check engine MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2011 MY11 Operator’s Manual

Lamp failure indicator
The bulb failure indicator monitors all lamps
of the exterior lighting with the exception of
the front position lamps and the trailer
lighting. If a bulb fails, either the
0055( Y page
197)

indicator lamp lights up or
a corresponding message is shown in the
display ( Y page 209).
i Depending on the equipment, the bulb
failure indicator can be omitted for all
lamps with the exception of the turn signal
lamps. G
Warning
The bulb failure indicator is only an aid. You
are responsible for the proper functioning of
the vehicle lighting. Insufficient or non-
functioning vehicle lighting

puts the operating
safety of the vehicle at risk. You could cause
an accident and injure yourself or others.
Therefore, check the lighting equipment of
the vehicle before each journey and, if
necessary, check the operation and condition
of the trailer lighting equipment. Light switch
Configuration You can switch the vehicle lighting on or off
using the light switch.
The light switch is located between the
driver's door and the steering wheel.
0046
Light switch The symbols on the light switch have the
following meanings:
005A
Automatic headlamp mode
0027 Lights off/daytime
running lamp mode
006C Parking lamps, license plate lamp and
instrument lighting on
0064 Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
(depending on the position of the
combination switch)
Low-beam headlamps X
Turn the key to position 1 in the ignition
lock.
X Turn the light switch to 0064.
The 0064 indicator lamp in the instrument
panel lights up.
Daytime running lamp mode You can adjust daytime running lamp mode
in the on-board computer:
R
vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Y page 74)
R vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Y page 74)
This is not possible in countries where
daytime running lamp mode is a legal
requirement.
X Turn the light switch to 0027.
The low-beam headlamps, parking lamps
and license plate lamp are switched on
when the engine is running.
The 0064 indicator lamp in the instrument
panel lights up.
i USA only:
When you turn the light switch to 006C or
0064, the respective

light comes on. When
the light switch is turned to 005A, daytime
running lamp mode remains switched on.
i Canada only:
When you turn the light switch to 0064, the
low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the light switch is turned to 006C or Lighting
89
Controls Z

vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle could roll
away.
Driving the vehicle
Exhaust gas aftertreatment
The exhaust gas aftertreatment requires a
reducing agent, Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF), in
order to function correctly. Filling up the DEF
tank is usually part of the service scope. DEF
consumption depends on operational and
driving conditions; the supply does not have
to suffice until the next scheduled service. For
this reason, refill the DEF tank regularly
during vehicle operation, or, at the latest,
after the first warning message has been
received from the on-board computer.
To conform with emission regulations, you
must operate the vehicle with DEF and refill
the supply regularly. If you try to operate the
vehicle without DEF, with diluted DEF, or with
a different reduction agent, the engine
management detects this and issues a
warning message, after which the engine
cannot be restarted.
If the DEF supply drops below
1.5 US gal (5.5 l), you receive the first warning
message and you hear a warning tone. After
the first message appears, the remaining DEF
supply suffices for approximately 1000 miles
(1600 km) in normal driving conditions.
Then, the reserve range of 0.8 US gal (3.0 l)
is reached. Once the reserve range has been
reached, you receive the next warning
message and you hear a series of warning
tones. After the first message appears, the
DEF reserve suffices for approximately
1200 miles (1900 km). You can, however,
only start the engine another 16 times.
You should now, at the latest, fill up with at
least 2.0 US gal (7.6 l) of DEF (Y page 143)
or have the DEF tank filled at a qualified
specialist workshop. When the number of remaining engine starts
is 0, the engine management prevents the
engine from being started.
If the
00BB

check engine indicator lamp lights
up, the exhaust gas aftertreatment is faulty or
an emission-relevant malfunction has
occurred (Y page 195). You can then drive a
maximum of 50 miles (80 km) before the
engine management limits the number of
remaining engine starts.
If the exhaust gas aftertreatment is faulty,
have it checked and repaired at a qualified
specialist workshop. We recommend that you
use an authorized Sprinter Dealer for this
purpose.
You will find further information on DEF in the
"Service products" section (Y page 155).
Level indicator You will find further information about DEF
consumption in the "Driving tips" section
(Y

page 140).
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
If the DEF supply is less than
1.5 US gal (5.5 l), the 00E4 indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up and the
009BdEF Chk message appears in the
display.
If the DEF supply drops below the reserve
level of 0.8 US gal (3.0 l), the 00E4 indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up and
the 009BStArtS RE
xx

message is shown in
the display. xx refers to the number of
remaining engine starts (from 16 to 0).
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
If the DEF supply is less than
1.5 US gal (5.5 l), the Check Diesel
Exhaust Fluid See Operator's Manual
message appears in the display.
If the DEF supply drops below the reserve
level of 0.8 US gal (3.0 l), the 00E4xx
starts remaining message appears in the
display. xx refers to the number of remaining
engine starts (from 16 to 0).116
Driving the vehicle
Controls

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

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

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

X
Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close the rear doors.
X Couple the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections. Trailer coupled ready for use
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the
towing
of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and reversing in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
-trailer coupling
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connection
- lights
- wheels R
Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of

the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away slowly, brake manually
using the brake controller and check that
the brakes are functional.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
that the cargo is secure and make sure that
the trailer lamps and (if applicable) the
trailer brakes are functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a
decreased gradient climbing capability and
a longer braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
R If possible, do not brake abruptly; apply the
brakes moderately to begin with to allow
the trailer to activate its brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on
inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4, 3, 2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
R When driving on a downhill gradient, shift
to a low gear and take advantage of the
engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system. Transporting loads with the vehicle
151
Operation Z

Verify compliance with weight limitations on
a weighbridge.
Trailer power supply
Your vehicle may be equipped with various
electrical fittings for trailer towing.
Depending on your trailer, you may need an
adapter to allow your trailer to be connected
to the vehicle. Information about your
vehicle's electrical equipment is available
from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
!
Faulty wiring of the connector plug could
in certain circumstances cause other
electronic systems to
malfunction. For this
reason, we recommend having the wiring
of the connector plug performed at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Operation in winter
General notes
Have your vehicle winterized at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer, at the onset of winter.
This service includes the following:
R oil change, if the engine oil currently used
does not have adequate low temperature
characteristics or if these are no longer
sufficient due to aging
R the antifreeze/anticorrosion
concentration in the coolant is checked.
R the addition of a concentrated cleaning
agent to the water in the windshield
washer/headlamp cleaning system
R battery check
R a tire change
Prior to the

onset of winter, ensure that snow
chains are available in the vehicle.
Do not cover the surface of the radiator or the
radiator grill, even in winter. Doing so could
cause the engine diagnostics to record false
or incorrect data. Recording of engine
diagnostic data is legally prescribed and must therefore be correct, clear and
comprehensible at all times.
You
will find

information about diesel fuel for
use at low outside temperatures in the
"Operation" section ( Y page 154).
Please also observe the information about
winter driving (Y page 111).
You will find information about winter tires
and about driving with snow chains in the
"Wheel and tires" section (Y page 153). Service products
Fuel
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.
! 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.
! Refuel only with commercially available
vehicle diesel fuel, ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
DIESEL with a sulfur content no greater
than 15 ppm. Fuels such as fatty acid
methyl ester FAME (bio-diesel fuels),
marine diesel, heating oil etc. may not be
used as a diesel fuel mixture.
Refuel with B5 bio-diesel only if it fulfills the
requirements listed under "Fuel quality". Service products
153
Operation Z

Change intervals for brake fluid
Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Brake fluid 2 years Intac B026E
R
Boiling point: 500 ‡(260 †)
R Wet boiling point:
356 ‡ (180 †) 331.0
Coolant
G
Warning
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore toxic.
Do not swallow the coolant. See a doctor
immediately if you swallow coolant.
Make sure that coolant does not come into
contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. In case of
contact with eyes, rinse immediately with
plenty of clean water. Clean affected areas of
skin and clothing with soap and water
immediately. Change any affected clothing
immediately.
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor.
In the coolant, the antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor is responsible for:
R corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
The coolant must remain in the cooling
system all year round for corrosion protection
purposes and to increase the boiling point –
even in countries with hot climates.
At the factory, the vehicle is filled with a
coolant that ensures protection against frost
and corrosion and which can be mixed with
approved antifreeze/corrosion inhibitors.
! Use only approved antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitors that comply with the MB
Specification for Service Products, Sheet
No. 325. Using other, non-approved
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitors may cause damage to the coolant system and reduce
the engine's service life.
Check the antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the coolant every six
months.
When the coolant is being renewed, the
coolant must contain 50 % by volume of
anticorrosion/antifreeze

agent. This provides
antifreeze protection down to
–34.6 ‡(–37 †).
Do not exceed a proportion of
55 % by volume (antifreeze protection down
to approximately –49.0 ‡ (–45 †)),
otherwise heat dissipation is reduced.
If there is a loss of coolant, do not replenish
with water only, but also add an approved
corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze agent. The
water in the coolant must meet certain
requirements, which are often fulfilled by
drinking water. If the water quality is not
sufficient, you must treat the water.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet Number 325.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Sprinter Dealer. 160
Service products
Operation

Only open the coolant expansion tank when
the coolant temperature is below 122 ‡
(50 †).
G
Warning
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore toxic.
Do not swallow the coolant. See a doctor
immediately if you swallow coolant.
Make sure that coolant does not come into
contact with skin,

eyes or clothing. In case of
contact with eyes, rinse immediately with
plenty of clean water. Clean affected areas of
skin and clothing with soap and water
immediately. Change any affected clothing
immediately.
X Slowly turn cap 0046 counter-clockwise and
allow the excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap 0046 further and remove it.
X Add coolant until it is at the MAX mark.
Observe the correct coolant mixture ratio
and the required water quality
(Y page 160).
X Replace cap 0046 and tighten
it until the stop.
! Check the cooling and heating system
regularly for leaks.
If a large quantity of coolant is lost, have
the cause traced

and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. Clutch mechanism and brake system
G
Warning
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Do not
swallow brake fluid.

See a doctor immediately
if you swallow brake fluid.
Make sure that brake fluid does not come into
contact with skin, clothing or eyes. Rinse
affected areas with plenty of clean water and
consult a doctor if necessary.
Always wear gloves and eye protection when
topping up brake fluid. Store brake fluid only in the original closed
container and keep it out of the reach of
children. Comply with safety regulations
when handling brake fluid.
G
Warning
If the
boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes

are subjected to a heavy load
(e.g. on long downhill stretches). This would
impair braking efficiency. The vehicle's
stopping distance may then be longer. This
increases the risk of an accident.
Have the brake fluid renewed every two years.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment.
Check the brake fluid level:
R regularly, e.g. weekly or when refueling
R only with the vehicle standing on a level
surface and with the engine switched off
! Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and
rubber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come
into contact with brake fluid, rinse with
water immediately. 0046
Brake fluid reservoir cap
The brake fluid level must be between the
MIN and
MAX marks.
! If the brake fluid does not reach the
MIN mark, the vehicle's hydraulic system
could be faulty. Do not add brake fluid
under any circumstances. This will not
rectify the malfunction.
Do not drive any further. 170
Maintenance
Operation

Have the system checked immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
i There is usually a notice in the engine
compartment to remind
you when the next
brake fluid change is due. Windshield washer system/
headlamp cleaning system
Add windshield washer concentrate to the
washer fluid all year round. G
Warning
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable.
Fire, naked flames

and smoking are therefore
prohibited when you are handling windshield
washer concentrate.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
Adapt the mixing ratio to the ambient
temperature. If the temperature is above
freezing, use Summerwash to prevent
smearing. If there is a risk of frost, use
Winterwash to prevent the water from
freezing on the windshield.
The washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of
approximately 6.3 US qt (6.0 l). X
Mix the washer fluid to the appropriate
mixing ratio in a container beforehand.
X Remove washer fluid reservoir cap 0046.X
Add washer fluid.
X Replace cap 0046. Engine oil level
You will find information about engine oil
consumption in the "Driving tips" section
(Y page 141).
Check the engine oil level on a regular basis,
e.g. weekly or each time you refuel.
Checking the engine oil level in the
display Depending on the vehicle's equipment, in
vehicles with a diesel engine, the engine oil
level is shown in the display.
Only check the engine oil level when the
engine is at operating temperature.
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait for five minutes.
X Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
The display is activated.
i If at extremely low temperatures no
engine oil level is displayed after five
minutes, repeat the engine oil level check
after a further five minutes.
If an oil level reading is still not displayed,
check the engine

oil level with the dipstick.
Have the oil level display checked at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
X Press the 007B menu button on the
instrument cluster repeatedly until the
display shows the 00B1 symbol.
The --:-- display flashes

while the oil level
is being measured. Maintenance
171
Operation Z