engine oil MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2012 MY12 Operator’s Manual

Menu overview
Diagrams Generic terms
This is what the displays look like when you
scroll through the menus.
i
The generic terms
in the tabular overview
should make orientation easier for you.
However, they are not always shown on the
display.
On Sound 5/Audio 20, the on-board
computer always shows the AUDIO and TEL
(telephone) menus in English. This is the case
even if a different language is selected for the
display. Operation
0046
Operation menu (
Y page 77)
R Standard display
R Calls up the service due date
(
Y page 167)
R Tire pressure monitor
R Checks the engine oil level
(Y page 171) 0047
Audio menu (
Y page 77) Operation
008A
Message memory menu
(Y
page 78)
0088
Settings menu
0086
Trip computer menu
0087
Telephone menu
Operation menu
Press 0029 or 002D to select the following
functions in the Operation menu:
R trip meter and total distance recorder
(standard display)
R display the coolant temperature
(Y page 77)
R calling up the service due
date ( Y page 167)
R tire pressure monitor
R checking the engine oil level
(Y page 171)76
On-board computer with steering wheel buttons
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

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

Storage
Only store DEF in containers made of high-
alloy Cr-Ni steel or Mo-Cr-Ni steel in
accordance with DIN EN 10 088-1/2/3 or
plastic containers made of polypropylene or
polyethylene.
!
Containers made of aluminum, copper,
copper alloys as well as unalloyed or
galvanized steel
are not suitable for storing
DEF. If stored in these types of containers,
DEF could cause constituents of these
metals to dissolve and cause irreparable
damage to the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Damage caused by dissolved components
of the storage container will result in a loss
of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
entitlements.
Disposal Observe country-specific laws and
regulations when disposing of DEF.
0040Environmental note
Dispose of DEF in an environmentally
responsible manner.
Purity
The purity of DEF is essential to prevent
malfunctions in the exhaust gas
aftertreatment.
If DEF is pumped out of the DEF tank, e.g.
during repair work, the same liquid must not
be used
to

refill the tank. Its purity is no longer
guaranteed.
! Impurities in DEF (e.g. caused by other
service products, cleaning agents, dust,
etc.) result in increased emissions,
malfunctions, catalytic converter damage
or engine damage. Engine oils
Use only approved engine oil that complies
with the MB Specifications for Service
Products.
! The bottles of

the various engine oil types
are marked with ACEA (Association des
Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles)
and/or API (American Petroleum Institute)
classifications. Only use approved engine
oils that conform to the following MB
Specifications for Service Products and the
prescribed ACEA and/or API
classifications. Using engine oils of another
quality is not permitted and may lead to a
loss of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
entitlements.
The use of other, non-approved engine oils
for diesel engines can cause damage to the
diesel particle filter (DPF).
The MB Specifications for Service Products
apply to your vehicle 1
R 228.51
R 229.51
These engine oils are of high quality and have
a beneficial effect on:
R engine wear
R fuel consumption
R emissions
Multi-grade engine oils of the prescribed SAE
class (viscosity) may be used all year round,
taking the outside temperatures into
account.
Oil change Oil change intervals depend on the vehicle's
operating conditions and the quality of the
engine oil used.
The on-board computer automatically shows
the date for the next oil change as an event
message in the display.
1 If the quality

level for diesel engines is not available, you may refill with engine oils that comply with the MB
Specifications for Service Products, Sheet No. 228.5, 229.3 and 229.5. The refill quantity is then limited to
a maximum of 1 qt (1 l). 156
Service products
Operation

Select the SAE class (viscosity) of the engine
oil in accordance with the outside
temperature.
!
If the SAE
viscosity class of the engine oil
used does not cover the outside
temperature range in which you are
operating the vehicle, it must be changed
in good time, in particular before the cold
season commences. Using an engine oil
that does not have adequate temperature
characteristics can lead to engine damage.
The temperature range information of the
SAE classification always refers to that of
fresh oil. The temperature characteristics
of the engine oil may deteriorate
significantly due to aging in use, especially
at low outside temperatures.
For this reason, we recommend that the
engine oil be changed before the cold
season commences. Use an approved
engine oil of the specified SAE class. Engine oil SAE classification
i
Only by using

engine oil with a particularly
high quality grade, e.g. according to Sheet
Number 228.51 of the MB Specifications
for Service Products, can the maximum
interval for oil change be achieved.
We recommend that you only add engine oil
of the same quality grade and SAE class as
used when the engine oil was last changed.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
! Do not add too much oil. Adding too much
oil can result in damage to the engine or the catalytic converter. Have excess oil
siphoned off.
Miscibility of engine oils If, in exceptional cases, oil of the type in the
engine is not available, top up using another
approved mineral or synthetic engine oil.
Engine oils are differentiated according to:
R
engine oil brand
R quality grade (sheet number)
R SAE class (viscosity)
Subsequently have the

engine oil changed at
the earliest possible opportunity.
! Mixing oils reduces the benefits of using
high grade engine oils.
i The sheet number (quality grade) and the
SAE classification (viscosity) can be found
on the designation on the oil bottle. Service products
157
Operation Z

Change intervals for engine oil
Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Engine oil for diesel engines 2 years or
10,000 miles
(16,000 km)
2 See approved engine oils 228.51
229.51
Transmission and steering oils
Automatic transmission Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Automatic transmission oil every second
maintenance
service Shell ATF 3403/M-115 236.10
Fuchs/Shell ATF 3353 236.12
You can obtain further information from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Rear axle
Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Transmission oil every sixth
maintenance
service or
every
10 years 3 BP Energear Hypo DC 80W-90 235.20
Mobil Delvac Synthetic Gear Oil
75W-90 235.8
You can obtain further information from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
2
The interval – time or distance – that is first reached applies.
3 The maintenance interval criterion that occurs first applies.158
Service productsOperation

Steering
Steering, no maintenance required.
Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Power steering fluid – Mobil ATF-D,
Exxon Mobil Corporation or
equivalent 236.3
You can obtain further information from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Brake fluid
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.
Use only approved brake fluids that comply
with the MB Specification for Service
Products, Sheet No. 331.0. You must observe
the boiling points (DOT 4 plus).
The brake fluid must have the following
characteristics in accordance with the
FMVSS 116 and ISO 4925 standards:
R boiling point (ERBP) of at least
500 ‡(260 †)
R wet boiling point (WERBP) of at least
356 ‡(180 †)
R viscosity of a maximum of 1500 mm²/s
Over a period of time, the brake fluid absorbs
moisture from the air. This reduces its boiling
point. 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 replaced every
two years with brake fluid approved by the
distributor named on the inside of the front
cover and have the replacement confirmed in
the Maintenance Booklet.
i There is usually a notice in the engine
compartment to remind you when the next
brake fluid change is due.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Service products
159Operation 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

authorized Sprinter Dealer. All work relevant
to safety or on safety-related systems must
be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Observe the notes on parts in the "Technical
data" section ( Y page 276).
0040 Environmental note
Observe measures to protect the
environment when working on the vehicle.
You must observe the legal requirements
when disposing of service products, e.g.
engine oil. This

also includes all components,
e.g. filters, which have come into contact with
service products.
Any qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Sprinter Dealer, can provide
information about this.
Dispose of empty containers, cleaning cloths
and care products in an environmentally-
responsible manner. Comply with the
instructions for use of the care products.
Do not run the engine for longer than
necessary when the vehicle is stationary. Active Service System (ASSYST)
The ASSYST service indicator informs you of
the next service due date.
A service that is due is displayed about a
month in advance. A message is then
displayed while the vehicle is in motion or
while the ignition is switched on.
i Periods when the

battery is disconnected
will not be recorded by ASSYST. To make
sure that you have the vehicle serviced at
the correct time, you should therefore
subtract periods when the battery is
disconnected from the days shown.
The service indicator does not provide
information about the oil level. The service
indicator should therefore not be confused
with the 00B5 engine oil level display. i
The service due date is displayed in days
or miles (kilometers), depending on the
total distance driven.
The symbols or

letters in the service indicator
show the service due.
009B or A for a minor service
009C or B for a major service
Service due date indicator Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
The following messages may be displayed:
R
009B
Service A in ... days
R 009B Service A in ... mi (km)
R 009B Service A due now
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
The following messages may be displayed:
R 009B for service A
R 009C for service B
Additionally you will see the remaining
distance in
miles

(mi) or kilometers ( km) or the
remaining time in days ( d).
Service due date exceeded A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Sprinter
Dealer,

resets the service
indicator when the service has been carried
out.
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
If you have missed the service due date, one
of the following messages appears in the
display:
R 009B Service A overdue by ... days
R 009B Service A overdue by ... mi
(km)
Additionally a warning tone sounds.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
If the service due date has been exceeded,
ten seconds after switching on the ignition
the 009B or 009C symbol flashes for the Maintenance
167
Operation Z