brake using the brake controller, and check
the brakes for correct function.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2,or1.
Al ower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane. Decoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overru nbrake
is engaged. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you
disconnect the trailer cable. This could result
in yourl imbs or those of other people that are
betwee nthe vehicle body and tires or
underneath the vehicle being trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnectt he trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake. 258
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking
X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
Permissible gross weight (all models except
the ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY): 7,198 lbs
(3,265 kg).
Permissible gross weight
(ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY): 6,613 lbs
(3,000 kg).
Permissible noseweight
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweigh tis the maximum weight with
which the trailer drawbarc an be loaded.
All models (excep tthe
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 575 lbs (261 kg).
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 529 lbs (240 kg).
Limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer
couplings.
Loading atrailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that
neithe rthe permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry, pay attention to the respective lowest
values.
R The trailer drawbarl oad on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends atrailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's
permissible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar load
for yourv ehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To chec kthat the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the
maximum permissible values, have the
vehicle/trailer combination (including the
driver, passengers, and cargo with a fully
laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge.
R Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbarl oad. Removing the ball coupling
X Remove the spring cotter.
X Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
X Remove the ball coupling from the ball
coupling recess.
X Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch can be found at (Y page 374). Towing
atrailer
259Driving an d parking Z
Engine
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000F
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's Manual The coolant level is too low.
!
Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine
cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
X Add coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Y page 367).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. 000E The fan motor is faulty.
X
At coolant temperatures unde r248 ‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. 000E
Coolant Too Hot
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine Off The coolant is too hot.
Aw
arning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
Do no tdrive when youre ngine is overheated. Thi scan cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartmen tto
catch fire.
Stea mfrom the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 179).
X Waitu ntil the engine has cooled down.
X Make sure tha tthe air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the display message goes out
and the coolant temperature is under 248 ‡ (120 †).
Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant
level, the coolant temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †). Display messages
299On-board computer and displays Z
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000B The battery is no
tbeing charged.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
Possible causes are:
R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Pull ove rand stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Ope nthe hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0013
Check Engine Oil
At Next Refueling The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
Aw
arning tone also sounds.
X Chec kthe oil level when next refueling, at the latest
(Y page 366).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page 366).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). 300
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
0013
Check Engine Oil
Level (Add 1 quart) AMG vehicles: the engine oil level is too low.
X
Chec kthe oil level when next refueling, at the latest
(Y page 366).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page 366).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). 0012
Fuel Level Low The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 000A There is only a very small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station without fail. 0012
Gas Cap Loose The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X
Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed:
X Close the fuel filler cap.
If the fuel filler cap is correctly closed:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0012
Ultra Low-sulfur
Diesel Fuel Only Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel level has fallen below the
reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest gas station.
X Only use commercially available vehicular ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM). 0004
Replace Air Filter Vehicles with a diesel engine: the engine air filter is dirty and must
be replaced.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0001
Check Fuel Filter Vehicles with a diesel engine: there is water in the fuel filter. The
water must be drained off.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
301On-board computer and displays Z
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
0002
Check
Additive See
Operator's Manual The DEF tank is almost empty.
X
Have the DE Ftank filled as soon as possible at aqualified
specialist workshop (Y page 177).0002
Remaining Starts:
16 The DE
Flevel has fallen to a minimum. You can start the engine a
further 16 times.
X Have the DEFt ank filled immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop (Y page 177).
i You can start the engine a further 16 times. If DE Fis not added,
it will then not be possible to restart the engine. Fill the DEF tank
with about 1 gal (3.8 l) of DEF (Y page 177).Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
0003
Attention Assist:
Take a Break! Based on certain criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST has detected fatigue
or
alack of concentration on th epart of th edriver. A warning tone
also sounds.
X If necessary, take a break.
During long journeys, take regular breaks in good time so you get
enough rest. 0003
Attention Assist
Inoperative ATTENTION ASSIST is inoperative.
X
Visi taqualified specialist workshop. 0002
Drive More Slowly You cannot change the vehicle level. Possible causes are:
R
you are driving too fast for the selected vehicle level.
R you are towing a trailer.
R the trailer-coupling socket is being used, e.g. for a bicycle rack.
X Drive more slowly and then select the desired vehicle level
again.
R
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROA Dpackage (Y page 204)
R Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package (Y page 210)
X Observe the notes on towing a trailer (Y page 253).302
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
ACTIVE CURVE
SYSTEM Malfunction
See Operator's
Manual The Active Curve Syste
mis faulty. The vehicle's handling
characteristics are severely impaired.Aw arning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
There is a ris kofanaccident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Adjust your driving style to the altered handling characteristics.
X Avoid sudde nacceleration in tigh tbends and fast steering
movements.
X Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80km/h).
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 0002
Raising
Max. Speed
12 mph The vehicle is being adjusted to off-road level 3. The display
message informs you of the maximum speed permissible for off-
road level 3.
X
Do not drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h). 000C
Lowering
Max.
Speed 12 mph The vehicle is being lowered from off-road level
3to off-road level
2. The display message informs you of the maximum speed
permissible for off-road level 3.
X Do not drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h) until off-road level 2
has been reached. 0014
Different. Lock
Sys. Malfunction The differential loc
kis malfunctioning.
X Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80km/h).
X Have the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 0014
Different.
Locking
Sys. Cooling Down
Please Wait The differential lock is too hot and has been disengaged.
X
Drive on carefully.
X Allow the differential lock to cool down.
The differential lock reengages as soon as it has cooled down. LOW RANGE Stop
Apply Parking Brake Ag
earshift process has been canceled. LOW RANGE is in the
neutral position .There is no connection between the engine and
the drive wheels.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the electric parking brake. Do not continue driving under
any circumstances.
X Repeatt he gearshift process. 304
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
0002
Remove 'Start'
Button and Insert
Key KEYLESS-GO is temporarily malfunctioning or is defective. A
warning tone also sounds.
X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock and turn it to the
desired position.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0002
Close Doors to
Lock Vehicle At leas
tone door is open. Awarning tone also sounds.
X Close all doors and loc kthe vehicle again. Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster
Overview
000D Low-beam headlamps
(Ypage 121)
0016 Parking lamps (Y page 122)
000C High-beam headlamps
(Ypage 124)
00070006 Turn signal (Ypage 123)
0014 Seat belts (Ypage 317)
0012 (USA) Brakes (Y page 318)
0009 (Canada)B rakes (Ypage 318)
0019 ABS (Ypage 319)
000F ESP®
(Y page 321)
0017 ESP®
OFF (Y page 321)
0008 (USA) Electric parking brake (red)
(Ypage 324)
000D (Canada )Electric parking brake (red)
(Y page 324)
000D Electric parking brake
(yellow) (Y page 324)
001F SRS (Ypage 324)
0010 Check Engine (Y page 325)
0012 Reserve fuel (Ypage 325)
000E Coolant (Ypage 326)
000F Distance warning function
(Ypage 328) 0010
Diesel engine: preglow
(Y page 159)
0012 Tire pressure monitor
(Ypage 329) 316
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays