Coupling a trailer
NOTE Damage to the starter battery due to full discharge
Charging the trailer battery using the power supply of the trailer can damage the starter battery.
Do not use the vehicle's power supply to charge the trailer battery.
The eyelet on the ball neck is used exclusively for attaching the trailer breakaway cable. You must not attach a tow rope, a tow bar or anything similar to the eyelet. The eyelet has not been designed for such a load and may tear.
Shift the transmission to position
.
Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
Position the trailer on a level surface behind the vehicle.
The height of the ball head will change depending on the vehicle's load. In this case, use a trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
To install an adapter:
open the cover of the socket.
Insert the plug with the tab
into the socket's groove
.
Turn bayonet coupling
to the right as far as it will go.
Attach the cable to the trailer with cable ties (only in the case of adapter cable).
Make sure that the cable is always slack for ease of movement during cornering.
Establish all electrical and other connections to the trailer. In the process, attach the trailer's breakaway cable to the eyelet on the ball neck.
Check that the trailer's lighting system works properly.
Indicate in both directions and check whether the corresponding turn signal light on the trailer is flashing.
A trailer is detected only if the electrical connection is established correctly and the lighting system is in working order. The function of other systems also depends on this, e.g. ESP®, PARKTRONIC, Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist or Lane Keeping Assist.
Even if the trailer is connected correctly, a message may nevertheless appear on the multifunction display in the following cases:
You can connect accessories up to a maximum of 240 W to the permanent power supply.
Remove objects or devices that prevent the trailer from rolling, e.g. chocks.
Release the trailer's parking brake.
Uncoupling a trailer
WARNING Risk of being crushed and becoming trapped when uncoupling a trailer
When uncoupling a trailer with an engaged inertia-activated brake, your hand may become trapped between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
Do not uncouple trailers with an engaged overrun brake.
NOTE Damage when uncoupling in a state of overrun
Uncoupling in a state of overrun can damage the vehicle.
Do not uncouple trailers with an engaged overrun brake.
Shift the transmission to position
.
Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
Apply the trailer's parking brake.
Further secure the trailer against rolling away with a wheel chock or similar object.
Remove the trailer cables and safety chains.