towing MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2017 MY17 Operator’s Manual

Index....................................................... 4
Introduction......................................... 23
Operating Instructions .......................... .23
Service and vehicle operation ................ 23
Proper use ............................................. 25
Protection of the environment ............... 25
Operating safety and vehicle approval
............................................................... 26
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ............... 29
QR code for rescue card ........................ 30
Data stored in the vehicle ...................... 30
At a glance ........................................... 32
Cockpit .................................................. 32
Instrument cluster ................................. 33
Steering wheel buttons .......................... 36
Center console ...................................... 36
Overhead control panel ......................... 37
Door control panel ................................. 38
Further control panels ........................... 38
Safety ................................................... 40
Useful information ................................. 40
Occupant safety .................................... 40
Children in the vehicle ........................... 47
Pets in the vehicle ................................. 52
Driving safety systems ........................... 53
Emergency exit ...................................... 56
Theft deterrent locking system .............. 57
Opening and closing ...........................59
Useful information ................................. 59
Key ........................................................ 59
Central locking ...................................... 63
Driver's door and front passenger
door ....................................................... 64
Sliding door ........................................... 65
Electrical step ........................................ 66
Rear doors ............................................. 67
Partition sliding door ............................. 69
Side windows ......................................... 70
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....72
Useful information ................................. 72
Seats ..................................................... 72
Steering wheel ....................................... 77
Mirrors ................................................... 78
Lights and windshield wipers ............80
Useful information ................................. 80
Exterior lighting ..................................... 80
Interior lighting ...................................... 85
Changing bulbs ...................................... 87
Windshield wipers .................................. 94
Climate control .................................... 97
Useful information ................................. 97
Overview of climate control systems ..... 97
Operating the climate control system .. 100
Adjusting the air vents ......................... 104
Operating the auxiliary heating sys-
tem ...................................................... 105
Operating the cargo compartment air
vents .................................................... 115
Driving and parking ..........................116
Useful information ............................... 116
Breaking-in notes ................................. 116
Driving ................................................. 116
Automatic transmission ....................... 121
Refueling ............................................. 124
Parking ................................................ 127
Driving tips .......................................... 130
Driving systems ................................... 137
Working mode ..................................... 151
Towing a trailer .................................... 152
On-board computer and displays ....158
Useful information ............................... 158
Important safety notes ........................ 158
Instrument cluster ............................... 158
On-board computer (vehicles without
steering wheel buttons) ....................... 160
On-board computer (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ....................... 161
Display messages ................................ 173
2Contents

Indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................... 190
Stowing and features.......................200
Useful information ............................... 200
Stowage spaces and stowage com-
partments ............................................ 200
Cup holder ........................................... 204
Bottle holder ........................................ 204
Ashtray ................................................ 205
Cigarette lighter ................................... 205
12 V socket .........................................2 06
Mobile phone ....................................... 206
Additional communications equip-
ment .................................................... 207
Transporting loads ............................208
Useful information ............................... 208
Loading guidelines ............................... 208
Load distribution ................................. 210
Securing loads ..................................... 210
Carrier systems ................................... 212
Maintenance and care ......................214
Useful information ............................... 214
Engine compartment ........................... 214
Vehicle interior ....................................2 21
Maintenance ........................................ 221
Battery ................................................. 223
Care ..................................................... 229
Breakdown assistance .....................236
Useful information ............................... 236
Where will I find...? .............................. 236
Flat tire ................................................ 238
Jump-starting ....................................... 238
Tow-starting and towing away ............. 239
Electrical fuses ....................................2 42
Wheels and tires............................... 243
Useful information ............................... 243
Important safety notes ........................ 243
Operation ............................................ 243
Operation in winter .............................. 245
Tire pressure ....................................... 246 Loading the vehicle .............................. 254
What you should know about wheels
and tires .............................................. 257
Flat tire ................................................ 262
Changing wheels ................................. 262
Wheel and tire combination ................. 268
Spare wheel ......................................... 268
Technical data
................................... 271
Useful information ............................... 271
Vehicle electronics .............................. 271
Identification plates .............................2 72
Service products and capacities .......... 273
Vehicle data ......................................... 281
Contents3

Emergency running mode .............. 124
Important safety notes .................. 121
Kickdown ....................................... 123
Maneuvering .................................. 123
Overview ........................................ 121
Problem (malfunction) ................... 124
Releasing the parking lock man-
ually ............................................... 124
Selector lever ................................ 121
Selector lever positions ................. 122
Shift ranges ................................... 123
Starting the engine ........................ 118
Touchshift ...................................... 122
Trailer towing ................................. 123
Transmission oil change ................ 279
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 124
AUX port ............................................. 207
Auxiliary heater
see Auxiliary warm-air heater
see Hot-water auxiliary heater
Auxiliary heating
Activating/deactivating heater
booster mode ................................ 110
Adjusting ....................................... 170
Conditions for switching on ........... 107
Heating time .................................. 106
Important safety notes .................. 105
Operating with the button (control
panel) ............................................ 107
Operation with the remote con-
trol ................................................. 108
Operation with the timer ................ 112
Selecting a switch-on time ............. 107
Setting the switch-on time ............. 108
see Auxiliary heating
see Auxiliary warm-air heater
see Hot-water auxiliary heater
Auxiliary warm-air heater
Problem (malfunction) ................... 115
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 283
B
Backup lamps
Replacing bulbs ............................... 90 Backup lamps (Chassis Cab)
Replacing bulbs ............................... 91
BAS (Brake Assist System)
Display message ............................ 179
Function/notes ................................ 54
Indicator lamp ................................ 191
Basic settings
see Settings
Battery
Isolating switch .............................. 116
Replacing (SmartKey) ...................... 61
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 61
Important safety notes .................... 61
Replacing ......................................... 61
Battery (vehicle)
Care ............................................... 228
Charge indicator lamp ................... 194
Charging ........................................ 228
Disconnecting and connecting ....... 225
Disconnecting and connecting
(engine compartment) ................... 227
Display message ............................ 189
Important safety notes .................. 223
Installing/removing (engine com-
partment) ....................................... 228
Jump starting ................................. 238
Location ......................................... 224
Removing and installing ................. 226
Removing and installing the floor
covering ......................................... 224
Before driving off
Important safety notes .................. 118
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt warning ......................................... 44
Bleeding the fuel system .................. 120
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ......... 143, 170
Notes/function .............................. 141
Trailer towing ................................. 143
Bottle holder
see Cup holder
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Index5

Brake fluidChecking the level ......................... 219
Display message ............................ 180
Notes ............................................. 279
Warning lamp ................................. 192
Brake force distribution, elec-
tronic
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Replacing bulbs ............................... 90
Brake lamps (Chassis Cab)
Replacing bulbs ............................... 91
Brake linings
Display message ............................ 179
Indicator lamp ................................ 194
Brake pads/linings
New ............................................... 133
Brake system
Malfunction .................................... 179
Warning lamp ................................. 191
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 53
Adaptive Brake Assist .................... 140
Applying the parking brake ............ 128
BAS .................................................. 54
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 279
Checking brake fluid level .............. 219
Display messages .......................... 179
EBD .................................................. 55
Important safety notes .................. 132
Maintenance .................................. 191
New brake pads/linings ................ 133
Parking brake (notes) ..................... 133
Riding tips ...................................... 132
Breakdown
Fire extinguisher ............................ 238
First-aid kit .................................... 237
Jump-starting ................................. 238
Reflective safety jacket .................. 237
Vehicle tool kit ............................... 236
Warning lamp ................................. 237
Warning triangle ............................ 237
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulb
see Changing bulbs
Bulb failure indicator .......................... 80C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 23
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Access step in the bumper ............ 233
Car wash ........................................ 229
Display ........................................... 233
Exterior lights ................................ 232
Interior ........................................... 233
Notes ............................................. 229
Paint .............................................. 231
Plastic trim .................................... 234
Power washer ................................ 230
Rear view camera .......................... 232
Roof lining ...................................... 234
Seat belt ........................................ 234
Seat cover ..................................... 234
Selector lever ................................ 234
Sensors ......................................... 232
Sliding door ................................... 233
Steering wheel ............................... 234
Step (electrical) ............................. 233
Trim pieces .................................... 234
Washing by hand ........................... 230
Washing the engine ....................... 230
Wheels ........................................... 231
Windows ........................................ 231
Wiper blades .................................. 231
Cargo compartment
Activating/deactivating ventila-
tion ................................................ 115
Cargo compartment floor ................... 29
Cargo tie-down points and tie
downs
Important safety notes .................. 210
Cargo tie-down rings
Installing ........................................ 212
Permissible tensile load ................. 282
Carrier system
Ladder rack ................................... 213
CD player/CD changer ...................... 165
Cell phone
see Mobile phone
Center console overview .................... 36
6Index

Adaptive Brake Assist .................... 140
ASR (Acceleration Skid Control) ...... 54
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 54
Distance warning function ............. 139
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution) ............................................. 55
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 55
Important safety information ........... 53
Overview .......................................... 53
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 141
Cruise control ................................ 137
Display message ............................ 186
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 143
PARKTRONIC ................................. 148
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 123
Brakes ........................................... 132
Break-in period .............................. 116
Checking brake lining thickness .... 133
Downhill gradient ........................... 132
Drinking and driving ....................... 130
Driving abroad ............................... 131
Driving in winter ............................. 134
Driving on flooded roads ................ 134
Driving on wet roads ...................... 134
Exhaust check ............................... 131
Fuel ................................................ 130
General .......................................... 130
Hydroplaning ................................. 134
Icy road surfaces ........................... 134
Important safety notes .................. 116
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 133
New brake disks ............................ 133
New brake pads/linings ................ 133
Off-road driving .............................. 135
Overrun cut-off .............................. 130
Snow chains .................................. 246
Speed limitation ............................. 131
Towing a trailer .............................. 152
Transport by rail ............................. 132
Wet road surface ........................... 133
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) .... 146
E
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 180
Function/notes ................................ 55
Indicator lamps .............................. 191
Electrical closing assist ...................... 66
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electrical step
Cleaning ......................................... 233
Display message ............................ 189
Emergency release .......................... 66
Function ........................................... 66
Important safety notes .................... 66
Indicator lamp ................................ 199
Manual retraction ............................ 66
Obstacle detection ........................... 66
Electrical system
Battery main switch ....................... 116
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 .................................... 56
Emergency exit window ..................... 56
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 46
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 23
Engine
ADR (working speed governor) ...... 151
Changing the power output ............. 27
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 196
Cleaning instructions ..................... 230
Engine number ............................... 273
Engine speed setting (working
mode) ............................................ 152
Irregular running ............................ 120
Jump-starting ................................. 238
Operating safety .............................. 27
Starting .......................................... 118
Starting problems .......................... 120
Switching off .................................. 129
10Index

Operating safetyLimited Warranty ............................. 23
Operating safety and vehicle
approval
Attachments and bodies .................. 28
Changing the engine power out-
put ................................................... 27
Correct use ...................................... 25
Declaration of conformity ................ 27
Equipment and conversions ............. 28
Important safety notes .................... 26
Information about body/equip-
ment mounting directives ................ 28
Notes on operating the vehicle ........ 26
Qualified specialist workshop .......... 27
Registering your vehicle ................... 28
Operating system
see On-board computer
Operator's Manual
General notes .................................. 23
Vehicle equipment ........................... 23
Outline lamp
Replacing bulbs ............................... 92
Outside temperature display ........... 159
Overhead control panel ...................... 37
Overrevving range ............................. 159
Overrun cutoff ................................... 130
P
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 231
Paper holder ...................................... 203
Parking ............................................... 127
Important safety notes .................. 127
Parking brake ................................ 128
Wheel chock .................................. 129
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
see PARKTRONIC
Parking assistance
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 181
Notes/function .............................. 128
Parking brake
see Parking brake
Parking lamps
Replacing bulbs ............................... 88 PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating ................. 150
Driving system ............................... 148
Function/notes ............................. 148
Important safety notes .................. 148
Problem (malfunction) ................... 151
Range of the sensors ..................... 148
Roll-back warning .......................... 150
Trailer towing ................................. 150
Warning display ............................. 149
Partition sliding door
Important safety notes .................... 69
Opening/closing .............................. 69
Passenger compartment air-condi-
tioning system
see Climate control
Passenger compartment heating
see Climate control
Perimeter lamp
Replacing bulbs ............................... 91
Pets in the vehicle ............................... 52
Plastic trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 234
Power assistance for the steering
Display message ............................ 189
Warning lamp ................................. 199
Power supply
Battery isolating switch ................. 116
Switching off .................................. 117
Switching on .................................. 117
Power take-off
Engine speed setting ..................... 151
Power washers .................................. 230
Power windows
see Side windows
Preparing for a journey
Checks in the vehicle ..................... 118
Visual check of the vehicle exte-
rior ................................................. 118
Protection of the environment
General notes .................................. 25
Pulling away ...................................... 119
Q
QR code
Rescue card ..................................... 30
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 27
Index15

Load bearing index (definition) ...... 261
Load index .....................................258
Load index (definition) ................... 260
M+S tires ....................................... 245
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 261
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 260
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) .............................2 61
Maximum tire load ......................... 259
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 261
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 261
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ...........................................2 61
Replacing ....................................... 262
Service life ..................................... 244
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 261
Snow chains .................................. 246
Speed rating (definition) ................ 260
Storing ...........................................2 62
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 259
Summer tires ................................. 245
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 261
Tire bead (definition) ......................2 61
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 261
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 260
Tire size (data) ....................... 252, 268
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 257
Tire tread ....................................... 244
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 261
Total load limit (definition) ............. 261
Traction (definition) ....................... 261
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 261
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 260
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 261
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 260
Top Tether ............................................ 50
To

uchshift (automatic transmis-
sion) .................................................... 122
Tow-away alarm
Arming/deactivating ........................ 57 Deactivating ..................................... 57
Operation ......................................... 57
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 242
Important safety notes .................. 239
Towing
If the vehicle is stuck ..................... 241
Installing/removing the towing
eye ................................................. 240
With a raised front or rear axle ...... 241
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 283
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 233
Coupling up a trailer ......................1 54
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 156
Driving tips ....................................1 52
Important safety notes .................. 152
Notes on retrofitting ......................2 82
Trailer loads ................................... 283
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 239
In the event of malfunctions .......... 240
With both axles on the ground ....... 241
Trailer
Brake force booster malfunction ... 192
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 156
Trailer towing
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 143
PARKTRONIC ................................. 150
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 156
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission oil ................................ 279
Transport
Loading guidelines ......................... 208
Vehicle ...........................................2 42
Transport by rail ................................ 132
Transportation
Rail ................................................ 132
Transporting
Load distribution ............................ 210
Securing a load .............................. 210
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) ..................................................2 34
20Index

Trip computer (on-board com-
puter).................................................. 171
Trip meter
see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Display (vehicles with steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 164
Display (vehicles without steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 160
Resetting ....................................... 159
see Trip computer (on-board computer)
Turn signals
Replacing bulbs (front) ..................... 89
Replacing bulbs (rear) ...................... 90
Switching on/off .............................. 82
Turn signals (Chassis Cab)
Replacing bulbs (rear) ...................... 91
Twin front-passenger seat
Stowage compartment .................. 202
Two-way radios
Type approval/frequency .............. 271
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 261
U
Unlocking
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 63
USB port ............................................. 207
V
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 30
Display message ............................ 189
Electronics ..................................... 271
Equipment ....................................... 23
Individual settings (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 165
Limited Warranty ............................. 23
Loading .......................................... 254
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 59
Lowering ........................................ 267
Maintenance .................................... 24
Operating safety .............................. 26
Parking for a long period ................ 129
Pulling away ................................... 119 Raising ........................................... 263
Registration ..................................... 28
Reporting problems ......................... 28
Securing from rolling away ............ 127
Towing away .................................. 239
Transporting .................................. 242
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 59
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle bodies ..................................... 28
Body/equipment mounting direc-
tives for trucks ................................. 28
Vehicle data ....................................... 281
Vehicle identification number .......... 272
Vehicle identification plate .............. 272
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 236
Voltage supply
Fuses ............................................. 242
W
WarningStickers ........................................... 25
Warning and indicator lamp
Power assistance for the steering .. 199
Warning and indicator lamps
Brakes ........................................... 192
Check Engine ................................. 196
Coolant .......................................... 195
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) ............. 193
Electrical step ................................ 199
ESP
®.............................................. 190
ESP®function ................................ 194
Overview .......................................... 34
Seat belt ........................................ 198
Warning lamp .................................... 237
Warning triangle ................................ 237
Warning- and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 191
Air filter .......................................... 197
ASR ................................................ 190
BAS ................................................ 191
Battery charge ............................... 194
Brake wear .................................... 194
Bulbs .............................................. 198
Doors ............................................. 198
Engine oil level ............................... 195
Preglow .......................................... 197
Index21

XTo lock/unlock the entire vehicle:press
the upper Ãcentral locking button when
the doors are closed.
When the entire vehicle is locked, the indica- tor lamp in the Ãcentral locking button
lights up.
iIf the SmartKey has been removed or is in
position 0in the ignition lock, the indicator
lamp in the Ãcentral locking button
remains lit for 5 seconds.
XTo lock/unlock the sliding doors and rear
doors: press the lower section of the Ä
central locking button when the doors are
closed.
When the sliding doors and rear doors are
locked, the indicator lamp in the upper Ã
central locking button lights up.
Automatic locking
General notes
The vehicle locks automatically as standard
once a speed of 9 mph (15 km/h) has been
reached. Depending on the vehicle's equip-
ment, the doors may be locked automatically
once the ignition is switched on. Information on
the functions of the automatic locking mecha-
nism of your vehicle can be obtained from any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
If the automatic locking when driving function is
activated, there is a risk of being locked out
when the vehicle is pushed or towed.
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 SmartKey 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 SmartKey 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.
64Driver's door and front passenger door
Opening and closing

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The vehicle cannot be
driven at a speed
exceeding 5 mph
(8 km/h).
The yellow;Check
Engine lamp and the yel-
low å DEF indicator
lamp
2light up.
The exhaust gas aftertreatment system is defective or an emissions-
relevant malfunction has occurred.
This malfunction or defect can damage the exhaust gas aftertreat-
ment.
XObserve the messages in the display:
Ron vehicles without steering-wheel buttons (Ypage 175)
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons (Ypage 184).
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor cannot
be heard.The battery isolating switch is switched off.
XSwitch on the power supply (Ypage 116).
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 238).
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 228).
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 239)
Selector lever
jPark position with parking lock
kReverse gear
iNeutral
hDrive
2Only vehicles without steering-wheel buttons.
Automatic transmission121
Driving and parking
Z