2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER engine

Window heating
Windshield heater
Windshield heater switch
The windshield heater consumes a lot of power.
You should therefore switch it off as soon as the
windshield is clear. Otherwise, the windshield
heating only switches off automatically after five minutes.
XStart the engine.
XTo switch on/off: press thezswitch.
The indicator lamp in the zbutton comes
on when the windshield heating is switched
on.
If the indicator lamp in the zwindshield
heating button flashes, the on-board voltage is
too low. The windshield heating has switched off
prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior light-
ing.
If the on-board voltage is sufficient again within
30 seconds, the windshield heating switches on
again automatically. It otherwise remains
switched off.
Rear window defroster
Rear window defroster switch
The rear window defroster consumes a lot of
power. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear. The rear window
heating otherwise only switches off automati-
cally after 12 minutes.
XStart the engine.
XTo activate and deactivate: press the|
button.
The indicator lamp in the |button comes
on when the rear window defroster is
switched on.
If the indicator lamp in the |rear window
defroster button flashes, the on-board voltage is
too low. The rear window defroster has switched off prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior light-
ing.
If enough on-board voltage is available again
within 30 seconds, the rear window heating
automatically switches on again. It otherwise
remains switched off.
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off
Important safety notes
When you switch on air-recirculation mode, the windows could fog up more quickly, in particular
at low outside temperatures. Only switch on air-
recirculation mode for a short time.
You can deactivate the intake of fresh air if
unpleasant odors enter the vehicle from out-
side. The air inside the vehicle will only be cir-
culated.
Operating the climate control system105
Climate control

GWARNING
When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
parts of the vehicle can become very hot, e.g.
the exhaust system.
Flammable materials such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact
with:
Rhot parts of the exhaust system
Rthe exhaust gas itself
There is a risk of fire.
When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
make sure that:
Rno flammable materials come into contact
with hot vehicle components
Rthe exhaust gas can escape from the
exhaust pipe unhindered
Rthe exhaust gas does not come into contact
with flammable materials.
!Turn on the auxiliary heating at least once a
month for approximately 10 minutes. The
auxiliary heating could otherwise be dam-
aged.
!Make sure that the flow of hot air is not
blocked. The auxiliary heating will otherwise
overheat and switch off.
Your vehicle may be equipped with either an
auxiliary hot-water heater or an auxiliary warm-
air heater. Adjustment and operation of the:
Rhot-water auxiliary heater is done via the on-
board computer and with the auxiliary heating
button in the control panel (
Ypage 109) or
with the remote control (Ypage 110).
Rauxiliary warm-air heater is done via the timer
above the overhead control panel
(
Ypage 114).
The auxiliary heating works independently of the
engine and supplements the climate control
system in the vehicle. The auxiliary heating
heats the air in the vehicle interior to the tem-
perature set.
If your vehicle is equipped with a hot-water aux-
iliary heater, the auxiliary heating also keeps the
coolant warm. This way, the load on the engine
is minimized and fuel is saved.
The heater booster function (
Ypage 112) of the
auxiliary heating supports the climate control system when the engine is running and the out-
side temperature is low.
You can use the auxiliary heating at an outside
temperature of up to 39 ‡ (4 †). At an outside
temperature above 39 ‡ (4 †) the auxiliary
heating system and the heater booster function
switch off automatically.
Hot-water auxiliary heating
Heating time
The heating time when operating the auxiliary
heating with the vehicle is stationary without the
engine running depends on the outside temper-
ature and the electrical consumers switched on.
Outside
tempera-
tureHeating
timePossible startup
procedures
Above 23‡
(Ò5 †)Approx.
20 minutes6
23 ‡
(Ò5 †) to
5 ‡
( Ò15 †)Approx.
40 minutes3
Below 5‡
( Ò 15 †)Approx.
50 minutes2
You can then switch on the auxiliary heating
again.
If you do not start the engine for a while, the total
duration of heating is limited to a maximum of
120 minutes to protect the starter battery.
Switching on the auxiliary heating is then auto-
matically disabled. You can, for example, switch
on the auxiliary heating a maximum of two times
without the engine running if the outside tem-
perature is Ò5 ‡ (Ò20 †). If you attempt to do it
again, the indicator lamps in the y
(
Ypage 109) button flash alternately for about
two minutes indicating restarting lock. The aux-
iliary heating cannot be switched on without
starting the engine.
When the condition of charge of the starter bat-
tery is sufficient again, the switch-on interlock
will be deactivated. To charge the starter bat-
tery, let the engine run. The engine run time
required to reach the necessary condition of
charge depends on the outside temperature and
on the electrical consumers switched on.
108Operating the auxiliary heating system
Climate control

Outside tempera-
tureEngine runtime
Above 32 ‡ (0 †)at least 10 minutes
32 ‡ (0 †) to 14 ‡
(Ò10 †)at least 15 minutes
Below 14 ‡ (Ò10 †)at least 20 minutes
Before switching on
XCheck the fuel level and top up if necessary.
The auxiliary heating is operated directly
using the vehicle's fuel. The tank must be at
least a quarter full to ensure that the auxiliary
heating functions.
XSwitch on climate control (Ypage 102).
XSet the temperature control to the desired
temperature (Ypage 103).
XSet the air distribution as required
(Ypage 103).
XOpen the center (Ypage 106) and side air
vents (Ypage 107) and set them to the middle
position.
iThe auxiliary heating automatically switches
to heater booster mode after the engine is
started.
Operating with the button (control
panel)
iSwitch the heater booster function on or off
with the ¢button (Ypage 112).
XTo switch on auxiliary heating: press and
hold the upper section of the ybutton for
longer than two seconds.
The red indicator lamp in the button lights up.
The auxiliary heating heats or ventilates the interior to the temperature that you have set.
The blower switches to the first level.
XTo deactivate the auxiliary heating:
press
the upper section of the yswitch.
or
XTurn the key in the ignition lock to position 0.
The red indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The auxiliary heating operates for another two
minutes and then switches off automatically.
Selecting a switch-on time
Important information
You can use the on-board computer to define up
to three switch-on times, one of which may be
preselected.
The yellow indicator lamp in the ybutton
goes out after 30 minutes, if you:
Rhave selected the switch-on time and
Rturn the key to position 0in the ignition lock
On-board computer without steering
wheel buttons
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
XPress the ybutton.
The y symbol flashes in the display.
or
XPress the 4menu button on the instrument
cluster repeatedly until the ysymbol
flashes in the display.
XUse the forg buttons on the instrument
cluster to select the switch-on time 1to3.
The switch-on time selected is displayed.
XWait ten seconds for the standard display to
appear.
The switch-on time is selected. The yellow
indicator lamp in the ybutton lights up.
If you do not preselect a switch-on time, and
--:--
is shown in the display, this means that
the automatic switch-on mode is switched
off. The yellow indicator lamp in the y
button goes out.
Operating the auxiliary heating system109
Climate control
Z

When remote control indicator lamp:emits
two long green flashes, the remote control is
synchronized. The indicator lamp in the y
auxiliary heating button goes out.
Switching the heater booster function
on/off
Vehicles with auxiliary heating
Vehicles with heater booster function
At outside temperatures of up to 39 ‡(4 †) the
fuel-fired heater booster system heats the vehi-
cle interior as quickly as possible when the
engine is running.
The auxiliary heating automatically switches to
heater booster mode after the engine is started.
At an outside temperature above 39 ‡(4 †) the
auxiliary heating system and the heater booster
function switch off automatically.
If you switch off the engine without switching off
the heater booster function, the system will be
switched on the next time the engine is started (memory function).
iSwitch the auxiliary heating on or off with
the y button (Ypage 109).
XTo switch on/off: press the¢button.
If the indicator lamp in the button lights up,
the heater booster function is switched on.
After switching off, the auxiliary heating oper-
ates for about another two minutes and then
switches off automatically.
Replacing the remote control battery
GWARNING
Batteries contain toxic and corrosive substan- ces. If batteries are swallowed, it can result in
severe health problems. There is a risk of fatalinjury.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children. If
a battery is swallowed, seek medical attention
immediately.
HEnvironmental note
Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separately and recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
If the indicator lamp on the remote control
flashes red rapidly, the remote control battery is
discharged. You should replace the remote con-
trol battery.
You need a battery of the type CR2430, which
can be obtained at any qualified specialist work-
shop.
112Operating the auxiliary heating system
Climate control

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).
Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
New or replaced brake pads and brake disks
only reach their optimum braking effect after a
few 100 miles (a few 100 kilometers). Until then,
compensate for this by applying greater force to
the brake pedal.
For the service life and economy of your vehicle
it is crucial that you break in the engine with due
care.
RTherefore, protect the engine for the first
1000 miles (1500 km) by driving at varying
vehicle and engine speeds.
RAvoid overstraining the vehicle and high
engine speeds during this period, e.g. driving
at full throttle. Do not exceed Øof the max-
imum speed for each gear.
RDo not change down a gear manually in order to brake.
RTry to avoid depressing the accelerator pedal
beyond the point of resistance (kickdown).
RThe shift ranges 3,2or 1should only be
engaged when driving slowly, e.g. when driv-
ing in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and accelerate the
vehicle to full speed.
iYou should also observe these notes on
breaking-in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
Driving
Important safety notes
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.
GWARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
Roverheat and cause a fire
Rlose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
If you park the vehicle for more than
three weeks:
Rconnect the batteries to a trickle charger or
Rdisconnect the vehicle's starter battery or
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.
Battery isolating switch
Important safety notes
!Make sure that the key is in position 0in the
ignition lock and that at least five minutes
have passed before removing or reconnecting
118Driving
Driving and parking

the battery main switch. You could otherwise
damage components of the electrical system.
You can use the battery isolating switch to dis-
connect the power supply to all your vehicle's
consumers. This will prevent uncontrolled bat-
tery discharge caused by off-load current con-
sumption.
If your vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary bat-
tery in the engine compartment, you will need to
disconnect both batteries. Only then is the elec- trical system fully disconnected from the power
supply.
iOnly switch the vehicle to de-energized
using the battery main switch if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period
Rit is absolutely necessary
After the power supply has been activated,
you will need to reset the side windows
(
Ypage 73).
Switching off the power supply
Battery main switch to the left of the center con-
sole
XRemove the key from the ignition lock and
wait for at least five minutes.
XPress button ;in the direction of the arrow
and hold.
XPull connector :from the ground pin.
XPush connector :as far to the side as pos-
sible so that it cannot make contact with the
ground pin.
All starter battery consumers are disconnec-
ted from the power supply.
Switching on the power supply
XInsert the key into the ignition lock.
XPress connector :onto ground pin ;until
you feel it engage and the lock inhibitor is
released.
Connector :must be in full contact with
ground pin ;.
All consumers are reconnected to the DC
power supply.
Key positions
gTo insert and remove the key, lock the steer-
ing wheel
1To unlock the steering wheel, power supply
for some consumers (e.g. the radio)
2To switch on the ignition. Power supply for
all consumers, preglow and drive position
3To start the engine
On vehicles with a battery main switch, you must
first switch on the power supply (
Ypage 118).
iTo unlock the steering, move the steering
wheel slightly while turning the key to position
1 .
Driving119
Dr iving an d parking
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 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

Gearshift pattern
j
Park position with parking lock
kReverse gear
iNeutral
hDrive
XMove the selector lever to positionP.
The display in the instrument cluster shows P:
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 166)
Ron vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 162)
iYou can also start the engine in neutral N.
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
The % preglow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up briefly.
XOnce the %preglow indicator lamp goes
out, turn the key to position 3in the ignition
lock and release it as soon as the engine is
running.
iYou can start the engine without preglow
when the engine is warm.
The preglow system is malfunctioning if the
% preglow indicator lamp lights up for
approximately 1 minute:
Rafter the ignition is switched on
Rwhile the engine is running
At extremely low outside temperatures you
may then no longer be able to start the
engine. Have the malfunction rectified at a
qualified specialist workshop.
iDepending on the equipment installed, the
vehicle either automatically locks centrally
after switching on the ignition or after pulling
away. The locking knobs in the doors drop
down.
You can open the doors from the inside at any
time. Automatic door locking can be deactivated
(
Ypage 66).
Driving off
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
!Only shift into reverse gear Rwhen the vehi-
cle is stationary. Otherwise, you could dam-
age the transmission.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
XMove the selector lever to position Dor R.
On vehicles with a reverse warning feature,
when reverse gear is engaged a warning tone
sounds to alert other road users
(
Ypage 121).
XRelease the parking brake (Ypage 130).
The c indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
iAfter pulling away or switching on the igni-
tion, the vehicle automatically locks centrally.
The locking knobs in the doors drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at any
time.
You can also deactivate the automatic locking
feature (
Ypage 66).
Reverse warning device
GWARNING
Other road users may ignore or fail to hear the warning tone of the reverse warning feature.
There is a risk of injury if you fail to ensure that
the area in which you are maneuvering is
clear.
Driving121
Driving and parking
Z