2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER ABS

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
:
The yellow
ASR/BAS indica-
tor lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.ASR and BAS have been deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery may not be being charged.
GWARNING
The brake system is still available with the normal braking effect.
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XDrive on with care.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
! The yellow ABS
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.ABS is deactivated due to a malfunction or is temporarily unavailable.
ESP®, ASR and BAS, as well as cruise control, are also unavailable as
a result.
Self-diagnosis may not be complete, or the battery may not be charg-
ing.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock, e.g. if the
brakes are applied with maximum force.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XDrive a short distance at a speed above 13 mph (20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the indi-
cator lamp goes out.
If the indicator lamp does not go out:
XDrive on with care.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
å The yellow DEF
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.The exhaust gas aftertreatment is malfunctioning or the current Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) supply is limiting the range.
XObserve the messages in the display.
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.
!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 287).
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 sur
fa-
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.
You should therefore observe the respective
legal requirements for the relevant country.
Make sure that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey. Correct an incorrectly or inadequately
secured load if necessary.
You can obtain information about securing the
load correctly from the manufacturer of the load
securing aids or tie down for securing the load.
Securing loads215
Transporting loads
Z

XFill spaces between the load and the cargo
compartment walls or wheel housings (form-
locking). Use rigid load securing aids, such as
wedges, wooden fixings or padding.
XAttach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions. Use the cargo tie-down points or
cargo tie-down rings and the loading rails in
the cargo compartment or on the cargo area.
Only use tie downs, such as lashing rods or
lashing nets and lashing straps, that have
been tested in accordance with current
standards (e.g. DIN EN).
Always use the cargo tie-down rings closest to
the load to secure it and pad sharp edges for
protection.
Loads, and heavy loads in particular, should
preferably be secured using the cargo tie-
down rings.
iTie downs tested in accordance with current
standards (e.g. DIN EN) are available at any
qualified specialist workshop.
Cargo tie-down points (example: Passenger Van)
:
Cargo tie-down rings
Cargo tie-down point (example: Cargo Van without
loading rails)
:
Cargo tie-down rings
Cargo tie-down points (example: Cargo Van with
loading rails)
:
Cargo tie-down rings
;Load rails
Secure loose loads with a tested lashing net or a
tarpaulin.
XAlways fasten the lashing net or tarpaulin to
all available cargo tie-down points. Make sure
that the retaining hooks are secured against
accidental opening.
If your vehicle is equipped with loading rails ;
in the floor, you can place lashing rods directly in
front of and behind the load. The lashing rods
directly absorb the potential shifting forces.
Securing loads on the cargo compartment floor
by lashing them down is only recommended for
lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats (anti-slip
mats) under the load to increase load security.
216Securing loads
Transporting loads

Example: cap and coolant expansion tank
Checking the coolant level
XStop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
XSwitch off the engine.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
XOpen the hood (Ypage 219).
XSlowly turn cap:half a turn counter-clock-
wise to allow excess pressure to escape.
XTurn cap :further and remove it.
XCheck the coolant level.
If the coolant reaches the maximum mark on
coolant expansion tank ;, there is enough
coolant in coolant expansion tank ;.
Adding coolant
XIf the coolant drops under the minimum mark
on coolant expansion tank ;, add coolant to
the maximum mark.
Observe the information on coolant mixture
ratio and water quality in the "Technical data"
section (
Ypage 285). To prevent damage to
the engine cooling system, use only approved
corrosion inhibitor and antifreeze that com-
plies with the Mercedes-Benz Specifications
for Service Products.
XReplace cap :and turn it clockwise to
tighten.
XStart the engine.
XAfter approximately five minutes, switch off
the engine again and allow it to cool down.
XCheck the coolant level again and add coolant
if necessa ry.
XClose the hood.
Brake fluid
GWARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the labels
of the respective original containers. Always
store service products sealed in their original
containers. Always keep service products out
of the reach of children.
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Also observe
the safety notes in the "Service products and
capacities" section (
Ypage 278).
GWARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake
fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the
brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
!Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and rub-
ber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come into
contact with brake fluid, rinse with water
immediately.
Have the brake fluid renewed every two years at
a qualified specialist workshop. Observe the
information on brake fluid in the "Technical
data" section (
Ypage 284).
Check the brake fluid level regularly, e.g. weekly
or when refueling.
224Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Additionally, you will see the remaining dis-
tance in miles (mi) or kilometers ( km) or the
remaining time in days ( d).
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
XPress the VorU button on the steering
wheel until the standard display (Ypage 166)
appears in the display.
XPress the &or* button on the steering
wheel repeatedly until the service message
appears in the display, for example:
R¯ Service A in ... days
R¯Service A in ... mi(km)
Battery
Important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or installing,
requires specialist knowledge and the use of
special tools. Therefore, always have work on
the battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
GWARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can
lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g. the lighting sys-
tem, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) or the
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program). The oper-
ating safety of your vehicle may be restricted.
You could lose control of the vehicle, for
example:
Rwhen braking
Rin the event of abrupt steering maneuvers
and/or when the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a short circuit or a similar inci-
dent, contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Do not drive any further. You
should have all work involving the battery car- ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information can be found under "ABS"
(
Ypage 54) and under "ESP®" (Ypage 56).
GWARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle
body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The flammable gas mix is produced when the
battery is charged or when the vehicle is jump-
started.
Always make sure that neither you nor the bat-
tery are electro statically charged. Electrostatic
charging results, for example, from:
Rwearing synthetic clothing
Rfriction between clothing and the seat
Rdragging or pushing the battery across carpet
flooring or any other synthetic materials
Rrubbing the battery with cloths or towels.
Comply with the following safety precautions
and take protective measures when handling
batteries.
Risk of explosion. Explosive oxyhy-
drogen is produced when batteries
are being charged. Only charge bat-
teries in well-ventilated areas.
Fire, open flames and smoking are
therefore prohibited when working
on the battery. Avoid creating
sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Avoid con-
tact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Wear acid-proof protective gloves. If
skin or clothes are splashed with
acid, neutralize the splashes imme-
diately with soapy water or an acid
neutralizer, and then clean the affec-
ted areas with water. Consult a doc- tor if necessary.
Wear eye protection. When mixing
water and acid, the liquid can splash
into your eyes. Rinse acid splashes
to the eyes immediately with clean
water and contact a doctor immedi-
ately.
Keep children at a safe distance.
Children are not able to assess the
228Battery
Maintenance and care

RDo not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces the
traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
RReplace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
spare wheel.
Operation in winter
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Prior to the onset of winter, ensure that snow
chains are stowed in the vehicle (
Ypage 251).
Also observe the notes in the "Changing a
wheel" section (
Ypage 267).
Regularly check the vehicle and remove snow or
ice when traveling in wintry conditions.
An accumulation of snow and ice, particularly
when frozen, caught in the area around the air
intake slots, moving parts, the axles and the
wheel arches may:
Rrestrict air intake
Rdamage vehicle parts
Rcause malfunctions by restricting the mobility
intended by the design (e.g. reduced possible
steering input).
If there is any damage, inform a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity and therefore traction and
braking power. Change the tires on your vehicle
to M+S tire. Using summer tires at very cold
temperatures could cause tears to form,
thereby damaging the tires permanently. We
cannot accept responsibility for this type of
damage.
M+S tires
GWARNING
Wheel and tire dimensions as well as the type of tire can vary between the spare wheel and
the wheel to be replaced. When the spare
wheel is mounted, driving characteristics may
be severely affected. There is a risk of an acci- dent.
In order to reduce risks:
Ryou should therefore adapt your driving
style and drive carefully.
Rnever mount more than one spare wheel
that differs from the wheel to be replaced.
Ronly use a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel to be replaced for a short time.
Rdo not deactivate ESP®.
Rhave a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel that has been changed replaced at
the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
You must observe the correct wheel and
tire dimensions as well as the wheel type.
GWARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
ã in (4 mm) are not suitable for use in winter
and do not provide sufficient traction. There is
a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than ãin
(4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
Use winter tires or all-season tires at tempera-
tures below 45 ‡ (+7 †). Both types of tire are
identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the isnowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking provide
the best possible grip in wintry road conditions.
Only these tires will allow driving safety systems
such as ABS and ESP
®to function optimally in
winter. These tires have been developed specif-
ically for driving in snow.
For safe driving, use M+S tire sof the same make
and tread pattern on all wheels.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
If you install M+S tires that have a lower maxi-
mum permissible speed than the maximum per-
missible speed of the vehicle, affix an appropri-
ate warning sign in the driver's field of vision.
You can obtain this at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
250Operation in winter
Wheels and tires

Depending on the driving style, the vehicle con-
sumes a maximum of 1.0 qt (1.0l)of engine oil
over a distance of 620 miles (1000 km).
Oil consumption may be higher if:
RThe vehicle is new.
RYou mainly operate the vehicle under arduous
operating conditions.
RYou frequently drive at high engine speeds.
Regular maintenance is one of the preconditions
for moderate rates of consumption.
You can only estimate the oil consumption after
you have driven a considerable distance.
Check the engine oil level on a regular basis, e.g.
weekly or each time you refuel (
Ypage 221).
Transmission and power steering oil
Automatic transmission
Service product: automatic transmission
fluid
Product name/numberMaintenance interval
Shell ATF 3403/M-115
MB Sheet No. 236.10—
Fuchs/Shell ATF 3353
MB Sheet No. 236.12
Further information can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop.
Rear axle
Service product: transmission oil
Product name/numberMaintenanceinterval
BP Energear Hypo DC
80W-90
MB Sheet No. 235.20—
Mobil Delvac Synthetic
Gear Oil 75W-90
MB Sheet No. 235.8
Further information can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop.
Steering
Service product: power steering fluid
Product name/numberMaintenanceinterval
Mobil ATF‑D,
Exxon Mobil Corporation
or equivalent
MB Sheet No. 236.3—
The steering is maintenance-free. Further infor-
mation can be obtained at any qualified special-
ist workshop.
Brake fluid
GWARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake
fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the
brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
!Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and rub-
ber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come into
contact with brake fluid, rinse with water
immediately.
When handling, storing and disposing of brake
fluid, please observe the relevant regulations
and the important safety notes for service prod-
ucts.
Over a period of time, the brake fluid absorbs
moisture from the air. This reduces its boiling
point.
Have the brake fluid replaced at specified inter-
vals by a qualified specialist workshop.
iThere is usually a notice in the engine com-
partment to remind you when the next brake
fluid change is due.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz in accordance with MB-Freigabe or MB-
Approval 331.0.
284Service products and capacities
Technical data

Cargo tie-down points and carrier sys-
tems
Cargo tie-down points
General notes
!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.
You will find further information about cargo tie
down points and cargo tie-down rings in the
"Transporting" section (
Ypage 215).
Cargo tie-down rings
The maximum tensile load of the cargo tie-down rings is:
Cargo tie-down
ringsPermissible nomi- nal tensile load
Passenger Vans786.5 lbf
(3500 N)
Cargo Van1124.0 lbf (5000 N)
Load rails
The maximum tensile loads of the cargo tie-
down points in the cargo compartment are:
Cargo tie-down
pointPermissible nomi- nal tensile load
Load rails on cargo
compartment floor1124.0 lbf
(5000 N)
Lower load rail on
sidewall562.0 lbf(2500 N)
Upper load rail on
sidewall337.0 lbf(1500 N)
The values specified apply only to loads placed
on the cargo compartment floor if:
Rthe load is secured to two cargo tie-down
points on the rail and
Rthe distance to the nearest load-securing
point on the same rail is approximately 3 ft
(1 m)
Roof carrier
GWARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
GWARNING
If you distribute the load unevenly in the vehi- cle, the handling as well as the steering and
braking characteristics are severely affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
Distribute the load evenly in the vehicle.
Secure the load to prevent it from slipping.
!The weight of any load carried on the roof,
including the roof carrier, must not exceed
the maximum permissible roof load.
The roof carrier supports must be mounted at
equal distances.
We recommend that you have a stabilizer
installed on the front axle.
!For safety reasons, we recommend that you
only use roof carrier systems that have been
tested and approved for the Sprinter. This will
help to avoid damage.
Vehicle data287
Technical data
Z