Page 218 of 344
218 OperationEngine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.
Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher oil consumption can
occur when
the vehicle is new
the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call the fire department.Warning!
G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
with the engine running
while starting the engine
if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually
Warning!
G
Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.!Do not push the hood closed manually,
as this could damage it.
iDo not use any special lubricant addi-
tives, as these may damage the drive
assemblies. Using special additives not
approved by Mercedes-Benz will
restrict your warranty entitlement.
More information on this subject is
available at any Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Page 224 of 344
224 OperationEngine compartmentBatteries 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.Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*
The windshield washer reservoir is located
in the engine compartment.
1Cap
Fluid for the windshield washer system and
the headlamp cleaning system* is supplied
from the windshield washer reservoir. It
has a capacity of 8.0 US qt (7.6 l).
During all seasons, add MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “S” to water. Premix
the windshield washer fluid in a suitable
container.
Use the tab to pull cap1 upwards
(arrow).
Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “S” and water (or
commercially available premixed wind-
shield washer solvent / antifreeze, de-
pending on ambient temperatures).
Always use washer solvent / antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below
freezing point. Failure to do so could re-
sult in damage to the washer
system / reservoir.
E
Wear eye protection.
C
Keep children away.
F
Follow the instructions in this
Operator's Manual.
!Only use washer fluid which is suitable
for plastic lenses. Improper washer
fluid can damage the plastic lenses of
the headlamps.
Page 230 of 344
230 OperationWinter driving
Winter drivingBefore the onset of winter, have your vehi-
cle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. This
service includes:
Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.
Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a premixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze which is formulated
for temperatures below freezing point
(page 307).
Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to ensure
that the engine can be started even at
low ambient temperatures.
Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the
winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, ESP, 4-ETS, and
EBP in winter operation.
For safe handling, ensure that all winter
tires mounted are of the same make and
have the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Page 236 of 344
236 OperationVehicle careEngine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment
make sure to protect electrical compo-
nents and connectors from the intrusion of
water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticor-
rosion Wax, should be applied to the en-
gine compartment after every engine
cleaning. Before applying, all control link-
age bushings and joints should be lubricat-
ed. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should
be protected from any wax.
Vehicle washing
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car wash
detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo.Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a dif-
fused jet of water. Direct only a very weak
spray towards the ventilation intake. Use
plenty of water and rinse the sponge and
chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly dry
with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning
agents to dry on the finish.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in out-
side mirrors prior to running the vehicle
through an automatic car wash to prevent
damage to the mirrors.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces
of road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not for-
get to clean the inner sides of the wheels.Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty
chrome-plated parts, use a chrome clean-
er.
Headlamps, tail lamps, side markers,
turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the lenses. Do not at-
tempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth
or sponge.
Page 266 of 344
266 Practical hintsReplacing bulbs
Replacing bulbsSafe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling. It is there-
fore essential that all bulbs and lamp as-
semblies are in good working order at all
times.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. See your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
for headlamp adjustment.
Bulbs Front lamps
iIf the headlamps are fogged up on the
inside as a result of high humidity, driv-
ing the vehicle a distance should clear
out the fogging.
Lamp
Type
1
Fog lamp
H8 (35 W)
2
High beam
H7 (55 W)
3
Low beam
H7 (55 W)
Xenon* D2S-35 W
4
Turn signal,
parking, stand-
ing and side
marker lamp
1157 NA
(32 / 3 cp bulb)
5
Additional turn
signal
LED
Page 268 of 344
268 Practical hintsReplacing bulbsReplacing bulbs for front lamps
Replacing low beam bulbs
1Low beam halogen or Bi-Xenon* head-
lamp cover with locking tab2Electrical connector
Bi-Xenon* headlampHalogen headlamp
Switch off the lights.
Open the hood (
page 217).
Push down tab at top end of cover1
and remove.
Pull electrical connector2 off.
Unclip the retainer springs and take out
the bulb.
Insert the new bulb so that the base lo-
cates in the recess on the holder.
Clip the retainer springs.
Plug the connector2 onto the bulb.
Align headlamp cover and click into
place.
Warning!
G
Do not remove the cover
1
for the
Bi-Xenon headlamp. Because of high voltage
in xenon lamps, it is dangerous to replace
the bulb or repair the lamp and its compo-
nents. We recommend that you have such
work done by a qualified technician.
Page 269 of 344
269 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
High beam bulbs
1High beam headlamp cover with lock-
ing tab
Switch off the lights.
Open the hood (
page 217).
Twist cover1 counterclockwise and
remove.2Electrical connector
Pull electrical connector2 off.
Unclip the retainer springs and take out
the bulb.
Insert the new bulb so that the base lo-
cates in the recess on the holder.
Clip the retainer springs.
Plug the connector2 onto the bulb.
Align headlamp cover and click into
place.Turn signal, parking, standing and side
marker lamp bulbs
1Bulb socket
Switch off the lights.
Open the hood (
page 217).
Twist bulb socket1 counterclockwise
and pull out.
Push bulb into socket, turn counter-
clockwise and remove.
Insert new bulb in socket, push in and
twist clockwise.
Reinstall the bulb socket.
Page 270 of 344
270 Practical hintsReplacing bulbs
Align headlamp cover and click into
place.
Fog lamp bulbs
1Fog lamp
Switch off the lights.
Use a suitable object (e.g. screwdriver)
to press on the release lever behind the
front panel.
Front fog lamp1 releases.
Remove fog lamp out of bumper.2Bulb socket
3Tabs
Twist bulb socket2 counterclockwise
to its end stop and pull out.
Pull bulb out of the bulb socket.
Insert new bulb in socket.
Reinstall bulb socket2.
Twist bulb socket2 clockwise to its
end stop.
Reinstall fog lamp into the bumper.
Make sure tabs3 firmly seat into the
slots of holder.
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps
Tail lamp assemblies
Switch off the lights.
Open liftgate.
1Screws
2Tail, parking and standing lamp
Fog lamp, driver’s side
3Side marker lamp
4Turn signal lamp
5Backup lamp
6Brake lamp
Remove screws1.
Remove tail lamp.
