155 Controls in detail
Good visibility
Rear window defroster
Turn the SmartKey in starter switch to
position2.
Activating
Press button F in the control panel
of the climate control.
The indicator lamp in the button comes
on.
Deactivating
Press button F in the control panel
of the climate control.
The indicator lamp in the button goes
out.
!Heavy accumulation of snow and ice
should be removed before activating
the defroster.
The defroster is automatically turned
off after approximately 6-17 minutes of
operation depending on the outside
temperature and vehicle speed.
If several power consumers are turned
on simultaneously, or the battery is
only partially charged, it is possible that
the defroster will automatically turn it-
self off.
When this happens, the indicator lamp
inside the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has sufficient
voltage, the defroster turns itself back
on.
iThe rear window defroster uses a large
amount of power. To keep the battery
drain to a minimum, turn off the de-
froster as soon as the rear window is
clear.
161 Controls in detail
Climate control
Deactivating
Press button O briefly.
The indicator lamp in the button goes
out.
The air recirculation mode is deactivated
automatically:
after 30 minutes if the outside temper-
ature is above about 41°F (5°C)
after 5 minutes if the outside tempera-
ture is below about 41°F (5°C)
after 5 minutes if economy mode
AC
OFF
is selected
Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible
to continue to heat or ventilate the interior
for a short while, depending on the temper-
ature setting of the climate control. Air vol-
ume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
Activating
Turn the SmartKey in starter switch to
position1 or0 or remove it from the
starter switch.
Press button °.
The indicator lamp in the button comes
on.
Set the left and right temperature to
your personal requirements.Deactivating
Press button ° again to switch off.
The indicator lamp in the button goes
out.
The residual heat is automatically turned
off:
when the SmartKey in starter switch is
turned to position2
after about 30 minutes
if the battery voltage drops
iThe air recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside tempera-
tures.
If you have turned off the air condition-
er or the outside temperature is below
41°F (5°C), the air recirculation mode
will not switch on automatically.
190 Controls in detailUseful featuresTele Aid The Tele Aid system
(Telematic 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 provid-
ing that the vehicle’s battery is charged,
properly connected, not damaged and cel-
lular 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. To
raise, press buttonæ and to lower,
press buttonç.
To activate, press the SOS button, the
Roadside Assistance button• or
the Information button¡, depend-
ing on the type of response required.Shortly after the completion of your ac-
quaintance call, you will receive a user ID
and password via first call mail. By visiting
www.mbusa.com and selecting “Tele Aid”
( U S A o n l y ) , y o u w i l l h a v e a c c e s s t o a c c o u n t
information, remote door unlock, profile
and more.
!The initial activation of the Tele Aid sys-
tem may only be performed by com-
pleting 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
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and the message
TELE AID
EMERG. CALL – NOT ACTIVATED
will be
shown in the multifunction display for
approx. 10 seconds.
If you have any questions regarding ac-
tivation, please call the Response Cen-
ter at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or
1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
iThe SOS button is located above the in-
terior rear view mirror.
The Roadside Assistance button•
and the Information button¡ are
located below the center armrest cov-
er.!The Tele Aid system utilizes the cellular
network for communication and the
GPS (Global Positioning System) satel-
lites for vehicle location. If either of
these signals are unavailable, the
Tele Aid system may not function and if
this occurs, assistance must be sum-
moned by other means.
235 Operation
Battery
Battery
The battery is located in front of the rear
seat bench and below the cup holder. Jump
starting terminals are located in the left
side of the engine compartment
(page 314). Refer to Service Booklet for
battery maintenance intervals.
The battery should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve its rated ser-
vice life.
If you use your vehicle less than approxi-
mately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for short-distance trips, or if it is not
used for long periods of time, you will need
to have the battery charge checked more
frequently and corrected if necessary.
When replacing batteries, always use bat-
teries approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center about steps you need to observe.Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
For more information, see “Battery”
(
page 311).
G
Observe all safety instructions
and precautions when handling
automotive batteries.
A
Risk of explosion
D
Keep flames or sparks away
from battery. Do not smoke.
B
Battery acid is caustic. Do not
allow it to come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with clear
water and seek medical help if
necessary.
E
Wear eye protection.
C
Keep children away.
F
Follow the instructions in this
Operator’s Manual.
iIf the battery is discharged
you will no longer be able to turn
the SmartKey in the starter switch
the gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP
288 Practical hintsUnlocking/locking in an emergency
Press lock cylinder2 and pull on tail-
gate handle3.
Open the tailgate to the side.
Locking the vehicle
If you are unable to lock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, lock it with the mechanical
key as follows:
Close the passenger doors and the tail-
gate.
Press the central locking switch in the
cockpit (
page 92).
Check to see whether the locking
knobs on the passenger doors are still
visible. If necessary, push them down
manually.
Slide the mechanical key2 out of the
SmartKey.
Lock the driver’s door with the me-
chanical key.
Check if the tailgate is locked. If nec-
cessary lock the tailgate with the me-
chanical key.
Changing batteries in the SmartKey
If the batteries in the SmartKey are dis-
charged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
Warning!
G
The tailgate swings open to one side. Always
make sure there is sufficient clearance for
tailgate.iUnlocking your vehicle with the me-
chanical key will trigger the anti-theft
alarm system. To cancel the alarm, do
one of the following:
Press button Œ or ‹ on the
SmartKey.
Insert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.
Warning!
G
Keep the batteries out of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately.
289 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
1Mechanical key
2Battery compartment
Replacement batteries:
Lithium, type CR 2025 or equivalent.
Remove mechanical key (
page 287).
Insert the mechanical key1 in side
opening and push briefly gray slide.
Battery compartment2 is unlatched.
Pull battery compartment2 out of the
SmartKey housing in direction of ar-
row.
Remove the batteries.
3Battery
4Contact spring
Using a lint-free cloth, insert new bat-
teries under the contact spring with the
plus (+) side facing up.
Return battery compartment into hous-
ing until locked in place.
Slide mechanical key1 back into the
SmartKey.
iWhen changing batteries, always re-
place both batteries.
The required replacement batteries are
available at any Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
iWhen inserting the batteries, make
sure they are clean and free of lint.
312 Practical hintsBatteryDisconnecting the battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Disconnect the battery negative lead.
Remove the cover from the positive ter-
minal.
Disconnect the battery positive lead.
Remove the breather hose from the
battery.
Reconnecting the battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover.
Connect the negative lead.
Install the breather hose.
!Never loosen or detach battery termi-
nal clamps while the engine is running
or the SmartKey is in the starter switch.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be se-
verely damaged.
iWith a disconnected battery
you will no longer be able to turn
the SmartKey in the starter switch
the gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP
!Never invert the terminal connections.!The battery, its filler caps and the vent
tube must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation.
iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnec-
tion):
Set the clock (see COMAND opera-
tor’s manual).
Resynchronize the front seat head
restraints and seat adjustment fore,
aft (
page 95).
Synchronize the ESP (
page 263).
316 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleWarning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake 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 ve-
hicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.iThe gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP and the SmartKey
will not turn in the starter switch if the
battery is disconnected or discharged.
See notes on the battery (
page 311)
or on jump starting (
page 313).
Manually unlocking transmission gear
selector lever (
page 290).
iTo signal turns while being towed with
hazard warning flasher in use, turn
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate combination
switch for left or right turn signal in usu-
al manner – only the selected turn sig-
nal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the haz-
ard warning flasher will operate again.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, the vehicle doors
lock if the wheels are turning at vehicle
speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more.
To prevent the vehicle doors from lock-
ing, deactivate the automatic central
locking (
page 133).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the towing eye. Never at-
tach tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to
vehicle chassis, frame or suspension
parts.