16In briefTransmission
Manual transmission
Reverse: with the vehicle stationary,
wait 3 seconds after depressing
clutch pedal and then pull up the
collar on the selector lever and
engage the gear.
If the gear does not engage, set the
lever to neutral, release the clutch
pedal and depress again; then repeat
gear selection.
Manual transmission 3 96.
Manual transmission automatedN=neutralo=drive+=higher gear-=lower gearA/M =switch between automatic
and manual modeR=reverse gear
Manual transmission automated
3 97.
Starting off
Check before starting off ■ Tyre pressure and condition 3 132,
3 163.
■ Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 117.
■ All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting and number plates are free
from dirt, snow and ice and are
operational.
■ Proper position of mirrors, seats and seat belts 3 28, 3 33,
3 40.
■ Brake function at low speed, particularly if the brakes are wet.
Storage59
■ The payload is the differencebetween the permitted gross
vehicle weight (see identification
plate 3 150) and the EC kerb
weight.
To calculate the EC kerb weight,
enter the data for your vehicle in the
Weights table at the front of this
manual.
The EC kerb weight includes
weights for the driver (68 kg),
luggage (7 kg) and all fluids (tank
90 % full).
Optional equipment and
accessories increase the kerb
weight.
■ Driving with a roof load increases the sensitivity of the vehicle to
cross-winds and has a detrimental
effect on vehicle handling due to
the vehicle's higher centre of
gravity. Distribute the load evenly
and secure it properly with retaining
straps. Adjust the tyre pressure and vehicle speed according to the load
conditions. Check and retighten the straps frequently.
Do not drive faster than 75 mph.The permissible roof load (which
includes the weight of the roof rack)
is 280 kg for standard roof variants
and 210 kg for high roof variants
(excludes Platform cab
conversions). The roof load is the
combined weight of the roof rack
and the load.
The permissible roof load on the
approved full length roof rack
system is 210 kg for standard roof
variants and 140 kg for high roof
variants (excludes Platform cab
conversions). The roof load is the
combined weight of the roof rack
and the load.
102Driving and operatingParking brake
Always apply parking brake firmly
without operating the release button,
and apply as firmly as possible on a
downhill or uphill slope.
To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the release
button and fully lower the lever.
To reduce the operating forces of the
parking brake, depress the foot brake
at the same time.
Control indicator R 3 71.
Brake assist
If the brake pedal is depressed
quickly and forcefully, maximum
brake force is automatically applied
(full braking).
Maintain steady pressure on the
brake pedal for as long as full braking
is required. Maximum brake force is
automatically reduced when the
brake pedal is released.Ride control systems
Traction Control system
The Traction Control system (TC) is a
component part of the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP® Plus
) which
improves driving stability when
necessary, regardless of the type of
road surface or tyre grip, by
preventing the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the drive wheels starts to
spin, engine output is reduced and
the wheel spinning the most is braked
individually. This considerably
improves the driving stability of the
vehicle on slippery road surfaces.
TC is operational as soon as the
ignition is switched on and control
indicator v extinguishes in the
instrument cluster.
When TC is active v flashes.
Driving and operating113
If the trailer starts snaking, drive moreslowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 163.
Trailer towing Trailer loads
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be exceeded. The actual trailer load is
the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12 %.The permitted trailer load applies up
to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10 %
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than 8 %, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 150.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load is specified on the
towing equipment identification plate
and in the vehicle documents. Always aim for the maximum load, especiallyin the case of heavy trailers. The
vertical coupling load should never
fall below 25 kg.
In the case of trailer loads of
1200 kg or more, the vertical coupling load should not be less than 50 kg.
Rear axle load When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded (including
all occupants), the permissible rear
axle load (see identification plate or
vehicle documents) must not be
exceeded.
Towing equipmentCaution
When operating without a trailer,
remove the coupling ball bar.
Vehicle care115Vehicle careGeneral Information...................115
Vehicle checks ........................... 116
Bulb replacement .......................124
Electrical system ........................128
Vehicle tools .............................. 131
Wheels and tyres .......................131
Towing ....................................... 141
Appearance care .......................143General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend the use of Genuine Parts and Accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).
Vehicle storage Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.■ Change the engine oil.
■ Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check the coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park vehicle in a dry, well ventilated
place. Engage first or reverse gear. Prevent the vehicle from rolling.
■ Do not apply the parking brake.
■ Open the bonnet, close all doors and lock the vehicle.
■ Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Beware that all systems are
not functional, e.g. anti-theft alarm
system.
Putting back into operation When the vehicle is to be put back into
operation:
■ Connect the clamp to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery.
Activate the electronics of the
power windows.
■ Check tyre pressure.
132Vehicle careTyre pressureCheck the pressure of cold tyres at
least every 14 days and before any
long journey. Do not forget the spare
wheel.
Tyre pressures 3 163.
The tyre pressure data refers to cold
tyres. It applies to summer and winter
tyres.
Always inflate the spare tyre to the
pressure specified for full load.
Incorrect tyre pressures will impair
safety, vehicle handling, comfort and fuel economy and will increase tyre
wear.
The tyre pressure tables show all
possible tyre combinations 3 163.
For the tyres approved for your
vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of Conformity provided with your vehicle
or other national registration
documents.
The driver is responsible for correct
adjustment of tyre pressure.9 Warning
If the pressure is too low, this can
result in considerable tyre warm-
up and internal damage, leading to tread separation and even to tyre
blow-out at high speeds.
Tread depth
Check tread depth at regular
intervals.
Tyres should be replaced for safety
reasons at a tread depth of 2-3 mm (4 mm for winter tyres).
For safety reasons it is recommended
that the tread depth of the tyres on
one axle should not vary by more than
2 mm.
The legally permissible minimum
tread depth (1.6 mm) has been
reached when the tread has worn
down as far as one of the tread wear
indicators (TWI). Their position is
indicated by markings on the
sidewall.
If there is more wear at the front than the rear, swap round front wheels and
rear wheels. Ensure that the direction of rotation of the wheels is the sameas before.
Tyres age, even if they are not used.
We recommend tyre replacement
every 6 years.
Vehicle care133Changing tyre and wheel
size If tyres of a different size than those
fitted at the factory are used, it may be
necessary to reprogramme the
speedometer as well as the nominal
tyre pressure and make other vehicle modifications.9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels
may lead to accidents and will
invalidate the vehicle type
approval.
Wheel covers
Wheel covers and tyres that are
factory approved for the respective
vehicle and comply with all of the
relevant wheel and tyre combination requirements must be used.
If the wheel covers and tyres used are
not factory approved, the tyres must
not have a rim protection ridge.
Wheel covers must not impair brake
cooling.
9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel
covers could lead to sudden
pressure loss and thereby
accidents.
Tyre chains
Tyre chains are only permitted on the
front wheels.
Always use fine mesh chains that add no more than 15 mm to the tyre tread
and the inboard sides (including chain lock).
For tyre size 215/65 R16, consult a
workshop.9 Warning
Damage may lead to tyre blowout.
Wheel covers on steel wheels may
come into contact with parts of the
chains. In such cases, remove the
wheel covers.
Tyre chains may only be used at
speeds up to 30 mph and, when
travelling on roads that are free of
snow, they may only be used for brief
periods since they are subject to rapid wear on a hard road and may snap.
Tyre repair kit
Minor damage to the tyre tread or
sidewall can be repaired with the tyre repair kit.
Do not remove foreign bodies from
the tyres.
Tyre damage exceeding 4 mm or that
is at tyre sidewall near the rim cannot
be repaired with the tyre repair kit.
Vehicle care135
9. Set the rocker switch on thecompressor to I. The tyre is filled
with sealant.
10. The compressor pressure gauge briefly indicates up to 6 bar(600 kPa/87 psi). Then the
pressure starts to drop.
11. All of the sealant is pumped into the tyre. Then the tyre is inflated.12. The prescribed tyre pressure should be obtained within
10 minutes. Tyre pressure
3 163 . When the correct pressure
is obtained, switch off the
compressor.
If the prescribed tyre pressure is
not obtained within 10 minutes,
remove the tyre repair kit. Move
the vehicle one tyre rotation
(approx. 2 metres). Reattach the
tyre repair kit and continue the
filling procedure for 10 minutes. If
the prescribed tyre pressure is still not obtained, the tyre is too badly
damaged. Seek the assistance of
a workshop.
Drain excess tyre pressure with
the button above the pressure
indicator.
Do not run the compressor for
longer than 10 minutes.
13. Detach the tyre repair kit. Screw the tyre inflation hose to the free
connection on the sealant bottle.
This prevents sealant from
escaping. Stow tyre repair kit
under the front seat.
14. Remove any excess sealant using a cloth.
15. Take the label indicating maximum permitted speed from
the tyre repair kit and affix in the driver's field of view.