trailer MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2011 MY11 Operator’s Manual

Towing a trailer
Notes on trailer towing Important safety notes
The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road
safety. The notes on operation, care and
maintenance issued by the manufacturer
should be observed.
G
Warning!
Improper equipment or driving technique
while driving with a trailer can cause you to
lose control of your vehicle.
Improper towing or failure to observe the
Operator's Manual can lead to vehicle
damage and/or serious
injuries. Observe the
following guidelines in order to guarantee safe
driving with trailers.
Contact an authorized Sprinter Dealer if you
require any explanation of the information
contained in the Operator's Manual.
General notes
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information about availability and
installation of trailer couplings can be
obtained from any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install rented trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings to the
bumpers.
R To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling when using a detachable trailer
coupling, remove the ball coupling from its
mounting when it is not needed.
Coupling up a trailer 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.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your federal state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
i The vehicle's subharness has an electric
cable to the brake light indicator lamp. G
Warning
Follow the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer tow hitch when
using a detachable trailer tow hitch.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. A
trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could break away. A correctly
coupled trailer must be positioned
horizontally behind the vehicle.
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 permissible gross weight for both the
towing vehicle and the trailer
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle
documents and on the trailer tow hitch type
plates for the trailer and the vehicle. Where
the values differ, the lowest is valid. 150
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation

X
Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close the rear doors.
X Couple the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections. Trailer coupled ready for use
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the
towing
of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and reversing in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
-trailer coupling
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connection
- lights
- wheels R
Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of

the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away slowly, brake manually
using the brake controller and check that
the brakes are functional.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
that the cargo is secure and make sure that
the trailer lamps and (if applicable) the
trailer brakes are functioning correctly.
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 abruptly; apply the
brakes moderately to begin with to allow
the trailer to activate its brakes. Then
increase the pressure 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, 2 or 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. Transporting loads with the vehicle
151
Operation Z

Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening
the
windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
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 will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
original lane.
If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
X do not accelerate.
X do not counter-steer.
X brake if necessary. G
Warning
Under no circumstances try to straighten the
vehicle/trailer combination by

increasing the
speed.
i You can reduce the risk of the trailer
swinging and snaking by retrofitting anti-
roll bars or trailer stability programs. You
can obtain further information from an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Uncoupling a trailer X
Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Remove the trailer cable and uncouple the
trailer.
X Engage the trailer's parking brake.
Load distribution The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the
combined weight of the trailer together with
the cargo and equipment loaded on the
trailer. The maximum permissible gross
weight is
vehicle-specific

and depends on the
equipment level: 5000 lbs (2268 kg) or
7500 lbs (3402 kg). The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight
Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight
permitted on the trailer drawbar: 750 lbs
(340 kg) or 500 lbs (227 kg) is the limit for
trailer couplings approved by the vehicle
distributor named on the inside of the front
cover.
The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
is
the

sum of the Gross Trailer Weight and the
vehicle weight, including a driver weight of
approximately 150 lbs (68 kg). The
permissible GCWR is vehicle-specific and
depends on the equipment level.
When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the permitted Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
You must distribute the load on the vehicle
and trailer so that the permitted maximum
values for the vehicle (GCWR) and trailer
(GTW) weight as well as permitted axle loads
(GAWR) and noseweight (TWR) of your vehicle
are not exceeded.
i Take into account that the vehicle's
permissible payload must be reduced to
compensate for the noseweight.
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found in your
vehicle documents and on the type plates for
the trailer tow hitch, trailer and vehicle
(Y page 277). You will also find a list of the
permissible values in the "Technical data"
(Y page 284) section. Where the values
differ, the lowest is valid.
! The permissible gross combination
weight is less than the sum of the
permissible gross vehicle weight plus the
permissible trailer load. Exceeding the
permissible gross combination weight can
lead to damage to the drivetrain, to the
transmission or to the trailer tow hitch.
For this reason, applicable values for the
permissible gross vehicle weight or the
permissible trailer load are reduced
accordingly if either the vehicle or the
trailer is fully loaded. In this case, the trailer
or the vehicle may only be partially loaded. 152
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation

Verify compliance with weight limitations on
a weighbridge.
Trailer power supply
Your vehicle may be equipped with various
electrical fittings for trailer towing.
Depending on your trailer, you may need an
adapter to allow your trailer to be connected
to the vehicle. Information about your
vehicle's electrical equipment is available
from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
!
Faulty wiring of the connector plug could
in certain circumstances cause other
electronic systems to
malfunction. For this
reason, we recommend having the wiring
of the connector plug performed at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Operation in winter
General notes
Have your vehicle winterized at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer, at the onset of winter.
This service includes the following:
R oil change, if the engine oil currently used
does not have adequate low temperature
characteristics or if these are no longer
sufficient due to aging
R the antifreeze/anticorrosion
concentration in the coolant is checked.
R the addition of a concentrated cleaning
agent to the water in the windshield
washer/headlamp cleaning system
R battery check
R a tire change
Prior to the

onset of winter, ensure that snow
chains are available in the vehicle.
Do not cover the surface of the radiator or the
radiator grill, even in winter. Doing so could
cause the engine diagnostics to record false
or incorrect data. Recording of engine
diagnostic data is legally prescribed and must therefore be correct, clear and
comprehensible at all times.
You
will find

information about diesel fuel for
use at low outside temperatures in the
"Operation" section ( Y page 154).
Please also observe the information about
winter driving (Y page 111).
You will find information about winter tires
and about driving with snow chains in the
"Wheel and tires" section (Y page 153). Service products
Fuel
G
Warning
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames
and smoking as well as the use of auxiliary
heaters (sparks) are therefore prohibited
when handling fuel.
Switch off the

engine and the auxiliary heating
before refueling. G
Warning
Avoid any contact with fuels.
You can damage your health if your skin
comes into direct contact with fuel or if you
inhale fuel vapors.
! 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
system due to contaminated fuel.
! Refuel only with commercially available
vehicle diesel fuel, ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
DIESEL with a sulfur content no greater
than 15 ppm. Fuels such as fatty acid
methyl ester FAME (bio-diesel fuels),
marine diesel, heating oil etc. may not be
used as a diesel fuel mixture.
Refuel with B5 bio-diesel only if it fulfills the
requirements listed under "Fuel quality". Service products
153
Operation Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions009E 0031 003D 0065
The yellow ESP
®
, ABS
and ASR/BAS warning
lamps, and the red
brake system warning
lamp light up while the
engine is running. G
Warning!
EBD has been deactivated due to undervoltage.
It is possible that the battery is not being charged.
The rear wheels
could lock sooner than expected when you apply
the brakes.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0065
The red brake
system indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. A
warning tone
also sounds. G
Warning!
There is insufficient brake fluid in the supply reservoir.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the brake fluid level in the supply reservoir
(

Y page 170).
X If the brake fluid is below the MIN mark: do not drive on!
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not solve the problem.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0065
When towing a
trailer: The red
brake system
warning lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running.
A warning tone
also sounds. G
Warning!
The brake force booster in the trailer is faulty.
The driving and braking characteristics of your vehicle could
change. There is

a risk of the trailer overbraking and of you losing
control over the truck/trailer combination.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.188
Troubleshooting
Practical advice

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00B4
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
lights up
repeatedly while
the vehicle is in
motion. There is a malfunction in the engine oil level display.
X
Have the vehicle checked immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. 0041
The yellow
coolant level
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The coolant level is too low.
Never run the engine if the coolant level is too low. The engine
could overheat and be damaged.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Switch off the engine and let it cool down.
X Add coolant and be sure to observe the warning notes
(Y page 169).
X If you need to add coolant frequently, have the cooling system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 00AE
The red coolant
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The coolant temperature is too high.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 00AE
The red coolant
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The coolant temperature is too high.
If the vehicle is stopped after being subjected to extreme loads
(e.g. driving in mountainous terrain, trailer towing), the coolant
warning lamp may
light up when the ignition is switched on or the
engine is restarted.
X Run the engine for approximately one minute at idling speed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop if the coolant warning
lamp remains lit. 00B7
0080
The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp
lights up while
driving. The fuel level has fallen into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station ( Y page 142). Troubleshooting
193
Practical advice Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions0055
The yellow bulb
indicator lamp
lights up when
the key is
turned
to position 2 in
the ignition lock. A bulb in the exterior lighting (with the exception of the front
position lamps and trailer lighting) is defective
6
.
X Change defective bulbs as soon as possible ( Y page 233).003E
The yellow door
indicator lamp
lights up while
you are driving. The vehicle is moving without all doors or the hood being closed.
X
Close the doors or hood. Notes on display messages
G
Warning
No messages can be displayed if the
instrument cluster and/or the display fails.
You will then not be able to see information
about the vehicle status, such as speed and
outside temperature, warning/indicator
lamps and display messages or the failure of
systems. Handling characteristics may be
affected. Adapt your speed and driving style
accordingly.
Immediately consult a qualified specialist
workshop. The qualified specialist workshop
must have the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. We recommend an authorized
Sprinter Dealer for

this purpose. In particular,
all work relevant to safety or on safety-related
systems must be carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. G
Warning
The operating safety of your vehicle could be
jeopardized if maintenance work is carried
out incorrectly. As a result, you could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
In addition, the

safety systems may no longer be able to protect you or others as they are
designed to do.
Always have
maintenance

work carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop. The qualified
specialist workshop must have the necessary
specialist knowledge and tools to carry out
the work required. We recommend visiting an
authorized Sprinter Dealer. In particular, work
relevant to safety or on safety-related
systems must be carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i If you turn the key to position 2 in the
ignition lock, all warning/indicator lamps
(except the turn signal indicator lamps) and
the display are activated. Please make sure
that they are working properly before
commencing a journey.
Vehicles without steering wheel
buttons Warnings, malfunctions or additional
information may
also

be shown in the display.
The following tables show all the display
messages. For certain display messages, a
warning tone or a continuous tone will also
sound.
6 The lamp failure

indicator may, depending on equipment, be omitted for all lamps with the exception of turn
signals. Troubleshooting
197
Practical advice Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions0065
Brake force
distribution G
Warning!
EBD has been deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery might not be charging.
The rear wheels
could lock sooner than expected when you apply
the brakes.
X Pull over immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Do not continue driving.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0065
Brake force
distribution Visit
workshop G
Warning!
EBD has malfunctioned.
The rear wheels
could lock sooner than expected when you apply
the brakes.
X Pull over immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Do not continue driving.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0066
Parking brake
Release brake A warning tone also sounds.
You are driving with the parking brake applied.
X
Release the parking brake ( Y page 112).0082
Seatbelt sys.
Visit workshop G
Warning!
The belt system has malfunctioned.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible. 00AE
Coolant Stop,
turn
engine off The coolant temperature is too high.
X
Pull over immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 00AE
Coolant Stop,
turn
engine off The coolant temperature is too high.
If the vehicle is stopped after being subjected to extreme loads
(e.g. driving in mountainous terrain, trailer towing, etc.), this
display message may be shown when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is restarted.
X
Run the engine for approximately one minute at idling speed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop if the display message
continues to be shown.206
Troubleshooting
Practical advice

Arrangement
Fuses
Fuse block F55/3
No. Consumer Fuse
rating 1 Mirror setting/rear
window defroster 5 A
2 Rear window wiper 30 A
3 Rear view camera/
mobile phone/DIN-slot
basic wiring (roof) 5 A
4 Working speed governor
(ADR)/power take-off/
trailer control unit AAG 7.5 A
5 Electronic transmission
control, ETC control unit 10 A
6 Unassigned —
7 Electronic selector lever
module 10 A No. Consumer Fuse
rating 8 Terminal 15 body
manufacturer/loading
tailgate/tipper 10 A
9 Roof ventilator/siren 15 A
Fuse block F55/4
No. Consumer Fuse
rating 10 Terminal 30, body/
equipment
manufacturer 25 A
11 Terminal 15, body/
equipment
manufacturer 15 A
12 D+, body/equipment
manufacturer 10 A
13 Rear-compartment air
conditioning 30 A
14 Trailer power socket 20 A244
Electrical systemPractical advice

No. Consumer Fuse
rating 15 Trailer recognition unit 25 A
16 Tire pressure monitor/
PARKTRONIC 7.5 A
17 PSM control unit 25 A
18 PSM control unit 25 A
Fuse block F55/5
No. Consumer Fuse
rating 19 Overhead control panel 5 A
20 Perimeter lamp 7.5 A
21 Rear window defroster 1 30 A
22 Rear window defroster 2 15 A
23 12 V socket rear left,
cargo compartment/
passenger
compartment/non-MB
body electrics 15 A
24 12 V socket under the
base of driver's seat 15 A
25 12 V socket rear right,
cargo compartment/
passenger compartment 15 A
26 Auxiliary heating 25 A
27 Heater booster system 25 A
Fuse block F55/6
No. Consumer Fuse
rating 28 Exhaust gas
aftertreatment – SCR
10
control unit 10 A
29 Unassigned — No. Consumer Fuse
rating 30 Brake booster 30 A
31 Rear-compartment
heating blower/sliding
door closing assistance,
left 30/15 A
32 Exhaust gas
aftertreatment – SCR
10
relay power supply 10 A
33 Sliding door closing
assistance, right 15 A
34 Exhaust gas
aftertreatment – SCR
10
heater 1 tank 15 A
35 Exhaust gas
aftertreatment – SCR
10
heater 2 hose 15 A
36 Exhaust gas
aftertreatment – SCR
10
heater 3 delivery pump 10 A
Batteries for the remote control
Notes on changing the batteries
G
Warning!
Batteries are toxic and contain caustic
substances. For this reason, keep batteries
out of the reach of children.
If a battery
has been swallowed, visit a doctor
immediately.
0040Environmental note Batteries contain toxic substances.
It is illegal to dispose of them with
household
waste. Batteries

must be
collected separately and be
10 Selective Catalytic Reduction. Batteries for the remote control
245
Practical advice Z