MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2018 MY18 Operator’s Manual

the battery main switch. You could otherwise
damage components of the electrical system.
You can use the battery isolating switch to dis-
connect the power supply to all your vehicle's
consumers. This will prevent uncontrolled bat-
tery discharge caused by off-load current con-
sumption.
If your vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary bat-
tery in the engine compartment, you will need to
disconnect both batteries. Only then is the elec- trical system fully disconnected from the power
supply.
iOnly switch the vehicle to de-energized
using the battery main switch if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period
Rit is absolutely necessary
After the power supply has been activated,
you will need to reset the side windows
(
Ypage 73).
Switching off the power supply
Battery main switch to the left of the center con-
sole
XRemove the key from the ignition lock and
wait for at least five minutes.
XPress button ;in the direction of the arrow
and hold.
XPull connector :from the ground pin.
XPush connector :as far to the side as pos-
sible so that it cannot make contact with the
ground pin.
All starter battery consumers are disconnec-
ted from the power supply.
Switching on the power supply
XInsert the key into the ignition lock.
XPress connector :onto ground pin ;until
you feel it engage and the lock inhibitor is
released.
Connector :must be in full contact with
ground pin ;.
All consumers are reconnected to the DC
power supply.
Key positions
gTo insert and remove the key, lock the steer-
ing wheel
1To unlock the steering wheel, power supply
for some consumers (e.g. the radio)
2To switch on the ignition. Power supply for
all consumers, preglow and drive position
3To start the engine
On vehicles with a battery main switch, you must
first switch on the power supply (
Ypage 118).
iTo unlock the steering, move the steering
wheel slightly while turning the key to position
1 .
Driving119
Dr iving an d parking
Z

Preparing for a journey
Visual check of the vehicle exterior
XIn particular, check the following components
on the vehicle, and on the trailer as necessary:
Rlicense plates, vehicle lighting, turn signals,
brake lamps and wiper blades for dirt and
damage
Rtires and wheels for firm seating, correct
tire pressure and general condition
Rtrailer tow hitch for play and security
The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road safety. The separate instructions issued by
the manufacturer pertaining to operation,
care and maintenance should be observed.
Rthat contour markings on attachments and
bodies are in good condition
XRectify any noticeable defects before com-
mencing the journey.
Checks in the vehicle
Emergency equipment and first-aid kit
XCheck the equipment to make sure that it is
accessible, complete and ready for use.
The first aid and breakdown assistance equip-
ment is in the front door stowage compartments
and behind the driver's seat.
Vehicle lighting
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
XCheck the lighting system with the aid of a
second person.
XReplace defective bulbs (Ypage 89).
Before driving off
GWARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell may restrict
the clearance around the pedals or block a
depressed pedal. This jeopardizes the oper-
ating and road safety of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Stow all objects securely in the vehicle so that
they do not get into the driver's footwell.
When using floormats or carpets, make sure
that they are properly secured so that they do
not slip or obstruct the pedals. Do not place
several floormats or carpets on top of one
another.
GWARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinder correct usage of the pedals, e.g.:
Rshoes with thick soles
Rshoes with high heels
Rslippers
There is a risk of an accident.
Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct
usage of the pedals.
XSecure the load as per the loading guidelines
(Ypage 213).
XStow luggage items securely. Secure the load
as per the loading guidelines (Ypage 213).
XMake sure that the floormats and carpets are
properly secured so that they cannot slip and
obstruct the pedals.
XClose all doors.
Starting the engine
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
!Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
XBefore starting the engine, make sure that:
Rall the doors are closed.
Rall the vehicle occupants are wearing their
seat belts correctly.
Rthe parking brake is applied.
iIf you depress the brake pedal before start-
ing the engine, the pedal travel is short and
pedal resistance is high.
If you depress the brake pedal again after
starting the engine, pedal travel and resist-
ance will be back to normal again.
120Driving
Driving and parking

Gearshift pattern
j
Park position with parking lock
kReverse gear
iNeutral
hDrive
XMove the selector lever to positionP.
The display in the instrument cluster shows P:
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 166)
Ron vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 162)
iYou can also start the engine in neutral N.
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
The % preglow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up briefly.
XOnce the %preglow indicator lamp goes
out, turn the key to position 3in the ignition
lock and release it as soon as the engine is
running.
iYou can start the engine without preglow
when the engine is warm.
The preglow system is malfunctioning if the
% preglow indicator lamp lights up for
approximately 1 minute:
Rafter the ignition is switched on
Rwhile the engine is running
At extremely low outside temperatures you
may then no longer be able to start the
engine. Have the malfunction rectified at a
qualified specialist workshop.
iDepending on the equipment installed, the
vehicle either automatically locks centrally
after switching on the ignition or after pulling
away. The locking knobs in the doors drop
down.
You can open the doors from the inside at any
time. Automatic door locking can be deactivated
(
Ypage 66).
Driving off
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
!Only shift into reverse gear Rwhen the vehi-
cle is stationary. Otherwise, you could dam-
age the transmission.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
XMove the selector lever to position Dor R.
On vehicles with a reverse warning feature,
when reverse gear is engaged a warning tone
sounds to alert other road users
(
Ypage 121).
XRelease the parking brake (Ypage 130).
The c indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
iAfter pulling away or switching on the igni-
tion, the vehicle automatically locks centrally.
The locking knobs in the doors drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at any
time.
You can also deactivate the automatic locking
feature (
Ypage 66).
Reverse warning device
GWARNING
Other road users may ignore or fail to hear the warning tone of the reverse warning feature.
There is a risk of injury if you fail to ensure that
the area in which you are maneuvering is
clear.
Driving121
Driving and parking
Z

Make sure that there are no persons or
objects in the area in which you are maneu-
vering. It may be necessary to enlist the help
of a second person when maneuvering.
The reverse warning feature is a system
designed to assist you in ensuring the safety of
other road users.
A warning signal sounds to alert other road
users when reverse gear is engaged. The volume
of the warning tone can be reduced for night-
time driving.XTo reduce the volume of the warning tone:
engage reverse gear twice in quick succes-
sion.
The warning tone is now quieter.
iThe warning tone sounds at a normal vol-
ume by default. The volume of the warning
tone has to be reduced each time you engage
reverse gear if necessary.
Problems with the engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor can be
heard.There is air in the fuel system.
XTurn the key back to position0in the ignition lock before attempting
to start the engine again.
XStart the engine again.
Please bear in mind that lengthy and frequent starting attempts will drain the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor can be
heard. The reserve fuel
warning lamp is lit and
the fuel gauge is at 0.The fuel tank has been run dry.
XRefuel the vehicle.
If you drive until the fuel tank is completely empty, air may get into the
fuel system. If the engine does not start after refueling, bleed the fuel
system as follows:
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition for approximately
10 seconds.
XStart the engine continuously for a maximum of 60 seconds.
If the engine does not start:
XWait approximately 2 minutes.
XRestart the engine continuously for a maximum of 60 seconds.
XIf the engine still fails to start, do not continue trying to start it.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
122Driving
Driving and parking

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The vehicle cannot be
driven at a speed
exceeding 5 mph
(8 km/h).
The yellow;Check
Engine lamp and the yel-
low å DEF indicator
lamp
2light up.
The exhaust gas aftertreatment system is defective or an emissions-
relevant malfunction has occurred.
This malfunction or defect can damage the exhaust gas aftertreat-
ment.
XObserve the messages in the display:
Ron vehicles without steering-wheel buttons (Ypage 177)
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons (Ypage 187).
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor cannot
be heard.The battery isolating switch is switched off.
XSwitch on the power supply (Ypage 119).
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor cannot
be heard.The on-board voltage is too low. The battery is too weak or discharged.
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 243).
If the engine cannot be jump-started, the starter motor is faulty.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor cannot
be heard.The battery is discharged or faulty.
XCheck the battery for damage.
XCharge the battery (Ypage 233).
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission may
roll only briefly in the neutral position N. Pro-
longed rolling of the wheels, e.g. when being
towed, will result in transmission damage.
Towing (
Ypage 244)
Selector lever
jPark position with parking lock
kReverse gear
iNeutral
hDrive
2Only vehicles without steering-wheel buttons.
Automatic transmission123
Driving and parking
Z

The display in the instrument cluster shows the
present selector lever position or the current
shift range:
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 166)
Ron vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 162)
Selector lever positions
BPark position
This prevents the vehicle from rolling
away when stopped. Only move the
selector lever toPif the vehicle is
stationary.
You can only remove the key when
the selector lever is in this position.
The selector lever is locked in posi-
tion Pif the key is removed.
The parking lock should not be used
as a brake when parking. Always
apply the parking brake as well once
you have parked the vehicle.
CReverse gear
Only move the selector lever to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
ANeutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels. Releasing
the brakes will allow you to move the
vehicle freely, e.g. by pushing.
Do not move the selector lever to N
while driving. The automatic trans-
mission could otherwise be dam-
aged.
If ASR is deactivated or ESP
®has
malfunctioned: only move the selec-
tor lever to Nif the vehicle is in dan-
ger of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
7Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear itself. All forward gears are avail-
able.
You can influence the gearshifts and
shift gears yourself or limit the shift
range.
Changing gear
The 5-speed automatic transmission adapts to
your individual driving style by continuously
adjusting its shift points. These shift point
adjustments take into account the current oper-
ating and driving conditions. If the operating or
driving conditions change, the automatic trans-
mission reacts by adjusting the gearshift pro-
gram.
When the selector lever is in position D, the
automatic transmission selects the individual
gears automatically. This depends on:
Rany restriction in the shift range
(Ypage 125)
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe road speed
Touchshift
When the selector lever is in position D, you can
perform gearshifts yourself.
XTo shift down: press the selector lever to the
left towards D–.
The automatic transmission shifts to the next gear down, depending on the gear currently
engaged. The shift range is also restricted.
iThe automatic transmission does not shift
down if you press the selector lever towards
D– while traveling at too high a speed. This
protects the engine from overrevving.
XTo shift up: briefly press the selector lever to
the right towards D+.
The automatic transmission shifts to the next
gear up, depending on the current gearshift
program. This also extends the shift range.
XTo derestrict the shift range: press and hold
the selector lever towards D+until D
appears
in the display again.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
XTo select the optimum shift range: press
and hold the selector lever to the left towards
D–.
The automatic transmission will shift to a
range which allows easy acceleration and
deceleration. To do this, the automatic trans-
mission will shift down one or more gears.
124Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Shift ranges
When the selector lever is in positionDyou can
restrict or derestrict the shift range for the auto- matic transmission.
XTo extend and restrict the shift range:
press the selector lever briefly to the right
towards D+or left towards D–.
The display shows the selected shift range.
The automatic transmission shifts only as far
as the relevant gear.
iIf the maximum engine speed for the restric-
ted shift range is reached and you depress the
accelerator pedal, the automatic transmis-
sion will not shift up.
Driving situations
5Use the braking effect of the engine
on steep downhill gradients and for
driving:
Ron steep mountain roads
Rin mountainous terrain
Rin arduous conditions
4Use the braking effect of the engine
on extremely steep downhill gradi-
ents and long downhill stretches.
Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position
Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
Rlittle throttle: early upshifts
Rlots of throttle: later upshifts
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to the next
gear down, depending on the engine speed.
XEase off on the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts up again.
Maneuvering
Maneuvering in a tight space:
XControl the vehicle's speed by braking care-
fully.
XDepress the accelerator pedal slightly and
evenly.
iYou can shift back and forth between drive
position Dand reverse gear Rat low speeds
without applying the brakes. This can help
you, for example when rapidly maneuvering
the vehicle or rocking it out of snow or slush.
Towing a trailer
XDrive at moderate engine speeds on steep
uphill gradients.
XDepending on the uphill or downhill gradient,
shift down to a shift range adapted to the
driving situation (
Ypage 125), even if cruise
control is activated.
Automatic transmission125
Driving and parking
Z

Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The transmission mal-
functions when shifting
gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
The acceleration charac-
teristics have deteriora-
ted noticeably.
The transmission does
not shift.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear or reverse gear R.
XStop the vehicle.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XMove the selector lever to positionP.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XMove the selector lever to positionDor R.
In position D, the transmission shifts into second gear; in position R,
the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
XHave the transmission checked immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Releasing the parking lock manually
In the event of a malfunction, it is possible to
manually release the selector lever from the
lock in parking position P, e.g. to have the vehi-
cle towed away.
XApply the parking brake.
XRemove cover :.
XSlide implement ;as far as it will go into the
opening.
XPush the implement in and simultaneously
move the selector lever out of position P.
The selector lever lock is released. You can
now move the selector lever freely again until
it is returned to position P.
XRemove implement;.
XRe-install cover:.
iThe screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit
could function as the implement, for instance
(
Ypage 241).
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. Improper handling of
fuel creates a risk of fire and explosion.
Avoid fire, open flames, smoking and creating
sparks under all circumstances. Switch off the
engine and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating
before refueling.
GWARNING
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
126Refueling
Driving and parking

and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuelvapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
RWash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
RIf fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay.
RIf fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
GWARNING
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.
HEnvironmental 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 gasoline
will cause damage to the fuel system and
engine.
!Do not switch on the ignition if you acciden-
tally refuel with the wrong fuel. Otherwise, the
fuel will enter the fuel lines. Notify a qualified
specialist workshop and have the fuel tank
and fuel lines drained completely.
!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 sys-
tem due to contaminated fuel.
Further information on fuel and on fuel grades
can be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 278).
Refueling procedure
The fuel filler flap is beside the front left-hand
door when viewed in the direction of travel. It is
only possible to open the fuel filler flap when the front door is open.
XRemove the key from the ignition lock.
XSwitch off the auxiliary heating system
(Ypage 107).
XOpen the front left-hand door first, and then
the fuel filler flap.
XClose all vehicle doors to prevent fuel vaporsfrom entering the vehicle interior.
XTurn fuel filler cap ;counter-clockwise,
remove it and let it hang from strap :.
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.
XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off. Fuel may otherwise leak out.
XReplace tank filler cap;on tank and turn
clockwise.
You will hear a click when the fuel filler cap is
closed fully.
XOpen the front left-hand door first, and then
close the filler flap.
Refueling127
Driving and parking
Z

Problems with the fuel and fuel tank
If your vehicle is losing fuel, the fuel lines or thefuel tank are defective.
XTurn the key immediately to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
XDo not restart the engine under any circum-
stances.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the fuel tank has been run dry, after refueling
carry out the following steps:
XBefore starting the engine: switch on the igni-
tion three or four times.
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock
(Ypage 119).
The % preglow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up briefly.
XOnce the %preglow indicator lamp goes
out, turn the key to position 3in the ignition
lock and release it as soon as the engine is
running.
You can start the diesel engine without preglow
when the engine is warm.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Important safety notes
!Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. Never mix DEF with additives or
thin it with tap water. The exhaust gas after-
treatment may otherwise be damaged.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet 352.0.
Damage that results from the use of additives
or tap water leads to the loss of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
!If DEF comes into contact with a painted or
aluminum surface, wash the surface off
immediately with plenty of water.
!DEF is not a diesel additive and must not be
mixed with fuel in the tank. Even small
amounts of DEF can cause engine damage.
Damage that results from the blending of DEF
will not be covered by the New Vehicle Limi-
ted Warranty.
iIf the outside temperature is below 12 ‡
( Ò 11 †) it may be difficult to top up. If the DEF
is frozen and there is an active warning indi- cator, topping up may not be possible. Park
the vehicle in a warm place, e.g. in a garage,
until the DEF has become liquid again. Top-
ping up is then possible again. Alternatively,
have the DEF tank refilled at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
iIf you add DEF at temperatures below 12 ‡
( Ò 11 †) it is possible that the level is not
shown correctly due to the frozen DEF.
Drive for at least 20 minute s(heating phase in
the tank activated) and then st

op the vehicle
for at least 30 seconds. The level is then
shown correctly.
You will find further information on DEF in the
"Service products" section (
Ypage 278).
Refueling procedure
DEF filler neck
Non-lockable DEF filler cap
Example: DEF filler cap in the engine compartment
XTo open: switch off the ignition.
XOpen the hood (Ypage 219).
XTurn filler cap :counter-clockwise and
remove it.
XTo close: replace cap :on the filler neck and
turn it clockwise.
You will hear a click when cap :is fully
closed.
XClose the hood (Ypage 220).
128Refueling
Driving and parking