398 Practical hints
Battery
Disconnecting, removing, reinstalling
and reconnecting the battery
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 should be performed by a qualified
technician only. If it is necessary to work
on the battery, contact a local authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or call
our Customer Assistance Center at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372).
Charging the battery
If the battery is discharged, the battery can
be charged using the jump-start terminals
located in the engine compartment
(
page 400).
Charge the battery in accordance with
the instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
!Never invert the terminal connections!
!The battery, its filler caps and the vent tube
must always be securely installed when the
vehicle is in operation.
Warning!G
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit* approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during charg-
ing and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.
An accessory battery charge unit* specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available, permitting the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the sepa-
rate instructions for the accessory battery
charger*.
iWith a discharged battery
you will no longer be able to turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch
the gear selector lever will remain locked in
park positionP
399 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the
battery of another vehicle. Observe the
following:
Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start terminals located
in the engine compartment
(
page 400).
Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic
converter 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 higher voltage battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Only use 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 an 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.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several unsuc-
cessful 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.
400 Practical hints
Jump starting
Make sure the two vehicles do not
touch.
Apply the parking brake (page 62).
Move the gear selector lever to park
positionP.
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Open the hood (page 267).The jump-start terminals are located on
the driver’s side of the engine compart-
ment.
1Cover
2Positive (+) terminal
3Negative (-) terminal Open cover1 of the positive terminal
of both vehicles.
Connect positive terminal2 and the
positive terminal of the charged battery
with the jumper cable. Clamp the cable
to the charged battery first.
Start the engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.
Connect negative terminal3 and the
negative terminal of the charged
battery with the jumper cable. Clamp
the cable to the charged battery first.
Start the engine of the disabled
vehicle.
You can now turn on the electrical con-
sumers. Do not switch on the headlamps
under any circumstances.
Remove the jumper cables first from
the negative terminals on each battery
and then from the positive terminals on
each battery.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
Have the battery checked at the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Warning!G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(
page 396).
!Never invert the terminal connections!
402 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
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
!Towing of the vehicle should only be done
using the towing eye. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame or
suspension parts.
iWhen towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and
the SmartKey in starter switch position2, the
vehicle doors lock if a wheel is turning at vehicle
speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or
above.
To prevent the vehicle doors from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking
(
page 155).
iTo signal turns while being towed with
hazard warning flasher in use, turn the 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.
iThe gear selector lever will remain locked in
park positionP and the SmartKey will not turn in
the starter switch if the battery is disconnected
or discharged. For more information, see “Bat-
tery” (
page 396) and “Jump starting”
(
page 399).
For information on manually unlocking the gear
selector lever, see (
page 373).
433 Index
Batteries
SmartKey (replacing) 376
Batteries, SmartKey
Check lamp 103
Checking 103
Battery box
Fuse box in 408
Battery discharged
Jump starting 399
Battery, vehicle 396
Charging 398
Disconnecting 398
Messages in display 344–345
Reconnecting 398
Reinstalling 398
Removing 398
Bead 304
Block heater (Canada only) 310
Blocking rear door window operation 86
B-pillar 412
Brake fluid 266, 425
Message in display 346
Brake lamp bulbs, left and right 378
Brake lamp, high mounted 378
Brake lamps
Messages in display 354Brake pads
Message in display 347
Brakes 246
Warning lamp 326–327
Break-in period 244
Brush guard 375
Lowering 375
Raising and securing 375
Bulbs, replacing
Additional turn signals 378
Backup lamps 378, 386
Brake lamps 378, 386
Front fog lamps 378, 382
Front lamps 378
Front turn signal lamps 378, 383
High beam lamps 378
High mounted brake lamp 378
License plate lamps 378, 387
Locator lighting lamps 378
Low beam lamps 378
Parking lamps 378, 380
Rear fog lamp 378, 386Rear lamps 378
Rear turn signal lamps 378
Side marker lamps 378, 384
Standing lamps 378, 380
Tail lamp assemblies 378
Tail lamp unit 385
C
Call priority, Tele Aid 235
Calling up
Maintenance service indicator
display 313
Range (distance to empty) 158
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 422
Cargo area see Cargo compartment
Cargo compartment
Expanding 206
Tailgate 105
Tie-down rings 209
Cargo compartment cover blind 214
Installing 214
Removing 214
Rolling out 214
Rolling up 214
Cargo compartment lamps 127
436 Index
D
Data recording (vehicle) 20
Daytime running lamp mode 119
Setting 151
Deactivating
Air conditioning (cooling) 189
Air recirculation mode 189
Alarm 97
Anti-theft alarm system 97
Central locking (control system) 155
Cruise control 198
Defrost 188
ESP
®94
Exterior lamps 118
Exterior lamps delayed shut-off 153
Headlamps 64
Immobilizer 96
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 154
Rear window defroster 181
Tow-away alarm 98
Windshield defroster 181
Deep water see Standing water
Defrosting 187
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 153
Interior lighting 154Department of Transportation see DOT
Dialing
A number (telephone) 160
Differential locks 173
Switching off 176
Switching on 175
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while
driving
With starting 54
Direction of rotation (tires) 280
Discharged battery
Jump starting 399
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 398
Displays
Maintenance service indicator
message 311
Messages 271, 338
Selecting display for status
indicator 150
Showing vehicle status
messages 145
Door
Entry lamps 129
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) 235Door control panel 33
Door handle 33
Doors
Message in display 350
Opening from the inside 104
DOT 305
Downhill driving
Cruise control 198
Drink holders see Cup holders
Drinking and driving 245
Driving
General instructions 48, 245
In winter 251
Problems 61
Safety systems 88
Through standing water 252
Driving abroad 261
Driving and safety systems
4-ETS 91
ABS 88
BAS 90
EBB 92
ESP
®92
Driving instructions 245
Passenger compartment 252
Driving off 247
440 Index
Immobilizer 96
Activating 96
Deactivating 96
Infant and child restraint systems 79
Installing 84
LATCH child seat anchors 83
Information button see Tele Aid
Inside rear view mirror
Auto-dimming 177
Installing
Cargo compartment cover blind 214
Infant and child restraint systems 84
Wiper blades 389
Instructions
Loading 208
Instrument cluster 26, 130
Coolant temperature gauge 131
Digital speedometer 140
Illumination 130
Lamps in 324–334
Multifunction display 133
Outside temperature 140
Outside temperature indicator 132
Selecting language 149
Instrument lighting 130
Instruments and controls see CockpitInterior lighting
Automatic operation 125
Delayed shut-off 154
Manual operation 126
Interior lighting, front 125
Interior lighting, rear 126
Interior rear view mirror
Adjusting 46
Intermittent wipe 60
Activating 60
Deactivating 60
Intermittent wiping 59
J
Jack 367
Jump starting 399K
Key
Messages in display 353
Key, mechanical 370
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp 102
Checking the batteries 103
Factory setting 102
Global locking 102
Global unlocking 102
Loss of 103
Positions in starter switch 39
Remote control 100
Restoring to factory setting 103
Selective setting 102
Starting the engine 54
Unlocking with 38
Keys 100
Kickdown (Automatic transmission) 166
Kilometers/miles in speedometer 149
Kilopascal 305
Km/h or mph in speedometer 149
L
Labels, identification 412
Lamp bulbs, exterior 377
Lamp in center console 337