Engine oilE01000402530
To check and refill engine oil
The engine oil used has a significant effect on the
engine’s performance, service life and startability.
Be sure to use oil of the recommended quality and
appropriate viscosity.
All engines consume a certain amount of oil during
normal operation, and engine oil consumption is
greatly influenced by payload, engine speed, etc.
Therefore, it is important to check the oil level at
regular intervals or before starting a long trip.
This check must be made with the engine warm but
not running. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
stop the engine, and then wait a few moments to al-
low the engine oil in circulation to return to the oil
pan to ensure accurate measurement.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Reinsert the dipstick as far as it goes. Remove the
dipstick and read the oil level, which should al-
ways be within the range indicated.
If the oil level is below the specified limit, remove
the cap located on the cylinder head cover and add
enough oil to raise the level to within the specified
range.
Be sure to use the specified engine oil and do not
mix various types of oil. Also, avoid mixing differ-
ent makes of oil together if possible.
After adding oil, close the cap securely.
Use only the recommended oils with an MB classi-
fication as specified in this manual.1100 models1300 models1500 models
NOTE
l The engine oil will deteriorate rapidly if the
vehicle is subjected to severe conditions (for
example, repeated operation on rough roads,
in mountainous regions, on roads with many
uphill and downhill gradients, or over short
distances). Consequently, the oil will require
earlier replacement.
l For handling of used engine oils, refer to
page 05.
Selection of engine oil
Maintenance
8-05
8
Except for vehicles with turbocharger (Engine
models 134910 and 135930)
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: • “MB 229.1” or higher
Except for vehicles with turbocharger (Engine
models 3A91 and 4A90)
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l SAE
0W-20 , 0W-30 , 5W-30 , and 5W-40 en-
gine oils can only be used if they meet
ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5 and API SM
specifications.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: • API classification: “For service SM”
• ILSAC certificated oil
• ACEA classification: “For service A1/B1, A3/B3 , A3/B4 or
A5/B5”
NOTE l Use of additives is not recommended since
they may reduce the effectiveness of addi-
tives already included in the engine oil. It
may result in failure of the mechanical assem-
bly.
l The engine model is indicated on the vehicle
information code plate.
Refer to “Vehicle information code plate” on
page 9-02.Vehicles with turbocharger
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: •API classification: “For service SG” or
higher
• ILSAC certificated oil
• ACEA classification: “For service A1/B1, A3/B3 , A3/B4 or
A5/B5”
NOTE l Use of additives is not recommended since
they may reduce the effectiveness of addi-
tives already included in the engine oil. It
may result in failure of the mechanical assem-
bly.
l SAE
5W-30 engine oil can be used to im-
prove engine startability in very cold weather
areas where the lowest atmospheric tempera-
Maintenance
8-06
8
ture is below the range shown in the illustra-
tion.
In this case, use engine oil conforming to the
following classification: • ACEA classification:“For service A3/ B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5”
• API classification: “For service SG” or higherEngine coolant E01000501390
To check the coolant level
A translucent coolant reserve tank is located in the
engine compartment.
Except for vehicles with turbocharger
The coolant level in this tank should be kept be-
tween the “LOW” and “FULL” marks when meas-
ured while the engine is cold.
FULLLOW
Vehicles with turbocharger
Check the coolant level in the reserve tank. The re-
serve tank lid is equipped with a dipstick.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Reinsert the dipstick as far as it goes. Remove the
dipstick and read the coolant level, which should al-
ways be within the range “F” (FULL) or “L”
(LOW) while the engine is cold.FULLLOW
To add coolant
The cooling system is a closed system and normal-
ly the loss of coolant should be very slight. A no-
ticeable drop in the coolant level could indicate leak-
age. If this occurs, we recommend you to have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Except for vehicles with turbocharger
If the level should drop below the “LOW” level on
the reserve tank, open the lid and add coolant to
“FULL” level.
Also, if the reserve tank is completely empty, re-
move the radiator cap (A) and add coolant until the
level reaches the filler neck.
Maintenance
8-07
8
WARNINGlDo not open the radiator cap while the en-
gine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure and
any hot coolant escaping could cause se-
vere burns.
Vehicles with turbocharger
If the level should drop below the “L” (LOW) level
on the dipstick, add coolant to the reserve tank.
Also, if the reserve tank is completely empty, re-
move the radiator cap (A) and add coolant until the
level reaches the filler neck.
WARNINGl Do not open the radiator cap while the en-
gine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure and
any hot coolant escaping could cause se-
vere burns.
Anti-freeze
The engine coolant contains an ethylene glycol anti-
corrosion agent. The cylinder head and water pump
housing are cast aluminium alloy, and periodic
changing of the engine coolant is necessary to pre-
vent corrosion of these parts.
Use High-quality ethylene glycol based coolant. It
has excellent protection against corrosion and rust
formation of all metals including aluminium and
can avoid blockages in the radiator, heater, cylin-
der head, engine block, etc.
Because of the necessity of this anti-corrosion
agent, the coolant must not be replaced with plain
water even in summer. The required concentration
of anti-freeze differs depending on the expected am-
bient temperature.Ambient temperature (minimum) °C-30-35-50Anti-freeze concentra- tion %455060CAUTIONlDo not use alcohol or methanol anti-
freeze or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol anti-freeze. The use
of an improper anti-freeze can cause cor-
rosion of the aluminium components.
l For effective anti-corrosion and anti-
freeze performance, keep the anti-freeze
concentration within the range of 45 to
60 %.
Concentrations exceeding 60 % will re-
sult in a reduction of both the anti-freeze
and cooling performance thus adversely
affecting the engine.
l Do not top up with water only.
Water by itself reduces the rust-protec-
tive and anti-freeze qualities of the cool-
ant and has a lower boiling point. It can
also cause damage to the cooling system if
it should freeze. Do not use tapwater, as it
can cause corrosion and rust formation.During cold weather
If the temperatures in your area drop below freez-
ing, there is the danger that the coolant in the en-
gine or radiator could freeze and cause severe dam-
age to the engine and/or radiator.
Add a sufficient amount of anti-freeze to the cool-
ant to prevent it from freezing.
The concentration should be checked before the
start of cold weather and anti-freeze added to the
system if necessary.
Maintenance
8-08
8
BatteryE01001202160
The condition of the battery is very important for
quick starting of the engine and proper functioning
of the vehicle’s electrical system. Regular inspec-
tion and care are especially important in cold weath-
er.
Checking battery electrolyte level
The inside of the battery is divided into several com-
partments.
Checking the electrolyte level in each cell after re-
moving the cap.If the part marked (A) inside each cell is below the
surface of the electrolyte (B), the electrolyte level
is normal. Top up the electrolyte with distilled wa-
ter if necessary. Do not overfill the cell; spillage dur-
ing driving could cause damage.
Check the electrolyte level at least once every 4
weeks, depending on the operating conditions.
If the battery is not used, it will discharge by itself
with time.
Check it once every 4 weeks and charge with low
current as necessary.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced at low tem-
peratures. This is an inevitable result of its chemi-
cal and physical properties. This is why a very cold
battery, particularly one that is not fully charged,
will only deliver a fraction of the starter current
which is normally available.
We recommend you to have the battery checked be-
fore the start of cold weather and, if necessary,
have it charged or replaced.
This does not only ensure reliable starting, but a bat-
tery which is kept fully charged also has a longer life.
Disconnection and connectionCAUTIONl Do not disconnect the battery terminals
for at least one minute after the ignition
switch is turned “OFF”. If the battery ter-
minals are disconnected immediately af-
ter the ignition switch is turned “OFF”,
the automated manual transmission may
be damaged.
To disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine,
first disconnect the negative (-) terminal and then
the positive (+) terminal.
When connecting the battery, first connect the posi-
tive (+) terminal and then the negative (-) terminal.
NOTE l Open the terminal cover (A) before discon-
necting or connecting the positive (+) termi-
nal of the battery.
l Loosen the nut (B), and then disconnect the
battery cable from the positive (+) terminal.
Maintenance
8-10
8
Brake pedal free playE01002300281
Stop the engine, depress the brake pedal several
times, and press down the pedal with your fingers
until initial resistance is felt. This distance should
be within the specified range.
A- Free play: 3 to 8 mm
If the brake pedal free play is not within the stand-
ard range, we recommend you to have it checked.
Parking brake lever stroke E01005800388
Pull the parking brake lever up to check the num-
ber of “clicks” that the ratchet makes. One click rep-
resents a lever movement of one notch. The lever
should move the specified number of notches for
normal brake application.
A- Parking brake lever stroke: 5 to 7 notches (Parking brake adjustment when pulled with
a force of 200 N)
If the parking brake lever stroke is out of the stand-
ard range, we recommend you to have it checked.
WARNINGl Continued operation of the vehicle with
the parking brake lever out of adjust-
ment may result in the vehicle moving
when unattended.Wiper blades E01002600473
If the blades are frozen to the windscreen or rear
window, do not operate the wipers until the ice has
melted and the blades are freed, otherwise the wip-
er motor may be damaged.
NOTE l Under icy conditions, do not cause high im-
pact on the wiper blade by slamming it on
the glass. In extremely low temperatures, the
plastic wiper blade is vulnerable to such
shock and may be damaged because of its
less plasticity.
Wiper blade rubber replacement
Windscreen wiper blade (driver’s side) 1. Lift the wiper arm off the windscreen.
2. Pull the wiper blade until its stopper (A) dis-
engages from the hook (B). Then, pull the
wiper blade further to remove it.
Maintenance
8-16
8
General maintenanceE01002700113
Fuel, engine coolant, oil and exhaust
gas leakage
Look under the body of your vehicle to check for
fuel, engine coolant, oil and exhaust gas leaks.WARNINGl If you see a suspicious fuel leak or if you
smell fuel, do not operate the vehicle; we
recommend you to call for assistance.
Exterior and interior lamp operation
Operate the combination lamp switch to check that
all lamps are functioning properly.
If the lamps do not illuminate, the probable cause
is a blown fuse or defective lamp bulb. Check the
fuses first. If there is no blown fuses, check the
lamp bulbs.
For information regarding the inspection and re-
placement of the fuses and the lamp bulbs, refer to
“ Fuses” on page 8-19 and “Replacement of lamp
bulbs” on page 8-23.
If the fuses and bulbs are all OK, we recommend
you to have your vehicle checked and repaired.
Meter, gauge and indicator/warning
lamps operation
Run the engine to check the operation of all meters,
gauges, and indicator/warning lamps.
If there is anything wrong, we recommend you to
have your vehicle inspected.
Hinges and latches lubrication
Check all latches and hinges, and lubricate if neces-
sary by first cleaning and then applying multipur-
pose grease.For cold and snowy weather E01002800172
Ventilation slots
The ventilation slots in front of the windscreen
should be brushed clear after a heavy snowfall so
that the operation of the heating and ventilation sys-
tems will not be impaired.
Weatherstripping
To prevent freezing of the weatherstripping on the
doors, bonnet, etc., they should be treated with sili-
cone grease or spray.
Additional equipment
It is a good idea to carry a shovel or a short-han-
dled spade in the vehicle during the winter so that
you can clear away snow if you get stranded. A
small hand-brush for sweeping snow off the vehi-
cle and a plastic scraper for the windscreen and
rear window are also useful.
Maintenance
8-18
8
Passenger compartment fuse location (LHD)Passenger compartment fuse location (RHD)
No.SymbolElectrical systemCa-
pacity1Ignition switch40 A2Electric window system40 A3Radiator fan40 A4Automated manual trans-
mission40 A5Demister30 A6Heated seat30 ANo.SymbolElectrical systemCa-
pacity7———8Heater40 A9Radio10 A10Room lamp10 A11Heated door mirror7.5 A12Electronic control module7.5 A13Windscreen wiper20 A14Tail lamp (right)7.5 A15Tail lamp (left)7.5 A16Engine20 A17Fuel pump15 A18Horn10 A19Headlamp high-beam
(left)10 A20Headlamp high-beam
(right)10 A21———22———23Outside rear-view mirrors7.5 A24Rear fog lamp7.5 A25Accessory socket15 A
Maintenance
8-20
8