Brake fluidChecking the level ......................... 219
Display message ............................ 180
Notes ............................................. 279
Warning lamp ................................. 192
Brake force distribution, elec-
tronic
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Replacing bulbs ............................... 90
Brake lamps (Chassis Cab)
Replacing bulbs ............................... 91
Brake linings
Display message ............................ 179
Indicator lamp ................................ 194
Brake pads/linings
New ............................................... 133
Brake system
Malfunction .................................... 179
Warning lamp ................................. 191
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 53
Adaptive Brake Assist .................... 140
Applying the parking brake ............ 128
BAS .................................................. 54
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 279
Checking brake fluid level .............. 219
Display messages .......................... 179
EBD .................................................. 55
Important safety notes .................. 132
Maintenance .................................. 191
New brake pads/linings ................ 133
Parking brake (notes) ..................... 133
Riding tips ...................................... 132
Breakdown
Fire extinguisher ............................ 238
First-aid kit .................................... 237
Jump-starting ................................. 238
Reflective safety jacket .................. 237
Vehicle tool kit ............................... 236
Warning lamp ................................. 237
Warning triangle ............................ 237
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulb
see Changing bulbs
Bulb failure indicator .......................... 80C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 23
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Access step in the bumper ............ 233
Car wash ........................................ 229
Display ........................................... 233
Exterior lights ................................ 232
Interior ........................................... 233
Notes ............................................. 229
Paint .............................................. 231
Plastic trim .................................... 234
Power washer ................................ 230
Rear view camera .......................... 232
Roof lining ...................................... 234
Seat belt ........................................ 234
Seat cover ..................................... 234
Selector lever ................................ 234
Sensors ......................................... 232
Sliding door ................................... 233
Steering wheel ............................... 234
Step (electrical) ............................. 233
Trim pieces .................................... 234
Washing by hand ........................... 230
Washing the engine ....................... 230
Wheels ........................................... 231
Windows ........................................ 231
Wiper blades .................................. 231
Cargo compartment
Activating/deactivating ventila-
tion ................................................ 115
Cargo compartment floor ................... 29
Cargo tie-down points and tie
downs
Important safety notes .................. 210
Cargo tie-down rings
Installing ........................................ 212
Permissible tensile load ................. 282
Carrier system
Ladder rack ................................... 213
CD player/CD changer ...................... 165
Cell phone
see Mobile phone
Center console overview .................... 36
6Index
Reservefuel .................................. .196
Tire pressure monitor .................... 197
Water separator .............................1 98
Windshield washer fluid ................. 198
Warranty .............................................. 23
Washer fluid
Adding ...........................................2 20
Capacities ...................................... 281
Display message ............................ 189
Indicator lamp ................................ 198
Notes ............................................. 281
Wiping with ...................................... 94
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 262
Checking ........................................ 244
Cleaning ......................................... 231
Important safety notes .................. 243
Installing the adapter (spare
wheel) ............................................ 265
Interchanging/changing ................ 262
Mounting a new wheel ................... 266
Mounting a wheel .......................... 263
Removing a wheel .......................... 265
Removing and mounting the spare
wheel ............................................. 269
Snow chains .................................. 246
Storing ...........................................2 62
Tightening torque ........................... 267
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 268
Window curtain air bag ....................... 46
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Cleaning ......................................... 231
Defrosting ...................................... 102
Windshield heating
Problem (malfunction) ................... 103
Switching on/off ........................... 103
Windshield washer fluid
Adding ...........................................2 20
Indicator lamp ................................ 198
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 96
Rain and light sensor ....................... 94
Rear window wiper .......................... 95
Replacing the wiper blades .............. 95 Setting the sensiti
vity (vehicles
with steering wheel buttons and
rain/light sensor) ........................... 170
Switching on/off .............................. 94
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid ................................................. 94
Winter diesel ..................................... 274
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 134
Snow chains .................................. 246
Winter operation
General notes ................................ 245
Radiator cover ................................. 29
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 245
Setting a limit speed ......................1 31
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 231
Replacing ......................................... 95
Workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
22Index
XFold protective cover?back into place.
XAlign lamp housing :on the left-hand side
and engage.
iVehicles with LED lighting: if an LED is
faulty, consult a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Cargo compartment lamp
Type of lamp: W 10 W
XSwitch off the interior lighting.
XUndo screws :and remove the lamp lens.
XPress bulb ;into the bulb holder and
unscrew it counter-clockwise.
XPress new bulb ;into the bulb holder and
screw it in clockwise.
XPosition the lamp lens and tighten screws :.
iVehicles with LED cargo compartment
lamp: if an LED is defective, consult a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wiper
on/off
!
Do not operate the windshield wipers when
the windshield is dry, as this could damage
the wiper blades. Moreover, dust that has col-
lected on the windshield can scratch the glass
if wiping takes place when the windshield is
dry. If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always use
washer fluid when operating the windshield
wipers.
!If the windshield wipers leave smears on the
windshield after the vehicle has been washed
in an automatic car wash, wax or other resi-
dues may be the reason for this. Clean the
windshield using washer fluid after washing
the vehicle in an automatic car wash.
!Vehicles with rain/light sensor:
Switch the wipers off in dry weather. Other-
wise, dirt or optical effects may cause unde-
sired windshield wiper sweeps. This could
then damage the windshield wiper blades or
scratch the windshield.
The windshield will no longer be wiped properly
if the wiper blades are worn. Replace the wiper
blades twice a year (
Ypage 95), ideally in
spring and fall.
Combination switch
XTurn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock.
XTurn the combination switch in the direction
of arrow ;to the appropriate setting
depending on the intensity of the rain.
XSingle wipe: push the combination switch
briefly to the pressure point in the direction of arrow :.
XTo wipe with washer fluid: press the com-
bination switch beyond the pressure point in
the direction of arrow :.
The detent positions of the combination switch
correspond to the following wiper speeds:
0W indshield wipers off
II ntermittent wipe
II Normal wipe
III Rapid wipe
94Windshield wipers
Lights and windshield wiper s
iCanada only:
If the wind shield wiper s areswitched on and
you stop the veh icle, the windshield wiper
speed isreduced. For example, ifyou have
selected level IIand stop the veh icle,wipin g
continues with intermittent wipe whilethe
veh icle is stationary. Ifintermittent wipe is
selected, the intervals become longer.
Vehicles with a rain and light sensor: you
can use level Ias the universal setting. The
rain and light sensor sets the appropriate wip-
ing frequency automatically, according to the
intensity of the rain. When you stop the veh i-
cle, leve lsIII and IIare swit ched down to
level Iautomatically.
The wind shield wiper will return to the original
level when you drive faster than 5 mph
(8 km/h).
You can adjust the sensitivit y of the rain and
light sensor using the on-board computer
(
Ypage 170).
In formation on checking the washer fluid level
can befound inthe "Maintenance and care"
section (
Ypage 220).
Switching the rear window wiper on/
off
Combination switch
:
è Rearwindowwiper swit ch
2ôTowipe wit h washer fluid
3ITo swit ch on intermittent wiping
40To swit ch off intermittent wiping
5ô Towipe wit h washer fluid
XTurn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock.
XTurn switch: to the corresponding position The rear window wiper
switches on automati-
cally if you engage reverse gear and the wind-
shield wiper s are on.
Replacing the wiper blades
GWARNING
If the wind shield wipers begin to move while
you are changing the wiperblades, you could
be trapped by the wiper arm. There isa risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
ignition before changing the wiper blades.
!Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the wind-
shield.
Never fold a windshield wiper armwithout a
wiper blade back onto the windshield/rear
wind ow.
Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release the
windshield wiper arm without a wiperblade
and itfalls onto the windshield, the windshield
may be damaged by the force of the impact.
We recommend that you have the wiper
blades replaced at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
!Only hold the wiperblade by the wiperarm.
You could otherwise damage the wiper rub-
ber.
The wind shield will no longerbe wipedproperly
if the wiper blades are worn. Replace the wiper
blades twice a year, ideally in spring and fall.
Fron twindshield wiper arm wit hwiper blade
Windshield wipers95
Lights and windshield wipers
Z
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
!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
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by
corrosion and damage caused by inadequate
care cannot always be completely repaired. In
such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
XRemove impurities immediately, where pos-
sible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover and
rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse off
the treated areas afterwards.
XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin, oils,
fuels and greases by rubbing gently with a
cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter
fluid.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Do not fold the windshield wipers away from
the windshield unless the hood is closed. Oth-
erwise, you could damage the hood.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if the
wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
!Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-
vents to clean the inside of the windows. Do
not touch the insides of the windows with
hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or ring. There
is otherwise a risk of damaging the windows. Before cleaning the windshield
XTurn the key to position
0in the ignition lock
or remove it.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away from the
windshield until you feel them engage.
Before switching the ignition on again, fold
the windshield wipers back into position.
Cleaning the windows
XClean the inside and outside of the windows
with a damp cloth and a cleaning agent that is
recommended and approved for Sprinter
vehicles.
Exterior
Cleaning the wheels
!Do not use any acidic or alkaline cleaning
agents. They can cause corrosion on the
wheel bolts (wheel nuts) or the retainer
springs for the wheel-balancing weights.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after cleaning.
Braking heats the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then be parked.
If you clean the wheels with a power washer,
observe the safety notes for the power washer
(
Ypage 230). You could otherwise damage the
tires.
Cleaning the wiper blades
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
Care231
Maintenance and care
Z
!Do not fold the windshield wipers away from
the windshield unless the hood is closed. Oth-
erwise, you could damage the hood.
!Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper blade could be damaged.
!Do not clean wiper blades too often and do
not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the graph-
ite coating could be damaged. This could
cause wiper noise.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if the
wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0in the ignition
lock or remove the SmartKey.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away from the
windshield until you feel them engage.
XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a damp
cloth.
XFold back the wiper arms before switching on
the ignition.
Cleaning the exterior lighting
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
which are suitable for plastic light lenses.
Unsuitable cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
could scratch or damage the plastic light len- ses.
XClean the plastic covers of the exterior light-
ing with a damp sponge and a mild cleaning
agent, e.g. car shampoo for Sprinter vehicles,
or with cleaning cloths.
Cleaning the mirror turn signal
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
that are suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
cleaning agents or cleaning cloths could
scratch or damage the plastic lenses of the
mirror turn signals.
XClean the plastic lenses of the mirror turn sig-
nals in the exterior mirror housing using a wet
sponge and mild cleaning agent, e.g. car
shampoo or cleaning cloths.
Cleaning the sensors
!Do not use dry, coarse or hard cloths and do
not scrub. You will otherwise scratch or dam-
age the sensors. If you clean the sensors with a power washer
or steam cleaner, observe the information
provided by the manufacturer regarding the
distance to be maintained between the vehi-
cle and the nozzle of the power washer.
PARKTRONIC sensors (example: front bumper, left
side of vehicle)
XClean all sensors :in the front and rear
bumpers with water, shampoo and a soft
cloth.
Cleaning the rear view camera
!Do not use dry, coarse or hard cloths and do
not scrub. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the lens of the reversing camera.
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pres-
sure or steam cleaner, observe a minimum
distance of 1.6 ft (50 cm) to the rear view
camera. Do not aim directly at the rear view
camera. You could otherwise damage the rear
view camera.
Rear view camera in the middle of the roof above
the high-mounted brake lamp
:
Camera lens
XClean camera lens :with clean water and a
soft cloth.
232Care
Maintenance and care