190 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Take into consideration that when towing a trail-
er, the handling characteristics are different and
less stable from those when operating the vehicle
without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of control
over the vehicle-trailer combination. This could
cause an accident resulting in property damage or
injury to you or others.
CAUTION!
If the transmission hunts between gears on
inclines, manually shift to a lower gear (select
"4",
"3", "2" or
"1"). A lower gear and reduction of
speed reduces the chance of engine overloading
and / or overheating.
When going down a long hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine’s braking effect. Avoid
riding the brakes, thus overheating the vehicle
and trailer brakes.
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high
temperature (coolant temperature needle
approaching the red zone) when the air
conditioner is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Engine coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the climate
control fan speed to high and setting the
temperature control to the maximum hot position.
192 STARTING AND OPERATINGEMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM (CATALYTIC
CONVERTER)
INHALATION OF EXHAUST GAS FORDING (WADING CAPABILITY)
Avoid fording flooded roads or passing through water
unless you are certain as to how deep it is. Driving
through deep water can cause damage to the vehicle,
including but not limited to the electrical components,
engine, transmission, etc. This type of damage is not
covered under the Warranty.
WARNING!
When driving or parking the vehicle, make sure
that its exhaust system does not come into contact
with flammable material (such as dry leaves) as
these materials may otherwise catch fire.
WARNING!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and
lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you
think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the
vehicle while driving, have the cause determined
and corrected immediately. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive only with at least
one window fully open.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Headlamps, Taillamps, Identification Lamps,
Turn Signal Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234Reversing Aid Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235Window Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235Wiper Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236Light Alloy Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236Steering Wheel and Gear Selector Lever . . . . 236Cup Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237Headliner and Shelf Below Rear Window . . . 237Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237Hard Plastic Trim Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237Plastic and Rubber Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Electrical Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238Standard Fuse and Relay Equipment . . . . . . . 239Relay Assignment, Standard Equipment . . . . 242Fuse and Relay Optional Equipment . . . . . . . 242
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245Front Lamp Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250License Plate Lamps
(Cargo/Passenger Vans Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252Additional Brake Lamp
(Cargo/Passenger Vans Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252Side-Mounted Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253Side-Marker Lamps,
Standing Lamps (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253Identification Lamps (Cargo/
passenger vans only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254Interior Lighting in Passenger Compartment
and Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254Interior Lighting with Reading Lamp . . . . . . . 255Interior Lighting with Interior Sensor
Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255Exit Lamps (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . 258
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 231
7
Appearance Care and Corrosion ProtectionIn operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying
external influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and
cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and
varying climatic conditions, but also by air pollution,
road salt, tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and
oil, fuel, coolant, brake flui d, bird droppings, insects, tree resins etc. should be removed immediately to
avoid paint damage. Frequent washing reduces and/
or eliminates the aggressiveness and potency of the
above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to deal with
unfavorable conditions; for example operation near the
ocean, in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions),
or during the winter months.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for
stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should
be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of
corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of the vehicle.
A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough inspection.
Damaged areas need to be undercoated again.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-
base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last
for the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production
treatment is neither necessary nor recommended by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
WARNING!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are poisonous, others are flammable. Always
keep cleaning products sealed and out of the
reach of children. Always follow the instructions
on the particular container. Always open your ve-
hicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the in-
side.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed
for cleaning your vehicle. Do not use fuel as a
cleaning agent. Fuel is flammable and constitutes
a health hazard.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235
7
Reversing Aid SensorsUse a mild car wash detergent with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the
sensors. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with dry,
coarse or hard cloths and do not scrub. You will
otherwise scratch or damage the sensors.
If you clean the sensors using a high-pressure cleaner,
only direct it at the sensors for a short period and
maintain a minimum distance of 4 in (10 cm) from the
sensors.
Window CleaningUse a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
There are 2 steps in the front bumper. This makes it
easier to clean the windshield.
N54.65-2046-20
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
7
Cup HolderUse a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.Seat BeltsThe webbing must not be treated with chemical
cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above
176
°F (+80
°C) or in direct sunlight.
Headliner and Shelf Below Rear WindowClean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.
UpholsteryUsing aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that
have the tendency to give off coloring (e.g. when wet
etc.) may cause the upholstery to become permanently
discolored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact discoloration will be
prevented.
Leather Upholstery
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth and dry
thoroughly or clean with a leather care product.
Exercise particular care when cleaning perforated
leather as its underside should not become wet.
Cloth Upholstery
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.
Tex Upholstery
Pour an interior care product onto soft lint-free cloth
and apply with light pressure.Hard Plastic Trim ItemsPour an interior care product onto soft lint-free cloth
and apply with light pressure.
WARNING!
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severe-
ly weaken them. Due to this treatment they may
not be able to provide adequate protection. For ex-
ample, in a crash the belts can be torn.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 241
7
No. Rated Circuit
1. 10A Parking lamp right, taillamp right
2. 10A High beam head lamp,right
3. 10A High beam head lamp, left, high beam indicator lamp
4. 10A Backup lamp
5. 10A Brake lamp
6. 20A Windshield wiper motor
7. 15A Horn, heated rear window, air recirculation switch,
optional equipment relay (terminal 15)
8. 20A Interior lighting, cigarette lighter, radio (terminal 30)
9. 15A Clock, hazard warning lamps, parking lamps 10. 10A Instrument lighting, license plate lamp
daytime driving lamps
11. 10A Side lamp, left; taillamp, left
12. 10A Low beam headlamp, right
13. 10A Low beam headlamp, left
14. 15A Fog lamp
15. 10A Radio (terminal 15)
16. 25A Engine control unit
17. 15A Engine control unit
18. 15A Ignition (terminal 15)
19. 15A Not in use
20. 15A Heater controls (terminal 30)
21. 30A Heater blower (terminal 30)
282 INDEXHeadlamp Range Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal lenses . . . . . . . . 234
Heated Rear Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Heater, Seat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116, 118
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Hydroplaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175IIgnitionLock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Starter Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Indicator Lamp Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Inhalation of Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Installing a Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Instrument and Display Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Instrument Cluster Battery Charge Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Coolant Level Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Coolant Temperature Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Engine Control Unit Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 107 Engine Oil Level Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Water in Fuel Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Instrument Cluster and Indicator Lamps. . . . . . . . . . 91
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Cargo Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Driver and Rear-Seat Passenger/Cargo Area. . . . 69
Interior Sensor Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Reading Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Intervals, Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Intrument Cluster Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
JJack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209LLamps Acceleration Skid Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164