
324 Towing
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Towing the vehicle
Notes:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and 
the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter switch 
if the battery is disconnected or discharged. See battery 
on page 319 or jump starting on page 321.
In order to move the vehicle, shift automatic 
transmission to position “N”.
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking, see 
page 327.Important!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the 
properly installed towing eye bolt. Never attach tow 
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame 
or suspension parts.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the 
ground and the selector lever in position “N” for 
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not 
to exceed 30 mph (50 km / h). The key must be in 
starter switch position 2.
With the automatic central locking activated and the 
engine running, the vehicle doors lock if the left front 
wheel is turning at vehicle speeds of approximately 
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking, 
deactivate the automatic central locking. See the 
individual setting menu “VEHICLE” – “AUTOMATIC 
DOOR LOCK” on page 118.
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using 
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other 
types of towing. 
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie down 
vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the 
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in 
starter switch position 2.If the electronic key is left in the starter switch 
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no 
longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the 
steering is locked. To unlock, remove electronic key 
from starter switch and reinsert.
With the engine not running, there is no power 
assistance for the braking and steering systems. In 
this case, it is important to keep in mind that a 
considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to 
brake and steer the vehicle.
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326 Towing
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Engine damage /Transmission damage,
Electrical malfunction
To be certain to avoid additional damage to the vehicle 
powertrain, however you should do the following:
Shift automatic transmission to position “N”.
Important!
Vehicle may be towed for distances up to 30 miles 
(50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph 
(50 km/h).
For towing vehicle for distances exceeding 30 miles 
(50 km) or if the vehicle has a damaged transfer 
case, remove drive shafts to the drive axles.
When towing vehicle with one axle raised, the 
electronic key in starter switch must be in 
position 1.
With damage to front axle, raise front axle. Remove 
drive shaft between rear axle and transfer case.
With damage to rear axle, raise rear axle and tow 
vehicle with wheel lift or dolly placed under front 
wheels.Notes:
When removing drive shaft, place M10 nuts on bolts as 
distance sleeves and tighten using M8 nuts.
Always install new self-locking nuts when reinstalling 
the drive shaft.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the 
engine must be shut off (electronic key in starter switch 
position 1). Otherwise, the 4-ETS may become engaged 
which may cause loss of towing control. Switch off the 
tow-away alarm (see page 43) as well as the ESP (see 
page 245).
Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning 
flasher in use, turn electronic key in starter switch to 
position 1 and activate combination switch for left or 
right turn signal in usual manner. Now deactivate the 
hazard warning flasher, only the selected turn signal 
will operate. Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard 
warning flasher must be activated again.
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369 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AA few words about differentials and
differential locks  ....................................................... 251
ABS (Antilock brake system)  .......................................239
LOW RANGE – ABS  .................................................. 240
Air conditioner refrigerant ........................................... 363
Airbags  .............................................................................. 66
Anticorrosion/antifreeze  ................... 223, 306, 362, 366
Antiglare night position  ................................................. 79
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
Malfunction and warning message ........................ 275
Antilock brake system (ABS)  .......................................239
LOW RANGE – ABS  .................................................. 240
Antitheft alarm system  ................................................... 42
Aquaplaning  ...................................................................220
Ashtray
Center console, front  ................................................ 168
Rear passenger compartment  ................................. 169
Audio systems  .................................................................. 96
CD Player ...................................................................... 97
Radio  ............................................................................. 96Automatic central locking  .............................................. 41
Automatic climate control
Adjustable air outlets, 
rear passenger compartment  ............................. 150
Automatic transmission  ............................................... 207
Emergency Operation  ............................................... 214
Fluid level  .................................................................. 305
Selector lever position  .............................................. 210
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking  ............................................ 327
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system  ..................... 63
BAS (Brake assist system)  ........................................... 237
Battery  ............................................................................. 319
Battery recycling  ...................................................... 320
Block heater  ................................................................... 225
Brake assist system (BAS)  ........................................... 237
Brake fluid  ..............................................................217, 363
Capacity  ..................................................................... 362
Brakes  .................................................... 215, 217, 362, 363
Brush guard  .................................................................... 182
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374 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Individual settings ......................................................... 108
"CONVENIENCE"  ...................................................... 120
"INSTRUMENT CLUSTER"  .......................................110
"LIGHTING"  ................................................................114
"VEHICLE" 
(audio and central locking system)  ....................118
Infant and child restraint system
Installation  ................................................................... 75
Infant and child restraint systems  ................................ 73
Child seat mounts - LATCH type  .............................. 76
Information call
See Tele Aid  ............................................................... 192
Instrument cluster  ........................................................... 84
Indicator lamps  ........................................................... 86
Malfunction and indicator lamps  ...........................264
Instruments and controls  ............................................... 18
Interior
General notes ............................................................. 162
Interior lighting  ............................................................. 156
JJack ................................................................................... 296
Jump starting  .................................................................. 321
KKeys, changing battery ................................................. 343
Keys, vehicle  .....................................................................26LLamps, exterior .............................................................. 328
Bulbs for low and high beam  .................................. 331
Bulbs for parking and standing lamp  .................... 331
Fog lamp, front  ......................................................... 332
Front and rear side marker lamps  ........................ 337
Headlamp assembly ................................................. 329
Headlamps .........................................................329, 352
High mounted stop lamp  ......................................... 342
License plate lamps  ................................................. 340
Rear fog lamp/Backup lamp  .................................... 341
Replacing bulbs  ........................................................ 328
Taillamp assemblies  ................................................ 339
Turn signal lamp, front  ........................................... 334
Turn signal lamp, side ............................................. 335
Layout of poly-V-belt  ..................................................... 358
Lighter  ............................................................................. 170
Limp home mode 
(Automatic transmission)  ........................................ 214
Loading instructions ...................................................... 178
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