Preparing for a journey
Visual check of the vehicle exterior
XIn particular, check the following components
on the vehicle, and on the trailer as necessary:
Rlicense plates, vehicle lighting, turn signals,
brake lamps and wiper blades for dirt and
damage
Rtires and wheels for firm seating, correct
tire pressure and general condition
Rtrailer tow hitch for play and security
The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road safety. The separate instructions issued by
the manufacturer pertaining to operation,
care and maintenance should be observed.
Rthat contour markings on attachments and
bodies are in good condition
XRectify any noticeable defects before com-
mencing the journey.
Checks in the vehicle
Emergency equipment and first-aid kit
XCheck the equipment to make sure that it is
accessible, complete and ready for use.
The first aid and breakdown assistance equip-
ment is in the front door stowage compartments
and behind the driver's seat.
Vehicle lighting
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
XCheck the lighting system with the aid of a
second person.
XReplace defective bulbs (Ypage 87).
Before driving off
GWARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell may restrict
the clearance around the pedals or block a
depressed pedal. This jeopardizes the oper-
ating and road safety of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Stow all objects securely in the vehicle so that
they do not get into the driver's footwell.
When using floormats or carpets, make sure
that they are properly secured so that they do
not slip or obstruct the pedals. Do not place
several floormats or carpets on top of one
another.
GWARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinder correct usage of the pedals, e.g.:
Rshoes with thick soles
Rshoes with high heels
Rslippers
There is a risk of an accident.
Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct
usage of the pedals.
XSecure the load as per the loading guidelines
(Ypage 208).
XStow luggage items securely. Secure the load
as per the loading guidelines (Ypage 208).
XMake sure that the floormats and carpets are
properly secured so that they cannot slip and
obstruct the pedals.
XClose all doors.
Starting the engine
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.
!Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
XBefore starting the engine, make sure that:
Rall the doors are closed.
Rall the vehicle occupants are wearing their
seat belts correctly.
Rthe parking brake is applied.
iIf you depress the brake pedal before start-
ing the engine, the pedal travel is short and
pedal resistance is high.
If you depress the brake pedal again after
starting the engine, pedal travel and resist-
ance will be back to normal again.
118Driving
Driving and parking
Gearshift pattern
j
Park position with parking lock
kReverse gear
iNeutral
hDrive
XMove the selector lever to positionP.
The display in the instrument cluster shows P:
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 164)
Ron vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 160)
iYou can also start the engine in neutral N.
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
The % preglow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up briefly.
XOnce the %preglow indicator lamp goes
out, turn the key to position 3in the ignition
lock and release it as soon as the engine is
running.
iYou can start the engine without preglow
when the engine is warm.
The preglow system is malfunctioning if the
% preglow indicator lamp lights up for
approximately 1 minute:
Rafter the ignition is switched on
Rwhile the engine is running
At extremely low outside temperatures you
may then no longer be able to start the
engine. Have the malfunction rectified at a
qualified specialist workshop.
iDepending on the equipment installed, the
vehicle either automatically locks centrally
after switching on the ignition or after pulling
away. The locking knobs in the doors drop
down.
You can open the doors from the inside at any
time. Automatic door locking can be deactivated
(
Ypage 64).
Driving off
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
!Only shift into reverse gear Rwhen the vehi-
cle is stationary. Otherwise, you could dam-
age the transmission.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
XMove the selector lever to position Dor R.
On vehicles with a reverse warning feature,
when reverse gear is engaged a warning tone
sounds to alert other road users
(
Ypage 119).
XRelease the parking brake (Ypage 128).
The c indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
iAfter pulling away or switching on the igni-
tion, the vehicle automatically locks centrally.
The locking knobs in the doors drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at any
time.
You can also deactivate the automatic locking
feature (
Ypage 64).
Reverse warning device
GWARNING
Other road users may ignore or fail to hear the warning tone of the reverse warning feature.
There is a risk of injury if you fail to ensure that
the area in which you are maneuvering is
clear.
Driving119
Driving and parking
Z
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 273).
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 105).
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.
Refueling125
Driving and parking
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 27).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you are driving and reach through the steer- ing wheel to operate the adjustment knob,
you could lose control of the vehicle. There is
a risk of an accident and injury.
Only operate the adjustment knobs when thevehicle is stationary. Do not reach through the
steering wheel when driving.
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
GWARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The
operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately. You must observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are currently driving when
operating the on-board computer.
The on-board computer display only shows mes-
sages and warnings from certain systems. You
should therefore make sure your vehicle is oper-
ating safely at all times. If the operating safety of
your vehicle is impaired, stop the vehicle as
soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions. Then consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Instrument cluster
Overview
:Instrument cluster on vehicles without
steering wheel buttons
;Instrument cluster in vehicles with steering-
wheel buttons
=Adjustment buttons fand g
?Reset button 9
AService button Ë(engine oil level check)
BMenu button 4
You will find a full overview of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section (
Ypage 33).
The display in the instrument cluster is activated when you:
Ropen the driver's door
Rturn the key to position 2in the ignition lock
Rpress the 9reset button
Rswitch on the lights
158Instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays
Using the steering wheel buttons
XPress theVorU button repeatedly
until the Settingsmenu appears in the dis-
play.
XPress the 9button to switch to the sub-
menu selection.
XPress the WorX button to select the
Lightingsubmenu.
XPress the 9button to select the Daytimerunn. lampsfunction.
The selection marker is on the current setting.
XPress the WorX button to switch the
daytime running lamps OnorOff.
iIf you turn the light switch to TorL,
the corresponding lamp switches on. If you
turn the light switch to Ã, the daytime
running lamps remain switched on.
iFor safety reasons, it is not possible to reset
the Daytime runn. lampsfunction to the
factory setting while the vehicle is in motion.
You will see the following message in the dis-
play: Setting only possible at stand‐
still.
Switching surround lighting on or off
Using the steering wheel buttons
XPress the VorU button repeatedly
until the Settingsmenu appears in the dis-
play.
XPress the 9button to switch to the sub-
menu selection.
XPress the WorX button to select the
Lightingsubmenu.
XPress the 9button to select the Loc.lightingfunction.
The selection marker is on the current setting.
XPress the WorX button to switch the
surround lighting OnorOff.
If you switch the surround lighting to On
, the fol-
lowing lamps light up in the dark after you have
unlocked the vehicle using the key:
Rthe parking lamps
Rthe tail lamps
Rthe license plate lamps
Rthe fog lamps
The surround lighting automatically switches off
after 40 seconds or if you:
Ropen the driver's door
Rinsert the key into the ignition lock
Rlock the vehicle using the key
Setting the exterior lighting delayed
switch-off
In the Headlampssubmenu, you can set
whether and for how long you wish the exterior
lighting to remain on after closing the doors.
Using the steering wheel buttons
XPress the VorU button repeatedly
until the Settingsmenu appears in the dis-
play.
XPress the 9button to switch to the sub-
menu selection.
XPress the WorX button to select the
Lightingsubmenu.
XPress the 9button to select the Head‐lampsfunction.
The selection marker is on the current setting.
XPress the WorX button to select
whether and for how long you wish the exte-
rior lighting to remain on.
If you have set the delayed switch-off and switch
off the engine, the following remain lit:
Rthe parking lamps
Rthe tail lamps
Rthe license plate lamps
Rthe fog lamps
iYou can reactivate this function by opening
a door within 10 minutes.
If, after switching off the engine, you do not
open a door or you close an open door, the
exterior lighting switches off after
60 seconds.
On-board computer (vehicles with steering wheel buttons)169
On-board computer and displays
Z
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
12 V socket
Socket on the lower section of the center console
:
12 V socket (25 A)
The 12 V sockets for accessories are:
Ron the lower section of the center console
(12 V, 25 A)
Ron the inside of the driver's seat frame (12V,
15 A)
Rin the respective corner trim next to the rear
doors in the passenger compartment (12 V,
15 A)
Rin the cargo compartment next to the left rear door (12 V,15 A)
You can use the 12 V sockets (15 A) for acces-
sories with a maximum power consumption of
180 W. You can connect accessories with a
maximum power consumption of 300 W to the
12 V socket (25 A) on the lower section of the
center console.
iThe sockets are supplied with power even
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. If accessories, e.g. a coolbox, remain
connected while the engine is not running, the
battery will discharge.
Mobile phone
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are currently driving when
operating mobile phones.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is cov-
ering a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m)
every second.
You and others can suffer health-related dam-
age through electromagnetic radiation. By using
an exterior antenna, a possible health risk
caused by electromagnetic fields, as discussed
in scientific circles, is taken into account. Only
have the exterior antenna installed by a qualified
specialist workshop.
We recommend the use of an approved exterior
antenna for operating the mobile phone. Only in
this way can optimal mobile phone reception
quality in the vehicle be ensured and mutual
interference between the vehicle electronics
and mobile phones minimized.
Observe the legal requirements for each indi-
vidual country.
Mobile phone pre-installation
The mobile phone pre-installation includes a
hands-free system integrated into the vehicle.
The microphone for the hands-free system is
installed in the overhead control panel or in the
overhead stowage compartment together with
the front interior light.
In order to use the hands-free system, you will
need a special bracket. The Sprinter accesso-
ries include brackets for various mobile phone
models.
iMobile phone brackets which are available
from various manufacturers on the open mar- ket are not compatible with the Sprinter tele-
phone system. You can recognize suitable
holders for your mobile phone by the imprin-
ted star and the B6 spare part number on the back of the bracket.
Detailed instructions for use can be found in the
operating instructions for the mobile phone
206Mobile phone
Stowing and features
XSwitch off all electrical consumers.
XTo remove:remove screws =and take off
trim ;.
XRemove floor covering :.
XTo install:insert floor covering :and align
with the driver's seat base and the doorway.
XPut trim ;in place and screw screws =
back in.
Disconnecting/connecting the
starter battery
Important safety notes
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con- tact with vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
RIt is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
Disconnecting the starter battery
!Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock. Firstly remove the bat-
tery terminals. Otherwise, you could destroy
electronic components such as the alterna-
tor.
Always disconnect the starter battery in the
battery case in the left-hand side footwell
first.
!Always disconnect the battery in the order
described below. Never swap the terminal
clamps. You may otherwise damage the vehi- cle electronics.
If the vehicle is expected to be out of use for over
3 weeks, disconnect the batteries. This will pre-
vent battery discharge caused by off-load cur-
rent consumption.
Battery cover in the left footwell
XSwitch off all electrical consumers.
XSwitch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock.
XRemove the floor covering (Ypage 224).
XLoosen screws ;and slide battery cover :
in the direction of the arrow.
The screws must protrude beyond the larger
recesses.
XRemove battery cover :upwards.
Battery225
Maintenance and care
Z