brake MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2017 MY17 Operator’s Manual

Most federal states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
Rsafety chains between the towing vehicle andthe trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This allows you to drive round tight corners.
Ra separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
Ra safety shut-off for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-tions.
Many states require a separate functional brak-
ing system for your trailer once a certain weight limit is exceeded. For your safety, it is recom-
mended to use a separate functional braking
system on any towed vehicle.
Make sure your vehicle/trailer combination
complies with local laws. This not only means
where you live, but also anywhere you are driv-
ing to. Information is available from the police
and local authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RPractice 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 characteristics.
RBefore driving, check:
-that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
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
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer is equipped with an individual
braking system, check before each journey
whether the brakes are functioning correctly.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer combination
away carefully. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check that the brakes
are working.
RSecure the load on the trailer according to the
applicable specifications and current stand-
ards on securing loads (
Ypage 210).
RWhen driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that the
brakes and lights are working.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
RThe 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.
RIf possible, do not brake suddenly, but rather
moderately at first so that the trailer can acti-
vate its brakes. Then increase the force on the
brake pedal.
RIf the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on inclines,
restrict the shift range. Select shift range 4,3,
2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
RWhen 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 instal-
led, the trailer brakes.
RIf the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
Towing a trailer155
Driving and parking
Z

the heater/air conditioning to the maximum
level. Open the windows if necessary.
RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer com-bination you need an additional distance
before you can return to your original lane.
Uncoupling a trailer
GWARNING
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 rebounding of the overrun
brake.
XMake sure the selector lever of the automatic
transmission is in position P.
XApply the parking brake of the vehicle.
XClose all doors.
XApply the parking brake of the trailer.
XIn addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
XRemove 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 vehicle
weight of 11030 lbs (5003 kg), the permissi -
bl egros scombin ation weight is less than the
total of the permissible gross vehicle weight
and the permissible trailer load. Exceeding
the permissible gross combination weight can
lead to damage to the drivetrain, to the trans-
mission or to the trailer tow hitch.
If the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden, the
relevant value for the permissible gross vehi-
cle 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. If the trailer is equipped with a separate functional braking system, then
the maximum gross trailer weight is 5000 lbs
(2268 kg )or 7500 lb s(3402 kg).
GWARNING
If you to w atrailer without aseparat efunc-
tional brakin gsystem and agross trailer
weigh t(GTW) of mor ethan 1635 lbs (750kg),
the nthe vehicl ebr ake system may overheat.
This increases the braking distance and the
brake system may even fail. There is an
increased risk of accident and injury, possibly
even fatal.
Always use a trailer with a separate functional
braking system when towing a trailer with a
gross trailer weight (GTW) of more than
1635 lbs (750kg).
Th emaximu mpermissibl etrailer dr awbar nose-
weight on the ball coupling is 500 lbs (227 kg) or
750 lbs (340 kg). The actual noseweight 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 maximum permissible gross combination
weight is vehicle-specific and equipment-
dependent.
When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the maximum permitted gross combi-
nation 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 t
railer and the vehicle (Ypage 272). The
basic values approved by the manufacturer can
also be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 282). If the values vary, the lowest
value always applies.
156Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Display messages on vehicles withsteering wheel buttons
Safet ysystems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences an dMSolutions
ABS
Visit workshop
AB Shas bee ndeactivated due to amalfunction .ES P®,AS Rand BAS,
as well as cruise control, hav ealso bee ndeactivated as aresult .
GWARNING
The brake syste mcontinues to function normally, but without th e
function slisted above. The wheels could therefore loc kif you brake
hard, fo rexample.
Thi scauses steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The brak-
in gdistanc ecan increase in emergency braking situations. The driven
wheels can spi nwhen accelerating.
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®will notstabilize th evehicle.
There is an increase dris kof skidding and accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialis tworkshop immediately.
ABS
Unavailable
AB Sis temporarily unavailable or is deactivated due to undervoltage.
ES P®,AS Rand BAS, as well as cruise control, are also unavailable as
a result .
The battery may no tbe bein gcharged.
GWARNING
The brake syste mcontinues to function normally, but without th e
function slisted above. The wheels could therefore loc kif you brake
hard, fo rexample.
Thi scauses steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The brak-
in gdistanc ecan increase in emergency braking situations. The driven
wheels can spi nwhen accelerating.
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®will notstabilize th evehicle.
There is an increase dris kof skidding and accidents .
XDrive for ashort distanc eat aspeed of more than 13 mph
(20 km/h).
If th edisplay messag edisappears ,th efunction smentioned abov e
are available again .
If th edisplay messag econtinues to be displayed:
XDrive on wit hcare.
XVisit aqualified specialis tworkshop immediately.
178Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
:
Visit workshop
ASRhas been deactivated due to amalfunction .
The engin epowe routput may be reduced.
GWARNIN G
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating .
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
:
Visit workshop
BA Shas been deactivated due to amalfunction .
GWARNING
The brak esystem continues to function normally, but without elec -
tronic support .
The braking distanc ecan increas ein emergenc ybraking situations.
There is aris kof an accident.
XDrive on wit hcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
:
Unavailable
AS Rand BA Shav ebeen deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery may no tbe bein gcharged.
GWARNIN G
The brak esystem continues to function normally, but without th e
function slisted above. The wheels could therefor eloc kif you brak e
hard, for example.
The braking distanc ecan increas ein emergenc ybraking situations.
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating .
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
#
Brake wea rVisitworkshop
The brak epads/linings hav ereached their wear limit.
XHav eth ebrak epads/linings replace das soo nas possibl eat a
qualified specialist workshop .
Display messages179
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
b
Brake fluid Visitworkshop
There is insufficientbrak eflui din th efluid reservoir .
GWARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is aris kof an accident.
XStop th evehicl eas soo nas possible, payin gattention to roa dand
traffic conditions.
XChec kth ebrak efluid level in th ebrak efluid reservoir
(Ypage 219).
If th ebrak eflui dis belo wtheMIN mark:
XDo no tcontinu edrivin gunder any circumstances.
XDo no tadd brak efluid .This does no tsolv eth eproblem .
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
If th ebrak eflui dis abov eth eMIN mark:
XDrive on wit hcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
b
Brake force distri ‐bution
EBDhas been deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery may no tbe bein gcharged.
GWARNIN G
The rear wheels could loc kwhen you apply th ebrakes. The braking
distanc ecan increas ein emergenc ybraking situations.
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XStop thevehicl eas soo nas possible, payin gattention to roa dand
traffic conditions.
XDo no tdrive on .
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
b
Brake force distri‐bution Visit work‐shop
EBDhas been deactivated due to amalfunction .
GWARNING
The rear wheels could loc kwhen you apply th ebrakes. The braking
distanc ecan increas ein emergenc ybraking situations.
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XStop thevehicl eas soo nas possible, payin gattention to roa dand
traffic conditions.
XDo no tdrive on .
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
180Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
ESP
Visit workshop
ESP®has been deactivated due to amalfunction .As aresult ,cruise
control has also been deactivated.
Engin epowe routput may be reduced.
GWARNIN G
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®will notstabiliz eth evehicle.
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
ESP
Unavailable
ES P®has been deactivated due to undervoltage. As aresult ,cruise
control has also been deactivated.
The battery may no tbe bein gcharged.
GWARNIN G
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®will notstabiliz eth evehicle.
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XConsult aqualified specialized workshop as soo nas possible.
c
Parkin gbrakeReleas ebrake
Additionally, awarning tone sounds.
You are drivin gwit hth eparking brak eapplied.
XReleas eth eparking brak e (Ypage 128).
7
Seatbeltsys.Visitworkshop
The belt system has malfunctioned.
GWARNIN G
In th eevent of an acciden tor arapi ddeceleration ,th eseat belt seither
canno tprotect you as intended.
There is aris kof injury.
XConsult aqualified specialized workshop as soo nas possible.
6
Restraint systemVisit workshop
The restrain tsystem is faulty.
GWARNIN G
If th erestrain tsystem is malfunctioning ,individual systems could be
triggered inadvertentl yor might no tbe triggered at all in th eevent of
an accident.
There is an increased ris kof injury and accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
Display messages18 1
On-board computer and displays
Z

Lights
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
b
Low beam left
The left-hand low beam is faulty3.
XHalogen headlamps:replace the bulb as soon as possible
(Ypage 88).
XBi-Xenon headlamps: consult a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
b
Low beam right
The right-hand low-beam headlamp is faulty3.
XHalogen headlamps: replace the bulb as soon as possible
(Ypage 88).
XBi-Xenon headlamps: consult a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
b
Cornering lt. left
The left-hand cornering light is faulty3.
XReplace the bulb as soon as possible (Ypage 88).
b
Cornering lt. right
The right-hand cornering light is faulty3.
XReplace the bulb as soon as possible (Ypage 88).
b
Lights on auto‐matic. Remove key
The automatic headlamp feature is active: the light switch is in the
à position and you have forgotten to remove the key.
XRemove the key from the ignition lock.
b
Turn signal left
The left-hand turn signal is faulty.
XChange the bulb as soon as possible in the front (Ypage 89) or rear
(Ypage 90) indicator lamp.
b
Turn signal right
The right-hand turn signal is faulty.
XChange the bulb as soon as possible in the front (Ypage 89) or rear
(Ypage 90) indicator lamp.
b
Brake lamp left
The left brake lamp is faulty3.
XReplace the bulb as soon as possible (Ypage 90).
b
Brake lamp right
The right brake lamp is faulty3.
XReplace the bulb as soon as possible (Ypage 90).
b
Third brake lamp
The high-mounted brake lamp is faulty3. This display message will only
appear if all LEDs have failed.
XConsult a qualified specialized workshop as soon as possible.
b
High beam left
The left high-beam headlamp is faulty3.
XReplace the bulb as soon as possible (Ypage 88).
3Depending on the equipment, the bulb-failure indicator may not befeatured for any lamps other than the turn
signals.
182Display messages
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
d
The yellow
ASR/ESP®warn-
ing lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.
The all-wheel drive is activated/deactivated. When changing gear,
ASR and ESP®are deactivated.
After changing gear, ASR and ESP®are automatically reactivated.
Engage/disengage the all-wheel drive (
Ypage 145).
d The yellow
ASR/ESP®warn-
ing lamp flashes
slowly while the
vehicle is in
motion.
In vehicles with all-wheel drive the brake system is overheated.
GWARNING
The performance of 4ETS is reduced. The braking power output may
be lower.
There is a risk of an accident.
XDrive on carefully and adapt your driving style to suit the road and
traffic conditions.
XWhen the message is no longer displayed, 4ETS and normal braking
power are available again.
d The yellow
ASR/ESP®warn-
ing lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.
ASR is deactivated.
GWARNING
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XActivate ASR again. Exceptions (Ypage 54).
h !:b
The yellow ESP®, ABS
and ASR/BAS indicator
lamps and the red brake
system indicator lamp
are lit while the engine is
running.
EBD is malfunctioning or deactivated due to undervoltage or malfunc-
tion.
The battery may not be being charged.
GWARNING
The rear wheels could lock sooner than expected when you apply the
brakes. The braking distance can increase in emergency braking sit-
uations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the messages in
the display (Ypage 173).
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XDo not drive on.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster191
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
b
The red brake sys-
tem indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is run-
ning.There is insufficient brake fluid in the expansion tank.
GWARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the messages in
the display (Ypage 173).
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XCheck the brake fluid level in the expansion tank (Ypage 219).
XIf the brake fluid is below the MIN mark: do not drive on!
XDo not add brake fluid. This does not solve the problem.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
b When towing a
trailer: the red
brake system
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.
Additionally, a
warning tone
sounds.GWARNING
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.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the messages in
the display (Ypage 173).
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XDo not drive on.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
: The yellow
ASR/BAS indica-
tor lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.ASR has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
The engine power output may be reduced.
GWARNING
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XDrive on with care.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible.
: The yellow
ASR/BAS indica-
tor lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.BAS has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without elec-
tronic support.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
XDrive on with care.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
192Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
:
The yellow
ASR/BAS indica-
tor lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.ASR and BAS have been deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery may not be being charged.
GWARNING
The brake system is still available with the normal braking effect.
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XDrive on with care.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
! The yellow ABS
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.ABS is deactivated due to a malfunction or is temporarily unavailable.
ESP®, ASR and BAS, as well as cruise control, are also unavailable as
a result.
Self-diagnosis may not be complete, or the battery may not be charg-
ing.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock, e.g. if the
brakes are applied with maximum force.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XDrive a short distance at a speed above 13 mph (20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the indi-
cator lamp goes out.
If the indicator lamp does not go out:
XDrive on with care.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
å The yellow DEF
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.The exhaust gas aftertreatment is malfunctioning or the current Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) supply is limiting the range.
XObserve the messages in the display.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster193
On-board computer and displays
Z