power steering MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2018 MY18 Operator’s Manual
Page 125 of 294
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The vehicle cannot be
driven at a speed
exceeding 5 mph
(8 km/h).
The yellow;Check
Engine lamp and the yel-
low å DEF indicator
lamp
2light up.
The exhaust gas aftertreatment system is defective or an emissions-
relevant malfunction has occurred.
This malfunction or defect can damage the exhaust gas aftertreat-
ment.
XObserve the messages in the display:
Ron vehicles without steering-wheel buttons (Ypage 177)
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons (Ypage 187).
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor cannot
be heard.The battery isolating switch is switched off.
XSwitch on the power supply (Ypage 119).
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor cannot
be heard.The on-board voltage is too low. The battery is too weak or discharged.
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 243).
If the engine cannot be jump-started, the starter motor is faulty.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor cannot
be heard.The battery is discharged or faulty.
XCheck the battery for damage.
XCharge the battery (Ypage 233).
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
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.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission may
roll only briefly in the neutral position N. Pro-
longed rolling of the wheels, e.g. when being
towed, will result in transmission damage.
Towing (
Ypage 244)
Selector lever
jPark position with parking lock
kReverse gear
iNeutral
hDrive
2Only vehicles without steering-wheel buttons.
Automatic transmission123
Driving and parking
Z
Page 126 of 294
The display in the instrument cluster shows the
present selector lever position or the current
shift range:
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 166)
Ron vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 162)
Selector lever positions
BPark position
This prevents the vehicle from rolling
away when stopped. Only move the
selector lever toPif the vehicle is
stationary.
You can only remove the key when
the selector lever is in this position.
The selector lever is locked in posi-
tion Pif the key is removed.
The parking lock should not be used
as a brake when parking. Always
apply the parking brake as well once
you have parked the vehicle.
CReverse gear
Only move the selector lever to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
ANeutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels. Releasing
the brakes will allow you to move the
vehicle freely, e.g. by pushing.
Do not move the selector lever to N
while driving. The automatic trans-
mission could otherwise be dam-
aged.
If ASR is deactivated or ESP
®has
malfunctioned: only move the selec-
tor lever to Nif the vehicle is in dan-
ger of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
7Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear itself. All forward gears are avail-
able.
You can influence the gearshifts and
shift gears yourself or limit the shift
range.
Changing gear
The 5-speed automatic transmission adapts to
your individual driving style by continuously
adjusting its shift points. These shift point
adjustments take into account the current oper-
ating and driving conditions. If the operating or
driving conditions change, the automatic trans-
mission reacts by adjusting the gearshift pro-
gram.
When the selector lever is in position D, the
automatic transmission selects the individual
gears automatically. This depends on:
Rany restriction in the shift range
(Ypage 125)
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe road speed
Touchshift
When the selector lever is in position D, you can
perform gearshifts yourself.
XTo shift down: press the selector lever to the
left towards D–.
The automatic transmission shifts to the next gear down, depending on the gear currently
engaged. The shift range is also restricted.
iThe automatic transmission does not shift
down if you press the selector lever towards
D– while traveling at too high a speed. This
protects the engine from overrevving.
XTo shift up: briefly press the selector lever to
the right towards D+.
The automatic transmission shifts to the next
gear up, depending on the current gearshift
program. This also extends the shift range.
XTo derestrict the shift range: press and hold
the selector lever towards D+until D
appears
in the display again.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
XTo select the optimum shift range: press
and hold the selector lever to the left towards
D–.
The automatic transmission will shift to a
range which allows easy acceleration and
deceleration. To do this, the automatic trans-
mission will shift down one or more gears.
124Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
Page 131 of 294
Lockable filler cap
Example: DEF filler cap in the engine compartment
XTo open:switch off the ignition.
XOpen the hood (Ypage 219).
XRemove tool ?for unlocking tank filler
cap :from the footwell on the front-
passenger side (
Ypage 241).
XPull cover =up, turn 90° and release.
XInsert tool ?into hole ;of tank filler cap :.
XTurn filler cap:counter-clockwise and
remove it. Make sure that tool ?remains in
tank filler cap :while doing so.
XTo close: replace filler cap :and turn it
clockwise until closed.
XPull tool ?out of tank filler cap :and stow
with the vehicle tool kit in the footwell on the
front-passenger side.
XPull cover =up over hole ;of tank filler
cap :, turn and release.
XTurn tank filler cap :.
If tank filler cap :turns freely, the DEF tank
is closed.
Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields.
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 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.
!A moving vehicle can lead to damage to the
vehicle or damage to the drive train.
!When the vehicle is parked, always remove
the key to prevent the battery from becoming
discharged.
On vehicles with a battery isolating switch,
switch off the power supply if the vehicle is to
be out of use for a longer period of time.
Parking129
Driving and parking
Z
Page 134 of 294
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.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
6 weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use. In this event, consult a
qualified specialist workshop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The driver's attention to the road must always be his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we rec-
ommend that you pull over to a safe location
and stop before placing or taking a telephone
call. If you choose to use the telephone while
driving, please use the hands-free device and
only use the telephone when road, weather
and traffic conditions permit.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m)
every second.
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.
!Always observe the ground clearance of the
vehicle and avoid obstacles. On vehicles with a step, ground clearance is further restricted.
Obstacles can damage the vehicle.
If you must drive over obstacles, drive espe-
cially slowly and carefully. If necessary, have
another person direct you.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
In order to save fuel, observe the following tips:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure.
XRemove unnecessary loads.
XRemove roof carriers when they are not nee-
ded.
XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or by the service interval dis-
play.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in moun-
tainous terrain.
Overrun cutoff
If you are in overrun mode and take your foot off
the accelerator pedal, the fuel supply is cut off
when the engine speed is out of the idle speed
control range.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent are greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
132Driving tips
Driving and parking
Page 196 of 294
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Ð
SteeringAssistanceFailure
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.
#
Battery/AlternatorVisit workshop
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 a qualified
specialist workshop.
XIf the poly-V-belt is not damaged: have the vehicle checked as soon
as possible by a qualified specialist workshop.
÷
Electrical Step
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.
1
Hood open
You are already driving at walking pace, even though the hood is not
closed.
XClose the hood.
9
Please enter PIN:
You have not yet entered your PIN in the mobile phone.
XEnter the PIN for the SIM card.
1
Doors open
You are already driving at walking pace, even though not all the doors
are closed.
XClose the doors.
¦
Check wash. fluidlevel
The washer fluid level is too low.
XAdd washer fluid (Ypage 225).
Key
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
+
Replace key Visitworkshop
The key is no longer working.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
194Display messages
On-board computer and displays
Page 198 of 294
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
d
The yellow
ASR/ESP®warn-
ing lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.
The all-wheel drive is activated/deactivated. When changing gear,
ASR and ESP®are deactivated.
After changing gear, ASR and ESP®are automatically reactivated.
Engage/disengage the all-wheel drive (
Ypage 147).
d The yellow
ASR/ESP®warn-
ing lamp flashes
slowly while the
vehicle is in
motion.
In vehicles with all-wheel drive the brake system is overheated.
GWARNING
The performance of 4ETS is reduced. The braking power output may
be lower.
There is a risk of an accident.
XDrive on carefully and adapt your driving style to suit the road and
traffic conditions.
XWhen the message is no longer displayed, 4ETS and normal braking
power are available again.
d The yellow
ASR/ESP®warn-
ing lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.
ASR is deactivated.
GWARNING
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XActivate ASR again. Exceptions (Ypage 55).
h !:b
The yellow ESP®, ABS
and ASR/BAS indicator
lamps and the red brake
system indicator lamp
are lit while the engine is
running.
EBD is malfunctioning or deactivated due to undervoltage or malfunc-
tion.
The battery may not be being charged.
GWARNING
The rear wheels could lock sooner than expected when you apply the
brakes. The braking distance can increase in emergency braking sit-
uations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
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.
196Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays
Page 199 of 294
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
Page 201 of 294
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
Page 206 of 294
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
Page 246 of 294
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