Page 59 of 416

59 Getting started
Parking and locking
Press the seat belt release button3 
(page 45).
Allow the retractor to completely re-
wind the seat belt by guiding the latch 
plate.
After exiting the vehicle, press the lock 
button‹ on the SmartKey 
(page 34).
With the hood, tailgate and all doors 
closed, all turn signal lamps flash three 
times. The locking knobs on the doors 
move down.
The anti-theft alarm system is armed.For more information, see “Locking and 
unlocking” (
page 92).
iThe SmartKey can only be pulled out 
when: 
it has been turned to position0 in 
the starter switch
the gear selector lever for the auto-
matic transmission is in positionP
iWith the SmartKey removed and the 
driver’s door open, a warning sounds if 
the vehicle’s exterior lamps are not 
switched off.
Warning!
G
To prevent possible personal injury, always 
keep hands and fingers away from the door 
openings when closing the doors. Be espe-
cially careful when small children are 
around.
Before closing doors, make sure there is no 
possibility of someone getting caught in a 
door during closing.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the 
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it 
with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave 
children unattended in the vehicle, or with 
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsuper-
vised use of vehicle equipment may cause 
an accident and/or serious personal injury. 
     
        
        Page 238 of 416

238 OperationEngine compartmentHood
Opening
The pull release lever is under the driver’s 
side of the instrument panel.
1Release lever
Pull release lever1 upward.
The hood is unlocked.
2Safety hook
Lift hood up slightly. 
Pull safety hook2 in direction of ar-
row and open hood.
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could 
be forced open by passing air flow. 
!To avoid damage to the windshield wip-
ers or hood, open the hood only with 
wipers in parked position. 
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of 
moving parts when the hood is open and the 
engine is running. Make sure the hood is 
properly closed before driving. When closing 
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch 
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay 
clear of fan blades.Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the 
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature display 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 down. If neces-
sary, call the fire department. 
     
        
        Page 292 of 416

292 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
?
(USA only)
± 
(Canada only)
The yellow engine mal-
function indicator lamp 
comes on while driving.
There is a malfunction of:
The fuel management system
The ignition system
The emission control system
Systems which impact emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive 
emissions values and may switch the engine 
to its limp-home mode. Serious damage can 
occur to the emission system.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as possi-
ble by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light 
Truck Center.
An on-board diagnostic connector is used 
by the service station to link the vehicle to 
the shop diagnostics system. It allows the 
accurate identification of system malfunc-
tions through the readout of diagnostic trou-
ble codes. It is located near the hood lock 
release on the upper left of footwell. 
A loss of pressure has been detected in the 
fuel system. The fuel cap may not be closed 
properly or the fuel system may be leaky.
Check the fuel cap (
page 235).
If it is not closed properly:
Close the fuel cap.
If it is closed properly:
Have the fuel system checked by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Your fuel tank is empty.
After refueling start, turn off and restart the 
engine three or four times in succession.
The limp-home mode is canceled. You do 
not need to have your vehicle checked. 
     
        
        Page 344 of 416
344 Practical hintsReplacing wiper blades
Removing wiper blades
Fold the wiper arm forward.
1Safety tab
2Wiper blade
3Wiper arm
4Attachment link
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch before 
replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise, the mo-
tor could suddenly turn on and cause injury.
!Never open the hood when the wiper 
arm is folded forward.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the 
wiper arm back. If released, the force 
of the impact from the tensioning 
spring could crack the windshield.
Do not allow the wiper arms to contact 
the windshield glass without a wiper 
blade inserted.
Make certain that the wiper blades are 
properly installed. Improperly installed 
wiper blades may cause windshield 
damage.
The wiper with air spoiler should be 
mounted on the driver’s side
For your convenience, you should have 
this work carried out by an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.