towing MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2020 MY20 Operator’s Manual

G
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when you switch off the
engine. The vehicle may roll away. There is a
risk of an accident.
Before switching off the engine, always
switch to parking position P. Prevent the
parked vehicle from rolling away by applying
the parking brake.
! When the engine is switched off, rolling in
idle i can damage the power transmission
and result in transmission damage.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes under "Tow starting and towing away"
( Y page
274).
Bear in mind that power transmission between
the engine and the transmission is interrupted
when the engine is switched off. For this rea-
son, shift the automatic transmission to trans-
mission position j before switching off the
engine when the vehicle is stationary. Apply
the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away. DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of the transmission shift
system j
Park position with parking lock
k Reverse gear
i Neutral
h Drive
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns to its
original position. The display in the instrument cluster shows the current transmission posi-
tion j, k, i or h (Y page

132).
Selecting transmission positions !
If the engine speed is too high or the vehi-
cle is coasting, do not shift the automatic
transmission directly from h to k, from
k to h or directly to j. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission may be damaged.
! Only move the automatic transmission to
k when the vehicle is stationary.
X If park position j is selected, depress the
brake pedal to change the transmission
position.
X Drive position h: push the DIRECT
SELECT lever down beyond the 1st point of
resistance.
X Reverse gear k: push the DIRECT SELECT
lever upwards beyond the 1st point of
resistance.
X Neutral i: push the DIRECT SELECT lever
up or down as far as the 1st point of resist-
ance.
i When you switch off the engine, the auto-
matic transmission automatically shifts into
neutral i.
X Park position j: push the button of the
DIRECT SELECT lever in the direction of the
arrow j.
Park position j is engaged automatically in
the following situations:
R if you pull out the key.
R if you open the driver's door when the vehi-
cle is stationary or when driving at a very
low speed and the transmission is in posi-
tion h or k.
To maneuver with an open driver's door, open
the driver's door while stationary and engage
transmission position h or k again.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral i after you switch off the
engine, you must leave the key in the ignition
lock. Automatic transmission
131
Driving and parking Z

Transmission positions
B Park position
This prevents the vehicle from roll-
ing away when stopped. Only shift
the transmission to
j when the
vehicle is stationary.
The automatic transmission shifts
to j automatically in the following
situations:
R if you pull out the key.
R if you open the driver's door
when the vehicle is stationary or
when driving at a very low speed
and the transmission is in posi-
tion h or k.
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. C Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission to
k
when the vehicle is stationary. A Neutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels. Releas-
ing the brakes will allow you to
move the vehicle freely, e.g. by
pushing or towing.
If ESP
®
is deactivated or faulty: shift
the transmission to position i if
the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
e.g. on icy roads.
When you switch off the engine, the
automatic transmission automati-
cally shifts into neutral i.
! When the engine is switched
off, rolling in idle i can damage
the power transmission and
result in transmission damage. 7 Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear itself. All forward
gears are available.
You can influence gearshifts with
your choice of drive program. You
can also restrict the shift range. Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display
:
Drive program
; Current transmission position or
current gear in drive program M
= Shift range, if restricted
The transmission positions and current drive
program : are shown at the bottom of the
instrument cluster display. The current trans-
mission position is highlighted.
In drive program M, the transmission position
indicator shows the current gear in position D
( Y page
135).
If you restrict the shift range, the transmission
position indicator shows the current transmis-
sion position plus restricted shift range =,
e.g. D2 ( Y page 133).
The arrows in the transmission position display
show how and into which transmission posi-
tions you can change using the DIRECT
SELECT lever. Changing gear
The automatic transmission adapts to your
individual driving style by continuously adjust-
ing its shift points. These shift point adjust-
ments take into account the current operating
and driving conditions. If the operating or driv-
ing conditions change, the automatic transmis-
sion reacts by adjusting the gearshift program.
When the automatic transmission is in trans-
mission position h, it shifts the individual
gears automatically.
This depends on the following factors:
R the drive program selected ( Y page 134)
R any restriction in the shift range
(Y page

133)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
You can also change gear manually if you
select drive program M (Y page 135).132
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
next gear down, depending on the engine
speed.
X Ease off on the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts up again.
Rocking the vehicle free At speeds up to 5 mph (9 km/h) you can
switch back and forth between drive position
h and reverse gear
k without applying the
brakes. This helps when rocking the vehicle
out of snow or slush.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever alternately
up and down beyond the first point of resist-
ance.
Towing a trailer X
Depending on the downhill gradient, limit
the shift range
(Y page 133) or shift man-
ually into a lower gear (Y page 135) in which the engine will operate in the middle
of the engine speed range. This also applies
if cruise control is activated. Manual gearshifting
General notes If you select drive program
M, automatic gear-
shifting is deactivated and manual gearshifting
is automatically activated. You must then per-
manently change gear yourself for as long as
the drive program is selected.
Permanent manual gearshifting is deactivated
automatically when you switch from drive pro-
gram M to another drive program. The auto-
matic transmission then shifts gears automati-
cally. The display shows the selected drive
program and transmission position h again. Shifting gears
:
To shift down
; To shift up
The drive program display shows M and the
transmission position indicator shows the
selected gear.
X To shift up: briefly pull right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter ;.
If the engine speed is sufficient, the auto-
matic transmission shifts up to the next
gear.
If the maximum engine speed is reached in
the currently engaged gear and you con-
tinue to accelerate, the automatic transmis-
sion will not shift up automatically. Always
make sure that the engine speed does not
reach the red area of the tachometer.
Observe the gearshift recommendation in
the display

(Y page 136). When the engine
reaches its maximum speed, the fuel supply
is cut to prevent the engine from overrev-
ving.
X To shift down: pull briefly on left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter :.
Provided that the engine will not exceed its
maximum speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission shifts down to the
next gear.
or
X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter until the automatic transmission
selects the optimum gear for the current
speed.
i When coasting, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts down automatically. Automatic transmission
135
Driving and parking Z

Vehicles with halogen headlamps
The headlamps do not need to be switched to
symmetrical low beam. The legal requirements
of countries in which traffic drives on the
opposite side of the road to the country where
the vehicle is registered are met without the
need to convert the headlamps. Transport by rail
Transporting your vehicle by rail may be sub-
ject to certain restrictions or require special
measures to be taken in some countries due
to varying tunnel heights and loading stand-
ards.
You can obtain information on this from any
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Van Center. Braking
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface
in an attempt to increase the engine's brak-
ing effect, the drive wheels could lose their
grip. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients !
Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
This also applies to automatic braking if you
have activated cruise control.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
should change down to shift range 2 or 1 in
good time
(Y page 133).
This should be observed in particular when
driving with a laden vehicle and when towing a
trailer.
You thereby make use of the braking effect of
the engine and do not have to brake as often
to maintain the speed. This relieves the load
on the service brake and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly. Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving, the braking system can over-
heat. This increases the stopping distance
and can even cause the braking system to
fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.
Never depress the brake pedal and the
accelerator pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. The brakes are
cooled down more quickly in the airflow.
Wet road surfaces If you have been driving for a long time in
heavy rain without braking, there may be a
delayed response when you first apply the
brakes. This may also occur after driving
through a car wash or deep water.
You must depress the brake pedal more firmly.
Maintain a longer distance to the vehicle in
front.
While paying attention to the traffic conditions,
you should brake the vehicle firmly after driv-
ing on a wet road surface or through a car
wash. This heats the brake discs, so that they
dry more quickly, which protects them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads When driving on salted roads, salt may start to
build up on the brake disks and brake pads.
This can increase braking distances considera-
bly.
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front.
To remove any build-up of salt that may have
formed:
X Apply the brakes at the start of the journey,
occasionally during journey and at the end 142
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Driving on flooded roads
!
Do not drive through flooded areas. Check
the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water could enter the
vehicle interior or engine compartment. It
can then damage the engine's or automatic
transmission's electronic components. It
can also be sucked in by the engine's air
intake connection and cause engine dam-
age.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in mind
that: R the water level of standing water should not
be above the lower edge of the front
bumper
R you must not drive faster than walking
speed Driving in winter
G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface
in an attempt to increase the engine's brak-
ing effect, the drive wheels could lose their
grip. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
! An accumulation of snow and ice, particu-
larly when frozen, caught in the area around
the air intake slots, moving parts, the axles
and the wheel arches may:
R restrict air intake
R damage vehicle parts
R cause malfunctions by restricting the
mobility intended by the design (e.g.
reduced possible steering input).
Regularly check the vehicle and remove
snow or ice when traveling in wintry condi-
tions.
If there is any damage, inform a qualified
specialist workshop.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission may
only briefly coast in neutral position N.
Extended coasting of the wheels, e.g. when
towing, results in transmission damage. Have your vehicle winterized at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery roads.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and brak-
ing maneuvers. Do not use cruise control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position i.
X Try to maintain control of the vehicle using
corrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially
in wooded areas or on bridges. If you do not
adjust your driving style, the vehicle may start
to skid. Always adapt your driving style and
drive at a speed to suit the prevailing weather
conditions.
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
You can find further information under:
R "M+S tires" ( Y page
280)
R "Snow chains" (Y page 281)
R "Driving with summer tires" (Y page 280)
Also observe the notes under "Winter opera-
tion" (Y page 280). Driving off-road
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle. 144
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Warning display
Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds below
approximately
20 mph (30 km/h). Vehicles in
the monitoring range are then not indicated.
If a vehicle is detected within the monitoring
range of Blind Spot Assist at speeds above
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h), warning
lamp : lights up red in the exterior mirror on
the corresponding side. Warning lamp :
always lights up when a vehicle enters the
blind spot monitoring range from behind or
from the side. When you overtake a vehicle,
the warning only occurs if the difference in
speed is less than 7 mph (11 km/h).
If you select reverse gear, Blind Spot Assist is
inactive.
The intensity of warning lamps : depends on
the brightness of the ambient light and is con-
trolled automatically.
Collision warning If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range
of Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the cor-
responding turn signal, a double warning tone
sounds once. The warning lamp in the corre-
sponding exterior mirror flashes. If the turn
signal remains on, detected vehicles are indi-
cated by the flashing of the warning lamp in
the exterior mirror. There are no further warn-
ing tones.
Activating Blind Spot Assist X
Make sure that Blind Spot Assist is activa-
ted in the on-board computer (Y page

191).
X Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
The warning lamps in the exterior mirrors
light up for approximately

1.5 seconds. Status indicators in the status overview submenu
If Blind Spot Assist is activated, the display
shows symbol : in the Status Overview
submenu of the on-board computer
(Y page

189). If you are driving faster than
20 mph (30 km/h), the symbol also shows
radar waves ; between the two vehicles.
Blind Spot Assist is then ready for use.
Towing a trailer If you attach a trailer, make sure that you have
correctly established the electrical connection.
This can be accomplished by checking the
trailer lighting. Blind Spot Assist is then deacti-
vated and the Blind Spot Assist Cur‐
rently Unavail. See Operator's Manual
message appears in the display. Lane Keeping Assist
General notes Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in front
of your vehicle by means of camera : which
is mounted at the top of the windshield. Lane
Keeping Assist detects lane markings on the
road and can warn you before you leave your
lane unintentionally.
This function is available in the range between
40 mph (60 km/h

) and 125 mph (200 km/h).
A warning may be given if a front wheel
touches a lane marking. It will warn you by Driving systems
153
Driving and parking Z

Towing a trailer
PARKTRONIC detects a coupled trailer if your
vehicle is equipped with the corresponding
electrical installations for trailer towing.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area
when you establish an electrical connection
between your vehicle and a trailer. 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.
Problems with PARKTRONIC Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsOnly the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
In addition, a warning
tone sounds for approx.
two seconds
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated.
The indicator lamp of
the f button lights
up and the red seg-
ments in the
PARKTRONIC warning
display go out. PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched itself off.
X
If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. The PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays implausible
distances.
For example, all the
segments may be lit
even though there is no
obstacle present. The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or iced up.
X Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y page 267).
X Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock. The license plate or other parts attached near the sensors may not
be secured correctly.
X Check the license plate and attachment parts near the sensors
for correct seating. An external radio or ultrasonic source may be causing interference.
X Check PARKTRONIC functions in a different location. Active Parking Assist
General notes Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid. The system uses ultrasound sensors to
measure the road on both sides of the vehicle
and indicates suitable parking spaces. It can
then actively steer and brake the vehicle to
help you to park and exit the parking space.
Active Parking Assist includes the
PARKTRONIC parking aid which indicates visu-
ally and audibly the distance between your vehicle and an obstruction. To do this,
PARKTRONIC uses the ultrasonic sensors of
the Active Parking Assist

(Y page 156).
Important safety notes Active Parking Assist is only an aid. It is not a
substitute for your attention to the immediate
surroundings. You are responsible for safe
maneuvering, parking and pulling away. Make
sure that no persons, animals or objects are in
the maneuvering range. Driving systems
159
Driving and parking Z

Information on the audio system control
knob can be found in the separate operating
instructions.
Symbol
= is highlighted. The distance
specifications now only apply to objects that
are at the same level as the ball coupling.
X Back up carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar locating aid ; points approx-
imately in the direction of trailer draw-
bar :.
X Back up carefully until trailer drawbar :
reaches red guide line A.
The distance between trailer drawbar :
and ball coupling ? is now approximately
12 in (0.30 m
).
X Couple the trailer (Y page
168).Towing a trailer
Notes on trailer towing
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
overload the trailer tow hitch and the rear
axle. This is particularly likely in the case of
longer or differently angled ball couplings.
Consequently, the driving characteristics
may be significantly impaired and the trailer
may detach. This presents the risk of an
accident or even fatal injuries!
Install only a ball coupling that adheres to
the permissible dimensions and is designed
for your intended purpose for towing a
trailer. Do not make any changes to the ball
coupling or the trailer tow hitch. G
WARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the
one delivered with the vehicle, the trailer
tow hitch and the rear axle may be overloa-
ded. This applies especially if the ball cou-
pling in question is longer or angled differ-
ently. This could seriously impair the driving
characteristics and the trailer can come
loose. There is a risk of an accident. Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is
designed to meet your trailer towing require-
ments. Do not modify the ball coupling or
the trailer tow hitch.
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driv-
ing and endanger other road users. There is
a risk of accident and injury, possibly even
fatal injuries.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling manufactur-
er's installation instructions. Make sure that
the ball coupling is correctly installed and
secured before every journey. G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even roll-
over. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
You can attach carrier systems such as bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements on the ball
coupling. The maximum load-bearing capacity
of 165 lb (75 kg

) applies when using carrier
systems on the ball coupling.
Always observe the operating instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of the trailer cou-
pling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully.
When backing up the towing vehicle, make
sure nobody is standing between the vehicle
and the trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could break away. A correctly
coupled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle. 168
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Ensure that the following weights are not
exceeded:
R the permissible noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
R the maximum permissible gross weight of
vehicle/trailer combination
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
R on the type plates for the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page
304)
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section (Y page 315).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
R requires more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning radius
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to suit the road and weather conditions.
Drive carefully. Maintain a safe distance.
If you require any further explanation regard-
ing the information contained in the Operating
Instructions, please contact a Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Van Center.
General notes R
Observe the legally permitted maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in
the relevant country, state or Canadian
province. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents for the maxi-
mum permitted speed of your trailer. This reduces the risk of accidents.
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling for
your Metris trailer tow hitch if it has been
approved for your vehicle. More information
on the availability, mounting and installation
of the trailer electrics is available at any
qualified specialist workshop.
R The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road
safety. Observe the notes on operation, care
and maintenance of the trailer tow hitch
(see the manufacturer's operating instruc-
tions).
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
R Do not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
R Minimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
You will find weight information under "Techni-
cal data"
(Y page 315).
The height of the ball neck changes according
to the load on the vehicle. If this is case, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable trailer drawbar.
Driving tips The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents for the maximum per-
mitted speed of your trailer. Observe the
legally permitted maximum speed in the rele-
vant country, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, select a
lower gear.
i This also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily
to keep the correct speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to Towing a trailer
169
Driving and parking Z

not depress the brake pedal constantly, but
periodically.
Observe the notes on ESP
®
trailer stabilization
( Y page
69).
Driving tips If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
i You can reduce the risk of the trailer
swinging and rocking by retrofitting anti-roll
bars or trailer stability programs. Further
information is available at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Van Dealer.
R Maintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
R Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer brake to over-
run. Then, increase the brake force quickly.
R The figures for the gradient climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note
that the power output of the engine, and
with it its gradient climbing capability,
decrease with increasing altitude. Coupling up a trailer
Trailer coupled ready for use X
Make sure that the selector lever of the
automatic transmission is in position j.
X On vehicles with an automatic transmission,
ensure that the transmission is in position
j.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close all doors.
X Position the trailer horizontally behind your
vehicle.
X Couple the trailer.
X Establish all electrical and other connec-
tions to the trailer. When doing so, hook the
breakaway cable of the trailer into the eye-
let on the ball coupling.
X Remove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
X Release the trailer parking brake.
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 shut-off for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the
towing vehicle, the safety shut-off applies
the trailer brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Many states require a separate
functional braking system for your trailer once
a certain weight limit is exceeded. For reasons
of safety, it is recommended that all trailers
use a separate functional braking system.
Make sure your vehicle/trailer combination
complies with local laws. This not only means
where you live, but also anywhere you are driv-
ing to. Information on this can be obtained
from the police and local authorities. 170
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking