Deactivating overdrive
Press the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS) located on the end of
the gearshift lever. The O/D Off
indicator light will illuminate on the
instrument cluster. The transmission
will operate in all gears except overdrive.
To return to normal overdrive mode, press the Transmission Control
Switch again. The O/D Off indicator light will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transmission will
automatically return to normal
(Overdrive) mode.
For additional information about the gearshift lever and the transmission
control switch operation refer to the Automatic Transmission
Operation section of the Drivingchapter.
BED EXTENDER (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a bed extender designed to extend
the pickup box for larger loads.
To extend the bed extender:
1. Lower tailgate.
2. Pull the lever on each side of the bed extender to release it
from the pickup box.
3. Lift the bed extender over onto the tailgate.
4. Evenly push down on the bed extender and push the lever in
on each side locking it in place.
To stow the bed extender, follow
steps one through four in reverse
order.
The bed extender may be used to
secure a load of up to 100 lb.
(46 kg) on the tailgate.
The bed extender should always
be kept in the stowed position with the tailgate closed when not
in use.
O/D
ON/OFF
2008 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driver Controls
60
•The parking brake is set
• The gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission)
• The ignition switch is in the OFF position
• The driver and front passenger seat belts are unbuckled
WARNING: While the design allows you to deactivate your
Belt-Minder, this system is designed to improve your chances
of being safely belted and surviving an accident. We recommend
you leave the Belt-Minder system activated for yourself and
others who may use the vehicle. To reduce the risk of injury, do
not deactivate/activate the Belt-Minder feature while driving
the vehicle.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. (DO NOT START THE ENGINE)
2. Wait until the seat belt warning light turns off. (Approximately 1 minute)
• Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the seat belt
warning light turns off.
3. For the seating position being disabled, at a moderate speed, buckle then unbuckle the seat belt 9 times, ending in the unbuckled state.
(Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the seat belt
warning light turns off.)
• After Step 3, the seat belt warning light will be turned on for three
seconds.
4. Within approximately 7 seconds of the light turning off, buckle then unbuckle the seat belt.
• This will disable the Belt-Minder feature for that seating position if it
is currently enabled. As confirmation, the seat belt warning light will
flash 4 times per second for 3 seconds.
• This will enable the Belt-Minder feature for that seating position if it
is currently disabled. As confirmation, the seat belt warning light will
flash 4 times per second for 3 seconds, followed by 3 seconds with the
light off, then followed by the seat belt warning light flashing 4 times
per second for 3 seconds again.
2008 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
85
4x4 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratio Maximum
GCWR - lb. (kg) Maximum
trailer
weight - lb. (kg) Maximum
frontal area
of trailer - ft
2
(m2)
Regular Cab
3.0L* All 6,000 (2,722) 2,360 (1,070) 50 (4.64) 4.0L All 7,000 (3,175) 3,300 (1,496) 50 (4.64) Cab Plus 4
4.0L All 7,000 (3,175) 3,140 (1,424) 50 (4.64)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) of elevation.
*When towing on roads with steep grades or moderate but long
sustained grades (5 miles [8 km] or more), or when ambient
temperatures exceed 100°F (37°C), vehicle speed should not exceed
45 mph (72 km/h) in both cases.
For definition of terms used in this table, see Vehicle loadingearlier in
this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Vehicle loading earlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the completed
towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and the loaded
trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
4x2 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratio Maximum
GCWR - lb. (kg) Maximum
trailer
weight - lb. (kg) Maximum
frontal area
of trailer - ft
2
(m2)
Regular Cab
2.3L All 5,500 (2,495) 2,260 (1,025) Equal to frontal area of vehicle
3.0L* 3.73 6,000 (2,722) 2,600 (1,179) 50 (4.64)
3.0L* Dual Sport 4.10 6,000 (2,722) 2,400 (1,088) 50 (4.64)
2008 B-Series
(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
137
4x2 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratio Maximum
GCWR - lb. (kg) Maximum
trailer
weight - lb. (kg) Maximum
frontal area
of trailer - ft
2
(m2)
Cab Plus 4
2.3L 4.10 5,500 (2,495) 2,100 (953) Equal to frontal area of vehicle
3.0L* 3.73 6,000 (2,722) 2,440 (1,106) 50 (4.64)
3.0L* Dual Sport 4.10 6,000 (2,722) 2,280 (1,034) 50 (4.64)
4.0L All 9,500 (4,309) 5,880 (2,667) 50 (4.64)
4.0L Dual Sport All 9,500 (4,309) 5,720 (2,594) 50 (4.64)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation.
*When towing on roads with steep grades or moderate but long
sustained grades (5 miles [8 km] or more), or when ambient
temperatures exceed 100°F (37°C), vehicle speed should not exceed
45 mph (72 km/h) in both cases.
For definition of terms used in this table see Vehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, see Vehicle loading earlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
2008 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
138
4x4 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratio Maximum
GCWR - lb. (kg) Maximum
trailer
weight - lb. (kg) Maximum
frontal area
of trailer - ft
2
(m2)
Regular Cab
3.0L* 3.73 6,000 (2,722) 2,340 (1,061) 50 (4.64) 4.0L All 9,500 (4,309) 5,760 (2,612) 50 (4.64) Cab Plus 4
4.0L All 9,500 (4,309) 5,600 (2,540) 50 (4.64)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) of elevation.
*When towing on roads with steep grades or moderate but long
sustained grades (5 miles [8 km] or more), or when ambient
temperatures exceed 100°F (37°C), vehicle speed should not exceed
45 mph (72 km/h) in both cases.
For definition of terms used in this table, see Vehicle loadingearlier in
this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Vehicle loading earlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
The certification label is found on the driver’s door latch pillar. WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury.
2008 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
139
Refer to the following chart for information regarding the
factory-equipped trailer tow connector:
Trailer tow connector
Color Function Comment
1. Dark Green Trailer right-handturn signal Circuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and right-hand
turn signal is applied.
2. Yellow Trailer left-hand turn signal Circuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and left-hand
turn signal is applied.
3. Tan/White Tail lamp Relay controlled circuit activated when the park
lamps/headlamps are on.
4. White Ground Matching vehicle circuit returns to battery’s negative
ground.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
• Keep your speed no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) during the first
500 miles (800 km) of towing a trailer, and don’t make full throttle
starts.
• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission section in the
Driving chapter.)
• Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gauge in theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
2008 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
142
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
• Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for more information.
Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
• If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to the Maintenance and specifications chapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
• do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
• do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
2008 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
143
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
• affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing. An
example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:
Note: 4x2 and 4x4 vehicles with a manual transmission follow these
guidelines for recreational towing:
Before you have your vehicle towed:
• Release the parking brake.
• Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
• The maximum recommended speed is 55 mph (88 km/h).
• The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
• Put 4x4 switch in 2WD mode (4x4 only)
• The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transmission components.
For 4x4 vehicles with a manual transmission, it is recommended that a
Neutral Tow Kit be purchased and installed by an authorized dealer if
the vehicle is towed frequently.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions
provided by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing
apparatus if one has been installed.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
4x2 and 4x4 vehicles with an automatic transmission follow these
guidelines for recreational towing:
• Release the parking brake.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
2008 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
144