towing MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2014 MY14 Operator’s Manual

You can use the 12 V sockets (15 A) for
accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W. You can connect acces-
sories with a maximum power consumption
of 300 W to the 12 V socket (25 A) on the
lower section of the center console.
i The sockets are supplied with power even
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. If accessories, e.g. a coolbox, remain
connected while the engine is not running,
the battery will discharge. Mobile phone
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating mobile phones.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is cov-
ering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
You and others can suffer health-related dam-
age through electromagnetic radiation. By
using an exterior antenna, a possible health
risk caused by electromagnetic fields, as dis-
cussed in scientific circles, is taken into
account. Only have the exterior antenna
installed by a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend the use of an approved exte-
rior antenna for operating the mobile phone.
Only in this way can optimal mobile phone
reception quality in the vehicle be ensured and mutual interference between the vehicle
electronics and mobile phones minimized.
Observe the legal requirements for each indi-
vidual country. Mobile phone pre-installation
The mobile phone pre-installation includes a
hands-free system integrated into the vehi-
cle. The microphone for the hands-free sys-
tem is installed in the overhead control panel
or in the overhead stowage compartment
together with the front interior light.
In order to use the hands-free system, you will
need a special bracket. The Sprinter acces-
sories include brackets for various mobile
phone models.
i Mobile phone brackets which are availa-
ble from various manufacturers on the
open market are not compatible with the
Sprinter telephone system. You can recog-
nize suitable holders for your mobile phone
by the imprinted star and the B6 spare part
number on the back of the bracket.
Detailed instructions for use can be found in
the operating instructions for the mobile
phone bracket and in the separate operating
instructions for the mobile phone pre-instal-
lation.
i The mobile phone battery is charged
depending on the condition of charge and
the position of the key in the ignition lock.
The mobile phone display indicates the
charging process. Additional communications equip-
ment
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident. Additional communications equipment
239Stowing and features
Z

Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating mobile communication
equipment.
Please remember, a navigation system does
not supply information on the load-bearing
capacity of bridges or the overhead clearance
of underpasses. The driver remains responsi-
ble for safety at all times.
You and others can suffer health-related dam-
age through electromagnetic radiation. By
using an exterior antenna, a possible health
risk caused by electromagnetic fields, as dis-
cussed in scientific circles, is taken into
account. Only have the exterior antenna
installed by a qualified specialist workshop.
You will find information on retrofitting elec-
trical or electronic equipment in the “Vehicle
electronics” section (Y page 318).Installation for PND mobile navigation
devices
You can secure a personal navigation device
(Personal Navigation Device PND) using a
commercially available adapter. PND connector (on the side behind the instrument
cluster)
0087 USB port
0085 3.5 mm audio jack for the PND audio sig-
nal (voice announcements) X
Connecting the PND: connect the PND
ports to the appropriate jacks in the vehi-
cle.
i You can also use USB port 0087and 3.5 mm
audio jack 0085for external audio sources.
The voice announcements are heard through
the radio speakers when you start navigation.
The audio source played until this point is
then muted for the duration of the voice
announcements.
i If you use audio devices or personal nav-
igation devices which have been recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, you can use all
of the functions available, such as the mute
function.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 240
Additional communications equipmentStowing and features

Useful information
............................276
Where will I find...? ...........................276
Flat tire .............................................. 278
Jump-starting .................................... 278
Tow-starting and towing away ........279
Electrical fuses ................................. 283 275Breakdown assistance

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). Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit
General notes The vehicle tool kit is in the stowage com-
partment in the footwell on the co-driver's
side.
The vehicle tool kit consists of:
R a towing eye
R a screwdriver with Torx, Phillips and slotted
bits
If your vehicle is equipped with a spare wheel
bracket and a jack, the vehicle tool kit addi-
tionally contains:
R a wheel wrench
R a spanner
R a pump lever rod
Stowage compartment in the co-driv-
er's footwell Unlocking and removing the cover
X
Turn quick-release fastener 0043counter-
clockwise or clockwise 0048.
X Slightly raise and pull out the cover. Removing the vehicle tool kit and the jack
X
Remove vehicle tool kit 0083.
X Pull up quick-release lever 0087and unhook
the retaining strap of jack 0085.
X Lift jack 0085upwards out of the holder.
i When stowing away the jack, place it in
the holder as shown in the illustration.
Make sure that the retaining strap of the
jack is hooked in and tensioned.
Inserting and engaging the cover
X Slide in the cover and fold it down.
X Press down quick-release fastener 0043until
it engages. 276
Where will I find...?Breakdown assistance

R
Only use jumper cables that have a suffi-
cient cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, attach the
battery of another vehicle for a few minutes
before attempting to start. This charges the
empty battery a little.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not
touch.
Make sure that:
R the jumper cables are not damaged.
R bare parts of the terminal clamps do not
come into contact with other metal parts
while the jumper cables are connected to
the battery.
R the jumper cables cannot come into con-
tact with parts such as the V-belt pulley or
the fan. These parts move when the engine
is started and while it is running.
i Jumper cables and further information
regarding jump starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop. Before connecting the jumper cables
On vehicles with a battery main switch, check
whether the battery main switch is switched
on (Y page 136).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
X Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g.
audio equipment, blower.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it (Y page 137).
X Open the hood (Y page 250). Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunction in the 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 roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 319).
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged. Tow-starting and towing away
279Breakdown assistance Z

!
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 dam-
age the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
Observe the legal requirements for the rele-
vant country when towing.
It is preferable to have the vehicle trans-
ported 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
N on vehicles with automatic transmission.
i Switch off the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Y page 71). You
could otherwise lock yourself out of the
vehicle when pushing or towing away the
vehicle. Installing/removing the towing eye
The fixture for the front towing eye is located in the
bumper.
Rear towing eye under the bumper, attached to the
chassis
Your vehicle may be equipped with rear tow-
ing eye 0044. If you tow or tow-start a vehicle,
attach the towing device to rear towing
eye 0044.
If your vehicle is equipped with a trailer tow
hitch, attach the towing device to the trailer
tow hitch (Y page 173).
Installing the front towing eye
X Take the towing eye and screwdriver from
the vehicle tool kit (Y page 276).
X Press cover 0043and remove cover 0043from
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. 280
Tow-starting and towing awayBreakdown assistance

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-clock-
wise.
X Unscrew the towing eye.
X Insert cover 0043with 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.
i Only have the propeller shafts fitted/
removed at a qualified specialist workshop.
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 trans-
mission to position N, you must provide
power to the vehicle's 12 V electrical system
in the same way as when jump-starting
(Y page 278).
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.
! Always use new bolts when installing the
propeller shafts.
i Only have the propeller shafts fitted/
removed at a qualified specialist workshop.
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 281) and
R the important safety notes (Y page 279).
If the front axle is damaged, raise the vehicle
at the front axle and if the rear axle is dam-
aged, raise the vehicle at the rear axle.
Towing If the front axle is raised, the vehicle may be
towed a maximum 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 posi-
tion 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 96).
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). Tow-starting and towing away
281Breakdown assistance Z

Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
Important safety notes 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.
! 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.
i Only have the propeller shafts fitted/
removed at a qualified specialist workshop.
Before towing the vehicle, observe the fol-
lowing:
R the information on towing in the event of
malfunctions (Y page 281) and
R the important safety notes (Y page 279).
Towing You may only tow the vehicle a maximum dis-
tance of 30 miles (50 km). For a towing dis-
tance 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 posi-
tion 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 96).
X Do not exceed the towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) and the towing distance
of 30 miles (50 km). Recovering a vehicle that is stuck
! When recovering a vehicle that has
become stuck, pull it as smoothly and
evenly as possible. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles.
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
trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible,
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. Transporting the vehicle
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
Vehicles with automatic transmission !
Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could other-
wise damage the automatic transmission.
Information on "Jump-starting" can be found
at the beginning of the "Breakdown assis-
tance" section ( Ypage 278). 282
Tow-starting and towing awayBreakdown assistance

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 3 Permissible cargo
and trailer load/
noseweight (maxi-
mum gross vehicle
weight rating from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard
minus the gross
weight of all occu-
pants)
1500 lbs
(680 kg)
00F8750 lbs
(340 kg) =
750 lbs (340 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg)
00F8540 lbs
(245 kg) =
960 lbs (435 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg)
00F8150 lbs (68 kg)
= 1350 lbs
(612 kg) The greater the combined weight of the occupants, the lower the maximum luggage load.
Further information can be found under "Towing a trailer" (Y
page 178).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 driver seat frame of your vehicle
(Y page 319).
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 per-
missible 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 vehi-
cle 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 approx-
imately 10
%of the gross weight of the trailer
and its load. What you should know about wheels
and tires
Tire labeling
Overview 0043
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Ypage 304)
0044 Maximum tire load (Y page 303) What you should know about wheels and tires
301Wheels and tires Z

ITY). These documents are supplied when
the vehicle is delivered.
Consumption figures were found in the cur-
rently valid respective version:
R for vehicles from the Euro 5 standard
according to regulation (EC) no.
715/2007
R for vehicles from the Euro 6 standard
according to regulation (EC) no.
595/2009
Fuel consumption depends on:
R the vehicle version
R the style of driving
R the operating conditions
R the type or quality of the fuel used
The vehicle will use more fuel than usual in
the following situations:
R at very low outside temperatures
R in city traffic
R during short journeys
R on mountainous terrain
R when towing a trailer
To keep fuel consumption low, observe the
advice in the "Protection of the environment"
section (Y page 22).
The following components of the different
vehicle versions influence fuel consumption:
R tire sizes, tire tread, tire pressure, tire con-
dition
R body
R transmission ratios for the drive assem-
blies
R additional equipment (e.g. air-conditioning
system, auxiliary heating system).
For these reasons, the actual consumption
figures for your vehicle may deviate from the
consumption figures determined according
to EU Directive 80/1268/EEC.
Data concerning fuel consumption are
recorded in the on-board computer; use the
steering wheel buttons to call up the Trip
computer menu (Ypage 197). Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) General notes
!
Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. The exhaust gas aftertreatment
system may otherwise be damaged.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet No. 352.0.
Damage caused by the use of other reduc-
ing agents will invalidate the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
! If DEF comes into contact with a painted
or aluminum surface, wash the surface off
immediately with plenty of water.
High ambient temperatures
When opening the DEF tank filler cap at high
outside temperatures, ammonia vapors may
escape. Ammonia vapors have a pungent
odor and are particularly irritating for your
skin, respiratory organs and eyes. This may
result in burning eyes, nose and throat, as
well as coughing and watering eyes. Do not
inhale ammonia vapors.
If DEF heats up, e.g. in direct sunlight, in the
DEF supply reservoir for some time to over
122 ‡ (50 †), ammonia vapor will develop.
Low ambient temperatures
DEF freezes at a temperature of approx-
imately 12 ‡(00F811 †). The vehicle is equipped
with a DEF preheating system at the factory.
Winter operation is therefore also guaranteed
at temperatures under 12 ‡ (00F811 †).
Additives and tap water
! Do not mix DEF with any additives and do
not dilute DEF with tap water. Otherwise,
the exhaust gas aftertreatment may be
damaged.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet No. 352.0.
Damage that arises through the use of addi-
tives or tap water will invalidate the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. 324
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data