Applies to: vehicles with trailer assist
The trailer assist helps the driver to reverse and park the vehicle when a trailer is hitched up.
The trailer assist automatically steers the trailer in the desired direction when reversing. The driver operates the accelerator and brake pedal. The system is inactive when driving forwards and the driver must steer manually. The trailer assist limits the speed to between 3 and 7 km/h, depending on the situation. The speed cannot be increased even by pressing the accelerator.
Before every trip
- Check the condition of the sensor (black plastic ring) on the towing bracket.
- Clean and grease the ball joint before using a trailer without a stabiliser. However, you must degrease and clean the ball joint before using a trailer with a stabiliser and side friction linings or a rear carrier system.
- Check that the coupling on the trailer meets the regulations and is not worn.
- Check that the electrical connector on the trailer is plugged into the socket on the vehicle.
The technology in the trailer assist cannot defy the laws of physics and works only within the limits imposed by the system. Do not let the extra convenience afforded by the trailer assist function tempt you into taking any safety risks – this can cause accidents. The trailer assist cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
- Unintended vehicle manoeuvres can cause serious injuries.
- Always adjust your driving style to suit the vision, weather, road and traffic conditions.
- Always watch the area surrounding the vehicle. Please note that the front end of the vehicle swings out further than the rear.
- Do not allow the infotainment display to distract you from watching the traffic.
- The steering wheel turns by itself when you use the trailer assist. Do not reach into the path of the steering wheel - risk of injury!
- The trailer assist only controls the steering movements. As the driver you are always responsible for braking and accelerating and watching the traffic.
- The trailer assist does not take the vehicle surroundings into account and does not detect obstacles. It is the driver s responsibility to judge whether the trailer can be manoeuvred safely.
- The trailer assist cannot plan the movements necessary to manoeuvre the trailer. It merely steers the trailer in the desired direction.
- Always watch the trailer as it is moving and be ready to stop the manoeuvre if necessary to avoid damage. Even if the trailer assist is used correctly, in rare cases the trailer may still steer at an angle which deviates from the specified setting.
- Retrofitted parts, in particular attachments fitted to the trailer coupling, can cause damage. If any damage occurs, you should have the equipment checked by a qualified workshop.
- If you use a stabiliser on your trailer, it should have friction linings at the sides to prevent excessive wear.
- Hitch up the trailer as straight as possible. If the angle between the trailer and vehicle is too large, there is a risk that the vehicle will collide with the trailer.
- The distance from the trailer coupling to the trailer axle must be between approximately 1 metre (min.) and 5 metres (max.). For multi-axle trailers, this distance is measured from the centre of both axles.
Note
- We recommend that you practise manoeuvring with the trailer assist in a quiet location (car park or low traffic area) in order to become familiar with the system and its functions.
- The trailer assist cannot be used for trailers with steering axles.
- The trailer coupling must be seated firmly on the sensor so that the sensor can detect the turning movement. Couplings which are worn or too heavily greased are unsuitable.
- The trailer assist may be unavailable for a short period after the ignition is switched on.
- The trailer assist is not available if the trailer brake lights are defective.
- For technical reasons, trailers with LED rear lights may not always be detected by the trailer assist.
- The trailer assist may not be available on gradients of 12 % or steeper.