MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2011 MY11 Operator’s Manual

Obstacles could damage the vehicle, for
example:
R
the axles
R the propeller shafts
and the transmission
R the tanks and supply reservoirs
For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when driving off-road. If you have to
drive over obstacles, have the co-driver
direct you. G
Warning
If you drive too fast off-road, you may not
recognize obstacles in good time or you may
underestimate the roughness of the ground.
When driving off-road, always drive slowly to
avoid damaging the vehicle.
The vehicle may slip to the side, tip and roll
over. Always drive along the line of fall when
you are on

a slope. Never drive across a slope.
Never turn the vehicle around on a slope. If
the vehicle cannot manage an uphill slope,
drive back down the slope in reverse gear.
You could lose control of the vehicle if you
shift the transmission to neutral or disengage
the clutch on an incline and then try to brake
the vehicle using only the service brake.
Never let the vehicle roll.
Overloading the vehicle will increase the risk
of the vehicle tipping over. Never exceed the
maximum permissible axle loads under any
circumstances. Keep the vehicle's center of
gravity as low as possible when the vehicle is
laden.
If the vehicle is frequently or mainly operated
in muddy or marshy terrain, substances that
impair braking efficiency, such as sand or oil
mixed with water, could get into the brake
system. This may lead to excessive wear and
a reduction in braking efficiency. In an
emergency, there is a risk that full braking
power may no longer be available.
After driving off-road, always carry out a short
brake test. If you detect a reduced braking
effect or hear grinding noises, have the brake
system checked at a qualified specialist workshop, for example at an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
G
Warning
When driving off-road, your body is subject to
forces from all directions, due to the uneven
surface. There is a danger that you could be
thrown out of

your seat and be injured. Always
wear a seat belt, even when driving off-road.
Rules for driving off-road G
Warning
If you drive over obstacles or in ruts, the
steering wheel may jerk out of your grip and
you could injure the thumbs on both hands.
Always hold the steering wheel cross firmly
with both hands.

When driving over obstacles,
you must expect steering forces to increase
briefly and suddenly.
R Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
shift to a low gear.
R Only drive off-road with the engine running
and a gear engaged.
R Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
necessary in many situations.
R Make sure that the wheels always remain
in contact with the ground.
R Drive with extreme care over unknown
terrain where you can only see for a short
distance. As a precaution, get out of the
vehicle to take a look at the route to be
taken first.
R Check the water depth before fording.
R Watch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
tree stumps and ruts).
R Avoid edges where the surface could
crumble or break away. Driving tips
139
Operation Z

Before driving off-road
X
If the surface demands it, temporarily
deactivate acceleration skid control (ASR)
when pulling away ( Y
page 49).
X Safely stow or secure any items of luggage
or loads ( Y page 144).
i We recommend that you additionally
carry a shovel and a recovery rope with
shackle in the vehicle.
After driving off-road G
Warning
Damage caused to the vehicle when driving
off-road may cause consequential damage,
the failure of mechanical assemblies as well
as accidents. Clean and inspect the vehicle
after any off-road use. Repair any damage
before using the vehicle again.
X Activate the acceleration skid control
system (ASR) ( Y page 49).
X Clean the vehicle (Y page 165).
X Check the vehicle for damage. Transport by rail
Transporting your vehicle by rail may be
subject to certain restrictions or require
special measures to be taken in some
countries due to varying tunnel heights and
loading standards.
You may obtain information about this from
any authorized Sprinter Dealer. Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption depends on:
R the vehicle version
R the style of driving
R the operating conditions
R the type or quality of the fuel used The vehicle will use more fuel than usual in
the following situations:
R
at very low temperatures
R in city traffic
R on short trips
R when towing a trailer
R in mountainous terrain
Observe the advice in the "Protection of the
environment" section to keep fuel
consumption low .
The following components of the different
vehicle versions influence fuel consumption:
R tire sizes, tire tread, tire pressure, tire
condition
R body
R drive unit gear ratios
R additional equipment (e.g. air-conditioning
system, auxiliary heating system).
Details concerning fuel consumption are
recorded in the on-board computer; use the
steering wheel buttons to call up the Trip
computer menu (Y page 85). DEF consumption
Depending on the vehicle version, the DEF
consumption of:
R a Cargo Van/Passenger Van is
approximately 2322 MPG
(0.10 l/100 km)
R a Chassis Cab

is approximately 1720 MPG
(0.14 l/100 km)
In each case, the stated consumption figure
is a mean value between urban and extra-
urban driving cycles. The consumption figure
does not refer to a specific vehicle, but is
provided for the purposes of comparison
between different vehicle types.
DEF consumption, like fuel consumption, is
very dependent on the driving style and the
operating conditions. This means that the real
consumption figures during operation of your
vehicle may deviate from those stated. 140
Driving tips
Operation

Engine oil consumption
! If the vehicle is predominantly used for
short-distance driving, this could lead to a
malfunction in the automatic cleaning
function for the diesel particle filter. As a
result, fuel may accumulate in the engine
oil and cause engine failure.
Therefore, if you mainly drive short
distances, you should
drive on a highway or
on rural roads for 20 minutes every
310 miles (500 km). This ensures sufficient
regeneration of the diesel particle filter.
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes a maximum of 1.0 US qt(1.0 l) of
oil over a distance of 620 miles (1000 km).
Engine oil consumption may be higher if:
R the vehicle is new.
R you mainly operate the vehicle under
arduous operating conditions.
R you frequently drive at high engine speeds.
Regular maintenance is one of the
preconditions for moderate rates of
consumption.
You can only estimate the engine oil
consumption after you have driven a
considerable distance.
Check the engine oil level on a regular basis,
e.g. weekly or each time you refuel
(Y page 171). Speed limiter
You can permanently limit the maximum
speed of your vehicle to 75 mph (120 km/h)

.
We recommend that you have the maximum
speed programmed at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. This has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the required
work. G
Warning
Exceeding the permissible maximum speed
can cause tire damage, which could lead to
loss of control of the vehicle. As the driver, you must find out about the
maximum speed of the vehicle and the
resulting permissible maximum speed of the
tires (tire and tire pressure).
You must not exceed the speed limit for the
tires listed in the tire pressure tables.
i You will find information about tire
pressure in the "Technical data" section
(Y
page 280).
Reverse warning device
On vehicles with

a reverse warning feature, a
warning signal sounds when reverse gear is
engaged to alert other road users. The volume
of this warning signal can be reduced for
night-time driving. G
Warning
Other road users could fail to hear or could
ignore the reverse warning feature warning
signal. For this reason, the reverse warning
feature cannot guarantee that there are no
people or objects behind your vehicle.
The reverse warning feature is a system
designed to assist you in ensuring the safety
of other road users. It does not, however,
relieve you of

your responsibility to make sure
that there are no persons or objects behind
your vehicle while you are maneuvering.
For this reason, always observe the road and
traffic conditions with due caution. To avoid
damage and injury, make sure that there are
no persons or objects behind the vehicle while
you are maneuvering. Have a second person
assist you when maneuvering if necessary.
X To set the warning signal to quiet:
engage the reverse gear twice in brief
succession.
The volume of the warning signal is
reduced.
i The warning signal sounds at normal
volume by default and will need to be Driving tips
141
Operation Z

reduced in volume each time reverse gear
is engaged.
Refueling
G
Warning
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames
and smoking as well as the use of auxiliary
heaters (sparks) are therefore prohibited
when handling fuel.
Switch off the
engine and the auxiliary heating
before refueling. G
Warning
Avoid any contact with fuels.
You can damage your health if your skin
comes into direct contact with fuel or if you
inhale fuel vapors.
0040Environmental note
If fuels are handled improperly, they pose a
danger to persons and the environment. Do
not allow fuels

to run into the sewage system,
the surface waters, the ground water or into
the ground.
! Filter the fuel

before transferring it to the
vehicle if you are refueling the vehicle from
barrels or containers.
This will prevent malfunctions in the fuel
system due to contaminated fuel. G
Warning
Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Never

mix diesel with gasoline.
This causes damage to the fuel system and
engine and could result in the vehicle catching
fire.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Even small amounts of
gasoline will cause damage to the fuel
system and engine. Damage resulting from
adding gasoline is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. !
If the wrong fuel has been added by
mistake, do not switch on the ignition. If
you do, the fuel could enter the fuel lines.
The tank and the fuel lines must then be
drained. Inform a qualified specialist
workshop and have the tank and the fuel
lines drained completely.
The fuel filler

flap is beside the front left-hand
door when viewed in the direction of travel. It
is only possible to open the fuel filler flap
when the front door is open. X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Switch off the auxiliary heating system
(Y page 104).
X Open the front left-hand door first, and then
the fuel filler flap.
X Close all vehicle doors to prevent fuel
vapors from entering the vehicle.
X Turn tank filler cap 0047 counter-clockwise,
remove it and let it hang from retaining
strap 0046.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
X Replace tank filler cap 0047 and turn
clockwise.
You will
hear

a click when the fuel filler cap
is closed fully.
X Open the front left-hand door first, and then
close the filler flap.
You will find information about fuel in the
"Service products" section (Y page 153). 142
Refueling
Operation

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
The exhaust gas aftertreatment requires a
reducing agent, Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF), in
order to function correctly. G
Warning
If you open the DEF reservoir cap at high
temperatures, ammonia vapors could be
released.
Ammonia vapors have

a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating for your skin, respiratory
organs and eyes. This may result in burning
eyes, nose and throat, as well as coughing and
watering eyes.
Do not inhale ammonia vapors. G
Warning
Avoid contact with DEF.
DEF is hazardous

to health. Do not allow DEF
to come into contact with your skin. Rinse
affected areas with plenty of clean water and
consult a doctor if necessary.
0040Environmental note
Dispose of DEF in an environmentally
responsible manner.
! Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241 .

The exhaust gas aftertreatment
system may otherwise be damaged.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet No. 352.0.
Damage caused by the use of other
reducing agents will result in the loss of
your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
entitlements.
! If DEF comes into contact with a painted
or aluminum surface, wash the surface off
immediately with plenty of water.
! DEF is not a diesel additive and must not
be mixed with fuel in the tank. Even small
amounts of DEF can cause engine damage.
Damage resulting from adding DEF is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. i
If the DEF level drops below the reserve
level, the second warning message
(Y page 116) appears and at this point, at
the latest, you

must add at least 2.0 US gal
(7.6 l) of DEF.
You will find further information on DEF in the
"Service products" section (Y page 155).
DEF filler neck in the engine
compartment X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Close all
vehicle doors so that no ammonia
vapors can enter the vehicle.
i Do not inhale

any ammonia vapors which
may escape when you unscrew the tank
filler cap. Ammonia vapors have a pungent
odor. However, they are neither toxic nor
hazardous to health in this concentration. X
Turn tank filler cap 0046
counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Only fill the tank via the filler neck until the
DEF level can be seen in the filler neck.
X Replace DEF tank filler cap 0046 on the filler
neck and turn clockwise.
You will hear a click when tank filler
cap 0046 is closed fully.
DEF filler neck on the right-hand vehicle
side X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Close all vehicle doors so that no ammonia
vapors can enter the vehicle. Refueling
143
Operation Z

i
Do not inhale
any ammonia vapors which
may escape when you unscrew the tank
filler cap. Ammonia vapors have a pungent
odor. However, they are neither toxic nor
hazardous to health in this concentration. DEF tank on the right-hand side of the vehicle
(example: Chassis Cab)
DEF tank filler cap
X
Remove tool 0086 for unlocking tank filler
cap 0047 from the

footwell on the co-driver's
side ( Y page 182).
X Pull cover 0088 up, turn 90° and release.
X Insert tool 0086 into hole 008A of tank filler
cap 0047.
X Turn tank filler cap 0047 counter-clockwise,
remove it and let it hang from retaining
strap 0046. Make sure that tool 0086 remains
in tank filler cap 0047 while doing so.
X Only fill the tank via the filler neck until the
DEF level can be seen in the filler neck.
X Replace tank filler cap 0047 and turn
clockwise. X
Pull tool 0086 out of tank filler cap 0047 and
stow with
the

vehicle tool kit in the footwell
on the co-driver's side.
X Pull cover 0088 up over hole 008A of tank filler
cap 0047, turn and release.
X Turn tank filler cap 0047.
If tank filler cap 0047 turns freely, the DEF
tank is closed. Transporting loads with the vehicle
Loading guidelines
G
Warning
Secure and position the load as described in
the loading guidelines. You or others could
otherwise be injured by the load slipping or
being thrown around in the event of sharp
braking, sudden changes in direction or on
poor road surfaces.

This also applies to seats
which have been removed if they remain in the
vehicle.
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
"Securing a load" section. G
Warning
Do not allow the load, including passengers,
to exceed the permissible gross vehicle
weight or the

gross axle weight rating for your
vehicle.
If the gross axle weight rating or permissible
gross vehicle weight is exceeded during
transport, tire durability and road safety are
adversely affected. The vehicle's handling and
steering characteristics change noticeably.
Braking and stopping distances are
significantly longer.
The vehicle's driving, steering and braking
characteristics change as the gross vehicle
weight increases or when the center of gravity
is raised. 144
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation

Always make sure that the distribution of the
load is correct and adapt your driving style
according to the load. G
Warning
If you have installed a roof carrier, the
vehicle’s handling, steering and braking
characteristics may change

due to the higher
center of gravity. This is the case particularly
if the roof carrier is laden. Adapt your driving
style according to the vehicle load.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. An incorrectly secured roof
carrier and/or load could come loose, fall off
and thereby endanger you or others.
Observe the maximum roof load and
maximum roof carrier load. Loads transported
on the roof must always be secured with
particular care.
Do not allow the load, including passengers,
to exceed the permissible gross vehicle
weight or the gross axle weight rating for your
vehicle. G
Warning
When using suitable load securing aids and
lashing material, always follow the
manufacturer's operating instructions, in
particular the notes on discard criteria
contained therein.
Load securing aids and lashing material may
not be used, for example, if:
R identification marks are

missing or illegible
R there are yarn breakages, damage to
bearing 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
Load securing aids and lashing material in this
condition are ready for discard and must be
replaced.
If you use load securing aids or lashing
materials that are ready for discard, the load
is not correctly secured and could cause serious injuries to you and others and cause
material damage.
G
Warning!
After an
accident, have a damaged cargo floor
or cargo area, lashing eyelets and lashing
material checked at a qualified specialist
workshop that has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. The cargo could otherwise be
insufficiently secured during the next
transport and could lead to serious injury to
you and other persons or material damage.
For this reason,

we recommend an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. In particular, all work relevant
to safety or on safety-related systems must
be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof
carrier load.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 283) and information about roof
carriers in the "Carrier systems" section
(Y page 149).
Before loading X
Tire pressure: check the
tire pressure and
correct if necessary ( Y page 281).
X Cargo floor: clean the cargo floor.
The cargo floor must be free from oil and
dust, dry and clean swept to prevent the
load from slipping.
X Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo floor if necessary.
! As soon as the non-slip mats show signs
of deformation or

develop squashed areas,
or traces of cracking/cutting, they can no
longer be used to secure a load and must
be replaced. Transporting loads with the vehicle
145
Operation Z

During loading
X
Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible gross vehicle weight for your
vehicle.
! On passenger van versions with
maximum seating layout, the permissible
rear axle load
would be exceeded if the full
payload were to be loaded in the cargo
compartment.
i Bear in mind that the curb weight of the
vehicle is increased by installing optional
equipment and accessories.
X Observe the information about load
distribution ( Y page 146).
X Secure the load ( Y page 146). Always
observe the relevant national regulations.
Checks after loading 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. G
Warning
Make sure that the sliding doors and rear
doors are always closed when the engine is
running.
Exhaust fumes could otherwise enter the
vehicle interior and poison you.
X Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
according to the vehicle load
(Y page 281).
X Driving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load. Load distribution
The overall center

of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle. !
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.
On crewbuses:
X Always transport loads in the cargo
compartment.
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 down.
i 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
General notes As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that the cargo is secured against sliding,
tipping, rolling or falling. This applies to
general traffic situations as well as evasive
maneuvers or full brake application and on
poor stretches of road.
If your load

is not secured in accordance with
applicable requirements and guidelines
regarding the securing of loads, you may be
liable to prosecution, depending on the local
legislation and the consequences of
inadequately secured loads.
You should therefore observe the respective
legal requirements for the relevant country.
Check that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long 146
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation

journey, and correct an incorrectly or
inadequately secured load if necessary.
i
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 arches (form-
locking). Use rigid
load securing aids, such
as wedges, wooden fixings or padding.
X Attach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions to the cargo tie-down points,
cargo tie-down rings

and loading rails in the
cargo compartment or on the load surface,
depending on the equipment in the vehicle.
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.
i Tie-downs which have been tested in
accordance with current standards (e.g.
DIN EN) can be obtained from specialist
firms or an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Loads, and

heavy loads in particular, should
preferably be secured using the cargo tie-
down rings. Cargo tie-down points (example: Passenger Van)
0046
Cargo tie-down rings Cargo tie-down points (example: Cargo Van)
0046
Cargo tie-down rings
0047 Load rails 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. Transporting loads with the vehicle
147
Operation Z

G
Warning
Do not attempt to modify or repair the lashing
points, cargo tie-down

rings or tie downs. The
load or the cargo tie-down rings could work
loose and cause serious injury to you and
other people as well as material damage.
Spread the load evenly between the lashing
points or cargo tie-down rings.
Observe the loading guidelines.
i 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.
! Observe the information

on the maximum
loading capacity of the lashing points.
If you use multiple lashing points to secure
a load, you should observe the maximum
loading capacity of the weakest lashing
point.
When you brake hard, for example, forces
apply that can be far higher than the weight
force of the transported load. Always use
multiple lashing points to distribute these
forces, and distribute the load equally
among them.
Information about the maximum loading
capacity of the cargo tie-down points can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 283).
i If your vehicle is equipped with loading
rails in the cargo floor, you should place
lashing rods directly in front of and behind
the load. The lashing rods directly absorb
the potential shifting forces. G
Warning
If you
tension the lashing straps between the
side walls, or between a side wall and the
cargo floor, the

maximum permissible load for
the loading rails or lashing points or eyelets
could be exceeded if the brakes are applied suddenly, if
the vehicle's direction is changed
abruptly or in the event of an accident.
The load would no longer be secured,
resulting in a risk of serious injury being
caused by the load slipping.
For this reason,

do not tension a lashing strap
between the side walls or between a side wall
and the cargo floor.
Only lashing rods are to be used between the
loading rails on the side walls. Observe the
operating instructions of the lashing rod
manufacturer.
i Securing loads on the cargo floor by
lashing them down is only recommended
for lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats
(anti-slip mats) on the cargo floor to
increase load security. G
Warning
Before releasing
the lashing straps, you must
make sure that

the load is standing firmly and
that it cannot tip over once the straps have
been removed. Otherwise, you or others could
be injured by the load slipping.
Installing/removing cargo tie-down
points for the loading rails X
To install: slide the cargo tie-down ring
through a recess

in the loading rail close to
the load until locking mechanism 0046
engages in the recess.
i When you pull locking mechanism 0046 up
and out of the recess, the cargo tie-down
ring is able to move within the loading rail. 148
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation