Useful Information; Breaking-In Notes; Driving - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual

Driving

136

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 ( page 25).
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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 greater
force 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.
Therefore, protect the engine for the first
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1000 miles (1500 km) by driving at varying
vehicle and engine speeds.
Avoid overstraining the vehicle and high
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engine speeds during this period, e.g. driv-
ing at full throttle. Do not exceed Ø of the
maximum speed for each gear.
Do not change down a gear manually in
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order to brake.
Try to avoid depressing the accelerator
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pedal beyond the point of resistance (kick-
down).
The shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 should only be
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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.
You should also observe these notes on
i
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:
overheat and cause a fire
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lose its hold function.
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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:
connect the batteries to a trickle charger or
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disconnect the vehicle's starter battery or
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switch off the electrical system using the
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battery main switch (
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disconnect the vehicle's auxiliary battery
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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"
( page 258). You can obtain information
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about trickle chargers from a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
page 137) and