MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2017 MY17 Operator’s Manual

Load securing aids and tie downs may not be
used, for example, if:
Ridentification marks are missing or illegible
Rthere are yarn breakages, damage to bearingseams or other signs of tearing
Rthere are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
Rthere 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:
RCargo compartment floor
RLoad surface
RCargo tie-down rings
RTie 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 lug-
gage/loads" (
Ypage 210) and "Load distribu-
tion" (Ypage 210) sections.
Before loading
!
The anti-slip mats cannot be used for secur-
ing goods and must be replaced when they
show signs of:
RPermanent deformation and crushing
RCrack formation
RCuts
XTire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary (Ypage 246).
XCargo compartment floor: clean the cargo
compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to pre-
vent the load from slipping.
XPlace non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary.
During loading
!
On passenger van versions with maximum
seating layout, the permissible rear axle load
would be exceeded if the full payload were to
be loaded in the cargo compartment.
XObserve the gross axle weight rating and per-
missible 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 maximum pay-
load is thus reduced.
XObserve the notes on load distribution
(Ypage 210).
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
XSecure the load (Ypage 210).
Observe the legal requirements of the country
in which you are currently driving.
Checks after loading
GWARNING
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.
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.
XSecuring loads: check that the load is secure
before every journey and at regular intervals
during a long journey, and correct if neces-
sary.
XDoors: close the sliding doors and rear doors.
XTire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
according to the vehicle load (Ypage 246).
XDriving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load.
Loading guidelines209
Transporting loads
Z

Load distribution
General notes
!
Excessive loads on individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair vehi-
cle 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 and Passenger Vans:
XAlways transport loads in the cargo compart-
ment.
XAlways place the load against the backrests of the rear bench seat.
XMove 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.
XAlways additionally secure the load with suit-
able load-securing aids or tie downs.
Observe the following notes:
RDo not stack loads higher than the upper edge
of the backrests.
RTransport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
RIf 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
GWARNING
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:
Rthe cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
Rthe 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.
GWARNING
You may not transport anyone in the cargo
compartment or on the load surface. Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are
seat 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 max-
imum loading capacity of the weakest cargo
tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces act-
ing could be up to several times the weight
force of the load. Always use multiple cargo
tie-down points in order to distribute 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 (
Ypage 27).
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 capa-
city of the cargo tie-down points can be found in
the "Technical data" section (
Ypage 281).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
RThe load is secured against slipping, tipping,
rolling or falling off. This applies both in nor-
mal traffic conditions and if the vehicle must
swerve to avoid an obstacle, in the event of
full brake application and on poor road surfa-
ces.
RThe applicable requirements and guidelines
relating to load-securing practices must be
met.
If this is not the case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local legis-
lation and any ensuing consequences.
210Securing loads
Transporting loads

You should therefore observe the respective
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 inadequately
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.
XFill 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 padding.
XAttach 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.
iTie downs tested in accordance with current
standards (e.g. DIN EN) are available at any
qualified specialist workshop.
Cargo tie-down points (example: Passenger Van)
:
Cargo tie-down rings
Cargo tie-down point (example: Cargo Van without
loading rails)
:
Cargo tie-down rings
Cargo tie-down points (example: Cargo Van with
loading rails)
:
Cargo tie-down rings
;Load rails
Secure loose loads with a tested lashing net or a
tarpaulin.
XAlways 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 ;
in 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 recommended for
lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats (anti-slip
mats) under the load to increase load security.
Securing loads211
Transporting loads
Z

Installing/removing cargo tie-down
rings for the load rails
GWARNING
If th ecargo tie-down rin gis no tproperly
installed, it may slip or become detached in
th eevent of abrup tchanges in direction ,brak -
ing maneuvers or an accident. This may caus e
objects ,luggag eor th eload to slip, ti pove ror
be tosse dabout ,striking vehicl eoccupants.
Ther eis aris kof injury.
Before usin gth ecargo tie-down rings, always
mak esur ethey are properly installed and
canno tbe moved.
XTo install: slide thecargo tie-down rin g
throug h arecess in th eloadin grail close to
th eload until lockin gmechanism :engage s
in th erecess .
iWhen you pull lockin gmechanism :up and
out of th erecess ,th ecargo tie-down rin gis
able to mov ewithin th eloadin grail. Mak e
sur ethat lockin gmechanism :is always
engage din arecess .
XCheckth ecargo tie-down rin gfor fir mseat -
ing .
XTo remove: pull lockingmechanism :up
and pull th ecargo tie-down rin gtowards th e
lockin gmechanism and out of th eloadin grail
throug h arecess .
Carrier systems
Roof carrier
GWARNIN G
When you load th eroof, th ecenter of gravit y
of th evehicl erises and th edriving character-
istics change. If you exceed th emaximum roo f
load, th edriving characteristics ,as well as
steering and braking ,will be greatl yimpaired.
Ther eis aris kof an accident.
Never exceed th emaximum roo fload and
adjust your driving style.
You can fin dinformation about th emaximum
roo fload in th e"Technical data" section
(
Ypage 282).
!Mak esur ethat:
Rth escrews for th eroo fcarrie rare tightened
in th esliding blocks to atorque of
6. 0 – 7.4lb-ft (8 –10 Nm)
Rth ebolts, when tightened, do no ttouch th e
rails .
Rtheslot nut sare no tlocate din th earea of
th eplastic caps.
Rth eslot nut shav eth eright cross-section .
Rthemounting rails in th einterior are free of
dirt .
Rthescrews are retightened evenly after
approximately 30 0mile s(50 0km).
We recommen dtha tyou only use roo fracks
tested and approve dby Sprinter. These help
avoid vehicl edamage.
!If you wan tto retrofit securin grails, hav eit
don eat aqualified specialist workshop .You
could otherwise damage th evehicle.
:Securin grail s
212Carrier systems
Transporting loads

It is possible to install a roof carrier if your vehi-
cle 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
:
Front ladder rack
;Rear ladder rack
Pay attention to the important safety notes in
the "Loading guidelines" section (
Ypage 208).
You can find information about the maximum
ladder rack load in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 212).
You will find information about cleaning and
care in the "Notes on care" (
Ypage 229) and
"Power washers" (Ypage 230) sections.
Carrier systems213
Transporting loads
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 possi-
ble. 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 (
Ypage 27).
Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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:
Rswitch off the ignition
Rnever reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
Rremove jewelry and watches
Rkeep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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 com-
partment, only touch the following components:
RHood
ROil dipstick
REngine oil filler neck cap
RWasher fluid reservoir cap
RCoolant 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 wip-
ers or the hood.
214Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Releasehandle for th ehoo d
XStop your veh icleas far away fr omtraff icas
possible on level ground.
XSwitch off the engine.
XSecure the veh icleto prevent itfrom rolling
away.
XPull release handle :onthe hood.
The hoodis released.
XReach into the gap and push lever ;onthe
hoo d catch up.
XSwin g the hood up unt ilsupport strut =
engages and the hood issupported.
Closing the hood
GWARNIN G
If the hoodis unlatched, it could tip forward
during rapid decelerati on ofthe vehicle and
hit persons or objectswithin its path. There is
a risk ofan accident and injury.
Therefore, always make sure that the hood is
closed and locked co mpletely before driv ing
off.
If the hood is not locked and you are alrea dy
driving at walkingpace:
Rthe yellow 1indicat or lamp in theinstru-
ment cluster goes onfor vehicles without
steering-wheel butto ns.
Rthe 1 Hoodopendisp lay appears for vehi-
cles with steering-wheel butto ns.
!When you press the support strut back,
make sure that you do not press it against the
detent position and cause itto bend.
!Do no t use your hands to push thehood
down .You could damage it otherwise.
XLift the hood slightly.
XPress support strut =towards the back.
XLowe r the hood and allow itto fall with
mom entum fr oma height of approximat ely
1 ft (30 cm).
The hood locks audibly.
XChec k that the hood is correctly locke d.
If the hood can beraised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. If the hood is not correctly
engaged, openthehood again. Let the hood
fall with a little moremom entum.
Engine compartment215
Maintenance and care
Z

Overview of the engine compartment
Example: engine
:
Coolant expansion tank cap (Ypage 218)
;DEF filler neck cap (Ypage 126)
=Engine oil filler neck cap (Ypage 216)
?Brake fluid expansion tank cap
(Ypage 219)
AWasher fluid reservoir cap (Ypage 220)
Regularly check the fluid level and the assembly
for leaks. If you detect fluid loss, e.g. oil flecks on
the vehicle parking space, consult a qualified
specialist workshop immediately.
Engine oil
General notes
!Engine oil gets dirty in the course of opera-
tion and its quality and volume are gradually
diminished. Regularly check the oil level, and
top up or have it replaced as needed.
Observe the information on engine oils and oil
consumption in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 277).
You can check the oil level in the engine:
Ron the display of the on-board computer
Rwith the oil dipstick
Checking the oil level shown in the dis-
play
If at extremely low temperatures no engine oil
level is displayed after 5 minutes, repeat the
engine oil level check after another 5 minutes.
If an oil level reading is still not displayed, check
the engine oil level with the dipstick
(
Ypage 217). Have the engine oil level checked
at a qualified specialist workshop. Only check the oil level when the engine is at
normal operating temperature.
XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait 5 minutes.
XTurn the key to position
2in the ignition lock.
The display is activated.
XVehicles without steering wheel buttons:
press the 4menu button on the instrument
cluster (
Ypage 33) repeatedly until the dis-
play shows the 1symbol.
The --:--
display message appears in the
display while the engine oil level measure-
ment is running.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons:
press the Ëservice button on the instrument
cluster (
Ypage 33).
The 4 Engine oil level Measuring
inprogressdisplay message appears in the
display while the engine oil level measure-
ment is in progress.
Display message for vehicles without steer-
ing-wheel buttons: the display may show the
following messages after the engine oil level
measurement.
1Action
OKXDo not add oil.
– 1.0 qtsXAdd the amount of oil
shown (Ypage 218).
XCheck the engine oil level
again after a few minutes.– 1.5 qts
– 2.0 qts
HIThe oil level is too high.
XHave excess oil removed.
Measurement units in the display:
RqtsUSA only
RltrCanada only
Display message for vehicles with steering- wheel buttons: the display may show the fol-
lowing messages after the engine oil level meas-
urement.
1Action
Engineoillevel OKXDo not add oil.
216Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

EngineoilAdd1.0 quart
XAdd the amount of oil
shown (Ypage 218).
XCheck the engine oil level
again after a few minutes.
EngineoilAdd1.5quarts
EngineoilAdd2.0quarts
EngineoillevelReduceoillevel
The oil level is too high.
XHave excess oil removed.
Eng. oillev. Turnignitionon forlevel
XTurn the key to position2in
the ignition lock.
Observewait.period
XRepeat the engine oil
measurement after about
5 minutes if the engine is at
normal operating tempera-
ture.
XRepeat the engine oil
measurement after about
30 minutes if the engine is
not at normal operating
temperature.
Engineoillevel Notwhen eng.running
XSwitch off the engine when it is at normal operating
temperature and wait
approximately 5 minutes
before measuring the
engine oil level.
Measurement units in the display:
RqtsUSA only
RltrCanada only
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
Example: 4-cylinder diesel engine
Example: 6-cylinder diesel engine
For vehicles with a red oil dipstick, only check
the oil level when the engine is at normal oper-
ating temperature:
XStop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait 5 minutes.
For vehicles with a yellow oil dipstick, only check
the oil level when the engine is cold.
XStop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
XOpen the hood (Ypage 214).
XPull out oil dipstick :.
XWipe oil dipstick:using a lint-free cloth.
Engine compartment217
Maintenance and care
Z

XInsert oil dipstick:back into the guide tube
as far as it will go and remove it again.
If the level is between minimum mark =and
maximum mark ;, the oil level is correct.
XIf the oil level has dropped to or below mini-
mum mark=, open cap ?and add engine oil
(
Ypage 218).
The difference in quantity between marks ;
and =is approximately 2 qt (2 l).
XInsert the oil dipstick into the guide tube as far
as it will go.
XClose the hood (Ypage 215).
OM651 4-cylinder diesel engine:
At outside temperatures between 32 ‡ (–0 †)
and 86 ‡ (30 †), the oil level can be checked
when the engine is cold.
Measuring the engine oil when the engine is cold
is less precise than measuring when the engine
is at normal operating temperature.
When the appropriate warning is shown in the
display
XAdd engine oil (Ypage 218)
or
XHave engine oil siphoned off.
Adding engine oil
GWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next to
the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and
thoroughly clean the engine oil off the com-
ponents before starting the engine.
!The alternator is located below the engine
oil filler neck. If engine oil spills onto the alter-
nator, there is a danger of alternator damage.
Be very careful when adding engine oil.
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful to
the environment.
!Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the engine
or to the catalytic converter. Have excess
engine oil siphoned off.
!Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
XOpen the hood (Ypage 214).
XUnscrew and remove cap ?.
XAdd engine oil.
XReplace cap?on the filler neck and tighten.
When doing so, make sure that the cap
engages correctly.
XCheck the oil level with the oil dipstick
(Ypage 217) or on the display (Ypage 216).
XClose the hood.
Coolant
GWARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized, par-
ticularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hot
coolant spraying out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape.
Only check the coolant level and/or fill the cool-
ant if the vehicle is on a level surface and the
engine has cooled down. The coolant tempera-
ture must be below 122 ‡ (50 †).
!Check the engine cooling and heating sys-
tem regularly for leaks.
If a large quantity of coolant is lost, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
GWARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
!Take care not to spill any coolant on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
218Engine compartment
Maintenance and care