MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2015 MY15 Operator’s Manual

Useful information
............................240
Loading guidelines ............................240
Load distribution ............................... 242
Securing loads .................................. 242
Carrier systems ................................. 245 239Transporting loads

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 25). Loading guidelines
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
As a result of improperly placed or unevenly
distributed loads, the center of gravity of the
load being transported may be too high or too far back. This can significantly impair handlingas well as steering and braking characteris-
tics. There is a risk of an accident.
Always make sure that the center of gravity of
the load is:
R between the axles
and
R as low as possible, near the rear axle. G
WARNING
When objects are unsecured or inadequately
secured, they can slip, turn over or be thrown about, striking vehicle occupants. This also
applies to:
R luggage or loads
R a rear bench seat which has been removed
and is being transported in the vehicle in an
exceptional case.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of braking maneuvers or abrupt
changes in direction.
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about. Before traveling,
secure objects, luggage or loads to prevent them slipping or tipping over. If you remove a
rear bench seat, it is advisable to store it out- side the vehicle. G
WARNING
When the permissible wheel loads, axle loads and/or the maximum permissible gross vehi-
cle weight are exceeded, driving safety is
compromised. The handling as well as steer-
ing and braking characteristics may be signif- icantly impaired. Overloaded tires may over-
heat, causing them to burst. There is a risk ofan accident.
When transporting a load, always observe the
permissible wheel loads, axle loads and the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
for the vehicle (including occupants). G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character- istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof car-
rier load.
You will find information about the maximum roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 328) and information about roof car-
riers in the "Carrier systems" section
(Y page 245).
R Do not stack luggage or loads higher than
the backrests.
R Stow objects preferably in the cargo com-
partment.
R When transporting luggage, always use the
cargo tie-down rings and a parcel net, if
present.
R Use cargo tie-down rings and fasteners
which are suitable for the weight and size of the load. 240
Loading guidelinesTransporting loads

Always observe the operating instructions of
the respective manufacturer when using suit- able load securing aids or tie downs. In par-
ticular, the information on service life.
Load securing aids and tie downs may not be used, for example, if:
R identification marks are missing or illegible
R there are yarn breakages, damage to bear-
ing 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
Such load securing aids and tie downs are
worn; they should not be used and must be
replaced. If you use load securing aids or tie
downs which are worn, the load may not be
sufficiently secured and could cause damage
to property.
After an accident, the following must be
checked at a specialist workshop:
R Cargo compartment floor
R Load surface
R Cargo tie-down rings
R Tie downs
Otherwise, the load may not be correctly
secured the next time anything is stowed.
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
luggage/loads" (Y page 242) and "Load dis-
tribution" (Y page 242) sections. Before loading
! The anti-slip mats cannot be used for
securing goods and must be replaced when
they show signs of:
R Permanent deformation and crushing
R Crack formation
R Cuts X
Tire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary (Y page 288).
X Cargo compartment floor: clean the
cargo compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to
prevent the load from slipping.
X Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary. During loading
! On passenger van versions with maxi-
mum seating layout, the permissible rear
axle load would be exceeded if the full pay-
load were to be loaded in the cargo com-
partment.
X Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible gross vehicle weight for your
vehicle.
Take into account that your vehicle's curb
weight is increased if accessories or
optional equipment are installed. The max-
imum payload is thus reduced.
X Observe the notes on load distribution
(Y page 242).
The overall center of gravity of the load
should always be as low as possible, cen-
tered and between the axles near the rear
axle.
X Secure the load (Y page 242).
Observe the legal requirements of the
country in which you are currently driving. Checks after loading
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases, such as carbon monoxide. If the sliding door or rear door is open when the engine is
running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior, especially during the journey. There
is a risk of poisoning. Loading guidelines
241Transporting loads
Z

Always switch off the engine before opening
the sliding door or rear door. Never drive the
vehicle when the sliding door or rear door is
open.
X Securing loads: check that the load is
secure before every journey and at regular intervals during a long journey, and correctif necessary.
X Doors: close the sliding doors and rear
doors.
X Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
according to the vehicle load (Y page 288).
X Driving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load. Load distribution
General notes
! 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.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
On Cargo Vans/Passenger Vans:
X Always transport loads in the cargo com-
partment.
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 downs. 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
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak- ing maneuvers or an accident:
R the cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
R the load may not be restrained.
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads. 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 areseat belts available. Make sure everyone rid-
ing in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a
separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for
more than one person at a time.
! Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the 242
Securing loadsTransporting loads

maximum loading capacity of the weakest
cargo tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces
acting could be up to several times the
weight force of the load. Always use multi-
ple cargo tie-down points in order to dis-
tribute the force absorption. Load the
anchorages evenly.
Spread the load evenly between the cargo tie- down points or tie-down rings.
Please also refer to the notes about qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 25).
Always observe the operating instructions or
the notes of the lashing strap manufacturer
for the operation of the lashing strap.
Information about the maximum loading
capacity of the cargo tie-down points can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 327).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring that:
R The applicable requirements and guide-
lines relating to load-securing practices
must be met.
If this is not the case, this may constitute a punishable offense, depending on local leg-
islation and any ensuing consequences.
You should therefore observe the respec-
tive legal requirements for the relevant
country.
Make sure that the load is secure before every journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey. Correct an incorrectly or inade-
quately secured load if necessary.
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 housings
(form-locking). Use rigid load securing aids,
such as wedges, wooden fixings or pad-
ding.
X Attach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions. Use the cargo tie-down points or cargo tie-down rings and the loading rails
in the cargo compartment or on the cargo
area.
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.
Loads, and heavy loads in particular, should
preferably be secured using the cargo tie-
down rings.
i Tie downs tested in accordance with cur-
rent standards (e.g. DIN EN) are available at any qualified specialist workshop. Cargo tie-down point (example: Passenger Van)
0043 Cargo tie-down rings Securing loads
243Transporting loads Z

Cargo tie-down point (example: Cargo Van without
loading rails)
0043 Cargo tie-down rings Cargo tie-down point (example: Cargo Van with
loading rails)
0043 Cargo tie-down rings
0044 Load rails
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.
If your vehicle is equipped with loading
rails 0044in the floor, you can place lashing rods
directly in front of and behind the load. The
lashing rods directly absorb the potential
shifting forces. Securing loads on the cargo compartment
floor by lashing them down is only recom-
mended for lightweight loads. Place non-slip
mats (anti-slip mats) under the load to
increase load security. Installing/removing cargo tie-down
rings for the load rails
G
WARNING
If the cargo tie-down ring is not properly
installed, it may slip or become detached in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak- ing maneuvers or an accident. This may causeobjects, luggage or the load to slip, tip over or
be tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury.
Before using the cargo tie-down rings, always
make sure they are properly installed and
cannot be moved. X
To install: slide the cargo tie-down ring
through a recess in the loading rail close to the load until locking mechanism 0043
engages in the recess.
i When you pull locking mechanism
0043up
and out of the recess, the cargo tie-down
ring is able to move within the loading rail.
Make sure that locking mechanism 0043is
always engaged in a recess.
X Check the cargo tie-down ring for firm seat-
ing.
X To remove: pull locking mechanism 0043up
and pull the cargo tie-down ring towards 244
Securing loadsTransporting loads

the locking mechanism and out of the load-
ing rail through a recess. Carrier systems
Roof carrier
G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character- istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
You can find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 328).
! Make sure that:
R the screws for the roof carrier are tight-
ened in the sliding blocks to 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 the screws are retightened 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 want to retrofit securing rails, have
it done at a qualified specialist workshop.
You could otherwise damage the vehicle. 0043
Securing rails
It is possible to install a roof carrier if your
vehicle is equipped with securing rails on the roof. Special mounting elements (grooved
plates) are available as accessories.
These mounting elements are available at any
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Ladder carrier
Example: ladder rack on Chassis Cab
0043
Front ladder rack
0044 Rear ladder rack
Pay attention to the important safety notes in the "Loading guidelines" section
(Y page 240).
You can find information about the maximum
ladder rack load in the "Technical data" sec-
tion (Y page 245).
You will find information about cleaning and
care in the "Notes on care" (Y page 265) and
"Power washers" (Y page 266) sections. Carrier systems
245Transporting loads Z

246

Useful information
............................248
Engine compartment ........................248
Vehicle interior ................................. 256
Maintenance ...................................... 256
Battery ............................................... 258
Care .................................................... 265 247Maintenance 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 25). Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes 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 over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could 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
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 remove jewelry and watches
R keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, 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 sys-
tem are, for example, the injectors. G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, 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.
If you have to carry out work in the engine
compartment, only touch the following com-
ponents:
R Hood
R Oil dipstick
R Engine oil filler neck cap
R Washer fluid reservoir cap
R Coolant expansion tank cap
Opening the hood !
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. 248
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care