Highbeam Assist
General notes
You can use this function to set the headlamps
to change between low beam and high beam
automatically. The system recognizes vehicles
with their lights on, either approaching from the
opposite direction or traveling in front of your
vehicle, and consequently switches the head-
lamps from high beam to low beam.
Once the system no longer detects any other
vehicles, it reactivates the high-beam head-
lamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control panel.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Highbeam Assist does not recognize road
users:
Rwho have no lights, e.g. pedestrians
Rwho have poor lighting, e.g. cyclists
Rwhose lighting is blocked, e.g. by a barrier
In very rare cases, Highbeam Assist may fail to
recognize other road users who have lights, or
may recognize them too late. In this or similar situations, the automatic high-beam head-
lamps will not be deactivated or will be acti-
vated regardless. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Always carefully observe the traffic conditions
and switch off the high-beam headlamps in
good time.
Highbeam Assist cannot take into account road,
weather or traffic conditions. Highbeam Assist
is only an aid. You are responsible for adjusting
the vehicle's lighting to the prevailing light, vis-
ibility and traffic conditions.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
restricted if there is:
Rpoor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain or
snow
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else covering
the sensors
Activating/deactivating Highbeam
Assist
XTo activate: switch on the Highbeam Assist
function using the on-board computer
(
Ypage 171).
XTurn the light switch to the Ãposition.
XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :
(
Ypage 81).
Highbeam Assist is active.
The _ or
indicator lamp in the
multifunction display lights up when it is dark
and the light sensor activates the low-beam
headlamps.
If you are driving at speeds above approx-
imately 22 mph (35 km/h) and no other road
users have been detected:
The high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The Kindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster also lights up.
If you are driving at speeds below approx-
imately 19 mph (30 km/h), other road users
are recognized or the roads are adequately lit:
The high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The Kindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The _or
indicator lamp in the multifunction
display remains lit.
XTo deactivate: move the combination switch
back to its normal position or move the light
switch to another position.
The _ or
indicator lamp in the
multifunction display goes out.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if there is high atmospheric humidity.
XSwitch on the low-beam headlamps and drive
off.
The level of moisture diminishes, depending
on the length of the journey and the weather
conditions (humidity and temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Exterior lighting83
Lights and windshield wipers
Z
tery isolating switch. You could otherwise
damage electrical system components.
You can use the battery isolating switch to dis-
connect the power supply to all your vehicle's
consumers. This will prevent uncontrolled bat-
tery discharge caused by off-load current con-
sumption.
If your vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary bat-
tery in the engine compartment, you will need to
disconnect both batteries. Only then is the elec-
trical system fully disconnected from the power
supply.
iOnly switch the vehicle to de-energized
using the battery main switch if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period
Rit is absolutely necessary
After the power supply has been activated,
you will need to reset the side windows
(
Ypage 71).
Switching off the power supply
!When you clamp the connector under the
accelerator pedal, make sure that the con-
nector does not become damaged or dirty. It
may otherwise not be possible to restore the
electrical connection when the parts are reas-
sembled.
Battery main switch to the left of the center con-
sole
XRemove the key from the ignition lock and
wait for about 20 second s.
XPressbu tton ;in the direction of the arrow
and hold.
XPull connector :from the earth pin.
XPush connector :as far to the side as pos-
sible so that it cannot make contact with the
earth pin.
All starter battery consumers are disconnec-
ted from the power supply.
Switching on the power supply
XInsert the key into the ignition lock.
XPress connector :onto earth pin ;until
you feel it engage and the lock inhibitor is
released.
Connector :must be in full contact with
earth pin ;.
All consumers are reconnected to the DC
power supply.
Key positions
gTo insert and remove the key, lock the steer-
ing wheel
1To unlock the steering wheel, power supply
for some consumers (e.g. the radio)
2To switch on the ignition. Power supply for
all consumers, preglow and drive position
3To start the engine
Driving119
Dr iving an d parking
Z
Problems with the engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor can be
heard.There is air in the fuel system.
XTurn the key back to position0in the ignition lock before attempting
to start the engine again.
XStart the engine again.
Please bear in mind that lengthy and frequent starting attempts will drain the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor can be
heard. The reserve fuel
warning lamp is lit and
the fuel gage is at 0.The fuel tank has been run dry.
XRefuel the vehicle.
If you drive until the fuel tank is completely empty, air may get into the
fuel system. If the engine does not start after refueling, bleed the fuel
system as follows:
XTurn the key to position 2in the ignition for approximately
10 seconds.
XStart the engine continuously for a maximum of 60 seconds.
If the engine does not start:
XWait approximately 2 minutes.
XRestart the engine continuously for a maximum of 60 seconds.
XIf the engine still fails to start, do not continue trying to start it.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The vehicle cannot be
driven at a speed
exceeding 5 mph
(8 km/h).
The yellow ;Check
Engine lamp and the yel-
low å DEF indicator
lamp
2light up.
The exhaust gas aftertreatment system is defective or an emissions-
relevant malfunction has occurred.
This malfunction or defect can damage the exhaust gas aftertreat-
ment.
XObserve the messages in the display:
Ron vehicles without steering-wheel buttons (Ypage 178)
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons (Ypage 187).
The engine does not
start.
The starter motor cannot
be heard.The battery isolating switch is switched off.
XSwitch on the power supply (Ypage 118).
2Only vehicles without steering-wheel buttons.
Driving123
Driving and parking
Z
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
Maximum permitted weights and loads
!On vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 11030 lbs (5003 kg), the permissible
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 transmission or to the trailer tow hitch.
If the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden, the relevant value for the permissible gross vehicle weight
or the permissible trailer load is therefore lower. In this case, the trailer or the vehicle may only
be partially loaded.
The permissible weights and loads which cannot be exceeded can also be found:
Rin your vehicle documents and
Ron the identification plates of the trailer tow hitch, trailer and vehicle (Ypage 276).
You will find the basic values approved by the manufacturer in the following table. If the values differ,
the lowest value applies.
Make sure that you adhere to the weight restrictions by having the weight checked on a calibrated
weighbridge.
Vehicle
typePermissi-
ble gross
weight
GVWRGross
front axle
load
GAWR
(FA)Gross rear
axle load
GAWR
(RA)Maximum
permissi-
ble gross
weight of
vehicle/
trailer com-
bination
13
GCWR
Trailer
load14GTW
Maximum
permissi-
ble nose
weight
TWR
25008550 lbs
(3878 kg)3970 lbs
(1801 kg)5360 lbs
(2431 kg)13550 lbs (6146 kg)5000 lbs
(2268 kg)500 lbs
(227 kg)
35009900 lbs
(4490 kg)
Canada only4080 lbs
(1851 kg)7060 lbs
(3202 kg)14900 lbs
(6759 kg)155000 lbs
(2268 kg)15500 lbs
(227 kg)15
4410 lbs
(2000 kg)15250 lbs
(6917 kg)167500 lbs
(3402 kg)16750 lbs
(340 kg)16
9990 lbs
(4531 kg) USA only4080 lbs
(1851 kg)7060 lbs
(3202 kg)14990 lbs
(6799 kg)155000 lbs
(2268 kg)15500 lbs
(227 kg)15
4410 lbs
(2000 kg)15250 lbs
(6917 kg)167500 lbs
(3402 kg)16750 lbs
(340 kg)16
10141 lbs (4600 kg)4080 lbs
(1851 kg)7060 lbs
(3202 kg)14990 lbs
(6799 kg)155000 lbs
(2268 kg)15500 lbs
(227 kg)15
4410 lbs
(2000 kg)15250 lbs
(6917 kg)167500 lbs
(3402 kg)16750 lbs
(340 kg)16
13Maximum permissible gross weight of the vehicle and trailer14Maximum permissible gross weight of the trailer15Only for extra-long vehicles with an overall length of 289.2 in (7344 mm).16Not for extra-long vehicles with an overall length of 289.2 in (7344 mm).
Vehicle data287
Technical data
Z
Vehicle
typePermissi-
ble gross
weight
GVWRGross
front axle
load
GAWR
(FA)Gross rear
axle load
GAWR
(RA)Maximum
permissi-
ble gross
weight of
vehicle/
trailer com-
bination
13
GCWR
Trailer
load14GTW
Maximum
permissi-
ble nose
weight
TWR
11030 lbs(5003 kg)4080 lbs
(1851 kg)7720 lbs
(3502 kg)15250 lbs (6917 kg)5000 lbs
(2268 kg)15500 lbs
(227 kg)15
4410 lbs
(2000 kg)7500 lbs
(3402 kg)16750 lbs
(340 kg)16
13Maximum permissible gross weight of the vehicle and trailer14Maximum permissible gross weight of the trailer15Only for extra-long vehicles with an overall length of 289.2 in (7344 mm).16Not for extra-long vehicles with an overall length of 289.2 in (7344 mm).
288Vehicle data
Technical data