Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 907 2018 Operating Instructions Manual page 120

118
Driving and parking
If you are driving on steep inclines during off-road
driving, you must ensure sufficient capacity in the
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AdBlue tank. Therefore, ensure a minimum
capacity of ten litres before off-road driving.
During off-road driving and driving on construc‐
tion sites, sand, mud and water, also mixed with
oil, can get into the brakes. This may lead to a
reduction in braking effect or total brake failure,
also as a result of increased wear. The braking
characteristics will vary depending on the mate‐
rial that has got into the system. Clean the brakes
after driving off-road. If you then notice reduced
braking effect or hear scraping noises, have the
brake system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. Adjust your driving style to the
changed braking characteristics.
Driving off-road or on construction sites increa‐
ses the possibility of vehicle damage which may
in turn lead to the failure of certain major assem‐
blies and systems. Adapt your driving style to the
off-road driving conditions. Drive carefully. Have
any vehicle damage rectified at a qualified spe‐
cialist workshop as soon as possible.
When driving on rough cross-country terrain, do
not shift the transmission into the neutral posi‐
tion and do not disengage the clutch. You could
lose control when attempting to brake the vehicle
with the service brake. If your vehicle cannot
manage an uphill incline, drive back down in
reverse gear.
When loading your vehicle for off-road driving or
on a construction site, keep the vehicle's centre
of gravity as low as possible.
Checklist before off-road driving
Check the fuel and AdBlue
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( page 174) and top up if necessary
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( page 133).
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Engine: check the oil level and top up with oil
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if necessary ( page 273). Before driving up
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or down extreme inclines or slopes, fill the oil
to the maximum level.
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If you drive up or down extreme inclines or
slopes, the on-board computer may display
the symbol. The engine operating safety is
not put at risk if you have filled the engine oil
to the maximum level before the journey.
Vehicle tool kit: check that the jack is work‐
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ing ( page 320).
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Make sure that a wheel wrench
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( page 320), wooden underlay for the jack,
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levels
a robust tow rope, a folding spade and a
wheel chock are carried in the vehicle.
Tyres and wheels: check the tyre tread
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depth ( page 301) and tyre pressure
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( page 315).
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Rules for off-road driving
Always be aware of the ground clearance of the
vehicle and avoid obstacles such as deep tyre
ruts.
Obstacles can damage the following parts of the
vehicle, for example:
suspension
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drivetrain
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fuel and supply tanks
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Therefore, always drive slowly when off-road. If
you must drive over obstacles, have the co-driver
instruct you.
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Mercedes-Benz recommends that you addi‐
tionally carry a shovel and a recovery rope
with a shackle in the vehicle.
Make sure that loads and items of luggage
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are securely stored or lashed down
( page 73).
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Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
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engage a low gear.
Vehicles with DSR: activate DSR when you
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are driving downhill (
All-wheel drive vehicle: activate all-wheel
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drive ( page 128) and, if necessary, activate
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the LOW RANGE transmission ratio
( page 128).
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If the surface requires, temporarily deactivate
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ASR when pulling away (
Only drive off-road with the engine running
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and a gear engaged.
Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
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necessary in many situations.
Avoid spinning the driven wheels.
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Always ensure that the wheels remain in con‐
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tact with the ground.
Exercise the utmost caution when driving
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across unfamiliar, unpredictable terrain. As a
precaution, get out of the vehicle to take a
look at the route to be taken first.
Watch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
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tree stumps and tyre ruts).
Avoid edges where the surface could crumble
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or break away.
page 129).
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page 128).
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