2017 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER ECU

When loading your vehicle for driving off-road or
on a construction site, keep the vehicle's centerof gravity as low as possible.
Checklist before driving off-road
XCheck the fuel and DEF levels (Ypage 159)
and top up (Ypage 126).
XEngine: check the oil level (Ypage 216) and
add oil (Ypage 218).
Before driving up or down steep gradients, fill
the oil to the maximum level.
iIf you drive up or down steep gradients, the
4 symbol may appear in the display. The
engine operating safety is not put at risk if you
have filled the engine oil to the maximum level
before the journey.
XVehicle tool kit: check that the jack is work-
ing (Ypage 236).
XMake sure that a lug wrench (Ypage 236),
wooden underlay for the jack, a robust tow
cable and a folding spade are carried in the
vehicle.
XWheels and tires: check the tire tread depth
(Ypage 244) and tire pressure
(Ypage 246).
Rules for driving off-road
!Always bear the vehicle's ground clearance
in mind and avoid obstacles, e.g. deep ruts.
Obstacles may damage the following parts of
the vehicle:
Rthe chassis
Rthe drive train
Rthe fuel and supply tanks
For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when driving off-road. If you have to
drive over obstacles, have the front
passenger direct you.
iWe recommend that you additionally carry a
shovel and a recovery rope with shackle in the
vehicle.
REnsure that loads and items of luggage are
securely stowed or lashed down
(
Ypage 208).
RBefore driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
shift to a low gear.
RIf the surface demands it, temporarily deacti-
vate ASR when pulling away (Ypage 54).
ROnly drive off-road with the engine running
and a gear engaged.
RDrive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
necessary in many situations.
RAvoid spinning the drive wheels.
RMake sure that the wheels always remain in
contact with the ground.
RDrive with extreme care over unknown terrain
where you can only see for a short distance.
As a precaution, get out of the vehicle to take
a look at the route to be taken in advance.
RCheck the water depth before fording.
RWatch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
tree stumps and ruts).
RAvoid edges where the surface could crumble
or break away.
Checklist after driving off-road
!If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Off-road driving places a higher demand on your
vehicle than normal road operation. Check your
vehicle after driving on rough terrain. By doing
so you will notice any damage in good time and
reduce the risk of an accident for yourself and
other road users. Clean your vehicle thoroughly
before driving on public roads.
Observe the following points after driving off-
road, on construction sites and before driving on
public roads:
XVehicles with all-wheel drive: deactivate
all-wheel drive (Ypage 145).
XActivate ASR (Ypage 54).
XClean the headlamps and tail lamps and
check them for damage.
XClean the front and rear license plates.
XClean the windshield, windows and exterior
mirrors.
XClean the steps, door sills and grab handles.
This increases safety of footing.
XClean the wheels and tires, wheel arches and
the underbody of the vehicle with a water jet.
This increases road grip, especially on wet
road surfaces.
136Driving tips
Driving and parking

Problems with PARKTRONIC
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Only the red segments in
the PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays are lit.
In addition, a warning
tone sounds for approx.
two 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 232).
XTurn the key to position 2in 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 232).
You can find information on cleaning the camera
in the "Maintenance and care" section
(
Ypage 232).
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.
Working mode151
Driving and parking
Z

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.
152Towing a trailer
Driving and 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 272).
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 156).
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.
Towing a trailer153
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.
Many states require a separate functional brak-
ing system for your trailer once a certain weight limit is exceeded. For your safety, it is recom-
mended to use a separate functional braking
system on any towed vehicle.
Make sure your vehicle/trailer combination
complies with local laws. This not only means
where you live, but also anywhere you are driv-
ing 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 is equipped with an individual
braking system, check before each journey
whether the brakes are functioning correctly.
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 210).
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 instal-
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
Towing a trailer155
Driving and parking
Z

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.
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 -
bl egros scombin ation 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. If the trailer is equipped with a separate functional braking system, then
the maximum gross trailer weight is 5000 lbs
(2268 kg )or 7500 lb s(3402 kg).
GWARNING
If you to w atrailer without aseparat efunc-
tional brakin gsystem and agross trailer
weigh t(GTW) of mor ethan 1635 lbs (750kg),
the nthe vehicl ebr ake system may overheat.
This increases the braking distance and the
brake system may even fail. There is an
increased risk of accident and injury, possibly
even fatal.
Always use a trailer with a separate functional
braking system when towing a trailer with a
gross trailer weight (GTW) of more than
1635 lbs (750kg).
Th emaximu mpermissibl etrailer dr awbar 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 maximum permissible gross combination
weight is vehicle-specific and equipment-
dependent.
When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the maximum permitted gross combi-
nation 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 t
railer and the vehicle (Ypage 272). The
basic values approved by the manufacturer can
also be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 282). If the values vary, the lowest
value always applies.
156Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
In addition,th eyellow ;CheckEngin eindicator lamp and th eyel-
low å DEFindicator lamp ligh tup in th einstrumen tcluste rand a
warning tone sounds.
You canno tdrive th evehicl eat aspeed exceedin g 5mph (8 km/h).
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
Errflashes for 5seconds, in addition th eà indicator lamp flashes in
th einstrumen tcluste rand then lights up yellow continuously.
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 127).
XClean th ewindshield (Ypage 231), particularly in th ecamera' s
field of vision .
If th eà indicator lamp goe sout ,Lan eKeepin gAssis tis opera-
tional again .
If th eproblem persists ,visit aqualified specialist workshop .
Errflashes for5seconds ,th e_ indicator lamp also flashes and then
goe sout .
Highbea mAssis tis deactivated and temporarily no toperational or
Highbea mAssis tis malfunctioning .
Possibl ecauses are:
RThe camera' sfunctionalit yis impaire ddue to heav yrain ,snow or
fog .
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 127).
XClean th ewindshield (Ypage 231), particularly in th ecamera' s
field of vision .
If th e_ indicator lamp goe sout ,Highbea mAssis tis operational
again .
If th eproblem persists ,visit aqualified specialist workshop .
176Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Highbeam AssistinoperativeHighbeamAssis tis faulty.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
HighbeamAssisttem‐porarily unavaila‐ble
Highbea mAssis tis deactivated and temporarily inoperative.
Possibl ecauses are:
RThe camera' sfunctionalit yis impaire ddue to heav yrain ,snow or
fog .
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 127).
XClean th ewindshield (Ypage 231), particularly in th ecamera' s
field of vision .
If th emalfunction has been rectified, th eHighbeam Assist
available againmessage appears.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
Check DieselExhaustFluid SeeOperator' sManual
The DE Fsupply has dropped belo w1.5US gal (5. 5l).
XAd dDE Fsupply (Ypage 126).
The display message only disappear swhen th evehicl eis stationary,
at th elatest after 20 seconds, as soo nas you switch on th eignition
or start th eengin eafter refueling.
å
XX starts remaining
Three short warning tone salso sound.
Afte rth emessage appear sfor th efirst time, th eremaining DE Fsupply
will last for approximately 1200 mile s(1900 km). The engin ecan then
only be started another 16 times .
The number of remaining engin estart sxx
(16to 0)is shown in th e
message every time th eengin eis started.
XAd dat least 1. 5US gal (5.5l)of DEF (Ypage 126).
å
Idle Mode
The yellow ;Check Engine indicator lamp also lights up and three
short warning tones sound.
You cannot drive the vehicle at a speed exceeding 5 mph (8 km/h).
XAdd at least 1.5 US gal (5.5 l)of DEF (Ypage 126).
The display message and the yellow ;Check Engine indicator
lamp only disappear when the vehicle is stationary, at the latest
after 20 seconds as soon as you switch on the ignition or start the
engine after refueling.
Check DieselExhaust Fluid SeeOperator's Manual
In addition, the yellow ;DEF indicator lamp lights up and a warning
tone sounds.
The DEF reducing agent is contaminated, diluted or is not compliant
with ISO 22241.
XHave the DEF tank cleaned and refilled at a qualified specialist
workshop as soon as possible.
184Display messages
On-board computer and displays