tow MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2017 MY17 Operator’s Manual

Before connecting the jumper cables
On vehicles with a battery main switch, check
whether the battery main switch is switched on
(
Ypage 116).
XApply the parking brake.
XMove the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to positionP.
XSwitch off all electrical consumers, e.g. audio
equipment, blower.
XTurn the key to position0in the ignition lock
and remove it (Ypage 117).
XOpen the hood (Ypage 214).
Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere 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.
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe 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 the gross vehicle weight can be
found on the vehicle identification plate
(
Ypage 272).
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could be
damaged.
!Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
RSecure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
REnsure 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.
ROnly secure the tow cable to the towing
eye.
RObserve the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance so that the tow rope does not sag.
RDo not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
!Do not use the towing eye for recovery, this
could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover
the vehicl
e with a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
When towing away, you must observe the legal
requirements for the country in which you are
currently driving.
It is preferable to have the vehicle transported
on a transporter or trailer instead of towing it.
Tow-starting and towing away239
Breakdown assistance
Z

The automatic transmission selector lever must
be in theNposition when towing the vehicle.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2
Rcannot move the selector lever to position N
on vehicles with automatic transmission
Before the vehicle is towed, switch off the auto-
matic locking feature (
Ypage 64). 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 towing
eye ;. If you tow or tow-start a vehicle, attach
the towing device to rear towing eye ;.
If your vehicle is equipped with a trailer tow
hitch, attach the towing device to the trailer tow hitch (
Ypage 152). Installing the front towing eye
XTake the towing eye and screwdriver from the
vehicle tool kit (Ypage 236).
XPress cover
:and remove cover :from the
opening.
You will see the fixture for the towing eye.
XScrew in the towing eye clockwise to the stop.
XInsert screwdriver into the towing eye and
tighten it.
Removing the front towing eye
XRemove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit.
XInsert the screwdriver into the towing eye and
turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise.
XUnscrew the towing eye.
XInsert cover :with the lug at the bottom and
press it in at the top until it engages.
XPlace the towing eye and screwdriver back in
the vehicle tool kit.
Towing away in the event of malfunc-
tions
Front or rear axle damage on all-wheel-
drive vehicles
!For vehicles with all-wheel drive, all four
wheels must be raised for towing away. Oth-
erwise, you may damage the transfer case.
If the vehicle can only be raised by the front
axle, you must remove the propeller shaft
between the rear axle and the transfer case.
Always use new bolts when installing the pro-
peller shaft.
If the vehicle has front or rear axle damage, have
it transported on a transporter or trailer.
With transmission damage
!Always use new bolts when installing the
propeller shafts.
iOnly have the propeller shafts fitted or
removed by qualified, skilled personnel.
If the vehicle has transmission damage, have the
propeller shaft removed before towing away.
240Tow-starting and towing away
Breakdown assistance

Towing with the front or rear axle
raised
General notes
!The ignition must be switched off if the vehi-
cle 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.
iOnly have the propeller shafts installed and
removed by qualified, skilled personnel.
Observe the following before towing a vehicle
with a raised front or rear axle:
Rthe information on towing in the event of mal-
functions (Ypage 240) and
Rthe important safety notes (Ypage 239).
If the front axle is damaged, raise the vehicle at
the front axle and if the rear axle is damaged,
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), the
propeller shafts to the driven axles must be
removed.
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
XTurn the key to position 1in the ignition lock
and leave it in this position.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 83).
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the parking brake.
XIf 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).
Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
iOnly have the propeller shafts fitted and
removed by qualified, skilled personnel.
Before towing the vehicle, observe the follow-
ing:
Rthe information on towing in the event of mal-
functions (Ypage 240) and
Rthe important safety notes (Ypage 239).
Towing
You may only tow the vehicle a maximum dis-
tance of 30 miles (50 km). For a towing distance
of over 30 miles (50 km), the propeller shafts to the driven axles must be removed.
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the parking brake.
XLeave the key in position 2in the ignition lock.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 83).
XDo 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 pos-
sible. Excessive tractive power could damage
the vehicles.
Tow-starting and towing away241
Breakdown assistance
Z

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 otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.
You can find information on jump-starting under
"Jump-starting“ (
Ypage 238).
Electrical fuses
The fuse allocation chart and further information
on the electric fuses and relays can be found in the "Fuse allocation chart" supplement.
242Electrical fuses
Breakdown assistance

RDo not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces the
traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
RReplace the tires after 6 years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
spare wheel.
Operation in winter
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Prior to the onset of winter, ensure that snow
chains are stowed in the vehicle (
Ypage 246).
Also observe the notes in the "Changing a
wheel" section (
Ypage 262).
Regularly check the vehicle and remove snow or ice when traveling in wintry conditions.
An accumulation of snow and ice, particularly
when frozen, caught in the area around the air
intake slots, moving parts, the axles and the
wheel arches may:
Rrestrict air intake
Rdamage vehicle parts
Rcause malfunctions by restricting the mobility
intended by the design (e.g. reduced possible
steering input).
If there is any damage, inform a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity and therefore traction and
braking power. Change the tires on your vehicle
to M+S tire. Using summer tires at very cold
temperatures could cause tears to form,
thereby damaging the tires permanently. We
cannot accept responsibility for this type of
damage.
M+S tires
GWARNING
Wheel and tire dimensions as well as the type of tire can vary between the spare wheel and
the wheel to be replaced. When the spare
wheel is mounted, driving characteristics may
be severely affected. There is a risk of an acci- dent.
In order to reduce risks:
Ryou should therefore adapt your driving
style and drive carefully.
Rnever mount more than one spare wheel
that differs from the wheel to be replaced.
Ronly use a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel to be replaced for a short time.
Rdo not deactivate ESP®.
Rhave a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel that has been changed replaced at
the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
You must observe the correct wheel and
tire dimensions as well as the wheel type.
GWARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
ã in (4 mm) are not suitable for use in winter
and do not provide sufficient traction. There is
a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than ãin
(4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
Use winter tires or all-season tires at tempera-
tures below 45 ‡ (+7 †). Both types of tire are
identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the isnowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking provide
the best possible grip in wintry road conditions.
Only these tires will allow driving safety systems
such as ABS and ESP
®to function optimally in
winter. These tires have been developed specif-
ically for driving in snow.
For safe driving, use M+S tire sof the same make
and tread pattern on all wheels.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
If you install M+S tires that have a lower maxi-
mum permissible speed than the maximum per-
missible speed of the vehicle, affix an appropri-
ate warning sign in the driver's field of vision.
You can obtain this at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Operation in winter245
Wheels and tires
Z

Number of seats
:Maximum number of seats
;Maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
rating
Maximum number of seats :determines the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard.
iThe details on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard illustration are only an exam-
ple. The number of seats is vehicle-specific
and can differ from the details shown. The
number of seats in your vehicle can be found
on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
Determining the maximum load
Individual steps
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 in
accordance with the "National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
XStep 1:
Locate the statement "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle's
Tire and Loading Information placard.
XStep 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be travel-
ing in your vehicle.
XStep 3: Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or
XXX lbs.
XStep 4: The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage load capa- city. For example, if the "XXX" amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be five 150 pound
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400 Ò750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
XStep 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehi-
cle. For reasons of safety, that weight must
not exceed the available cargo and luggage
cargo capacity calculated in step 4.
XStep 6 (if applicable): If you intend to tow a
trailer behind your vehicle, the load on the
trailer is transferred to your vehicle. Please
consult the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard, to determine how this reduces the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Example: Steps 1 to 3
The following table shows examples of how to calculate total load and cargo capacities with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use a maximum
load of 1500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are using the
actual load limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information placard .
Example 1Example 2Example 3
Step 1Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard)1500 lbs
(680 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg)
Loading the vehicle255
Wheels and tires
Z

Example 1Example 2Example 3
Step 2Number of people in
the vehicle (driver and
occupants)531
Distribution of the
occupantsFront: 2
Rear: 3Front: 1
Rear: 2Front: 1
Weight of the occu-
pantsOccupant 1:
150 lbs (68 kg)
Occupant 2:
180 lbs (82 kg)
Occupant 3:
160 lbs (73 kg)
Occupant 4:
140 lbs (63 kg)
Occupant 5:
120 lbs (54 kg)Occupant 1:
200 lbs (91 kg)
Occupant 2:
190 lbs (86 kg)
Occupant 3:
150 lbs (68 kg)Occupant 1:
150 lbs (68 kg)
Gross weight of all
occupants750 lbs (340 kg)540 lbs (245 kg)150 lbs (68 kg)
Example 1Example 2Example 3
Step 3Permissible cargo and
trailer load/nose-
weight (maximum
gross vehicle weight
rating from the Tire
and Loading Informa-
tion placard minus the
gross weight of all
occupants)1500 lbs
(680 kg)Ò750 lbs
(340 kg) =
750 lbs (340 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg) Ò540 lbs
(245 kg) =
960 lbs (435 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg) Ò150 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" (
Ypage 156).
Vehicle identification plate
Even if you have calculated the total cargo care-
fully, 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
(
Ypage 272).
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 vehicle
weight and maximum gross axle weight rating),
have your loaded vehicle (including driver, occu-
pants, cargo, and full trailer load if applicable)
weighed on a suitable vehicle weighbridge.
256Loading the vehicle
Wheels and tires

Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard equipment
including the maximum filling capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant. It also includes the air-condi-
tioning system and optional equipment if these
are installed on the vehicle, but does not include
passengers or luggage.
Maximum tire load
The maximum tire load in kilograms or pounds is
the maximum weight for which a tire is
approved.
Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one tire.
Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated by
dividing the maximum axle load of one axle by
two.
PSI (Pounds per square inch)
Standard unit of measurement for tire pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and width in
percent.
tire pressure
Pressure inside the tire applying an outward
force to every square inch of the tire's surface.
Tire pressure is specified in pounds per square
inch (psi), in kilopascal (kPa) or in bar. Tire pres-
sure should only be corrected when the tires are
cold.
Cold tire pressure
The tires are cold:
Rif the vehicle has been parked for at least
three hours without direct sunlight on the
tires, and
Rif the vehicle has not been driven further than
1 mile (1.6 km)
Tire tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact with the road.
Tire bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits securely
on t
he wheel. There are several steel wires in the
bead to prevent the tire from coming loose from
the wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
tire bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kg (5 lbs). These
optional extras, such as high-performance
brakes, a roof rack or a high-performance bat-
tery, are not included in the curb weight and the
weight of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
A unique identification number which can be
used by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for
example for a product recall, and thus identify
the purchasers. The TIN is composed of the
manufacturer identification code, tire size, tire
model code and manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a code
that contains the maximum load bearing capa-
city of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the tires
and the road surface.
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar load)
The TWR is the maximum permissible weight
that may act on the ball coupling of the trailer
tow hitch.
Wear indicator
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are distrib-
uted over the tire tread. If the tir e tread is level
with the bars, the wear limit of áin (1.6 mm)
has been reached.
Distribution of the vehicle occupants
The distribution of vehicle occupants over des-
ignated seat positions in a vehicle.
Maximum permissible payload weight
Nominal load and goods/luggage load plus
68 kg (150lbs) multiplied by the number of
seats in the vehicle.
What you should know about wheels and tires261
Wheels and tires
Z

Lowering the vehicle
GWARNING
The wheels could work loose if the wheel nuts and bolts are not tightened to the specified
tightening torque. There is a risk of accident.
Have the tightening torque immediately
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
after a wheel is changed.
!Only use the jack pump lever middle rod and
the rod with the largest diameter as a lug
wrench extension. Only slide the middle rod
as far as it will go onto the lug wrench. The
rods may otherwise bend and be distorted to
such an extent that they can no longer be
used as a pump lever for the jack.
!Vehicles with Super Single tires: if you
install the spare wheel, do not exceed the
maximum speed of 40 mph (60 km/h) and do
not drive further than 65 miles(100 km).
The transmission could otherwise be dam-
aged by the difference in wheel rotation
speeds.
Tightening torque pattern
:— B
Wheel bolts or wheel nuts
XUsing the pump lever, slowly turn the lowering
screw on the jack through approximately one
revolution and carefully lower the vehicle
(
Ypage 263).
XPut the jack aside.
XPull the rod with the smallest diameter off the
pump lever.
The shortened pump lever serves as a lug
wrench extension.
XStarting with the middle rod, slide the lug
wrench extension as far as it will go onto the
lug wrench.
XUsing the extended lug wrench, tighten the
wheel bolts evenly in a crosswise pattern in
the sequence indicated ( :toB).
Tighten the wheel bolts to the following tight-
ening torques:
RSteel wheel 177 lb-ft(240 Nm )
RAlloy wheel 133 lb-ft(180 Nm )
Tighten the wheel nuts to a tightening torque
of 133 lb-ft (180 Nm).
XPush the piston on the hydraulic jack in again
and close the pressure release screw.
XVehicles with all-wheel drive: turn the jack
spindle clockwise as far as it will go
(
Ypage 263).
XStow the jack and the rest of the vehicle tools
in the vehicle again.
iYou can now install the hub caps on steel
wheels with wheel bolts. The installing proce-
dure depends on whether the hub cap acts as
a trim that covers the whole wheel, or just
covers the center.
XWheel with hub cap: position the opening for
the tire valve in the hub cap over the tire valve.
XPush the edge of the hub cap with both hands
against the wheel until it clicks into place.
Make sure the hub cap retaining catches
engage on the steel wheel.
XWheel with central hub cap: position the
retaining lugs of the central hub cap over the
wheel bolts.
XHit the center of the hub cap to engage it on
the wheel.
XSecure the faulty wheel in the spare wheel
bracket (Ypage 269).
XVehicles with Super Single tires: transport the
defective rear wheel in the load area. The rear wheel is too large for the spare wheel bracket.
XCheck the tire pressure of the newly mounted
wheel and adjust it if necessary.
Observe the recommended tire pressure
(
Ypage 246).
XRetighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts to the
specified tightening torque after the vehicle
has been driven for 30 miles (50 km).
When using a wheel or spare wheel with a new or newly painted wheel rim, have the wheel bolts or
nuts retightened again after approximately 600
to 3,000 miles (1,000 to 5,000 km). Observe the
specified tightening torque.
Changing wheels267
Wheels and tires
Z

damage to the fuel injection system, for
example.
B20 fuels with bio-diesel content
!Continuous use of B20 fuel can lead to fuel
filter clogging and injector deposits. This can
cause engine performance degradation.
Injector deposits can cause the engine oil
level to rise due to unburned fuel washing into
the oil pan. This can cause engine mechanical
damage.
To avoid damages and performance degrada-
tion:
RFill up with ULSD (B5 or less) whenever
possible.
RRegularly monitor your engine oil level if
you use B20 fuel on a regular basis.
RStrictly follow the oil change intervals quo-
ted in the instrument cluster and within
your maintenance booklet.
RUse only engine oils and filters approved for
use in your vehicle.
RIf you do not plan to drive your vehicle for
several weeks, fill your vehicle’s fuel tank in
advance with ULSD fuel.
For more information, consult the gas station
staff. The fatty acid methyl ester B5 or B20 label on the fuel pump must clearly state that the
standard for ULSD is complied with. If the mark-
ing does not make this clear, do not refuel from that pump.
Do not refuel with any fuels that have not been
approved for your vehicle.
For more information about refueling
(
Ypage 125).
Information on fuel consumption
HEnvironmental note
CO
2(carbon dioxide) is the gas which scien-
tists believe to be principally responsible for
global warming (the greenhouse effect). Your
vehicle's CO
2emissions are directly related to
fuel consumption and therefore depend on:
Refficient use of the fuel by the engine
Rdriving style
Rother non-technical factors, such as envi-
ronmental influences, road conditions or
traffic flow
You can minimize your vehicle's CO
2emis-
sions by driving carefully and having it serv-
iced regularly.
Fuel consumption depends on:
Rthe vehicle version
Rthe style of driving
Rthe operating conditions
Rthe type or quality of the fuel used
The vehicle will use more fuel than usual in the
following situations:
Rat very low outside temperatures
Rin city traffic
Rduring short journeys
Ron mountainous terrain
Rwhen towing a trailer
To keep fuel consumption low, observe the
advice in the "Protection of the environment"
section (
Ypage 25).
The following components of the different vehi-
cle versions influence fuel consumption:
Rtire sizes, tire tread, tire pressure, tire condi-
tion
Rbody
Rtransmission ratios for the drive assemblies
Radditional equipment (e.g. air-conditioning
system, auxiliary heating system)
For these reasons, the actual consumption fig-
ures for your vehicle may deviate from the con-
sumption 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 171).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of DEF in an environmentally respon-
sible manner.
Service products and capacities275
Technical data
Z