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 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 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 290 of 417
289 Practical hints
What to do if …
Where will I find...?
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Opening/closing in an emergency
Brush guard*
Replacing SmartKey batteries
Replacing bulbs
Replacing wiper blades
Flat tire
Battery
Jump starting
Towing the vehicle
Fuses 
     
        
        Page 334 of 417
333 Practical hints
Replacing SmartKey batteries
Replacing SmartKey batteries
If the batteries in the SmartKey are dis-
charged, the vehicle can no longer be 
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to 
have the batteries replaced at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.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.
Warning!G
Keep the batteries out of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help 
immediately.
i
When inserting the batteries, make 
sure they are clean and free of lint.
i
When replacing batteries, always re-
place both batteries.
The required replacement batteries are 
available at any Mercedes-Benz Light 
Truck Center. 
     
        
        Page 335 of 417
334 Practical hints
Replacing SmartKey batteries
SmartKey
Replacement batteries: Lithium, type 
CR 2025 or equivalent.
Remove mechanical key (page 327).
1Mechanical key
2Slide
3Battery compartment
Insert mechanical key1 in direction 
of arrow in side opening.
Using mechanical key1, push gray 
slide2 to unlatch battery 
compartment3.
Pull battery compartment3 out of the 
housing in direction of arrow.
Remove the discharged batteries in di-
rection of arrow.
4Battery
5Contact spring
Using a lint-free cloth, insert new 
batteries4 under contact spring5 
with the positive terminal (+) facing up.
Return battery compartment2 into 
the housing until it locks into place.
Slide mechanical key1 back into the 
SmartKey.
Check the operation of the SmartKey. 
     
        
        Page 355 of 417

354 Practical hints
Battery
Have the battery removed at a 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
If you charge the battery yourself, make 
sure to comply with the operating instruc-
tions for your battery charger.Disconnecting the battery
Read and observe safety instructions 
and precautions (
page 251) and 
(
page 353).
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Disconnect the battery negative lead.
Remove the cover from the positive ter-
minal.
Disconnect the battery positive lead.
Remove the breather hose from the 
battery.
!
Have the battery checked regularly by 
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light 
Truck Center. 
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for main-
tenance intervals or contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck 
Center for further information.
!
Never loosen or detach battery termi-
nal clamps while the engine is running 
or the SmartKey is in the starter switch. 
Otherwise the alternator and other 
electronic components could be se-
verely damaged.
Warning!G
With a disconnected battery
you will no longer be able to turn the 
SmartKey in the starter switch
the gear selector lever will remain 
locked in position
P 
     
        
        Page 360 of 417

359 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Warning!G
With the engine not running, there is no 
power assistance for the brake and steering 
systems. In this case, it is important to keep 
in mind that a considerably higher degree of 
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
i
The gear selector lever will remain 
locked in positionP and the SmartKey 
will not turn in the starter switch if the 
battery is disconnected or discharged. 
For more information, see “Battery” 
(
page 353) and “Jump starting” 
(
page 356).
For information on manually unlocking 
transmission gear selector lever, see 
(
page 329).
i
To signal turns while being towed with 
hazard warning flasher in use, turn 
SmartKey in starter switch to 
position2 and activate combination 
switch for left or right turn signal in 
usual manner – only the selected turn 
signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the 
hazard warning flasher will operate 
again.
!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels 
on the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter 
switch position2, the vehicle doors 
lock if the wheels are turning at vehicle 
speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or 
more.
To prevent the vehicle doors from lock-
ing, deactivate the automatic central 
locking (
page 142).
Towing of the vehicle should only be 
done using the towing eye. Never at-
tach tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to 
vehicle chassis, frame or suspension 
parts.