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

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

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

X
To install the air filter: insert the filter
mat.
X Put cover 0046 on. Vehicle assemblies
Check the assemblies regularly for leaks. If
fluid is being lost (e.g. there are oil stains
where the vehicle is parked), have the cause
found and rectified
immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
0040Environmental note
When used improperly, service products are
harmful to the environment.
Do not allow service products to enter the
sewage system, surface

waters, ground water
or soil. Replacing the wiper blades
G
Warning
If the windshield wipers are set to intermittent
wipe or the rain/light sensor is active, the
windshield wipers could start moving at any
time and injure you or others.
Always remove the

key from the ignition lock
before replacing the wiper blades. G
Warning
Wiper blades are wear parts. Change the
wiper blades every six months, ideally in the
spring and fall.

Otherwise, the windshield and
rear window will not be wiped properly. This
may prevent you from observing the traffic
conditions, thereby causing an accident.
! Do not open the hood when a wiper arm
is folded away from the windshield.
Otherwise, you could damage the hood.
Do not fold the wiper arms back onto the
windshield without wiper blades fitted as
this could scratch the windshield. !
Only touch the windshield wiper where it
connects to the wiper arm. You could
otherwise damage the

wiper blade inserts.
Removing X
Apply the parking brake.
X On vehicles with automatic transmission,
move the selector lever to position P.
X Turn the key to position 1 in the ignition
lock. Front wiper arm with windshield wiper
X
Fold wiper arm 008A away from the
windshield.
X Set windshield wiper 0046 at right angles to
the wiper arm.
X Press two retaining clips 0047 together
in
the
direction of the arrow and swing windshield
wiper 0046 away from wiper arm 008A.
X Pull windshield wiper 0046 up and out of the
retainer on wiper arm 008A.
Installing X
Slide windshield wiper 0046 into the retainer
on wiper arm 008A.
X Press windshield wiper 0046 onto wiper arm
008A until you

hear retaining clips 0047 engage.
X Fold wiper arm 008A onto the windshield
again. 174
Maintenance
Operation

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 SolutionsThe engine does not
start.
The starter motor
cannot be heard. The battery is discharged or faulty.
X
Check the battery for damage.
X Charge the battery ( Y page 178).The engine does not
start.
The starter motor
cannot be heard. The starter is faulty.
X
Have the starter checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Automatic transmission
G
Warning
The operating safety of your vehicle could be jeopardized if maintenance work is carried out
incorrectly. As a
result, you could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition,
the safety systems may no longer be able to protect you or others as they are designed to do.
Always have maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. The qualified
specialist workshop must have the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the
work required. We recommend visiting an authorized Sprinter Dealer. In particular, work relevant
to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 SolutionsThe transmission no
longer changes gear
correctly. The transmission is losing oil.
X
Have the transmission checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop. The acceleration
characteristics have
deteriorated
noticeably.
The transmission does
not shift. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear or reverse gear.
X
Stop the vehicle.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the selector lever to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the selector lever to position D or R.
X In position D, the transmission shifts into second gear; in
position R, the transmission shits into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop.214
Troubleshooting
Practical advice

Jacking point (example: vehicle type 3500 )
!
Do not place
the jack on the leaf spring or
the differential case.
On cab chassis vehicles, the jacking point is
located next to the front leaf spring support. Jacking point (example: platform vehicle)
!
Only position the jack on the jacking
points intended for

this purpose. You could
otherwise damage the vehicle.
Removing a wheel X
Unscrew the wheel bolts or nuts.
! Do not place

the wheel bolts or the wheel
nuts in sand or dirt. The threads of the
wheel bolts and wheel nuts could otherwise
be damaged when being installed.
X On front wheels with wheel nuts, remove
the wheel nut cover.
X Remove the wheel. Mounting a new wheel G
Warning
To avoid the risk of serious or even fatal injury
and to avoid damage to the vehicle, observe
the following:
R replace the wheel bolts and wheel nuts if
they are damaged or have become rusty.
R never oil or grease wheel bolts or wheel
nuts.
R if a wheel

hub thread is damaged, you must
not drive the vehicle.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop
which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
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.
R For safety reasons, we recommend that you
only use wheel bolts and wheel nuts which
have been approved for Sprinter vehicles.
Other wheel bolts or wheel nuts could work
loose.
X Clean the wheel and wheel hub contact
surfaces.
X Push the wheel onto the wheel hub or the
adapter for the

spare wheel and press it on.
! If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitor, each wheel has an
electronic component.
Tire-mounting tools should not be applied
in the area of the valve. Otherwise, the
electronic components could

be damaged.
Only have the tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. G
Warning
Do not tighten the wheel bolts and wheel nuts
completely while the

vehicle is still jacked up.
The vehicle could otherwise tip. Wheels and tires
231
Practical advice Z