2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER tow

Weight information can be found in the “Per-
missible trailer and drawbar noseweights” sec-
tion (
Ypage 159).
iThe height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. If this is case,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable 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 vehicle/
trailer combinations in the relevant country,
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 con-
sume more fuel.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must select
shift range 3,2or 1in good time.
iThis also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily to
keep the correct speed. which protects 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:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
iYou can reduce the risk of the trailer swing-
ing and rocking by retrofitting anti-roll bars or trailer stability programs. More information is
available from your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
RMaintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
RAvoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer brake to overrun.
Then, increase the brake force quickly.
RThe figures for the gradient climbing capabil-
ities 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.
Coupling up a trailer
Trailer coupled ready for use
XMake sure the selector lever of the automatic
transmission is in position P.
XApply the vehicle's parking brake.
XClose all doors.
XPosition the trailer horizontally behind your
vehicle.
iThe height of the ball neck changes accord-
ing to the load on the vehicle. In this case, use
a trailer with a height-adjustable trailer draw-
bar.
XCouple the trailer.
XEstablish all electrical and other connections to the trailer. When doing so, hook the break-
away cable of the trailer into eyelet :on the
ball coupling.
XRemove the objects that are preventing the
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel chocks.
XRelease the trailer parking brake.
iThe subharness of the vehicle has a cable
connection to the brake lamp indicator lamp.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Towing a trailer157
Driving and parking
Z

Most federal states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
Rsafety chains between the towing vehicle andthe trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened 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.
Ra separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
Ra safety shut-off for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-tions. Make sure your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion complies with local laws. This not only
means where you live, but also anywhere you
are driving to. Information is available from the
police and local authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RPractice 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.
RBefore 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
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf 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.
RSecure the load on the trailer according to the
applicable specifications and current stand-
ards on securing loads (
Ypage 214).
RWhen driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that the
brakes and lights are working.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
RThe 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.
RIf possible, do not brake suddenly, but rather
moderately at first so that the trailer can acti-
vate its brakes. Then increase the force on the
brake pedal.
RIf the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on inclines,
restrict the shift range. Select shift range 4,3,
2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
RWhen 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 inst
al-
led, the trailer brakes.
RIf the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically 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.
RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer com- bination you need an additional distance
before you can return to your original lane.
158Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Uncoupling a trailer
GWARNING
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 rebounding of the overrun
brake.
XMake sure the selector lever of the automatic
transmission is in position P.
XApply the parking brake of the vehicle.
XClose all doors.
XApply the parking brake of the trailer.
XIn addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
XRemove 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 permissi-
ble 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 trans-
mission or to the trailer tow hitch.
If the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden, the
relevant value for the permissible gross vehi-
cle 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 nose- weight 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 Rat-
ing is vehicle-specific and depends on the equip-
ment 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 docu-
ments and on the trailer tow hitch type plates for
the trailer and the vehicle (
Ypage 276). The
basic values approved by the manufacturer can
also be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 286). If the values vary, the lowest
value always applies.
Loading a trailer
!Utilize the maximum permissible nose-
weight as fully as possible. Do not allow the
weight to fall below the minimum permissible
noseweight, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
RYou 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 com-
bined weight (GCWR) as well as permitted
gross axle loads (GAWR) and noseweight
(TWR) of your vehicle are not exceeded.
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This will pre-
vent you from exceeding the permissible
gross axle weight (GAWR).
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This will
prevent you from exceeding the permissible
gross vehicle weight (GVWR).
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RMake sure the weights of the towing vehicle
and the trailer comply with the maximum per-
missible values. Have the vehicle/trailer com-
bination weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge. The vehicle/trailer combination con-
sists of the towing vehicle including the driver,
Towing a trailer159
Driving and parking
Z

passengers and load, as well as the loaded
trailer.
RCheck the maximum permissible gross axle
weight rating of the front and rear axles
(GAWR), the gross trailer weight (GTW), the
gross combination weight rating (GCWR) and
the noseweight of the trailer drawbar (TWR).
Trailer power supply
!
Incorrect wiring of the connector plug could,
under certain circumstances, cause malfunc-
tions in the vehicle's other electronic sys-
tems. We therefore recommend having the
connector plug wired at a qualified specialist
workshop.
!You can connect accessories with a maxi-
mum power consumption of 240 W to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using the
power supply.
Your vehicle may be equipped with various elec-
trical installations for trailer towing. Depending
on your trailer, you may need an adapter to con-
nect the electrical system of the trailer with that
of the vehicle.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is on the trailer
socket pin assignment 4.
Note that the permanent power supply of the
trailer is not switched off when the on-board
voltage is low. This can completely discharge
the starter battery of your vehicle.
Further information on the electrical equipment
currently installed on your vehicle and on instal-
ling trailer electrics can be obtained at any quali-
fied specialist workshop.
160Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
4
Engine oil levelStop, turnengineoff
There is no tenough or no oil in th eengine. There is adanger of engin e
damage.
XStop th evehicl eas soo nas possible, payin gattention to roa dand
traffic conditions.
XChec kth eoil level wit hth eoil dipstick (Ypage 221).
XIf theengin eoil level is correct: hav eth emalfunction rectifie d
immediately at aqualified specialist workshop .
XIf theengin eoil level is to olow: hav eth evehicl etowed to aqualified
specialist workshop .
4
Oil sensor Visitworkshop
There isamalfunction in th eengin eoil level display.
XHav eth evehicl echecke dimmediately at aqualified specialist
workshop .
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
_ _ _
Cruise control
The activation condition sfor cruise control hav eno tbeen met .
You can only activat ecruise control from speeds of 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Cruise contro l
Visit workshop
Cruisecontrol has been deactivated due to amalfunction .
XHavecruise control checke dat aqualified specialist workshop .
LaneKeep. AssistTemporarilyUnavailable
and th eà indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Lan eKeepin gAssis tis deactivated and temporarily inoperative.
Possibl ecauses are:
RThere are no lan emarking spresent.
RThe camera' sfunctionalit yis impaire ddue to heav yrain ,snow or
fog .
RThe camera canno trecogniz eth eroa dmarkings:
-It is to odark .
-The lan emarking sare wor nor are covered, for example, by dir tor
snow.
RThe windshield is dirty in th ecamera' sfield of vision .
XStop thevehicl epayin gattention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eto preven tit from rollin gaway (Ypage 130).
XClean th ewindshield (Ypage 235), particularly in th ecamera' s
field of vision .
If th eà indicator lamp goe sout ,Lan eKeepin gAssis tis opera-
tional again .
LaneKeep. AssistInoperativeLan eKeepin gAssis tis faulty.
XHav eLan eKeepin gAssis tchecke dat aqualified specialist work-
shop.
190Display messages
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
h!:b
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 malfunc-
tion.
The battery may not be being charged.
GWARNING
The rear wheels could lock sooner than expected when you apply the
brakes. The braking distance can increase in emergency braking sit-
uations.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the messages in
the display (Ypage 176).
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XDo not drive on.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
b The red brake sys-
tem indicator
lamp is lit while
the engine is run-
ning.There is insufficient brake fluid in the expansion tank.
GWARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the messages in
the display (Ypage 176).
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XCheck the brake fluid level in the expansion tank (Ypage 223).
XIf the brake fluid is below the MIN mark: do not drive on!
XDo not add brake fluid. This does not solve the problem.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
b When towing a
trailer: the red
brake system
indicator lamp is
lit while the
engine is running.
Additionally, a
warning tone
sounds.GWARNING
The brake force booster in the trailer is faulty.
The driving and braking characteristics of your vehicle could change.
There is a risk of the trailer overbraking and of you losing control over
the truck/trailer combination.
There is a risk of an accident.
XVehicles with steering wheel buttons: also observe the messages in
the display (Ypage 176).
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XDo not drive on.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster195
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
4
The yellow engine
oil level warning
lamp flashes and
the warning buz-
zer sounds after
the engine is star-
ted or while the
vehicle is in
motion.On vehicles with a diesel engine, the oil level display additionally
appears in the display, e.g. – 2.0 qts(Canada:– 2.0 ltr).
There is not enough or no oil in the engine.
There is a danger of engine damage.
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XCheck the oil level with the oil dipstick (Ypage 221).
XIf the engine oil level is correct: have the malfunction rectified
immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
XIf the engine oil level is too low: have the vehicle towed to a qualified
specialist workshop.
4 The yellow engine
oil level warning
lamp lights up and
the warning buz-
zer sounds after
the engine is star-
ted or while the
vehicle is in
motion.The engine oil level is above the maximum level.
There is a risk of damaging the engine or catalytic converter.
XCheck the oil level with the oil dipstick (Ypage 221).
XIf the oil level is too high: have the engine oil extracted as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
XIf the oil level is correct: have the malfunction rectified as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
4 On vehicles with a
diesel engine, the
yellow engine oil
level warning
lamp lights up
repeatedly during
the journey.There is a malfunction in the engine oil level display.
XHave the vehicle checked immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
%The yellow cool-
ant level warning
lamp lights up
while the engine
is running.The coolant level is too low.
Never run the engine if the coolant level is too low. The engine could
overheat and be damaged.
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XSwitch off the engine and let it cool down.
XAdd coolant and be sure to observe the warning notes
(Ypage 222).
XIf you need to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling sys-
tem checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
?The red coolant
warning lamp is lit
while the engine
is running.The coolant temperature is too high.
XStop the vehicle as soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster199
On-board computer and displays
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 possi-
ble. 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 (
Ypage 26).
Stowage spaces and stowage com-
partments
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you do not correctly store objects in the
vehicle interior, they can slip or be flung
around, thus striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury, especially when brak- ing or abruptly changing directions.
RAlways store objects so that they cannot be
flung around in these or in similar situa-
tions.
RAlways make sure that objects do not pro-
trude from stowage compartments, parcel
nets or stowage nets.
RClose lockable stowage compartments
while driving.
RStow and secure objects that are heavy,
hard, pointy, sharp-edged, fragile or too
large in the trunk.
In addition, observe the information in the
"Loading guidelines" section (
Ypage 212).
Glove box
Glove box (example: glove box with a lockable lid)
1
Unlocked
2Locked
=Glove box handle
You can lock and unlock the glove box using the mechanical or folding key.
XTo open: unlock the glove box lid if neces-
sary.
XPull glove box handle =in the direction of the
arrow.
?Card holder
APen holder
XTo close: fold the glove box up and press it
until it engages.
204Stowage spaces and stowage compartments
Stowing and features