brakes MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2013 MY13 Operator’s Manual

Obstacles may damage the following parts
of the vehicle:
R
the chassis
R the drive train
R the fuel and supply tanks
For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when driving off-road. If you have to
drive over obstacles, have the co-driver
direct you.
i We recommend that you additionally
carry a shovel and a recovery rope with
shackle in the vehicle.
R Ensure that loads and items of luggage are
securely stowed or lashed down
(Y page 232).
R Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
shift to a low gear.
R If the surface demands it, temporarily
deactivate ASR when pulling away
(Y page 58).
R Only drive off-road with the engine running
and a gear engaged.
R Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
necessary in many situations.
R Avoid spinning the drive wheels.
R Make sure that the wheels always remain
in contact with the ground.
R Drive with extreme care over unknown
terrain where you can only see for a short
distance. As a precaution, get out of the
vehicle to take a look at the route to be
taken in advance.
R Check the water depth before fording.
R Watch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
tree stumps and ruts).
R Avoid edges where the surface could
crumble or break away.
Checklist after driving off-road !
If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. Off-road driving places a higher demand on
your vehicle than normal road operation.
Check your vehicle after driving on rough
terrain. By doing so you will notice any
damage in good time and reduce the risk of
an accident for yourselfa
nd otherroad users.
Clean your vehicle thoroughly before driving
on public roads.
Observe the following points after driving off-
road, on construction sites and before driving
on public roads:
X Activate ASR (Y page 58).
X Clean the headlamps and tail lamps and
check them for damage.
X Clean the front and rear license plates.
X Clean the windshield, windows and exterior
mirrors.
X Clean the steps, door sills and grab
handles.
This increases safety of footing.
X Clean the wheels/tires, wheel housings
and the underbody of the vehicle with a
water jet.
This increases road grip, especially on wet
road surfaces.
X Check the wheels/tires and wheel
housings for trapped foreign objects and
remove them.
Trapped foreign objects can damage the
wheels/tires and may be flung out from the
vehicle when you continue driving.
X Check the underbody for trapped branches
or other parts of plants and remove them.
Trapped branches or other parts of plants
increase the risk of fire and can cause
damage to fuel lines, brake hoses and the
rubber bellows of axle jointsa nd drive
shafts.
X Clea nthe brake disks, brake pads and axle
joints, particularly after operation in sand,
mud, grit/gravel, water or similarly dirty
conditions.
X Check the entire floor assembly, the tires,
wheels, bodywork structure, brakes, 154
Driving tipsDriving and parking

Deactivating cruise control
There are various ways to deactivate cruise
control:
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards 0025.
Or
X Apply the brakes.
The last speed set remains stored. The last
speed stored is deleted when you switch off
the engine.
Cruise control is deactivated automatically
when:
R you apply the brakes
R you apply the parking brake and the 000B
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up
R you are driving slower than 20 mph
(30 km/h)
R you shift the automatic transmissio nto
neutral position Nwhile the vehicle is in
motion
R ESP ®
or ASR intervenes
R there is a malfunction in the ESP ®
, ASR or
ABS system
Problems with cruise control On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, the
speed canno
tbe set when cruise control is
activated.
The display is showing a message of high
priority and cannot therefore show a change
in speed.
X Proceed as instructed by the message in
the display.
X Deactivate cruise control PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It cannot replace
your own awareness of the immediate
surroundings. You are responsible for safe maneuvering, parking and pulling away. When
maneuvering, parking and pulling away, make
sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the maneuverin
garea.
PARKTRONIC does not account for obstacles
that are:
R beneath its detection range, e.g. persons,
animals or objects
R above its detection range, e.g. overhanging
loads, overhangs or truck loading ramps
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates the distance
between yourv ehicle and an objec tvisually
and audibly.
Your vehicle features two separate sound
emitters with different frequencies for the
warning tones. The warning ranges in front of
and behind the vehicle are indicated by
different warning tones.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R tur nthe key to position 2in the ignition lock
R release the parking brake and
R move the selector lever to D,Nor R.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). PARKTRONIC is
reactivated at speeds below 10 mph
(16 km/h).
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle with sensors in the front and rear
bumpers.
Range of the sensors !
Pay particular attention to obstacles
above or below the sensors when parking,
such as flower pots or trailer towbars.
PARKTRONIC does not recognize such
objects when they are in the immediate
vicinity of the vehicle. You could damage
the vehicle or objects. Driving systems
157Driving and parking Z

PARKTRONIC can suffer interferenc
efrom:
R ultrasonic sources such as atruck's
compressed-ai rbrakes, an automatic car
wash or a pneumatic drill
R attachments to the vehicle, e.g. rear
mounted racks
R number plates (vehicle license plates)
that are not affixed flat against the
bumper
R dirty or icy sensors The sensors must be free of dirt, ice or slush.
Otherwise, they cannot function correctly.
Clean the sensors regularly, taking care not
to scratch or damage them (Y
page 259).Fron
tsensors Center Approximately 39 in
(100 cm)
Corners Approximately 26 in
(65 cm) Rea
rsensors Center Approximately 71 in
(180 cm)
Corners Approximately 39 in
(100 cm)
Minimum distance
Center Approximately 12 in
(30 cm)
Front corner
sensors Approximately 10 in
(25 cm)
Rear corner sensors Approximately 12 in
(30 cm)
If an obstacle is within this range, all
segments of the warning displays light up and
you hear a warning tone. If the distance
between the vehicle and th
eobstacle falls
below the minimum range, it is possible that
the distance may no longer be displayed. 158
Driving systemsDriving and parking

R
Do not install rented trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings to the
bumpers.
R Minimize the risk of damage to the ball
coupling .Ifyou do not require the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess.
Weight information can be found in the
“Permissible trailer and drawbar
noseweights” section (Y page 169).
Note that, when towing atrailer,
PARKTRONIC is only available with limitations
or not at all (Y page 160).
i 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 maximu
mpermissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, check the vehicle
documents of the your trailer to find out the
permissible maximum speed. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations in the relevant
country, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be differen tincomparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must
select shift range 3,2or 1in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control.
This enables you to utilize the engine's
braking effect and you do not need to brake
so heavily to keep the correc tspeed. which
protects the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to
not depress the brake pedal constantly, but
periodically. 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 .More
information is available from your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
R Maintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
R Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes
gently at first to allow the trailer brake to
overrun. Then, increase the brake force
quickly.
R The figures for the gradient climbing
capabilities 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. Attaching and removing the ball
coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling manufacturer's
installation instructions. Make sure that the
ball coupling is correctly installed and
secured before every journey. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling installation
instructions. Make sure that the ball coupling 170
Towing
atrailerDriving an d 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

Display messages on vehicles withou
tsteering wheel buttons Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
...
LIM km/h The speed display flashes.
The vehicle has exceeded the speed se
tfor variable SPEEDTRONIC
or the programmed maximum speed for permanent
SPEEDTRONIC, e.g. on a steep downhill gradient (overrun mode).
X Apply the brakes yourself as required. NO TPMS The
NO message is displayed for 30 seconds. The
TPMS message
is also displayed after 30 seconds.
The tire pressure monitor has malfunctioned.
X Have the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. NO TPMS The
NO message is displayed for 30 seconds. The
TPMS message
is also displayed after 30 seconds.
The tire pressure monitor is not receiving signals from one or more
wheels because:
R a wheel has been replaced with the spare wheel without wheel
electronics.
R the maximum temperature on one of the wheel electronics units
has been exceeded.
R the wheel electronics are malfunctioning.
X Have wheels with suitable wheel electronics units installed at a
qualified specialist workshop. — — TPMS The
—— message is displayed for 30 seconds. The
TPMS message
is also displayed after 30 seconds.
The pressure is insufficient in one or more tires, or the pressures
of the individual tires differ significantly.
X Check the tire pressure at the next opportunity and correc titif
necessary (Y page 281).194
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0008
Brake force
distribution EB
Dh as been deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery may no tbe being charged.
G WARNING
The rear wheels could lock when you apply the brakes. The braking
distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
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. 0008
Brake force
distribution Visit
workshop EBDh
as been deactivated due to a malfunction.
G WARNING
The rear wheels could loc kwhen you apply the brakes. The braking
distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
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. ESP
Visit workshop ESP
®
has been deactivated due to a malfunction. As a result,
cruise control has also been deactivated.
Engine power output may be reduced.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ESP
Unavailable ESP
®
has been deactivated due to undervoltage. As a result, cruise
control has also been deactivated.
The battery may not be being charged.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Consult a qualified specialized workshop as soon as possible. 200
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
Limit
... km/h The speed display flashes.
The vehicle has exceeded the speed set fo
rvariable
SPEEDTRONIC, e.g .onasteep downhill gradient (overrun mode).
X Apply the brakes yourselfa s required.Cruise control
Visit workshop Cruise control has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
X Have cruise control checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Tires
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
Tire pres. Adjust
pres.
0001 The pressure is insufficient in one or more tires, or the pressures
of the individual tires differ significantly.
X
Check the tire pressure at the next opportunity and correct it if
necessary (Y page 281). Tire pres.
monitor
inoperative The tire pressure monitor has malfunctioned.
X
Have the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. Tire pres.
monitor currently
unavailable The tire pressure monitor function is temporarily unavailable due
to radio interference or undervoltage.
X
Once the causes have been remedied, the tire pressure monitor
is automatically activated. Tire pres.-
monitor
inoperative No
wheel sensors The tire pressure monitor is not receiving signals from one or more
wheels because:
R a wheel has been replaced with the spare wheel without wheel
electronics.
R the maximum temperature on one of the wheel electronics units
has been exceeded.
R the wheel electronics are malfunctioning.
X Have the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
207On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
000D
The yellow ASR/
ESP®
warning
lamp flashes
while the vehicle
is in motion. G
WARNING
ESP ®
or ASR is intervening because at least one of the wheels has
reached its tire grip limit.
Cruise control is deactivated for the duration of the intervention.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and traffic conditions.
Do not use too much throttle.
X Drive slowly. 000D
The yellow ASR/
ESP®
warning
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. ASR is deactivated.
G WARNING
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Activate ASR again. Exceptions (Y page 58).0002
000E000A0008
The yellow ESP ®
, ABS
and ASR/BAS indicator
lamps and the red
brake system indicator
lamp are lit while the
engine is running. EBD is malfunctioning or deactivated due to undervoltage or
malfunction.
The battery may not be being charged.
G WARNING
The rear wheels could lock sooner than expected when you apply
the brakes. The braking distance can increase in emergency
braking situations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the
messages in the display (Y page 192).
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. 210
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays