Page 36 of 356
34 Getting startedUnlockingFor more information, see “Remote control
with folding key” (
page 88).
iThe key can only be withdrawn in
position0.
If necessary, move steering wheel
slightly to allow the key to be turned
clockwise to position1.
A warning sounds when the driver’s
door is opened and the key is in steer-
ing lock position0 or1.
The key can only be removed from the
steering lock with the gear selector le-
ver in positionP.!To prevent accelerated battery dis-
charge and a possible dead battery, al-
ways remove the key from the steering
lock when the engine is not in opera-
tion.
Page 43 of 356
41 Getting started
Adjusting
Mirrors
Adjust the interior and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a
good view of the road and traffic condi-
tions.Interior rear view mirror
Manually adjust the interior rear view
mirror.
For more information, see “Rear view mir-
rors” (
page 128).
Exterior rear view mirrors
!Do not drive the vehicle until you have
properly locked the steering column.
If the indicator lamp_ (
page 26)
comes on while the engine is running,
the steering column is not locked prop-
erly.
Warning!
G
In the case of an accident, liquid electrolyte
may escape the mirror housing if the mirror
glass breaks.
Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al-
low the liquid to come into contact with
eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system.
In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.
Warning!
G
Exercise care when using the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror. The mirror
surface is convex (outwardly curved surface
for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror
are closer than they appear. Check your in-
terior rear view mirror or glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.!Electrolyte drops coming into contact
with the vehicle paint finish can only be
completely removed while in their
liquid state and by applying plenty of
water.
Page 49 of 356
47 Getting started
Driving
Starting the engine Automatic transmission
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmissionPPark position with gear selector lever
lock
RReverse gear
NNeutral
DDrive position
For more information, see “Automatic
transmission” (
page 120).Starting
Make sure the gear selector lever is set
toP.
Do not depress accelerator.
Turn the key in the steering lock to
position3 and hold until the engine
starts (
page 33).
Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever lock is released.
For information on turning off the engine,
see “Turning off engine” (
page 55).
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness 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 win-
dow fully open.
Page 50 of 356
48 Getting startedDrivingStarting difficulties
If the engine does not start as described,
carry out the following steps:
Turn key in steering lock to position0
and repeat starting procedure.
Remember that extended starting at-
tempts can drain the battery.
Get a jump start (
page 291).
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a mal-
function in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.Parking brake
1Parking brake pedal
2Release handle
Release the parking brake by pulling on
handle2.
The warning lampÉ in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Driving
Depress the brake pedal.
Move gear selector lever to positionD
orR.
Release the brake pedal.
Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
Once the vehicle is in motion, the auto-
matic central locking system engages
and the locking knobs drop down.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the steering lock, and lock the
vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the ve-
hicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could release the parking brake,
which could result in an accident and / or se-
rious personal injury.
iWait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.
Page 51 of 356
49 Getting started
Driving
After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter to reach
its operating temperature earlier.
For more information, see “Driving instruc-
tions” (
page 197).
For information on off-road driving, see
“Off-road driving” (
page 204).
!If you hear a warning signal when driv-
ing off, you have forgotten to release
the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector
lever out ofP orN if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.!Place the gear selector lever in
positionR only when the vehicle is
stopped in order to avoid damaging the
transmission.
!Do not run cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service
life of the engine.!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.
Page 55 of 356
53 Getting started
Driving
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
An ignition cable may be damaged.
The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it.
Give very little gas.
Have the problem repaired by an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center as soon as possible.The coolant temperature is above
248°F (120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
and turn off the engine. Allow engine
and coolant to cool.
Check the coolant level and add cool-
ant if necessary (
page 227).In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:
Do not start the engine under any cir-
cumstances.
Notify local fire and / or police authori-
ties.
If the extent of the damage cannot be de-
termined:
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
If no damage can be determined on the
major assemblies
fuel system
engine mount:
Start the engine in the usual manner.
Page 56 of 356
54 Getting startedParking and lockingYou have now completed your first drive.
You have properly stopped and parked
your vehicle. End your drive as follows.
Parking brake
1Parking brake
2Release handle
Step firmly on parking brake1.
When the engine is running, the warn-
ing lampÉ in the instrument clus-
ter will be illuminated.
Warning!
G
Wait until the vehicle is stationary before re-
moving the key from the steering lock. The
vehicle cannot be steered when the key is
removed.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
system. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle.
Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-
sult of vehicle movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:
Keep right foot on brake pedal.
Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
Move the gear selector lever to
positionP.
Slowly release brake pedal.
When parked on an incline, turn front
wheel towards the road curb.
Turn the key to steering lock position0
and remove.
Take the key and lock vehicle when leav-
ing.
Page 57 of 356
55 Getting started
Parking and locking
Switching off headlamps
Turn the combination switch to1
(page 50).
For more information, see “Lighting”
(
page 107).
Turning off engine
Place the gear selector lever in
positionP.
Turn the key in the steering lock to
position0 (
page 33) and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
Move the steering wheel slightly to al-
low the locking mechanism to engage.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the steering lock and lock the vehi-
cle. Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehi-
cle. Children could release the parking
brake and / or move the gear selector lever
from positionP, either of which could result
in an accident and / or serious personal
injury.
Warning!
G
Getting out of your vehicle with the gear
selector lever not fully engaged in positionP
is dangerous. Also, when parked on an in-
cline, positionP alone may not prevent your
vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people
or objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to
shifting to positionP (
page 123).
When parked on an incline, also turn front
wheel towards the road curb.
iAlways set the parking brake in addi-
tion to shifting to positionP.
On steep slopes, turn the front wheels
towards the road curb.iThe key can only be removed from the
steering lock with the gear selector le-
ver in positionP.
