2013 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class coolant level

Trailer towing
Active Blind Spo tAssist ................. 240
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............243
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 235
PARKTRONI C................................. 216
Permissible trailer loads and
drawba rnoseweights ..................... 259
Transfer case ..................................... 173
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........165
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECTl ever)...................... 165
Transporting the vehicle ..................393
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 191
Driving downhill ............................. 191
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 191
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .376
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 267
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 266
Resetting (on-board computer) ......268
see Trip odometer
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 295
Switching on/off ........................... 123
see Turn signals
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 421
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................86
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 85 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........345
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 27
Data acquisition ............................... 28
Display message ............................ 312
Equipment ....................................... 24
Individua lsettings .......................... 274
Limited Warranty ............................. 28
Loading .......................................... 410
Locking (in an emergency) ...............87
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 79
Lowering ........................................ 426
Maintenance .................................... 25
Parking for a long period ................ 182
Pulling away ................................... 160
Raising ........................................... 423
Reporting problems .........................28
Securing from rolling away ............422
Towing away .................................. 391
Transporting .................................. 393
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........86
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................79
Vehicle data ................................... 452
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 452
Vehicle dimensions ...........................452
Vehicle emergency locking ................87
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............443
Vehicle level (display message) .......302
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 380
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 270
VIN ...................................................... 443 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 319
Brakes ........................................... 318
Check Engine ................................. 325
Coolant .......................................... 326
Distance warning ........................... 328
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 328 Index
21

Problems with the engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard. R
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
X Try to start the engine again (Y page 159). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor. The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak
or discharged.
X
Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 389).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.
X
Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two
minutes.
X Try to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring. There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
X
Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it. The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡ (120 †). The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X
Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.
X Check the coolant level (Y page 367). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary. 164
DrivingDriving and parking

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

vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
! Adisplay message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
If the coolant temperature is over
248 ‡(120 †), do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged.
The coolan ttemperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side
(Y page 33).
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant
temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †). Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protec tthe
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
The outside temperature display is in the
multifunction display (Y page 265).
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay. Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R Cruise control activated (Y page 192):
The segments light up from the stored
speed to the maximum speed.
R DISTRONIC PLUS activated (Y page 194):One or two segments in the set speed
range light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detectsav ehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in fron tand the stored speed light
up. Operating the on-board computer
Overview 0002
Multifunctio ndisplay
0003 Switches on the Voice Control System;
see the separate operating instructions
001F Right control panel
001E Left control panel
001C Back button
X To activat ethe on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition
lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel. 264
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

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

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000E
The red coolant
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. 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.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be
malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
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 Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (Y page 367).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the 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 coolant temperature is
under 248 ‡(120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. 000E
The red coolant
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The
airflow to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level
may be too low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do not drive whe nyour engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
327On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
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 Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (Y page 367).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡(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. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000F
The red distance
warning function
warning lamp comes on
while the vehicle is
moving. A warning tone
also sounds.
You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in you
rline
of travel at too high a speed.
X Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 194).
Further information on PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 73).
Further information on the distance warning function
(Y page 68). 328
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Example: engine oil cap
X
Turn cap 0002counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter)
of engine oil.
X Replace cap 0002on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level agai nwith the oil
dipstick (Y page 366).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 449). Additional service products
Checking coolant level G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized,
particularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hot
coolan tspraying out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape. X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only chec kthe coolant level when the
vehicle is on a level surface and the engine
has cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 157).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 158).
X Check the coolant temperature gauge in
the multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0(Y page 157) in the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap 0002half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap 0002further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
001F in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank 0003.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar 001Fin the fuel
filler neck when warm, there is enough
coolant in expansion tank 0003.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap 0002and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 451). Engine compartment
367Maintenance and care Z