trailer MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2015 MY15 Operator’s Manual

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 316).
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 177).
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 Operator's Man-
ual, 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
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 attach rented trailer tow hitches or
other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
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 177).
i The height of the ball neck changes
according to the load on the vehicle. If this 174
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

is case, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble 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. 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. When doing so, hook the
breakaway cable of the trailer into eye-
let 0043 on the ball coupling. Towing a trailer
175Driving and parking Z

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.
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 charac-
teristics.
R Before driving, check:
- that the trailer tow hitch and ball cou-
pling 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 section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion 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 242).
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 driv-
ing 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 176
Towing a trailerDriving and pa
rking

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 dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature
of the heater/air conditioning to the maxi-
mum 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 dis-
tance before you can return to your original
lane. Uncoupling a trailer
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 overrun brake is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
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 perm issible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 500 lbs
(227 kg) or 750 lbs (340 kg). Theactual 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. Towing a trailer
177Driving and parking Z

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 316).
The basic values approved by the manufac-
turer can also be found in the "Technical data" section (Y page 328). 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-
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. 178
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00E2
Idle Mode Idle Mode The vehicle cannot be driven at a speed exceeding 5 mph
(8 km/h).
The DEF reducing agent is contaminated, diluted or is not compli-
ant with ISO 2224 1.
X Have the DEF tank cleaned and refilled at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. The exhaust gas aftertreatment is 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. 00AC
Coolant Coolant
Stop,
Stop,turn
turn
engine off
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 1 minute at idling speed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop if the display message
continues to be shown. 00BC
Coolant Coolant
Check
Checklevel
level The coolant level 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 325).
X If you need to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling
system checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 00B5
Reserve Reserve
fuel
fuelDrive
Drive
to a filling stat.
to a filling stat. The fuel level has fallen into the reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest gas station (Y page 145).00B8
Water in fuel Water in fuel
Visit workshop Visit workshop The water that has collected in the water separator has reached
the maximum level.
X Drain the water separator (Y page 255).212
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0065
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: also observe the mes-
sages in the display (Y page 197).
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 254).
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. 0065
When towing a
trailer: the red
brake system
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is run-
ning.
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 mes-
sages in the display (Y page 197).
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. 003D
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 driven wheels 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
219On-board computer and displays Z

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00AC
The red coolant
warning lamp is
lit while the
engine is run-
ning. 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. 00AC
The red coolant
warning lamp is
lit while the
engine is run-
ning. 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 1 minute at idling speed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop if the display message
continues to be shown. 00B5
0077
The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp is
on. At the same
time,
0 0, appears
in the fuel tank
content display
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 click when the fuel filler cap is closed fully.
X If the malfunction continues to be displayed, have it rectified
immediately at a qualified specialist workshop. 00B9
The yellow
Check Engine
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 145).
X Bleed the fuel system (Y page 141).
X Start the engine three to four times in succession after refueling.
Emergency running mode will be canceled. The vehicle does notneed to be checked. 00B9
The yellow
Check Engine
indicator lamp is
lit up or flashes
while the engine
is running. The injection control is malfunctioning.
The engine is running in emergency mode.
Engine power output may be reduced.
X Have the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
In some states it is legally prescribed that after the check engine
indicator lamp lights up you must contact a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. Observe the legal requirements. 224
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0076
The red seat belt
warning lamp
lights up contin-
uously or
flashes. A warn-
ing tone may
also sound. The warning lamp is to remind you to fasten your seat belt.
X Fasten seat belt (Y page 45). 0049
When the key is
turned to posi-
tion2in the igni-
tion 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 99).003E
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. 003E
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 sufficient free 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 74). Before stepping out, remind
the passengers that the step is missing. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
227On-board computer and displays Z

X
Clean access step in the bumper 0043with a
power washer.
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 Opera-
tor'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 car-
ried out by a qualified specialist workshop. Interior
Cleaning with power washers !
When using liquids to clean the vehicle
interior, observe the following points:
R Under no circumstances use power
washers.
R Make sure that no fluids enter or remain
in gaps and cavities.
R Ensure sufficient ventilation when clean-
ing.
R Make sure that the vehicle interior is
completely dry after cleaning.
Cleaning the display !
For cleaning, do not use any of the fol-
lowing:
R alcohol-based thinner or gasoline
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household clean-
ing agents
These may damage the display surface. Do not put pressure on the display surface
when cleaning. This could lead to irrepara-
ble damage to the display. X
Switch off the audio equipment and let the
display cool down.
X Clean the display surface with a commer-
cially available microfiber cloth and cleaner
for TFT/LCD displays.
X Dry the display surface using a dry micro-
fiber 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 deploy-
ment. 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 surfa-
ces:
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 or care
products and cleaning agents recommen-
ded and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the steering wheel and selec-
tor 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, pol- 270
CareMaintenance and care