engine overheat MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2015 MY15 Operator’s Manual

On vehicles with rear-compartment air con-
ditioning, adjustable air vents are integrated
into the roof duct.
X To adjust the airflow: open or close the
air flap in air vents 0043as needed.
X To adjust the air distribution: turn air
vent 0043to the desired position. Operating the auxiliary heating sys-
tem Important safety notes
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, for example in
enclosed spaces or if the vehicle gets stuck in
snow. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Switch the auxiliary heating off in enclosed
spaces without extraction systems, e.g. in
garages. If the vehicle is stuck in snow and
you have to leave the auxiliary heating run-
ning, keep the exhaust pipe and the area
around the vehicle free 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. G
WARNING
When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
parts of the vehicle can become very hot, e.g. the exhaust system.
Flammable materials such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact
with:
R hot parts of the exhaust system
R the exhaust gas itself
There is a risk of fire. When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
make sure that:
R no flammable materials come into contact
with hot vehicle components
R the exhaust gas can escape from the
exhaust pipe unhindered
R the exhaust gas does not come into contact
with flammable materials.
! Turn on the auxiliary heating at least once
a month for approximately 10 minutes. The
auxiliary heating could otherwise be dam-
aged.
! Make sure that the flow of hot air is not
blocked. The auxiliary heating will other-
wise overheat and switch off.
Your vehicle may be equipped with either an
auxiliary hot-water heater or an auxiliary
warm-air heater. Adjustment and operation of the:
R hot-water auxiliary heater is done via the
on-board computer and with the auxiliary
heating button in the control panel
(Y page 123) or with the remote control
(Y page 125).
R auxiliary warm-air heater is done via the
timer above the overhead control panel
(Y page 127).
The auxiliary heating works independently of
the engine and supplements the climate con- trol system in the vehicle. The auxiliary heat-
ing heats the air in the vehicle interior to the
temperature set.
If your vehicle is equipped with a hot-water
auxiliary heater, the auxiliary heating also
keeps the coolant warm. This way, the load on
the engine is minimized and fuel is saved.
The heater booster function (Y page 130) of
the auxiliary heating supports the climate
control system when the engine is running
and the outside temperature is low.
You can use the auxiliary heating at an out-
side temperature of up to 39 ‡ (4 †). At an
outside temperature above 39 ‡ (4 †) the 122
Operating the auxiliary heating systemClimate control

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). Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
New or replaced brake pads and brake disks
only reach their optimum braking effect after
a few 100 miles (a few 100 kilometers). Until then, compensate for this by applying greaterforce to the brake pedal.
For the service life and economy of your vehi-
cle it is crucial that you break in the engine
with due care.
R Therefore, protect the engine for the first
1000 miles (1500 km) by driving at varying vehicle and engine speeds.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle and high
engine speeds during this period, e.g. driv-
ing at full throttle. Do not exceed 00C6of the
maximum speed for each gear.
R Do not change down a gear manually in
order to brake.
R Try to avoid depressing the accelerator
pedal beyond the point of resistance (kick-
down).
R The shift ranges 3,2or 1should only be
engaged when driving slowly, e.g. when
driving in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and accelerate
the vehicle to full speed.
i You should also observe these notes on
breaking-in if the engine or parts of the drive train on your vehicle have been
replaced. Driving
Important safety notes
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. G
WARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
R overheat and cause a fire
R lose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
If you park the vehicle for more than
three weeks:
R connect the batteries to a trickle charger or
R disconnect the vehicle's starter battery or
R switch off the electrical system using the
battery main switch (Y page 137) and
R disconnect the vehicle's auxiliary battery
Otherwise, you need to check the battery's
condition of charge every three weeks, since standby power consumption can drain the
battery. If the battery voltage is lower than
12.2 V, the battery must be charged. Other-
wise, the battery may be damaged by exhaus-
tive discharging.
Be sure to observe the notes on disconnect-
ing and charging the batteries under "Battery"
(Y page 258). You can obtain information
about trickle chargers from a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. 136
DrivingDriving and parking

engine and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating
before refueling. G
WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
R Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
R If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay.
R If fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel. G
WARNING
If you mix diesel fuel with gasoline, the flash
point is lower than that of pure diesel fuel.
When the engine is running, exhaust system
components could overheat without being
noticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with gasoline. Never mix gasoline with diesel fuel. H
Environmental note
If fuels are handled improperly, they pose a
danger to persons and the environment. Do
not allow fuels to run into the sewage system, the surface waters, the ground water or into
the ground.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Even small amounts of gas-
oline will cause damage to the fuel system and engine. !
Do not switch on the ignition if you acci-
dentally refuel with the wrong fuel. Other-
wise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines. Notify a qualified specialist workshop and have
the fuel tank and fuel lines drained com-
pletely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the paintwork.
! Filter the fuel before transferring it to the
vehicle if you are refueling the vehicle from
barrels or containers.
This will prevent malfunctions in the fuel
system due to contaminated fuel.
Further information on fuel and on fuel grades can be found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 318). Refueling procedure
The fuel filler flap is on the left side of the
vehicle behind the front door. It is only pos-
sible to open the fuel filler flap when the front door is open.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Switch off the auxiliary heating system
(Y page 122).
X Open the front left-hand door first, and then
the fuel filler flap.
X Close all vehicle doors to prevent fuel
vapors from entering the vehicle. 146
RefuelingDriving and parking

When you return from your journey, and as
close to the border as possible, you will need
to:
R remove the adhesive surfaces from your
halogen headlamps and clean the glass of
the headlamps if necessary
R have the Bi-Xenon headlamps reset to
asymmetrical low beam at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop Transport by rail
Transporting your vehicle by rail may be sub-
ject to certain restrictions or require special
measures to be taken in some countries due
to varying tunnel heights and loading stand-
ards.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Sprinter dealer. Braking
Important safety 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 not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads. Downhill gradients !
Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
should change down to shift range 0048or0047
in good time. This should be observed in par- ticular when driving with a laden vehicle and
when towing a trailer.
i You must also change the shift range in
good time when cruise control is switched
on.
You thereby make use of the braking effect of the engine and do not have to brake as oftento maintain the speed. This relieves the load
on the service brake and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. The brakes are
cooled down more quickly in the airflow.
Wet road surfaces If you have been driving for a long time in
heavy rain without braking, there may be a
delayed response when you first apply the
brakes. This may also occur after driving
through a car wash or deep water. 154
Driving tipsDriving and parking

is case, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble trailer drawbar.
Driving tips The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, check the vehicle
documents of the your trailer to find out the
permissible maximum speed. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed for vehi-
cle/trailer combinations in the relevant coun-
try, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must
select shift range 3,2or 1in good time.
i This also applies if cruise control is acti-
vated.
This enables you to utilize the engine's brak-
ing effect and you do not need to brake so
heavily to keep the correct speed, which pro-
tects the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to
not depress the brake pedal constantly, but
periodically.
Driving tips If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
i You can reduce the risk of the trailer
swinging and rocking by retrofitting anti-
roll bars or trailer stability programs. More information is available from your author-
ized Sprinter Dealer.
R Maintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
R Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes
gently at first to allow the trailer brake to overrun. Then, increase the brake force
quickly.
R The figures for the gradient climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note
that the power output of the engine, and
with it its gradient climbing capability,
decrease with increasing altitude. Coupling up a trailer
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip- ped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing
so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer. Trailer coupled ready for use
X Make sure the selector lever of the auto-
matic transmission is in position P.
X Apply the parking brake of the vehicle.
X Close all doors.
X Position the trailer horizontally behind your
vehicle.
i The height of the ball neck changes
according to the load on the vehicle. In this
case, use a trailer with a height-adjustable
trailer drawbar.
X Couple the trailer.
X Establish all electrical and other connec-
tions to the trailer. When doing so, hook the
breakaway cable of the trailer into eye-
let 0043 on the ball coupling. Towing a trailer
175Driving and parking Z

inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4,3, 2or 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 dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature
of the heater/air conditioning to the maxi-
mum level. Open the windows if necessary.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination you need an additional dis-
tance before you can return to your original
lane. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure the selector lever of the auto-
matic transmission is in position P.
X Apply the parking brake of the vehicle.
X Close all doors. X
Apply the parking brake of the trailer.
X In addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
X Remove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer. Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information !
On vehicles with a permissible gross vehi-
cle weight of 11030 lbs (5003 kg), the per- missible gross combination weight is less
than the total of the permissible gross vehi-
cle weight and the permissible trailer load.
Exceeding the permissible gross combina-
tion weight can lead to damage to the driv-
etrain, to the transmission or to the trailer
tow hitch.
If the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden, the relevant value for the permissible gross
vehicle weight or the permissible trailer
load is therefore lower. In this case, the
trailer or the vehicle may only be partially
loaded.
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is calculated by adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment.
The maximum gross vehicle weight is vehicle-specific and equipment-dependent: 5,000 lbs
(2,268 kg) or 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg).
The maximum perm issible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 500 lbs
(227 kg) or 750 lbs (340 kg). Theactual nose-
weight may not exceed the value given on the
identification plates of the trailer tow hitch or
the trailer. If the values vary, the lowest value always applies.
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR)is calculated by adding the gross weight of the
trailer to the gross vehicle weight including a
driver's weight of approximately 150 lbs
(68 kg). The permissible Gross Combination
Weight Rating is vehicle-specific and depends
on the equipment level. Towing a trailer
177Driving and parking Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00E2
Idle Mode Idle Mode The vehicle cannot be driven at a speed exceeding 5 mph
(8 km/h).
The DEF reducing agent is contaminated, diluted or is not compli-
ant with ISO 2224 1.
X Have the DEF tank cleaned and refilled at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. The exhaust gas aftertreatment is malfunctioning or an emission
relevant malfunction has occurred. This malfunction or defect can
damage the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 00AC
Coolant Coolant
Stop,
Stop,turn
turn
engine off
engine off The coolant temperature is too high.
If the vehicle is stopped after being subjected to extreme loads,
the coolant warning lamp may come on when the ignition is
switched on or the engine is restarted. Such loads can be, for
example, driving in mountainous terrain or driving with a trailer.
X Run the engine for approximately 1 minute at idling speed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop if the display message
continues to be shown. 00BC
Coolant Coolant
Check
Checklevel
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 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 325).
X If you need to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling
system checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 00B5
Reserve Reserve
fuel
fuelDrive
Drive
to a filling stat.
to a filling stat. The fuel level has fallen into the reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest gas station (Y page 145).00B8
Water in fuel Water in fuel
Visit workshop Visit workshop The water that has collected in the water separator has reached
the maximum level.
X Drain the water separator (Y page 255).212
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00B2
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
flashes and the
warning buzzer
sounds after the
engine is started
or while the vehi-
cle is in motion. On vehicles with a diesel engine, the oil level display additionally
appears in the display, e.g.
– 2.0 qts – 2.0 qts(Canada:– 2.0 ltr
– 2.0 ltr).
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 with the oil dipstick (Y page 251).
X If the engine oil level is correct: have the malfunction rectified
immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
X If the engine oil level is too low: have the vehicle towed to a
qualified specialist workshop. 00B2
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
lights up and the
warning buzzer
sounds after the
engine is started
or while the vehi-
cle is in motion. The engine oil level is above the maximum level.
There is a risk of damaging the engine or catalytic converter.
X Check the oil level with the oil dipstick (Y page 251).
X If the oil level is too high: have the engine oil extracted as soon
as possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
X If the oil level is correct: have the malfunction rectified as soon
as possible at a qualified specialist workshop. 00B2
On vehicles with
a diesel engine,
the yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
lights up repeat-
edly during the
journey. There is a malfunction in the engine oil level display.
X Have the vehicle checked immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. 003F
The yellow cool-
ant 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 253).
X If you need to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling
system checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
223On-board computer and displays Z

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

Tank contents
Depending on equipment, the total capacity
of the fuel tank may vary.
Total capacity
2500
3500 Approx-
imately
26.4 US gal (100 l) of which reserve fuel
Models with a total capacity
of approximately
26.4 US gal (100 l) Approx-
imately
5.3 US gal (20 l) Diesel
Fuel grade
G
WARNING
If you mix diesel fuel with gasoline, the flash
point is lower than that of pure diesel fuel.
When the engine is running, exhaust system
components could overheat without being
noticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with gasoline. Never mix gasoline with diesel fuel.
! Filter the fuel before transferring it to the
vehicle if you are refueling the vehicle from
barrels or containers.
This will prevent malfunctions in the fuel
system due to contaminated fuel.
! Vehicles without a diesel particle fil-
ter: in countries where only diesel fuel with
a high sulfur content is available, you will
need to carry out your vehicle's oil change
at shorter intervals. Further information on
oil change intervals can be obtained at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Sprinter diesel engine
You will damage the diesel engine if you do not refuel with ultra-low sulfur diesel or use a diesel fuel with a sulfur content greater
than 15 ppm.
! Do not use the following:
R Marine diesel
R Heating oil
R Bio-diesel
R Vegetable oil
R Gasoline
R Paraffin
R Kerosene
Do not mix such fuels with diesel fuel and
do not use any special additives. This can
otherwise lead to engine damage. This
does not include flow improver additives.
For further information, see "Flow improv-
ers".
You will generally find information about the
fuel grade on the filling pump. If there is no
identification on the filling pump, consult a
gas station attendant.
For more information about refueling
(Y page 145).
Diesel at very low outside temperatures G
WARNING
If you heat fuel system components, e.g. with a hot-air gun or open flame, these compo-
nents could be damaged. This can cause fuel to escape and ignite. Depending on the type
of damage, fuel may also not escape until the
engine is running. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Never heat fuel system components. Contact a qualified specialist workshop to rectify the
malfunction.
Refill only with commercially available
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL (ULSD, maxi-
mum sulfur content 15 ppm), which fulfills the
ASTM D975 standard.
The flow properties of diesel may be inade-
quate at low outside temperatures due to
paraffin separation. Service products and capacities
319Technical data Z