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

X
Push hood catch release handle 0047
upwards. X
Swing the hood upwards until support strut
008A engages and the hood is supported.
Closing the hood G
Warning
When closing the hood be careful that nobody
becomes trapped.
X Lift the hood slightly.
X Press support strut 008A towards the back.
! When you press the support strut back,
make sure that you do not press it against
the detent position and cause it to bend.
X Lower the hood and let it drop shut from a
height of approximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood engages audibly. If the hood can
be raised slightly, it is not properly
engaged.
X If
the hood is not properly engaged, open it
once more and
allow it to drop shut from a
slightly greater height.
! Do not use your hands to push the hood
down. You could damage it otherwise. Maintenance points under the hood
0046
Coolant tank cap (Y page 169)
0047 Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) filler neck
cap 4
(Y page 143)
008A Engine oil filler neck cap (Y page 171)
0088 Brake fluid reservoir cap (Y page 170)
0086 Washer fluid reservoir cap (Y page 171) Coolant level
Only add coolant

with the vehicle standing on
a level surface and with the engine switched
off. The coolant temperature must have
dropped below 122 ‡ (50 †). G
Warning
When opening the coolant expansion tank,
there is a risk of scalding from hot coolant
spraying out. The cooling system and the
coolant expansion tank

are pressurized when
the engine is at normal operating
temperature. Wear gloves and eye protection.
4 Only on Cargo Van/Passenger Van. Maintenance
169
Operation
Z

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

The following messages may be displayed:
00B1
OK X
Do not add oil. – 1.0 qts X
Add the amount of oil
shown (Y page 173).
X Check the engine oil
level again after a few
minutes. – 1.5 qts
– 2.0 qts
HI X
Have excess oil
removed. The oil
level is
too high. Measurement units in the display:
R
qts USA only
R ltr Canada only
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
X Press the 00A4 button on the instrument
cluster (Y page 70).
The following message is displayed for the
duration of the measurement process:
00B4Engine oil
level

Measuring in
progress
The following messages may be displayed: 00B1
Engine oil
level OK X
Do not add oil. Engine oil
Add 1.0
quart X
Add the amount of oil
shown (Y page 173).
X Check the engine oil
level again after a few
minutes. Engine oil
Add 1.5
quarts
Engine oil
Add 2.0
quarts Engine oil
level
Reduce oil
level X
Have excess oil
removed. The oil

level is
too high. Eng. oil
lev. Turn
ignition
on for
level X
Turn the key to position
2 in the ignition lock. Observe
wait.
period X
Repeat the
measurement after
about five minutes

if the
engine is at normal
operating temperature.
X Repeat the
measurement after
about 30 minutes if the
engine is not at normal
operating temperature. Engine oil
level Not
when eng.
running X
Switch off the engine
and wait for
approximately five
minutes, if the engine is
at normal operating
temperature, before
performing the
measurement. Measurement units in the display:
R
quart(s) USA only
R liter(s) Canada only
Checking the engine oil level using the
dipstick Vehicles with a red oil dipstick: only check the
oil level when the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait for five minutes.172
Maintenance
Operation

Vehicles with a yellow oil dipstick: only check
the oil level when the engine is cold.
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface. X
Pull out oil dipstick 0046.
X Wipe oil dipstick 0046 using a lint-free cloth.
X Reinsert oil dipstick 0046 into the dipstick
tube to the stop and remove it again.
X Check the oil level on oil dipstick 0046.
The oil level must be between MIN mark
008A and MAX mark 0047.
The difference in quantity between
marks 0047 and 008A is approximately
2 US quarts (2 l).
X Add engine oil if necessary.
Adding engine oil You will find information about approved
engine oils in the "Service products" section
(Y page 156).
X
Unscrew cap 0088 of the filler neck and
remove it.
! The alternator
is
located below the engine
oil filler neck. If engine oil spills onto the
alternator, there is a danger of alternator
damage. Be very careful when adding
engine oil.
X Add the amount of oil required.
! Do not add
too much oil. If the oil level is
above the MAX mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to engine damage or catalytic converter
damage. Have excess oil siphoned off.
0040Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
X Place cap 0088 on the
filler neck and tighten. Air filter for the rear-compartment air
conditioning
An increased amount of sand or dust may
collect in the

air filter when you drive on dusty
or sandy roads. Air filter in the roof in the rear compartment
!
If the air filter is visibly dirty, it must be
cleaned or replaced.

The dirt can otherwise
damage the air-conditioning system. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
For this reason, check the air filter regularly
for visible dirt.
X To remove the air filter: carefully prize
cover 0046 out of recesses 0047 and remove.
X Remove the filter mat.
X To clean the filter mat:
wash the
filter mat
with clear water.
X Leave the filter mat to dry.
i The filter mat
must not be cleaned or dried
in a machine. Maintenance
173
Operation Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00B4
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
lights up after
the engine is
started or while
the vehicle is in
motion. The oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
X
Check the engine oil level and top up at the nearest gas station
(Y page 171).
X If there is visible oil loss from the engine, have the malfunction
rectified immediately at a qualified specialist workshop. 00B4
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
flashes, the
-2.0 qts
(Canada: –2.0
ltr) engine oil
level message,
for example,
appears in the
display and the
warning buzzer
sounds after the
engine is started
or while the
vehicle is in
motion. There is not enough or no oil in the engine.
There is a danger of engine damage.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the oil level using the oil dipstick ( Y page 172).
If the engine oil level is correct: have the malfunction rectified
immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the engine oil level is too low: have the vehicle towed to a
qualified specialist workshop. 00B4
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
lights up, the HI
engine oil level
message, for
example,
appears in the
display and the
warning buzzer
sounds after the
engine is
started
or while the
vehicle is in
motion. The engine oil level is above the maximum level.
X
Check the oil level. If the oil level is too high, have engine oil
siphoned off at the nearest gas station (Y page 173).
You could otherwise damage the engine or the catalytic
converter.
If the oil

level is correct, have the malfunction rectified as soon
as possible at a qualified specialist workshop. 192
Troubleshooting
Practical advice

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00B4
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
lights up
repeatedly while
the vehicle is in
motion. There is a malfunction in the engine oil level display.
X
Have the vehicle checked immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. 0041
The yellow
coolant level
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The coolant level is too low.
Never run the engine if the coolant level is too low. The engine
could overheat and be damaged.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Switch off the engine and let it cool down.
X Add coolant and be sure to observe the warning notes
(Y page 169).
X If you need to add coolant frequently, have the cooling system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 00AE
The red coolant
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The coolant temperature is too high.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 00AE
The red coolant
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The coolant temperature is too high.
If the vehicle is stopped after being subjected to extreme loads
(e.g. driving in mountainous terrain, trailer towing), the coolant
warning lamp may
light up when the ignition is switched on or the
engine is restarted.
X Run the engine for approximately one minute at idling speed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop if the coolant warning
lamp remains lit. 00B7
0080
The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp
lights up while
driving. The fuel level has fallen into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station ( Y page 142). Troubleshooting
193
Practical advice Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00BE
Check coolant
level The coolant level is too low.
Never run the engine if the coolant level is too low. The engine
could overheat and be damaged.
X
Add coolant, observing the warning notes while doing so
(Y page 169).
X Have the coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop if the
coolant needs topping up more often than usual.003E
Hood open You are already driving at walking pace, even though the hood is
not closed.
X
Close the hood. 00B4
Engine oil
Add

1.0
quart(Canada: 1.0
liter) The oil level is too low.
X
Check the oil level the next time you refuel ( Y page 171), and
top up the oil. 00B4
Engine oil level
Not when eng.
running You want to check the oil level even though the engine is running.
X
Switch off the engine.
X Check the oil level (Y page 171). 00B4
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level You have added too much engine oil. There is a risk of damaging
the engine or catalytic converter.
X
Siphon off excess oil until the oil is at the specified level.
Observe the legal requirements. 00B4
Engine oil level
Stop, turn engine
off There is not enough oil, or no oil in the engine. There is a danger
of engine damage.
X
Pull over immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Check the oil level with the oil dipstick ( Y page 172).
If the oil level is OK: have the malfunction repaired
immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the oil

level is too low: have the vehicle towed to a qualified
specialist workshop. 00B4
Oil sensor Visit
workshop The measuring system is malfunctioning.
X
Have the measuring system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. 006D
Please enter PIN: You have not yet entered your PIN in the mobile phone.
X
Enter the PIN for the SIM card. Troubleshooting
207
Practical advice Z

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

Engine compartment
0088
VIN (stamped on the rear wall of the
engine compartment)
0086 Engine number (stamped on the
crankcase)
0087 Emission Control Information and engine
oil14
label Example: Emission Control Information label
i
The data shown in the pictures is for the
purposes of illustration. Such data is
vehicle-specific and can differ from that
shown. Always observe the specifications
on your vehicle's identification plate. Tire plates
The Tire and Loading Information label 15
or
the Tire Pressure
label is on the B-pillar on the
driver's side. You will find the required tire
pressure values for the vehicle's original tires
on the relevant tire labels. The Tire and Loading Information label also
specifies the number of seats and the
permissible load.
0046
Tire and Loading Information label or Tire
Pressure label Tire and Loading Information label
Tire Pressure label
0047
Number of seats
008A Permissible load
0088 Recommended pressure for cold tires
14 Note also the

engine oil information for diesel engines under "Service products" in the "Operation" section.
15 Vehicles with a permissible gross weight of up to 10,000 lbs(4536 kg) only. Vehicle identification plates
279
Technical data Z