maintenance MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2013 MY13 Operator’s Manual

Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment
of your vehicle that were available at the time
of going to print. Country-specific variations
are possible. Note that your vehicle may not
be equipped with all of the described
functions. This also applies to systems and
functions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
Observe the recommended settings on the
following pages. Otherwise, the windows
could fog up.
Climate control regulates the temperature
and the humidity in the vehicle interior and
filters undesirable substances from the air.
Climate control is only operational when the
engine is running. The system only functions
optimally when the side windows are closed.
i Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather. In order to cool the
vehicle more rapidly, switch climate control
to air-recirculation mode briefly. This will
speed up the cooling process and the
desired vehicle interior temperature will be
reached more quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of dust and completely filters out
pollen. Aclogged filter reduces the airflow
into the vehicle interior .For this reason,
you should always observe the interval for
replacing the filter, which is specified in the
Maintenance Booklet .As it depends on
environmental conditions, e.g. heavy air
pollution, the interval may be shorter than
stated in the Maintenance Booklet. 108
Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

i
To unlock the steering, move the steering
wheel slightly while turning the key to
position 1. Preparing for a journey
Visual check of the vehicle exterior X
In particular, check the following
components on the vehicle, and on the
trailer as necessary:
R
license plates, vehicle lighting, turn
signals, brake lamps and wiper blades for
dirt and damage
R tires and wheels for firm seating, correct
tire pressure and general condition
R trailer tow hitch for play and security
i The trailer coupling is one of the most
importan tvehicle parts with regard to road
safety. The separate instructions issued by
the manufacturer pertaining to operation,
care and maintenance should be observed.
X Rectify any noticeable defects before
commencing the journey.
Checks in the vehicle Emergency equipment/first-aid kit
X
Check the equipment to make sure that it
is accessible, complete and ready for use.
The first aid and breakdown assistance
equipment is in the fron tdoor stowage
compartments and behind the driver's seat.
Vehicle lighting
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Check the lighting system with the aid of a
second person.
X Replace defective bulbs (Y page 96). Before driving off
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell may restrict
the clearance around the pedals or block a
depressed pedal. This jeopardizes the
operating and road safety of the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
Stow all objects securely in the vehicle so that
they do not get into the driver's footwell.
When using floormats or carpets, make sure
that they are properly secured so that they do
not slip or obstruct the pedals. Only use non-
slip floormats. G
WARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinder correc tusage
of the pedals, e.g.:
R shoes with thick soles
R shoes with high heels
R slippers
There is a risk of an accident.
Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct
usage of the pedals.
X Secure the load as per the loading
guidelines (Y page 232).
X Make sure that the floormats and carpets
are properly secured so that they cannot
slip and obstruct the pedals.
X Close all doors. Starting the engine
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
X Before starting the engine, make sure that: 134
DrivingDriving and parking

Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximatel
y14 m)
every second. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake .There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
! Always observe the ground clearance of
the vehicle and avoid obstacles. On
vehicles with a step, ground clearance is
further restricted. Obstacles can damage
the vehicle.
If you must drive over obstacles, drive
especially slowly and carefully. If
necessary, have another person direct you.
Drive sensibly–s ave fuelIn orde
rto save fuel, observe the following
tips:
X The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
X Remove unnecessary loads.
X Remove roof carriers when they are not
needed.
X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds.
X Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
X Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic
and in mountainous terrain. Overrun cutoff If you are in overrun mode and take your foot
off the accelerator pedal, the fuel supply is
cut off when the engine speed is out of the
idle speed control range.
Drinking and driving
G
WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Emission control G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous substances in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work optimally if they are
maintained exactly in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Any work on
the engine should therefore be carried out by
qualified and authorized technicians at a
Sprinter dealer.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. In addition, all
specific maintenance work must be carried
out at regular intervals and in accordance
with the service requirements of the dealer 148
Driving tipsDriving and parking

listed here on the inside title page. Details can
be found in the Maintenance Booklet. Short journey
! 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 (50 0km). This ensures sufficient
regeneration of the diesel particle filter.
Therefore, if you mainl ydrive short distances,
drive on a freeway or an inter-urban road for
20 minutes every 300 miles (500 km). This
facilitates the diesel particl efilter's burn-off
process. Speed limiter
G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tir eload-bearing
capacity and the approved maximum speed
could lead to tire damage or the tire bursting.
There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your 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). In particular, also
observe the tire approval regulations for each
country.
You must not exceed the speed limit for the
tires listed in the tire pressure tables. You can
find information on tire pressures in the
"Wheels and tires" section (Y page 278).You can permanently limit the maximum
speed of your vehicle to 75 mph (120 km/h).
We recommend that you use an authorized
Sprinter Dealer for the programming of the
maximum speed.
Before overtaking, take into consideration
that the engine speed limiter prevents the
speed increasing beyond the programmed
maximum speed. Driving abroad
Service An extensive network of authorized Sprinter
Dealers is also at your disposal when you are
traveling abroad. Nevertheless, please bear
in mind that service facilities or replacement
parts may not always be immediately
available. You can obtain
alist of workshops
at any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Fuel In some countries, only fuels with a higher
sulfur conten
tare available.
Unsuitable fuel can cause engine damage.
You will find information on fuels in the
"Service products and capacities" section
(Y page 317).
Low-beam headlamps If you are traveling in countries where
vehicles are drive
nonthe opposite side of the
road to that in which the vehicle is registered,
you will need to:
R have the halogen headlamps partially
masked
R have the Bi-Xenon headlamps set to
symmetrical low beam
This prevents glare to oncoming traffic and no
longer illuminates the edge of the road to the
same height and distance.
Have the headlamps masked or adjusted at a
qualified specialist workshop before you Driving tips
149Driving and parking Z

for safe maneuvering and parking. When
maneuvering and parking, make sure that
there are no persons, animals or objects in
the maneuvering area.
The rear view camera is
avisual parking aid.
It shows you the area behind the vehicle on a
separate monitor on the center console.
The camera is in the middle of the roof above
the high-mounted brake lamp (Y page 259).
The rear view camera may show obstacles in
perspectival distortion, incorrectly or not at
all. The rear view camera cannot display all
objects located very near and/or under the
rear bumper. It does not warn you of a
collision, persons or objects.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed in a
mirrored fashion, as in the rear-view mirror or
the exterior mirrors. The guide lines displayed
assist you in backing up.
The function of the rear view camera may be
partially or completely impaired in the
following circumstances:
R it is raining very heavily or snowing, or it is
foggy.
R the parking space is located in a very dark
place.
R the camera is exposed to very strong white
light .White stripes may appearont he
display.
R the surrounding area is illuminated with
fluorescent light. The displaym ay flicker.
R if the temperature changes very quickly, for
example if you drive int oaheated garage
in the winter.
R ambient temperatures are very high.
R the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.
R the rear of the vehicle is damaged. In this
case, have the position and setting
checked at a specialist workshop.
The rear view camera is switched on when
you engage reverse gear R.
You can find information on cleaning the
camera in the "Maintenance and care"
section (Y page 259). Monitor
Monitor in the stowage space on the center
console
Monitor buttons
0005
0008 Down button
0006 0006 Up button
0026 0003 Menu/confirm button
0025 0004 Monitor on/off switch
0023 Speaker cover
X To activate: engage reverse gear R.
The rear view camera is activated. The
monitor switches on.
If you engage reverse gear Rwhile using
auxiliary equipment, the monitor switches
to the rear view camera.
Or
X Press the 0004button.
The monitor shows AUX .T
he input for
auxiliary equipment (AUX) on the monitor
is activated.
i If you have switched the monitor off using
the 0004 button, you must press the 162
Driving systemsDriving and parking

!
Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
Always observe the operating instructions
provided by the manufacturers of the trailer
coupling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully.
When backing up the towing vehicle, make
sure nobody is standing between the vehicle
and the trailer.
At railer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could brea kaway. Acorrectly
coupled trailer must be positioned
horizontally behind the towing 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 of both the
towing vehicle and the trailer
R the permissible gross combination weight
The applicable permissible values that may
not be exceeded can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
R on the type plates for the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 315).
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find values approved by the
manufacturer on the identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle in the
"Permissible trailer loads and trailer drawbar
noseweights" section (Y page 169).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance R
is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
R requires more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to suit the road and weather
conditions. Drive carefully. Maintain a safe
distance.
If you require explanations for the information
in this Operator's Manual, contract an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
General notes R
Observe the legally prescribed maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in
the relevant country, state or Canadian
province. Before setting off, check the
vehicle documents of the your trailer to find
out the permissible maximum speed.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use aball coupling that
is approved for your vehicle and Sprinter
trailer tow hitch. More information on the
availability, mounting and installatio nofthe
trailer electrics is available at any qualified
specialist workshop.
R The turn signals on the trailer are only
guaranteed to function when incandescent
bulbs are used. You can obtain more
information about installing the trailer
electrics at any qualified specialist
workshop.
R 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.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings. Towing
atrailer
169Driving an d parking Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0004
Hood open You are already driving at walking pace, eve
nthough the hood is
not closed.
X Close the hood. 0002
Please enter PIN: You have not yet entered your PIN in the mobile phone.
X
Enter the PIN for the SIM card. 0004
Doors open You are already driving at walking pace, even though not all the
doors are closed.
X
Close the doors. 000F
Check wash. fluid
level The washer fluid level is too low.
X
Add washer fluid (Y page 246).Key
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0005
Replace key Visit
workshop The key is no longer working.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
G
WARNING
If maintenance work is carried out incorrectly, the operating safety of your vehicle may be
affected. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident. Moreover,
the safety systems may no longer be able to protect you or others as they are designed to do.
Always have service work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
209On-board computer and displays Z

Useful information
............................240
Engine compartment ........................240
Vehicle interior ................................. 248
Maintenance ...................................... 248
Battery ............................................... 250
Care .................................................... 255 239Maintenance and care

Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment
of your vehicle that were available at the time
of going to print. Country-specific variations
are possible. Note that your vehicle may not
be equipped with all of the described
functions. This also applies to systems and
functions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood G
WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when
the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. G
WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is
overheated or when there is a fire in the
engine compartmen tcould expose you to hot
gases or other service products. There is a
risk of injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department. G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine
compartment, such as the engine, radiator
and parts of the exhaust system, can become
very hot. Working in the engine compartment
poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There
is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment,
R switch off the ignition
R never reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
R keep clothing away from moving parts G
WARNING
The fuel injection system operates with a high
voltage. If you touch the live components, you
could receive an electric shock. There is a risk
of injury.
Never touch components of the fuel injection
system when the ignition is switched on.
The live components of the fuel injection
system are, for example, the injectors.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. Hood release lever in the driver's footwell
X
Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic
as possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine. 240
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Pull release handle 0005on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap and push grip 0006on the
hood catch upwards. X
Swing the hood upwards unti lsuppor tstrut
0026 engages and the hood is supported.
Closing the hood G
WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it could tip forward
during rapid deceleratio nofthe vehicle and
hit persons or objects within its path. There is
a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, always make sure that the hood is
closed and locked completely before driving
off. If the hood is not locked and you are already
driving at walking pace:
R
the yellow 0004indicator lamp in the
instrumentc luster goes on for vehicles
without steering-wheel buttons.
R the 0004 Hood open display appears for
vehicles with steering-wheel buttons.
! When you press the support strut back,
make sure that you do not press it against
the detent position and cause it to bend.
! Do not use your hands to push the hood
down. You could damage it otherwise.
X Lift the hood slightly.
X Press support strut 0026towards the back.
X Lower the hood and allow it to fall with
momentum fro maheight of approximately
1 ft (30 cm).
The hood locks audibly.
X Check that the hood is correctly locked.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged.
i If the hood is not correctly engaged, open
the hood again. Let the hood fall with a little
more momentum. Overview of the engine compartment
0005
Coolant expansion tank cap
(Ypage 244)
0006 Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) filler neck
cap 3
(Y page 143)
0026 Engine oil filler neck cap (Y page 242)
3 Only on Cargo Vans/Passenger Vans. Engine compartment
241Maintenance and care Z