weight MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2014 MY14 Operator’s Manual

Driver's and co-driver's seat
0043
Seat fore-and-aft adjustment
0044 Lumbar support adjustment
0087 Seat backrest adjustment
0085 Seat height adjustment
0083 Seat cushion angle adjustment
0084 Seat suspension adjustment
006B Seat suspension lock
i Depending on the seat model, some
adjustments may not be available.
You can find information on rotating the
front seats under "Swiveling front seats"
(Y page 84).
X To adjust the seat fore-and-aft posi-
tion: pull lever 0043up.
X Slide the seat forwards or back until you
can depress the pedals.
X Release lever 0043.
X Slide the seat forwards or back until you
hear it engage.
X To adjust the backrest: turn handwheel
0087 towards the front.
The seat backrest moves to a vertical posi-
tion.
X Turn handwheel 0087towards the rear.
The seat backrest tilts towards the rear. X
To adjust the seat height: press or pull
lever 0085repeatedly until you have reached
the desired seat height.
X To adjust the seat angle: turn handwheel
0083 towards the front.
The front of the seat cushion is lowered.
X Turn handwheel 0083towards the rear.
The front of the seat cushion is raised.
i The lumbar support allows you to use the
backrest to increase the support provided
to the lumbar spine.
When the lumbar support is correctly
adjusted, it reduces strain on your back
while driving.
X To adjust the lumbar support: turn hand-
wheel 0044upwards.
This increases the support provided to the
lumbar region.
X Turn handwheel 0044downwards.
This reduces the support provided to the
lumbar region.
The seat suspension must be adapted to your
body weight. Adjust the seat suspension only
while the seat is unoccupied.
X To adjust the seat suspension: take your
weight off the seat.
X Using handwheel 0084, set your body weight
(40 to 120 kg) for optimum seat suspen-
sion.
The seat suspension will become more rigid
the higher you set the weight. It will then
not move as far. Seats
83Seats, ste ering wheel and mirrors Z

If the seat moves up and down frequently and
to a great extent, you can lock the seat in the
lower movement range.
X To engage the seat suspension lock:
turn lever 006Bupwards.
When it next moves, the seat will lock in
position.
i The seat suspension lock will only engage
if your body weight equals or exceeds the
weight selected for the seat suspension.
X To release the seat suspension lock:
turn lever 006Bto the right.
The seat can now move up and down again. Swiveling front seats
G
WARNING
You could lose control of your vehicle if you
do the following while driving:
R adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirror and fasten your seat belt
before starting the engine. G
WARNING
If the driver's and co-driver's seats are not
engaged facing the direction of travel while
driving, the restraint systems may not be able
to provide the intended protection. There is
an increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Engage the driver's and co-driver's seats so
they are facing the direction of travel before
starting the engine.
! When rotating the seats, make sure that
there is sufficient space to do so.
Move the seat forward or back first. This
will help to avoid contact with other parts
of the interior.
Push the handbrake lever down to the stop. The parking brake or handbrake lever could
otherwise be damaged.
Seat release (example: co-driver's seat)
The driver's seat and co-driver's seat can be
rotated by 50° and 180°.
The seats engage when facing in the direction
of travel as well as when facing in the opposite
direction and also engage at an angle of 50°
to the door.
X Make sure that the parking brake has been
engaged and that the handbrake lever has
been pushed down to the stop
(Y page 152).
X Adjust the steering wheel to provide the
necessary space to rotate and adjust the
driver's seat (Y page 88).
X Before rotating, push the co-driver's seat
forwards (Y page 83).
X 2To rotate the seat: push lever0043on the
rear of the seat towards the center of the
vehicle and rotate the seat slightly inwards.
The rotation device is released.
X Release lever 0043.
X Turn the seat about 50° towards the out-
side or inside to the desired position. 84
SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
Always observe the operating instructions
provided by the manufacturers of the trailer
coupling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully.
When backing up the towing vehicle, make
sure nobody is standing between the vehicle
and the trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could break away. A correctly
coupled trailer must be positioned horizon-
tally behind the towing 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 of both the
towing vehicle and the trailer
R the permissible gross combination weight
The applicable permissible values that may
not be exceeded can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
R on the type plates for the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 319).
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find values approved by the manu-
facturer on the identification plates and those
for the towing vehicle in the "Permissible trailer loads and trailer drawbar noseweights"
section (Y
page 178).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
R requires more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to suit the road and weather condi-
tions. Drive carefully. Maintain a safe dis-
tance.
If you require any further explanation of the
information contained in the Operating
Instructions, please contact an authorized
Sprinter dealer.
General notes R
Observe the legally prescribed maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in
the relevant country, state or Canadian
province. Before setting off, check the vehi-
cle documents of the your trailer to find out
the permissible maximum speed.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling that
is approved for your vehicle and Sprinter
trailer tow hitch. More information on the
availability, mounting and installation of the
trailer electrics is available at any qualified
specialist workshop.
R The turn signals on the trailer are only guar-
anteed to function when incandescent
bulbs are used. You can obtain more infor-
mation about installing the trailer electrics
at any qualified specialist workshop.
R The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road 174
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

safety. The notes on operation, care and
maintenance issued by the manufacturer
should be observed.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not suita-
ble for installing detachable trailer cou-
plings.
R Do not install rented trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings to the
bumpers.
R Minimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
Weight information can be found in the “Per-
missible trailer and drawbar noseweights”
section (Y page 178).
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-adjust-
able trailer drawbar.
Driving tips The maximum permissible 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 vehi-
cle/trailer combinations in the relevant coun-
try, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
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 cruise control is acti-
vated.
This enables you to utilize the engine's brak-
ing effect and you do not need to brake so
heavily to keep the correct speed. which pro-
tects 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 author-
ized 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 capa-
bilities 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 cou-
pling
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 descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation 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 descri-
bed in the ball coupling installation instruc-
tions. Make sure that the ball coupling is Towing a trailer
175Driving and parking
Z

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 removing the approved
ball coupling, observe the relevant informa-
tion in the operating instructions of the ball
coupling manufacturer.
If you cannot mount the ball coupling cor-
rectly, remove it. In this case, the ball cou-
pling may not be used for towing a trailer.
Notes on the permissible dimensions and
weights can also be found on the identifica-
tion plate of the trailer tow hitch. You can
obtain advice from a qualified specialist work-
shop. 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 equip-
ped 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 auto-
matic 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 a height-adjustable
trailer drawbar.
X Couple the trailer.
X Establish all electrical and other connec-
tions 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 provin-
ces 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 cou-
pling, 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 vehi-
cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning 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 any-
where you are driving to. Information is avail-
able from the police and local authorities. 176
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

X
Make sure the selector lever of the auto-
matic 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 vehi-
cle weight of 11030 lbs (5003 kg), the per-
missible gross combination weight is less
than the total of the permissible gross vehi-
cle weight and the permissible trailer load.
Exceeding the permissible gross combina-
tion weight can lead to damage to the driv-
etrain, 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 nose-
weight 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 docu-
ments and on the trailer tow hitch type plates
for the trailer and the vehicle (Y page 319).
The basic values approved by the manufac-
turer can also be found in the "Technical data"
section (Y page 332). If the values vary, the
lowest value always applies.
Loading a trailer !
Utilize the maximum permissible nose-
weight as fully as possible. Do not allow the
weight to fall below the minimum permis-
sible 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 com-
bined 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 per-
missible 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 per-
missible gross vehicle weight (GVWR).
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 combination weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge. The vehicle/trailer combina- 178
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

tion 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 elec-
tronic systems. We therefore recommend
having the connector plug wired at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
! You can connect accessories with a max-
imum power consumption of 240 W to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge 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 a permanent power 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 guar-
anteed to function when incandescent bulbs
are used.
Further information on the electrical equip-
ment currently installed on your vehicle and
on installing trailer electrics can be obtained
at any qualified specialist workshop. Towing a trailer
179Driving and parking Z

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 func-
tions. This also applies to systems and func-
tions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Loading guidelines
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
As a result of improperly placed or unevenly
distributed loads, the center of gravity of the
load being transported may be too high or too
far back. This can significantly impair handling
as well as steering and braking characteris-
tics. There is a risk of an accident.
Always make sure that the center of gravity of
the load is:
R between the axles
and
R as low as possible, near the rear axle. G
WARNING
When objects are unsecured or inadequately
secured, they can slip, turn over or be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants. This also
applies to:
R luggage or loads
R a rear bench seat which has been removed
and is being transported in the vehicle in an
exceptional case.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of braking maneuvers or abrupt
changes in direction.
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about. Before traveling,
secure objects, luggage or loads to prevent them slipping or tipping over. If you remove a
rear bench seat, it is advisable to store it out-
side the vehicle.
G
WARNING
When the permissible wheel loads, axle loads
and/or the maximum permissible gross vehi-
cle weight are exceeded, driving safety is
compromised. The handling as well as steer-
ing and braking characteristics may be signif-
icantly impaired. Overloaded tires may over-
heat, causing them to burst. There is a risk of
an accident.
When transporting a load, always observe the
permissible wheel loads, axle loads and the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
for the vehicle (including occupants). G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof car-
rier load.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 331 )and information about roof car-
riers in the "Carrier systems" section
(Y page 247).
R Do not stack luggage or loads higher than
the backrests.
R Stow objects preferably in the cargo com-
partment.
R When transporting luggage, always use the
cargo tie-down rings and a parcel net, if
present.
R Use cargo tie-down rings and fasteners
which are suitable for the weight and size
of the load. 242
Loading guidelinesTransporting loads

Always observe the operating instructions of
the respective manufacturer when using suit-
able load securing aids or tie downs. In par-
ticular, the information on service life.
Load securing aids and tie downs may not be
used, for example, if:
R identification marks are missing or illegible
R there are yarn breakages, damage to bear-
ing seams or other signs of tearing
R there are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
R there is damage to clamping or connecting
elements
Such load securing aids and tie downs are
worn; they should not be used and must be
replaced. If you use load securing aids or tie
downs which are worn, the load may not be
sufficiently secured and could cause damage
to property.
After an accident, the following must be
checked at a specialist workshop:
R Cargo compartment floor
R Load surface
R Cargo tie-down rings
R Tie downs
Otherwise, the load may not be correctly
secured the next time anything is stowed.
Even if you follow all loading guidelines, the
load increases the risk of injury in the event
of an accident. Observe the tips in the "Secur-
ing luggage/loads" (Y page 244) and "Load
distribution" (Y page 244) sections. Before loading
! The anti-slip mats cannot be used for
securing goods and must be replaced when
they show signs of:
R Permanent deformation and crushing
R Crack formation
R Cuts X
Tire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary ( Ypage 290).
X Cargo compartment floor: clean the
cargo compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to
prevent the load from slipping.
X Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary. During loading
! On passenger van versions with maxi-
mum seating layout, the permissible rear
axle load would be exceeded if the full pay-
load were to be loaded in the cargo com-
partment.
X Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible gross vehicle weight for your
vehicle.
Take into account that your vehicle's curb
weight is increased if accessories or
optional equipment are installed. The max-
imum payload is thus reduced.
X Observe the notes on load distribution
(Y page 244).
The overall center of gravity of the load
should always be as low as possible, cen-
tered and between the axles near the rear
axle.
X Secure the load (Y page 244).
Always observe the relevant country-spe-
cific legal requirements, laws and regula-
tions. Checks after loading
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases, such as carbon monoxide. If the sliding
door or rear door is open when the engine is
running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior, especially during the journey. There
is a risk of poisoning. Loading guidelines
243Transporting loads
Z

maximum loading capacity of the weakest
cargo tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces
acting could be up to several times the
weight force of the load. Always use multi-
ple cargo tie-down points in order to dis-
tribute the force absorption. Load the
anchorages evenly.
Spread the load evenly between the cargo tie-
down points or tie-down rings.
Please also refer to the notes about qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 26).
Always observe the operating instructions or
the notes of the lashing strap manufacturer
for the operation of the lashing strap.
Information about the maximum loading
capacity of the cargo tie-down points can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 331).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
R The applicable requirements and guide-
lines relating to load-securing practices
must be met.
If this is not the case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local leg-
islation and any ensuing consequences.
You should therefore observe the respec-
tive legal requirements for the relevant
country.
Make sure that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey. Correct an incorrectly or inade-
quately secured load if necessary.
You can obtain information about securing
the load correctly from the manufacturer of
the load securing aids or tie down for securing
the load.
X Fill spaces between the load and the cargo
compartment walls or wheel housings
(form-locking). Use rigid load securing aids,
such as wedges, wooden fixings or pad-
ding.
X Attach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions. Use the cargo tie-down points or cargo tie-down rings and the loading rails
in the cargo compartment or on the cargo
area.
Only use tie downs, such as lashing rods or
lashing nets and lashing straps, that have
been tested in accordance with current
standards (e.g. DIN EN).
Always use the cargo tie-down rings closest
to the load to secure it and pad sharp edges
for protection.
Loads, and heavy loads in particular, should
preferably be secured using the cargo tie-
down rings.
i Tie downs tested in accordance with cur-
rent standards (e.g. DIN EN) are available
at any qualified specialist workshop. Cargo tie-down point (example: Passenger Van)
0043
Cargo tie-down rings Securing loads
245Transporting loads Z