trailer MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2013 MY13 Operator’s Manual

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

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

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
The DE
Freducing agent is contaminated, diluted or is not
compliant with ISO 22241.
X Have the DEFt ank cleaned and refilled at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. The exhaust gas aftertreatmen
tis malfunctioning or an emission
relevant malfunction has occurred. This malfunction or defect can
damage the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 0014
Coolant
Stop, turn
engine off 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. 0014
Coolant
Stop, turn
engine off The coolant temperature is too high.
If the vehicle is stopped after being subjected to extreme loads,
the coolant warning lamp may come on when the ignition is
switched on or the engine is restarted. Such loads can be, for
example, driving in mountainous terrain or driving with a trailer.
X
Run the engine for approximately 1minute at idling speed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop if the display message
continues to be shown. 0017
Check
coolant level The coolan
tlevel 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 324).
X If you need to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling
system checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 0016
Reserve
fuel Drive
to a filling stat. The fuel level has fallen into the reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest gas station (Y page 142).000E
Water in fuel
Visit workshop The water that has collected in the water separator has reached
the maximum level.
X
Drain the water separator (Y page 247). Display messages
205On-board computer and displays Z

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

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0014
The red coolant
warning lamp is
lit 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. 0014
The red coolant
warning lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running. The coolant temperature is too high.
If the vehicle is stopped after being subjected to extreme loads,
the coolant warning lamp may come on when the ignition is
switched on or the engine is restarted. Such loads can be, for
example, driving in mountainous terrain or driving with a trailer.
X
Run the engine for approximately 1minute at idling speed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop if the display message
continues to be shown. 0016
0006
The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp is
on. At the same
time
0 appears
in the fuel tank
conten tdisplay
while the engine
is running,
although there is
fuel in the fuel
tank The fuel filler cap is not closed.
X
Close the fuel filler cap.
You will hear a clic kwhen the fuel filler cap is closed fully.
X If the malfunction continues to be displayed, have it rectified
immediately at a qualified specialist workshop. 0018
The yellow
engine
diagnostic
indicator lamp is
lit up or flashes
while the engine
is running. You have used up all fuel in the tank.
The engine is running in emergency mode.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station (Y page 142).
X Bleed the fuel system (Y page 137).
X Start the engine three to four times in succession after refueling.
Emergency running mode will be canceled. The vehicle does not
need to be checked. 216
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
000F
The yellow
washer fluid
level indicator
lamp for the
windshield
washer/
headlamp
cleaning system
is lit after the
engine is started
or while the
vehicle is in
motion. The water level is too low.
X
Add washer fluid (Y page 246). 0014
If you turn the
key in the
ignition lock to
position 2, the
red seat belt
warning lamp
lights up for
approximately
6s econds. The warning lamp is to remind you to fasten your seat belt.
X
Fasten seat belt (Y page 48). 0002
When the key is
turned to
position 2in the
ignition lock, the
yellow bulb
warning lamp
lights up. One of the exterior lighting bulbs is faulty, with the exception of
the perimeter lamps and the trailer lighting.
i
Depending on the equipment, the bulb failure indicator can fail
for all lamps with the exception of the turn signal lamps.
X Replace the faulty bulb as soon as possible (Y page 96).0004
The yellow "door
open" indicator
lamp is lit while
driving. The vehicle is moving without all doors or the hood being closed.
X
Close the doors or hood. 0004
The yellow "door
open" indicator
lamp is lit. The electrical step has retracted or extended only partially or not
at all.
X Make sure there is sufficien tfree space for the electrical step.
X Open or close the sliding door again.
X If the electrical step still does not extend or retract fully, push
the step in manually (Y page 72). Before stepping out, remind
the passengers that the step is missing. Indicator and warnin
glamps in the instrument cluster
219On-board computer and displays Z

Cleaning the electrical step
Clean the electrical step at least once a
month
.Make sure that no dirt accumulates in
the housing or on the step.
X Extend the electrical step (Y page 72).
X Close the sliding door until the door lock
engages.
The electrical step remains extended for
cleaning.
X Clean the electrical step and the housing
with a power washer.
X Afte rcleaning, spray the step guides on
each side with silicone spray when the
housing and electrical step are dry.
Do not use oil or grease as a lubricant.
X Retract the electric step.
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch !
Do not clean the ball coupling with a
power washer. Do not use solvents.
! Observe the notes on care in the
Operator's Manual for the trailer tow hitch
and the ball coupling manufacturer.
You can also have the maintenance work on
the ball coupling and the trailer tow hitch
carried out by a qualified specialist workshop. Interior
Cleaning the display !
For cleaning, do not use any of the
following:
R alcohol-based thinner or gasoline
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household
cleaning agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not put pressure on the display surface
when cleaning. This could lead to
irreparable damage to the display. X
Switch off the audio equipmen tormonitor
of the rear-view camera and allow to cool.
X Clean the display surface with a
commercially available microfiber cloth
and cleaner for TFT/LCD displays.
X Dry the display surface using a dry
microfiber cloth.
Cleaning the plastic trim G
WARNING
Care products and cleaning agents containing
solvents cause surfaces in the cockpit to
become porous. As a result, plastic parts may
come loose in the event of air bag
deployment. There is a risk of injury.
Do not use any care products and cleaning
agents to clean the cockpit.
! Do not affix the following to plastic
surfaces:
R stickers
R films
R scented oil bottles or similar items
You can otherwise damage the plastic.
! Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent
or sunscreen to come into contact with the
plastic trim. This maintains the high-quality
look of the surfaces.
X Wipe the plastic trim and the cockpit with
a damp, lint-free cloth, e.g. a microfiber
cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use a mild detergent.
Cleaning the steering wheel and
selector lever X
Thoroughly wipe with a damp cloth.
Cleaning the trim elements !
Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
such as tar remover, wheel cleaners,
polishes or waxes. There is otherwise a risk
of damaging the surface. 260
CareMaintenance and care