light MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2012 MY12 Operator’s Manual

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

Towing a trailer
Notes on trailer towing Important safety notes
The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road
safety. The notes on operation, care and
maintenance issued by the manufacturer
should be observed.
G
Warning!
Improper equipment or driving technique
while driving with a trailer can cause you to
lose control of your vehicle.
Improper towing or failure to observe the
Operator's Manual can lead to vehicle
damage and/or serious
injuries. Observe the
following guidelines in order to guarantee safe
driving with trailers.
Contact an authorized Sprinter Dealer if you
require any explanation of the information
contained in the Operator's Manual.
General notes
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information about availability and
installation of trailer couplings can be
obtained from any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install rented trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings to the
bumpers.
R To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling when using a detachable trailer
coupling, remove the ball coupling from its
mounting when it is not needed.
Coupling up a trailer Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length). Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
R
safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the
trailer.

The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your federal state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
i The vehicle's subharness has an electric
cable to the brake light indicator lamp. G
Warning
Follow the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer tow hitch when
using a detachable trailer tow hitch.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. A
trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could break away. A correctly
coupled trailer must be positioned
horizontally behind the vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not
exceeded:
R the permissible noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear

axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the permissible gross weight for both the
towing vehicle and the trailer
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle
documents and on the trailer tow hitch type
plates for the trailer and the vehicle. Where
the values differ, the lowest is valid. 150
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

!
Do not use fuel additives (with the
exception of flow improvers), since this
could lead to malfunctions or engine
damage. Damage caused by the use of
such additives is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
! Do not add
gasoline or kerosene to diesel
fuel to improve its flow characteristics.
Gasoline or kerosene impairs the
lubricating properties of the diesel fuel.
This may cause damage to the injection
system, for example.
At outside temperatures below
14 ‡(–10 †) and with less cold-resistant
winter diesel fuel, add the amount of flow
improver appropriate to the outside
temperature.
Add this additive to the diesel in time, i.e.
before the flow properties of the diesel are
affected by paraffin separation. Malfunctions
caused by paraffin separation can only be
rectified by heating the entire fuel system,
e.g. by parking the vehicle in a heated garage. G
Warning
If you heat up the fuel system with a heat gun,
for example, you

may damage parts of the fuel
system. Fuel could escape, be ignited, and
cause a fire.
Never heat the fuel system with a heat gun or
with a naked flame. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
DEF is the

reducing agent for the exhaust gas
aftertreatment. DEF is a nonflammable,
nontoxic, colorless, odorless and water-
soluble liquid.
! Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. The exhaust gas aftertreatment
may otherwise be damaged.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet No. 352.0.
Damage caused by the use of other
reducing agents will result in the loss of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
entitlements.
! If DEF comes into contact with a painted
or aluminum surface, wash the surface off
immediately with plenty of water.
High ambient temperatures If DEF in the DEF reservoir heats up to
temperatures over 122 ‡(50 †) for a long
period of time (e.g. due to direct sunlight),
ammonia vapors form.
G
Warning
If you open the DEF reservoir cap at high
temperatures, ammonia vapors could be
released.
Ammonia vapors have

a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating for your skin, respiratory
organs and eyes. This may result in burning
eyes, nose and throat, as well as coughing and
watering eyes.
Do not inhale ammonia vapors.
Low ambient temperatures DEF freezes at a temperature of
approximately
12 ‡(–11 †
). The vehicle is
equipped

with a DEF preheating system at the
factory. This ensures that the vehicle can be
operated in winter, even at temperatures
below 12 ‡(–11 †).
Additives and tap water !
Do not mix
DEF with any additives and do
not dilute DEF with tap water. Otherwise,
the exhaust gas aftertreatment may be
damaged.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet No. 352.0.
Damage caused by the use of additives or
tap water is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Service products
155
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

from the windshield and the wiper blades to
prevent smearing.
Smears
impair the driver's
view, and their effect is made worse in
conditions where visibility is poor (e.g. glare,
mist, darkness, snow). You may therefore fail
to recognize dangers, or not recognize them
in time, and thereby cause an accident.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle.
Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, fold in the exterior mirrors and
remove the radio/telephone antenna.
Otherwise, the exterior mirror, antenna or
the vehicle itself could be damaged.
Make sure that the antenna is installed and
that the exterior mirrors are fully folded out
again when you leave the automatic car
wash.
! Make sure that the side windows are
completely closed, that the ventilation/
heating is switched off and that the
windshield wiper switch is set to 0.
Otherwise, the rain/light sensor could be
activated, triggering unintended wiper
movements. This can cause damage to the
vehicle.
After putting the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, wipe off wax from:
R the rear-view camera lens ( Y page 163)
R the windshield and the wiper blades. This
prevents smears and reduces wiping noise
which can be caused by residue on the
windshield. Cleaning the engine
! Water must not

enter intake or ventilation
openings. When cleaning with high
pressure water or steam cleaners, the
spray must not be aimed directly at
electrical components or the terminals of
electrical lines. Preserve the engine after the engine has
been cleaned.
Protect

the belt drive system
from exposure to the preservative agent. Alloy wheels
Clean the alloy wheels regularly.
! Do not use

any acidic or alkaline cleaning
agents. They can cause corrosion on the
wheel bolts (wheel nuts) or the retainer
springs for the wheel-balancing weights. After driving off-road or on
construction sites
G
Warning
Dirt on the vehicle can affect road and
operating safety.
It can specifically result in the following
dangers:
Stone impact. Stones trapped between the
tires can be thrown out while driving. This
could injure other

road users or damage other
vehicles (especially windscreens).
Risk of skidding. Dirt and mud on the tires/
on the road reduce the grip of the tires on the
road. This especially applies when the surface
is wet. The vehicle could then start to skid.
Risk of injury. Dirt and mud on the steps and
entrance can make the steps unsafe. This
could cause you to slip off the steps and be
injured.
For this reason, you should always clean your
vehicle carefully after driving off-road or on
construction sites before driving on public
roads. Observe the corresponding safety
notices in this chapter if you use a power
washer or an automatic car wash to clean your
vehicle.
X Clean the vehicle, paying special attention
to the following:
R
Lighting system
R Windows and exterior mirrors
R Access steps and entrances Cleaning and care
165
Operation Z

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

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

Battery care
!
Please always observe the following
notes:
R dirty battery clamps
and battery surfaces
cause leak currents, which lead to the
batteries discharging. Always keep the
battery terminals and battery surfaces
clean and dry. Grease the battery
terminals, particularly the terminal
undersides, with a light coating of acid-
resistant grease.
R cleaning agents containing fuel corrode
the battery housing. Only clean the
battery housing with commercially
available cleaning agents.
R only clean the batteries when the caps
are screwed on. Dirt may otherwise enter
the battery cells and damage the battery.
R the breathers in the caps and the cell
ventilation tubes must be open.
Otherwise, gas cannot escape. Unscrew
blocked breathers and clean them with a
suitable tool such as a piece of wire. If
you do not unscrew the caps for cleaning,
there is a risk of short circuit.
R regularly check the battery terminals and
the fastening of the negative cable to the
chassis to ensure that they are firmly
seated.
R if batteries are not being used, you
should charge them once a month. Maintenance
179
Operation Z

Warning lamp
The warning lamp is behind the cover in the
storage compartment of the driver's door. 004A
Locked
004B Unlocked X
Unlock quick-release fasteners
004B
and fold
out the cover.
X Take warning lamp 008A

out of the retainer. Warning triangle
Warning triangles at the back of the driver's seat
base
0046
Warning triangles
X Pull warning
triangles
0046 up and
out of the
holder. Wheel chock
Cargo Van/Passenger Van Wheel chock in the load/passenger compartment
X
Pull restraining cable 0046 down slightly and
then remove it from bracket 0047
.
X Remove the chock.
i When stowing
it

away, make sure that the
chock is secured in the retainer by the
restraining cable. Where will I find...?
183
Practical advice Z