Problems with PARKTRONIC
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Only the red segments in
the PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays are lit.
A warning tone also
sounds for approx-
imately 2 seconds.
PARKTRONIC is deacti-
vated after approx-
imately 20 seconds.
The indicator lamp of the
f button lights up
and the red segments in
the PARKTRONIC warn-
ing display go out.PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched itself off.
XIf problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified spe- cialist workshop.
The PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays implausible
distances.
For example, all the seg-
ments may be lit even
though there is no obsta-
cle present.The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or iced up.
XClean the PARKTRONIC sensors (Ypage 236).
XTurn the key to position 2again in the ignition lock.
The license plate or other parts attached near the sensors may not be
secured correctly.
XCheck the license plate and attachment parts near the sensors for
correct seating.
An external radio or ultrasonic source may be causing interference.
XCheck PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.
Rear view camera
Important safety notes
The rear view camera is only an aid. It cannot
replace your own awareness of the immediate
surroundings. You are responsible for safe
maneuvering, parking and pulling away. When
maneuvering, parking and pulling away, make
sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the maneuvering area.
The rear view camera is a visual parking aid.
Information on operation can be found in the
separate Audio 15 supplement.
The camera is in the middle of the roof above the
high-mounted brake lamp (
Ypage 236).
You can find information on cleaning the camera
in the "Maintenance and care" section
(
Ypage 236).
Working mode
ADR (working speed governor)
General notes
When activated, ADR automatically increases
the engine speed to a preset speed or a speed
you have set.
iAfter a cold start, the idling speed of the
engine is increased automatically. If the pre-
set working speed is lower than the increased idling speed, the working speed is only
reached once the engine has completed the
warm-up phase.
It is only possible to activate ADR with the
vehicle stationary and the parking brake
applied.
The selector lever of the automatic transmis-
sion must be in position P.
154Working mode
Driving and parking
Switching ADR on and off
XTo activate:press upper section :of the
E switch while the engine is running.
The indicator lamp in the switch comes on.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up or the display shows the fol-
lowing message: Operating speed gover‐
nor active.
XTo deactivate:press lower section ;of the
E switch while the engine is running.
The indicator lamp in the switch goes out.
ADR is automatically deactivated if:
Ryou release the parking brake.
Rthe brake pedal is depressed.
Rthe vehicle moves.
Rthe control unit detects a malfunction.
Setting the working speed
XActivate ADR.
XTo increase: press theEbutton.
XTo decrease: press theFbutton.
Towing a trailer
Notes on trailer towing
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the ball coupling in question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair the
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
GWARNING
If you use a ball coupling that is not approved
for your vehicle, it may cause excessive strain
on the trailer tow hitch. This can cause dam-
age to the vehicle and the trailer may come
loose during the journey. The handling may be
impaired and the rear axle may be overloaded.
This may lead to an accident involving serious
or even fatal injury.
Therefore note the following:
ROnly install a ball coupling that is approved for your vehicle.
RBefore the journey, make sure that the ballcoupling is correctly installed and secured.
To do this, observe the operating instruc-
tions of the ball coupling manufacturer.
RDo not make any modifications to the ball
coupling or the trailer tow hitch.
You must observe the operating instructions
of the trailer tow hitch or ball coupling manu-
facturer.
GWARNING
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.
Towing a trailer155
Driving and parking
Z
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.
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
Always observe the operating instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of the trailer cou-
pling 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 tow-
ing vehicle could break away. A correctly cou-
pled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not excee-
ded:
Rthe permissible noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe permissible gross weight of both the tow-
ing vehicle and the trailer
Rthe permissible gross combination weight
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
Rin your vehicle documents
Ron the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
Ron the type plates for the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
(Ypage 276).
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find values approved by the manufac-
turer on the identification plates and those for
the towing vehicle in the "Permissible trailer loads and trailer drawbar noseweights" section
(
Ypage 159).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris more susceptible to strong crosswinds
Rrequires more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning circle
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to suit the road and w
eather conditions. Drive
carefully. Maintain a safe distance.
If you require any further explanation of the
information contained in the Operator's Manual,
please contact an authorized Sprinter dealer.
General notes
RObserve the legally prescribed maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country, state or Canadian province. Before setting off, check the vehicle docu-
ments of the your trailer to find out the per-
missible maximum speed.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
RInstall 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 availabil-
ity, mounting and installation of the trailer
electrics is available at any qualified specialist
workshop.
RThe trailer coupling is one of the most impor-
tant vehicle parts with regard to road safety.
The notes on operation, care and mainte-
nance issued by the manufacturer should be
observed.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
RMinimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
156Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
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
Display messages on vehicles withsteering wheel buttons
Safet ysystems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences an dMSolutions
ABS
Visit workshop
AB Shas bee ndeactivated due to amalfunction .ES P®,AS Rand BAS,
as well as cruise control, hav ealso bee ndeactivated as aresult .
GWARNING
The brake syste mcontinues to function normally, but without th e
function slisted above. The wheels could therefore loc kif you brake
hard, fo rexample.
Thi scauses steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The brak-
in gdistanc ecan increase in emergency braking situations. The driven
wheels can spi nwhen accelerating.
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®will notstabilize th evehicle.
There is an increase dris kof skidding and accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialis tworkshop immediately.
ABS
Unavailable
AB Sis temporarily unavailable or is deactivated due to undervoltage.
ES P®,AS Rand BAS, as well as cruise control, are also unavailable as
a result .
The battery may no tbe bein gcharged.
GWARNING
The brake syste mcontinues to function normally, but without th e
function slisted above. The wheels could therefore loc kif you brake
hard, fo rexample.
Thi scauses steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The brak-
in gdistanc ecan increase in emergency braking situations. The driven
wheels can spi nwhen accelerating.
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®will notstabilize th evehicle.
There is an increase dris kof skidding and accidents .
XDrive for ashort distanc eat aspeed of more than 13 mph
(20 km/h).
If th edisplay messag edisappears ,th efunction smentioned abov e
are available again .
If th edisplay messag econtinues to be displayed:
XDrive on wit hcare.
XVisit aqualified specialis tworkshop immediately.
Display messages18 1
On-board computer and displays
Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
:
Visit workshop
ASRhas been deactivated due to amalfunction .
The engin epowe routput may be reduced.
GWARNIN G
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating .
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
:
Visit workshop
BA Shas been deactivated due to amalfunction .
GWARNING
The brak esystem continues to function normally, but without elec -
tronic support .
The braking distanc ecan increas ein emergenc ybraking situations.
There is aris kof an accident.
XDrive on wit hcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
:
Unavailable
AS Rand BA Shav ebeen deactivated due to undervoltage.
The battery may no tbe bein gcharged.
GWARNIN G
The brak esystem continues to function normally, but without th e
function slisted above. The wheels could therefor eloc kif you brak e
hard, for example.
The braking distanc ecan increas ein emergenc ybraking situations.
The driven wheels can spin when accelerating .
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand accidents .
XDrive on withcare.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
#
Brake wea rVisitworkshop
The brak epads/linings hav ereached their wear limit.
XHav eth ebrak epads/linings replace das soo nas possibl eat a
qualified specialist workshop .
182Display messages
On-board computer and displays