2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER warning

G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
Always observe the operating instructions
provided by the manufacturers of the trailer
coupling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully.
When backing up the towing vehicle, make
sure nobody is standing between the vehicle
and the trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the
towing vehicle could break away. A correctly
coupled trailer must be positioned horizon-
tally behind the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not
exceeded:
R the permissible noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the permissible gross weight of both the
towing vehicle and the trailer
R the permissible gross combination weight
The applicable permissible values that may
not be exceeded can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
R on the type plates for the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 319).
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find values approved by the manu-
facturer on the identification plates and those
for the towing vehicle in the "Permissible trailer loads and trailer drawbar noseweights"
section (Y
page 178).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
R requires more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to suit the road and weather condi-
tions. Drive carefully. Maintain a safe dis-
tance.
If you require any further explanation of the
information contained in the Operating
Instructions, please contact an authorized
Sprinter dealer.
General notes R
Observe the legally prescribed maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in
the relevant country, state or Canadian
province. Before setting off, check the vehi-
cle documents of the your trailer to find out
the permissible maximum speed.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling that
is approved for your vehicle and Sprinter
trailer tow hitch. More information on the
availability, mounting and installation of the
trailer electrics is available at any qualified
specialist workshop.
R The turn signals on the trailer are only guar-
anteed to function when incandescent
bulbs are used. You can obtain more infor-
mation about installing the trailer electrics
at any qualified specialist workshop.
R The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road 174
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

safety. The notes on operation, care and
maintenance issued by the manufacturer
should be observed.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not suita-
ble for installing detachable trailer cou-
plings.
R Do not install rented trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings to the
bumpers.
R Minimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
Weight information can be found in the “Per-
missible trailer and drawbar noseweights”
section (Y page 178).
i The height of the ball neck changes
according to the load on the vehicle. If this
is case, use a trailer with a height-adjust-
able trailer drawbar.
Driving tips The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, check the vehicle
documents of the your trailer to find out the
permissible maximum speed. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed for vehi-
cle/trailer combinations in the relevant coun-
try, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must
select shift range 3,2or 1in good time.
i This also applies if cruise control is acti-
vated.
This enables you to utilize the engine's brak-
ing effect and you do not need to brake so
heavily to keep the correct speed. which pro-
tects the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to
not depress the brake pedal constantly, but
periodically. Driving tips If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
i You can reduce the risk of the trailer
swinging and rocking by retrofitting anti-
roll bars or trailer stability programs. More
information is available from your author-
ized Sprinter Dealer.
R Maintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
R Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes
gently at first to allow the trailer brake to
overrun. Then, increase the brake force
quickly.
R The figures for the gradient climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note
that the power output of the engine, and
with it its gradient climbing capability,
decrease with increasing altitude. Attaching and removing the ball cou-
pling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling installation instruc-
tions. Make sure that the ball coupling is Towing a trailer
175Driving and parking
Z

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 charac-
teristics.
R Before driving, check:
-that the trailer tow hitch and ball cou-
pling 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 section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion 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 244).
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 driv-
ing 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 dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature
of the heater/air conditioning to the maxi-
mum 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 dis-
tance before you can return to your original
lane. Uncoupling a trailer
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 overrun brake
is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake. Towing a trailer
177Driving and parking Z

Useful information
............................182
Important safety notes ....................182
Instrument cluster ............................182
On-board computer (vehicles with-
out steering wheel buttons) ............184
On-board computer (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ...................186
Display messages ............................. 199
Indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................221 181On-board computer and displays

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 func-
tions. This also applies to systems and func-
tions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you are driving and reach through the steer-
ing wheel to operate the adjustment knob,
you could lose control of the vehicle. There is
a risk of an accident and injury.
Only operate the adjustment knobs when the
vehicle is stationary. Do not reach through the
steering wheel when driving. G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The
operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately. If uncertainties regarding the operating safety
of the vehicle arise when continuing the jour-
ney, stop the vehicle, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions. Instrument cluster
Overview
0043
Instrument cluster on vehicles without
steering wheel buttons
0044 Instrument cluster in vehicles with steer-
ing-wheel buttons
0087 0074/0075 adjustment button, 0079menu but-
ton, 0045reset button, 0098service button
(engine oil level check)
You will find a full overview of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
(Y page 34).
The display in the instrument cluster is acti-
vated when you:
R open the driver's door
R turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock
R press the 0045reset button
R switch on the lights
The display switches off automatically after
approximately 30 seconds if:
R the vehicle lighting is not switched on.
R the key is in position 0in the ignition lock. 182
Instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Instrument lighting
When the lights are switched on, you can
adjust the brightness of the instrument clus-
ter lighting using the 0074and 0075buttons.
X To brighten: press the0074button.
X To dim: press the 0075button.
i Vehicles with automatic headlamp mode:
the instrument lighting also adapts to auto-
matic headlamp mode. Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine. H
Environmental note
Avoid driving at high engine speeds. This
unnecessarily increases the fuel consumption
of your vehicle and harms the environment as
a result of increased emissions.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
To protect the engine, the fuel supply is inter-
rupted when the red band is reached. Outside temperature
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around the
freezing point.
On vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Y page 184) and on vehicles with steering
wheel buttons (Y page 189), the outside tem-
perature display is in the display.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Speedometer
The speed can also be shown in the display.
You can find information on the digital speed-
ometer for vehicles without steering wheel
buttons under (Y page 184) and for vehicles with steering wheel buttons under
(Y
page 189).
i In some countries, a warning sounds
when the vehicle reaches the maximum
speed limit, e.g. at 75 mph ( 120 km/h). Trip odometer
X To reset: make sure that the display is
showing the trip odometer if you have a
vehicle with steering wheel buttons
(Y page 189).
X Press and hold the 0045reset button until the
trip odometer is reset to 0.0 0.0. Fuel gage
0043
Fuel gage on vehicles without steering
wheel buttons
0044 Fuel gage on vehicles with steering wheel
buttons
0087 Fuel filler flap location indicator 007F: the
fuel filler flap is on the left-hand side. Fuel
filler flap location indicator 0080: the fuel
filler flap is on the right-hand side
0085 Reserve fuel warning lamp (Y page 227) Instrument cluster
183On-board computer and displays Z

Telephone menu
Introduction G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating a mobile phone in the vehicle.
If it is permitted to operate a mobile phone
while the vehicle is in motion, only operate it
when road and traffic conditions permit.
If you have connected a mobile phone to the
Sprinter hands-free system, you can operate
it using the functions in the TEL
TEL menu.
X Switch on the mobile phone (see the sep-
arate operating instructions).
X Switch on the audio equipment (see the
separate operating instructions).
X Establish a Bluetooth ®
connection
between the mobile phone and the audio
equipment (see the separate operating
instructions).
X Press the 0080or007F button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the TEL
TEL menu.
X When Please enter PIN: Please enter PIN: appears in the
display, enter the PIN using the mobile
phone or audio equipment.
The mobile phone searches for a network.
The display remains blank during this time.
You will see the mobile phone operational
readiness display once the mobile phone
has found a network.
i You can obtain further information about
suitable mobile phones and connecting mobile phones via Bluetooth
®
at any quali-
fied specialist workshop.
i If the mobile phone operational readiness
symbol goes out, your vehicle is outside of
the transmission and reception range.
Accepting a call X
Press the 0061button on the steering
wheel to accept an incoming call.
The display shows the call duration.
Rejecting or ending a call X
Press the 0076button on the steering
wheel to reject or end a call.
The caller then hears the engaged tone.
The display shows the mobile phone opera-
tional readiness symbol again.
Dialing a number from the phone book You can use the mobile phone to enter new
telephone numbers into the phone book (see
the separate operating instructions). If your
mobile phone is able to receive calls, you can
search for and dial a number from the phone
book.
Using the steering wheel buttons
X
Use the 0080or007F buttons to select the
TEL TEL menu.
The display shows the mobile phone opera-
tional readiness symbol.
X Press the 0041or0068 buttons to switch
to the phone book.
The on-board computer reads the phone
book stored on the SIM card or in the
mobile phone. This may take more than a
minute.
When the message is no longer displayed,
reading has ended. 198
On-board computer (vehicles
with steering wheel buttons)On-boardcomputer and displays

X
Press the 0041or0068 button to select the
desired name.
Or
X To start rapid scrolling: press and hold
the 0041 or0068 button longer than 1 sec-
ond.
Rapid scrolling stops when you release the
button or reach the end of the list.
Using the steering wheel buttons
X To start dialing: press the0061button.
The on-board computer dials the corre-
sponding phone number.
When a connection is established, the
name of the other person and/or the call
duration appear in the display.
X To exit the telephone book: press the
0076 button.
Redialing The on-board computer saves the last names
or numbers dialed in the redial memory.
Using the steering wheel buttons
X Use the 0080or007F buttons to select the
TEL
TEL menu.
The display shows the mobile phone opera-
tional readiness symbol.
X Press the 0061button.
The display shows the most recently dialed
numbers or names in the redial memory.
X Press the 0041or0068 button to select the
desired name or number.
X To start dialing: press the0061button.
The on-board computer dials the corre-
sponding phone number.
When a connection is established, the
name of the other person and/or the call
duration appear in the display.
Or
X To exit the redial memory: press the
0076 button. Display messages
Notes on display messages
Important safety notes G
WARNING
No information will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the display is inopera-
tive.
As a result, you will not be able to see warning
and indicator lamps or information about the
driving conditions, such as speed or outside
temperature. Driving characteristics may be
impaired. Adjust your driving style and vehicle
speed accordingly.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. G
WARNING
If service work is not carried out correctly, the
operating safety of your vehicle may be
affected. This could cause you to lose control
of your vehicle and cause an accident. More-
over, the safety systems may no longer be
able to protect you or others as they are
designed to do.
Always have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
i If you turn the key to position 2in the
ignition, a display check is performed. All
warning/indicator lamps (except the turn
signal indicator lamps) and the display are
activated. Before starting the journey,
check that the warning and indicator lamps
are operating correctly.
Vehicles without steering wheel but-
tons Warnings, malfunctions or additional infor-
mation may also be shown in the display. The
following tables show all the display mes-
sages. A warning tone sounds with certain
display messages. Display messages
199On-board computer and displays Z