2006 MERCEDES-BENZ R500 check engine

441 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
F
Key
still in vehicle
A SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
left in the vehicle was recog-
nized while trying to lock the ve-
hicle from the outside.

Take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
out of the vehicle.
Remove key
You have forgotten to remove
the SmartKey.

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Replace key
Drive to workshop
There is no additional code avail-
able for SmartKey or SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO*.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.
Key
Check battery
The batteries in the SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* are dis-
charged.

Replace the batteries (
page 464).
Do not
forget key
This message appears for a
maximum of 60 seconds if the
driver’s door is opened with the
engine shut off and no SmartKey
in the starter switch.
This message is only a reminder.

Insert SmartKey in the starter switch.
or

Take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
with you when leaving the vehicle.

488 Practical hintsBattery
!
The battery is a valve-regulated lead
acid (VRLA) battery, also referred to as
“fleece” battery. Such batteries do not
require topping-up of the electrolyte
level. VRLA batteries therefore do not
have cell caps and the battery cover is
non-removable. Do not attempt to
open the battery as otherwise the bat-
tery will be damaged.
Even though VRLA batteries do not
require topping-up of the electrolyte
level and cannot be opened to check
the electrolyte level, the battery condi-
tion must be checked periodically by
performing a battery conductance test.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for bat-
tery condition testing intervals.
As with any other battery, the battery
may discharge if the vehicle is not
operated for an extended period of
time. You can connect a battery
maintenance charge unit tested and
approved for use on your vehicle model
or disconnected the battery to prevent
battery discharge. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for more information.
!The factory-equipped VRLA battery is
leak-proofed. Only use a battery as re-
placement that has the same security
features and is of identical size,
voltage, and capacity as the
factory-equipped battery.
The battery, the battery ventilation and
the lateral plug must always be
securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation.Warning!
G
Jump starting must only be done using the
jump-start contacts located in the engine
compartment (
page 496).

489 Practical hints
Battery
Disconnecting, removing, reinstalling and reconnecting the battery
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 487).
Never lean over batteries while connecting,
you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.
!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.
Have the battery checked regularly by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for
further information.Warning!
G
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof battery only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Warning!
G
Disconnecting, removing, reinstalling and
reconnecting the battery is a complicated
and technically demanding procedure that
also requires safety precautions to avoid the
risk of injury. We strongly recommend that it
be performed by a qualified technician or an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center only. Please read the instructions
fully before beginning operation and only
undertake it if you feel fully capable of per-
forming all of the tasks involved as de-
scribed in these instructions. Observe all
safety instructions and precautions when
handling automotive batteries
(page 487). Performing the tasks involved
incorrectly can cause damage to the vehicle
and impair the operating safety of the
vehicle, and/or cause severe injury to you
or others.

496 Practical hintsJump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start contacts in the en-
gine compartment (
page 497).


Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Use only jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans or other
parts that move when the engine is
started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.

526 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protec-
tion. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
replacement interval.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approx. - 22°F [-30°C]). If
you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protec-
tion to approx. - 49°F [-45°C]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this
amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze should
be used to bring it up to the proper level
(have cooling system checked for signs of
leakage). Please make sure the mixture is
in accordance with label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.

527 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of
aluminum parts. The use of aluminum
components in motor vehicle engines ne-
cessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be
specifically formulated to protect the aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anti-
corrosion/antifreeze coolant will result in
a significantly shortened service life.)
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz 325.0 anticorrosion/anti-
freeze agent.Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center for service.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantityModel
Approx. freeze protection– 35°F (– 37°C)
– 49°F (– 45°C)
R 350
5.0 US qt (4.75 l)
5.5 US qt (5.2 l)
R 500
5.6 US qt (5.25 l)
6.1 US qt (5.8 l)

538 IndexCatalytic converter 340
CD player
Operating 171
CD-changer* 294
Center console 29
Lower part 30
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp 414
Upper part 29
Central locking
Automatic 130
Switch 131
Switching on/off (control
system) 188
Unlocking from inside 131
Central locking switch 131
Certification label 510
Changing
SmartKey setting 189
Charging
Vehicle battery 495
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 407, 408Checking
Coolant level 351
Oil level 346
Tire inflate pressure 344
Vehicle lighting 344
Checking tire pressure electronically with
the Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System* (Advanced TPMS*) 371
Checking tire pressure electronically with
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) 368
Child safety 82
Air bags 72
Infant and child restraint systems 78,
82
LATCH child seat mounts 92
Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
door window operation
Cigarette lighter
Front center console 303
Cigarette lighter* 305Cleaning
Headlamps 208
Headliner 402
Light alloy wheels 401
Plastic and rubber parts 402
Steering wheel 402
Windows 400
Windshield 60
Cleaning tires 355
Climate control 216
Adjusting 222
Adjusting air volume 222
deactivating 220
Front defroster 223
Rear passenger compartment 228
Setting the temperature 222
Clock 180
Closing
Glove box 294
Hood 346
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof 260
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* 462
Side windows 249
Tailgate 124, 128, 129
Tilt/sliding sunroof* 255
Windows 248

542 IndexEngine malfunction indicator lamp 407,
433
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (Cana-
da only) 27
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (USA
only) 27
Engine number 530
Engine oil 346, 523
Adding 349
Additives 523
Checking level 346
Consumption 346
Display messages 437–438
Messages in display 347, 437–438
Viscosity 530
ESP
®
25, 99, 530
Switching off 101
Switching on 102
Warning lamp 409
ETD 530
Safety guidelines 74
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 80
Extending cargo compartment 283
Exterior mirrors
Folding 211Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 48
Power folding* 211
Synchronizing 211
F
Fastening the seat belts 50
First aid kit 454
Flat tire 478
Lowering the vehicle 485
Preparing the vehicle 479
Spare wheel 457
Flexible Service System PLUS (FSS
PLUS) 530
Floormats* 328
Fluid level
Automatic transmission 350
Fog lamp, rear
Switching on 151
Fog lamps, front*
Messages in display 442
Replacing bulbs 466
Switching on 151
Folding
Exterior mirrors 2114-ETS 102
Front air bags 75
Front defroster 223, 238
Front fog lamps
Indicator lamp 147
Front lamps
Messages in display 442
Replacing bulbs 466, 468
Front seats
Head restraints 44
Front towing eye 501
Front wiper blades
Installing 476, 477
Removing 475
FSS PLUS (Flexible Service System
PLUS) 530
Fuel 343
Additives 525
Fuel reserve warning lamp 409
Gasoline additives 525
Premium unleaded gasoline 343,
524
Requirements 524
Fuel additives 525
Fuel cap
Message in display 439