
160 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
If the tailgate should remain open for a longer period of
time, the cargo area lamps may be switched off
separately from the rear compartment lamps. Press the
door lock (1) down until it clicks into place (arrow).
To activate the cargo area lamps again, press the lock
cylinder (2). The cargo area lamps will switch on.
Important!
When locking the tailgate, it is important that the door
lock be in the same position as shown in the illustration.
Only drive with the tailgate closed as otherwise exhaust
fumes may enter the vehicle interior.
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192 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Tele Aid
Important!
The initial activation of the Tele Aid system may only be
performed by completing the subscriber agreement and
placing an acquaintance call using the “SOS” button.
Failure to complete either of these steps will result in a
system that is not activated. If the system is not
activated the indicator lamp in the “SOS” button stays
on after turning electronic key in starter switch to
position 2 and the message “TELE AID – NOT
ACTIVATED” will be shown in the multifunction display
for approx. 10 seconds.
If you have any questions regarding activation, please
call the Response Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
(Te l ematic Alarm Identification on Demand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three types of response;
automatic and manual emergency, roadside assistance
and information.
The Tele Aid system is operational providing that the
vehicle’s battery is charged, properly connected, not
damaged and cellular and GPS coverage is available.The speaker volume of a Tele Aid call can be adjusted
when using the volume control on the multifunction
steering wheel, for raising press buttonæ and for
lowering press buttonç.
To activate, press the “SOS” button, the Roadside
Assistance button or the Information button¡,
depending on the type of response required.
Shortly after the completion of your Acquaintance Call,
you will receive a user ID and password via first call
mail. By visiting www.mbusa.com and selecting
“Tele Aid” (USA only), you will have access to account
information, remote door unlock, Info Services* profile
and more.
* Optional System self-check
Initially, after turning the electronic key in starter
switch to position 2, malfunctions are detected and
indicated (the indicator lamps in the “SOS” button, the
Roadside Assistance button and the Information
button¡ stay on longer than 10 seconds or do not
come on). The message “TELE AID – VISIT
WORKSHOP” appears for approx. 10 seconds in the
multifunction display.
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200 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Remote door unlock
In the case you have your vehicle locked unintentionally
(e.g. key inside vehicle), and no other key is available,
contact the Mercedes-Benz Response Center at
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or 1-888-923-8367 (in
Canada). You will be asked to provide your password
which you provided when you completed the subscriber
agreement.
Then return to your vehicle and press tailgate lock for
minimum of 20 seconds until the “SOS” button is
flashing. The message “EMERGENCY CALL – CALL
CONNECTED” appears in the multifunction display.
As an alternative, you may unlock the vehicle via
Internet using the ID and password sent to you shortly
after the completion of your Acquaintance Call.
The Response Center will then unlock your vehicle with
the remote door unlocking feature.Notes:
The remote door unlock feature is available if the
relevant cellular phone network is available.
The “SOS” button will flash and the message
“EMERGENCY CALL – CALL CONNECTED” will appear
in the multifunction display to indicate receipt of the
door unlock command.
Once the vehicle is unlocked, a Response Center
spe cialist will attempt to establis h voic e con tact wit h t he
vehicle occupants.
If the tailgate lock was pressed for more than
20 seconds before door unlock authorization was
received by the Response Center, you must wait
15 minutes before pressing the tailgate lock again.
J_G463.book Seite 200 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

205 Starter switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for a extended period of time, it can no longer
be turned in the lock. In this case, remove electronic key
from starter switch and reinsert.
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
starter switch. Do not leave the electronic key in starter
switch position 0.Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
with the electronic key is in starter switch position 1
or 0.
If the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter
switch, the vehicle battery may not be sufficiently
charged. See battery on page 319 or jump starting on
page 321.
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 traf fic. 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-
consuming devices, for example:
Heated seats, rear window defroster. In addition, the
automatic climate air volume control should be set to
the lowest position.
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226 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Off-Road driving
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle characteristics and
gear changing before you attempt any difficult terrain
off-road driving. We recommend that you start out with
easy off-road travel.
Please read this chapter carefully before you begin
off-road travel.
Special driving features are available for specific kinds
of operation:
•ABS, see page 239
•ESP, see page 243
•Differential lock, see page 253
•Transfer case, see page 247
Engage the transfer case in position LOW before driving
under off-road conditions. For switching the transfer
case in position LOW, see page 247.Fasten items being carried as securely as possible, see
page 178.
We recommend to keep doors, tailgate, windows, and
roof closed whenever driving in off-road mode.
We recommend to switch the cruise control off.
Important!
Adjust vehicle speed to condition of terrain. The more
uneven, rutty and steeper the terrain, the lower the
speed should be.
Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree-stumps, ruts.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not load items on the roof. It may cause
instability during some maneuvers which could
result in an accident.
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263 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................264
On-board diagnostic system .........265
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................265
Brake warning lamp ..................266
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................267
Fuel reserve warning .................268
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................269
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............270
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp .............................270
Malfunction and indicator lamp
in the center console ................ 271
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ..... 271Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display .............. 272
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ................. 273
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ....................... 273
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR ........274
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM .... 275
BRAKE ASSIST ............................276
BRAKE PAD WEAR .................... 277
BRAKE FLUID ............................ 277
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 278
SEAT BELT SYSTEM .................. 278
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) . 279
COOLANT
(coolant level) ............................. 280
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ............... 281
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 282LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................283
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................285
DOOR ...........................................285
TRUNK OPEN .............................286
HOOD ...........................................286
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION .......287
TELE AID .....................................287
WASHER FLUID .........................288
RESTRAINT SYSTEM .................289
KEY ...............................................289
FUEL RESERVE ..........................290
UNDERVOLTAGE ........................290
ELECTRONIC BRAKE BOOSTER
(EBB) ............................................ 291
ENGINE AIR FILTER .................. 291
TC SHIFT ....................................292
TC SHIFT CONDITIONS ............292
TC IN NEUTRAL .........................293
TRANSFER CASE .......................293
J_G463.book Seite 263 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

315 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Move vehicle to a level area which is a safe distance
from the roadway.
Important!
The vehic le door s lock if t he lef t f ron t wheel r otate s with
the engine running. Do not leave the engine running
while changing a wheel.
1. Set parking brake and turn on hazard warning
flasher.
2. Move selector lever to position “P” and turn off
engine, and remove key from the starter switch.
Lock steering wheel with wheels in straight ahead
position.
3. Prevent vehicle from rolling away by blocking
wheels with wheel chocks (not supplied with
vehicle) or sizable wood block or stone. When
changing a wheel on a hill, place chocks on the
downhill side blocking both wheels of the other
axle. On a level road, place one chock in front of and
one behind the wheel that is diagonally opposite to
the wheel being changed.4. Using the wrench, loosen but do not yet remove the
wheel bolts.
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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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