trailer MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2018 MY18 Operator’s Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2018, Model line: SPRINTER, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2018Pages: 294, PDF Size: 4.36 MB
Page 159 of 294
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 215).
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 long er
brak
ing 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
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.
Towing a trailer157
Driving and parking
Z
Page 160 of 294
Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information
!On vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle
weight of 11030 lbs (5003 kg), the permissi-
ble gross combination 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 lbs (3402 kg).
GWARNING
If you tow a trailer without a separate func-
tional braking system and a gross trailer
weight (GTW) of more than 1635 lbs (750 kg),
then the vehicle brake 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 (750 kg).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar 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 trailer and the vehicle (
Ypage 276). The
basic values approved by the manufacturer can
also be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 288). If the values vary, the lowest
value always applies.
Loading a trailer
!Utilize the maximum permissible nose-
weight as fully as possible. Do not allow the
weight to fall below the minimum permissible
noseweight, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
RThe load must be distributed over the vehicle
and the trailer so as not to exceed either the
maximum permissible values for the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross trailer
weight (GTW), the gross combination weight
rating (GCWR), nor the maximum permissible gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and trailer
drawbar noseweight rating of your vehicle.
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This will pre-
vent you from exceeding the permissible
gross axle weight (GAWR).
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This will
ensure that you do not exceed the permissi-
ble gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RMake sure the weights of the towing vehicle
and the trailer comply with the maximum per-missible values. Have the vehicle/trailer com-
bination weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge. The vehicle/trailer combination con-
sists of the towing vehicle including the driver,
passengers and load, as well as the loaded
trailer.
RCheck the maximum permissible gross axle
weight rating of the front and rear axles
(GAWR), the gross trailer weight (GTW), the
gross combination weight rating (GCWR) and
the noseweight of the trailer drawbar (TWR).
158Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
Page 161 of 294
Trailer power supply
!
Incorrect wiring of the connector plug could,
under certain circumstances, cause malfunc-
tions in the vehicle's other electronic sys-
tems. We therefore recommend having the
connector plug wired at a qualified specialist
workshop.
!You can connect accessories with a maxi-
mum power consumption of 240 W to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using the
power supply.
Your vehicle may be equipped with various elec-
trical installations for trailer towing. Depending
on your trailer, you may need an adapter to con-
nect the electrical system of the trailer with that
of the vehicle.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped at
the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is on the trailer
socket pin assignment 4.
Note that the permanent power supply of the
trailer is not switched off when the on-board
voltage is low. This can completely discharge
the starter battery of your vehicle.
Further information on the electrical equipment
currently installed on your vehicle and on instal-
ling trailer electrics can be obtained at any quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Towing a trailer159
Driving an d parking
Z
Page 192 of 294
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?
Coolant Stop, turnengine off
The coolant temperature is too high.
If the vehicle is stopped after being subjected to extreme loads, the
coolant warning lamp may come on when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is restarted. Such loads can be, for example, driving in
mountainous terrain or driving with a trailer.
XLet the engine run at idling speed for approximately one minute.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop if the display message con-
tinues to be shown.
*
Coolant Check level
The coolant level is too low.
Never run the engine if the coolant level is too low. The engine could
overheat and be damaged.
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XSwitch off the engine and let it cool down.
XAdd coolant and be sure to observe the warning notes
(Ypage 285).
XIf you need to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling sys-
tem checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
7
Reserve fuel Driveto a filling stat.
The fuel level has fallen into the reserve range.
XRefuel at the nearest gas station (Ypage 126).
:
WaterinfuelVisitworkshop
The water that has collected in the water separator has reached the
maximum level.
XDrain the water separator (Ypage 225).
m
Fuel filter Visitworkshop
The fuel filter is dirty.
XHave the fuel filter element replaced as soon as possible at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
4
Engine oil Add 1.0quart(Canada: 1.0liter)
The oil level is too low.
XCheck the oil level the next time you refuel (Ypage 221), and add
oil.
4
Engine oil levelNot when eng. run‐ning
You want to check the engine oil level even though the engine is still
running.
XSwitch off the engine.
XCheck the oil level (Ypage 221).
190Display messages
On-board computer and displays
Page 199 of 294
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 181).
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XCheck the brake fluid level in the expansion tank (Ypage 224).
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 181).
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.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster197
On-board computer and displays
Z
Page 203 of 294
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?
The red coolant
warning lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.The coolant temperature is too high.
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
?The red coolant
warning lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.The coolant temperature is too high.
If the vehicle is stopped after being subjected to extreme loads, the
coolant warning lamp may come on when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is restarted. Such loads can be, for example, driving in
mountainous terrain or driving with a trailer.
XLet the engine run at idling speed for approximately one minute.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop if the display message con-
tinues to be shown.
7
|The yellow
reserve fuel warn-
ing lamp is on. At
the same time,
0
appears in the
fuel tank content
display while the
engine is running,
although there is
fuel in the fuel
tank.
The fuel filler cap is not closed.
XClose the fuel filler cap.
You will hear a click when the fuel filler cap is closed fully.
XIf the malfunction continues to be displayed, have it rectified imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
;
The yellow Check
Engine indicator
lamp is lit up or
flashes while the
engine is running.You have used up all fuel in the tank.
The engine is running in emergency mode.
XRefuel at the nearest gas station (Ypage 126).
XBleed the fuel system (Ypage 122).
XStart the engine three to four times in succession after refueling.
Emergency running mode will be canceled. The vehicle does not
need to be checked.
;The yellow Check
Engine indicator
lamp is lit up or
flashes while the
engine is running.The injection control is malfunctioning.
The engine is running in emergency mode.
Engine power output may be reduced.
XHave the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop as soon
as possible.
In some states it is legally prescribed that after the Check Engine
indicator lamp lights up you must contact a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. Observe the legal requirements.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster201
On-board computer and displays
Z
Page 205 of 294
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
h
US vehicles only:
The yellow tire
pressure monitor
warning lamp
flashes for
60 seconds and
then remains lit.The tire pressure monitor has malfunctioned.
XHave the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
:
The yellow water
separator indica-
tor lamp is lit
when the ignition
is switched on.The water that has collected in the water separator of the fuel filter has
reached the maximum level.
XDrain the water separator (Ypage 225).
m
The yellow water
separator indica-
tor lamp is lit
when the ignition
is switched on.The fuel filter is dirty.
XHave the fuel filter element replaced as soon as possible at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
¦The yellow
washer fluid level
indicator lamp for
the windshield
washer/head-
lamp cleaning
system is lit after
the engine is star-
ted or while the
vehicle is in
motion.The water level is too low.
XAdd washer fluid (Ypage 225).
7The red seat belt
warning lamp
lights up continu-
ously or flashes. A
warning tone may
also sound.The warning lamp is to remind you to fasten your seat belt.
XFasten seat belt (Ypage 44).
bWhen the key is
turned to position
2in the ignition
lock, the yellow
bulb warning
lamp lights up.One of the exterior lighting bulbs is faulty, with the exception of the
perimeter lamps and the trailer lighting.
iDepending on the equipment, the bulb failure indicator can fail for
all lamps with the exception of the turn signal lamps.
XReplace the faulty bulb as soon as possible (Ypage 89).
1 The yellow "door
open" indicator
lamp is lit while
driving.The vehicle is moving without all doors or the hood being closed.
XClose the doors or hood.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster203
On-board computer and displays
Z
Page 240 of 294
Make sure that you do not apply any wax to
camera lens:when waxing the vehicle. If nec-
essary, remove the wax using water, shampoo
and a soft cloth.
Cleaning the sliding door
XRemove foreign objects from the vicinity of
the contact surfaces and contact pins of the
sliding door.
XClean the contact surfaces and contact pins
with a mild cleaning agent and a soft cloth.
Do not oil or grease the contact plates and con-
tact pins.
Steps
Cleaning the electrical step
Clean the electrically operated step at least
once a month. Make sure that no dirt accumu-
lates in the housing or on the step.
XExtend the electrical step (Ypage 68).
XClose the sliding door until the door lock
engages.
The electrical step remains extended for
cleaning.
XClean the electrical step and the housing with
a power washer.
XAfter cleaning, spray the step guides on each
side with silicone spray when the housing and electrical step are dry.
Do not use oil or grease as a lubricant.
XRetract the electrical step.
Access step in the bumper
Example: access step in the bumper
Pay attention to the important safety notes in
the "Notes on care" (Ypage 234) and "Power
washers" (Ypage 235) sections. Keep step in the bumper
:free from dirt, such
as:
Rmud
Rclay
Rsnow
Rice
XClean access step in the bumper :with a
power washer.
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch
!Do not clean the ball coupling with a power
washer. Do not use solvents.
!Observe the notes on care in the Operator's
Manual for the trailer tow hitch and the ball
coupling manufacturer.
You can also have the maintenance work on the
ball coupling and the trailer tow hitch carried out
by a qualified specialist workshop.
Interior
Cleaning the interior
!When using liquids to clean the vehicle inte-
rior, observe the following points:
RUnder no circumstances use power wash-
ers.
RMake sure that no fluids enter or remain in
gaps and cavities.
REnsure sufficient ventilation when clean-
ing.
RMake sure that the vehicle interior is com-
pletely dry after cleaning.
Cleaning the display
!For cleaning, do not use any of the following:
Ralcohol-based thinner or gasoline
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rcommercially-available household cleaning
agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not put pressure on the display surface when cleaning. This could lead to irreparable dam-
age to the display.
238Care
Maintenance and care
Page 246 of 294
iJumper cables and further information
regarding jump starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop.
Before connecting the jumper cables
On vehicles with a battery main switch, check
whether the battery main switch is switched on
(
Ypage 118).
XApply the parking brake.
XMove the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
XSwitch off all electrical consumers, e.g. audio
equipment, blower.
XTurn the key to position0in the ignition lock
and remove it (Ypage 119).
XOpen the hood (Ypage 219).
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 276).
!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 vehicle 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.
244Tow-starting and towing away
Breakdown assistance
Page 247 of 294
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 66). 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 154). Installing the front towing eye
XTake the towing eye and screwdriver from the
vehicle tool kit (Ypage 241).
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.
Tow-starting and towing away245
Breakdown assistance
Z