2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER steering

Collision warning
If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range of
Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the corre-
sponding turn signal, a double warning tone
sounds once. Red warning lamp:flashes. If
the turn signal remains on, detected vehicles
are indicated by the flashing of red warning
lamp :. There are no further warning tones.
Activating/deactivating Blind Spot Assist
iBlind Spot Assist is activated when you
switch on the ignition.
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
Warning lamps :in the exterior mirrors light
up red for approximately 1.5 seconds and
then turn yellow.
XTo deactivate: press thekbutton in the
center console (Ypage 35).
The yellow indicator lamp in exterior mirror :
first flashes and then lights up continuously.
XTo activate: press thekbutton in the
center console again (Ypage 35).
The yellow indicator lamp in exterior mirror :
flashes initially. If you exceed 20 mph
(30 km/h) while driving, the yellow indicator
lamp in exterior mirror :goes out.
Towing a trailer
If you attach a trailer, make sure that you have
correctly established the electrical connection.
This can be accomplished by checking the trailer
lighting. Blind Spot Assist is deactivated as a
result. The indicator lamp in the exterior mirrors
lights up yellow.
On veh icles wit
h steering wheel buttons, the
Blind Spot Assist Deactivatedmessage
also appears in the display.
Lane Keeping Assist
General notes
Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in front of
your vehicle by means of a camera at the top of
the windshield. Lane Keeping Assist detects
lane markings on the road and warns you before
you leave your lane unintentionally.
:Lane Keeping Assist camera
Lane Keeping Assist supports you from speeds
of approximately 40 mph(60 km/h).
If Lane Keeping Assist detects lane markings,
the à indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter lights up green. Lane Keeping Assist is opera-
tional.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Lane Keeping Assist may not always clearly
recognize lane markings.
In this case, Lane Keeping Assist may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning
Rnot give a warning
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to the traffic
situation and stay in lane, in particular if
warned by Lane Keeping Assist.
GWARNING
The Lane Keeping Assist warning does not
return the vehicle to the original lane. There is
a risk of an accident.
You should always steer, brake or accelerate
yourself, in particular if warned by Lane Keep-
ing Assist.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, Lane Keep-
ing Assist can neither reduce the risk of accident
nor override the laws of physics. Lane Keeping
Assist cannot take into account road, weather or traffic conditions. Lane Keeping Assist is only an
aid. You are responsible for the distance to the
vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, braking in
good time and for staying in your lane.
146Driving systems
Driving and parking

Lane Keeping Assist does not keep your vehicle
in its lane.
The system may be impaired or may not function
if:
Rif the vehicle is incorrectly loaded
(Ypage 212)
Rthere is poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficient
illumination of the road, or due to snow, rain,
fog or spray
Rthere is glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic, the
sun or reflection from other vehicles (e.g. if
the road surface is wet)
Rthe windshield is dirty, fogged up, damaged or
covered, for instance by a sticker, in the vicin-
ity of the camera
Rno, or several, unclear lane markings are pres-
ent for one lane, e.g. in a construction area
Rthe lane markings are worn away, dark or cov-
ered up, e.g. by dirt or snow
Rthe distance to the vehicle in front is too small
and the lane markings thus cannot be detec-
ted
Rthe lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanes
branch off, cross one another or merge
Rthe road is narrow and winding
Rthere are highly variable shade conditions on
the road
A warning may be given if a front wheel passes
over a lane marking. In addition, a warning tone
sounds and the Ãindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes red.
Activating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist
Lane Keeping Assist is automatically activated
when you start the engine.
XTo deactivate: press thejbutton in the
center console (Ypage 35).
On vehicles without steering wheel but-
tons:
OFF
flashes briefly in the display and the Ã
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes yellow and then lights up continu-
ously.
On vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
The Lane
Keep.AssistDeactivatedmes-
sage appears in the display and the Ã
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes yellow and then lights up continu-
ously. Lane Keeping Assist is deactivated.
XTo activate:
press thejbutton in the
center console again (Ypage 35).
On vehicles without steering wheel but-
tons:
on
flashes briefly in the display and the Ã
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes
out. If a lane marking is detected, the Ã
indicator lamp lights up green.
On vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
The Lane Keep. Assist Activated
mes-
sage appears in the display and the Ã
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes
out. If a lane marking is detected, the Ã
indicator lamp lights up green.
Lane Keeping Assist is activated.
A Lane Keeping Assist warning is suppressed if:
Ra driving safety system intervenes, such as
ABS, BAS or ESP®.
Ryou have set the turn signal and a lane change is detected. In this case, the warnings are
suppressed for a certain period of time.
Ryou accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown on vehi-
cles with an automatic transmission.
Ryou brake hard.
Ryou steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or change lane quickly.
Ryou cut the corner on a sharp bend.
In order that you are warned only when neces-
sary and in good time if you cross the lane mark-
ing, the system recognizes certain conditions
and warns you accordingly.
Lane Keeping Assist warns you earlier if:
Ryou approach the outer lane marking on a
bend.
Rthe road has very wide lanes, e.g. a freeway.
Rthe system recognizes solid lane markings.
Warnings are given later if:
Rthe road has narrow lanes.
Ryou cut the corner on a bend.
All-wheel drive
Important safety notes
!Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.
This may damage the transfer case. Damage
of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must
Driving systems147
Driving and parking
Z

remain either on the ground or be fully raised.
Observe the instructions for towing the vehi-
cle with all wheels in full contact with the
ground.
!A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a two-axle dynamometer.
Before you operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
workshop. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you are
inattentive, the all-wheel drive system can nei-
ther reduce the risk of an accident nor override
the laws of physics. The all-wheel drive system
cannot take road, weather and traffic conditions
into account. The all-wheel drive system is only
an aid. You are responsible for the distance to
the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and for
braking in good time.
4ETS ensures permanent drive for all four
wheels, and together with ESP
®it improves the
vehicle's traction.
If a driven wheel spins due to lack of traction:
RWhen pulling away, make use of the traction
control integrated in ESP®. Depress the
accelerator pedal as far as necessary.
RWhile driving, slowly take your foot off the
accelerator pedal
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow chains
(
Ypage 249). This is the only way to get the full
benefit from the all-wheel drive system.
For information on "Driving off-road", see
(
Ypage 137).
Engaging all-wheel drive
Conditions for engaging/disengaging
All-wheel drive can only be engaged or disen-
gaged if:
Rthe engine is running
Rthe vehicle is stationary
If it is not possible to engage all-wheel-drive:
Rmove the selector lever to position N
Rrelease the brake pedal
Rpress the;button
Rmove the selector lever from Nto Dor R
Engaging/disengaging all-wheel drive
XTo engage/disengage: press the;but-
ton.
The indicator lamp in the ;button flashes.
The h and: indicator lamps light up in
the instrument cluster. ESP
®and ASR are
deactivated for the duration of the engaging/ disengaging process.
If the engaging/disengaging process is suc-
cessful, the hand: indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out and ESP
®and
ASR are reactivated.
If the indicator lamp in the ;button is lit,
all-wheel drive is engaged. On vehicles with
steering-wheel buttons, the display then
shows the following message: Four-wheel
drive active.
If the engaging/disengaging process fails, the indicator lamp in the ;button flashes
three times briefly. One of the gear change
conditions was not fulfilled.
As long as the indicator lamp in the ;button
is flashing, you can cancel the engaging/disen-
gaging process by pressing the ;again.
iIf the LOW RANGE transmission ratio
(Ypage 148) is engaged, all-wheel drive can-
not be disengaged.
LOW RANGE transmission ratio
General notes
The LOW RANGE transmission ratio assists you
when driving on difficult terrain. If you engage
LOW RANGE, the engine's performance charac-
teristics and the automatic transmission's shift-
ing characteristics are adjusted accordingly.
The transmission ratio from the engine to the
wheels is around 40% lower than in the on-road position. This increases the drive torque.
148Driving systems
Driving and parking

Conditions for engaging/disengaging
LOW RANGE can only be engaged or disengaged
if:
Rthe engine is running
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe brake pedal is depressed
Rthe selector lever of the automatic transmis-
sion is in positionPor N
Rall-wheel drive is engaged
Engaging and disengaging LOW RANGE
:Engages and disengages LOW RANGE
XTo engage or disengage: press button:
or ;.
The + indicator lamp flashes in the instru-
ment cluster for the duration of the engaging/
disengaging process.
If the engaging/disengaging process is suc-
cessful:
Rand LOW RANGE is engaged, the +indi-
cator lamp lights up.
Rand LOW RANGE is disengaged, the +
indicator lamp goes out.
As long as the +indicator lamp is flashing,
you can cancel the engaging/disengaging
process by pressing button :or; again.
If the engaging/disengaging process fails, the + indicator lamp briefly flashes three
times. One of the gear change conditions was
not fulfilled.
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Important safety notes
Observe the notes on braking in the section on
"Driving and parking". If you fail to adapt your
driving style or you are inattentive, DSR can nei-
ther reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. DSR cannot take road, weather
and traffic conditions into account. DSR is only
an aid. You are responsible for the distance to
the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and for
braking in good time.
General notes
DSR supports you with the LOW RANGE trans-
mission ratio when you are driving downhill off-
road and on construction sites. DSR maintains a
preset speed for you on downhill gradients by
applying the brakes as required. Maintaining the
speed is dependent on the road surface condi-
tions and the downhill gradient and cannot
therefore be guaranteed in all situations.
You can set the speed to between 2.5 mph
(4 km/h) and 11 mph (18 km/h) using the brake
and accelerator pedals or the cruise control
lever.
RIf the vehicle is stationary, or its speed is less
than 2.5 mph (4 km/h) the speed is set to
2.5 mph (4 km/h).
RIf you drive faster than 11 mph (18 km/h) off-
road, DSR switches to standby mode. DSR
remains activated, but does not brake auto-
matically.
RIf you drive downhill slower than 11 mph
(18 km/h), DSR sets the speed to the previ-
ously set speed.
RDSR switches off automatically if you drive
faster than 28 mph (45 km/h).
Cruise control lever
:Activates DSR and stores the current or
higher speed
;Activates DSR and stores the current speed
=Activates DSR and stores the current or
lower speed
?Deactivates DSR
The cruise control lever is the uppermost lever
on the left of the steering column. For as long as
Driving systems149
Driving and parking
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the LOW RANGE transmission ratio is engaged,
only use the cruise control lever to operate DSR.
When the LOW RANGE transmission ratio is dis-
engaged, use cruise control.
Activation conditions
In order to activate DSR, both activation condi-
tions must be fulfilled:
RThe LOW RANGE transmission ratio is
engaged. The+indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
RThe vehicle is stationary or you are not driving faster than 11 mph (18 km/h).
Activating DSR
You can activate DSR when the vehicle is sta-
tionary or moving.
XBrake or accelerate the vehicle to the
required speed between 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
and 11 mph (18 km/h).
XBriefly push the cruise control lever up :or
down =.
or
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ;.
XRelease the brake or accelerator pedal.
The current speed is stored. When the vehicle
is stationary, the speed is stored at 2.5
(4 km/h). DSR maintains the stored speed on
the downhill gradient and brakes automati-
cally.
When DSR is activated and the vehicle pulls
away, accelerates or brakes, the speed set cor-
responds to the speed at which the accelerator
or brake pedal is released. Thi s i
s only the case
if you are not driving faster than 11 mph
(18 km/h).
DSR status indicator in the on-board com-
puter
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
LOW RANGE is engaged
RThe DSRmessage is displayed in the status
area of the on-board computer.
RDSR can be activated.
DSR is activated
RThe DSRmessage and the set speed are dis-
played in the status area of the on-board com-
puter. DSR is activated but is not intervening
RYou are driving at between 11 mph (18 km/h)
and 28 mph (45 km/h).
RThe
DSRmessage is displayed in the status
area of the on-board computer. Also, the
speed 11 mph (18 km/h) flashes.
DSR is activated but is not intervening
RYou are driving faster than 28 mph (45 km/h).
RThe DSRmessage is displayed in the status
area of the on-board computer. Also, the ---
message is displayed for 5 seconds.
DSR is activated but is not intervening
RThe DSR---message is displayed in the sta-
tus area of the on-board computer.
There is a malfunction in the Electronic Brak-
ing System (EBS). Visit a qualified specialist
workshop.
Setting the speed whilst driving downhill
You can set the speed to between 2.5 mph
(4 km/h) and 11 mph (18 km/h) using the brake
and accelerator pedals or the cruise control
lever.
XBrake or accelerate the vehicle to the
required speed on the downhill gradient.
XRelease the brake or accelerator pedal. The
current speed is stored.
or
XBriefly push the cruise control lever
upwards :to increase the speed or down-
wards =to reduce the speed.
The last speed stored is increased or reduced
incrementally.
XRelease the cruise control lever. The current
speed is stored.
or
XPress and hold the cruise control lever up :
or down =until the desired speed has been
reached.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The current speed is stored.
iIt may take a moment before the vehicle
brakes to the set speed. Take this delay into
account when setting the speed with the
cruise control lever.
150Driving system s
Driving an d parking

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

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

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).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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 thevehicle is stationary. Do not reach through the
steering wheel when driving.
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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. You must observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are currently driving when
operating the on-board computer.
The on-board computer display only shows mes-
sages and warnings from certain systems. You
should therefore make sure your vehicle is oper-
ating safely at all times. If the operating safety of
your vehicle is impaired, stop the vehicle as
soon as possible, paying attention to road and
traffic conditions. Then consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Instrument cluster
Overview
:Instrument cluster on vehicles without
steering wheel buttons
;Instrument cluster in vehicles with steering-
wheel buttons
=Adjustment buttons fand g
?Reset button 9
AService button Ë(engine oil level check)
BMenu button 4
You will find a full overview of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section (
Ypage 32).
The display in the instrument cluster is activated when you:
Ropen the driver's door
Rturn the key to position 2in the ignition lock
Rpress the 9reset button
Rswitch on the lights
Instrument cluster161
On-board computer and displays
Z