Page 166 of 317
163 Steering lock
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible 
dead battery, always remove the key from the steering 
lock. Do not leave the key in steering lock position 0.
Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened 
while the key is in steering lock position 1 or 0.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the 
alternator (output) is limited.It is therefore recommended that you turn off 
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of 
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system 
may be minimized by turning off the following power 
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window 
defroster. 
     
        
        Page 203 of 317

200 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering 
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine 
running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on 
permanently while the engine is running, a malfunction 
has been detected in either system. As a result, it is 
possible that now only partial engine output will be 
available. If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system 
functions in the usual manner, but without BAS.If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the BAS and 
the ESP are switched off. When the voltage is above this 
value again, the malfunction indicator lamp should go 
out and the BAS is operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS is also switched 
off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on with the 
engine running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp stays 
illuminated, have the BAS or ESP checked at your 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon 
as possible. 
     
        
        Page 205 of 317

202 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
ABS is operational.
If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated, 
have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.Notes:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions 
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as 
appropriate.
Operating the vehicle on a single axle dynamometer 
should only be done for briefly testing the brakes. To do 
so, move selector lever to position “N”. The engine must 
be shut off (key in steering lock position 0 or 1).
LOW RANGE – ABS
During off-road driving a special low range system for 
the antilock brake system (ABS) is operational with 
transmission in LOW RANGE mode, see page 211.
When applying the service brakes at speeds below 
approximately 18 mph (30 km / h), the front wheels are 
locked cyclically to shorten the braking distance (dig in 
effect). This affects steering the vehicle.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics 
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase 
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded 
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or 
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent 
accidents, including those resulting from excessive 
speed in turns, following another vehicle too 
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and 
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The 
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never 
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner 
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the 
safety of others. 
     
        
        Page 225 of 317

222 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ABS malfunction indicator lamp
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the key in 
steering lock position 2 and should go out 
with the engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is 
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a 
malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake 
system functions in the usual manner, but without 
antilock assistance.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS, ESP and 4-ETS+ 
are also switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps 
come on with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
ABS is operational.
Have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
See page 201 for notes on antilock brake system (ABS).Adjustable steering wheel – indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instrument cluster 
comes on with the key in steering lock 
position 2 and should go out with the engine 
running.
If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the 
engine, the adjustable steering column is not properly 
locked.
For locking the adjustable telescoping steering column, 
see page 70.
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
The indicator lamp will light up for 
approximately 6 seconds, extinguish, then 
blink once, when you turn the key in 
steering lock to position 1 or 2.
The 7 indicator lamp stays lit as long as a 
BabySmart
TM compatible child seat is properly installed 
on the front passenger seat. It indicates that the front 
passenger airbag is switched off.
See page 53 for BabySmart
TM airbag and its deactivation 
system.
BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.
ABS