2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER brakes

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

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 removing the approved
ball coupling, observe the relevant informa-
tion in the operating instructions of the ball
coupling manufacturer.
If you cannot mount the ball coupling cor-
rectly, remove it. In this case, the ball cou-
pling may not be used for towing a trailer.
Notes on the permissible dimensions and
weights can also be found on the identifica-
tion plate of the trailer tow hitch. You can
obtain advice from a qualified specialist work-
shop. 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 equip-
ped 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 auto-
matic 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 a height-adjustable
trailer drawbar.
X Couple the trailer.
X Establish all electrical and other connec-
tions 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 provin-
ces 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 cou-
pling, 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 vehi-
cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning 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 any-
where you are driving to. Information is avail-
able from the police and local authorities. 176
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

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

Display messages on vehicles without steering wheel buttons
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions ...
...
LIM km/h LIM km/h The speed display flashes.
The vehicle has exceeded the speed set for 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 NO TPMS The
NO
NOmessage is displayed for 30 seconds. The TPMS
TPMSmessage
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 NO TPMS The
NO
NOmessage is displayed for 30 seconds. The TPMS
TPMSmessage
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
TPMS The
— —
— — message is displayed for 30 seconds. The TPMS
TPMSmessage
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 correct it if
necessary (Y page 293). Display
messages
201On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0065
Brake fluid Visit Brake fluid Visit
workshop 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 256).
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. 0065
Brake Brake
force
forcedistri‐
distri‐
bution
bution EBD has been deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery may not be 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. 0065
Brake Brake
force
forcedistri‐
distri‐
bution Visit work‐
bution Visit work‐
shop shop EBD has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
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. 208
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00B2
Engine oil level Engine oil level
Stop, turn engine Stop, turn engine
off off 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 with the oil dipstick (Y page 253).
X If the engine oil level is correct: have the malfunction rectified
immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
X If the engine oil level is too low: have the vehicle towed to a
qualified specialist workshop. 00B2
Oil sensor Visit Oil sensor Visit
workshop workshop There is a malfunction in the engine oil level display.
X
Have the vehicle checked immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050 0050Solutions Limit
Limit
... km/h
... km/h The speed display flashes.
The vehicle has exceeded the speed set for variable
SPEEDTRONIC, e.g. on a steep downhill gradient (overrun mode).
X Apply the brakes yourself as required. Cruise control Cruise control
Visit workshop
Visit workshop Cruise control has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
X
Have cruise control checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 216
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0072
The yellow ASR/
ESP®
warning
lamp flashes
while the vehicle
is in motion. G
WARNING
ESP ®
or ASR is intervening because at least one of the wheels has
reached its tire grip limit.
Cruise control is deactivated for the duration of the intervention.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and traffic conditions.
Do not use too much throttle.
X Drive slowly. 0072
The yellow ASR/
ESP®
warning
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running. ASR is deactivated.
G WARNING
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Activate ASR again. Exceptions (Y page 60).0089
0025003D0065
The yellow ESP ®
, ABS
and ASR/BAS indicator
lamps and the red
brake system indicator
lamp are lit while the
engine is running. EBD is malfunctioning or deactivated due to undervoltage or mal-
function.
The battery may not be being charged.
G WARNING
The rear wheels could lock sooner than expected when you apply
the brakes. The braking distance can increase in emergency brak-
ing situations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the mes-
sages in the display (Y page 199).
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. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
221On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0025
The yellow ABS
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is run-
ning. ABS is deactivated due to a malfunction or is temporarily unavail-
able. ESP
®
, ASR and BAS, as well as cruise control, are also
unavailable as a result.
Self-diagnosis may not be complete, or the battery may not be
charging.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock, e.g. if the
brakes are applied with maximum force.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired.
The braking distance can increase in emergency braking situa-
tions.
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).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
indicator lamp goes out.
If the indicator lamp does not go out:
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 00E2
The yellow DEF
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is run-
ning. The exhaust gas aftertreatment is malfunctioning or the current
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) supply is limiting the vehicle range.
X
Observe the messages in the display. 0089
The yellow ESP ®
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is run-
ning. ESP
®
is deactivated due to undervoltage or a malfunction. As a
result, cruise control has also been deactivated.
Engine power output may be reduced.
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 Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the mes-
sages in the display (Y page 199).
X Drive on with care.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 224
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays