Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longe ravailable if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the powe rsteering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunctio ninthe 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. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could
rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the
permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 315).
! 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:
R Secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R Ensure 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.
R Only secure the tow cable to the towing
eye.
R Observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a
distance so that the tow rope does not
sag.
R Do 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 acrane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly .Ifthe tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
Observe the legal requirements for the
relevant country when towing.
It is preferable to have the vehicle
transported on a transporter or trailer instead
of towing it.
The automatic transmission selector lever
must be in the Nposition when towing the
vehicle.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2
R cannot move the selector lever to position
Non vehicles with automatic transmission.
i Switch off the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Y page 69). You
could otherwise lock yourself out of the
vehicle when pushing or towing away the
vehicle. 268
Tow-starting and towing awayBreakdown assistance
!
Always use new bolts when installing the
propeller shafts.
Observe the following before towing a vehicle
with a raised front or rear axle:
R the information on towing in the event of
malfunctions (Y page 269) and
R the important safety notes (Y page 268).
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
amaximum of 30 miles (50 km). For a
towing distance of over 30 miles (50 km), you
must remove the propeller shafts to the
drive naxles.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake.
X Turn the key to position 1in the ignition
lock and leave it in this position.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 93).
X If 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 G
WARNING
You can no longe rstee rthe 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.
! Always use new bolts when installing the
propeller shafts.
Before towing the vehicle, observe the
following:
R the information on towing in the event of
malfunctions (Y page 269) and
R the important safety notes (Y page 268).
Towing You may only tow the vehicle a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 km). For a towing
distance of over 30 miles (50 km), you must
remove the propeller shafts to the driven
axles.
X
Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake.
X Leave the key in position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 93).
X Do not exceed the towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) and the towing distance
of 30 miles (50 km). Recovering
avehicle that is stuck
! Pull away smoothly, slowly, and in a
straigh tline when pulling out a vehicle that
has become stuck. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles. 270
Tow-starting and towing awayBreakdown assistance
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
traile rattached.
Pull ou tthe vehicle backwards, if possible,
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. Transporting the vehicle
! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye or trailer tow hitch can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or
transporter if you wish to transport it.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position N.
If the vehicle is loaded:
X Apply the parking brake.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
X Lash down the vehicle. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
Vehicles with automatic transmission !
Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission.
Information on "Jump-starting" can be found
at the beginning of the "Breakdown
assistance" section (Y page 267). Electrical fuses
G
WARNING
Only use fuses that have been approved for
your vehicle and which have the correct fuse
rating for the systems concerned. Do not
repair or bypass defective fuses. Acircuit
overload could otherwise cause afire. Have
the cause determined and rectified at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Sprinter vehicles and that have the
required fuse rating for the systems
concerned. Components or systems could
otherwise be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle switch off defective
power circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
will cease to operate.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and fuse rating.
Observe the information about fuse rating in
the fuse allocation chart.
You can obtain advice fro maqualified
specialist workshop.
The fuse allocation chart and other
information on the fuses can be found in the
"Fuse allocation chart" supplement. Electrical fuses
271Breakdown assistance Z
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment
of your vehicle that were available at the time
of going to print. Country-specific variations
are possible. Note that your vehicle may not
be equipped with all of the described
functions. This also applies to systems and
functions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Important safety notes
G
Warning
Af lat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
do not drive with aflat tire. Immediately
replace the flat tire with your spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is arisk of an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R model
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R model
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle or are not being used correctly can
impair operating safety. Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R
suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Contact an authorized Sprinter dealer if you
require information on tested and
recommended wheels and tires for summer
and winter driving. Advice on purchasing and
caring for tires is also available there.
Informatio nontire and wheel dimensions and
types as well as the recommended tire
pressure for your vehicle can be found in the
"Tire pressure" section (Y page 285).
This data can also be foun donthe Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar.
Modifications to the brake system or wheels
are not permitted. The use of wheel spacers
or brake dust shields is not permitted. This
invalidates the general operating permit for
the vehicle.
i Further information on wheels and tires
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop. Operation
Information for a journey
If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressures, and correct them, if necessary.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that
the wheels or tires are damaged. If you
suspect that a tire is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tires for
damage. Hidden tire damage could also be
causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you find no signs of damage, have the tires
and wheels checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. 274
OperationWheels and tires
Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Underinflated or overinflated tires pose the
following risks:
R the tires may burst, especially as the load
and vehicle speed increase.
R the tires may wear excessively and/or
unevenly, which may greatly impai rtire
traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, may be greatly
impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures
and chec kthe pressure of all the tires
including the spare wheel:
R monthly, at least
R if the load changes
R before beginning a long journey
R under different operating conditions, e.g.
off-road driving
If necessary, correct the tire pressure.
i The specifications shown on the sample
Tire and Loading Information placard and
tire pressure table are examples. Tire
pressure data are vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data illustrated here. The
tire pressure data applicable to your
vehicle can be found on the Tire &Loading
Information placard or tire pressure plate
of your vehicle. H
Environmental note
Check the tire pressure regularly, at least
every 14 days. General notes You will find information on tire pressure for
the vehicle's factory-mounted tires on the
plates described here.
You will find a table of recommended tire
pressures on the Tire and Loading
Information placard
5
or on the tire pressure
table on the B-pillar on the driver's side of the
vehicle.
Further information on tire pressure can be
obtained at a qualified specialist workshop.
Tire and Loading Information placard Tire and Loading Information placard
561011
The Tire and Loading Information placard is
on the B-pillar on the driver's side of the
vehicle (Y page 286).
The Tire and Loading Information placard
contains recommended tire pressures 0005for
cold tires. Recommended tire pressures 0005
are valid for the maximum permissible load
and up to the maximum permissible speed of
the vehicle.
5 Only for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4,536 kg).
6 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4,536 kg).
10 Only for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4,536 kg).
11 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4,536 kg). 278
Tire pressureWheels and tires
The tire pressure monitor does not warn you
if a tire pressure is incorrect. Observe the
notes on the recommended tire pressure
(Y page 278).
The tire pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g.
following penetration by a foreign object .In
this event, brake the vehicle until it comes to
a standstill. Do not carry ou tany sudden
steering maneuvers.
The tire pressure monitor has a yellow 000A
warning lamp in the instrument cluster for
indicating pressure loss/malfunctions (USA)
or pressure loss (Canada). Depending on how
the warning lamp flashes or lights up, an
underinflated tire or a malfunction in the tire
pressure monitor is displayed:
R if the 000A warning lamp is li tcontinuously,
the tire pressure on one or more tires is
significantly too low. The tire pressure
monitor is not malfunctioning.
R USA only: if the 000Awarning lamp flashes
for 60 seconds and then remains lit
constantly, the tire pressure monitor is
malfunctioning.
Only vehicles with steerin gwheel buttons: the
on-board computer displays information on
tire pressure. After a few minutes of driving,
the current tire pressure of each tire is shown
in the on-board computer.
USA only: if the tire pressure monitor is
malfunctioning, it may be more than
10 minutes before the malfunction is shown.
The 000A tire pressure warning lamp flashes
for 60 seconds and then remains lit. When the
malfunction has been rectified, the 000Atire
pressure warning lamp goes out after a few
minutes of driving.
The tire pressure values indicated by the on-
board computer may differ from those
measured at a gas station with a pressure
gauge. The tire pressures shown by the on-
board computer refer to those measured at
sea level. At high altitudes, the tire pressure
value indicated by a pressure gauge are
higher than those shown by the on-board computer. In this case, do not reduce the tire
pressures.
If radio transmitting equipment (e.g. wireless
headphones, two-way radios) is operated
inside the vehicle or in the vicinity of the
vehicle, this can interfere with the operation
of the tire pressure monitor.
Checking the tire pressure
electronically (vehicles with steering
wheel buttons)
Tire pressure display
Using the steering wheel buttons
X
Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Press the 0010or0007 button repeatedly
until the standard display is shown
(Y page 182).
X Press the 0001or0009 button repeatedly
until the current pressure of the individual
tires is shown in the display.
If the vehicle is parked for longer than
20 minutes or you then drive at less than
18 mph (30 km/h), the Tire pres.displayed after driving for
several minutes message appears.
i The tire pressure value shown in the
display may differ from those measured at
a gas station using a pressure gauge. The
on-board computer will generally give you
a more exact value.
Tire pressure loss warning system Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
If the tire pressure monitor detects a
significant pressure loss on one or more tires,
the on-board computer displays a warning282
Tire pressureWheels and tires
message. The
000Atire pressure loss warning
lamp in the instrument cluster (Y page 218)
lights up.
The tire pressure is show nin2red rectangles.
The pressure of the tire concerned is shown
in one of the two rectangles (Y page 192).
Additionally, a warning tone sounds.
Each tire that is affected by a significant loss
of pressure is highlighted in the pressure
display.
Restarting the tire pressure monitor When you restart the tire pressure monitor,
the currently set tire pressure are taken as
reference values for monitoring.
In most cases, the tire pressure monitor
detects the new reference values
automatically, e.g. after you have:
R changed the tire pressure
R changed wheels or tires
R installed new wheels or tires
However, you can also define reference
values manually as described here.
Before restarting the tire pressure
monitor:
X Set the tire pressure to the value
recommended on the Tire and Loading
Information placard or the tire pressure
table on the B-pillar on the driver's side
(Y page 278).
Observe the notes on tire pressure when
doing so (Y page 278).
X Make sure that the tire pressure is correct
on all four wheels. Restarting the tire pressure monitor
(vehicles without steering wheel
buttons):
X
Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Press the 0004menu button on the
instrument cluster repeatedly until the
display shows the following message:
+CAL- TPMS X
Press the 000Ebutton on the instrument
cluster.
The display shows:
OK TPMS The tire pressure monitor activation
process has begun. The tire pressures
measured for the individual wheels are
stored as the new reference values,
provided that the tire pressure monitor
considers them to be plausible.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
X Press the 000Fbutton or the 0004menu button
on the instrument cluster.
The activation process is canceled
automatically if 30 seconds elapse with no
input.
Restarting the tire pressure monitor
(vehicles with steering wheel buttons):
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Press the 0010or0007 button on the
steering wheel repeatedly until the
standard display is shown (Y page 182).
X Press the 0001or0009 button on the
steering wheel repeatedly until the current
pressure of the individual tires is displayed
or the display shows the following
message:
Tire pres. displayed after driving
for several minutes
X
Press the 0007reset button on the
instrument cluster.
The display shows the following message: Tire pressure
283Wheels and tires Z
Monitor current tire pressure?
X
Press the 0011button on the steering
wheel.
The display shows the following message:
Tire pres. monitor reactivated The tire pressure monitor activation
process has begun. The tire pressures
measured for the individual wheels are
stored as the new reference values,
provided that the tire pressure monitor
considers them to be plausible.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
X Press the 0012button on the steering
wheel. 284
Tire pressureWheels and tires