winter tires MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2013 MY13 Operator’s Manual

Electrical ste
p................................ 219
ESP ®
.............................................. 210
ESP ®
function ................................ 213
Overview .......................................... 34
Seat bel t........................................ 219
Warning- and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 210
Air filter .......................................... 218
ASR ................................................ 210
BAS ................................................ 210
Battery charg e............................... 214
Brake wea r.................................... 214
Bulbs .............................................. 219
Doors ............................................. 219
Engine oil leve l............................... 214
Preglow .......................................... 217
Reserve fuel ................................... 216
Tire pressure monitor ....................218
Water separator ............................. 218
Windshield washer fluid .................219
Warning lamp .................................... 265
Warning triangle ................................ 265
Washer fluid Adding ........................................... 246
Capacities ...................................... 326
Display message ............................ 209
Indicator lamp ................................ 219
Notes ............................................. 326
Wiping with .................................... 103
Wheels
Changing awheel .......................... 302
Checking ........................................ 275
Cleaning ......................................... 258
Important safety notes ..................274
Interchanging/changing ................302
Mounting awheel .......................... 303
Removing and mounting the spare
wheel ............................................. 309
Storing ........................................... 303
Tightening torque ........................... 307
Window curtain air bag ....................... 46
Windows see Side windows
Windshiel dheating
Problem (malfunction) ...................115
Switching on/off ........................... 115Windshiel
dwasher fluid
Adding ........................................... 246
Indicator lamp ................................ 219
Windshiel dwipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................105
Rain and light sensor .....................103
Rea rwindow wiper ........................ 104
Replacing the wiper blades ....103, 104
Setting the sensitivity (vehicles
with steering wheel buttons and
rain/light sensor) ........................... 189
Switching on/off ........................... 103
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid ............................................... 103
Winte rdiesel ..................................... 318
Winte rdriving
Slippery roa dsurface s................... 152
Snow chains .................................. 277
Winter operation
General notes ................................ 276
Radiator cover ................................. 28
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 276
Setting alimit speed ...................... 149
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 258
Replacing ....................................... 104
Workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop Index
21

Driving safet
ysystems Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R ASR (Acceleration SkidControl)
R ESP ®
(Electronic StabilityProgram)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake Force Distribution) Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt yourd riving style or if you
are inattentive, the driving safety systems can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. Driving safety
systems are merely aids designed to assist
driving. You are responsible for the distance
to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and
for braking in good time. Always adapt your
driving style to the prevailing road and
weather conditions and maintai nasufficient,
safe distance from other road users. Drive
carefully.
The driving safety systems described can only
attain their maximum effectiveness when
there is optimum contact between the tires
and the road can. Therefore pay special
attention to the information on tires, the
recommended minimum tire tread, etc., in
the "Wheels and tires" section (Y page 274).
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow
chains. Only in this way will the driving safety
systems described in this section work as
effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes Note the section on 'Important safety notes'
(Y
page 56). G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
If ABS is malfunctioning, other systems will
also fail, including driving safety systems.
Observe the information relating to the 000E
(Y page 210) warning lamp.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS acts from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even when you only brake gently.
The yellow 000Ewarning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. The lamp goes out when the
engine starts running.
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsating in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving. BAS (Brake AssistS
ystem)
Note the section on 'Important safety notes'
(Y page 56). 56
Driving safety systemsSafety

Driving in winter
General notes G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do no tshift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop in good time at the onset
of winter.
i Do not cover the radiator, e.g. with a
winter cover. The measurements of the on-
board diagnostic system may otherwise
return inaccurate values. Some of these
values are legally prescribed and must
therefore always be exact.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 276).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 276). Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
may roll only briefly in the neutral position
N.P rolonged rolling of the wheels, e.g.
when being towed, will result in
transmission damage.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to neutral position
N.
X Try to maintai ncontrol of the vehicle using
corrective steering.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery roads.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and
braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
You can find further information on winter
tires and snow chains in the "Wheels and
tires" section (Y page 276).152
Driving tipsDriving and parking

When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
High-pressure cleaning equipment
G
WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components.
Components damaged in this way may fail
unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis componentsr eplaced
immediately.
! Observe the minimum distance to be
maintained between the nozzle of the
power washer and objec ttobe cleaned, as
outlined below:
R approximately 2.2 ft(70 cm) when using
round-jet nozzles
R approximately 1ft(30 cm) whe nusing
25°flat-spray jets and dirt blasters
Keep the water jet moving while cleaning.
To avoid causing damage, do not point the
water jet directly at:
R door joints
R brake hoses
R electrical components
R electrical connections
R seals
R drive train, especially not at the
intermediate bearing of the propeller
shaft
R rear view camera (camera lens and
microphone opening on the bottom)
Keep a minimum distance of
1.6 ft(50 cm).
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.
Also observe the information in the section
"Powerw asher" (Y page 257).
Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces .You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Remove impurities immediately, where
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
Cleaning the windows G
WARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades. Care
257Maintenance and care Z

Useful information
............................274
Important safety notes ....................274
Operation ........................................... 274
Operation in winter ...........................276
Tire pressure ..................................... 278
Loading the vehicle ..........................286
What you should know about
wheels and tires ............................... 289
Flat tire .............................................. 295
Changing wheels ............................... 302
Wheel and tire combination .............308
Spare wheel ....................................... 308 273Wheels and tires

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). Important safety notes
G
Warning
Af lat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
do not drive with aflat tire. Immediately
replace the flat tire with your spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is arisk of an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R model
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R model
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle or are not being used correctly can
impair operating safety. Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R
suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Contact an authorized Sprinter dealer if you
require information on tested and
recommended wheels and tires for summer
and winter driving. Advice on purchasing and
caring for tires is also available there.
Informatio nontire and wheel dimensions and
types as well as the recommended tire
pressure for your vehicle can be found in the
"Tire pressure" section (Y page 285).
This data can also be foun donthe Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar.
Modifications to the brake system or wheels
are not permitted. The use of wheel spacers
or brake dust shields is not permitted. This
invalidates the general operating permit for
the vehicle.
i Further information on wheels and tires
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop. Operation
Information for a journey
If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressures, and correct them, if necessary.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that
the wheels or tires are damaged. If you
suspect that a tire is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tires for
damage. Hidden tire damage could also be
causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you find no signs of damage, have the tires
and wheels checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. 274
OperationWheels and tires

case, the tire is so worn that it mus
tbe
replaced. Selecting, mounting and renewing
tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R Break in new tires at moderate speeds for
the first 65 miles (100 km).
R Do not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
R Replace the tires after 6years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
spare wheel. Operation in winter
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Prior to the onset of winter, ensure that snow
chains are stowed in the vehicle
(Y page 277).
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section (Y page 302). Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity and therefore traction and
braking power. Change the tires on your
vehicle to M+S tire. Using summer tires at
very cold temperatures could cause tears to
form, thereby damaging the tires
permanently. We cannot accept
responsibility for this type of damage. M+S tires
G
WARNING
Wheel and tire dimensions as well as the type
of tire can vary between the spare wheel and
the wheel to be replaced .When the spare
wheel is installed, driving characteristics may
be severely affected. There is a risk of an
accident.
In order to reduce risks:
R you should therefore adapt your driving
style and drive carefully.
R never install more than one spare wheel
that differs from the wheel to be replaced.
R only use a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel to be replaced for a short time.
R do not deactivate ESP ®
.
R have a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel that has been changed replaced at
the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
You must observe the correct wheel and
tire dimensions as well as the wheel type. G
WARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
000D in (4 mm) are not suitable for use in winter
and do not provide sufficient traction. There
is a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 000D
in (4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of
tire are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the 0003snowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions.
Only these tires will allow driving safety
systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to function
optimally in winter. These tires have been
developed specifically for driving in snow.
For safe driving, use M+S tires of the same
make and tread pattern on all wheels. 276
Operation in winterWheels and tires

Always observe the maximu
mpermissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
If you mount M+S tires that have a lower
maximum permissible speed than that of the
vehicle, affix a corresponding warning label in
the driver's field of vision. You can obtain this
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Once you have mounted the winter tires:
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 278).
X Reactivate the tire pressure
monitor*(Y page 283). Snow chains
G
WARNING
If you drive too fast with snow chains
mounted, they may snap. As a result, you
could injure others and damage the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
Observe the maximum permissible speed for
operation with snow chains.
When driving with snow chains mounted, do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed
of 30 mph (50 km/h). Observe the country-
specific laws and regulations for operation
with snow chains.
! Check the snow chains for damage before
mounting them. Damaged or worn snow
chains may snap and damage the following
components:
R wheel
R wheel housing
R wheel suspension
For this reason, you must use only snow
chains that are free of defects. Observe the
manufacturer's mounting instructions.
! Vehicles with steel wheels: if you
mount snow chains on steel wheels, you
may damage the hub caps. Remove the hub
caps from the relevant wheels before
mounting the snow chains. Snow chains increase traction on roads in
wintry conditions.
For reasons of safety we only recommend
using snow chains or traction aids that are
approved for the Sprinter. The snow chains or
traction aids must be of class U or meet the
SAE type U specification. Information on
snow chains is available at any qualified
specialist workshop.
When mounting snow chains, please bear the
following points in mind:
R
You may not mount snow chains on all
wheel/tire combinations. When mounting
the snow chains, note the permissible tire
and snow chain dimensions.
R Mount snow chains only in pairs and only
to the rear wheels. On vehicles with twin
tires, mount the snow chains to the outer
wheels. Observe the manufacturer's
mounting instructions.
R Only use snow chains when the road is
covered by a layer of snow. Remove the
snow chains as soon as possible when you
come to a road that is not snow-covered.
R The use of snow chains may be restricted
by local regulations. Observe the
appropriate regulations before mounting
snow chains.
R When driving with snow chains mounted,
do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
R Check the tension of the chains after a
distance of approximately 0.5 miles
(1.0 km).
You can deactivate ASR (Y page 58) when
pulling away with snow chains mounted. This
allows the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving force
(cutting action). Operation in winter
277Wheels and tires
*optional Z

For further information on the load-bearing
index, see "Load index" (Y
page 291).
Speed rating: speed rating0018specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire.
Regardless of the speed inde xalways observe
the speed limits. Drive carefully and adapt
your driving style to the traffic conditions.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate fro mthe data in the example. Index Speed rating
F up to 50 mph (80 km/h)
G up to 56 mph (90 km/h)
J up to 62 mph (100 km/h)
K up to 68 mph (110 km/h)
L up to 74 mph (120 km/h)
M up to 80 mph (130 km/h)
N up to 87 mph (140 km/h)
P up to 93 mph (150 km/h)
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R over 106 mph (170 km/h)
i
Not all tires that have the M+S
identification offer the driving
characteristics of winter tires. In addition
to the M+S marking, winter tires also have
the 0003 snowflake symbol on the tire wall.
Tires with this marking fulfill the
requirements of the Rubber Manufacturers
Association (RMA) and the Rubber
Association of Canada (RAC) regarding the
tire traction on snow. They have been
especially developed for driving on snow.
Further information on the reading of tire
information can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop. Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, load
rating
0005may be imprinted after the letters
that identify speed rating on the sidewall of
the tire (Y page 290).
R If no specification is given: no text (as in the
example above), represents astandard
load (SL) tire
R XL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced
tire
R Ligh tLoad: represents a light load tire
R C, D, E: represents a load range that
depends on the maximum load that the tire
can carry at a certain pressure
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Maximum tire load Maximum tire load
0005is the maximum
permissible weight for which the tire is
approved.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum What you should know about wheels and tires
291Wheels and tires Z

X
Wheel with hub cap: position the opening
for the tire valve in the hub cap over the tire
valve.
X Push the edge of the hub cap with both
hands against the wheel until it clicks into
place. Make sure the hub cap retaining
catches engage on the steel wheel.
X Wheel with central hub cap: position the
retaining lugs of the central hub cap over
the wheel bolts.
X Hit the middle of the hub cap to engage it
on the wheel.
X Secure the faulty wheel in the spare wheel
bracket (Y page 309).
X Check the tire pressure of the newly
mounted wheel and adjust it if necessary.
Observe the recommended tire pressure
(Y page 278).
X Retighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts to
the specified tightening torque after the
vehicle has been driven for 30 miles
(50 km).
When using a wheel/spare wheel with a new
or newly painted wheel rim, have the wheel
bolts/nuts retightened again after
approximately 600 to 3,000 miles (1,000 to
5,000 km). Observe the specified tightening
torque.
i Vehicles with the tire pressure monitor
system: all mounted wheels must be
equipped with functioning sensors. Wheel and tire combination
General notes
! Retreaded tires are neither tested nor
recommended for Sprinter vehicles, since
previous damage cannot always be
detected on retreaded tires. We can
therefore not guarantee driving safety. Do
not mount used tires if you have no
information about their previous usage. The recommended tire pressures can be
found:
R
on the Tire and Loading Information
placard 11
on the B-pillar on the driver's side
R on the tire pressure table on the B-pillar on
the driver's side
The recommended tire pressure can also be
found in the "Tire pressure table" section in
these Operating Instructions (Y page 285).
The wheel/tire combination for your vehicle
can be found on the tire pressure table.
Further information on wheel/tire
combination can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop.
Check tire pressures regularly and only when
the tires are cold. Observe the notes on the
recommended tire pressures (Y page 278).
Follow the maintenance recommendations in
the tire manufacturer's warranty book in your
vehicle documents.
Notes on the vehicle equipment –always
install the vehicle:
R with tires of the same size across an axle
(left/right)
R with the same type of tires on all wheels at
a given time (summer tires, winter tires) Spare wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Wheel and tire dimensions as well as the type
of tire can vary between the spare wheel and
the wheel to be replaced. When the spare
wheel is installed, driving characteristics may
be severely affected. There is a risk of an
accident.
In order to reduce risks:
R you should therefore adapt your driving
style and drive carefully.
R never install more than one spare wheel
that differs fro mthe wheel to be replaced.
11 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4,536 kg). 308
Spare wheelWheels and tires