These instructions apply to the Mercedes Sprinter Mk3 (W907/W910) 2018-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
If your Sprinter has broken down or you need to move it a short distance, the driveline has to be free. On a rear-wheel-drive Sprinter with the automatic transmission you do this by selecting Neutral (N), which lets the van be pushed, rolled or towed with all four wheels on the ground.
- Bring the van to a complete stop and hold the brake pedal down. The engine can be left running.
- Push the DIRECT SELECT column stalk up or down to the first detent to select N. Check that the N indicator appears in the instrument cluster.
- Release the brake pedal. The transmission is now disengaged and the van can be pushed or towed.
Keep it in Neutral with the ignition off
To load the van onto a recovery truck it must stay in N with the engine off. Start the engine, press the brake and select N, then release the brake and switch the van off. Leave the key inside the van so the transmission stays in Neutral.
Good to know
With all wheels on the ground, an automatic rear-wheel-drive Sprinter may be towed for up to 50 km at up to 50 km/h. If a wheel or an axle is lifted, use a professional recovery firm instead.
Pressing the P button, switching off while in D or R, or opening the driver’s door while stopped in D or R all engage Park. That is why you must follow the ignition-off Neutral steps above and leave the key inside to keep the van free to roll.
Note that the mechanical park-lock release tool in the on-board kit applies only to front-wheel-drive Sprinters. This rear-wheel-drive van has no such tool and always uses the Neutral method above.
FAQ
How do I put my Sprinter in neutral to tow it?
Stop the van, hold the brake and push the DIRECT SELECT stalk to N so the N indicator shows in the cluster, then release the brake. To keep it in N with the ignition off, select N, switch off and leave the key inside the van.
Does the rear-wheel-drive Sprinter have a park-release tool?
No. The mechanical park-lock release tool is only fitted to front-wheel-drive Sprinters. On this rear-wheel-drive van you free the driveline by selecting Neutral instead.
How far can I tow it?
With all wheels on the ground you can tow it up to 50 km at up to 50 km/h. For longer distances or if a wheel is lifted, transport it on a recovery vehicle.
Why does my Sprinter keep going into Park?
Pressing the P button, or switching the van off while it is in D or R, automatically engages Park. To stop this, select N first, then switch off with the van stationary and leave the key inside.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Mercedes. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.