Page 117 of 417

116 Controls in detail
Lighting
Interior lighting
The controls are located in the overhead 
control panel.
1Cargo compartment lamps
2Right reading lamp
3Rocker switch for automatic control 
system
4Left reading lampAutomatic control
Activating
Move rocker switch3 to center 
position. 
The interior lighting switches on in 
darkness when you
unlock the vehicle
open a door
remove the SmartKey from the 
starter switch
Additionally, entry lamps in the door 
trays will come on when you open 
a door.
The interior lighting switches off automati-
cally following an adjustable time delay.
For more information, see “Setting interior 
lighting delayed shut-off” (
page 141).Deactivating
Press the = symbol on rocker 
switch3.
The interior lighting and the entry 
lamps remain switched off in darkness, 
even when you
unlock the vehicle
open a door
remove the SmartKey from the 
starter switch
i
Leaving an interior light switch in the 
ON position for extended periods of 
time with the engine turned off could 
result in a discharged battery.
i
If the door remains open, the interior 
lamps switch off automatically after 
approximately five minutes. 
     
        
        Page 118 of 417
117 Controls in detail
Lighting
Manual control
Switching lamps on
Press the W symbol on rocker 
switch3.
The interior lighting remains on even 
when the doors are closed.
Switching lamps off
Move rocker switch3 to center posi-
tion to activate the automatic control.
Rear interior lamps
The rear interior lamps are located above 
the rear seat bench on the left and right 
side.
1The lamps are switched on 
continuously
2The lamps are switched off
3Automatic function!
To prevent the vehicle battery from be-
ing discharged, all interior lamps 
switch off automatically after approxi-
mately 30 minutes with the tailgate 
open.
If an interior lamp is switched on man-
ually, it does not go out automatically. 
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure 
the interior lamps are switched off.
The rear interior lamps can be switched 
on with the SmartKey in starter switch 
position0 or SmartKey removed from 
the starter switch for up to 30 minutes. 
     
        
        Page 168 of 417
167 Controls in detail
Good visibility
Deactivating
Press button F in the control panel 
of the climate control.
The indicator lamp in the button goes 
out.
i
The 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.
!
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. 
     
        
        Page 174 of 417
173 Controls in detail
Climate control
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 volume 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 dropsDeactivating the climate control 
system
Deactivating
Set the air volume control switch to 
position0.
Reactivating
Set the air volume control switch to any 
speed. 
     
        
        Page 203 of 417

202 Controls in detail
Useful features
You can take and place telephone calls 
using thes andt buttons on the 
multifunction steering wheel. Use the con-
trol system for performing other telephone 
functions (
page 146).
See separate operating manual for infor-
mation on how to operate the telephone.
Tele 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.
!
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 switching on 
ignition 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 
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) 
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada). 
     
        
        Page 218 of 417
217 Operation
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Battery
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care 
     
        
        Page 252 of 417

251 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 357). Refer to Maintenance 
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 353).
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.
i
If 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 
     
        
        Page 276 of 417

275 Operation
Tires and wheels
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed 
regular production options weighing over 
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those 
standard items which they replace, not 
previously considered in curb weight or 
accessory weight, including heavy duty 
brakes, ride levelers, heavy duty battery, 
and special trim.
PSI (P
ounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure 
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure 
listed on placard located on driver’s door 
B-pillar for normal driving conditions. 
Provides best handling, tread life and 
riding comfort.Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube 
assembly upon which the tire beads are 
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and 
the bead.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Unique identifier which facilitates efforts 
by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers 
in recall situations or other safety matters 
concerning tires and gives purchases the 
means to easily identify such tires. The TIN 
is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identifica-
tion mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code” 
and “Date of manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the 
maximum load a tire can support.Tire ply composition and material used
This indicates the number of plies or the 
number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in 
the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufac-
turers also must indicate the ply materials 
in the tire and sidewall, which include 
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the 
speed range for which a tire is approved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the road 
via the tires. The amount of grip provided.
Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into 
contact with the road.