:
RDo not stack loads higher than the upper edge
of the backrests.
RTransport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
RIf the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
the seat belts crosswise into the buckle of the
opposite seat belt.
Securing loads
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak- ing maneuvers or an accident:
Rthe cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
Rthe load may not be restrained.
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be
tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads.
GWARNING
You may not transport anyone in the cargo
compartment or on the load surface. Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are
seat belts available. Make sure everyone rid-
ing in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a
separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for
more than one person at a time.
!Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the max-
imum loading capacity of the weakest cargo
tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces act-
ing could be up to several times the weight
force of the load. Always use multiple cargo
tie-down points in order to distribute the force
absorption. Load the anchorages evenly.
Spread the load evenly between the cargo tie-
down points or tie-down rings.
Please also refer to the notes about qualified
specialist workshops (
Ypage 27).
Always observe the operating instructions or the
notes of the lashing strap manufacturer for the
operation of the lashing strap.
Information about the maximum loading capa-
city of the cargo tie-down points can be found in
the "Technical data" section (
Ypage 281).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
RThe load is secured against slipping, tipping,
rolling or falling off. This applies both in nor-
mal traffic conditions and if the vehicle must
swerve to avoid an obstacle, in the event of
full brake application and on poor road surfa-
ces.
RThe applicable requirements and guidelines
relating to load-securing practices must be
met.
If this is not the case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local legis-
lation and any ensuing consequences.
210Securing loads
Transporting loads

!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the roof are com-
pletely closed
Rthe climate control blower is switched off
Rthe windshield wiper switch is at position0
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehicle
in an automatic car wash.
After putting the vehicle through an automatic
car wash, wipe off wax from:
Rthe rear view camera lens (Ypage 232)
Rthe windshield
Rthe windshield wiper blades
This will prevent smears and reduce wiping
noises caused by residue on the windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements of the country
you are currently in when washing by hand.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft car sponge.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, e.g. a car shampoo
approved for use with Sprinter vehicles.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlets.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agents dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
!Under no circumstances use power washers
in the vehicle interior. The pressurized water
and associated spray produced by the power washer could cause extensive damage to the
vehicle.
!Observe the minimum distance to be main-
tained between the nozzle of the high-pres-
sure cleaner and the object to be cleaned:
Rapproximately 2.2 ft(70 cm) when using
round-jet nozzles
Rapproximately 1 ft (30 cm) when using 25°
flat-spray jets and concentrated-power jets
Keep the water jet moving while cleaning. To
avoid causing damage, do not point the water jet directly at:
Rdoor joints
Rbrake hoses
Relectrical components
Relectrical connections
Rseals
Rdrive train, especially not at the intermedi-
ate bearing of the propeller shaft
Rrear view camera
Keep a minimum distance of 1.6 ft(50 cm).
Cleaning the engine
!Water must not enter intake or ventilation
openings. When cleaning with high pressure
water or steam cleaners, the spray must not
be aimed directly at electrical components or
the terminals of electrical lines.
Preserve the engine after the engine has been
cleaned. Protect the belt drive system from
exposure to the preservative agent.
Also observe the information under "Power
washers" (
Ypage 230).
230Care
Maintenance and care

XSwitch off the audio equipment and let the
display cool down.
XClean the display surface with a commercially
available microfiber cloth and cleaner for
TFT/LCD displays.
XDry the display surface using a dry microfiber
cloth.
Cleaning the plastic trim
GWARNING
Care products and cleaning agents containing solvents cause surfaces in the cockpit to
become porous. As a result, plastic parts may
come loose in the event of air bag deploy-
ment. There is a risk of injury.
Do not use any care products and cleaning
agents to clean the cockpit.
!Do not affix the following to plastic surfaces:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rscented oil bottles or similar items
You can otherwise damage the plastic.
!Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent or
sunscreen to come into contact with the plas-
tic trim. This maintains the high-quality look of
the surfaces.
XWipe the plastic trim and the cockpit with a
damp, lint-free cloth, e.g. a microfiber cloth.
XHeavy soiling: use a mild detergent or care
products and cleaning agents recommended
and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the steering wheel and selec-
tor lever
XThoroughly wipe with a damp cloth.
Cleaning the trim elements
!Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
such as tar remover, wheel cleaners, polishes
or waxes. There is otherwise a risk of damag- ing the surface.
XWipe the trim elements with a damp, lint-free
cloth, e.g. a microfiber cloth.
XHeavy soiling: use care products and clean-
ing agents recommended and approved for
Sprinter vehicles.
Cleaning the seat covers
!Do not use microfiber cloths to clean artifi-
cial leather covers. If used often, a microfiber
cloth can damage the cover.
!Clean:
Rartificial leather covers with a cloth mois-
tened with a solution containing 1% deter-
gent, e.g. dish washing liquid.
Rcloth covers with a microfiber cloth mois-
tened with a solution containing 1% deter-
gent, e.g. dish washing liquid. Wipe entire
seat sections carefully to avoid leaving visi-
ble lines. Leave the seat to dry afterwards.
Cleaning results depend on the type of dirt
and how long it has been there.
Cleaning the seat belts
GWARNING
Seat belts can become severely weakened if
bleached or dyed. This could cause the seat
belts to tear or fail, for instance, in the event of an accident. This poses an increased risk of
injury or fatal injury.
Never bleach or dye the seat belts.
!Do not clean the seat belts using chemical
cleaning agents. Do not dry the seat belts by
heating at temperatures above 176 ‡(80 †)
or in direct sunlight.
Remove any stains or dirt immediately. This will
avoid residue or damage.
XUse clean, lukewarm water and soap solution.
Cleaning the headliner
XUse a soft brush or dry shampoo to remove
heavy soiling.
234Care
Maintenance and care