2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER power steering

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
b
The red brake sys-
tem indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is run-
ning.There is insufficient brake fluid in the expansion tank.
GWARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the messages in
the display (Ypage 181).
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XCheck the brake fluid level in the expansion tank (Ypage 224).
XIf the brake fluid is below the MIN mark: do not drive on!
XDo not add brake fluid. This does not solve the problem.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
b When towing a
trailer: the red
brake system
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.
Additionally, a
warning tone
sounds.GWARNING
The brake force booster in the trailer is faulty.
The driving and braking characteristics of your vehicle could change.
There is a risk of the trailer overbraking and of you losing control over
the truck/trailer combination.
There is a risk of an accident.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the messages in
the display (Ypage 181).
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XDo not drive on.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
: The yellow
ASR/BAS indica-
tor lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.ASR has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
The engine power output may be reduced.
GWARNING
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XDrive on with care.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible.
: The yellow
ASR/BAS indica-
tor lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.BAS has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without elec-
tronic support.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
XDrive on with care.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster197
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
h
The yellow ESP®
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.ESP®is deactivated due to undervoltage or a malfunction. As a result,
cruise control has also been deactivated.
Engine power output may be reduced.
The battery may not be being charged.
GWARNING
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the messages in the display (Ypage 181).
XDrive on with care.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
6 The red warning
lamp does not go
out approx-
imately four sec-
onds after the
ignition is
switched on, or it
lights up again.The restraint systems have malfunctioned.
GWARNING
If the restraint systems are malfunctioning, individual systems could
be triggered inadvertently or might not be triggered at all in the event
of an accident.
There is an increased risk of injury and accidents.
XDrive on with care.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
# The red battery
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.The battery is not being charged. Possible causes are a defective
alternator or a torn poly-V-belt.
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XCheck the poly-V-belt.
XIf the poly-V-belt is torn: do not continue driving. Consult the near-
est qualified specialist workshop.
XIf the poly-V-belt is not damaged: have the vehicle checked as soon
as possible by a qualified specialist workshop.
#The red battery
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.The battery is faulty.
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XDo not continue driving under any circumstances.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
#The yellow brake
pad wear indica-
tor lamp is lit after
the engine is star-
ted or while the
vehicle is in
motion.The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
GWARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XHave the brake pads/linings replaced as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster199
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
1
The yellow "door
open" indicator
lamp is lit.The electrical step has retracted or extended only partially or not at all.
XMake sure there is sufficient free space for the electrical step.
XOpen or close the sliding door again.
XIf the electrical step still does not extend or retract fully, push the
step in manually (Ypage 68). Before stepping out, remind the pas-
sengers that the step is missing.
Ð The indicator
lamp for the
steering is lit
when the ignition
is switched on.The power assistance for the steering has malfunctioned. You need to
steer more forcefully.
XCarefully continue to a qualified specialist workshop and have the
steering checked immediately.
204Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

iJumper cables and further information
regarding jump starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop.
Before connecting the jumper cables
On vehicles with a battery main switch, check
whether the battery main switch is switched on
(
Ypage 118).
XApply the parking brake.
XMove the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
XSwitch off all electrical consumers, e.g. audio
equipment, blower.
XTurn the key to position0in the ignition lock
and remove it (Ypage 119).
XOpen the hood (Ypage 219).
Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere is a malfunction in the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on the gross vehicle weight can be
found on the vehicle identification plate
(
Ypage 276).
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could be
damaged.
!Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
RSecure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
REnsure that the tow cable is not longer than
legally permitted. Mark the tow cable in the
middle, e.g. with a white cloth (30 x 30 cm).
This will make other road users aware that
the vehicle is being towed.
ROnly secure the tow cable to the towing
eye.
RObserve the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance so that the tow rope does not sag.
RDo not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
!Do not use the towing eye for recovery, this
could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover
the vehicle with a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
When towing away, you must observe the legal
requirements for the country in which you are
currently driving.
It is preferable to have the vehicle transported
on a transporter or trailer instead of towing it.
244Tow-starting and towing away
Breakdown assistance

Towing with the front or rear axle
raised
General notes
!The ignition must be switched off if the vehi-
cle is being towed with the front or rear axle
raised. Otherwise, ESP
®may intervene and
damage the brake system.
!Always use new bolts when installing the
propeller shafts.
iOnly have the propeller shafts installed and
removed by qualified, skilled personnel.
Observe the following before towing a vehicle
with a raised front or rear axle:
Rthe information on towing in the event of mal-
functions (Ypage 245) and
Rthe important safety notes (Ypage 244).
If the front axle is damaged, raise the vehicle at
the front axle and if the rear axle is damaged,
raise the vehicle at the rear axle.
Towing
If the front axle is raised, the vehicle may be
towed a maximum of 30 miles (50 km). For a
towing distance of over 30 miles (50 km), the
propeller shafts to the driven axles must be
removed.
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
XTurn the key to position 1in the ignition lock
and leave it in this position.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 85).
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the parking brake.
XIf the front axle is raised, do not exceed the
towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) and the
towing distance of 30 miles (50 km).
Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
Important safety notes
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
!Do not exceed a towing speed of 31 mph
(50 km/h). You could otherwise damage the
transmission.
iOnly have the propeller shafts fitted and
removed by qualified, skilled personnel.
Before towing the vehicle, observe the follow-
ing:
Rthe information on towing in the event of mal-
functions (Ypage 245) and
Rthe important safety notes (Ypage 244).
Towing
You may only tow the vehicle a maximum dis-
tance of 30 miles (50 km). For a towing distance
of over 30 miles (50 km), the propeller shafts to the driven axles must be removed.
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the parking brake.
XLeave the key in position 2in the ignition lock.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 85).
XDo not exceed the towing speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h) and the towing distance of
30 miles (50 km).
Recovering a vehicle that is stuck
!
When recovering a vehicle that has become
stuck, pull it as smoothly and evenly as pos-
sible. Excessive tractive power could damage
the vehicles.
246Tow-starting and towing away
Breakdown assistance

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