X
Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close the rear doors.
X Couple the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections. Trailer coupled ready for use
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the
towing
of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and reversing in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
-trailer coupling
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connection
- lights
- wheels R
Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of
the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away slowly, brake manually
using the brake controller and check that
the brakes are functional.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
that the cargo is secure and make sure that
the trailer lamps and (if applicable) the
trailer brakes are functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The 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.
R If possible, do not brake abruptly; apply the
brakes moderately to begin with to allow
the trailer to activate its brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If 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.
R When 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
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system. Transporting loads with the vehicle
151
Operation Z
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions009E 0031 003D 0065
The yellow ESP
®
, ABS
and ASR/BAS warning
lamps, and the red
brake system warning
lamp light up while the
engine is running. G
Warning!
EBD has been deactivated due to undervoltage.
It is possible that the battery is not being charged.
The rear wheels
could lock sooner than expected when you apply
the brakes.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0065
The red brake
system indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. A
warning tone
also sounds. G
Warning!
There is insufficient brake fluid in the supply reservoir.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the brake fluid level in the supply reservoir
(
Y page 170).
X If the brake fluid is below the MIN mark: do not drive on!
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not solve the problem.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0065
When towing a
trailer: The red
brake system
warning lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running.
A warning tone
also sounds. G
Warning!
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.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197).
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.188
Troubleshooting
Practical advice
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions008A
The red SRS
indicator lamp
does not go out
approximately
four seconds
after switching
on the ignition,
or lights up
again. G
Warning!
The restraint systems have malfunctioned. The air bags or belt
tensioners could be triggered unintentionally or might not be
triggered at all in the event of an accident.
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 003F
The red battery
charge indicator
lamp lights up
while the engine
is running. G
Warning!
The battery is not being charged. Possible causes are a defective
alternator or a torn poly-V-belt.
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the poly-V-belt.
If it is torn: do not drive on. Consult the nearest qualified
specialist workshop.
If it is not damaged: have the vehicle checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. 003F
The red battery
charge indicator
lamp lights up
while the engine
is running. G
Warning!
The battery is faulty.
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
X Contact a breakdown service, e.g. an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. 0026
The yellow brake
pad wear
indicator lamp
lights up after
the engine is
started or while
the vehicle is in
motion. G
Warning!
The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X Have the brake pads/linings replaced as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop. Troubleshooting
191Practical advice Z
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00B4
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
lights up after
the engine is
started or while
the vehicle is in
motion. The oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
X
Check the engine oil level and top up at the nearest gas station
(Y page 171).
X If there is visible oil loss from the engine, have the malfunction
rectified immediately at a qualified specialist workshop. 00B4
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
flashes, the
-2.0 qts
(Canada: –2.0
ltr) engine oil
level message,
for example,
appears in the
display and the
warning buzzer
sounds after the
engine is started
or while the
vehicle is in
motion. There is not enough or no oil in the engine.
There is a danger of engine damage.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the oil level using the oil dipstick ( Y page 172).
If the engine oil level is correct: have the malfunction rectified
immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the engine oil level is too low: have the vehicle towed to a
qualified specialist workshop. 00B4
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
lights up, the HI
engine oil level
message, for
example,
appears in the
display and the
warning buzzer
sounds after the
engine is
started
or while the
vehicle is in
motion. The engine oil level is above the maximum level.
X
Check the oil level. If the oil level is too high, have engine oil
siphoned off at the nearest gas station (Y page 173).
You could otherwise damage the engine or the catalytic
converter.
If the oil
level is correct, have the malfunction rectified as soon
as possible at a qualified specialist workshop. 192
Troubleshooting
Practical advice
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00B4
The yellow
engine oil level
warning lamp
lights up
repeatedly while
the vehicle is in
motion. There is a malfunction in the engine oil level display.
X
Have the vehicle checked immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. 0041
The yellow
coolant level
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The coolant level is too low.
Never run the engine if the coolant level is too low. The engine
could overheat and be damaged.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Switch off the engine and let it cool down.
X Add coolant and be sure to observe the warning notes
(Y page 169).
X If you need to add coolant frequently, have the cooling system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 00AE
The red coolant
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The coolant temperature is too high.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 00AE
The red coolant
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The coolant temperature is too high.
If the vehicle is stopped after being subjected to extreme loads
(e.g. driving in mountainous terrain, trailer towing), the coolant
warning lamp may
light up when the ignition is switched on or the
engine is restarted.
X Run the engine for approximately one minute at idling speed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop if the coolant warning
lamp remains lit. 00B7
0080
The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp
lights up while
driving. The fuel level has fallen into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station ( Y page 142). Troubleshooting
193
Practical advice Z
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00B7
0080
The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running and the
display for the
tank content
shows 0, even
though there is
still fuel in the
tank. The fuel filler cap is not closed.
X
Close the fuel filler cap.
You will hear a click when the fuel filler cap is closed fully.
X If the malfunction continues to be displayed, have it rectified
immediately at a qualified specialist workshop. 0028
The yellow
preglow
indicator lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. There is a malfunction in the preglow system.
X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 00BB
The yellow
check engine
indicator lamp
lights up or
flashes while the
engine is
running. You have used up all fuel in the tank.
The engine is running in emergency mode.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station ( Y page 142).
X Bleed the fuel system .
X Start the engine three to four times in succession after refueling.
Emergency running mode
will be canceled. The vehicle does not
need to be checked. 00BB
The yellow
check engine
indicator lamp
lights up or
flashes while the
engine is
running. The injection system is malfunctioning.
The engine is running in emergency mode.
Engine power output may be reduced.
X
Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
In some states it is legally prescribed that after the check engine
indicator lamp lights up you must contact a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. Observe legal requirements. 194
Troubleshooting
Practical advice
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00BB
The yellow
check engine
indicator lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The exhaust gas aftertreatment system is defective or an
emissions-relevant malfunction has
occurred. This malfunction or
defect can damage the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
After the first message and under normal operating conditions,
you can drive on for up to approximately 500 miles (800 km). Then
a warning tone sequence sounds and the engine can only be
started 20 times.
X Observe the messages in the display:
R
on vehicles without steering-wheel buttons (Y page 199)
R on vehicles with steering-wheel buttons (Y page 202) and
(Y page 204).
X Have the exhaust gas aftertreatment checked as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
In some states it is legally prescribed that after the check engine
indicator lamp lights up you must contact a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. Observe legal requirements. 00AB
The yellow air
filter indicator
lamp lights up
while the engine
is running. The service limit for the air filter has been reached. The air filter
is dirty.
X
Have the air filter element replaced as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop. 0077
The yellow tire
pressure
monitor warning
lamp comes on. G
Warning!
The tire pressure monitor indicates a rapid or severe loss of
pressure in at least one tire.
X Stop the vehicle without making any extreme steering
maneuvers or braking suddenly. Pay attention to the traffic
conditions while doing so.
X Check the tires and correct the tire pressure. If a tire continues
to lose pressure, it must be replaced. Replace damaged tires
immediately.
The warning lamp
goes out after you have been driving for a few
minutes with the malfunction rectified.
X On vehicles with steering wheel buttons, also observe the
messages in the display ( Y page 197). Troubleshooting
195
Practical advice Z
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions0077
US vehicles
only:
The yellow tire
pressure
monitor warning
lamp flashes for
60 seconds and
then remains lit. The tire pressure monitor has malfunctioned.
X
Have the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. 00BA
The yellow water
separator
indicator lamp
lights up when
the ignition is
started. The water that has collected in the water separator has reached
the maximum level.
X
Drain the water separator ( Y page 221).00BD
The yellow
washer fluid
level indicator
lamp for the
windshield
washer/
headlamp
cleaning system
lights up after
the engine is
started or while
the vehicle is in
motion. The water level is too low.
X
Top up washer fluid ( Y page 171).0082
The red seat belt
warning lamp
lights up for
approximately
six seconds
when the key is
turned to
position 2 in the
ignition lock.
A warning tone
also sounds. The warning lamp is to remind you to fasten your seat belt.
X
Fasten seat belt (Y page 34).196
TroubleshootingPractical advice