2017 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER tow

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.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
LOW RANGE is engaged:
RThe DSRsymbol is displayed in the on-board
computer.
RDSR can be activated.
DSR is activated
RThe DSRsymbol and the set speed are dis-
played in the on-board computer.
DSR is activated but is not intervening
RYou are driving at between 11 mph (18 km/h)
and 28 mph (45 km/h).
RThe DSRsymbol is displayed in 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 DSRsymbol is displayed in the on-board
computer. Also, the ---message is displayed
for 5 seconds.
DSR is activated but is not intervening
RThe DSRsymbol is displayed in the on-board
computer. Also, the ---message is perma-
nently displayed.
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
Driving system s147
Driving an d parking
Z

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 up :to
increase the speed or down =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.
Deactivating DSR
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
forward ?.
or
XAccelerate and drive faster than 28 mph
(45 km/h).
DSR deactivates automatically if:
Ryou are driving faster than 28 mph (45 km/h).
Ryou disengage th eLOW RANGE transmission
ratio.
Rthere is amalfunction in th eES P®or AB Ssys-
tem.
PARKTRONIC
Gene ral notes
PARKTRONI Cis an electronic parkin gaid. The
system is equipped wit hultrasonic sensor sin
th efron tand rear bumpers to monitor th earea
around your vehicle. PARKTRONI Cindicate svis -
ually and audibl yth edistanc ebetween your
vehicl eand an object.
Your vehicl efeatures tw oseparat esoun demit-
ters wit hdifferen tfrequencie sfor th ewarnin gtones. The warnin
granges in fron tof and behind
th evehicl eare indicate dby differen twarnin g
tones.
PARKTRONI Cis activated automatically when
you:
Rtur nth eke yto position 2in th eignition loc k
Rrelease theparkin gbrak eand
Rmov eth eselector lever to D,Nor R.
PARKTRONI Cis deactivated at speeds abov e
11 mph (18 km/h). PARKTRONI Cis reactivated
at speeds belo w10 mph (16 km/h).
Impor tant safety notes
PARKTRONI Cis only an aid. It canno treplac e
your own awareness of th eimmediat esurround-
ings. You are responsibl efor saf emaneuvering,
parkin gand pullin gaway. Whe nmaneuvering,
parkin gand pullin gaway, mak esur ethat there
are no persons, animals or objects in th emaneu-
verin garea .
!Pay particular attention to obstacles abov e
or belo wthesensor swhen parking, suc has
flower pot sor trailer towbars. PARKTRONI C
does no trecogniz esuc hobjects when they
are in th eimmediat evicinit yof th evehicle.
You could damage th evehicl eor objects .
PARKTRONI Ccan suffer interferenc efrom:
Rultrasonic source ssuc has atruck's
compressed-air brakes, an automati ccar
wash or apneumati cdrill
Rattachments to th evehicle, e.g. rear moun -
te dracks
Rnumber plates (vehicle license plates) that
are no taffixe dflat against th ebumper
Rdirty or icy sensor s
Remove adetachable trailer couplin gif it is no
longer required. PARKTRONI Cmeasures th e
minimum detection range to an obstacle from
th ebumper, no tth eball coupling.
Range ofthe sensor s
PARKTRONI Cdoes no taccoun tfor obstacles
that are:
Rbeneat hits detection range, e.g. persons, ani -
mals or objects
Rabov eits detection range, e.g. overhangin g
loads ,overhang sor truck loading ramps
148Driving systems
Driving and parking

Selector lever posi-
tionMonitoring
DFront area
Ror NFront and rear area
PNo areas activated
One or more segments light up as the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, depending on the vehi-
cle's distance from the obstacle.
From the:
Rsixth segment, an intermittent warning tone
sounds for approximately 2 seconds.
Rseventh segment, a continuous warning tone
sounds. This indicates that you have now
reached the minimum distance.
Roll-back warning
PARKTRONIC automatically monitors the area
behind the vehicle if the vehicle begins to roll
backwards without reverse gear engaged, e.g.
after stopping on an uphill gradient.
If PARKTRONIC recognizes an obstacle at a dis-
tance of at most 31 in (80 cm), all the segments
in the warning displays light up. A continuous
warning tone also sounds as the vehicle
approaches the obstacle and for a further
2 seconds after the vehicle has come to a halt.
Activating/deactivating PARKTRONIC
XPress the fbutton.
If PARKTRONIC is deactivated, the indicator
lamp in the switch lights up.
Towing a trailer
PARKTRONIC detects a coupled trailer if your
vehicle is equipped with the corresponding elec-
trical installations for trailer towing.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area
when you establish an electrical connection
between your vehicle and a trailer. If you use an
adapter for the socket, remove it from the
socket after detaching the trailer. Otherwise,
PARKTRONIC remains deactivated for the rear
area.
Remove a detachable trailer coupling if it is no
longer required. PARKTRONIC measures the
minimum detection range to an obstacle from
the bumper, not the ball coupling.
150Driving systems
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.
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

Weight information can be found in the “Per-
missible trailer and drawbar noseweights” sec-
tion (
Ypage 156).
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).
154Towing 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.
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