2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class Owner's Manual

Jump-startingGWarning
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.
! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may
damage the catalytic converter 41
and create a risk of fire.
Do not use a rapid-charging device to start the engine.
Make sure the jumper cables are not damaged.
Make sure the jumper cables are not touching any other metal objects when they are
connected to the battery.
If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle
or from a second battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points:
XThe battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,
jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.XOnly jump-start the vehicle when the engine is cold and the catalytic converter system has
cooled down 42
.XDo not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.XJump-starting may only be performed from batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
If you jump-start using a battery with higher voltage, it may damage the electrical systems
of the vehicle.XOnly use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.XMake sure that the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts, such as the pulley
or the fan. These parts move when the engine is started and while it is running.XIf the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery a little.
i Jumper cables and further information about jump-starting can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
XMake sure that the two vehicles do not touch.XApply the parking brake firmly.41 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.
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XShift the transmission to position P.XSwitch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower etc.).XOpen the hood ( Y page 278).
Position number C identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
! Never swap the terminal connections.
XLift up cover : of positive terminal ; in the direction of the arrow.XConnect positive terminal ; on your vehicle to positive terminal = of donor battery C
using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.XRemove cover A from earth point B.XConnect negative terminal ? of donor battery C to earth point B of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery C first.XStart the engine.XFirst remove the jumper cable from earth point B and negative terminal ?, then from
positive terminal ; and positive terminal =, each time disconnecting from the battery on
your own vehicle first.XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.312Jump-startingRoadside Assistance
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Towing away
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
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.
If possible, have the vehicle transported by a
suitable vehicle with both axles raised,
instead of having it towed.
If it is not possible to load the vehicle due to
external conditions, tow the vehicle with both
axles on the ground the shortest distance
possible to a place where it is possible to load
the vehicle.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! You must not start the vehicle by tow-
starting. This could otherwise damage the
automatic transmission.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if
available. You could otherwise damage the
vehicle.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may shift to position P when
the driver's or front-passenger door are
opened, which could lead to damage to the
transmission.
! The vehicle must not be towed with raised
front or rear axles. This could otherwise
damage the transmission.
The battery must be connected and charged
when towing. Otherwise, you cannot switch
on the ignition and select N with the
automatic transmission.
i Switch the automatic door lock off before
towing ( Y page 208). Otherwise, you could
lock yourself out of the vehicle when
pushing or towing the vehicle.
Installing the towing eye
Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: if possible,
fasten the towing mechanism to the trailer
tow hitch ( Y page 193).
XRemove the towing eye and the lug wrench
(if supplied) from the vehicle tool kit
( Y page 294).GWarning
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.
The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, behind the covers.
XPress the mark on cover : inwards, in the
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XTake cover : off the opening.XScrew in the towing eye clockwise to the
stop.XInsert the lug wrench handle into the
towing eye and tighten it.
or
XIf your vehicle is not equipped with a lug
wrench, use a suitable object to tighten the
towing eye.
Removing the towing eye
XRemove the lug wrench (if supplied) from
the vehicle tool kit ( Y page 294).XInsert the lug wrench handle into the
towing eye and turn the towing eye
counter-clockwise.
or
XIf your vehicle is not equipped with a lug
wrench, use a suitable object to loosen the
towing eye.XUnscrew the towing eye.XAttach cover : to the bumper and press
until it engages.XReturn the towing eye and the lug wrench
to the vehicle tool kit.
Towing the vehicle
GWarning!
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.
GWarning
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.
The automatic transmission switches
automatically to position P if the driver's door
or front-passenger door are opened or the key
is removed from the ignition lock. In order to
ensure that the automatic transmission stays
in position N when towing, do the following:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the ignition is switched off.XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure
you use the key and not the Start/Stop
button ( Y page 149).XDepress and hold down the brake pedal.XShift the automatic transmission to
position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XRelease the parking brake.XActivate the hazard warning signal
( Y page 119).XLeave the ignition switched on.
!
You may only tow the vehicle a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be
exceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles
(50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a
transporter.
i When towing with the hazard warning
lamp switched on, use the combination
switch as normal to show changes to the
direction of the vehicle. In this case, only
the indicator lamps for the direction of
travel flash. After resetting the
combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
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Recovering a vehicle that has become
stuck
Take great care when recovering a vehicle
whose drive wheels have become embedded
in loose earth or mud, particularly if the
vehicle is laden.
When recovering the vehicle, do not use jerky
movements and do not pull it at an angle. The
chassis could otherwise be damaged.
Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a
trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck.
Transporting the vehicle
The towing eyes or trailer tow hitch can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or
transporter if you wish to transport it.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2
( Y page 149) in the ignition lock.XShift the automatic transmission to
position N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission to
position P.XSwitch off the ignition.XSecure the vehicle.
!
Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
Fuses
Important safety guidelines
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
will fail.GWarning
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.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart. An authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center will be happy to
advise you.
i If a fuse has blown, visit a breakdown
service or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or
systems could be damaged.
Before changing a fuse
XPark the vehicle and apply the parking
brake.XSwitch off all electrical consumers.XRemove the key from the ignition lock.Fuses315Roadside AssistanceBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 315Z

The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R fuse box on the front-passenger side of the
dashboard
R fuse box in the engine compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
R fuse box in the stowage well under the
trunk floor
The fuse allocation chart is located in the
vehicle tool kit ( Y page 294) in the stowage
compartment under the trunk floor.
Fuse box in the cockpit
! Do not use a pointed object such as a
screwdriver to open the cover in the
dashboard. You could damage the
dashboard or the cover.
XTo open: pull cover : upwards in the
direction of the arrow and remove it.XTo close: clip in cover : on top of the
dashboard.XFold cover : inwards until it engages.
Fuse box in the engine compartment
XOpen the hood ( Y page 278).XRemove any existing moisture from the
fuse box using a dry cloth.XTo open: open clamp :.XFold up cover ; and remove it.XTo close: check whether the rubber seal is
lying correctly in cover ;.XInsert cover ; at the front of the fuse box
into the retainer.XFold down cover ; and close clamp :.
!
The cover must be seated properly,
otherwise moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses.
XClose the hood ( Y page 279).
Fuse box in the cargo compartment
XOpen the tailgate.XTo open: open the trunk floor and secure
it ( Y page 294).XFold cover : to the left in the direction of
the arrow.316FusesRoadside Assistance
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Engine emergency off
If the engine cannot be switched off as
described, observe the following procedure:XTake the fuse allocation chart out of the
vehicle tool kit ( Y page 294).XOpen the fuse box in the engine
compartment ( Y page 316).XRemove fuse 120. The installation location
of the fuse is described in the fuse
allocation chart.Fuses317Roadside AssistanceBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 317Z

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