2013 MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS FAMILY TOURER check engine

All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried ou
tata
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop to arrange this.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subjectto
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of yourb rakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake
pedal when driving at a high speed. This
improves the grip of the brake pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Ypage 68).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond
to an equivalent quality standard .Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your
vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for yourv ehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Parking brake G
WARNING
If you must brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the braking distanc eis considerably
longer and the wheels could lock. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Only use the parking brake to brake the
vehicle when the service brake is faulty. Do
not apply the parking brake too firmly. If the
wheels lock, release the parking brake until
the wheels begin turning again.
If you brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the brake lamps will not light up. If you drive on wet roads or dirt-covered
surfaces, road salt and/or dirt could get into
the parking brake.
In order to prevent corrosion and a reduction
in the braking power of the parking brake,
observe the following:
R
Gently depress the parking brake from time
to time before beginning the journey.
R Drive a distance of approximately 110 yds
(100 m) at a maximum speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h). Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R
you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
R lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
R brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads !
Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage. Driving tips
171Driving and parking Z

tone sounds. Red warning lamp
:flashes. If
the tur nsignal remains on, detected vehicles
are indicated by the flashing of red warning
lamp :.There are no further warning tones.
Switching on Blind Spot Assist X
Make sure that the radar sensor system
(Y page 209) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 211) are activated in the on-board
computer.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
Warning lamps :in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately
1.5 seconds and then turn yellow.
Towing atrailer When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical
connection. This ca
nbe accomplished by
checking the trailer lighting. In this event,
Blind Spot Assist is deactivated. The indicator
lamp in the exterior mirrors lights up yellow,
and the Blind Spot Assist Currently Unavailable See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction
display.
i
You can deactivate the indicator lamps in
the exterior mirrors.
To do so, switch off Blind Spot Assist when:
R the SmartKey is in position 2in the
ignition lock.
R the engine is not running.
R the electrical connection to the trailer
has been established. Towing
atrailer Notes on towing
atrailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you install a ball coupling other tha nthe one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in
question is longer or angled differently. This
could seriously impair the driving
characteristics and the trailer can come
loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed
to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter. G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.N ever
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time. G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even
rollover. There is a risk of an accident. Towing
atrailer
193Driving an d parking
Z

X
Start the engine.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level and set ADS to
AUTO orCOMF.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections.
i The vehicle's wiring harness features a
cable connection to the brake indicator
lamp.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a traile rattached, the vehicle will
always remai nathighway level. When
coupling up a trailer, please observe the
following:
R Unless highway level has been set
manually, the vehicle automatically
lowers to highway level when it reaches
a speed of 5mph (8 km/h).
R High-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S.s tates and all Canadia nprovinces
require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to yours tate. If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes. Towing
atrailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g .speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and backing up in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
-Trailer tow hitch
- Safety switch for braked trailers
- Safety chains
- Electrical connections
- Lights
- the wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer features electronically
controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/
trailer combination carefully, manually
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. Towing
atrailer
195Driving an d parking Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
b
Daytime Running
Light
Left orDaytime
Running Light Right The left-hand or right-hand daytime running lamp is faulty.
X
Chec kwhether you are permitted to replace the bulb yourself
(Y page 126).
or
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
AUTO Light
Inoperative The light sensor is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
USA only:
X Switch off the daytime running lamps in the on-board computer
(Y page 207).
X Switch the lights on and off using the light switch. b
Switch Off Lights The lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.
X
Turn the light switch to $orÃ.
or
X If the rear fog lamp is switched on: press the light switch in to
the stop. Engine
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
+
Top
Up Coolant 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 287).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. ? The fan motor is faulty.
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. 224
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
# 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. #
Battery /
Alternator Stop
Vehicle The battery is defective.
You will need to use considerably more force to brake. The brake
pedal travel and braking distance will increase. If necessary,
depress the brake pedal with maximum force.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Check engine oil
level 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 286).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page 286).
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). 226
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
8
Reserve Fuel The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the neares tgas station. C There is only a very small amoun
toffuel in th efuel tank.
X Refuel at the neares tgas statio nwithout fail. 8
Gas Cap Open 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. 8
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). ¸
Replace air filter Vehicles with a diesel engine: the engine air filter is dirty and must
be replaced.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ·
Clean 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. Ø
Check
Additive See
Operator's Manual The DEF tank is almost empty.
X
Have the DE Ftank refilled as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop (Y page 164).Ø
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 refilled as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop (Y page 164).
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. add DEF tank
with approximately 1gal (3. 8l) DEF( Ypage 164). Display messages
227On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
Cruise Control
- - - MPH Ac
ondition for activating cruise control has not been fulfilled.
You have tried to store aspeed below 20 mph (30 km/h), for
example.
X If conditions permit, drive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) and
store the speed.
X Check the activation conditions for cruise control
(Y page 173). DISTRONIC
- - - MPH An activation condition for DISTRONIC is not fulfilled.
X
Check the activation conditions for DISTRONIC (Y page 175).DISTRONIC
Override DISTRONIC is no longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.
X
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC
Inoperative DISTRONIC is faulty or the display has failed.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. DISTRONIC
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's Manual DISTRONIC is deactivated and temporarily inoperative. Possible
causes are:
R
the DISTRONIC cover in the radiator trim is dirty.
R function is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.
R the radar sensors ystem is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R the rada rsensor system has not detected any vehicles or
stationary objects, e.g. traffic signs, for a long time.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display
message disappears.
DISTRONIC is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 166).
X Clean the DISTRONIC cover in the radiator trim (Y page 293).
X Restart the engine. 230
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
h
Tire Pressure
Check Tires The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
G WARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a ris kofthe
following hazards:
R they may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
R they may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 166).
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires (Y page 299).
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 320).
X If necessary, correct the tire pressure. h
Please
correct the
tire pressures The tire pressure is too low in at least one of the tires, or the tire
pressure difference between the wheels is too great.
X
Check the tire pressures at the next opportunity (Y page 320).
X If necessary, correct the tire pressure. Vehicle
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
Shift to P or N to
start engine. You have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position
Ror D.
X Shift the transmission to position Por N. Auxiliary Battery
Malfunction The auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no longer
being charged.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop at the next opportunity.
X Until then, set the automatic transmission to position Pbefore
you switch off the engine.
X Before leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 166).234
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays