2010 MERCEDES-BENZ R320 Owner's Manual

battery cover is non-removable. Do not
attempt to open the battery as otherwise
the battery will be damaged.
VRLA
batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. They cannot be
opened to check the electrolyte level.
However, the battery condition must be
checked periodically by performing a
battery conductance test. Refer to
Maintenance Booklet for battery condition
testing intervals.
The factory-equipped battery may only be
replaced with a battery that
R has the same security features
R is of identical size
R is of identical voltage
R is of identical capacity
! As any other battery, the battery may
discharge if you do not operate the vehicle
for an extended period of time. Have the
battery disconnected at a qualified
workshop or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center in such a case. You may also
connect an accessory battery charge unit
expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model to maintain the battery
charge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
and the lateral plug must always be
securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation.
! Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch or
KEYLESS-GO button is in position 1.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be severely
damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
maintenance intervals or contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
further information.
i After battery power was interrupted, do
the following:
R Set the clock
(Y page 133).
Vehicles with COMAND system with
navigation module: Time and date are set
automatically.
R Synchronize the door windows
(Y page 107).
R Synchronize the power tilt/sliding
sunroof (Y page 183).
R Synchronize the power tilt/sliding panel
(Y page 186).
R Synchronize the exterior rear view
mirrors (Y page 96). Charging the battery
G
Warning!
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
charging and could cause an explosion that
may

result in personal injury, paint damage or
corrosion.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.
Have the battery charged at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. If you charge the
battery yourself, follow the operating
instructions for your charging device. Battery
335
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Only use a battery charge unit with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
X
Charge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer. Jump starting
G
Warning!
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 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. You could
otherwise seriously damage the automatic
transmission which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start terminals located in
the engine compartment.
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
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter
17
and may
present a fire risk.
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.
If the battery is discharged, the engine can be
started with jumper cables and the fully
charged battery of another vehicle or an
equivalent starter pack. Observe the
following:
R Access to the battery is not possible on all
vehicles. If you cannot access the battery
of the other vehicle, provide jump start
power by an external battery or starter
pack.
R Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic converter 18
are cold.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.
R Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump starting
with a more powerful battery could damage
the vehicle’s electrical system. Such
damage will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
R Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R Always make sure the jumper cables are
not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts
17 Vehicles with gasoline engine only.
18 Vehicles with gasoline engine only. 336
Jump starting
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that move when an engine is started or
running.
R Should the battery be drained completely,
let the donating power source charge the
vehicle for several minutes before
reattempting the starting process.
The jump-start contacts are located in the
engine compartment on the passenger side. X
Make sure the two vehicles do not touch.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
X Open the hood (Y page 222). Position
C represents the charged battery of
another vehicle or an equivalent starter pack.
X Flip up cover : of positive terminal = in
direction of arrow.
! Never invert the terminal connections!
X Connect positive terminal ; of charged
battery C with positive terminal = with a
jumper cable. Clamp the cable to positive
terminal ; of charged battery C first.
X Start engine of the vehicle with charged
battery C and run at idle speed.
X Slide cover A from negative terminal B in
direction of arrow.
X Connect negative terminal ? of charged
battery C with negative terminal B with a jumper cable. Clamp the cable to
negative terminal ? of charged battery
C first.
X Start engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery and run at idle speed.
You can now turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not switch on the
headlamps under any circumstances.
X Remove the jumper cables from negative
terminals ? and B first.
X Remove the jumper cables from positive
terminals ; and =.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
X Close cover : of positive terminal =. Jump starting
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X
Slide cover A back onto negative terminal
B.
X Have the battery checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Towing the vehicle
Safety notes
Mercedes-Benz
recommends that the vehicle
be transported with all wheels off the ground
using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly
equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
! To prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
If circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
only so far as necessary to have the vehicle
moved to a safe location where the
recommended towing methods can be
employed.
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
R Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground.

Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground. G
Warning!
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.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery,

as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
i If the battery is disconnected or
discharged
R the SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
R the automatic transmission will remain in
park position P
For more information see “Battery”
(Y page 333) or “Jump starting”
(Y page 336). Installing towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle

or you are being towed, the towing eye
bolt can be screwed into threaded holes
which are located behind covers on each
bumper.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
vehicle tool kit, located in the cargo
compartment underneath the cargo
compartment floor (Y page 270).
X Take the towing eye bolt out of the space
underneath the cargo compartment floor. 338
Towing the vehicle
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Removing cover in front bumper
X
Press mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.
X Lift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.
Removing cover in rear bumper G
Warning!
In order to avoid possible serious burns or
injury, use extreme caution when removing
the rear cover, because the rear exhaust pipe
is extremely hot. X
Pry cover : with a flat, blunt object as a
lever.
X Lift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt. Fixing towing eye bolt
Example illustration front bumper
X
Take the towing eye bolt and, if so
equipped, the wheel wrench from the
vehicle tool kit.
X Screw towing eye bolt ; clockwise into
threaded hole to its stop.
X Insert wheel wrench into towing eye and
tighten towing eye bolt ; by turning it
clockwise.
or
X If your vehicle is not equipped with a wheel
wrench, use a suitable object to turn the
towing eye bolt.
Removing towing eye bolt X
Loosen towing eye bolt ; by turning it
counterclockwise.
X Unscrew towing eye bolt ;.
X Reinstalling cover in front bumper:
Engage cover : (Y page 338) on the left
and press on the right.
X Reinstalling cover in rear bumper:
Engage cover : (Y page 339) at top and
press at bottom.
X Store the towing eye bolt ; and wheel
wrench back into the vehicle tool kit. Towing the vehicle
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Towing with all wheels on the ground
G
Warning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.G
Warning!
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.
X Make sure the ignition is switched on.
X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X If engaged, release the parking brake.
X Switch on the hazard warning flasher
(Y page 101).
! Keep in mind that it is important to have
the ignition switched on. Removing the
SmartKey from the starter switch or
opening a front door with the ignition
switched off will automatically shift the
automatic transmission into park position
P.
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). i
While being towed with the hazard
warning

flasher in use, use the combination
switch in the usual manner to signal turns.
Only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again. Stranded vehicle
Freeing a stranded vehicle, on which the
wheels are dug into sand or mud, should be
done with the greatest of care, especially if
the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Note the following when freeing a stranded
vehicle:
R Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
R Never try to free a vehicle that is still
coupled to a trailer.
R If

possible, a vehicle equipped with a trailer
hitch receiver should be pulled backward in
its own previously made tracks. Fuses
Introduction
The electrical fuses in your vehicle serve to
switch off malfunctioning power circuits.
If a fuse is blown, the components and
systems secured by that fuse will stop
operating. G
Warning!
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with
the specified amperage for the system in
question and do not attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse. Using other than
approved fuses or using repaired or bridged
fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire,
and/or cause damage to electrical
components and/or systems. Have the cause
determined and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. 340
Fuses
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A blown fuse must be replaced by an
appropriate spare fuse (recognizable by its
color or the fuse rating given on the fuse) of
the amperage recommended in the fuse
chart. Any Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to advise you on this subject.
i
In case of a blown fuse contact Roadside
Assistance or an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If a newly inserted fuse blows again, have the
cause determined and rectified by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The fuse chart is located in the cargo
compartment with the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 270). The fuse chart explains the fuse
allocation and fuse amperages. Before replacing fuses
X Engage the parking brake.
X Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
The transmission position indicator in the
multifunction display should be on P.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Turn off the engine.
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Open the
driver’s door (this puts the starter switch in
position 0, same as with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch). The
driver’s door then can be closed again. Fuse box in passenger compartment
! Do not use sharp objects such as a
screwdriver to open the fuse box cover in
the dashboard. You could damage the fuse
box cover or the dashboard.
The fuse box is located behind a cover in the
dashboard on the front passenger side. X
Open the front passenger door.
X Opening: Insert flat, blunt object into
recess of fuse box cover : and pry it out
slightly.
X Remove fuse box cover : in direction of
arrow.
X Closing: Clip upper end of fuse box
cover : into opening.
X Push on lower end of fuse box cover :
until it engages.
! The fuse box cover must be properly
positioned as described. Otherwise,
moisture or dirt could enter the fuse box
and possibly impair fuse operation. Fuse box in engine compartment
X Open the hood. X
With a dry cloth, remove any moisture from
fuse box cover ;.
X Release clamp :.
X Lift fuse box cover ; up. Fuses
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X
Closing: Make sure the sealing rubber is
positioned properly.
X Insert the tabs of fuse box cover ; that are
opposite of clamp : into the openings.
X Press fuse box cover ; down
X Close clamp :.
! The fuse box cover must be properly
positioned as described. Otherwise,
moisture or dirt could enter the fuse box
and possibly impair fuse operation.
X Close the hood after checking or replacing
fuses. Fuse box in cargo compartment
X
Opening: Open the cargo compartment.
X Lift the cargo compartment floor
(Y page 270).
X Secure cargo compartment floor with
securing hook (Y page 270).
X Fold cover : to the left as indicated by the
arrow.
X Closing: Install everything in reverse order. Emergency engine shutdown
If the engine cannot be turned off as
described ( Y page 114), you may use the
following emergency procedure. X
Take the fuse chart from the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 270).
X Open the fuse box in engine compartment.
X Remove fuse 120.
Find its location in the fuse chart. 342
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