Page 250 of 417
249 Operation
Engine compartment
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the passenger side of the engine compart-
ment.
1CapUsing a rag, turn the cap slowly approx-
imately one half turn to the left to re-
lease any excess pressure.
Continue turning the cap to the left and
remove it.
Check coolant level.
The coolant level is correct if the level
for cold coolant: reaches the top of
the mark (plastic bridge) visible
through the filling opening
for warm coolant: is approx. 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
Add coolant as required.
Replace and tighten cap until you hear
it click a few times.
For more information on coolant, see
“Coolants” (
page 380).Windshield/rear window washer sys-
tem and headlamp cleaning system
The windshield washer reservoir is located
in the engine compartment on the passen-
ger side. It holds approximately 5.3 US qt
(5.0 l). The headlamp cleaning system is
also supplied from the windshield washer
reservoir.
1Cap
Page 251 of 417
250 Operation
Engine compartment
Use the tab to pull cap1 upwards.
Check washer solvent level and add
washer solvent as required.
Press cap1 on the filler neck until is
has completely engaged. Add MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
“S” to the water during all seasons.
At temperatures above freezing point,
use MB Windshield Washer
Concentrate “S” to prevent smearing.
If there is a danger of frost, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
“S” and commercially available pre-
mixed windshield washer solvent/anti-
freeze to prevent water from freezing
on the windshield and the reservoir
from being damaged.
Premix the windshield washer fluid in a
suitable container, adapting the mixing
ratio to the outside temperature
(
page 382).
Warning!G
Washer solvent / antifreeze is highly flam-
mable. Do not spill washer
solvent /antifreeze on hot engine parts, be-
cause it may ignite and burn. You could be
seriously burned.
!
Only use washer fluid which is suitable
for plastic lenses. Improper washer flu-
id can damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
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 279 of 417
278 Operation
Winter driving
Before the onset of winter, have your
vehicle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. This
service includes:
Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.
Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a premixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze which is formulated
for below freezing temperatures
(
page 382).
Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to make
sure that the engine can be started,
even at low ambient temperatures.
Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately
1/6in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the
winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated
tires provide special winter performance.
Make sure the tires you use show M+S and
the mountain/snowflake.marking on
the tire sidewall. These tires meet specific
snow traction performance requirements
of the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of Can-
ada (RAC) and have been designed specif-
ically for use in snow conditions. Using
winter tires is the only way to achieve the
maximum effectiveness of the ABS and
ESP in winter operation.For safe handling, make sure that all
mounted winter tires are of the same make
and have the same tread design.
Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your
vehicle, you must place a notice to this
effect where it will be seen by the driver.
Such notices are available from your tire
dealer or from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Warning!G
Winter tires with a tread depth under 1/6in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
Page 280 of 417
279 Operation
Winter driving
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block
heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:
Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations.
Snow chains should only be used on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer’s mounting instructions.
Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will be glad to advise you on this
subject.
Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
Warning!G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
i
When driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP
(
page 84) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the
vehicle’s traction.
Page 293 of 417
292 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible causeSuggested solution
;(USA only)
3 (Canada only)
The red brake warning lamp
comes on while driving and you
hear a warning sound.You are driving with the parking brake set.Release the parking brake
(
page 50).
Also note the messages in the multi-
function display (
page 298).
The red brake warning lamp
comes on while driving.There is insufficient brake fluid in the reser-
voir.Risk of accident! Carefully stop the
vehicle and notify an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not
solve the problem.
Also note the messages in the multi-
function display (
page 298).
Warning!G
Driving with the brake warning lamp illumi-
nated can result in an accident. Have your
brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the
brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid res-
ervoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot
engine parts and the brake fluid catching
fire. You could be seriously burned.!
If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks.
Page 294 of 417
293 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible causeSuggested solution
;(USA only)
3 (Canada only)
-The red brake warning lamp and
the yellow ABS indicator lamp
come on when the engine is run-
ning and you hear a warning
sound for approximately five sec-
onds.
The EBB has detected a malfunction and has
s w i t c h e d o f f . Y o u s h o u l d b e p r e p a r e d f o r y o u r
vehicle to perform differently than normal
when braking. Continue driving with added caution.
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center as soon as possible.
Also note the messages in the multi-
function display (
page 298).
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of accidents.
Page 295 of 417
294 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible causeSuggested 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 239).
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.
