signal lamps on the side of the vehicle
selected will light up.
The hazard warning lamps switch on
automatically if:
R
an air bag is deployed.
R you brake sharply and bring the vehicle to
a halt from a speed of more than 45 mph
(70 km/h).
If the hazard warning lamps have been
switched on automatically, press the 0011
hazard warning lamp switch to switch them
off.
i The hazard warning lamps work even
when the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically
with a high-pressure water jet if the "Wipe
with washer fluid" function is activated
(Y page 103) while the low-beam headlamps
are on and the engine is running.
Information on checking the washer fluid
level can be found in the "Maintenance and
care" (Y page 246) section. Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
X Switch on the low-beam headlamps and
drive off.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
X Have the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Interior lighting
Switching the dashboard lighting on/
off
Overview Standard interior light
0008
Interior light switched on
0009 Interior light switched off
000A Automatic control system switched on Interior lights in the overhead control panel
0005 To switch the left-hand reading lamp on/
off
0006 To switch the right-hand reading lamp on/
off
0026 Right-hand reading lamp
0025 Interior light
0023 To switch the automatic control system
on/off
0024 To switch the interior light on/off
0018 Left-hand reading lamp
If you switch on the interior light or reading
lamp on the overhead control panel manually, 94
Interior lightingLights and windshield wipers
i
Only switch the vehicle to de-energized
using the battery main switch if:
R the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy
period
R it is absolutely necessary
After the power supply has been activated,
you will need to reset the side windows
(Y page 77).
Switching off the power supply !
When you clamp the connector under the
accelerator pedal, make sure that the
connector does not become damaged or
dirty. It may otherwise not be possible to
restore the electrical connection when the
parts are reassembled. Battery isolating switch in the driver's footwell, on
the right-hand side next to the accelerator pedal
X Remove the key from the ignition lock and
waitf or about 20 seconds.
X Press and hold button 0006and unplug
connector 0005from the earth pin.
X Clamp connector 0005under the accelerator
pedal so that it cannot make contact with
the earth pin.
All starter battery consumers are
disconnected from the power supply. Switching on the power supply X
Insert the key into the ignition lock.
X Press connector 0005onto earth pin 0006until
you feel it engage and the lock inhibitor is
released.
Connector 0005must be in full contact with
earth pin 0006.
All consumers are reconnected to the DC
power supply. Key positions
0011
To insert/remove the key, to lock the
steering wheel
0008 To unlock the steering wheel, power
supply for some consumers (e.g. the
radio)
0009 To switch on the ignition, power supply for
all consumers, preglow and drive position
000A To start the engine
On vehicles with a battery main switch, you
must first switch on the power supply
(Y page 132). Driving
133Driving and parking Z
Problems with the engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0004 Solutions
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor can
be heard. There is air in the fuel system.
X
Turn the key back to position 0in the ignition lock before
attempting to start the engine again.
X Start the engine again.
Please bear in mind that lengthy and frequent starting attempts
will drain the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start.
The starter motor can
be heard. The reserve
fuel warning lamp is lit
and the fuel gage is at
0. The fuel tank has been run dry.
X
Refuel the vehicle.
If you drive until the fuel tank is completely empty, air may get into
the fuel system. If the engine does not start after refueling, bleed
the fuel system as follows:
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition for approximately
10 seconds.
X Start the engine continuously for a maximum of 60 seconds.
If the engine does not start:
X Wait approximately 2minutes.
X Start the engine continuously for a maximum of 60 seconds
again.
X If the engine still fails start, do not continue trying to start it.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start.
The starter motor
cannot be heard. The
yellow
0018engine
diagnostic lamp and
the yellow 0009DEF
indicator lamp 1
light
up. The exhaust gas aftertreatmen
tis faulty, an emission-relevant
malfunction has occurred or the DEF reserve has been used up.
The engine management prevents the engine from starting.
This malfunction or defect can damage the exhaust gas
aftertreatment.
X Observe the messages in the display:
R on vehicles without steering-wheel buttons (Y page 195)
R on vehicles with steering-wheel buttons (Y page 204) and
(Y page 204). The engine does not
start.
The starter motor
cannot be heard. The battery isolating switch is switched off.
X
Switch on the power supply (Y page 132).1
Only vehicles without steering-wheel buttons. Driving
137Driving and parking Z
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
Jump-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with
water and seek medical attention. G
WARNING
Non-combusted fuel can collect in the
exhaust system and ignite. There is a risk of
fire. Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not use a rapid charging device to start
the vehicle. If your vehicle's battery is
discharged, the engine can be jump-started
from another vehicle or from a donor battery
using jumper cables. For this purpose, the
vehicle has a jump-starting connection point
in the engine compartment.
The additional battery in the engine
compartmenti s not suitable for jump-starting
operations. If your vehicle requires jump-
starting, or if you use it to jump-start another
vehicle, use the jump-starting connection
point in the engine compartment.
When jump-starting, observe the following
points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles.
If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible, jump-start the vehicle using a
donor battery or a jump-starting device.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
R Jump-starting may only be performed from
batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
R Only use jumper cables that have a
sufficient cross-section and insulated
terminal clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, attach the
battery of another vehicle for a few minutes
before attempting to start. This charges the
empty battery a little.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not
touch.
Make sure that:
R the jumper cables are not damaged.
R bare parts of the terminal clamps do not
come into contact with other metal parts
while the jumper cables are connected to
the battery.
R the jumper cables cannot come into
contact with parts such as the V-belt pulley
or the fan. These parts move when the
engine is started and while it is running.
i Jumper 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 (Y page 132).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
X Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g.
audio equipment, blower.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it (Y page 133).
X Open the hood (Y page 240). Jump-starting
267Breakdown assistance Z
Maximum permitted weights and loads
!
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 lead
to 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 permissible weights and loads which cannot be exceeded can also be found:
R in yourv ehicle documents and
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow hitch, trailer and vehicle (Y page 315).
You will find the basic values approved by the manufacturer in the following table. If the values
differ, the lowest value applies.
Make sure that you adhere to the weight restrictions by having the weight checked on a
calibrated weighbridge. Vehicle
type Gross
vehicle
weight
GVWR Gross
front axle
load
GAWR
(FA) Gross
rear axle
load
GAWR
(RA) Gross
combinati
on
weight
19
GCWR Trailer
load
20
GTW Max.
permissi
ble nose
weight
TWR
2500
8550 lbs
(3878 kg) 3970 lbs
(1801 kg) 5360 lbs
(2431 kg) 13550 lbs
(6146 kg) 5000 lbs
(2268 kg) 500 lbs
(227 kg) 3500
9900 lbs
(4490 kg) Canada only 4080 lbs
(1851 kg) 7060 lbs
(3202 kg) 14900 lbs
(6759 kg) 21 5000 lbs
(2268 kg) 21 500 lbs
(227 kg) 21 4410 lbs
(2000 kg) 15250 lbs
(6917 kg) 22 7500 lbs
(3402 kg) 22 750 lbs
(340 kg) 22 9990 lbs
(4531 kg) USA only 4080 lbs
(1851 kg) 7060 lbs
(3202 kg) 14990 lbs
(6799 kg) 21 5000 lbs
(2268 kg) 21 500 lbs
(227 kg) 21 4410 lbs
(2000 kg) 15250 lbs
(6917 kg) 22 7500 lbs
(3402 kg) 22 750 lbs
(340 kg) 22 11030 lbs
(5003 kg) 4080 lbs
(1851 kg) 7720 lbs
(3502 kg) 15250 lbs
(6917 kg) 5000 lbs
(2268 kg) 21 500 lbs
(227 kg) 21 4410 lbs
(2000 kg) 7500 lbs
(3402 kg) 22 750 lbs
(340 kg) 22 19
Maximum permissible gross weight of the vehicle and trailer.
20 Maximum permissible gross weight of the trailer.
21 Only for extra-long vehicles with an overall length of 289.2 in (7344 mm).
22 Not for extra-long vehicles with an overall length of 289.2 in (7344 mm). Vehicle data
329Technical data Z