towing MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2013 MY13 Operator’s Manual

vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overru
nbrake.
X Make sure the selector leve rofthe
automatic transmission is in position P.
X Apply the parking brake of the vehicle.
X Close all doors.
X Apply the parking brake of the trailer.
X In addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
X Remove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer. Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information !
On vehicles with a permissible gross
vehicle weight of 11030 lbs (5003 kg), the
permissible gross combination weight is
less than the total of the permissible gross
vehicle weight and the permissible trailer
load. Exceeding the permissible gross
combination weight can lea dto damage to
the drivetrain, to the transmission or to the
trailer tow hitch.
If the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden, the
relevant value for the permissible gross
vehicle weight or the permissible trailer
load is therefore lower. In this case, the
trailer or the vehicle may only be partially
loaded.
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is calculated
by adding the weight of the trailer to the
weight of the load and equipment.
The maximum gross vehicle weight is vehicle-
specific and equipment-dependent:
5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) or 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 500 lbs
(227 kg) or 750 lbs (340 kg). The actual
noseweight may not exceed the value given
on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch or the trailer. If the values vary, the
lowest value always applies. The gross combination weight rating (GCWR)
is calculated by adding the gross weight of the
trailer to the gross vehicle weight including a
driver's weight of approximately 150 lbs
(68 kg). The permissible Gross Combination
Weight Rating 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).
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
(Y page 315). The basic values approved by
the manufacturer can also be found in the
"Technical data" section ( Ypage 328). If the
values vary, the lowest value always applies.
Loading atrailer !
Utilize the maximum permissible
noseweigh tas fully as possible.D o not
allow the weight to fall below the minimum
permissible noseweight, otherwise the
trailer may come loose.
R You must distribute the load on the vehicle
and trailer so that the permitted maximum
values for the gross vehicle weight (GVWR),
gross trailer weight (GTW) and gross
combined weight (GCWR) as well as
permitted gross axle loads (GAWR) and
noseweight (TWR) of your vehicle are not
exceeded.
R Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
coupling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This
will prevent you from exceeding the
permissible gross axle weight (GAWR).
R Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
coupling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This
will prevent you from exceeding the
permissible gross vehicle weight (GVWR). Towing
atrailer
173Driving an d parking Z

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

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0008
The red brake
system indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. There is insufficient brake fluid in the expansion tank.
G WARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons:a lso 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 Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank
(Y page 245).
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. 0008
When towing a
trailer: the red
brake system
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running.
Additionally, a
warning tone
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.
There is a risk of an accident.
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. 000A
The yellow ASR/
BAS indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. ASR has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
The engine power output may be reduced.
G WARNING
The drive nwheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
211On-board computer and displays Z

Useful information
............................222
Stowage spaces and stowage com-
partments .......................................... 222
Folding table in the twin co-driver's
seat .................................................... 225
Cup holder ......................................... 226
Bottle holder ..................................... 227
Ashtray .............................................. 227
Cigarette lighter ................................ 227
12 Vsocket ....................................... 228
Mobile phone ..................................... 228
Additional communications equip-
ment ................................................... 229 221Stowing and features

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). Stowage spaces and stowage
compartments
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you do not correctly store objects in the
vehicle interior, they can slip or be flung
around, thus striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury, especially when
braking or abruptly changing directions.
R Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around in these or in similar
situations.
R Always make sure that objects do not
protrude from stowage compartments,
parcel nets or stowage nets.
R Close lockable stowage compartments
while driving.
R Stow and secure objects that are heavy,
hard, pointy, sharp-edged, fragile or too
large in the trunk.
In addition, observe the information in the
"Loading guidelines" section (Y page 232). Glove box
Glove box (example: glove box with a lockable lid)
0008
Locked
0009 Unlocked
0026 Glove box handle
You can lock and unlock the glove box using
the mechanical or folding key.
X To open: unlock the glove box lid if
necessary.
X Pull glove box handle 0026in the direction of
the arrow. 0025
Card holder
0023 Pen holder
X To close: fold the glove box up and press
it until it engages. 222
Stowage spaces and stowage compartmentsStowing and features

Eyeglasses compartment in the
overhea
dcontrol panel X
To open: briefly press cover 0005.
The eyeglasses compartmen tfolds out.
X To close: press the eyeglasses
compartment into the overhead control
panel until it engages. Dashboard stowage compartment
G
WARNING
Objects protruding from the stowage
compartment above the co-driver front air bag
could obstruct or even prevent deployment of
the co-driver front air bag. The co-driver front
air bag may then fail to provide the intended
protection. There is an increased risk of
injury.
Do not place any protruding objects in the
stowage compartment above the co-driver
front air bag.
! The right and left storage spaces may be
loaded with a maximum of 11 lb (5 kg) each. Stowage space (example: co-driver's side)
Stowage compartment in the center
console
Stowage compartment on the dashboard above
the center console (example with lid)
The stowage compartments on and in the
center console can be used to store small,
light objects.
X To open: pull release handle 0006.
Lid 0005swings up.
X To close: close lid0005and engage it.
The lid of the stowage compartment must
remain closed while the vehicle is in motion
to ensure that stowed objects are
contained safely.
The stowage compartments on and in the
center console can be used to store small,
light objects. Stowage spaces and stowage compartments
223Stowing and features Z

Stowage space above the headliner
! The entire stowage space may be loaded
with a maximum of 66 lb (30 kg).
Do not place high, bulky loads in the
stowage space. You could otherwise
damage the headliner in the event of sharp
braking. On vehicles with a partition, stowage
space
0005can only be loaded from the cargo
compartment. Stowage space above the windshield
! The right and left stowage spaces may be
loaded with a maximum of 5.5 lb (2.5 kg)
each. Stowage compartmen
t(example: driver's side)
0005 Stowage compartment Stowage compartment under the twin
co-driver's seat
Twin co-driver's seat (example: Cargo Van)
You can stow various articles in the stowage
compartment under the twin co-driver's seat.
X
To fold a seat cushion forwards: lift the
seat cushion out of fron tanchorage 0005.
X Pull the sea tcushio nforwards slightly and
out of rear anchorage 0006.
X Fold the rear edge of the seat cushion up.
X To fold the seat cushion back: fold down
the seat cushion by the rear edge.
X Slide the seat cushion under the seat
backrest into rear anchorage 0006.
X Push down on the seat cushion at the front
until it engages in front anchorage 0005. Stowage compartment under the rear
bench seat
G
WARNING
Always secure the folded-up seat cushion
with the retainer loop. The seat cushion could
otherwise drop down unexpectedly and
thereby cause injury to yourself or others. G
WARNING
When folding down the seat cushion, make
sure that nobody can become trapped.
! The retainer loop is neither a grab handle
for people to use nor a securing point for
loads. It may tear if used incorrectly. 224
Stowage spaces and stowage compartmentsStowing and features

For vehicles with a crewcab, you can use the
stowage compartment under the rear bench
sea tto safely store tools and other small
items.
X To fold up the rear bench seat: lift seat
cushion 0005out of the front anchorage and
fold it upwards in the direction of the arrow. Retainer loops
0006are secured to the outer
head restraints. X
Attach retainer loop 0006to hook 0026
underneath folded-up seat cushion 0005.
X To fold down the seat cushion: hold seat
cushion 0005and detach retainer loop 0006
from hook 0026.
X Fold down seat cushion 0005.
The seat cushion engages automatically. Paper holder
X
To open: press the top of paper
holder 0005. Folding table in the twin co-driver's
seat
G
WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury,
particularly in the event of sudden braking or
a sudden change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey. Folding table in the twin co-driver's seat
225Stowing and features Z

X
To fold down the folding table: pull
folding table 0005forward by the tab.
X Fold folding table 0005down in the direction
of the arrow and onto the sea tcushion.
i The folding table is equipped with a pen
holder and cup holder. Cup holder
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The cup holder canno thold a container secure
whilst traveling. If you use a cup holder whilst
traveling, the container may be flung around
and liquid may be spilled. The vehicle
occupants may come into contact with the
liquid and if it is hot, they may be scalded. You
may be distracted from the traffic conditions
and you could lose control of the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Only use the cup holder when the vehicle is
stationary. Only use the cup holder for
containers of the right size. Always close the
container, particularly if the liquid is hot.
! Do not use the cup holder recesses as
ashtrays. This could damage the cup
holders. Cup holders in the dashboard
Cup holder in dashboard stowage compartment
(example: right-hand side of vehicle)
0005
Cup holder
i If your vehicle is equipped with a twin co-
driver's seat, you will find further cup
holders in the folding table. Cup holders in the center console
Cup holders in the center console
X
To open: pull out ashtray
compartment 0005by the recess.
Clamping arm 0006of the cup holder opens
out fully.
i Vehicles with the non-smoking package
have an additional cup holder instead of the
ashtray.
X Place the beverage container into the cup
holder and push clamping arm 0006against
the container.
X To close: push ashtray compartment 0005
into the center console until it engages. 226
Cup holderStowing and features

Bottle holder
Bottle holders in the front doors (example: co-
driver's door) Ashtray
Ashtray in the cente
rconsole Ashtray in the ashtray compartment
X
Pull ashtray compartment 0005out by
recess 0006.
X To open: fold cover 0026upwards.
X To remove the insert: hold the ashtray by
the recesses on the left and righ tand pull
the insert out to empty it.
X To replace the insert: press it down into
the holde ras shown.
Make sure that the insert is inserted
correctly. Otherwise you will not be able to
close ashtray compartment 0005. Ashtrays in the passenger
compartment
Ashtrays on the left and right in the side trim panels
X
To open: fold out the ashtray.
X To remove the insert: press retaining
clip 0005down and remove the ashtray from
the trim.
X To replace the insert: insert the ashtray
down into the trim and close it. Cigarette lighter
G
WARNING
You can burn yourselfify ou touch the hot
heating element or the socket of the cigarette
lighter.
In addition, flammable materials can ignite if:
R the hot cigarette lighter falls
R a child holds the hot cigarette lighter to
objects, for example
There is a risk of fire and injury.
Always hold the cigarette lighter by the knob.
Always make sure that the cigarette lighter is
out of reach of children. Never leave children
unsupervised in the vehicle. Cigarette lighter
227Stowing and features Z