ECU MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2012 MY12 Operator’s Manual

transmission will not shift up if the shift
range is restricted.
003A
The automatic transmission shifts
through all five gears.
0042
The automatic transmission shifts
only as far as fourth gear.
0040
The automatic transmission shifts
only as far as third gear.
This position allows you to use the
braking effect of the engine.
0038
The automatic transmission shifts
only as far as second gear.
This position is for journeys in
arduous conditions, in
mountainous terrain or on steep
mountain roads. You can use the
engine's braking
effect
on downhill
gradients. 0037
The automatic transmission only
works in first gear.
The braking
effect

of the engine can
be utilized on extremely steep
downhill gradients and long
downhill stretches. Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the
automatic transmission shifts gear:
R
little throttle: early upshifts
R lots of throttle: later upshifts Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
next gear down, depending on the engine
speed.
X Ease off on the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission

shifts up again.
Stopping If you only need to stop briefly:
X
Leave the selector lever in the drive
position.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
using the brake pedal.
Maneuvering Maneuvering in a tight space:
X
Control the vehicle's speed by braking
carefully.
X Accelerate only slightly and avoid jolting.
i For rapid maneuvering (e.g. to rock the
vehicle out of

snow or slush), you can shift
back and forth between drive position D
and reverse gear R at low speeds without
applying the brakes.
Towing a trailer X
Run the engine in the moderate engine
speed range on steep uphill gradients.
X Depending on the uphill or downhill
gradient, shift down to shift range 3 or
2(Y page 115), even if cruise control is
switched on.
Working on the vehicle G
Warning
Apply the parking brake and move the
selector lever to P when working on the Automatic transmission
115
Controls
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

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

Make sure that locking mechanism 0046 is
always engaged in a recess.
G
Warning
If not firmly anchored in the loading rail, the
cargo tie-down ring
may slip or be torn out of
the loading rail in the event of sudden braking.
The load would no longer be secured,
resulting in a risk of serious injury being
caused by the load slipping. For this reason,
always check the cargo tie-down ring for firm
seating after installing.
X Check the cargo tie-down ring for firm
seating.
X To remove:
pull locking

mechanism 0046 up
and pull the cargo tie-down ring towards
the locking mechanism and out of the
loading rail through a recess. Carrier systems
It is possible to install a roof carrier if your
vehicle is equipped

with securing rails on the
roof.
Special mountings (sliding blocks) are
available as accessories. These are available
from any authorized Sprinter Dealer. 0046
Securing rails 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.
You can find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 283).
! Make sure that:
R the roof rack mounting bolts are
tightened in the slot nuts provided with
a torque of 6.0 – 7.4 lb-ft(8 – 10 Nm).
R the bolts, when tightened, do not touch
the rails.
R the slot nuts are not located in the area
of the plastic caps.
R the slot nuts have the right cross-section.
R the mounting rails in the interior are free
of dirt.
R retighten the mounting bolts evenly after
approximately 300 miles (500 km).
We recommend that you only use roof
racks tested and approved by Sprinter.
These help avoid vehicle damage.
! If you would like to have the mounting
rails retrofitted, have them installed at a
qualified specialist workshop which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools
to carry out the work required. You could
otherwise damage the vehicle.
For this reason, we recommend an
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Transporting loads with the vehicle
149
Operation Z

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

G
Warning
Never use openings in the bodywork as steps.
You may otherwise

damage the vehicle or lose
your footing and injure yourself or others.
If you have to clean the upper areas of the
vehicle, always use suitable ladders or other
secure climbing aids. G
Warning
Dirty or
iced-up steps and entrances create a
risk of slipping or falling.
Keep steps, entrances

and footwear free from
dirt (e.g. mud, clay, snow and ice). Cleaning the interior of the vehicle
Seat belts !
Observe the following notes on cleaning
the seat belts:
R Remove any stains or dirt immediately.
This will avoid residue or damage.
R Do not bleach

or dye the seat belts. This
could impair the function of the seat
belts.
R Do not dry the seat belts in direct
sunlight or at temperatures above
176 ‡ (80 †).
Steering wheel boss and cockpit G
Warning!
When cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard, do not use cockpit sprays or
cleaning agents containing

solvents. Cleaning
agents containing solvents cause the surface
to become porous, and as a result, plastic
parts may break away and be thrown around
the interior when an air bag is deployed, which
may result in severe injuries.
Use a damp, clean and lint-free cloth to clean
the plastic components and the cockpit. If
particularly dirty, use a mild detergent. !
Do not use
dry, coarse or hard cloths and
do not scrub. You could otherwise scratch
or damage the surfaces.
Radio and monitor display X
Switch off the radio or rear-view camera
monitor and let it cool.
X Clean the display surface with a
commercially available microfiber cloth
and cleaner for TFT/LCD displays.
X After drying,
polish the display surface with
a dry microfiber cloth, applying only light
pressure.
! Do not use dry, rough or hard cloths or
abrasive products, solvents or cleaning
agents containing solvents. Do not scrub.
Only apply light pressure when cleaning.
Otherwise, you will damage the display
surface, as it is sensitive to pressure and
susceptible to scratches.
Windows !
Do not use

dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Clean the inside of the windows with a
damp cloth or a commercially available
glass cleaner.
Do not touch the inside of the rear and side
windows with hard objects, e.g. an ice
scraper or ring. You could otherwise
damage the windows or the rear window
defroster. Cleaning the exterior of the vehicle
General notes Scratches, corrosive
deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by neglect
or inadequate care cannot always be
completely remedied. In this case, visit a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. the
nearest authorized Sprinter Dealer. 162
Cleaning and care
Operation