
77 Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Coolant temperature gauge, see page 81
2Outside temperature indicator (optional), see 
page 82
3Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement 
warning lamp, see page 220
4Left turn signal indicator lamp, see exterior lamp 
switch, page 90
5Knob for odometer / trip odometer readout / reset, 
FSS indicator, and intensity of instrument lamps, 
see page 80
64-ETS+ and ESP warning lamp, see page 221
For 4-ETS+ (four wheel electronic traction system), 
see page 203;
for ESP (electronic stability program), see page 205.7Speedometer
8Selectable:
Trip odometer, see page 80 
Main odometer, see page 80 
FSS display, see page 87 
Engine oil level indicator, see page 89
9Right turn signal indicator lamp, see exterior lamp 
switch, page 90
10Knob for setting clock, see page 80
11Tachometer, see page 82
12Gear range indicator display, see selector lever 
positions, page 168
13Clock, see page 80 

80 Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Activating instrument cluster display
The display for temperature, odometer, oil level 
indicator and clock is activated by:
•Opening the driver’s door.
•Pressing button (1) in the instrument cluster (with 
key removed or in steering lock position 0).
•Turning the key in steering lock to position 1 or 2.Display illumination
Rotate knob (1) to vary intensity of instrument lamps:
•Clockwise - instrument lamp intensity increases.
•Counterclockwise - instrument lamp intensity 
decreases.
Odometer/trip odometer
Activate the instrument cluster.
•Press knob (1) once to switch to or from odometer to 
trip odometer readout.
•Press and hold knob (1) for more than 1 second to 
reset trip odometer (with trip odometer displayed).
•Press knob (1) twice to display next scheduled 
service.
Clock
Adjusting clock (instrument cluster activated):
Minute: Pull out knob (2) and turn it to the right.
Hour: Pull out knob (2) and turn it to the left. 

88 Flexible service system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Important!
The FSS indicator is not an engine oil level indicator. 
See page 89 for engine oil level indicator.
Notes:
When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or more 
days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any such 
days not counted by the FSS can be added by your 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. 
The interval between services is determined by the type 
of driving for which the vehicle is used. For example, 
driving at extreme speeds, and cold starts combined 
with short distance driving in which the engine does not 
reach normal operating temperature, reduce the interval 
between services.
Following a completed A or B service the Mercedes-
Benz Light Truck Center sets the counter mileage to 
10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) and 365 days.
The counter can also be set by any individual. To do so:
1. Turn the key in steering lock to position 2.
2. Immediately press button (1) twice within one 
second.3. The present status for days or distance is displayed. 
Within 10 seconds turn key in steering lock to 
position 0.
4. Press and hold button (1), while turning key in 
steering lock to position 2 again. The present status 
for days or distance is displayed once more. 
Continue to hold button (1).
After approximately 10 seconds a signal sounds, and 
the display shows 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) 
for approximately 10 seconds.
5. Release button (1).
If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have it 
corrected at a Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Notes:
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles 
(Canada: 15 000 km) and 20 000 miles (Canada: 
30 000 km), or from 365 to 730 days between services.
However you choose to set your reference numbers, the 
scheduled services as posted in the Service Booklet 
must be followed to properly care for your vehicle. 

89 Engine oil level indicator
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Engine oil level indicator
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level 
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check oil level approximately 5 minutes after stopping 
the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the oil pan.
Turn the key in steering lock to position 2 and wait until 
the display “––––––” appears in the odometer display 
field.
Within 1 second press button (1) twice.The following messages are available:
“OIL i.O” 
No oil needs to be added.
“–1.0 L”
“–1.5 L”
“–2.0 L”
Add oil to upper (max) mark of the dipstick.
See page 233 for instructions on adding engine oil.
“OIL HI”
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could 
cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter not 
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The display “––––––” flashes in the odometer display 
field if a proper oil level check cannot be performed. The 
engine oil level check can be repeated after a short time.
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick, if it 
cannot be completed via the odometer display field. 
See page 233.
In this case we recommend that you have the system 
checked at a Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. 

181 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center before the onset of 
winter.
•Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil 
which is not approved for winter operation. For 
viscosity (SAE / CCMC class) and filling quantity, 
see page 292.
•Check engine coolant anticorrosion / antifreeze 
concentration.
•Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp 
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a 
premixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze 
which is formulated for below freezing temperatures 
see page 237.
•Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing 
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps 
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low 
ambient temperatures.
•Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on 
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe 
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated 
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the 
antilock brake system (ABS), the four wheel electronic 
traction system (4-ETS+), the electronic stability 
program (ESP), and electronic brake proportioning 
(EBP) can only be achieved with M+S rated radial-ply 
tires and / or snow chains recommended by 
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
For driving instructions using snow chains see 
page 179.
Deep water
Caution!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown 
depth. Before driving through water, determine its 
depth. It should not be deeper than approximately 
20 inches (50 cm).
If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to 
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or 
passenger compartment, being ingested by the air 
intake, possibly causing damage to electrical 
components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is 
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. 

224 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Low engine oil level warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the 
oil level warning lamp comes on and should 
go out when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the 
engine, or comes on with the engine running and at 
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped 
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning lamp will first come on 
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops 
further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest 
service station where the engine oil should be topped to 
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The low engine oil level warning light should not be 
ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated 
could result in serious engine damage that is not 
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In addition to the warning lamp, the engine oil level 
should be periodically checked with the dipstick or via 
the oil level indicator in the odometer display field, for 
example during a fuel stop, or before a long trip (see 
engine oil level indicator on page 89 and checking 
engine oil on page 233).Low engine coolant level warning
When the coolant level warning lamp comes 
on while driving, then the coolant level has 
dropped below the required level, or the 
coolant temperature is in the red zone. If no leaks are 
noticeable and the engine temperature does not 
increase, continue to drive to the nearest service station 
and have coolant added to the coolant system, see 
page 234. If the engine temperature reaches the red 
zone, move vehicle to an area which is in a safe distance 
from the roadway and turn off the engine. Also see 
coolant temperature gauge on page 81.
The low engine coolant level warning should not be 
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol displayed 
may cause serious engine damage not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have 
the cooling system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
Notes:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. The 
engine will overheat causing major engine damage.
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving. 

232 Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Wa r n i n g !
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 radiator fan may continue to run for 
approximately 30 seconds or even restart after the 
engine has been turned off. Stay clear from fan 
blades.
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. 

233 Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Checking engine oil level
1Oil dipstick
2Oil filler cap
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level 
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check engine oil level approximately 5 minutes after 
stopping the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the 
oil pan.Wipe oil dipstick clean prior to checking the engine oil 
level. Fully insert dipstick in tube, and remove after 
three seconds to obtain accurate reading.
Oil level must be between the 
lower (min) and upper (max) mark of 
the dipstick.
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking, 
the level is approximately 2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
Do not overfill the engine.
 Excessive oil must be drained 
or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and 
catalytic converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty.
See page 224 for low engine oil level warning.
Note:
See page 89 for engine oil level indicator.