Operating conditions:
Ravoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption.
Ralways make sure that the tire pressures
are correct.
Rdo not carry any unnecessary weight.
Rremove roof racks once you no longer need
them.
Ra regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
Ralways have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
Rdo not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
Rdo not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
Rdrive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
Ravoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking.
Rchange gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ôof its maximum engine speed.
Rswitch off the engine in stationary traffic.
Rkeep an eye on the vehicle's fuel consump-
tion.
Environmental issues and recommen-
dations
When prompted by this Operator's Manual to
dispose of materials, please try to regenerate
and recycle these materials. Observe all rele-
vant environmental guidelines and regulations
when disposing of materials. This helps to pro-
tect the environment.
Operating safety and vehicle approval
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or any required repairs
carried out, this can result in malfunctions or system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as any required repairs
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning
Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material,
which may require special handling and regard
for the environment. The guidelines must be
observed during disposal.
In California, you can find more information on
the Internet at www.dtsc.ca.gov.
Notes on operating the vehicle
There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
Rthe vehicle makes contact with the ground,
e.g. on a high curb or a loose road surface
Ryou drive too quickly over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb, speed bump or pothole
Ra heavy object hits the underbody or chassis
component
In these or similar situations, the vehicle body/
frame, the underbody, chassis components,
wheels or tires could be damaged even if this is
not visible from the outside. Components that
have been damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail or no longer be able to assimilate the
loads occurring in the event of an accident. If the underbody paneling is damaged, flammable
material, such as leaves, grass or twigs, could
collect between the underbody and underbody
paneling. These materials could ignite if they
remain in contact with hot components of the
exhaust system for an extended period.
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.
26Introduction
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.
Have the vehicle checked and repaired immedi-
ately at a qualified specialist workshop. If you
become aware when continuing the journey that
driving safety has been effected, stop as soon as
possible in accordance with the traffic condi-
tions. In such cases, consult a qualified special- ist workshop.
Declaration of conformity
Radio-based vehicle components
USA: "The wireless devices of this vehicle com-
ply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: 1) These
devices may not cause harmful interference. 2.
This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation. Changes or modifications
not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment."
Canada: "The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Industry Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: 1) These devices may not
cause interference, and 2) these devices must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device".
Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended for the connection of diagnostic equipment at a
qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
If you connect equipment to a diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it may affect the
operation of vehicle systems. As a result, the
operating safety of the vehicle could be affec-
ted. There is a risk of an accident.
Only connect equipment to a diagnostics con-
nection in the vehicle, which is approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
Changing the engine power output
!
Increases in engine power can:
Rchange the emission values
Rcause malfunctions
Rcause consequential damage
The operating reliability of the engine is not
guaranteed in all cases.
Any tampering with the engine management
system in order to increase the engine power
output will lead to the loss of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty and other warranty entitle-
ments.
If you sell the vehicle, inform the purchaser
about the changes to the engine power output of
the vehicle. If you do not inform the buyer, this
may constitute a punishable offense under
national legislation.
Qualified specialist workshops
An authorized Sprinter Dealer is a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
A qualified specialist workshop has the neces-
sary specialist knowledge, tools and qualifica-
tions to correctly carry out the work required on
the vehicle.
This is especially the case for work relevant to
safety. Observe the notes in the Maintenance or
Service Booklet.
The following work should always be carried out
at qualified specialist workshop:
Rwork relevant to safety
Rservice and maintenance work
Rrepair work
Rmodifications as well as installations and
alterations
Rwork on electronic components
For this reason, we recommend an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
!Only have work carried out on the engine
electronics and its associated parts, such as
control units, sensors, actuating components
and connector leads, at a qualified specialist
Introduction27
Z
Further information can be obtained at any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
GWARNING
The function of systems or components can
be affected by conversions or modifications
to the vehicle. They might not function prop-
erly anymore and/or jeopardize the opera-
tional safety of the vehicle. There is an
increased risk of an accident and injury.
Conversions or modifications should always
be carried out at qualified specialist work-
shop.
If you intend to make modifications to your vehi-
cle, we strongly recommend that you contact
the distributor named on the inside of the front
cover. There you will receive all the necessary
information and a charge may be levied.
You alone accept the responsibility if body man-
ufacturers or dealers make modifications that
affect the final certification of the engine, the
vehicle or the equipment. This also applies to
the identification and documentation of modifi-
cations to the affected vehicle components.
You are responsible for certification and confir-
mation that:
Rall the applicable standards and regulations
that are affected by the vehicle modification
are met
Rthe modified vehicle fulfills the vehicle safety standards and emissions laws and regula-
tions
Rthe modifications or installation of accesso-
ries does not affect the safety of the vehicle
We are not responsible for the final certification,
product liability or warranty claims which result
from the modifications. This applies to:
Rthe modified components, assemblies or sys-
tems
Rany resulting noncompliance with any of the
emissions laws and regulations or the motor
vehicle safety standards
Rany consequences arising from the changes
that make the vehicle less safe or even render it defective
We do not assume responsibility as the final-
stage manufacturer or for the consequential
product liability.
Notes on the radiator
Even seemingly small changes to the vehicle,
such as attaching a radiator trim for winter driv-
ing, is not permitted. Do not cover up the radi-
ator. Do not use thermal mats, insect protection
covers or anything similar.
Otherwise, the values of the diagnostic system
may be affected. Some of these values are
legally prescribed and must always be correct.
Information on the cargo compartment
floor
!The wooden or plastic cargo area floor fitted
at the factory is an integral component of the
vehicle structure. The vehicle body could be
damaged if you have the load area floor
removed. This then affects the securing of
loads and the maximum loading capacity of
the lashing points is no longer guaranteed.
Therefore, do not have the load area floor
removed.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
!
Air bags and Emergency Tensioning Devi-
ces, as well as control units and sensors for
these restraint systems, may be installed in
the following areas of your vehicle:
Rdoors
Rdoor pillars
Rdoor sills
Rseats
Rcockpit
Rinstrument cluster
Rcenter console
Do not install accessories such as audio sys-
tems in these areas. Do not carry out repairs or welding. You could impair the operating
efficiency of the restraint systems.
Have aftermarket accessories installed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
HEnvironmental note
We supply reconditioned assemblies and
parts which are of the same quality as new
parts. The same New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty applies as for new parts.
Introduction29
Z
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
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).
Occupant safety
Restraint system introduction
The restraint system can reduce the risk of vehi-cle occupants coming into contact with parts of
the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident.
The restraint system can also reduce the forces to which vehicle occupants are subjected during
an accident.
The restraint system comprises:
RSeat belt system
RAir bags
RChild restraint system
RChild seat securing systems
The components of the restraint system work in
conjunction with each other. They can only
deploy their protective function if, at all times, all
vehicle occupants:
Rhave fastened their seat belts correctly
(Ypage 43)
Rhave the seat and head restraint adjusted
properly (Ypage 74)
As the driver, you also have to make sure that
the steering wheel is adjusted correctly.
Observe the information relating to the correct
driver's seat position (
Ypage 74).
You also have to make sure that an air bag can
inflate properly if deployed (
Ypage 45).
An air bag supplements a correctly worn seat
belt. As an additional safety device, the air bag
increases the level of protection for vehicle
occupants in the event of an accident. For exam-
ple, if, in the event of an accident, the protection
offered by the seat belt is sufficient, the air bags are not deployed. When an accident occurs, only
the air bags that increase protection in that par-
ticular accident situation are deployed. How- ever, seat belts and air bags generally do not
protect against objects penetrating the vehicle
from the outside.
Information on restraint system operation can
be found under "Triggering of the Emergency
Tensioning Devices and air bags" (
Ypage 47).
See "Children in the vehicle" for information on
children traveling with you in the vehicle as well
as on child restraint systems (
Ypage 49).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Modifications to the restraint system may
cause it to no longer work as intended. The
restraint system may then not perform its
intended protective function and may fail in an
accident or trigger unexpectedly, for example.
This poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Never modify parts of the restraint system.
Never tamper with the wiring, the electronic
components or their software.
If it is necessary to modify components of the
restraint system to accommodate a person with
disabilities, contact an authorized Sprinter
dealer for details. USA only: contact our Cus-
tomer Assistance Center at 1‑ 877‑762‑ 8267 for
details.
Restraint system warning lamp
The functions of the restraint system are
checked after the ignition is switched on and at regular intervals while the engine is running.
Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in
good time.
The 6 restraint system warning lamp on the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out no later than a few sec-
onds after the vehicle is started. The compo-
nents of the restraint system are in operational
readiness.
Occupant safety41
Safety
Z
A malfunction has occurred if the6restraint
system warning lamp:
Rdoes not light up after the ignition is switched
on
Rdoes not go out after a few seconds
Rgoes out but then lights up again while the
engine is running, for example
GWARNING
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or may not deploy as
intended during an accident. This can affect
for example the Emergency Tensioning
Device or the air bag. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired in a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
Seat belts
Introduction
Seat belts are the most effective means of
restricting the movement of vehicle occupants
in the event of an accident or the vehicle rolling
over. This reduces the risk of vehicle occupants coming into contact with parts of the vehicle
interior or being ejected from the vehicle. Fur-
thermore, the seat belt helps to keep the vehicle
occupant in the best position in relation to the
air bag.
The seat belt system comprises:
RSeat belts
REmergency Tensioning Devices for the front
seat belts
The seat belt system also includes a seat belt force limiter for the relevant seat if the vehicle
is equipped with a front air bag.
On vehicles with a front-passenger bench
seat, only the seat belt of the outer front-
passenger seat has a seat belt force limiter.
The seat belt system does not include an Emer- gency Tensioning Device and a seat belt force
limiter if the vehicle does not have a driver's air
bag.
If the seat belt is pulled out of the belt outlet
quickly or with a jerky movement, the belt retractor locks. The belt strap cannot be extrac-
ted any further.
The Emergency Tensioning Device tightens the
seat belt in an accident, pulling the belt close
against the body. However it does not
pul
l the
vehicle occupant back in the direction of the
backrest.
The Emergency Tensioning Device does not cor-
rect an incorrect seat position or the routing of
an incorrectly fastened seat belt.
When triggered, a seat belt force limiter helps to
reduce the force exerted by the seat belt on the
vehicle occupant.
The seat belt force limiters are synchronized
with the front air bags which absorb part of the
deceleration force. This can reduce the force
exerted on the vehicle occupants during an acci-
dent.
The Emergency Tensioning Device of the front-
passenger seat is triggered independently of the
lock status of the seat belt.
Important safety notes
The use of seat belts and child restraint systems
is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
Even where this is not required by law, all vehicle
occupants should correctly fasten their seat
belts before starting the journey.
GWARNING
If the seat belt is not worn correctly, it cannot
perform its intended protective function. An
incorrectly fastened seat belt can also cause
injuries, for example, in the event of an acci-
dent or when braking or changing direction
abruptly. This poses an increased risk of injury
or even fatal injury.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sit-
ting properly.
42Occupant safety
Safety
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are
equipped with a special seat belt retractor to
securely fasten child restraint systems in the
vehicle. Further information can be found under
"Special seat belt retractor" (
Ypage 49).
Releasing seat belts
!Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled up.
Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue will be
trapped in the door or in the seat mechanism.
This could damage the door, the door trim
panel and the seat belt. Damaged seat belts
can no longer fulfill their protective function
and must be replaced. Visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
XPress the release button in the belt buckle,
hold the belt tongue firmly and guide the belt
back.
Belt warning for drivers and front pas-
sengers
The 7 seat belt warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster is a reminder that all vehicle occu-
pants must wear their seat belts. It may light up
continuously or flash. In addition, there may be
a warning tone.
Regardless of whether the driver's seat belt has
already been fastened, the 7seat belt warn-
ing lamp lights up for 6 secondsa fter each time
the ignition is switched on. After the engine has
been started, it goes out once the driver has
fastened the seat belt.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the
engine is started, an additional warning tone will sound. This warning tone stops after a maximum
of six seconds or once the driver's seat belt is
fastened.
If the vehicle's speed exceeds 15 mph
(25 km/h) once and the driver's seat belt is not
fastened, a warning tone sounds. The warning
tone sounds for 60 seconds or until the driver's
seat belt is fastened.
If the driver's seat belt is unfastened during the
journey, the seat belt warning is activated again.
Air bags
Introduction
The installation point of an air bag can be rec-
ognized by the SRS/AIRBAG or AIRBAG mark-
ing.
An air bag complements the correctly fastened
seat belt. It is no substitute for the seat belt. The
air bag provides additional protection in appli-
cable accident situations.
Not all air bags are deployed in an accident. The
different air bag systems function independ-
ently from one another (
Ypage 47).
However, no system available today can com-
pletely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
It is also not possible to rule out a risk of injury
caused by an air bag due to the high speed at
which the air bag must be deployed.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you do not sit in the correct seat position,
the air bag cannot protect as intended and
could even cause additional injury when
deployed. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
To avoid hazardous situations, always make
sure that all of the vehicle's occupants:
Rhave fastened their seat belts correctly,
including pregnant women
Rare sitting correctly and maintain the great-
est possible distance to the air bags
Rfollow the following instructions
Always make sure that there are no objects
between the air bag and the vehicle's occu-
pants.
RAdjust the seats properly before beginning
your journey. Always make sure that the seat
is in an almost upright position. The center of
the head restraint must support the head at
about eye level.
RMove the driver's and front-passenger seats
as far back as possible. The driver's seat posi-
tion must allow the vehicle to be driven safely.
ROnly hold the steering wheel on the outside.
This allows the air bag to be fully deployed.
Occupant safety45
Safety
Z
REmergency Tensioning Devices, if the systemdetermines that deployment can offer addi-
tional protection in this situation
RWindow curtain air bags on the driver's and
front-passenger side in certain situations
when the vehicle rolls over, if the system
determines that deployment can offer addi-
tional protection to that provided by the seat
belt
iNot all air bags are deployed in an accident.
The different air bag systems work independ- ently of each other.
How the air bag system works is determined
by the severity of the accident detected,
especially the vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration and the apparent type of accident:
RFrontal collision
RSide impact
RRollover
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
Accident statistics show that children secured
in the rear seats are safer than children secured
in the front-passenger seat. For this reason, we
strongly advise that you install a child restraint
system on a rear seat. Children are generally
better protected there.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft (1.50 m) in height istraveling in the
vehicle:
Ralways secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for this vehicle. The child
restraint system must be appropriate to the
age, weight and size of the child
Rbe sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes in this section in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
Rstart the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
GWARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot. Chil-
dren may burn themselves on these parts,
particularly on the metal parts of the child
restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you leave the vehicle, taking the child with
you, always ensure that the child restraint
system is not exposed to direct sunlight. Pro- tect it with a blanket, for example. If the child
restraint system has been exposed to direct
sunlight, let it cool down before securing the
child in it. Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sitting
properly. Particular attention must be paid to
children.
Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(
Ypage 42) and the notes on correct use of seat
belts (Ypage 43).
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
41 lb s(18 kg) until they reach a height where a
three-point seat belt can be properly fastened
without a booster seat.
Special seatbelt retractor
GWARNING
If the seat belt is released while driving, the
child restraint system will no longer be
Children in the vehicle49
Safety
Z