Page 224 of 457

223 Controls in detail
Useful features
Electrical outlet
Power outlets are located
in the front passenger footwell
(
page 223)
in the rear passenger footwell
(
page 224)
on the left-hand side of the cargo
compartment (
page 224)Power outlet in front passenger
footwell
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Flip up cover and insert electrical plug
(cigarette lighter type).
!The lighter socket can accommodate
12 V DC electrical accessories (up to a maxi-
mum of 180 W) designed for use with the stan-
dard “cigarette lighter” plug type. Keep in mind,
however, that connecting accessories to the
lighter socket (for example extensive connecting
and disconnecting, or using plugs that do not fit
properly) can damage the lighter socket. With
the socket damaged, the lighter may no longer
be able to be placed in the heating (pushed-in)
position, or the lighter may pop out too early with
the lighter not hot enough.
To help avoid damaging the cigarette lighter
socket, we recommend connecting 12 V DC
electrical accessories designed for use with the
standard “cigarette lighter” plug type to the 12 V
power outlets (
page 223) in your vehicle
whenever possible.
iIf the engine is off, and the cigarette lighter
is being used extensively, the vehicle battery
may become discharged.
!If you use all power outlets in the vehicle,
make sure that the maximum current drawn
does not exceed 15 A.
iThe power outlets can be used to
accommodate 12 V DC electrical accessories
(e.g. auxiliary lamps) up to a maximum of 180 W.
If the engine is off, the battery may become
discharged if used for long periods of time.
N
Page 226 of 457

225 Controls in detail
Useful features
Heated steering wheel
The steering wheel heating warms up the
leather area of the steering wheel.
The stalk is located on the lower left-hand
side of the steering wheel.
1Switching on
2Switching off
3Indicator lampSwitching on
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Turn switch at the tip of stalk in
direction of arrow1.
The steering wheel is heated.
Indicator lamp3 comes on.Switching off
Turn switch at the tip of stalk in
direction of arrow2.
The heated steering wheel is switched
off.
Indicator lamp3 goes out.
For information on adjusting the steering
wheel, see “Steering wheel” (
page 44).
iThe steering wheel heating is temporarily
suspended while the indicator lamp3 remains
on when
the temperature of the vehicle interior is
above 86°F (30°C)
the temperature of the steering wheel is
above 95°F (35°C)
When these conditions do not apply anymore,
steering wheel heating continues.
iIndicator lamp3 flashes or goes out
in case of power surge or undervoltage
in case of a steering wheel heating
malfunction
iThe steering wheel heating switches off
automatically when you remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
Page 247 of 457

246 Operation
Driving instructions
Power assistance
BrakesTo help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only
subjected to moderate loads, you should
occasionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
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.
Warning!G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through
water deep enough to wet brake compo-
nents or salty road conditions, the first brak-
ing action may be somewhat reduced and
increased pedal pressure may be necessary
to obtain expected braking effect. Maintain
a safe distance from vehicles in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
!Operational or performance test must only
be conducted on a two-axle dynamometer. If
such tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake system or
the transfer case which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Because the ESP® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 or1)
when testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer and such testing should be no
longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP
® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Page 248 of 457

247 Operation
Driving instructions
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 90).
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be too low if the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on although the
parking brake is released (
page 326).
Observe additional messages in the
multifunction display that may appear
(
page 338).
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so the air stream will cool down the
brakes faster.
Driving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the
operating temperature has been reached.
To ensure sufficient traction during
off-road driving, activate differential locks
as needed (
page 175).
Warning!G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
!When driving down long and steep grades,
relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a
lower gear to use the engine’s braking power.
This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.
!When driving off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an extended
period with the ESP
® switched off. Doing so may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brake reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.
Page 346 of 457
345 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
#The battery was charged with a
battery charger or jump started.Have the battery checked at a service
station.
The battery has insufficient voltage.Turn off unnecessary electric consumers that
are currently not needed, e.g. seat heating.
Have the battery checked at a service
station.
Page 448 of 457

447 Index
Replacing bulbs
Additional turn signals, Exterior rear
view mirrors 385
High mounted brake lamp 387
Locator lighting, Exterior rear view
mirrors 385
Resetting
All functions (control system) 146
Fuel consumption statistics 158
Maintenance service indicator 313
Trip odometer 131
Restraint systems 68
Air bags 68
Child seats 68
Emergency Tensioning Device
(ETD) 68
Lower anchors and tethers for children
(LATCH) 68
Seat belts 68
Restraint systems see Infant and child
restraint systems
Returning from off-road driving 260
Rim 306
Rims 416
Roadside Assistance button see Tele AidRolling out
Cargo compartment cover blind 214
Rolling up
Cargo compartment cover blind 214
RON 265
Roof rack 206
Rubber parts, Cleaning 320
S
Safety
Occupant 68
Safety belts see Seat belts
Safety systems
Driving 88
Satellite radio (USA only) 142
Seat backrest
Folding forward 207
Returning to original position 207
Seat belt force limiter 78
Seat belt outlet
Height adjustment 52
Seat belt outlet height adjustment 52
Seat belt telltale
332–333Seat belts 68, 74
Cleaning 321
Fastening 48
Proper use of 53, 76
Safety guidelines 72
Seat bench
Folding forward 207
Returning to original position 207
Seat cushion depth
Adjusting 109
Seating capacity 282
Seats 108
Adjusting 41
Heating 112
Multicontour seat* 109
Selecting
Display for status indicator 150
Self-test
BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system 82
Tele Aid 230
Service
Parts 410
Service and Warranty Booklet
Loss of 411