tow MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2013 MY13 Operator’s Manual

Inserting and engaging the cover
X
Slide in the cover and fold it down.
X Press down quick-release fastener 0005until
it engages.
Stowage compartment in the right-
hand door sill Removing the tire inflation compressor
and Premium tire sealant
X
Press both release catches 0005down and
remove the cover.
X Remove tire inflation compressor 0006and
Premium tire sealant 0026from the stowage
compartment.
X Place the botto medge of the cover in
position and fold upwards until both
release catches 0005engage. Warning triangle and warning lamp
Removing the warning lamp X
Turn the quick-release fasteners to position
0009.
The cover is unlocked.
X Lift up the cover.
X Take warning lamp 0026out of the retainer.
X Fold the cover up and turn the quick-
release fasteners to position 0008.
The cover is locked. Where will I find...?
265Breakdown assistance

Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longe ravailable if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the powe rsteering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunctio ninthe voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could
rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the
permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 315).
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged. !
Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R Secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R Ensure that the tow cable is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow
cable in the middle, e.g. with a white
cloth (30 x 30 cm). This will make other
road users aware that the vehicle is being
towed.
R Only secure the tow cable to the towing
eye.
R Observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a
distance so that the tow rope does not
sag.
R Do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise
damage the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with acrane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly .Ifthe tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
Observe the legal requirements for the
relevant country when towing.
It is preferable to have the vehicle
transported on a transporter or trailer instead
of towing it.
The automatic transmission selector lever
must be in the Nposition when towing the
vehicle.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2
R cannot move the selector lever to position
Non vehicles with automatic transmission.
i Switch off the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Y page 69). You
could otherwise lock yourself out of the
vehicle when pushing or towing away the
vehicle. 268
Tow-starting and towing awayBreakdown assistance

Installing/removing the towing eye
The fixture for the fron
ttowing eye is located in the
bumper. Rear towing eye under the bumper, attached to the
chassis
Your vehicle may be equipped with rear
towing eye 0006. If you tow or tow-start a
vehicle, attach the towing device to rear
towing eye 0006.
If your vehicle is equipped with a trailer tow
hitch, attach the towing device to the trailer
tow hitch (Y page 168).
Installing the front towing eye
X Take the towing eye and screwdriver from
the vehicle tool kit (Y page 264).
X Press cover 0005and remove cover 0005from
the opening.
You will see the fixture for the towing eye.
X Screw in the towing eye clockwise to the
stop.
X Insert screwdriver into the towing eye and
tighten it. Removing the front towing eye
X
Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle
tool kit.
X Insert the screwdriver into the towing eye
and turn the screwdriver counter-
clockwise.
X Unscrew the towing eye.
X Insert cover 0005with the lug at the bottom
and press it in at the top until it engages.
X Place the towing eye and screwdriver back
in the vehicle tool kit. Towing in the event of malfunctions
With transmission damage !
Always use new bolts when installing the
propeller shafts.
If the vehicle has transmission damage, have
the propeller shaft removed before towing
away.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system If the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position
P. In
order to be able to shift the automatic
transmission to position N, you must provide
power to the vehicle's 12 Velectrical system
in the same way as when jump-starting
(Y page 267).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer. Towing with the front or rear axle
raised
General notes !
The ignition must be switched off if the
vehicle is being towed with the front or rear
axle raised. Otherwise, ESP ®
may intervene
and damage the brake system. Tow-starting and towing away
269Breakdown assistance Z

!
Always use new bolts when installing the
propeller shafts.
Observe the following before towing a vehicle
with a raised front or rear axle:
R the information on towing in the event of
malfunctions (Y page 269) and
R the important safety notes (Y page 268).
If the front axle is damaged, raise the vehicle
at the front axle and if the rear axle is
damaged, raise the vehicle at the rear axle.
Towing If the front axle is raised, the vehicle may be
towed
amaximum of 30 miles (50 km). For a
towing distance of over 30 miles (50 km), you
must remove the propeller shafts to the
drive naxles.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake.
X Turn the key to position 1in the ignition
lock and leave it in this position.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 93).
X If the front axle is raised, do not exceed the
towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) and the
towing distance of 30 miles (50 km). Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
Important safety notes G
WARNING
You can no longe rstee rthe vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident. Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
! Do not exceed a towing speed of
31 mph (50 km/h). You could otherwise
damage the transmission.
! Always use new bolts when installing the
propeller shafts.
Before towing the vehicle, observe the
following:
R the information on towing in the event of
malfunctions (Y page 269) and
R the important safety notes (Y page 268).
Towing You may only tow the vehicle a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 km). For a towing
distance of over 30 miles (50 km), you must
remove the propeller shafts to the driven
axles.
X
Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake.
X Leave the key in position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 93).
X Do not exceed the towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) and the towing distance
of 30 miles (50 km). Recovering
avehicle that is stuck
! Pull away smoothly, slowly, and in a
straigh tline when pulling out a vehicle that
has become stuck. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles. 270
Tow-starting and towing awayBreakdown assistance

If the drive wheels get trapped on loose or
muddy ground, recover the vehicle with the
utmost care. This is especially the case if the
vehicle is laden.
Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a
traile rattached.
Pull ou tthe vehicle backwards, if possible,
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. Transporting the vehicle
! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye or trailer tow hitch can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or
transporter if you wish to transport it.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position N.
If the vehicle is loaded:
X Apply the parking brake.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
X Lash down the vehicle. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
Vehicles with automatic transmission !
Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission.
Information on "Jump-starting" can be found
at the beginning of the "Breakdown
assistance" section (Y page 267). Electrical fuses
G
WARNING
Only use fuses that have been approved for
your vehicle and which have the correct fuse
rating for the systems concerned. Do not
repair or bypass defective fuses. Acircuit
overload could otherwise cause afire. Have
the cause determined and rectified at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Sprinter vehicles and that have the
required fuse rating for the systems
concerned. Components or systems could
otherwise be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle switch off defective
power circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
will cease to operate.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and fuse rating.
Observe the information about fuse rating in
the fuse allocation chart.
You can obtain advice fro maqualified
specialist workshop.
The fuse allocation chart and other
information on the fuses can be found in the
"Fuse allocation chart" supplement. Electrical fuses
271Breakdown assistance Z

case, the tire is so worn that it mus
tbe
replaced. Selecting, mounting and renewing
tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R Break in new tires at moderate speeds for
the first 65 miles (100 km).
R Do not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
R Replace the tires after 6years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
spare wheel. Operation in winter
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Prior to the onset of winter, ensure that snow
chains are stowed in the vehicle
(Y page 277).
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section (Y page 302). Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity and therefore traction and
braking power. Change the tires on your
vehicle to M+S tire. Using summer tires at
very cold temperatures could cause tears to
form, thereby damaging the tires
permanently. We cannot accept
responsibility for this type of damage. M+S tires
G
WARNING
Wheel and tire dimensions as well as the type
of tire can vary between the spare wheel and
the wheel to be replaced .When the spare
wheel is installed, driving characteristics may
be severely affected. There is a risk of an
accident.
In order to reduce risks:
R you should therefore adapt your driving
style and drive carefully.
R never install more than one spare wheel
that differs from the wheel to be replaced.
R only use a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel to be replaced for a short time.
R do not deactivate ESP ®
.
R have a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel that has been changed replaced at
the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
You must observe the correct wheel and
tire dimensions as well as the wheel type. G
WARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
000D in (4 mm) are not suitable for use in winter
and do not provide sufficient traction. There
is a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 000D
in (4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of
tire are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the 0003snowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions.
Only these tires will allow driving safety
systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to function
optimally in winter. These tires have been
developed specifically for driving in snow.
For safe driving, use M+S tires of the same
make and tread pattern on all wheels. 276
Operation in winterWheels and tires

example. The maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight rating is vehicle-specific and
may differ from that which is illustrated.
You can find the valid maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight rating for
your vehicle on the Tire and Loading
Information placard.
Number of seats 0005
Maximum number of seats
0006 Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
Maximum number of seats 0005determines the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
i The details on the Tire and Loading
Information placard illustration are only an
example. The number of seats is vehicle-
specific and can differ from the details
shown. The number of seats in your vehicle
can be found on the Tire and Loading
Information placard.
Determining the maximum load Individual steps
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S.F ederal Regulations, Part 575 in
accordance with the "National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
X Step 1: Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on
your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard.
X Step 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
traveling in your vehicle.
X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX lbs.
X Step 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400l bs and there will be five
150 pound passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacit yis6 50 lbs (1400 0027750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs).
X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. For reasons of safety, that weight
must not exceed the available cargo and
luggage cargo capacity calculated in step
4.
X Step 6 (if applicable): If you intend to tow
a trailer behind you rvehicle, the load on the
trailer is transferred to your vehicle. Please
consult the Tire and Loading Information
placard, to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. Loading the vehicle
287Wheels and tires Z

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 3 Permissible cargo
and trailer load/
noseweight
(maximum gross
vehicle weight rating
from the Tire and
Loading Information
placard minus the
gross weight of all
occupants)
1500 lbs
(680 kg)
0027750 lbs
(340 kg) =
750 lbs (340 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg)
0027540 lbs
(245 kg) =
960 lbs (435 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg)
0027150 lbs (68 kg)
= 1350 lbs
(612 kg) The greater the combined weight of the occupants, th
elower the maximum luggage load.
Further information can be found under "Towing atrailer" (Y page 173). Vehicle identification plate
Even if you have calculated the total cargo
carefully, you should still make sure that the
gross vehicle weight rating and the gross axle
weight rating are not exceeded. Details about
this can be found on the vehicle identification
plate on the drive rseat frame of your vehicle
(Y page 315).
Gross vehicle weight: the gross weight of
the vehicle, all passengers, cargo and trailer
load/noseweight (if applicable) must not
exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight.
Gross axle weight rating: the maximum
permissible load that can be carried by one
axle (front or rear axle).
To ensure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible values (gross
vehicle weight and maximum gross axle
weight rating), have your loaded vehicle
(including driver, occupants, cargo, and full
trailer load if applicable) weighed on a
suitable vehicle weighbridge. Trailer load/noseweight
The trailer load/noseweight affects the gross
weight of the vehicle. If a trailer is attached,
the trailer load/noseweight is included in the
load along with occupants and luggage. The trailer load/noseweight is usually
approximately 10% of the gross weight of the
trailer and its load. What you should know about wheels
and tires
Tire labeling
Overview 0005
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Ypage 292)
0006 Maximum tire load (Y page 291) What you should know about wheels and tires
289Wheels and tires Z

Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar load)
The TWR is the maximu mpermissible weight
that may act on the ball coupling of the trailer
tow hitch.
Wear indicator
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are
distributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread
is level with the bars, the wear limit of 000Bin
(1.6 mm) has been reached.
Distribution of the vehicle occupants
The distribution of vehicle occupants over
designated seat positions in avehicle.
Maximum permissible payload weight
Nominal load and goods/luggage load plus
68 kg (150 lbs) multiplied by the number of
seats in the vehicle. Flat tire
General notes
Your vehicle may be equipped with Premium
tire sealant or with a spare wheel. The spare
wheel is under the vehicle at the rear
(Y page 308). The Premium tire sealant is
located in the stowage compartment in the
right-hand door sill (Y page 264).
You can find information on changing/
mounting wheels in the "Wheel change"
section (Y page 303).
When you replace a tire, we recommend that
you also replace the tire valve. Please observe
the safety-relevant information on tire valve
(Y page 280). Vehicle preparation
X Stop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic and on a level, firm and non-slip
surface.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps if the
vehicle poses a hazard to passing vehicles.
X Turn the fron twheels to the straight-ahead
position.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Passengers should leave the vehicle. Make
sure that the passengers are not
endangered as they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Place the warning triangle or warning lamp
at a suitable distance.
Observe legal requirements. Using Premium tire sealant
Using Premium tire sealant You can use Premium tire sealant to seal
punctures of up to 0.23 in (6 mm), particularly
those in the tire tread. Tire sealant can be
used at outside temperatures down to
002722 ‡ (002730 †).
G
WARNING
In the following situations, the tire sealant is
unable to provide sufficient breakdown
assistance, as it is unable to seal the tire
properly:
R there are cuts or punctures in the tire larger
than those mentioned above.
R the wheel rim is damaged.
R you have driven at very low tire pressures
or on a flat tire.
There is a risk of an accident. Flat tire
295Wheels and tires
Z

Do not drive any further. Contact a qualified
specialis tworkshop. G
WARNING
The tire sealant is harmful and causes
irritation. It must not come into contact with
your skin, eyes or clothing or be swallowed.
Do not inhale TIREFIT fumes. Keep tire sealant
away from children. There is a risk of injury.
If you come into contact with the tire sealant,
observe the following:
R Rinse off the tire sealant from your skin
immediately with water.
R If the tire sealant comes into contact with
your eyes, immediately rinse them
thoroughly with clean water.
R If tire sealant is swallowed, immediately
rinse your mouth out thoroughly and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting,
and seek medical attention immediately.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with tire sealant.
R If an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical
attention immediately.
In addition, observe the manufacturer's
safety instructions on the sticker on the tire
inflation compressor and on the sticker on the
tire sealant bottle.
The tire sealant is water-soluble. If tire sealant
escapes, you can wash it off with water.
i Have the tire sealant replaced every
8y ears at a qualified specialist workshop.
! The tire inflation compressor should only
be connected to the 12 V socket in the
center console. You may otherwise
damage the vehicle's electrics.
! Do not operate the tire inflation
compressor for longer than 20 minutes at
a time without a break. The tire inflation
compressor may otherwise overheat.
The tire inflation compressor can be
operated again once it has cooled down. H
Environmental note
Have the used tire sealant bottle disposed of
professionally, e.g. at aqualified specialist
workshop.
X Prepare the vehicle as described
(Y page 295).
X If possible, remove the foreign object that
has pierced the tire, e.g .the screw or the
nail.
It is beneficial to the sealing process if the
foreign body that has pierced the tire is
removed.
X Remove the Premium tire sealant, the
accompanying
"max 50 mph"("max80 km/h") sticker and
the tire inflation compressor from the
stowage compartmentint he right-hand
doorway (Y page 264).
X Affix the sticker within the driver's field of
vision. Tire inflation compressor
0005
Switch
0006 Angled connecting piece
0026 Tire inflation compressor hose
0025 Flap
0023 Pressure gauge with pressure release
screw
0024 Connector with cable
X Open flap 0025on the tire inflation
compressor.
X Pull connector 0024and hose 0026with
pressure gauge 0023from the housing. 296
Flat tireWheels and tires