2019 MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS ECU

In the event of an accident, have a damaged
cargo compartment floor or loading area, the
cargo tie-down rings and the tie down checked
at a specialist workshop. Otherwise, the load
may not be correctly secured the next time any-
thing is stowed.
Even if you follow all loading guidelines, the load
increases the risk of injury in the event of an
accident. Observe the information in the "Secur-ing a load" (
Ypage 246) and "Load distribution"
(Ypage 245) sections.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load under "Cargo tie-down points and car-
rier systems" (
Ypage 314). You will find infor-
mation about roof carriers under "Carrier sys-
tems" (
Ypage 250).
Before loading
!
The anti-slip mats cannot be used for secur-
ing goods and must be replaced when they
show signs of:
RPermanent deformation and crushing
RCrack formation
RCuts
XTire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary (Ypage 282).
XCargo compartment floor: clean the cargo
compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to pre-
vent the load from slipping.
XPlace non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary.
During loading
XObserve the gross axle weight rating and per-
missible gross vehicle weight for your vehicle.
Take into account that your vehicle's curb
weight is increased if accessories or optional equipment are installed. The maximum pay-
load is thus reduced.
XObserve the notes on load distribution
(Ypage 245).
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
XSecure the load (Ypage 246).
Observe the legal requirements of the country
in which you are currently driving.
Checks after loading
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tail-
gate/rear door is open when the engine is
running, particularly if the vehicle is moving,
exhaust fumes could enter the passenger
compartment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate/rear door. Never drive off with the tail-
gate/rear door open.
XSecuring luggage/loads: make sure that
the luggage and/or load is secure before
every journey and at regular intervals during a
long journey, and correct it if necessary.
XDoors/tailgate: close the sliding doors and
tailgate/door.
XTire pressure: adjust the tire pressure
according to the vehicle load (Ypage 282).
XDriving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load.
Load distribution
General notes
!
Excessive loads on individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair vehi-
cle handling characteristics and could cause
damage to the floor covering.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
Load distribution245
Transporting loads
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

Notes and information on:
Rthe operation of the cargo tie-down rings and
cargo tie-down points can be found in the
"Securing a load" section (
Ypage 246)
Rthe maximum loading capacity of the cargo
tie-down points can be found in the "Technical
data" section (
Ypage 314)
Rthe maximum loading capacity of the lashing
strap can be found on the lashing strap label
If the label is missing or illegible, the lashing
strap is ready to be discarded. Such a lashing
strap must be removed from use.
If stickers have been included in the delivery:
XClean the surface before sticker:is affixed.
The stickers must be affixed to a flat, metallic
surface free from grease and dust.
XAffix stickers :on every side of the vehicle in
close proximity to the loading rails in a clearly
visible location.
Tensioning strap
XObserve the important safety notes
(Ypage 247) and the tips in the "Securing a
load" sections (Ypage 246).
XTo tighten the tensioning strap: press ten-
sioning lever =and keep it pressed.
XGuide tensioning strap :between tension-
ing lever =and brace ;as illustrated and
tighten it.
XRelease tensioning lever =.
XTo release the tensioning strap: press ten-
sioning lever =and pull tensioning strap :
out from the strap buckle.
248Lashing straps
Transporting loads

Ratchet strap
Tensioning lever fastened in detent position
Always observe the operating instructions or the
notes of the manufacturer for the operation of
the ratchet strap.
XTo release the tensioning lever:press stop
slider =outwards in the direction of the
arrow and swing tensioning lever ;from
detent position 1to the desired position.
XTo tighten the ratchet strap: release ten-
sioning lever ;and open it.
Threading and tensioning
XGuide ratchet strap ?through slotted shaft
A from behind as illustrated and tighten it.
XSwing tensioning lever ;back and forth until
the ratchet strap has wound around slotted
shaft Atwo to three times.
XPress stop slider =outwards in the direction
of the arrow and swing tensioning lever ;to
detent position 1.
XRelease stop slider =.
The ratchet is closed and engaged.
Tensioning lever in the release position
XTo release the ratchet strap: release ten-
sioning lever ;and swing it into release
position 7.
Lock stop slider =engages in end recess B
and slotted shaft Acan move freely.
XPull ratchet strap ?out of the ratchet.
Securing loads
Load protection net
GWARNING
The load protection net alone cannot restrain
or secure heavy objects, luggage or heavy
loads. In the event of abrupt changes in direc-
tion, braking maneuvers or an accident, you
may be struck by unsecured loads. There is a
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about. Secure objects, lug-
gage and loads to prevent them slipping or
tipping over, e.g. by lashing them down, even
when using the load protection net.
Securing loads249
Transporting loads
Z

GWARNING
If vehicle occupants are seated behind a load
protection net, they may be squeezed up
against the load protection net. There is a risk
of injury, particularly in the event of braking
maneuvers or abrupt changes in direction.
Never allow vehicle occupants to sit behind
the load protection net.
The load protection net borders the cargo com- partment. It protects vehicle occupants from
light objects and/or luggage slipping or tipping
over. Always observe the notes on securing
loads (
Ypage 246).
You can install the load protection net at an
angle behind the front seats or behind the first
row of back seats.
Upper retainer
Anchorage (example: fixed cargo tie-down ring)
Installing
XClip the load protection net into upper retain-
ers :in such a way that tensioning straps =
face the rear of the vehicle.
XPull tensioning straps =of the load protec-
tion net tightly.
XClip hook ?on tensioning straps =into
cargo tie-down rings A.
XFold tensioning element ;up.
XPull the loose ends of tensioning straps =
down in the direction of the arrow until ten-
sioning straps =are tight.
XFold tensioning element ;down to achieve
the final tension on the straps.
XAfter traveling a short distance, check that
the load protection net is taut.
XRetighten, if necessary.
Removing
XFold tensioning element ;up.
Tensioning straps =are slack.
XUnclip hook ?of tensioning straps =from
cargo tie-down rings Aat the bottom.
XUnclip the load protection net from upper
retainers :.
XRoll up the load protection net and fasten it,
still rolled up, using the Velcro fasteners.
Adjusting the front seat with the load pro-
tection net installed
XFold tensioning element ;on straps =
upwards.
The load protection net slackens.
XCorrectly adjust the front seat.
XRe-tension the load protection net.
Carrier systems
GWARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
250Carrier systems
Transporting loads

You will find information about the maximum
roof load under "Cargo tie-down points and car-
rier systems" (
Ypage 314).
!Make sure that:
Rthe screws of the roof carrier are tightened
to a maximum torque of 7.4 lb-ft(10 Nm) in
the threaded holes provided and
Rthere is a minimum bolt penetration of
4 turns.
Only install roof carriers and rear racks that
have been approved or recommended for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This will help avoid
damage to the vehicle.
You can install a roof carrier on the roof and, for
example, a rear-mounted cycle rack on the tail-
gate.
Install the protective caps on the securing
threads after you have removed the roof carrier.
If you have installed a rear rack on the tailgate,
the additional weight reduces the assistance
provided by the gas pressure springs when the
tailgate is opened. You will then need more force
to open the tailgate. At low outside tempera-
tures below freezing you will need to provide
extra support for the tailgate to prevent it from
sinking unintentionally.
Carrier systems251
Transporting loads
Z

Opening the hood
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.
!Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield wip-
ers or the hood.
Observe the safety notes when you open the
hood.
XStop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
XSwitch off the engine.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away (Ypage 135).
XPull release handle :on the hood.
The hood is released.
XReach into the gap and push lever ;on the
hood catch to the left.
XRaise the hood and hold it in that position.
XPull support strut ?out of retainer =and
guide it up in the direction of the arrow.
XLower the hood in such a way that support
strut ?glides into recess Aand the hood
engages.
Closing the hood
GWARNING
Cloths or other flammable materials left in the
engine compartment can ignite if they come
into contact with the exhaust system or parts
of the engine that heat up. There is a risk of
fire. After carrying out maintenance work,
make sure that no extraneous flammable
material is left in the engine compartment or
on the exhaust system.
!Do not use your hands to push the hood
down. You could damage it otherwise.
Engine compartment253
Maintenance and care
Z