
84 Instrument cluster
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
High beam
BAS malfunction, see page 243
ESP malfunction, see page 243
4-ETS+ malfunction, see page 243
ABS malfunction, see page 244
Brake pads worn down, see page 247
Engine oil level low, see page 246
Coolant level low, see page 246
Transmission in LOW RANGE mode,
see page 243ESP and 4-ETS+. Adjust driving to road
condition, see page 243
Brake fluid low, see page 241
EBP malfunction, see page 222
Parking brake engaged, see page 191
Front passenger airbag automatically
switched off, see page 55
Front fog lamp, see page 103
Steering wheel adjustment not locked,
see page 74
Fasten seat belts,
see page 245
Battery not being charged properly,
see page 245
SRS malfunction, see page 242
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp
washer system low, see page 247.
BAS
ESPABSLOW
RANGE
BRAKESRS

112 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Basic setting - automatic mode
To a c ti va te :
With the engine running, briefly press the Ubutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ubutton lights up. The
temperature, air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
Temperature can be adjusted with the temperature
control, which is located in the center.
Turning the control wheel to either the blue or red dot
switches off the temperature regulation.
To deactivate:
Briefly press the Ubutton. The indicator lamp in the
Ubutton goes out. The automatic mode is switched
off, air volume control is set to fan speed 2 and air
distribution is set to positionV.To activate basic setting:
Press Ubutton at least 3 seconds.
All functions are switched to automatic mode and
temperature is set to 72˚F (22˚C).
The rear window defroster may be switched on
manually.
P83.30-3551-21

113 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Programming the basic temperature setting
Set temperature control to the desired temperature.
Press the Ubutton for 10 seconds.
The new temperature value is selected and set.Note:
Make the temperature settings in small increments.
P83.30-3552-21

163 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 ..................... 164
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 165
Maintenance ................................... 165
Tele Aid ........................................... 166
Catalytic converter ........................ 178
Emission control ............................ 179
Steering lock ................................... 180
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 182
Automatic transmission ............... 183
Parking brake ................................. 191Driving instructions .......................192
Drive sensibly – save fuel .........192
Drinking and driving .................192
Pedals ...........................................192
Power assistance .........................193
Brakes ...........................................193
Driving off ....................................194
Parking .........................................195
Tires ..............................................195
Snow chains ................................199
Winter driving instructions ......199
Deep water .................................. 201
Passenger compartment ........... 201
Traveling abroad ........................ 201
Off-Road driving ............................ 202
Trailer towing ................................ 209
Cruise control .................................214Brake assi st system
(BAS) ........................................... 217
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 219
Four-wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS+) .......... 221
Electronic brake proportioning
(EBP) ...........................................222
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ...........................................223
Transmission control –
LOW RANGE mode ...................227
Parking assist
(Parktronic) ..............................230
What you should know
at the gas station .......................235
Check regularly and
before a long trip ......................238

193 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Power assistance
BrakesExcessive use of road salt and other snow melting
chemicals spread on roads during the winter months
may cause a build up of moisture or residue to form on
the braking components. This build up or residue could
cause light corrosion of the braking components if the
vehicle is parked with the brakes cold. Apply steady and
even braking pressure when stopping the vehicle to
warm up and dry the brake components.
Important!
Please pay attention to the function of the brake assist
system (BAS), see page 217.
The condition of the parking brake system is checked
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required
maintenance service.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on and there is no
audible warning (EBP), the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the
reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep enough
to wet brake components or salty road conditions,
the first braking action may be somewhat reduced
and increased pedal pressure may be necessary to
obtain expected braking effect. Be sure to maintain
a safe distance from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time
to avoid an accident.

217 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Brake assist system (BAS)The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers by
having maximum power boost applied to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s
braking style. This can help reduce braking distances
over what ordinary driving and braking style might do.
The BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS).
Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
BAS assistance.
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply
continuous full braking power during the stopping
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the electronic
stability program (ESP) is combined with the BAS
malfunction indicator lamp.
Wa r n i n g !
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

218 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine
running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
permanently while the engine is running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. As a result, it is
possible that now only partial engine output will be
available. If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system
functions in the usual manner, but without BAS.If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the BAS and
the ESP are switched off. When the voltage is above this
value again, the malfunction indicator lamp should go
out and the BAS is operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS is also switched
off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on with the
engine running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp stays
illuminated, have the BAS or ESP checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon
as possible.

219 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Antilock brake system (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during
hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km / h)
independent of road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal,
indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure results in
applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking
power and ability to steer the vehicle.In the case of an emergency brake maneuver keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine
running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on 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.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS, EBP, ESP and
4-ETS+ are also switched off. The malfunction indicator
lamps come on with the engine running.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake
pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.