2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER brake

is installed and secured correctly before every
journey.
If your vehicle is equipped with a Sprinter
trailer tow hitch, you need a ball coupling that
is approved for the trailer tow hitch.
When mounting and removin gthe approved
ball coupling, observe the relevant
information in the operating instructions of
the ball coupling manufacturer.
If you cannot mount the ball coupling
correctly, remove it. In this case, the ball
coupling may not be used for towing a trailer.
Notes on the permissible dimensions and
weights can also be found on the
identification plate of the trailer tow hitch.
You can obtain advice from a qualified
specialist workshop. Coupling up a trailer
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer. Trailer coupled ready for use
X
Make sure the selector lever of the
automatic transmission is in position P.
X Apply the parking brake of the vehicle.
X Close all doors. X
Position the trailer horizontally behind your
vehicle.
i The height of the ball neck changes
according to the load on the vehicle. In this
case, use a trailer with aheight-adjustable
trailer drawbar.
X Couple the trailer.
X Establish all electrical and other
connections to the trailer.
X Remove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
X Release the trailer parking brake.
i The subharness of the vehicle has a cable
connection to the brake lamp indicator
lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This
allows you to drive round tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes. Towing
atrailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g .speed
restrictions. Make sure your vehicle/trailer
combination complies with local laws. This
not only means where you live, but also
anywhere you are driving to. Information is Towing
atrailer
171Driving an d parking Z

available from the police and local
authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R
Practice 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.
R Before 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
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear sectio nofthe
trailer.
R If 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.
R Secure the load on the trailer according to
the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads
(Y page 234).
R When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
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 suddenly, but
rather moderately at first so that the trailer
can activate its brakes. Then increase the
force on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on
inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4,3,2or 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.
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.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination you need an additional
distance before you can return to your
original lane. Uncoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
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 overru nbrake
is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overru nbrake. Otherwise, your 172
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overru
nbrake.
X Make sure the selector leve rofthe
automatic transmission is in position P.
X Apply the parking brake of the vehicle.
X Close all doors.
X Apply the parking brake of the trailer.
X In addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
X Remove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer. Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information !
On vehicles with a permissible gross
vehicle weight of 11030 lbs (5003 kg), the
permissible 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 lea dto damage to
the drivetrain, to the transmission or to the
trailer tow hitch.
If the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden, the
relevant value for the permissible gross
vehicle 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.
The maximum gross vehicle weight is vehicle-
specific and equipment-dependent:
5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) or 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight 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 permissible Gross Combination
Weight Rating is vehicle-specific and depends
on the equipment level.
When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the permitted Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle
documents and on the trailer tow hitch type
plates for the trailer and the vehicle
(Y page 315). The basic values approved by
the manufacturer can also be found in the
"Technical data" section ( Ypage 328). If the
values vary, the lowest value always applies.
Loading atrailer !
Utilize the maximum permissible
noseweigh tas fully as possible.D o not
allow the weight to fall below the minimum
permissible noseweight, otherwise the
trailer may come loose.
R You must distribute the load on the vehicle
and trailer so that the permitted maximum
values for the gross vehicle weight (GVWR),
gross trailer weight (GTW) and gross
combined weight (GCWR) as well as
permitted gross axle loads (GAWR) and
noseweight (TWR) of your vehicle are not
exceeded.
R Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
coupling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This
will prevent you from exceeding the
permissible gross axle weight (GAWR).
R Add the drawbar noseweight on the ball
coupling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This
will prevent you from exceeding the
permissible gross vehicle weight (GVWR). Towing
atrailer
173Driving an d parking Z

Display messages on vehicles withou
tsteering wheel buttons Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
...
LIM km/h The speed display flashes.
The vehicle has exceeded the speed se
tfor variable SPEEDTRONIC
or the programmed maximum speed for permanent
SPEEDTRONIC, e.g. on a steep downhill gradient (overrun mode).
X Apply the brakes yourself as required. NO TPMS The
NO message is displayed for 30 seconds. The
TPMS message
is also displayed after 30 seconds.
The tire pressure monitor has malfunctioned.
X Have the tire pressure monitor and the wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. NO TPMS The
NO message is displayed for 30 seconds. The
TPMS message
is also displayed after 30 seconds.
The tire pressure monitor is not receiving signals from one or more
wheels because:
R a wheel has been replaced with the spare wheel without wheel
electronics.
R the maximum temperature on one of the wheel electronics units
has been exceeded.
R the wheel electronics are malfunctioning.
X Have wheels with suitable wheel electronics units installed at a
qualified specialist workshop. — — TPMS The
—— message is displayed for 30 seconds. The
TPMS message
is also displayed after 30 seconds.
The pressure is insufficient in one or more tires, or the pressures
of the individual tires differ significantly.
X Check the tire pressure at the next opportunity and correc titif
necessary (Y page 281).194
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages on vehicles wit
hsteering wheel buttons
Safety systems Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
ABS
Visit workshop ABS has been deactivated due to a malfunction. ESP
®
, ASR and
BAS, as well as cruise control, have also been deactivated as a
result.
G WARNING
The brake system continue sto function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The
braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ABS
Unavailable ABS is temporarily unavailable. ESP
®
, ASR and BAS, as well as
cruise control, are also unavailable as a result.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The
braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive a short distance at a speed above 13 mph(20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Display messages
197On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
ABS
Unavailable AB
Sh as been deactivated due to undervoltage. ESP ®
, ASR and
BAS, as well as cruise control, are also unavailable as a result.
The battery may no tbe being charged.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking
situations.
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 000A
Visit workshop ASR has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
The engine power output may be reduced.
G WARNING
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 000A
Visit workshop BASh
as been deactivated due to a malfunction.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
electronic support.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking
situations.
There is a ris kofanaccident.
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 198
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
000A
Unavailable ASR and BA
Shave been deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery may no tbe being charged.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking
situations. The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 0005
Brake wear Visit
workshop 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. 0008
Brake fluid Visit
workshop There is insufficient brake fluid in the fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Check the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir
(Y page 245).
If the brake fluid is below the MIN mark:
X Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not solve the problem.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake fluid is above the MIN mark:
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Display messages
199On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
0008
Brake force
distribution EB
Dh as been deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery may no tbe being charged.
G WARNING
The rear wheels could lock when you apply the brakes. The braking
distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
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. 0008
Brake force
distribution Visit
workshop EBDh
as been deactivated due to a malfunction.
G WARNING
The rear wheels could loc kwhen you apply the brakes. The braking
distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
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. ESP
Visit workshop ESP
®
has been deactivated due to a malfunction. As a result,
cruise control has also been deactivated.
Engine power output may be reduced.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ESP
Unavailable ESP
®
has been deactivated due to undervoltage. As a result, cruise
control has also been deactivated.
The battery may not be being charged.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care.
X Consult a qualified specialized workshop as soon as possible. 200
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays