MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2014 MY14 Operator’s Manual
Page 241 of 338
You can use the 12 V sockets (15 A) for
accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W. You can connect acces-
sories with a maximum power consumption
of 300 W to the 12 V socket (25 A) on the
lower section of the center console.
i The sockets are supplied with power even
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. If accessories, e.g. a coolbox, remain
connected while the engine is not running,
the battery will discharge. Mobile phone
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating mobile phones.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is cov-
ering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
You and others can suffer health-related dam-
age through electromagnetic radiation. By
using an exterior antenna, a possible health
risk caused by electromagnetic fields, as dis-
cussed in scientific circles, is taken into
account. Only have the exterior antenna
installed by a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend the use of an approved exte-
rior antenna for operating the mobile phone.
Only in this way can optimal mobile phone
reception quality in the vehicle be ensured and mutual interference between the vehicle
electronics and mobile phones minimized.
Observe the legal requirements for each indi-
vidual country. Mobile phone pre-installation
The mobile phone pre-installation includes a
hands-free system integrated into the vehi-
cle. The microphone for the hands-free sys-
tem is installed in the overhead control panel
or in the overhead stowage compartment
together with the front interior light.
In order to use the hands-free system, you will
need a special bracket. The Sprinter acces-
sories include brackets for various mobile
phone models.
i Mobile phone brackets which are availa-
ble from various manufacturers on the
open market are not compatible with the
Sprinter telephone system. You can recog-
nize suitable holders for your mobile phone
by the imprinted star and the B6 spare part
number on the back of the bracket.
Detailed instructions for use can be found in
the operating instructions for the mobile
phone bracket and in the separate operating
instructions for the mobile phone pre-instal-
lation.
i The mobile phone battery is charged
depending on the condition of charge and
the position of the key in the ignition lock.
The mobile phone display indicates the
charging process. Additional communications equip-
ment
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident. Additional communications equipment
239Stowing and features
Z
Page 242 of 338
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating mobile communication
equipment.
Please remember, a navigation system does
not supply information on the load-bearing
capacity of bridges or the overhead clearance
of underpasses. The driver remains responsi-
ble for safety at all times.
You and others can suffer health-related dam-
age through electromagnetic radiation. By
using an exterior antenna, a possible health
risk caused by electromagnetic fields, as dis-
cussed in scientific circles, is taken into
account. Only have the exterior antenna
installed by a qualified specialist workshop.
You will find information on retrofitting elec-
trical or electronic equipment in the “Vehicle
electronics” section (Y page 318).Installation for PND mobile navigation
devices
You can secure a personal navigation device
(Personal Navigation Device PND) using a
commercially available adapter. PND connector (on the side behind the instrument
cluster)
0087 USB port
0085 3.5 mm audio jack for the PND audio sig-
nal (voice announcements) X
Connecting the PND: connect the PND
ports to the appropriate jacks in the vehi-
cle.
i You can also use USB port 0087and 3.5 mm
audio jack 0085for external audio sources.
The voice announcements are heard through
the radio speakers when you start navigation.
The audio source played until this point is
then muted for the duration of the voice
announcements.
i If you use audio devices or personal nav-
igation devices which have been recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, you can use all
of the functions available, such as the mute
function.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 240
Additional communications equipmentStowing and features
Page 243 of 338
Useful information
............................242
Loading guidelines ............................242
Load distribution .............................. 244
Securing loads .................................. 244
Carrier systems ................................ 247 241Transporting loads
Page 244 of 338
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 possible. Note that your vehicle may not
be equipped with all of the described func-
tions. This also applies to systems and func-
tions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Loading guidelines
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
As a result of improperly placed or unevenly
distributed loads, the center of gravity of the
load being transported may be too high or too
far back. This can significantly impair handling
as well as steering and braking characteris-
tics. There is a risk of an accident.
Always make sure that the center of gravity of
the load is:
R between the axles
and
R as low as possible, near the rear axle. G
WARNING
When objects are unsecured or inadequately
secured, they can slip, turn over or be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants. This also
applies to:
R luggage or loads
R a rear bench seat which has been removed
and is being transported in the vehicle in an
exceptional case.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of braking maneuvers or abrupt
changes in direction.
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about. Before traveling,
secure objects, luggage or loads to prevent them slipping or tipping over. If you remove a
rear bench seat, it is advisable to store it out-
side the vehicle.
G
WARNING
When the permissible wheel loads, axle loads
and/or the maximum permissible gross vehi-
cle weight are exceeded, driving safety is
compromised. The handling as well as steer-
ing and braking characteristics may be signif-
icantly impaired. Overloaded tires may over-
heat, causing them to burst. There is a risk of
an accident.
When transporting a load, always observe the
permissible wheel loads, axle loads and the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
for the vehicle (including occupants). G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof car-
rier load.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 331 )and information about roof car-
riers in the "Carrier systems" section
(Y page 247).
R Do not stack luggage or loads higher than
the backrests.
R Stow objects preferably in the cargo com-
partment.
R When transporting luggage, always use the
cargo tie-down rings and a parcel net, if
present.
R Use cargo tie-down rings and fasteners
which are suitable for the weight and size
of the load. 242
Loading guidelinesTransporting loads
Page 245 of 338
Always observe the operating instructions of
the respective manufacturer when using suit-
able load securing aids or tie downs. In par-
ticular, the information on service life.
Load securing aids and tie downs may not be
used, for example, if:
R identification marks are missing or illegible
R there are yarn breakages, damage to bear-
ing seams or other signs of tearing
R there are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
R there is damage to clamping or connecting
elements
Such load securing aids and tie downs are
worn; they should not be used and must be
replaced. If you use load securing aids or tie
downs which are worn, the load may not be
sufficiently secured and could cause damage
to property.
After an accident, the following must be
checked at a specialist workshop:
R Cargo compartment floor
R Load surface
R Cargo tie-down rings
R Tie downs
Otherwise, the load may not be correctly
secured the next time anything is stowed.
Even if you follow all loading guidelines, the
load increases the risk of injury in the event
of an accident. Observe the tips in the "Secur-
ing luggage/loads" (Y page 244) and "Load
distribution" (Y page 244) sections. Before loading
! The anti-slip mats cannot be used for
securing goods and must be replaced when
they show signs of:
R Permanent deformation and crushing
R Crack formation
R Cuts X
Tire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary ( Ypage 290).
X Cargo compartment floor: clean the
cargo compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to
prevent the load from slipping.
X Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary. During loading
! On passenger van versions with maxi-
mum seating layout, the permissible rear
axle load would be exceeded if the full pay-
load were to be loaded in the cargo com-
partment.
X Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible gross vehicle weight for your
vehicle.
Take into account that your vehicle's curb
weight is increased if accessories or
optional equipment are installed. The max-
imum payload is thus reduced.
X Observe the notes on load distribution
(Y page 244).
The overall center of gravity of the load
should always be as low as possible, cen-
tered and between the axles near the rear
axle.
X Secure the load (Y page 244).
Always observe the relevant country-spe-
cific legal requirements, laws and regula-
tions. Checks after loading
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases, such as carbon monoxide. If the sliding
door or rear door is open when the engine is
running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior, especially during the journey. There
is a risk of poisoning. Loading guidelines
243Transporting loads
Z
Page 246 of 338
Always switch off the engine before opening
the sliding door or rear door. Never drive the
vehicle when the sliding door or rear door is
open.
X Securing loads: check that the load is
secure before every journey and at regular
intervals during a long journey, and correct
if necessary.
X Doors: close the sliding doors and rear
doors.
X Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
according to the vehicle load
(Y page 290).
X Driving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load. Load distribution
General notes
! Excessive loads on individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair
vehicle handling characteristics and could
cause damage to the floor covering.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
On Cargo Vans/Passenger Vans:
X Always transport loads in the cargo com-
partment.
X Always place the load against the backrests
of the rear bench seat.
X Move large and heavy loads as far towards
the front of the vehicle as possible against
the rear bench seat. Stow the load flush
with the rear bench seat.
X Always additionally secure the load with
suitable load-securing aids or tie downs. Observe the following notes:
R
Do not stack loads higher than the upper
edge of the backrests.
R Transport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
R If the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
the seat belts crosswise into the buckle of
the opposite seat belt. Securing loads
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak-
ing maneuvers or an accident:
R the cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
R the load may not be restrained.
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be
tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads. G
WARNING
You may not transport anyone in the cargo
compartment or on the load surface. 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.
! Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the 244
Securing loadsTransporting loads
Page 247 of 338
maximum loading capacity of the weakest
cargo tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces
acting could be up to several times the
weight force of the load. Always use multi-
ple cargo tie-down points in order to dis-
tribute the force absorption. Load the
anchorages evenly.
Spread the load evenly between the cargo tie-
down points or tie-down rings.
Please also refer to the notes about qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 26).
Always observe the operating instructions or
the notes of the lashing strap manufacturer
for the operation of the lashing strap.
Information about the maximum loading
capacity of the cargo tie-down points can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 331).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
R The applicable requirements and guide-
lines relating to load-securing practices
must be met.
If this is not the case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local leg-
islation and any ensuing consequences.
You should therefore observe the respec-
tive legal requirements for the relevant
country.
Make sure that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey. Correct an incorrectly or inade-
quately secured load if necessary.
You can obtain information about securing
the load correctly from the manufacturer of
the load securing aids or tie down for securing
the load.
X Fill spaces between the load and the cargo
compartment walls or wheel housings
(form-locking). Use rigid load securing aids,
such as wedges, wooden fixings or pad-
ding.
X Attach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions. Use the cargo tie-down points or cargo tie-down rings and the loading rails
in the cargo compartment or on the cargo
area.
Only use tie downs, such as lashing rods or
lashing nets and lashing straps, that have
been tested in accordance with current
standards (e.g. DIN EN).
Always use the cargo tie-down rings closest
to the load to secure it and pad sharp edges
for protection.
Loads, and heavy loads in particular, should
preferably be secured using the cargo tie-
down rings.
i Tie downs tested in accordance with cur-
rent standards (e.g. DIN EN) are available
at any qualified specialist workshop. Cargo tie-down point (example: Passenger Van)
0043
Cargo tie-down rings Securing loads
245Transporting loads Z
Page 248 of 338
Cargo tie-down point (example: Cargo Van without
loading rails)
0043 Cargo tie-down rings Cargo tie-down point (example: Cargo Van with
loading rails)
0043 Cargo tie-down rings
0044 Load rails
Secure loose loads with a tested lashing net
or a tarpaulin.
X Always fasten the lashing net or tarpaulin
to all available cargo tie-down points. Make
sure that the retaining hooks are secured
against accidental opening.
If your vehicle is equipped with loading
rails 0044in the floor, you can place lashing rods
directly in front of and behind the load. The
lashing rods directly absorb the potential
shifting forces. Securing loads on the cargo compartment
floor by lashing them down is only recom-
mended for lightweight loads. Place non-slip
mats (anti-slip mats) under the load to
increase load security. Installing/removing cargo tie down
rings for the load rails
G
WARNING
If the cargo tie-down ring is not properly
installed, it may slip or become detached in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak-
ing maneuvers or an accident. This may cause
objects, luggage or the load to slip, tip over or
be tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury.
Before using the cargo tie-down rings, always
make sure they are properly installed and
cannot be moved. X
To install: slide the cargo tie-down ring
through a recess in the loading rail close to
the load until locking mechanism 0043
engages in the recess.
i When you pull locking mechanism 0043up
and out of the recess, the cargo tie-down
ring is able to move within the loading rail.
Make sure that locking mechanism 0043is
always engaged in a recess.
X Check the cargo tie-down ring for firm seat-
ing.
X To remove: pull locking mechanism 0043up
and pull the cargo tie-down ring towards 246
Securing loadsTransporting loads
Page 249 of 338
the locking mechanism and out of the load-
ing rail through a recess.
Carrier systems
G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
You can find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 331).
! Make sure that:
R the screws for the roof carrier are tight-
ened in the sliding blocks to a torque of
6.0 – 7.4 lb-ft (8 – 10 Nm)
R the bolts, when tightened, do not touch
the rails.
R the slot nuts are not located in the area
of the plastic caps.
R the slot nuts have the right cross-section.
R the mounting rails in the interior are free
of dirt.
R the screws are retightened evenly after
approximately 300 miles (500 km).
We recommend that you only use roof
racks tested and approved by Sprinter.
These help avoid vehicle damage.
! If you want to retrofit securing rails, have
it done at a qualified specialist workshop.
You could otherwise damage the vehicle. 0043
Securing rails
It is possible to install a roof carrier if your
vehicle is equipped with securing rails on the
roof. Special mounting elements (grooved
plates) are available as accessories.
These mounting elements are available at any
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Carrier systems
247Transporting loads Z
Page 250 of 338
248