Safety systems
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
$J
òN$ (USA only) or J(Canada only): the ABS and brake warning lamps are
lit while the engine is running.
EBD is unavailable due to a malfunction. ABS, BAS, hill start assist and ESP
®as well
as its driving safety systems, for example, are therefore also unavailable.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could be automati-
cally deactivated.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed
above. The wheels could therefore lock prematurely if you brake hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The braking distance
may increase in emergency braking situations.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XSwitch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
XCheck if the display message has disappeared and ESP®is operational.
XIf the display message continues to be displayed:
RDrive on with care.
RVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
$JN The red $(USA only) or J(Canada only) brake system warning lamp is lit
while the engine is running. An additional warning tone sounds.
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
GWARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do
not continue driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Ypage 135).
XDo not add brake fluid. Adding more will not remedy the malfunction.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
XObserve the display messages.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster223
On-board computer and displays
Z
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
ò!NThe yellow ABS warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ABS has been deactivated due to a malfunction. BAS, hill start assist and ESP®as
well as its driving safety systems, for example, are therefore also deactivated.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could be automati-
cally deactivated.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed
above. The wheels could therefore lock prematurely if you brake hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The braking distance
may increase in emergency braking situations.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XSwitch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
XCheck if the display message has disappeared and ESP®is operational.
XIf the display message continues to be displayed:
RDrive on with care.
RVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other systems, such
as the automatic transmission, will be restricted or unavailable.
÷N The yellow ESP®warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP®or traction control is intervening because there is a risk of skidding or at least
one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated.
XWhen starting off, do not depress the accelerator pedal more than is necessary.
XEase off the accelerator pedal while driving.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the weather and road conditions.
XDo not deactivate ESP®.
In rare cases , it may be best to deactivate ESP®(Ypage 66).
224Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
÷NThe yellow ESP®warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ESP®, BAS, hill start assist, ESP®trailer stabilization and Crosswind Assist are
unavailable due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could be automati-
cally deactivated.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed
above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus increase.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
XSwitch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
XCheck if the display message has disappeared and ESP®is operational.
XIf the display message continues to be displayed:
RDrive on with care.
RVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster225
On-board computer and displays
Z
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
XExit the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine has
cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning notes
(Ypage 255).
XIf you have to add coolant more frequently, have the engine cooling system
checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the radiator is not obstructed, by frozen slush
for example.
XCheck the coolant temperature:
Rusing the display in the on-board computer on vehicles without steering wheel
buttons (Ypage 175)
Rusing the analog display in the instrument cluster on vehicles with steering
wheel buttons (Ypage 39)
XIf the coolant temperature is below the maximum value specified below, you can
continue driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Avoid heavy loads on the engine, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain, and stop-
start traffic.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant level, the cool-
ant temperature gage may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
Driving systems
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
·NThe red distance warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is in motion.
The distance to the vehicle in front is too small for the speed selected.
XIncrease the distance.
·N The red distance warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is in motion. An
additional warning tone sounds.
You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line of travel at too
high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.
XPay particular attention to the traffic situation. You may have to brake or take
evasive action.
Further information about the distance warning function can be found under
"COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST" (
Ypage 146).
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster229
On-board computer and displays
Z
XAlways transport loads in the cargo compart-
ment and with the seat backrests folded up
and properly locked in position.
XAlways place the load against the backrests ofthe front or rear seats.
XMove large and heavy loads as far towards thefront of the vehicle as possible against the
front or rear seats. Stow the load flush with
the rear or front seats.
XAlways additionally secure the load with suit-
able load-securing aids or tie downs.
Observe the following notes:
RDo not stack loads higher than the upper edge
of the backrests.
RTransport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
RIf the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
the seat belts crosswise into the buckle of the
opposite seat belt.
Cargo compartment variations
You can vary the cargo compartment according
to your transportation requirements as follows:
Rby folding the seat backrests forward to the
table position.
Rby removing the rear bench seat.
You will find information about rear bench seats in the "Rear bench seats" section (
Ypage 87).
Securing loads
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak- ing maneuvers or an accident:
Rthe cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
Rthe load may not be restrained.
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be
tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads.
!Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the max-
imum loading capacity of the weakest cargo
tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces act- ing could be up to several times the weight
force of the load. Always use multiple cargo
tie-down points in order to distribute the force
absorption. Load the anchorages evenly.
Spread the load evenly across the cargo tie-
down points/cargo tie-down rings. You will find information on the maximum loading capacity of
the cargo tie-down points under "Cargo tie-
down points and carrier systems" (
Ypage 314).
Do not attempt to modify or repair the cargo tie-
down points/cargo tie-down rings or tie downs.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops: (
Ypage 31).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
RThe load is secured against slipping, tipping,
rolling or falling off in normal traffic condi-
tions, should the vehicle swerve to avoid an
obstacle, in the event of full brake application
and on poor road surfaces.
RThe applicable requirements and guidelines
relating to load-securing practices must be
met.
If this is not the case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local legis-
lation and any ensuing consequences.
Always observe the legal requirements for the country you are currently in.
Make sure that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey. Correct an incorrectly or inadequately
secured load if necessary.
Always observe the operating instructions or the
notes of the lashing strap manufacturer for the
operation of the lashing strap.
You can obtain information about securing the
load correctly from the manufacturer of the load
securing aids or tie down for securing the load.
246Securing loads
Transporting loads
Also observe the safety information in the load-
ing directions (Ypage 244).
XFill spaces between the load and the cargo
compartment walls or wheel housings (form-
locking). Use rigid load securing aids, such as
wedges, wooden fixings or padding.
XAttach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions to the cargo tie-down rings and the
guide rails in the rear.
Only use tie downs, such as lashing nets and
lashing straps, that have been tested in
accordance with current standards.
When securing a load, always use the closest cargo tie-down rings and pad sharp edges for
protection.
Cargo tie-down points (example: Cargo Van)
Fixed cargo tie-down points on the floor
:
Guide/load rails
;Cargo tie-down rings
If your vehicle is equipped with guide/loading
rails :in the floor, you can place lashing rods
directly in front of and behind the load. The lash-
ing rods directly absorb the potential shifting
forces.
Securing loads on the cargo compartment floor
by lashing them down is only recommended for lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats (anti-slip
mats) under the load to increase load security.
Lashing straps
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak- ing maneuvers or an accident:
Rthe cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
Rthe load may not be restrained.
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be
tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads.
!Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the max-
imum loading capacity of the weakest cargo
tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces act-
ing could be up to several times the weight
force of the load. Always use multiple cargo
tie-down points in order to distribute the force absorption. Load the anchorages evenly.
Always observe the operating instructions or the
notes of the la shing strap ma
nufacturer for the
operation of the lashing strap.
Securing loads on the cargo compartment floor
by lashing them down is only recommended for
lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats (anti-slip
mats) under the load to increase load security.
Lashing straps247
Transporting loads
Z
XHold support strut?and lift the hood
slightly.
XGuide support strut ?towards retainer =
and apply slight pressure to make it engage.
XLower the hood and allow it to fall with
momentum from a height of approximately
1 ft (30 cm).
The hood locks audibly.
XCheck that the hood is correctly locked.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. If the hood is not correctly
engaged, open the hood again. Let the hood
fall with a little more momentum.
Overview of the engine compartment
Engine compartment (example)
:
Engine oil filler neck cap (Ypage 254)
;Brake fluid reservoir cap (Ypage 257)
=Coolant expansion tank cap (Ypage 255)
?Washer fluid reservoir cap (Ypage 258)
Regularly check the fluid level and the assembly
for leaks. If you detect fluid loss, e.g. oil stains
on the vehicle parking space, consult a qualified
specialist workshop immediately.
Engine oil
General notes
!Engine oil gets dirty in the course of opera-
tion and its quality and volume are gradually
diminished. Regularly check the oil level, and
top up or have it replaced as needed.
Observe the information on approved engine
oils and oil consumption under "Service prod-
ucts and capacities" (
Ypage 309). You can check the oil level in the engine:
Rwith the oil dipstick
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
Oil dipstick and engine oil filler neck
Only check the oil level when the engine is at
normal operating temperature.
XStop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait for five minutes.
254Engine compartment
Maintenance and care
Adding coolant
XIfthe coolant drops under marker bar=in
the filler neck, add coolant.
Observe the information on the correct cool-
ant mixture rat ioand the required water qual-
ity under "Service products and capacities"
(
Ypage 311). To prevent damage to the
engine co oling system, use only appr oved
corrosion inh ibitor/antifreeze that co mplies
wit h the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for
Service Products.
XReplac e cap:and tighten ina clock wise
dire ction.
XStart the engine.
XSet the temperature inthe veh icleinterior to
the maximum output on the air-conditioning
system control panel.
XAfter approximate lyfive minutes, switch off
the engine again and allow itto cool down.
XCheck the coolant level again and add coolant
ifnecessary.
XClose the hood.
Brake fluid
GWAR NING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There isa risk of injury.
Comp ly with instructions on the use, storage
and dispo sal of service products on the labels
of the respective original containers. Always
store service products sealed intheir original
containers. Always keep service products out
of the reach of ch ildren.
GWAR NING
Opening the hood when the engine isover-
heated or when there isa fire inthe engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There isa risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool downbefore
opening the hood. Ifthere isa fire inthe
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool downand
touch only the components describe d in the
foll owin g.
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Also observe the safety notes under "Service products and
capacities" (
Ypage 306).
GWARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. Ifthe boilin g point of the brake
fluid is too low,vapor pockets may form in the
brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
!If the brake fluid level in the brake fluid res-
ervoir has fallen to the MIN mark or below,
check the brake system immediately for
leaks. Also check the thickness of the brake
linings. Visit a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct
the malfunction.
!Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and rub-
ber. Ifpaint, plastic or rubber has come into
contact with brake fluid, rinse with water
immediately.
Have the brake fluid renewed every two years at a qualified specialist workshop. Observe the
information regarding brake fluid in the "Service
products and capacities" section (
Ypage 311).
Engine compartment257
Maintenance and care
Z