2020 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER tow

#
In particula r,do not park on dry grass‐
land or har vested grain fields. &
WARNING Risk of accident and inju ry
due tochildren left unat tended in the
ve hicle
If ch ildren are left unat tended in theve hicle,
th ey could:
R Open doo rs,th ereby endangering other
persons or road users.
R Get out and be stru ck byoncoming traf‐
fi c.
R Ope rate ve hicle equipment and become
trapped, forex ample.
In addition, thech ildren could also set the
ve hicle in motion, forex ample by:
R Releasing the parking brake.
R Changing the transmission position.
R Starting theve hicle. #
Never lea vechildren unat tended in the
ve hicle. #
When leaving theve hicle, alw aysta ke
th eke y with you and lock theve hicle. #
Keep theve hicle key out of reach of
ch ildren. *
NO
TEDama getotheve hicle or the drive‐
train due torolling away #
Always park your vehicle safely and
according tolegal requirements. #
Always proper lysecure theve hicle
against rolling away. &
WARNING Risk of accident and inju ryif
parking brake is not applied
If yo u park theve hicle with the transmission
in park position 005Dand the parking brake is
not engaged, theve hicle may rollaw ay.
Engaging pa rkposition 005Dis not a fully ade‐
qu ate replacement forth e parking brake.
There is a risk of accident and injur y.#
Secu retheve hicle against rolling away
as desc ribed belo w. Obser
vethefo llowing points toensure that the
ve hicle is properly secured against rolling away
unin tentionally: #
alwa ys apply the parking brake. #
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
engage transmission position 005D. #
On uphill or downhill inclines: turnthe
front wheels towa rdsth e curb. #
On uphill or downhill inclines: securethe
re ar axle with a chock or an object without
sharp edges.
% Yo
u can operate the side windo wsforfive
minutes af teryo u ha veswitched off theve hi‐
cle. Manual parking brake
Applying/releasing
the handbrake le ver &
WARNING Risk of skidding or an acci‐
dent bybraking with the parking brake
If yo u ha vetobrake your vehicle with the
parking brake, the braking dis tance is consid‐
erab lylonger and the wheels may loc k.There
is an increased risk of skidding and/or acci‐
dent. #
Only brake theve hicle with the parking
brake if the service brake has failed. #
Inthis case, do not apply the parking
brake with too much forc e. #
Ifth e wheels loc k,immediately release
th e parking brake as much as required
fo rth e wheels toturn again. &
WARNING Risk offire and an accident if
th e parking brake is not released
If th e parking brake is not fully released when
driving, thefo llowing situations can occur:
R The parking brake can overheat and cause
a fire
R The parking brake can lose its holding
function #
Comple tely release the parking brake
before driving off. The brake lights do not light up when
you brake
th eve hicle with the parking brake. Driving and parking
141

Fo
rth e automatic functions towo rkcor rectl y,the
driver must be seated in the cor rect seat position
(/ page 64).
The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board electrical sy stem volt‐
age. If the on-board electrical sy stem voltage is
low or there is a malfunction in the sy stem, it
may not be possible toapply the electric parking
brake and theye llow 0024 indicator lamp lights
up.
In this case, park theve hicle in thefo llowing way:
R Park theve hicle on le velground and secure it
to prev ent it from rolling away.
R Ve
hicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission toposition 005D.
% The electric parking brake is only actually
applied when there d0049 and0024 (USA)
or 0024 (Canada) indicator lamps light up
continuousl y.
It may not be possible torelease a parking brake
if th e on-board electrical sy stem voltage is low or
if th ere is a malfunction in the sy stem. Inform a
qu alified specialist workshop.
When the engine is switched off, the electric
parking brake car ries out a function test at regu‐
lar inter vals. Noises are normal in this process.
Au tomatically applying the electric parking
brake
Ve hicles with automatic transmission:
The electric parking brake is auto matically
applied when the transmission is in position 005D.
In addition, at least one of thefo llowing condi‐
tions must be fulfilled:
R The engine is switched off
R The driver is not sitting in the driver's seat
R The belt buckle is undone To
prev ent the electric parking brake from apply‐
ing automaticall y,pull switch 1.
The electric parking brake is also automatically
applied if Active Dis tance Assi stDISTRONIC has
brought theve hicle toast andstill.
In addition, at least one of thefo llowing condi‐
tions must be fulfilled:
R The engine is switched off
R The driver is not sitting in the driver's seat
R The belt buckle is undone
R There is a sy stem malfunction
R The po wer supp lyis insuf ficient
R The vehicle is stationary for a long time
The red0049 and0024 (USA) or 0024(Canada)
indicator lamp in the instrument display lights up.
The electric parking brake is only actually applied
when there d0049 and0024 (USA) or 0024
(Canada) indicator lamps light up continuousl y.
Re leasing the electric pa rking brake automat‐
ically
Ve hicles with automatic transmission:
The electric parking brake of your vehicle is
re leased when all of thefo llowing conditions are
fulfilled:
R The driver is sitting in the driver's seat.
R The driver is belted.
R The engine is running.
R The transmission is in position 005Bor005E and
yo u depress the accelera tor.
or
Yo u swit chfrom transmission position 005Dto
position 005Bor005E. You must also depress the Driving and pa
rking 14 3

#
Method 2: interrupt the po wer supply byacti‐
va ting standby mode (/ page145). #
Method 3: disconnect all batteries. In this
case, please con tact a qualified specialist
wo rkshop.
% Charge
thest ar ter battery every 6 months,
eve n if it has been disconnected or in
st andby mode.
The charge leve l of thest ar ter battery must be
ch eckedeve ryfour we eks if no measures are
ta ke nto maintain the battery charge. #
Voltage of thest ar ter battery below
12 .2 V: charge thest ar ter battery topreve nt
deep discha rge damage.
% Yo
u can obtain fur ther information at a quali‐
fi ed specialist workshop. St
andby mode Ac
tivating/deactivating standby mode
Re quirements:
R The engine is switched off.
When you activate standby mode, the energy loss
is minimized if theve hicle is par kedfo r an exten‐
ded pe riod.
St andby mode has thefo llowing characteristics:
R The star ter battery is pr otected.
R The maximum non-operational time is shown
inthe media displa y.
R The connection toonline services is inter rup‐
te d.
R The ATA (anti-theft alarm sy stem) is not avail‐
able.
R The interior motion sensor and tow- aw ay
alarm functions are not available.
If th efo llowing conditions are met, standby mode
can be activated or deactivated using the multi‐
media sy stem:
R The engine is switched off.
R The ignition is switched on.
If th e displa yed non-operational time of theve hi‐
cle is exceeded, there could be a loss of comfort
and thest ar ter battery can no longer be guara n‐
te ed toreliably start the engine. The
star ter battery must firs t be charge d in the
fo llowing situations:
R The non-operational time of theve hicle is to
be extended.
R The messa gethat the battery charge is not
suf ficient forst andby mode appears in the
media displa y.
% St
andby mode is automatically deactivated
when the ignition is switched on.
On-board computer: 4 Settings 5
Vehicle
5 Ruhezustand (Stan dby) #
Toactivate/deactivate: selectYesorNo.
% If
th e options are gr ayed out, then the battery
ch arge is not suf ficient forst andby mode. Driving and driving saf
ety sy stems Note
on driving sy stems and your responsibil‐
ity Yo
ur vehicle is equipped with driving sy stems
which assist you in driving, parking and maneu‐
ve ring theve hicle. The driving sy stems are aids
and do not relie ve you of your responsibility.
Alw ays pay attention tothe tra ffic and inter vene
if necessa ry. Be aware of the limitations rega rd‐
ing the safe use of these sy stems. Information about sensors
Cer
tain driving and driving saf ety sy stems use
sensors 1tomonitor the area in front of, behind
or next totheve hicle (depending on theve hicle's
equipment). Driving and parking
14 5

Information on Hill
Start Assist Hill
Start Assist holds theve hicle for a short time
when pulling away on a hill under thefo llowing
conditions:
R Vehicles with automatic transmission: the
transmission is in position 005Bor005E.
R The pa rking brake has been released.
This gives you enough time tomo veyour foot
from the brake pedal tothe accelerator pedal and
depress it before theve hicle begins toroll. &
WARNING Risk of accident and inju ry
due totheve hicle rolling away
Af ter a short time, Hill Start Assist no lon ger
holds theve hicle and it can rollaw ay. #
Therefore, swiftly mo veyour foot from
th e brake pedal tothe accelerator
pedal. Ne ver attem pttolea vetheve hi‐
cle if it is being held byHill Start Assist. HOLD function
HOLD function
Re quirements:
R The seat occupancy recognition on the driv‐
er's seat has de tected that the driver has fas‐
te ned the seat belt.
The HOLD function holds theve hicle at a stand‐
st ill without requ iring youto depress the brake
pedal, e.g. when pulling away on steep slopes or
when waiting in traf fic. When you depress the
accelerator pedal topull away,th e braking ef fect
is canceled and the HOLD function is deactiva‐
te d.
The HOLD function is only an aid. The responsibil‐
ity forth eve hicle safely standing still remains
with the driver.
Sy stem limits
The HOLD function is only intended toprov ide
assis tance when driving and is not a su fficient
means of safeguarding theve hicle against rolling
aw ay when stationar y.
R The incline must not be greater than 30%.
Ac tivating/deactivating the HOLD function
Requ irements: R
The vehicle is stationar y.
R The engine is running or it has been au tomati‐
cally switched off bythe ECO start/ stop func‐
tion.
R The driver is seated and belted.
R The electric parking brake is released.
R Vehicles with automatic transmission: the
selector le ver is in position 005B,005Eor005C.
R Active Dis tance Assi stDISTRONIC is deacti va‐
te d.
Ac tivating the HOLD function &
WARNING Risk of an accident due tothe
HOLD function being activated when you
lea vetheve hicle
If yo u lea vetheve hicle while only the HOLD
function is braking theve hicle, theve hicle
can rollaw ay inthefo llowing situations:
R Ifth ere is a malfunction in the sy stem or
in the po wer supp ly.
R Ifth e HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelera tor pedal or brake
pedal, e.g. byave hicle occupant. #
Always deactivate the HOLD function
and secure theve hicle against rolling
aw ay before leaving theve hicle. *
NO
TEDama gefrom auto matic braking When
Active Brake Assi st,Ac tive Dis tance
Assi stDISTRONIC or the HOLD function are
activated, theve hicle brakes autonomously in
cer tain situations.
To avo id damage totheve hicle, deactivate
th ese sy stems in thefo llowing or similar sit‐
uations: #
During towing #
In a car wash #
Make sure that the activation conditions are
met. #
Depress the brake pedal until the00D9 dis‐
play appears in the multifunction displa y.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
re lease the brake pedal.
% If depressing
the brake pedal thefirs t time
does not acti vate the HOLD function, wait
brief lyand then try again. Driving and parking
15 5

designed
forth e trailer operation
re qu irements. #
Do not modify the ball coupling or the
trailer hitch. &
WARNING Risk of accident and inju ry
due toan incor rectly ins talled ball cou‐
pling
If th e ball coupling is not ins talled and
engaged cor rectly, it may become de tach ed
during tr avel and endanger other road users.
There is a risk of fata l injur y. #
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling manufac‐
turer's ins tallation instructions. #
When the ball coupling has been ins tal‐
led, ensure that it is cor rectly secu red
before every trip. &
WARNING Risk of accident due toan
incor rectly ins talled and secured ball
coupling
If th e ball coupling has not been cor rectly
ins talled and secured, the trailer can become
de tach ed. #
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling manufac‐
turer's ins tallation instructions. #
When the ball coupling has been ins tal‐
led, ensure that it is cor rectly secu red
before every trip. *
NO
TEWearing out the brake linings by
continuously dep ressing the brake pedal #
Do not depress the brake pedal continu‐
ously whilst driving. #
Touse the braking ef fect of the engine,
shift toa lo werge ar in good time. Alw
ays comply with the operating instructions of
th e manufacturer of the trailer coupling and the
ball nec k.
Place your vehicle/trailer combination on sur fa‐
ces that are as even as possible and secu reit
against rolling away ( /page 140). Couple and
uncouple the trailer carefully.
When backing up theto wing vehicle, ensure that
th ere is no-one between theve hicle and the
traile r. If
yo u do not couple the trailer totheto wing vehi‐
cle cor rectly, the trailer may become de tach ed.
Once it has been coupled and is roadwor thy, the
trailer mu stbe in a horizon tal position behind the
to wing vehicle.
No tethefo llowing rega rding theto ngue weight:
R Make full use of the maximum tongue weight,
where possible.
R Neverfa ll below a legally prescribed minimum
to ngue weight; theto ngue weight must
alw ays be positive.
R Do not exceed or fall below the permissible
to ngue weights – this must be obser ved dur‐
ing loading and unloading of the trailer.
Do not exceed thefo llowing values:
R Perm itted braked or unbraked towing capa‐
city
The maximum permissible towing capacity for
unbraked trailers is 1,653 lbs (750 kg).
R Perm issible rear axle load of theto wing vehi‐
cle
R Perm issible gross mass of theto wing vehicle
R Perm issible gross mass of the trailer
R Perm issible gross comb ination mass
R Maximum permissible speed of the trailer
The releva nt pe rmitted values, which must not be
exc eeded, can be found in thefo llowing places:
R Inyour vehicle documents
R Onthe identification plate of the trailer hitch
R Onthe trailer's identification plate
R Ontheve hicle identification plate
If th ere are discrepancies between theva lues, the
lo we stone shall appl y.
Before driving off, ensu rethefo llowing:
R The tire pressure on there ar axle of theto w‐
ing vehicle has been set forth e maximum
load.
R The headlamps ha vebeen set cor rectly.
Va lues appr ovedby the manufacturer can be
fo und on the identification plates and in the sec‐
tion forth eto wing vehicle (/ page311). 17 0
Driving and pa rking

Yo
ur vehicle will beha vediffere ntly wi tha trailer
re lative towithout a trailer:
R The vehicle/trailer combination will be heav‐
ier.
R The vehicle/trailer combination will be
re stricted in its acceleration and climbing
ability.
R The vehicle/trailer combination will ha vean
inc reased braking dis tance.
R The vehicle/trailer combination will be more
susceptible tocrosswind gu sts.
R The vehicle/trailer combination will requ ire
more sensitive steering.
R The vehicle/trailer combination will ha ve a
lar ger turning circle.
This may impair theve hicle's driving characteris‐
tics.
When driving with a vehicle/trailer combination,
alw ays adapt your speed tothe cur rent road and
we ather conditions. Drive carefull y.Ke ep a suf fi‐
cient safe dis tance.
Co mply withthe maximum speed of 49 mph
(80 km/h) or 62 mph (100 km/h), even in coun‐
tries in which higher speeds are permitted for
ve hicle/trailer combinations.
Comply with the legally prescribed maximum
speed forve hicle/trailer combinations in forc e in
th e count ry,st ate or Canadian pr ovince in ques‐
tion. Before setting off, consult the trailer's vehi‐
cle documents tosee the maximum permissible
speed foryo ur trailer.
At tach only an appr oved trailer hitch to yourvehi‐
cle. Use only a ball neck that has been appr oved
fo ryo ur vehicle. Further information about availa‐
bility and ins tallation of the trailer electrics is
av ailable from any qualified specialist workshop.
The trailer hitch is one of the most impor tant
ve hicle parts forro ad saf ety. Comply with the
instructions on operating, maintaining and servic‐
ing in the manufacturer's operating instructions.
% Yo
ur vehicle's bumpers are not suitable for
ins talling de tach able trailer tow hit ches.
Do not attach any rented trailer tow hit ches or
any other de tach able trailer tow hit ches tothe
bumpers.
% When using a trailer,
remember that
PA RKTRONIC is available only toa limited
ex tent, if at all.
% The height of
the ball head will change
depending on theve hicle's load. In this case, use a trailer with a height-adjus
table dr aw‐
bar.
Driving no tes
The maximum permissible speed forve hicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, consult the trailer's
ve hicle documents tosee the maximum permissi‐
ble speed foryo ur trailer.
Yo ur vehicle will beha vediffere ntly wi tha trailer
re lative towithout a trailer, and will consume
more fuel. In the case of a long and steep
descent, you must select shift range 3,2or 1in
good time.
% This also applies if
the cruise cont rol is
switched on.
Yo u will thereby make use of the engine's braking
ef fect and will not ha vetobrake as of tento con‐
trol the speed. This will take some of thest ra in
off the brake sy stem and pr event the brakes from
ove rheating and wearing tooqu ickl y.Ifyo u need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal inter‐
mittently rath er than continuousl y.
Driving tips
If th e trailer sw ays, remember thefo llowing
points:
R Do not accelerate under any circums tances.
R Do not counter steer.
R If necessar y,apply the brakes.
% Yo
u can pr eventthe trailer from sw aying and
rock ingbyretrofitting stabilizer bar or trailer
st ability programs. You can obtain fur ther
information from an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
When you are driving with a trailer, comply with
th efo llowing points:
R Maintain a greater dis tance than when driving
without a trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptl y.If possible, brake gen‐
tly firs t of all so that the trailer closes up
behind your vehicle. Then, increase the brak‐
ing forc era pidl y.
R The values given forst art-off gradeability
re ferto sea le vel. When driving in moun tain‐
ous areas, no tethat engine output, and there‐
fo re start-off gradeability, will dec rease with
inc reasing altitude. Driving and parking
171

Coupling/uncoupling a trailer
Coupling a trailer
* NO
TEDama getotheve hicle battery due
to full discharge Charging
the trailer battery using the po wer
supply of the trailer can damage theve hicle
batter y. #
Do not use theve hicle's po wer supply
to charge the trailer batter y. #
Shift the selector le verto position 005D. #
Apply theve hicle's parking brake. #
Close all the doors. #
Position the trailer on a le vel sur face behind
th eve hicle.
% The ball head height
changes depending on
th eve hicle's load. In this case, use a trailer
with a height-adjus table trailer dr awbar. #
Couple up the trailer. #
Establish all electrical and other connections
to the trailer. #
Remo veobjects or devices which pr eventthe
trailer from rolling, e.g. wheel choc ks. #
Release the trailer's parking brake.
% The
vehicle harness has a cable connection
to the brake light indicator lamp.
Obser vethe maximum permissible trailer dimen‐
sions (width and length).
Most US states and all Canadian pr ovinces pre‐
scribe thefo llowing points, and you are ur gently
re commended tocomply wi th these:
R Safetych ains between theto wing vehicle and
th e trailer. The chains should be routed in a
criss-cross pat tern under the trailer dr awbar.
They must be connected tothe trailer tow
hitch and not tothe bumper or totheve hicle
axle.
Lea vesuf ficient sla ckinthech ains. This
allo wsforeve n sha rpcornering.
R A separate brake sy stem is requ ired for cer‐
ta in trailers.
R A saf etyfe ature is requ ired for braked trailers.
De term ine the specific requ irements acco rd‐
ing tothere leva nt la ws.
If th e trailer becomes de tach ed from theto w‐
ing vehicle, the saf etyfe ature triggers the
trailer brakes and can thus reduce the danger. Un
coupling a trailer &
WARNING Risk of being crushed and
becoming trapped when uncoupling a
trailer
When uncoupling a trailer wi than engaged
ine rtia-activated brake, your hand may
become trapped between theve hicle and the
trailer dr awbar. #
Do not uncouple trailers with an
engaged overrun brake. Do not uncouple a trailer with an
overrun brake in
a st ate of overrun. Otherwise, there bound of the
ove rrun brake can damage your vehicle. #
Shift the selector le verto position 005D. #
Apply theve hicle's parking brake. #
Close all the doors. #
Apply the trailer's parking brake. #
Secure the trailer against rolling away with a
wheel chock or similar object. #
Remo vethe trailer cables and saf etych ains. #
Uncou plethe trailer. Information about
towing a trailer Operating a trailer is subject
tomany statutory
re gulations such as speed restrictions.
Many states also requ ire an auxiliary separate
functional braking sy stem when towing a weight
th at exc eeds a cer tain limit. Foryo ur saf ety, it is
re commended touse a separate functional brak‐
ing sy stem on any towe dve hicle.
Make sure that your trailer combination meets
local regulations. This not only applies to your
place of residence, but also to your destination.
In fo rm ation on this can be obtained from the
police and local authorities.
Comply with thefo llowing when driving with a
trailer:
R Practice cornering, stopping and backing up
in a traf fic-free location. In this wa y,yo u will 17 2
Driving and pa rking

ga
in driving experience and become accus‐
to med tothe new handling characteristics.
R Before driving, check thefo llowing:
- that the trailer tow hit chand ball coupling
are secure
- that the saf ety swit chfor braked trailers is
functioning cor rectly
- that the saf etych ains are secure and
undamaged
- that the electrical connections are secure
- that the lights are functioning cor rectly
- the wheels for dama geand cor rect tire
pressure (/ page 308)
R Adjust the outside mir rors so that you ha ve a
clear view of there ar section of the trailer.
R Ifth e trailer is equipped with an individual
braking sy stem, check before each journey
whe ther the brakes are functioning cor rectl y.
R Ifth e trailer has electronically cont rolled
brakes, pull away carefully wi th theve hicle/
trailer combination. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check whe ther the
brakes are functioning cor rectl y.
R Secu rethe load on the trailer in line with the
re qu irements and rules for load-securing
me thods.
R When driving with a trailer, check at regular
inter vals that the load is secure and that the
lights and brakes are functioning cor rectl y.
R Bear in mind that the handling characteristics
are more uns table when towing a trailer than
when driving without a trailer. Avoid sudden
st eering mo vements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowl y,has a reduced
climbing ability and an increased braking dis‐
ta nce. It is more susceptible toside winds
and requ ires careful steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenl y,but rath er
moderately at firs t so that the trailer can acti‐
va te its brakes. Then inc rease the pressure on
th e brake pedal.
R Ifth e automatic transmission shifts between
ge ars on uphill or downhill gradients, restrict
th e shift range. Select shi ftrange 4, 3, 2 or 1.
A lo werge ar and reduced speed decrease the
ri sk of engine damage.
R When driving on a downhill gradient, shift to a
lo we rge ar to use the engine's braking ef fect. Av
oid cons tant braking, as this could cause
th eve hicle brakes and possibly also the
trailer brakes toove rheat.
R Ifth e coolant temp erature increases signifi‐
cant lywhen the air-conditioning sy stem is
switched on, switch the air-conditioning sys‐
te m off.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the air flow and thete mp erature of
th e heater or air conditioning tothe maximum
le ve l. Open the windo wsif necessar y.
R When overtak ing, pay particular attention to
th e increased overtaking dis tance of your
ve hicle/trailer combination.
Due tothe length of your vehicle/trailer com‐
bination you will require a longer stre tch of
ro ad before swit ching back tothe original
lane. Pe
rm issible trailer loads and trailer dr awbar
nose weights We
ight information &
WARNING Risk of accident due to
unbraked trailer with excessively high
gross weight
If yo uto w a trailer without a separate func‐
tional braking sy stem and a gross trailer
we ight (G TW) of more than 1635 lbs (750 kg),
th en theve hicle brake sy stem may overheat.
This increases the braking dis tance and the
brake sy stem may even fail. #
Always use a trailer with a separate
functional braking sy stem when towing
a trailer with a gross trailerweight
(G TW ) of more than 1635 lbs (750 kg). *
NO
TEDama getothe drive train, trans‐
mission or trailer tow hit chdue toexc ess
gross combination weight The permissible
gross combinationweight is
exc eeded.
The drive train, the transmission or the trailer
to w hit chmay be dama ged. #
Comply with the permissible gross com‐
bination weight. Fo
rve hicles with a permissible gross vehicle
we ight of 11030 lbs (5003 kg),th e permissible
gross combination weight is less than the sum of Driving and parking
17 3