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 168).
XTurn the light switch to the Ãposition.
XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :
(
Ypage 82).
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.
84Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers
the battery main switch. You could otherwise
damage components of the electrical system.
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
Battery main switch to the left of the center con-
sole
XRemove the key from the ignition lock and
wait for at least five minutes.
XPress button ;in the direction of the arrow
and hold.
XPull connector :from the ground pin.
XPush connector :as far to the side as pos-
sible so that it cannot make contact with the
ground 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 ground pin ;until
you feel it engage and the lock inhibitor is
released.
Connector :must be in full contact with
ground 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
On vehicles with a battery main switch, you must
first switch on the power supply (
Ypage 116).
iTo unlock the steering, move the steering
wheel slightly while turning the key to position
1 .
Driving117
Dr iving an d parking
Z
Make sure that there are no persons or
objects in the area in which you are maneu-
vering. It may be necessary to enlist the help
of a second person when maneuvering.
The reverse warning feature is a system
designed to assist you in ensuring the safety of
other road users.
A warning signal sounds to alert other road
users when reverse gear is engaged. The volume
of the warning tone can be reduced for night-
time driving.XTo reduce the volume of the warning tone:
engage reverse gear twice in quick succes-
sion.
The warning tone is now quieter.
iThe warning tone sounds at a normal vol-
ume by default. The volume of the warning
tone has to be reduced each time you engage
reverse gear if necessary.
Problems with the engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
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.
120Driving
Driving and parking
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
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
distributor named on the inside of the front
cover. Only use a ball coupling that is approved
for your vehicle and Sprinter trailer tow hitch.
You can also find information on the permitted
dimensions of the ball coupling on the identifi-
cation plate of the trailer tow hitch.You can obtain advice from a qualified specialist
workshop. Also observe the information on tow-
ing a trailer in the "Driving and parking" section
(
Ypage 152).
Maximum permissible 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.
Please make sure to comply with local trailer load regulations.
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 272).
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 load,
braked14Maximum
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
13Maximum permissible gross weight of the vehicle and trailer.14Maximum permissible gross weight of the trailer, if the trailer is equipped with a separate functional braking
system.
15Only 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 data283
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 load,
braked14Maximum
permissi-
ble nose
weight
TWR
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
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 trailer.14Maximum permissible gross weight of the trailer, if the trailer is equipped with a separate functional braking
system.
15Only 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).
284Vehicle data
Technical data