2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER maintenance

The operating safety of the vehicle could be
jeopardized if you use parts, tires and wheels as
well as accessories relevant to safety which
have not been approved by Mercedes-Benz. This
could lead to malfunctions in safety-relevant
systems, e.g. the brake system. Only use genu-
ine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of equal qual-ity. Only use tires, wheels and accessories that
have been specifically approved for your vehi-
cle.
We test genuine Sprinter parts, as well as con-
version parts and accessories that have been
specifically approved for the type of vehicle, for:
RReliability
RSafety
RSuitability
Despite ongoing market research, Mercedes-
Benz is unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
we accept no responsibility for the use of such
parts in Sprinter vehicles, even if they have been
officially approved or independently approved
by a testing center.
In some countries, certain parts are only offi-
cially approved for installation or modification if
they comply with legal requirements. All genu-
ine Sprinter parts satisfy these requirements.
Make sure that all parts are suitable for your
vehicle.
Always specify the vehicle identification number
(VIN) and engine number when ordering genuine Sprinter parts (
Ypage 276).
QR code for rescue card
The QR Code stickers are affixed to the B-pillar
on the driver's and front-passenger side.
In the event of an accident the rescue services
use the QR Code to quickly find the rescue card
for your vehicle. The current rescue card con-
tains the most important information on your
vehicle, e.g. the electric cable routes, in a com-
pact form.
Further information can be found at http://
www.mercedes-benz.de/qr-code.
Data stored in the vehicle
Information from electronic control
units
There are electronic control units installed in
your vehicle. Some of these are necessary for
your vehicle to operate safely, while some offer
support during driving (driver assistance sys-
tems). In addition, your vehicle offers comfort
and entertainment functions that are also made
possible by electronic control units.
Electronic control units contain data storage
systems that can temporarily or permanently
save technical information concerning the vehi-
cle's condition, component stress and mainte-
nance requirements as well as technical events
and malfunctions.
This information generally documents the con-
dition of a component, a module, a system or the
surroundings, for example:
ROperating conditions of system components
(e.g. levels, battery status, tire pressure)
RStatus messages concerning the vehicle or its
individual components (e.g. wheel revolution
number / speed, deceleration in movement,
lateral acceleration, display showing fastened
belts)
RMalfunctions and defects in key system com-
ponents (e.g. lights, brakes)
RInformation about events leading to vehicle
damage
RSystem responses in special driving situa-
tions (e.g. air bag deployment, intervention of
stability control systems)
RAmbient conditions (e.g. temperature, rain
sensor)
In addition to performing the actual control unit function, these data are used by manufacturers
to detect and rectify malfunctions and to opti-
mize vehicle functions. Most of these data are
volatile and processed only in the vehicle itself.
Only a small part of the data is stored in event or
malfunction memories.
When you use services, the technical data from
the vehicle can be read out by service network
employees or third parties. Service activities
include repairs, maintenance, warranty claims
and quality assurance measures. The data are
read out via the connection for OBD (on-board
diagnostics) in the vehicle, which is required by
law. The relevant offices in the service network
or third parties collect, process and use the
30Introduction

The headlamp range control is used to adapt the
downward angle of the headlamp beams in
accordance with the load on your vehicle. The
cone of light from the headlamps changes if
seats are occupied or if the cargo compartmentis being loaded or unloaded. This can impair vis-
ibility and cause glare to oncoming traffic.
You can only adjust the headlamp range while
the engine is running.
XTurn headlamp range control :to the cor-
responding position. The road ahead should
be lit up for 40 mto 100 mand the low-beam
headlamps should not cause glare to oncom-
ing traffic.
Select position gif the vehicle is unladen.
Cornering lamps
The cornering lamps improve the illumination of
the road over a wide angle in the direction you
are turning, enabling better visibility in tight
bends, for example.
The cornering light function switches on
automatically, if:
Ryou are traveling at a speed of less than
25 mph (40 km/h) and you switch on a turn
signal or turn the steering wheel.
Ryou are traveling at a speeds of between
25 mph (40 km/h) and 43 mph (70 km/h) and
turn the steering wheel.
The cornering lamp may remain lit for a short
time, but is automatically switched off after no
more than 3 minutes.
iIf reverse gear is engaged the lamp on the
opposite side of the vehicle switches on
instead.
Hazard warning lamps
GWARNING
The rear exterior light will be covered if you:
Ropen the rear doors by 90°
Ropen the rear dropside.
The vehicle will then be difficult for other road users to see or will not be seen by them at all,
particularly if it is dark or visibility is poor.
There is a risk of an accident.
You should therefore ensure in this and simi-
lar situations that the vehicle is visible from
the rear in accordance with the relevant
national regulations, by using the warning tri-
angle, for instance.
Hazard warning lamp switch
XTo switch on/off: press the£hazard
warning lamp switch.
If you have indicated a turn while the hazard
warning lamps are switched on, only the turn
signal lamps on the side of the vehicle selected
will light up.
The hazard warning lamps switch on automati-
cally if:
Ran air bag is deployed.
Ryou brake sharply and bring the vehicle to a
halt from a speed of more than 45 mph
(70 km/h).
If the hazard warning lamps have been switched
on automatically, press the £hazard warn-
ing lamp switch to switch them off.
iThe hazard warning lamps work even when
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically with a
high-pressure water jet if the "Wipe with washer
fluid" function is activated (
Ypage 96) while
the low-beam headlamps are on and the engine is running.
You can find information on refilling washer fluid
in the "Maintenance and care" section
(
Ypage 225).
Exterior lighting85
Lights and windshield wiper s
Z

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 171).
In formation on checking the washer fluid level
can befound inthe "Maintenance and care"
section (
Ypage 225).
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 wipers97
Lights and windshield wipers
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).
Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
Observe the recommended settings on the fol-
lowing pages. Otherwise, the windows could fog
up.
Climate control regulates the temperature and
the humidity in the vehicle interior and filters
undesirable substances from the air.Climate control is only operational when the
engine is running. The system only functions
optimally when the side windows are closed.
iVentilate the vehicle for a brief period during
warm weather. In order to cool the vehicle
more rapidly, switch climate control to air-
recirculation mode briefly. This will speed up
the cooling process and the desired interior
temperature will be reached more quickly.
iThe integrated filter can filter out most par-
ticles of dust and completely filters out pollen.
A clogged filter reduces the airflow into the
vehicle interior. For this reason, you should
always observe the interval for replacing the
filter, which is specified in the Maintenance
Booklet. As it depends on environmental con-
ditions, e.g. heavy air pollution, the interval
may be shorter than that stated in the Main-
tenance Booklet.
Heating control panel
:Sets the temperature (Ypage 103)
z Defrosts the windshield (
Ypage 104)
;KSets the airflow (Ypage 103)
z Defrosts the windshield (
Ypage 104)
=eActivates and deactivates air-recirculation mode (Ypage 105)
Overview of climate control systems99
Climate control

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 89).
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 213).
XStow luggage items securely. Secure the load
as per the loading guidelines (Ypage 213).
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.
120Driving
Driving and parking

Rswitch off the electrical system using the bat-
tery main switch (Ypage 118) and
Rdisconnect the vehicle's auxiliary battery
Otherwise, you need to check the battery's con- dition of charge every 3 weeks, since standby
power consumption can drain the battery. If the
battery voltage is lower than 12.2 V, the battery
must be charged. Otherwise, the battery may be
damaged by exhaustive discharging.
Be sure to observe the notes on disconnecting
and charging the batteries under "Battery"
(
Ypage 228). 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)
every second.
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.
132Driving 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 251).
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 278).
Driving tips133
Driving and parking
Z

Problems with PARKTRONIC
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Only the red segments in
the PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays are lit.
In addition, a warning
tone sounds for approx.
two seconds
PARKTRONIC is deacti-
vated after approx-
imately 20 seconds.
The indicator lamp of the
f button lights up
and the red segments in
the PARKTRONIC warn-
ing display go out.PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched itself off.
XIf problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified spe- cialist workshop.
The PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays implausible
distances.
For example, all the seg-
ments may be lit even
though there is no obsta-
cle present.The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or iced up.
XClean the PARKTRONIC sensors (Ypage 237).
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
The license plate or other parts attached near the sensors may not be
secured correctly.
XCheck the license plate and attachment parts near the sensors for
correct seating.
An external radio or ultrasonic source may be causing interference.
XCheck PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.
Rear view camera
Important safety notes
The rear view camera is only an aid. It cannot
replace your own awareness of the immediate
surroundings. You are responsible for safe
maneuvering, parking and pulling away. When
maneuvering, parking and pulling away, make
sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the maneuvering area.
The rear view camera is a visual parking aid.
Information on operation can be found in the
separate Audio 15 supplement.
The camera is in the middle of the roof above the
high-mounted brake lamp (
Ypage 237).
You can find information on cleaning the camera
in the "Maintenance and care" section
(
Ypage 237).
Working mode
ADR (working speed governor)
General notes
When activated, ADR automatically increases
the engine speed to a preset speed or a speed
you have set.
iAfter a cold start, the idling speed of the
engine is increased automatically. If the pre-
set working speed is lower than the increased idling speed, the working speed is only
reached once the engine has completed the
warm-up phase.
It is only possible to activate ADR with the
vehicle stationary and the parking brake
applied.
The selector lever of the automatic transmis-
sion must be in position P.
Working mode153
Driving and parking
Z