passenger seat accordingly. Always observe
the information about suitable positioning of
the child restraint system in this Operator's
Manual as well as the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation instructions.
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp:
shows you whether the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 1or 2in the
ignition lock.
The system carries out self-diagnostics.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
must light up for approximately six seconds.
If, after the system self-test, the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp: R is lit : the front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated. It will then not be deployed in
the event of an accident.
R is not lit , the sensor system did not detect
a child restraint system with transponder
for the BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system. If, in the event of an accident, all
deployment criteria are met, the front-
passenger front air bag is deployed.
GWARNING
Electronic devices on the front-passenger
seat can affect the function of the Baby-
Smart™ air bag deactivation system, forexample:
R Laptop
R Mobile phone
R Transponder cards such as ski passes or
access passes
The front-passenger air bag could deploy acci-
dentally or not function as intended during an accident. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Do not place any of the devices mentioned
above or similar devices on the front-
passenger seat. Be aware of the status of thefront-passenger front air bag both before andduring the journey.
Child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat
General notes
Accident statistics show that children
secured in the rear seats are safer than chil-
dren secured in the front-passenger seat. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz strongly advises
that you install the child restraint system on a
rear seat.
If it is absolutely necessary to install a child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat,
always observe the information on the "Baby- Smart™ air bag deactivation system"( Y page 59).
You can thus avoid the risks that could arise
as a result of:
R a child restraint system that is not detected
by the BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system sensor system
R the unintentional deactivation of the front-
passenger front air bag
R the unsuitable positioning of the child
restraint system, e.g. too close to the dash-
board
60Children in the vehicle
Safety
Rearward-facing child restraint system
If it is absolutely necessary to install a rear-
ward-facing child restraint system on the
front-passenger seat, always make sure that
the front-passenger front air bag is deactiva-
ted. Only if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp is permanently lit (Ypage 43)
is the front-passenger front air bag deactiva-ted.
Always observe the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation and operating
instructions.
Forward-facing child restraint system
If it is absolutely necessary to install a
forward-facing child restraint system on the
front-passenger seat, always move the front-
passenger seat as far back as possible. The
entire base of the child restraint system must
always rest on the seat cushion of the front-
passenger seat. The backrest of the child
restraint system must lie as flat as possible
against the backrest of the front-passenger
seat. The child restraint system must not
touch the roof or be subjected to a load by the
head restraint. Adjust the angle of the seat
backrest and the head restraint position
accordingly. Always make sure that the shoul- der belt strap is correctly routed from the
vehicle belt sash guide to the shoulder belt
guide on the child restraint system. The shoul-
der belt strap must be routed forwards and
downwards from the vehicle belt sash guide.
If necessary, adjust the belt sash guide and
the front-passenger seat accordingly.
Always observe the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation and operating
instructions.
Children in the vehicle61
Safety
Z
Pets in the vehicle
GWARNING
If you leave animals unattended or unsecuredin the vehicle, they could press buttons or
switches, for example.
As a result, they could: R activate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
R activate or deactivate systems, thereby
endangering other road users
Unsecured animals could also be flung around
the vehicle in the event of an accident or sud- den steering or braking, thereby injuring vehi-
cle occupants. There is a risk of an accident
and injury.
Never leave animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Always secure animals properly during
the journey, e.g. use a suitable animal trans-
port box.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R Adaptive brake lights
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R Trailer stabilization
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
switch off
when the differential locks are switched on.
When the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
are
switched off
R wheels may lock during hard braking
R steering capabilities are reduced
R braking distance is increased
R vehicle stability in standard driving maneu-
vers is increased
Make sure the differential locks are switched on at all times except when driving off-road for
example. Switch on the differential locks
immediately when returning from off-roaddriving.
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you
are inattentive, the driving safety systems can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor
override the laws of physics. Driving safety
systems are merely aids designed to assist
driving. You are responsible for the distance
to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and
for braking in good time. Always adapt your
driving style to suit the prevailing road and
weather conditions and maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front. Drive care-fully.
iPlease note that the driving safety sys-
tems described only work as effectively as
possible if there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section ( Ypage 230).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the driv-
ing safety systems described in this section work as effectively as possible.
64Driving safety systems
Safety
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that may come on as well as messages in the mul-
tifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
GWARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid- ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehi- cle when braking.
Provided that the differential locks are not
active, ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even if you only brake gently.
The yellow !ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel apulsing in the brake pedal. X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking sit-
uation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions, and func-
tions as a reminder to take extra care while
driving.
Off-road ABS
If the LOW RANGE shift range is selected by
the transfer case, ( Ypage 132), an ABS sys-
tem specifically suited to off-road terrain is
automatically activated.
At speeds below 37 mph (60 km/h), the front wheels lock cyclically during braking. The dig-
ging-in effect achieved in the process reduces
the stopping distance on off-road terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
BAS operates in emergency braking situa-
tions. If you depress the brake pedal quickly,
BAS automatically boosts the braking force,
thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
Driving safety systems65
Safety
Z
Adaptive brake lights
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 30 mph (50 km/h) or if braking is assis-ted by BAS, the brake lamps flash rapidly. In
this way, traffic traveling behind you is
warned in an even more noticeable manner.
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 45 mph (70 km/h)to a standstill, the
hazard warning lamps are activated automat-
ically. If the brakes are applied again, the
brake lamps light up continuously. The hazard
warning lamps are deactivated automatically if you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h). You
can also switch off the hazard warning lamps using the hazard warning button( Y page 90).
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv- ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!Only operate the vehicle for a maximum of
ten seconds on a brake test dynamometer.
Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle dyna-
mometer. Before you operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified workshop. You could otherwise
damage the drive train or the brake system. ESP
®
monitors the driving stability and the
traction. Traction is the power transmission
between the tires and the road surface. ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up continu-
ously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps ( Y page 165) and display messages which
may be displayed in the instrument cluster( Y page 148).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or slip-
pery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehi-
cle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any circum-
stances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
iIf differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch off automatically.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
66Driving safety systems
Safety
Checking the battery
XPress the &or% button.
The battery is working properly if battery
check lamp :lights up briefly.
If battery check lamp :does not light up
during the test, the battery is discharged.
X Change the battery ( Ypage 74).
iYou can obtain a battery at any qualified
specialist workshop.
iHave the batteries replaced at a qualified
specialist workshop.
iIf the SmartKey battery is checked within
the signal reception range of the vehicle,
pressing the &or% button:
R locks or
R unlocks the vehicle
Replacing the battery
You require a CR 2025 3 V cell battery.
X Take the mechanical key out of the Smart-
Key ( Ypage 73).
X
Press mechanical key ;into the opening
in the SmartKey in the direction of the
arrow until battery tray cover :opens. Do
not hold the cover closed while doing so.
X Remove battery tray cover :.
X
Repeatedly tap the SmartKey against your
palm until battery =falls out.
X Insert the new battery with the positive ter-
minal facing upwards. Use a lint-free cloth
to do so.
X Make sure that the surface of the battery is
free from lint, grease and all other forms of
contamination.
X Insert the front tabs of battery tray cover :
and then press to close it.
X Insert the mechanical key into the Smart-Key.
X Check the function of all SmartKey buttons
on the vehicle.
Problems with the SmartKey
You can find information about this in the
Digital Operator's Manual.
74SmartKey
Opening and closing
PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
!When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on uneven terrain.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a replace-
ment for your attention to your immediate
surroundings. You are always responsible for
safe maneuvering, parking and exiting a park-
ing space. Ensure that the areas in front,
behind and to the side of the vehicle are safe
before maneuvering, parking or pulling away. There must not be any persons, animals or
objects in the area in which you are maneu-vering.
PARKTRONIC does not take into account any persons or objects located below or above
the detection range. As a result,
PARKTRONIC cannot warn you about objects
in this area.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition
R shift the transmission to position D,R or N
R release the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lowerspeeds. PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.Range of the sensors
General notes
:Example: sensors in the front bumper,
right-hand side
Side view
Top view
The sensors must be free from dirt, ice or
slush. Otherwise, they may not function cor-
rectly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them( Y page 211).
128Driving systems
Driving and parking
positionNappears in the multifunction dis-
play.
R
TC Shift Canceled
The transfer case has not performed the
gear change process.
X Carry out the gear change process again.
Make sure to meet all conditions for chang-
ing gears.
R
TC Malfunction Visit Workshop
There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
X Do not shift the transfer case.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible at a qualified specialist workshop.
Shifting to neutral
GWARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock ( Ypage 103).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the selector lever to position N
( Y page 106).
X Press and hold LOW RANGE button ;for
approximately ten seconds.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
TC neutral onmessage appears in the
multifunction display for five seconds.
If the gear change is not completed, the fol-
lowing messages could appear in the display( Y page 148).
iIf the transfer case is in neutral, the
SmartKey is in the ignition lock and you
open the driver's door, the
TCInNeutral
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play. If you then release the parking brake, a warning tone will sound.
Differential locks
General notes
GWARNING
When the differential locks are engaged, ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated. As a
result, the wheels could lock when braking
and the braking distance is increased. There is
a risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm surfaces with good grip.
!In order to avoid damage to the transfer
case, you must operate the vehicle on a
dynamometer (1-axle dynamometer) onlyif:
R the axle not driven on is jacked up or
R the corresponding propeller shaft is dis-
connected and the transfer case differ-
ential lock is engaged.
Otherwise, the transfer case can be dam-aged.
Differential locks improve the traction of the vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with a differential
lock each for: R the transfer case: this controls the balance
between the front and rear axles.
R the rear axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the rear axle.
R the front axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the front axle.
Information on differential gear system
and differential lock
When the vehicle drives around a curve, the
wheels on the outside of the curve must cover
a greater distance. Therefore, the wheels turn more rapidly than on the inside. The differen-
tial, a gear system in the drive train, allows for
differing rotational speeds and facilitates cor- nering.
134Off-road driving systems
Driving and parking