warning MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2013 MY13 Operator’s Manual

Air bags
Important safety notes G
WARNING
To reduce the ris kofinjury when the front air
bags inflate, it is very important for the driver
and co-driver to always be in a properly seated
positio nand to wear thei rrespective seat
belt.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision always be in normal seated position
with your back against the seat backrest.
Fasten your seat belt and make sure it is
properly positioned on your body.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R Move the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
You should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
R Do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or instrument panel.
R Keep hands on the outside of the steering
wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside
the rim can increase the risk and potential
severity of hand/arm injury when the driver
front air bag inflates. R
Move the co-driver's seat as far as possible
away from the instrument panel when the
seat is occupied.
R Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
impact air bag inflates .This could result in
serious injuries or death should the side
impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized
infant restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the size and
weight of the child.
R Children twelve years old and under must
never travel on the co-driver's seat. They
will otherwise be struck by the co-driver's
front air bag when it inflates in a crash. This
could result in serious or fatal injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator's Manual. G
WARNING
The air bag parts are hot after the airbag has
been deployed. There is a risk of injury.
Do not touch the air bag parts. Have the
deployed air bags replaced at a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as possible.
i If the vehicle is still in running condition,
have it towed to a qualified specialist
workshop. G
WARNING
If you modify the air bag covers or affix objects
such as stickers to them, the air bags may not
function correctly. There is an increased risk
of injury.
Never modify the air bag covers or affix
objects to them. 44
Occupant safetySafety

The air bag installation locations are
identified by the label SRS/AIRBAG or
AIRBAG.
R
Front air bags (Y page 45)
R Thoraxbags (Y page 45)
R Window curtain air bags (Y page 46)
The air bags are deployed if the air bag control
unit detects the need for deployment. Only in
the event of such a situation will they provide
their supplemental protection.
If the driver and co-driver do not wear their
seat belts, it is not possible for the air bags to
provide their supplemental protection.
In the event of other types of impacts and
impacts below air bag deployment
thresholds, the air bags will not deploy. The
driver and passengers will then be protected
to the exten tpossible by a properly fastened
seat belt. Aproperly fastened seat belti s also
needed to provide the best possible
protection in a rollover.
Air bags provide additional protection, but are
not a substitute for the seat belts. All vehicle
occupants must fasten their seat belts
regardless of whether your vehicle is
equipped with air bags or not.
If an air bag is deployed, you will hear a bang
and a small amount of powder is released
briefly. Only in rare cases will the bang affect
your hearing. The powder emitted is not
generally hazardous to health. The 0008
warning lamp lights up. If it is safe to do so:
X Exit the vehicle immediately.
If you are unable to leave the vehicle:
X Open a window.
You will be able to breathe in fresh air and
avoid respiratory problems.
It is important for your safety and that of any
passengers to have deployed air bags
replaced and to have any malfunctioning air
bags repaired. This will help to make sure the
air bags continue to perform their protective
function for the vehicle occupants in the
event of a crash. Front air bags
Driver's air bag
0005inflates in front of the
steering wheel; co-driver's front air bag 0006
inflates in front of and above the glove box
and center console.
The front air bags increase the degree of
protection afforded to the driver and co-driver
against head and chest injuries.
They are deployed:
R in certain frontal collision situations
R if the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R if the respective seat belt is fastened
R independently of other air bags in the
vehicle
If the vehicle rolls over, the front air bags are
generally not deployed. The front air bags are
deployed if it is detected that the vehicle is
decelerating rapidly in the longitudinal
direction.
In collision situations with low predicted
impact severity the front air bags are not
deployed. You will then be protected by the
seat belt, provided that it is fastened.
Thoraxbags G
WARNING
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved for your vehicle type by the
distributor named on the inside of the front
cover. The use of seat covers or other seat
coverings may cause a malfunction when the Occupant safety
45Safety
Z

thoraxbag is deployed
.Please contac ta
qualified specialist workshop for availability. G
WARNING
The pressure sensors for controlling the
thoraxbags are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improperly performed repairs on the doors,
modifications to the doors or attached parts
can result in the failure or unintentional
deployment of the thoraxbag. Work on the
doors must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Please contact a
qualified specialist workshop. Thoraxbags
0005are only installed for individual
seats in the outer seat cushions of the driver's
and co-driver's seats.
When activated, thoraxbags 0005increase
protection for the chest area of the occupants
facing the impact .However, they do not
protect the:
R head
R neck
R arms
Thoraxbags 0005are deployed:
R on the side on which the impact occurs
R at the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, e.g. in aside impact
R whether or not the seat belt is fastened R
independently of the front air bags
R independently of the Emergency
Tensioning Devices
In a side collision with deceleration below the
vehicle's pre-set deceleration values or
acceleration values, thoraxbags 0005are not
deployed. You will the nbe protected by the
seat belt, provided that it is fastened.
Window curtain air bags Window curtain air bags
0005enhance
protection for the head (but not the chest or
arms) of the vehicle occupants on the side of
the vehicle on which the impact occurs.
The window curtain air bags are installed in
the side of the roof frame above the front
doors.
Window curtain air bags 0005are deployed:
R on the side on which the impact occurs
R at the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, e.g. in aside impact
R whether or not the seat belt is fastened
R regardless of whether the co-driver's seat
is occupied
R independently of the front air bags
R independently of the Emergency
Tensioning Devices
Window curtain air bags will not deploy in
impacts which do not exceed the system's
prese tdeployment thresholds for lateral
acceleration/deceleration .You will then be
protected by the seat belt, provided that it is
fastened. 46
Occupant safetySafety

Seat belts
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended level
of protection if the backrest is not in the
upright position. When braking or in the event
of an accident, you could slide underneath the
seat belt and sustain abdomen or neck
injuries, for example. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always make sure that the seat
is in the upright position.
Use only seat belts approved for your vehicle
by the dealer mentioned on the inside cover
page. G
WARNING
Always fasten your seat belt before driving off.
Always make sure all of your passengers are
properly restrained. You and your passengers
should always wear seat belts.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and
position your seat belt greatly increases your
risk of injuries and their likely severity in an
accident.
If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can
be considerably more severe without your
seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat
belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit
the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from
it. You can be seriously injured or killed.
In the same crash, the possibility of injury or
death is lessened if you are properly wearing
your seat belt. The air bags can only protect
as intended if the occupants are properly
wearing their seat belts. G
WARNING
Never let more people ride in the vehicle than
there are seat belts available. Make sure
everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly
restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a
time.
G
WARNING
Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident must
be replaced. Their anchoring points must also
be checked.
Only use seat belts which have been approved
by the distributor named on the inside of the
front cover.
Do not make any modifications to the seat
belts. This can lead to unintended activation
of the ETDs or to their failure to activate when
necessary.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Have all work carried out only by qualified
technicians. Please contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
The use of seat belts and infant and child
restraint systems is required by law in:
R all 50 states
R the U.S. territories
R the District of Columbia
R all Canadianp rovinces
Even where this is not required by law, all
vehicle occupants should correctly fasten
their seat belts before starting the journey.
i For information on infants and children
traveling with you in the vehicle as well as
restraint systems for infants and children,
see the "Children in the vehicle" section
(Y page 50).
Proper use of the seat belts G
WARNING
CORRECT USE OF SEAT BELTS
R Seat belts only work properly if they are
fastened correctly. Never wears eat belts in
any other way than as described in this Occupant safety
47Safety
Z

section, as that could result in serious
injuries in the event of an accident.
R All occupants should wear their seat belt at
all times, because seat belts help reduce
the likelihood of and potential severity of
injuries in accidents, even if the vehicle
rolls over. The integrated restraint system
is equipped with SRS (driver's air bag, front-
passenger air bag, thorax side impact air
bags, window curtain air bags for side
windows), Emergency Tensioning Devices
and seat belt force limiters.
The system is designed to enhance the
protection offered to occupants who are
properly secured during certain frontal
impacts (front air bags and Emergency
Tensioning Devices) and side impacts
(thorax side impact air bags, window
curtain air bags and Emergency Tensioning
Device) that exceed preset deployment
thresholds, as well as in certain situations
where the vehicle rolls over (window
curtain air bags and Emergency Tensioning
Device).
R Never route the shoulders ection of the
seat belt under your arm, across your neck
or anywhere other than across your
shoulder. In the event of a frontal impact,
your body would be moved too far forward.
This would increase the risk of head and
neck injuries. The seat belt would then
apply excessive force to the ribs or
abdomen, which could cause severe
internal injuries to organs such as the liver
or spleen.
Adjust the seat belt so that the upper part
of the belt is as close as possible to the
center of the shoulder. It should not touch
the neck. Never route the belt under the
shoulder. The height of the belt outlet can
be altered to ensure correct usage.
R The lap belt should be routed as low as
possible across the hips, not across the
abdomen. If the lap belt is routed across the
abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in
the event of an impact. R
Never route the seat belt over rigid or
fragile objects in or on your clothing, such
as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as this could
cause injuries.
R Always ensure that the seat belt is routed
correctly. This is particularly important if
you are wearing loose clothing.
R Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time. Never route a seat belt
around more than one person or additional
objects.
R Never wear seat belts if they are twisted.
Otherwise, in the event of an impact, the
full width of the seat belt is unavailable to
distribute the force of the impact. The
twisted seat belt routed across your body
could cause injuries.
R Pregnan twomen should also always use a
three-point seat belt. The lap belt must
always pass across your lap as low down as
possible, i.e. across your hips; not across
your abdomen.
R The backrest should be set as close to
vertical as possible.
R Check the seat belt during the journey in
order to make sure that it is correctly
positioned.
R Never place your feet on the instrument
panel or on the seat. Always keep both feet
on the floor in front of the seat.
R When using a seat belt to secure an infant
restraint system, child restraint system or
a child on a booster seat, always follow the
child restraint system manufacturer's
instructions.
Fastening/unfastening the seat belts G
WARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus,
we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seat whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and 48
Occupant safetySafety

properly secured in an appropriately sized
child restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. For additional information, see the
"Children in the vehicle" section.
Ac hild's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
! Make sure that the seat belt retracts fully.
The seat belt or belt buckle may otherwise
become trapped in the door or the seat
adjustment mechanism. This could
damage the door, door trim panels and the
seat belt. Damaged seat belts can no
longer fulfill their protective function and
must be replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop. X
To fasten the seat belt: adjust the seat
and move the backrest to an almost vertical
position (Y page 80).
X Pull the seat belt smoothly through belt
sash guide 0006.
X Without twisting it, guide the shoulder
section of the seat belt across the middle
of your shoulder and the lap section across
your hips. X
Engage belt tongue 0026in seat belt buckle
0023.
X The upper part of the seat belt must be
routed across the middle of your shoulder.
Adjust the seat belt to the appropriate
height as necessary.
X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder
section of the seat belt to tighten the belt
across your body.
X To raise the seat belt: slide belt sash
guide 0006upwards.
Belt sash guide 0006engages in various
positions.
X To lowert he seat belt: press and hold
release button 0005.
X Adjust bel tsash guide 0006to the
appropriate height.
X Let go of release button 0005and make sure
that belt sash guide 0006has engaged.
X To release the seat belt: press release
button 0025on seat belt buckle 0023.
X Guide seat belt to belt sash guide 0006.
All seat belts in the vehicle, excep tthe
driver's seat belt, are equipped with a special
seat belt retractor. This helps to secure the
child restraint system properly in the vehicle.
For further information on "Special seat belt
retractors", see (Y page 54).
Belt warning for drivers and co-drivers Regardless of whether the driver's and co-
driver's seat belts have already been
fastened, the
0014seat belt warning lamp
lights up for six seconds each time the engine
is started. It then goes out if the driver and
the co-driver have fastened their seat belts.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. This warning tone switches
off after approximately six seconds or once
the driver's seat belt is fastened. Occupant safety
49Safety Z

Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat
belt force limiters
G
WARNING
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These instructions are available
from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
! If the front-passenger seat is not
occupied, do no tengage the sea tbelt
tongue in the buckle on the front-
passenger seat. Otherwise, the Emergency
Tensioning Device could be triggered in the
event of an accident.
X In order to ensure that the pyrotechnic
Emergency Tensioning Devices have not
been triggered, always have the seat belts
checked after an accident.
If the Emergency Tensioning Devices have
been triggered, they must be replaced.
If the vehicle is equipped with a driver's air
bag, the seat belts on the driver's and co-
driver's seats have Emergency Tensioning
Devices and seat belt force limiters.
ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident,
pulling them close against the seat
occupant's body.
ETDs do not correct incorrect seat positions
or incorrectly fastened seat belts.
ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back
towards the backrest.
When activated, the seat belt force limiters
reduce the force exerted by the seat belt on
the driver or co-driver.
The seat belt force limiters are synchronized
with the fron tair bags, which absorb part of
the deceleration force, resulting in the force
exerted on the occupant being distributed
over a greater area.
The ETDs can only be triggered if the ignition
is switched on and the restraint systems are
operational, see " 0008warning lamp"
(Y page 42). The Emergency Tensioning Devices are
triggered depending on the type and severity
of an accident:
R
in the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision if the vehicle decelerates or
accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal
direction during the initial stages of the
impact
R in the event of a side impact if the vehicle
decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a
lateral direction and the vehicle is equipped
with thorax side impac tair bags and/or
window curtain air bags
If the ETDs are triggered, you will hear a bang
and powder may also be released .Only in rare
cases will the bang affect your hearing .The
powder emitted is not generally hazardous to
health. The 0008warning lamp lights up. Child restraint systems
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is not installed
correctly to a suitable seat, the child may not
be secured in the event of an accident or
sudden braking and may be seriously or even
fatally injured. Therefore, when installing a
child restraint system, you must observe the
manufacturer's installation instructions as
well as the notes on using the child restraint
system.
Child restraint systems should preferably be
installed to the rear seats. Children are
generally better protected there.
Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under the
child restraint system. The entire base of the
child restraint system must always rest on the
seat cushion.
A child restraint system must not be used
without the genuine cover designed for it.
Only replace damaged covers with genuine
covers. 50
Child restraint systemsSafety

On the rear seats, use only child restraint
systems that have been recommended for
use in the Sprinter. G
WARNING
Accident statistics show that children
secured in the rear seats are safer than
children secured in the co-driver's seat. For
this reason, we strongly advise that you
always secure children in the rear seats.
Regardless of the seat position, children
under 12 years must be secured correctly in
a suitable infant or child restraint system or
booster seat suitable for the size and weight
of the child.
Never place anything between the seat
cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow). The
bottom of the child seat must make full
contact with the vehicle seat cushion. An
incorrectly mounted child seat could cause
injuries to the child in the event of an
accident, instead of protecting the child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat
belt and Top Tether strap, or lower anchors
and Top Tether strap, fully in accordance with
the child seat manufacturer's instructions.
Always observe the manufacturer's
instructions when installing special child
restraint systems.
Occupants, in particular children, must sit as
upright as possible, fasten the seat belt
correctly and use a suitable infant restraint
system, child restraint system or booster seat
suitable for the size and weight of the child.
Children can be seriously or even fatally
injured by an air bag deploying. Observe the
following important information if it is
absolutely necessary to carry a child on the
co-driver's seat:
R The co-driver's front air bag is not
deactivated.
R Never secure your child in a rearward-
facing child restraint system on the co-
driver's seat. A child in a rearward-facing
child restraint system on the co-driver's seat can be seriously injured or even killed
if the co-driver's front air bag deploys. Only
install a rearward-facing child restraint
system on a suitable rear seat.
R Where permitted by state law, if you secure
your child in a forward-facing child restraint
system on the co-driver's seat, move the
co-driver's seat as far back to the rear as
possible.Y ou must then use an
appropriately sized child restraint system
recommended for the age, size and weight
of the child and secure it with the vehicle
seat belt in accordance with the child seat
manufacturer's instructions. G
WARNING
Infants and small children should never share
a seat belt with another occupant .Inthe event
of an accident, they could be crushed
between the occupant and seat belt.
Ac hild's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
Children that are too large for a child restraint
must travel in seats using normal seat belts.
Position the shoulder belt across the chest
and shoulder, not the face or neck.Ab ooster
seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat
belt positioning for children over 41 lbs
(18 kg) until they reach a height where alap/
shoulder belt fits properly without a booster
seat.
When the child restraint is no tinuse, remove
it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat
belt to prevent the child restraint from
becoming a projectile in the event of an
accident. G
WARNING
When extending or retracting, parts of the
body could become trapped within the sweep
of the roller sunblind. There is a risk of injury.
When extending or retracting, make sure that
no one has any parts of the body within the Child restraint systems
51Safety
Z

sweep of the roller sunblind. If someone
becomes trapped, briefly press the button
again. The opening or closing procedure will
be stopped.
G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed
incorrectly or is not secured, it can come
loose in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or a sudden change in direction. The
child restraint system could be thrown about,
striking vehicle occupants. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems
properly, even if they are not being used.
Make sure that you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Further information on secure stowage of
loads can be found under "Loading
guidelines".
If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle:
R secure the child with a child or infant seat
restraint system appropriate to the age and
weight of the child
R make sure that the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
We recommend that you always properly
secure all infants and children in an infant or
child restraint system for the journey.
The use of seat belts and infant and child
restraint systems is required by law in:
R all 50 states
R the U.S. territories
R the District of Columbia
R all Canadian provinces
Infants and children must always be seated in
an appropriate infant or child restraint system
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. This must be properly secured in
accordance with the manufacturer's
installation instructions for the infant or child
seat restraint system. All infant or child restraint systems must meet
the following standards:
R
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 225
R Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
A statement by the child restraint
manufacturer of compliance with these
standards can be found on the instruction
label on the child restraint system. You will
also find the statement in the instruction
manual provided with the child restraint
system.
When using any infant restraint, child
restraint or booster seat, make sure to
carefully read and follow all manufacturer's
instructions for installation and use.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle
interior or on the infant or child restraint. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
securing system
G
WARNING
Children that are too large for a child restraint
must travel in seats using normal seat belts.
Position shoulderb elt across the chest and
shoulder, not face or neck.
Ab ooster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where
a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a
booster.
Install the child restraint system in
accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
Attach the child restraint system to both
securing rings.
An incorrectly installed child restraint system
could come loose during an accident and
seriously or even fatally injure the child.
Child restraint systems or child seat securing
rings that are malfunctioning or damaged as
the result of a collision must be replaced. 52
Child restraint systemsSafety

Make sure that:
R
the Top Tether hook 0026is hooked into
Top Tether anchorage 0006, as shown
R the Top Tether belt 0025is not twisted
X Tighten Top Tether belt 0025.Comply with the
manufacturer's installation instructions
when doing so.
X If necessary, push the head restraint back
down slightly. Make sure that you do not
interfere with the correct routing of Top
Tether belt 0025. Special seat belt retractor
G
WARNING
If the seat belt is released while driving, the
child restraint system will no longer be
secured properly. The special seat belt
retractor is disabled and the inertia real draws
in a portion of the seat belt. The seat belt
cannot be immediately refastened. There is
an increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
Reactivate the special seat belt retractor and
secure the child restraint system properly.
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the
driver's seat belt, are equipped with a special
seat belt retractor. When activated, the
special seat belt retractor ensures that the
seat belt cannot slacken once the child seat
is secured.
X To activate the special seat belt
retractor: install the child restraint
system. Observe the child-seat
manufacturer's installation instructions
when doing so.
X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the inertia
reel.
X Engage the belt tongue in the seat belt
buckle. X
Extend the seat belt fully and then allow the
inertia reel to retract the belt.
Ar atcheting noise can be heard when the
belt is retracting; this indicates activation
of the special seat belt retractor.
X Press the child restraint system down
firmly into the seat to avoid any play.
X To disable the special seat belt
retractor: press the seat belt buckle
release butto nand allow the belt to retract
fully.
The sea tbelt can be used in the normal
manner again. Child-proof locks
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot.
Children 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.
Protect 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.
You can activate the child-proof lock for the
sliding door ( Ypage 55) and for the rear
door (Y page 55). 54
Child-proof locksSafety