towing MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2016 MY16 Operator’s Manual

Index....................................................... 3
Introduction......................................... 22
At a glance........................................... 31
Safety................................................... 39
Opening and closing...........................59
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....72
Lights and windshield wipers ............79
Climate control .................................... 97
Driving and parking..........................118
On-board computer and displays ....161
Stowing and features .......................204
Transporting loads ............................212
Maintenance and care ......................218
Roadside Assistance ........................240
Wheels and tires ............................... 247
Technical data................................... 275
2Contents

Overview ........................................124
Problem (malfunction) ................... 127
Releasing the parking lock man-
ually ............................................... 127
Selector lever ................................ 124
Selector lever positions ................. 124
Shift ranges ................................... 125
Starting the engine ........................ 120
Touchshift ...................................... 125
Trailer towing ................................. 126
Transmission oil change ................ 282
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 127
AUX port ............................................. 211
Auxiliary heater
see Auxiliary warm-air heater
see Hot-water auxiliary heater
Auxiliary heating
Activating/deactivating heater
booster mode ................................ 111
Adjusting ....................................... 173
Conditions for switching on ........... 108
Heating time .................................. 107
Important safety notes .................. 106
Operating with the button (control
panel) ............................................ 108
Operation with the remote con-
trol ................................................. 109
Operation with the timer ................ 114
Selecting a switch-on time ............. 108
Setting the switch-on time ............. 109
see Auxiliary heating
see Auxiliary warm-air heater
see Hot-water auxiliary heater
Auxiliary warm-air heater
Problem (malfunction) ................... 117
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 287
B
Backup lamps
Replacing bulbs ............................... 89
Backup lamps (Chassis Cab)
Replacing bulbs ............................... 90
BAS (Brake Assist System)
Display message ............................ 182
Function/notes ................................ 54 Indicator lamp ................................ 195
Basic settings
see Settings
Battery
Isolating switch .............................. 118
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................6 1
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 61
Important safety notes .................... 61
Replacing ......................................... 61
Battery (vehicle)
Care ............................................... 232
Charge indicator lamp ................... 198
Charging ........................................ 232
Disconnecting and connecting ....... 229
Disconnecting and connecting
(engine compartment) ................... 231
Display message ............................ 192
Important safety notes .................. 227
Installing/removing (engine com-
partment) ....................................... 231
Jump starting ................................. 242
Location ......................................... 228
Removing and installing ................. 230
Removing and installing the floor
covering ......................................... 228
Before driving off
Important safety notes .................. 120
Belt
see Seat belts
Bleeding the fuel system .................. 123
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ......... 146, 173
Notes/function .............................. 144
Trailer towing ................................. 146
Bottle holder
see Cup holder
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Checking the level ......................... 223
Display message ............................ 183
Notes ............................................. 283
Warning lamp ................................. 195
4Index

Brake force distribution, elec-
tronicsee EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Replacing bulbs ............................... 89
Brake lamps (Chassis Cab)
Replacing bulbs ............................... 90
Brake linings
Display message ............................ 182
Indicator lamp ................................ 198
Brake pads/linings
New ............................................... 136
Brake system
Malfunction .................................... 182
Warning lamp ................................. 195
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 53
Adaptive Brake Assist .................... 143
Applying the parking brake ............ 131
BAS .................................................. 54
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 283
Checking brake fluid level .............. 223
Display messages .......................... 182
EBD .................................................. 54
Important safety notes .................. 135
Maintenance .................................. 195
New brake pads/linings ................ 136
Parking brake (notes) ..................... 136
Riding tips ...................................... 135
Breakdown
Fire extinguisher ............................ 242
First-aid kit .................................... 241
Jump-starting ................................. 242
Reflective safety jacket .................. 241
Vehicle tool kit ............................... 240
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Warning triangle ............................ 241
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulb
see Changing bulbs
Bulb failure indicator .......................... 79C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 22
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Access step in the bumper ............ 237
Car wash ........................................ 233
Display ........................................... 237
Exterior lights ................................ 236
Interior ........................................... 237
Notes ............................................. 233
Paint .............................................. 235
Plastic trim .................................... 238
Power washer ................................ 234
Rear view camera .......................... 236
Roof lining ...................................... 238
Seat belt ........................................ 238
Seat cover ..................................... 238
Selector lever ................................ 238
Sensors ......................................... 236
Sliding door ................................... 237
Steering wheel ............................... 238
Step (electrical) ............................. 237
Trim pieces .................................... 238
Washing by hand ........................... 234
Washing the engine ....................... 234
Wheels ........................................... 235
Windows ........................................ 235
Wiper blades .................................. 235
Cargo compartment
Activating/deactivating ventila-
tion ................................................ 117
Cargo compartment floor ................... 28
Cargo tie-down points and tie
downs
Important safety notes .................. 214
Cargo tie-down rings
Installing ........................................ 216
Permissible tensile load ................. 285
Carrier system
Ladder rack ................................... 217
CD player/CD changer ...................... 168
Cell phone
see Mobile phone
Center console overview .................... 35
Index5

ESP®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 54
Important safety information ........... 52
Overview .......................................... 52
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 144
Cruise control ................................ 140
Display message ............................ 190
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 146
PARKTRONIC ................................. 151
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 126
Brakes ........................................... 135
Break-in period .............................. 118
Downhill gradient ........................... 135
Drinking and driving ....................... 133
Driving abroad ............................... 134
Driving in winter ............................. 137
Driving on flooded roads ................ 136
Driving on wet roads ...................... 136
Exhaust check ............................... 134
Fuel ................................................ 133
General .......................................... 133
Hydroplaning ................................. 136
Icy road surfaces ........................... 137
Important safety notes .................. 118
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 136
New brake disks ............................ 136
New brake pads/linings ................ 136
Off-road driving .............................. 137
Overrun cut-off .............................. 133
Snow chains .................................. 249
Speed limitation ............................. 134
Towing a trailer .............................. 155
Transport by rail ............................. 135
Wet road surface ........................... 136
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) .... 149
E
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 183
Function/notes ................................ 54
Indicator lamps .............................. 195
Electrical closing assist ...................... 66Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electrical step
Cleaning ......................................... 237
Display message ............................ 192
Emergency release .......................... 67
Function ........................................... 67
Important safety notes .................... 66
Indicator lamp ................................ 203
Manual retraction ............................ 67
Obstacle detection ........................... 67
Electrical system
Battery main switch ....................... 118
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see 4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Emergency exit .................................... 55
Emergency exit window ..................... 55
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 45
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 22
Engine
ADR (working speed governor) ...... 154
Changing the power output ............. 26
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 200
Cleaning instructions ..................... 234
Engine number ............................... 277
Engine speed setting (working
mode) ............................................ 155
Irregular running ............................ 123
Jump-starting ................................. 242
Operating safety .............................. 26
Starting .......................................... 120
Starting problems .......................... 123
Switching off .................................. 132
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 246
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 275
Problem (malfunction) ................... 123
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 222
Additives ........................................ 281
Index9

Notes on operating the vehicle ........ 25
Qualified specialist workshop .......... 26
Registering your vehicle ................... 27
Operating system
see On-board computer
Operator's Manual
General notes .................................. 22
Vehicle equipment ........................... 22
Outline lamp
Replacing bulbs ............................... 91
Outside temperature display ........... 162
Overhead control panel ...................... 36
Overrevving range .............................1 62
Overrun cutoff ................................... 133
P
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 235
Paper holder ...................................... 207
Parking ............................................... 130
Important safety notes .................. 130
Parking brake ................................ 131
Wheel chock .................................. 132
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
see PARKTRONIC
Parking assistance
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 184
Notes/function .............................. 131
Parking lamps
Replacing bulbs ............................... 87
PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating ................. 153
Driving system ............................... 151
Function/notes .............................1 51
Important safety notes .................. 151
Problem (malfunction) ................... 154
Range of the sensors ..................... 151
Roll-back warning .......................... 153
Trailer towing ................................. 153
Warning display ............................. 152
Partition sliding door
Important safety notes .................... 70
Opening/closing .............................. 70 Passenger compartment air-condi-
tioning system
see Climate control
Passenger compartment heating
see Climate control
Perimeter lamp
Replacing bulbs ............................... 90
Pets in the vehicle ............................... 52
Plastic trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 238
Power assistance for the steering
Display message ............................ 192
Warning lamp ................................. 203
Power supply
Battery isolating switch ................. 118
Switching off .................................. 119
Switching on .................................. 119
Power take-off
Engine speed setting ..................... 154
Power washers .................................. 234
Power windows
see Side windows
Preparing for a journey
Checks in the vehicle ..................... 120
Visual check of the vehicle exte-
rior ................................................. 120
Protection of the envi
ronment
General notes .................................. 24
Pulling away ...................................... 121
Q
QR code
Rescue card ..................................... 29
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 26
R
Radiator cover..................................... 28
Radio
Changing stations (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 167
see separate operating instructions
Radio-wave reception/transmis-
sion in the vehicle
Declaration of conformity ................ 26
14Index

Sidewall (definition) ....................... 265
Snow chains .................................. 249
Speed rating (definition) ................ 264
Storing ........................................... 267
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 264
Summer tires ................................. 249
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 265
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 265
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 265
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 264
Tire size (data) ....................... 257, 272
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 261
Tire tread ....................................... 248
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 265
Total load limit (definition) ............. 266
Traction (definition) ....................... 266
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 266
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 264
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 266
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 264
Top Tether ............................................ 50
Touchshift (automatic transmis-
sion) .................................................... 125
Tow-away alarm
Arming/deactivating ........................ 57
Deactivating ..................................... 57
Operation ......................................... 57
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 246
Important safety notes .................. 243
Towing
If the vehicle is stuck ..................... 245
Installing/removing the towing
eye ................................................. 244
With a raised front or rear axle ...... 245
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 287
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 237
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 157
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 159
Driving tips .................................... 155
Important safety notes .................. 155
Notes on retrofitting ...................... 286 Trailer loads ................................... 287
Tow ing aw
ay
Important safety guidelines ........... 243
In the event of malfunctions .......... 244
With both axles on the ground ....... 245
Trailer
Brake force booster malfunction ... 195
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 159
Trailer towing
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 146
PARKTRONIC ................................. 153
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 159
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission oil ................................ 282
Transport
Loading guidelines ......................... 212
Vehicle ........................................... 246
Transport by rail ................................ 135
Transportation
Rail ................................................ 135
Transporting
Load distribution ............................ 214
Securing a load .............................. 214
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 238
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 174
Trip meter
see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Display (vehicles with steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 167
Display (vehicles without steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 163
Resetting ....................................... 162
see Trip computer (on-board computer)
Turn signals
Replacing bulbs (front) ..................... 88
Replacing bulbs (rear) ...................... 89
Switching on/off .............................. 81
Turn signals (Chassis Cab)
Replacing bulbs (rear) ...................... 90
Index19

Twin front-passenger seatStowage compartment .................. 206
Two-way radios
Type approval/frequency .............. 275
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 266
U
Unlocking
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 64
USB port ............................................. 211
V
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 192
Electronics ..................................... 275
Equipment ....................................... 22
Individual settings (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 168
Limited Warranty ............................. 22
Loading .......................................... 258
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 59
Lowering ........................................ 271
Maintenance .................................... 23
Operating safety .............................. 25
Parking for a long period ................ 132
Pulling away ................................... 121
Raising ........................................... 268
Registration ..................................... 27
Reporting problems ......................... 27
Securing from rolling away ............ 130
Towing away .................................. 243
Transporting .................................. 246
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 59
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle bodies ..................................... 27
Body/equipment mounting direc-
tives for trucks ................................. 27
Vehicle data ....................................... 285
Vehicle identification number .......... 276
Vehicle identification plate .............. 276
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 240 Vents
see Air vents
Voltage supply
Fuses ............................................. 246
W
Warning Stickers ........................................... 24
Warning and indicator lamp
Diesel particle filter ....................... 201
Power assistance for the steering .. 203
Warning and indicator lamps
Brakes ........................................... 195
Check Engine ................................. 200
Coolant .......................................... 199
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) ............. 197
Electrical step ................................ 203
ESP
®.............................................. 194
ESP®function ................................ 197
Overview .......................................... 33
Seat belt ........................................ 203
Warning lamp .................................... 241
Warning triangle ................................ 241
Warning- and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 195
Air filter .......................................... 201
ASR ................................................ 194
BAS ................................................ 195
Battery charge ............................... 198
Brake wear .................................... 198
Bulbs .............................................. 203
Doors ............................................. 203
Engine oil level ............................... 198
Preglow .......................................... 201
Reserve fuel ................................... 200
Tire pressure monitor .................... 202
Water separator ............................. 202
Windshield washer fluid ................. 202
Warranty .............................................. 22
Washer fluid
Adding ........................................... 224
Capacities ...................................... 285
Display message ............................ 193
Indicator lamp ................................ 202
Notes ............................................. 284
Wiping with ...................................... 93
20Index

three-point seat belt can be properly fastened
without a booster seat.
Special seat belt retractor
GWARNING
If the seat belt is released while driving, the
child restraint system will no longer be
secured properly. The special seat belt retrac- tor is disabled and the inertia real draws in a
portion of the seat belt. The seat belt cannot
be immediately refastened. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying atten-
tion to road and traffic conditions. Reactivate
the special seat belt retractor and secure the
child restraint system properly.
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the driver's
seat belt, are equipped with a special seat belt
retractor. When activated, the special seat belt
retractor ensures that the seat belt cannot
slacken once the child seat is secured.
Installing a child restraint system:
XMake sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
XPull the seat belt smoothly from the belt out-
let.
XEngage seat belt tongue in belt buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
XPull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
he ar a ra
tcheting sound. The special seat belt
retractor is enabled.
XPush the child restraint system down so that
the seat belt is tight and does not loosen.
Removing the child restraint system and deac-
tivating the special seat belt retractor:
XMake sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
XPress the release button of the seat belt
buckle and guide the seat belt tongue back
towards the belt sash guide.
The special seat belt retractor is deactivated.
Child restraint system
The use of seat belts and infant and child
restraint systems is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
Further information about the correct child
restraint system is available from any authorized
Sprinter dealer.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly on a suitable seat, it cannot protect as
intended. The child cannot then be restrained
in the event of an accident, heavy braking or
sudden changes of direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and the notes on use. Please ensure,
that the base of the child restraint system is
always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under or behind the child restraint system. Only use
child restraint systems with the original cover
designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage and loads securely under
"Loading guidelines" (
Ypage 212).
48Children in the vehicle
Safety

For this reason, deactivate the automatic lock-
ing when driving function:
Rbefore pushing the vehicle
Rbefore towing the vehicle
If activated, automatic locking is deactivated
when the vehicle is unlocked or locked using the
central locking button.
Automatic locking is reactivated after the igni-
tion is switched off or a door is opened with the
vehicle stationary.
Activating automatic locking when driv-
ing
XTurn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock when the doors are closed.
XFor the entire vehicle: press the upperÃ
central locking button until the indicator lamp
in the button flashes four times.
XFor the sliding doors and rear doors only:
press the Älower central locking button
until the indicator lamp in the Ãupper
button flashes four times.
Deactivating automatic locking when
driving
XTurn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock when the doors are closed.
XFor the entire vehicle: press theÃupper
central locking button until the indicator lamp in the button flashes twice.
XFor the sliding doors and rear doors only:
press the Älower central locking button
until the indicator lamp in the Ãupper
button flashes twice.
Driver's door and front-passenger
door
!
Only open the doors when road and traffic
conditions permit. Make sure that there is
sufficient clearance when opening the doors.
Otherwise, you could damage your vehicle or
other vehicles.
You can open the driver's or front-passenger
door from the inside at any time, even if it is
locked.
XPull door handle :.
Locking knob ;pops up.
The door opens.
Sliding door
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the open sliding door is not engaged, it could
move on its own if the vehicle is on a slope.
This could trap you or other persons. There is a risk of injury.
Always make sure that the open sliding door is
engaged.
!Only open the doors when road and traffic
conditions permit. Make sure that there is
sufficient clearance when opening the doors.
Otherwise, you could damage your vehicle or other vehicles.
The sliding door of your vehicle can be equipped
with an electrical access step. Observe the
notes on the electrical step when opening and
closing the sliding door (
Ypage 66).
Sliding door65
Opening and closing
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor cannot
be heard.The on-board voltage is too low. The battery is too weak or discharged.
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 242).
If the engine cannot be jump-started, the starter motor is faulty.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor cannot
be heard.The battery is discharged or faulty.
XCheck the battery for damage.
XCharge the battery (Ypage 232).
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission may
roll only briefly in the neutral position N. Pro-
longed rolling of the wheels, e.g. when being
towed, will result in transmission damage.
Towing (
Ypage 243)
Selector lever
jPark position with parking lock
kReverse gear
iNeutral
hDrive
The display in the instrument cluster shows the
present selector lever position or the current
shift range:
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 167)
Ron vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 163)
Selector lever positions
BPark position
This prevents the vehicle from rolling
away when stopped. Only move the
selector lever to Pif the vehicle is
stationary.
You can only remove the key when
the selector lever is in this position.
The selector lever is locked in posi-
tion Pif the key is removed.
The parking lock should not be used
as a brake when parking. Always
apply the parking brake as well once
you have parked the vehicle.
CReverse gear
Only move the selector lever to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
124Automatic transmission
Driving and parking