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Exterior Lamp Switch
Off
Parking lamps (also side marker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the engine is running, the low beam is additionally switched on.
Parking lamps plus low beam or high beam headlamps (combination switch pushed forward).
Standing lamps, right (turn left one stop).
Standing lamps, left (turn left two stops).
Front fog lamps (pull out one stop) with parking lamps and/or low beam headlamps on.
Rear fog lamp (pull out to 2nd detent) in addition to fog lamps. Yellow indicator lamp in lamp switch
comes on.
Standing Lamps
When the vehicle is parked on the street the standing lamps (right or left side parking lamps) can be turned on,
making the vehicle more visible to passing vehicles The standing lamps cannot be operated with the electronic key in
steering lock position 2.
Note:
With the electronic key removed and a front door open, a warning sounds if the vehicle's exterior lamps (except
standing lamps) are not switched off. Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps and the low or high
beam headlamps Fog lamps should only be used in conjunction with low beam headlamps
Consult your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulations regarding allowable lamp operation. Fog lamps are
automatically switched off when the exterior lamp switch is turned to position .
Daytime Running Lamps
Canada only
When the engine is running and the selector lever is in a driving position, the low beam (includes parking lamps,
side marker lamps, taillamps and license plate lamps) are automatically switched on.
When shifting from a driving position to position "N" or "P", the low beam switches off (2 seconds delay).
For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should be turned to position to permit activation of the high beam
headlamps.
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Drinking and Driving
Warning !
Drinking and driving can be a very dangerous combination. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgement. The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is
sharply increased when you drink and drive. Please don't drink and drive or allow anyone to drive after
drinking.
Parking Brake
To engage, firmly depress parking brake pedal. When the electronic key is in steering lock position 2, the brake
warning lamp in the instrument cluster should come on brightly. To release the parking brake, pull handle on
instrument panel. The brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster should go out. A warning sounds, if you start
to drive without having released the parking brake. Also see Brake Warning Lamp Test in Index.
Driving Off
Apply the service brakes to test them briefly after driving off. Perform this procedure only when the road is clear
of other traffic. Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has
been reached. When starting off on a slippery surface, do not allow one drive wheel to spin for an extended period
with the ASR or ESP switched off. Doing so may cause serious damage to the drive train which is not covered by
the Mercedes - Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning !
Keep driver's foot area clear at all times. Objects stored in this area may impair pedal movement.
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Hood
To open:
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1) under the driver's side of the instrument panel. At the same time handle
(2) will extend out of the radiator grill (it may be necessary to lift the hood up slightly).
Caution !
To avoid damage to the windshield wiper or hood, open the hood only with wiper in the parked position. Pull handle
(2) completely out of radiator grill and open hood (do not pull up on handle).
To close:
Lower hood and let it drop into lock from a height of approx. 1 ft. (30 cm), assisting with hands placed flat on edges
of hood (3). To avoid hood damage, if hood is not fully closed, repeat closing procedure. Do not push down on hood
to attempt to fully close it.
Warning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of moving parts when the hood is open and the engine is running.
Be sure the hood is properly closed before driving. When closing hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers. The engine is equipped with a transistorized ignition system. Because of the high voltage it
is dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the ignition
system
• with the engine running,
• while starting the engine,
• if ignition is "on" and the engine is turned manually.
If you see flames, steam or smoke coming from the engine compartment, or if the coolant temperature
gauge indicates that the engine is overheated, do not open the hood. Move away from vehicle and do not
open the hood until the engine has cooled. If necessary, call a fire department.