electrical MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2013 MY13 Operator’s Manual

Electrical closing assist
If your vehicle is equipped with electrical
closing assist, you will require less force to
close the sliding door. Electrical step
Important safety notes
If you do no tuse the grab handle and the step,
you could injure yourselfw hen getting in and
out of the vehicle.
In order to reduce risks:
R draw the passengers' attention to the
electrical step. Wait until the electrical step
is fully extended.
R do not jump out of the vehicle.
R only use the grab handle and step. Only
they are designed for such a load.
R keep grab handles, access steps and entry
sills free from dirt, e.g. mud, clay, snow and
ice. Operation and obstacle detection
Electrical step
The sliding door of your vehicle can be
equipped with an electrical access step.
X When getting in and out of the vehicle, use
the grab handles and electrical step 0005.
Electrical step 0005automatically extends
when the sliding door is opened and retracts
when it is closed. Electrical step
0005is equipped with an
obstruction detection device on the front
side. If the step comes into contact with an
obstacle while it is extending, it stops.
After you have removed the obstacle, you
must first close the sliding door and open it
once again so that the step can extend
completely.
i If the electrical step obstructs loading,
you can prevent the step from extending
when opening the sliding door via obstacle
detection. The electrical step can then
remain retracted and aforklift or other
lifting equipment can be moved nearer to
the cargo compartment.
Vehicles without steering-wheel buttons: if
the 0004 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up and a warning tone sounds,
electrical step 0005is malfunctioning
(Y page 219).
Vehicles with steering-wheel buttons: if the
Electrical Step message is shown in the
display and a warning tones ounds, electrical
step 0005is malfunctioning (Y page 208).
If electrical step 0005is malfunctioning, the
step may only partially extend/retract or may
not extend/retract at all. If a malfunction
does occur, you will have to retrac tand lock
electrical step 0005manually before continuing
the journey (Y page 72).
Before passengers ge tout of the vehicle, let
them know that electrical step 0005might not
be extended. Emergency release
! Driving with the step extended may result
in it being damaged.
If the electrical step does not retract
automatically, you will have to push it in and
loc kiti nto place manually before
continuing your journey. 72
Electrical stepOpening and closing

Seat heating
G
WARNING
Repeatedly switching on the seat heating can
cause the seat cushion and backrest pads to
become very hot. The health of persons with
limited temperature sensitivity or a limited
ability to react to excessively high
temperatures may be affected or they may
even suffer burn-like injuries. There is a risk
of injury.
Therefore, do not switch the seat heating on
repeatedly.
! When you leave your seat, do not place
anything on the seat and switch off the seat
heating. Do not switch the seat heating on
when the seat is not occupied, e.g. when
driving without a co-driver. The seat
heating may otherwise overheat, causing
damage to the seat. The three red indicator lamps in the
0007
button show the activated heating level 1to
3.
The system automatically switches down
from level 3to level 2after approximately
five minutes.
The system automatically switches down
from level 2to level 1after approximately
ten minutes.
At level 1, the seat heating remains in
continuous operation. X
Make sure that the key is in position 1or
2 in the ignition lock.
X To switch on: press the0007button
repeatedly until the desired heating level
has been set.
X To switch off: press the0007button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps go out.
If the indicator lamps of the current heating
level in the 0007button flash, the seat
heating has switched off automatically. In this
case, too many electrical consumers are
switched on or the battery charge is not
sufficient. The seat heating will automatically
switch back to the current heating level when
enough on-board voltage is available again. Steering wheel
G
WARNING
You could lose control of your vehicle if you
do the following while driving:
R adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel and mirror and fasten your
seat belt before starting the engine. G
WARNING
If the steering wheel is unlocked while the
vehicle is in motion, it could change position
unexpectedly. This could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Before starting off, make sure the steering
wheel is locked. Never unlock the steering
wheel while the vehicle is in motion. G
WARNING
Children could injure themselves if they
adjust the steering wheel. There is a risk of
injury. Steering wheel
85Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
Z

Adjusting electrically
Button and switch for mirror adjustment
X
Before pulling away, tur nthe key to position
2 in the ignition lock.
X Press the switch to position 0005for the left-
hand exterior mirror or to position 0006for
the right-hand exterior mirror.
X Press button 0026at the top, bottom, right or
left.
Adjust the exterior mirrors in such a way
that you can get a good overview of road
and traffic conditions.
i The exterior mirrors are automatically
heated at low outside temperatures. Mirrors
87Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z

If you move the switch to automatic control,
the rear/cargo compartment lamps go on
when you open a door or unlock the vehicle.
It switches off automatically after
20 minutes, or when you close the doors.
Motion detector
G
WARNING
The motion detector sends the invisible
infrared radiation emitted by LEDs (light
emitting diodes).
These LEDs are classified as class 1M lasers
and can damage the retina if you:
R look directly into the unfiltered laserb eam
of the motion detector for an extended
period
R look directly into the laser beam of the
motion detector using optical instruments,
e.g. eyeglasses or a magnifying glass.
There is a risk of injury.
Never look directly into the motion detector.
The cargo compartment lighting is also
switched on by the motion detector in the
cargo compartment of Cargo Vans equipped
with this feature.
If the motion detector detects a movemen tin
the cargo compartment when the vehicle is
stationary, the cargo compartment lighting
switches on for approximately two minutes.
The cargo compartment lighting can be
switched on by the motion detecto rwithin
four seconds if:
R the rear interior light switch (Y page 95) is
set to automatic control.
R the vehicle is stationary, the parking brake
is applied and the brake pedal is not being
depressed
Or R
the selector lever is in position Pon
vehicles with automatic transmission and
the brake pedal is not being depressed and
R the vehicle has not been locked fro mthe
outside using the key
The motion detector switches off
automatically if no change is detected in the
vehicle for several hours, e.g. if a door is
opened, if the ignition key is turned, etc. This
prevents the battery from becoming
discharged. Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
G
DANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You can get
an electric shock if you remove the cover of
the Xenon bulb and touch the electrical
contacts. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Never touch the parts or the electrical
contacts of the Xenon bulb. Always have work
on the Xenon bulbs carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Bulbs, lamps and connectors can get very hot
when operating. If you change a bulb, you
could burn yourself on these components.
There is a risk of injury.
Allow these components to cool down before
changing a bulb.
! Make sure the bulbs are always securely
installed.
If your vehicle is equipped with Bi-Xenon
bulbs, you can recognize this by the following:
the cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the low-beam headlamps must be
switched on before startingt he engine.
The bulbs and lamps are an essential
componentofv ehicle safety. You must
therefore make sure that these function 96
Changing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

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 26). Breaking-in notes
The first 1,000 miles (1,500 km)
New or replaced brake pads and brake disks
only reach their optimum braking effec tafter
100 miles (a few hundred kilometers). Until
then, compensate for this by applying greater
force to the brake pedal.
For the service life and economy of your
vehicle it is crucial that you brea kinthe
engine with due care.
R Therefore, protect the engine for the first
1,000 miles (1,500 km) by driving at
varying vehicle and engine speeds.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle and high
engine speeds during this period, e.g.
driving at full throttle. Do not exceed 0001of
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
(kickdown).
R The shift ranges 3,2or 1should only be
engaged when driving slowly, e.g. when
driving in mountainous terrain.
After 1,000 miles (1,500 km), you can
increase the engine speed gradually and
accelerate the vehicle up 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.Y ou 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. Battery isolating switch
Important safety notes !
Make sure that the key is in position 0in
the ignition lock and wait at least
20 seconds before disconnecting or
connecting the battery isolating switch.
You could otherwise damage electrical
system components.
You can use the battery isolating switch to
disconnect the power supply to all your
vehicle's consumers. This will prevent
uncontrolled battery discharge caused by off-
load curren tconsumption.
If your vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary
battery in the engine compartment, you will
need to disconnect both batteries. Only then
is the electrical system fully disconnected
from the power supply. 132
DrivingDriving and parking

i
Only switch the vehicle to de-energized
using the battery main switch if:
R the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy
period
R it is absolutely necessary
After the power supply has been activated,
you will need to reset the side windows
(Y page 77).
Switching off the power supply !
When you clamp the connector under the
accelerator pedal, make sure that the
connector does not become damaged or
dirty. It may otherwise not be possible to
restore the electrical connection when the
parts are reassembled. Battery isolating switch in the driver's footwell, on
the right-hand side next to the accelerator pedal
X Remove the key from the ignition lock and
waitf or about 20 seconds.
X Press and hold button 0006and unplug
connector 0005from the earth pin.
X Clamp connector 0005under the accelerator
pedal so that it cannot make contact with
the earth pin.
All starter battery consumers are
disconnected from the power supply. Switching on the power supply X
Insert the key into the ignition lock.
X Press connector 0005onto earth pin 0006until
you feel it engage and the lock inhibitor is
released.
Connector 0005must be in full contact with
earth pin 0006.
All consumers are reconnected to the DC
power supply. Key positions
0011
To insert/remove the key, to lock the
steering wheel
0008 To unlock the steering wheel, power
supply for some consumers (e.g. the
radio)
0009 To switch on the ignition, power supply for
all consumers, preglow and drive position
000A To start the engine
On vehicles with a battery main switch, you
must first switch on the power supply
(Y page 132). Driving
133Driving and parking Z

X
Press the 000Cbutton.
If PARKTRONIC is deactivated, the
indicator lamp in the switch lights up.
Towing atrailer PARKTRONIC detects a coupled trailer if your
vehicle is equipped with the corresponding
electrical installations for trailer towing.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rea
rarea
when you establish an electrical connection
between yourv ehicle andatrailer. If you use
an adapter for the socket, remove it from the
socket after detaching the trailer. Otherwise,
PARKTRONIC remains deactivated for the
rear area.
Remove a detachable trailer coupling if it is
no longer required .PARKTRONIC measures
the minimum detection range to an obstacle
fro mt he bumper, not the ball coupling. 160
Driving systemsDriving and parking

is installed and secured correctly before every
journey.
If your vehicle is equipped with a Sprinter
trailer tow hitch, you need a ball coupling that
is approved for the trailer tow hitch.
When mounting and removin gthe approved
ball coupling, observe the relevant
information in the operating instructions of
the ball coupling manufacturer.
If you cannot mount the ball coupling
correctly, remove it. In this case, the ball
coupling may not be used for towing a trailer.
Notes on the permissible dimensions and
weights can also be found on the
identification plate of the trailer tow hitch.
You can obtain advice from a qualified
specialist workshop. 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
equipped 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
automatic 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 aheight-adjustable
trailer drawbar.
X Couple the trailer.
X Establish all electrical and other
connections to the trailer.
X Remove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
X Release the trailer parking brake.
i The subharness of the vehicle has a cable
connection to the brake lamp indicator
lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This
allows you to drive round tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes. Towing
atrailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g .speed
restrictions. Make sure your vehicle/trailer
combination complies with local laws. This
not only means where you live, but also
anywhere you are driving to. Information is Towing
atrailer
171Driving an d parking Z

available from the police and local
authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R
Practice driving around bends, stopping
and backing up at a place where there is no
traffic. This enables you to gain experience
and get used to the new handling
characteristics.
R Before driving, check:
-that the trailer tow hitch and ball
coupling are secure
- that the safety switch for a braked trailer
is functioning properly
- that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
- that the electrical connections are
secure
- that the lights are working
- that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear sectio nofthe
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer
combination away carefully. Brake
manually using the brake controller and
check that the brakes are working.
R Secure the load on the trailer according to
the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads
(Y page 234).
R When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a
decreased gradient climbing capability and
a longer braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering. R
If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
rather moderately at first so that the trailer
can activate its brakes. Then increase the
force on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on
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
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature
of the heater/air conditioning to the
maximum 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
distance before you can return to your
original lane. Uncoupling
atrailer 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 overru nbrake
is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overru nbrake. Otherwise, your 172
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
R
Make sure the weights of the towing vehicle
and the trailer comply with the maximum
permissible values .Have the vehicle/
trailer combinatio nweighed on a calibrated
weighbridge. The vehicle/trailer
combination consists of the towing vehicle
including the driver, passengers and load,
as well as the loaded trailer.
R Check the maximum permissible gross axle
weight rating of the front and rear axles
(GAWR), the gross trailer weight (GTW), the
gross combination weight rating (GCWR)
and the noseweight of the trailer drawbar
(TWR). Trailer power supply
! Incorrect wiring of the connector plug
could, under certain circumstances, cause
malfunctions in the vehicle's other
electronic systems. We therefore
recommend having the connector plug
wired at a qualified specialist workshop.
! You can connecta ccessories with a
maximum power consumption of 240 Wto
the permanent powe rsupply.
You must no tcharge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
Your vehicle may be equipped with various
electrical installations for trailer towing.
Depending on your trailer, you may need an
adapter to connect the electrical system of
the trailer with that of the vehicle.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with apermanen tpower supply.
The permanent power supply is on the trailer
socket pin assignment 4.
Note that the permanent power supply of the
trailer is not switched off when the on-board
voltage is low. This can completely discharge
the starter battery of your vehicle.
The turn signals on the trailer are only
guaranteed to function when incandescent
bulbs are used. Further information on the electrical
equipment currently installed on your vehicle
and on installing trailer electrics can be
obtained at any qualified specialist workshop.174
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking