Page 235 of 385
232 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Ruts:
Select gear range “1” on the automatic transmission, 
see page 207.
If necessary activate differential locks, see page 253.
ABS, BAS and ESP are switched off automatically when 
the differential locks are activated.
A number of off-road tracks or other byways have deep 
ruts which can cause the undercarriage to come in 
contact with the ground.
Drive next to the ruts rather than through them if at all 
possible. Notes:
Check the vehicle clearance.
Damage on the vehicle definitely increases the chance 
for a subsequent accident.
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        Page 239 of 385

236 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Notes:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently 
while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the 
cruise control may be exceeded. In this case the 
automatic transmission shifts down (max. to 3rd gear) 
to maintain the set cruise control speed by using the 
engine’s braking power.
As soon as the grade eases, the automatic transmission 
shifts up again dependent on the selector lever position.
Nevertheless, in some cases you may have to step on the 
brake pedal to slow down. In this case the cruise control 
is switched off.
Use the lever to resume the previously set speed.
For malfunction and warning messages, see page 272.Transmission in position LOW 
The cruise control should not be activated during off-
road driving in transfer case position LOW. Doing so 
could reduce driving comfort.
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        Page 250 of 385
247 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Transfer case
The switch is located in the center console.
1Off-road position “LOW” (L) (approximately 
1/2 speed). This position is intended for driving 
off-road and for steep gradients. 
The transmission will not upshift automatically to 
the next higher gear range, when driving on the 
rpm limit.
2Road position “HIGH” (H).3Transfer case indicator
4Gear range indicator
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        Page 251 of 385

248 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Switching transfer case
Switching from “HIGH” to “LOW”:
•The shift procedure can only be performed with the 
engine running.
•The vehicle speed must not exceed 25 mph 
(40 km / h).
•Move selector lever for the automatic transmission 
to position “N”, see page 207.
Press the “LOW” switch (1).
Once the shift is complete, the gear position “L” is 
displayed in the transfer case indicator (3).
If the multifunction display shows the message 
“TC SHIFT CONDITIONS NOT FULFILLED”, the shift 
does not occur.
At least one  shif t con dition was  n ot me t. Repe at t he shif t 
procedure.
Note:
Do not depress the accelerator when switching the 
automatic transmission from position “N” to “D”.If the multifunction display shows the message 
“TC IN NEUTRAL”, the shift does not occur.
The transfer case is in neutral. The gear position “N” is 
displayed in the transfer case indicator (3). Repeat the 
shift procedure.
If the multifunction display shows the message 
“TC SHIFT – CANCELLED”, the shift did not take place. 
Repeat the shift procedure.
If the multifunction display shows the message 
“TRANSFER CASE – VISIT WORKSHOP!”, there is a 
malfunction in the system.
Have the vehicle checked at your authorized Mercedes-
Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
For malfunction and warning messages in the 
multifunction display, see page 272.
Wa r n i n g !
If TC is in neutral, the “P” position of transmission 
will not hold vehicle. The parking brake must be 
applied to hold vehicle in place.
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        Page 252 of 385

249 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Note:
If the electronic key is in starter switch position 0 or 1, 
an alarm will sound if the transfer case is in 
position “N” and the drivers door is opened. 
Engage transfer case to gear position “HIGH” or “LOW”.Switching from “LOW” to “HIGH”:
•The shift procedure can only be performed with the 
engine running.
•The vehicle speed must not exceed 40 mph 
(70 km / h).
•Move selector lever for the automatic transmission 
to position “N”, see page 207.
Press the “HIGH” switch (2).
Once the shift is complete, the gear position “H” is 
displayed in the transfer case indicator (3).
If the multifunction display shows the message 
“TC SHIFT CONDITIONS NOT FULFILLED”, the shift 
does not occur.
At least on e s hif t co nd ition  was not m et. Rep eat t he s hif t 
procedure.
Note:
Do not depress the accelerator when switching the 
automatic transmission from position “N” to “D”.
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        Page 272 of 385

269 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a 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 
electronic key in starter switch position 2 
and should go out with the engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp symbol and 
warning in the instrument cluster remains illuminated 
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.
A malfunctioning ABS control unit can possibly affect 
the operation of other systems (e.g. Navigation, 
Automatic transmission). Be guided accordingly with 
respect to the use of those systems and have the system 
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck 
Center as soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning the BAS, ESP, EBB and 
4-ETS are also switched off. The malfunction indicator 
lamps and malfunction messages in the multifunction 
display come on with the engine running.If a warning tone sounds for 5 seconds and the warning 
lamps- and É are displayed in the instrument 
cluster, the EBB has a malfunction and is switched off. 
See page 242 for notes on the electronic brake booster 
(EBB).
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 239 for notes on antilock brake system (ABS).
Note:
If the transfer case differential lock is engaged the ABS 
warning lamp comes on and the ABS, ESP, BAS, EBB 
and 4-ETS are switched off. There is no malfunction in 
the system.
ABS
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        Page 298 of 385

295 Contents - Practical hints
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit, vehicle tools 
and jack  ......................................296
CD-changer  .....................................296
Fuses  ................................................297
Electrical outlet  .............................. 301
Stowing items in the vehicle  ........ 301
Hood  .................................................302
Checking engine oil level  .............304
Automatic transmission 
fluid level  ...................................305
Engine oil consumption  ................305
Coolant level  ...................................306
Adding coolant  ...........................306
Windshield washer/headlamp 
cleaning system .........................307
Windshield and headlamp 
washer fluid mixing ratio  .........307Vehicle jack  .................................... 308
Wheels  ............................................. 310
Tire replacement  ........................ 310
Rotating wheels  .......................... 311
Spare wheel cover  ..........................312
Spare wheel ..................................... 313
Changing wheels  ............................ 314
Tire inflation pressure  .................. 318
Battery .............................................. 319
Jump starting  ................................. 321
Towing the vehicle  ........................ 324
Transmission selector lever, 
manually unlocking  .................. 327
Stranded vehicle  ............................ 327
Exterior lamps  ............................... 328
Headlamp assembly  .................. 329
Fog lamp, front  ........................... 332
Turn signal lamp, front  ............ 334Turn signal lamp, side ...............335
Front and rear 
side marker lamps  .....................337
Taillamp assemblies  ..................339
License plate lamp  .....................340
Rear fog lamp / Backup lamp ... 341
Changing batteries in 
the electronic key  .....................343
Synchronizing 
remote control  ............................345
Emergency operation of 
sliding/pop-up roof  ...................346
Manual release for 
fuel filler flap .............................347
Replacing wiper blades .................348
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        Page 308 of 385
305 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Automatic transmission fluid level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic 
transmission fluid.
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and 
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is 
omitted.
If you notice fluid leaks or gear shifting malfunctions, 
have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center 
check the transmission fluid level.Engine oil consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made 
after the break-in period. During the break-in period, 
higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal. 
Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in 
increased consumption.
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