Page 145 of 385
142 Climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Display and controls
1Air volume
2Temperature control, left
3Temperature control, right
4Air distribution control switch5Rear window defroster, see page 149
6Economy mode AC
OFF, see page 147
Residual engine heat utilization, see page 148
7Air distribution and air volume (automatic)
8Air recirculation, see page 146
9Defrosting, see page 145
Important!
This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioning
system that uses R-134a (HFC: hydrofluorocarbon) as a
refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a
qualif ied technician, and refrigerant should be collected
in a recovery system for recycling.
72
F
6480
72
F
6480ACOFF
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Page 146 of 385

143 Climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Climate control
The system is always at operational readiness, except
when manually switched off, see page 147.
The climate control only operates with the engine
running.
The air conditioning will not engage (no cooling) if the
economy mode AC
OFF
is selected, see page 147.
The temperature selector should be left at the desired
temperature setting. The temperature selected is
reached as quickly as possible.
The system will not heat or cool any quicker by setting a
higher or lower temperature.
The desired interior temperature can be selected
separately for the left and right side of the passenger
compartment. Adjust the temperature settings in small
increments.
The climate control removes considerable moisture from
the air during operation in the cooling mode. It is
normal for water to drip on the ground through ducts in
the underbody.Notes:
Do not obstruct the air f low by placing objects on the air
flow-through exhaust slots on the back left and right
trim panel in the rear cargo compartment.
Also keep the air intake grill in front of the windshield
free of snow and debris.
The air conditioner switches itself off for its own
protection if refrigerant is lost. No cooling will then take
place. Economy mode AC
OFF
cannot be switched off.
Have the air conditioner checked by a Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center should this happen.
If the vehicle interior has been heated by direct sunlight
and is very hot, ventilate the interior (open door or
windows for a short period) before driving off.
Dust filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out
before outside air enters the passenger compartment
through the air distribution system.
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Page 151 of 385

148 Climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
to heat or ventilate the interior for a short while,
dependent of the temperature setting of the climate
control. Air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
To select:
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1
or 0 or remove it altogether.
Press button T. The indicator lamp in the button
illuminates.
Set the left and right temperature to your personal
requirements.
This function selection will not activate if the battery
level is insufficient. Press button T again to switch off. The indicator
lamp in the button will go out.
The function switches off automatically:
•if the electronic key in starter switch is turned to
position 2,
•after approximately 30 minutes,
•if the battery voltage drops.
J_G463.book Seite 148 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08
Page 171 of 385
168 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Ashtrays
Center console
By touching the top of the cover (1) lightly, the ashtray
opens automatically.To remove ashtray insert:
Press sliding knob (2) toward the right to eject the
insert. Remove insert (3) in direction of arrow.
To replace insert:
Install insert into ashtray frame and push down to
engage into place.
Wa r n i n g !
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle standing
still. Turn off the engine and set the parking brake.
Otherwise the vehicle might move as a result of
unintended contact with the gear selector lever.
1
P68.20-2265-26
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Page 187 of 385

184 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Telephone, generalSee separate instruction manual for instructions on how
to operate the telephone.
Cellular telephone
Wa r n i n g !
A driver’s attention to the road must always be his /
her primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, we recommend that you
pull over to a safe location and stop before placing
or taking a telephone call. If you choose to use the
telephone while driving, please use the hands-free
device and only use the telephone when road and
traffic conditions permit.Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km / h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of approximately 50 feet (approximately
14 m) every second. Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a
built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being
connected to an external antenna) from inside the
vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.
Wa r n i n g !
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
c ell ul ar tel ephone whi le d ri vin g a vehi cl e. W het her
or not prohibited by law, for safety reasons, the
driver should not use the cellular telephone while
the vehicle is in motion.
Stop the vehicle in an safe location before
answering or placing a call.
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Page 192 of 385

189 Contents - Driving
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of radio
transmitters ............................... 190
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 191
Maintenance ................................... 191
Tele Aid ........................................... 192
Catalytic converter ........................202
Emission control ............................203
Starter switch .................................204
Starting and turning off
the engine ..................................206
Automatic transmission ...............207
Parking brake ................................. 215Driving instructions ....................... 216
Drive sensibly – save fuel ......... 216
Drinking and driving ................. 216
Pedals ........................................... 216
Power assistance .........................217
Brakes ...........................................217
Driving off ....................................218
Parking ......................................... 219
Tires .............................................. 219
Snow chains ............................... 222
Winter driving instructions ..... 222
Deep water .................................. 224
Passenger compartment ........... 225
Traveling abroad ........................ 225
Off-Road driving ............................ 226
Cruise control ................................ 234Brake assist system
(BAS) ...........................................237
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ...........................................239
Four-wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS) ............ 241
Electronic Brake Booster
(EBB) ...........................................242
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ...........................................243
Transfer case ..................................247
Switching transfer case .............248
A few words about differentials
and differential locks ............... 251
Differential locks ............................253
What you should know at
the gas station ...........................258
Check regularly and before a long
trip ............................................... 261
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190 Control and operation of radio transmitters
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Control and operation of radio transmitters
COMAND, radio and telephone
1 Observe all legal requirements.
Telephones and two-way radio
Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a
citizens band unit should only be used inside the
vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is
installed on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions
regarding use of an external antenna.
Wa r n i n g !
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. Only operate
the COMAND, radio or telephone
1 if road and
traffic conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km / h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of approximately 50 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
Wa r n i n g !
Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a
built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being
connected to an external antenna) from inside the
vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.
J_G463.book Seite 190 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08
Page 194 of 385

191 The first 1 000 miles
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the
break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle
during the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) at moderate
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle
driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended
to brake t he vehicle by man ually shif tin g to a lower gear.
We recommend that you select positions “3”, “2” or “1”
only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) speeds may be gradually
increased to the permissible maximum.Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle
serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center, in accordance with the Service Booklet at the
times called for by the FSS.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance
with the Service Booklet at the designated times /
mileage may result in vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For information on the Flexible service system (FSS),
see page 124.
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