Always make sure that neither you nor the bat-
tery are electro statically charged.
An electrostatic charge can build up in the fol-
lowing situations:
R wearing synthetic clothing
R friction between clothing and the seat
R dragging or pushing the battery across car-
pet flooring or any other synthetic materials
R by rubbing the battery with a cloth or towels
Comply with the following safety precautions
and take protective measures when handling
batteries. Risk of explosion. Explosive oxyhy-
drogen is produced when batteries
are being charged. Only charge
batteries in well-ventilated areas.
Fire, open flames and smoking are
therefore prohibited when working
on the battery. Avoid creating
sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Avoid con-
tact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Wear acid-proof protective gloves.
If skin or clothes are splashed with
acid, neutralize the splashes imme-
diately with soapy water or an acid
neutralizer, and then clean the
affected areas with water. Consult
a doctor if necessary.
Wear eye protection. When mixing
water and acid, the liquid can
splash into your eyes. Rinse acid
splashes to the eyes immediately
with clean water and contact a
doctor immediately.
Keep children at a safe distance.
Children are not able to assess the
dangers posed by batteries and
acid.
When handling batteries, observe
the safety precautions and special
protective measures contained in
this Operator's Manual.
H
Environmental note Batteries contain pollutants.
It is illegal to dispose of
them with the household
rubbish. They must be col-
lected separately and dis-
posed of in an environmen- tally responsible recycling
system. Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally responsible
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or to a col-
lection point for used bat-
teries.
Observe the following notes: R have the batteries recharged more fre-
quently in the following situations:
- if you predominantly drive short distan-
ces.
- if you predominantly drive at low outside
temperatures.
- if you leave the vehicle parked for a
lengthy period.
In order for the batteries to achieve their
maximum possible service life, they must
always be sufficiently charged.
R Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Com-
mercial Van Center if you wish to leave your
vehicle parked for a long period of time.
R When you park the vehicle, remove the key
if you do not require any electrical consum-
ers. The vehicle will then use very little
energy, thus conserving battery power.
R If your vehicle requires jump-starting, or if
you wish to provide jump-starting assistance
to another vehicle, only use the jump-start-
ing connection point in the engine compart-
ment
(Y page 272).
R Have the battery removed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. Installation locations
Your vehicle may be equipped with the follow-
ing three batteries, depending on the equip-
ment level:
R Starter battery in the seat base of the right-
hand front seat
R Auxiliary battery in the seat base of the
right-hand front seat
R Additional battery in the seat base of the
left-hand front seat Battery
259
Maintenance and care Z
Disconnecting and removing
G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery pro-
duces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs
or sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into
contact with vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a
battery.
R It is important that you observe the
described order of the battery terminals
when connecting and disconnecting a bat-
tery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
R It is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of
injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash away battery acid immedi-
ately with plenty of clean water and seek
medical attention.
! You should have all work involving the bat-
tery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
If, in exceptional circumstances, you need
to disconnect the battery yourself, please
make sure that:
R Secure the vehicle to prevent it from roll-
ing away.
R You have switched off the engine and
removed the key. Make sure the ignition
is switched off. Check to see that there
are no indicator lamps lighting in the instrument cluster. Electronic compo-
nents such as the alternator may other-
wise be damaged.
R After the battery has been disconnected,
the parking brake is automatically
engaged. You can then no longer move
the vehicle.
R For vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. You can
then no longer move the vehicle.
R You have first removed the negative ter-
minal and then the positive terminal.
Never mix up the terminal clamp discon-
nection/connection order and never mix
up the terminal clamps. The vehicle's
electronics may otherwise be damaged.
The battery and the cover of the positive ter-
minal clamp must be installed securely dur-
ing operation. Seat base (example: right-hand front seat)
The following description on disconnecting
and removing the battery is based upon the
example of the starter battery in the seat base
of the driver's seat. The additional battery is
disconnected and removed in the same way as
the starter battery. The auxiliary battery is
located in the seat base of the left-hand front
seat.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock.
X Open the front door on the right-hand side.
i To disconnect or remove the additional
battery, open the left-hand front door. The
auxiliary battery is located in the seat base
of the left-hand front seat. 260
BatteryMaintenance and care
X
Press both latching springs : down and
remove cover ; upwards from the seat
base.
X Remove cover ; by pulling upwards at an
angle from the seat base. Open seat base (example: right-hand front seat)
X Remove screws A from holder B.
X Remove holder B.
X Remove breather hose ? from the top of
the battery.
X Pull the battery out of the seat base until
the negative clamp can be released and
removed.
X Disconnect the negative clamp from nega-
tive terminal =.
X Remove the negative clamp in such a way
that the battery cable terminal no longer
touches negative terminal =. Example: starter battery
X Remove the battery from the seat base and
place it on the door sill panel as shown. If
necessary, hold the battery by handles E.
X Remove the positive clamp cover from posi-
tive terminal C.
X Loosen positive clamp D on positive termi-
nal C. X
Remove positive clamp D in such a way
that the battery cable terminal no longer
touches positive terminal C.
X Lift the battery from the door sill panel by
handles E. Reconnecting and installing
G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery pro-
duces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs
or sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into
contact with vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a
battery.
R It is important that you observe the
described order of the battery terminals
when connecting and disconnecting a bat-
tery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
R It is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
! Always connect the battery in the order
described below. Never mix up the terminal
clamp disconnection/connection order and
never mix up the terminal clamps. You may
otherwise damage the vehicle electronics.
Always observe the prescribed positive ter-
minal installation position when doing so.
Otherwise, the positive clamp may come
into contact with vehicle parts. In this case
there is a risk that the vehicle may short-cir-
cuit and catch fire.
The following description on connecting and
installing the battery is based upon the exam-
ple of the starter battery in the seat base of
the right-hand front seat. The additional bat-
tery is connected and installed in the same
way as the starter battery. The auxiliary bat- Battery
261Maintenance and care Z
tery is located in the seat base of the left-hand
front seat.
Example: starter battery
X Place the battery on the door sill panel as
shown and secure with handles = if neces-
sary.
X Connect positive clamp ; to positive termi-
nal :. Always observe the positive terminal
installation position shown when doing so.
The positive lead must be routed parallel to
the side of the battery housing in the con-
nection area.
X Place the positive clamp cover on positive
terminal :.
X Fold both handles = down onto the battery.
X Push the battery into the seat base until the
negative terminal can be connected.
X Connect the negative clamp to negative ter-
minal ?.
X Push the battery into the seat base as far as
it will go. Open seat base with installed battery (example:
right-hand front seat) X
Push vent hose A onto the battery connec-
tion next to the negative pole ? at the top.
X Guide holder C over the lower side of the
battery housing and the threads for screws
B.
X Screw on holder C with screws B.
The battery is secured to prevent slipping. Seat base (example: right-hand front seat)
X Insert cover E down in front of the battery
compartment into the seat base and close
it.
Latching springs D of cover E should
engage audibly.
Carry out the following work after connecting
the battery:
X Reset the side window (Y page 86).
X Reset the electric sliding doors ( Y page
80). Charging
G
WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery,
gases can escape from the battery. There is
a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up
in the instrument cluster when temperatures
are low, it is probably because the discharged
battery has frozen. Should this be the case, do
not jump-start the vehicle or charge the bat-
tery. The service life of a thawed battery may
be shorter. Start-up behavior may deteriorate,
in particular at low temperatures. Have the 262
Battery
Maintenance and care
thawed battery checked at a qualified special-
ist workshop.
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is
a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is suffi-
cient ventilation while charging and jump-
starting. Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of
injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash away battery acid immedi-
ately with plenty of clean water and seek
medical attention.
! Charge the installed battery only with a
charger approved for Mercedes-Benz. This
device allows the battery to be charged
while it is installed in the vehicle. The vehi-
cle's electronics system may otherwise be
damaged.
! Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
A battery charger unit specially adapted for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an
accessory. Only this device permits the charg-
ing of the battery in its installed position. Con-
tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Commercial
Van Center for information and availability.
Read the operating instructions for your
charger before charging the battery.
Recharge the battery more frequently if you
use the vehicle mainly for short trips and/or
drive at low outside temperatures.
Only charge the installed battery with a battery
charger that has been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz, using the jump-start connec-
tion point in the engine compartment.
X Connect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground terminal in the same
order as when connecting the donor battery in the jump-starting procedure
(Y page
272).
i If a battery is not installed and not in ser-
vice, you should charge it every three
months. This will counter self-discharging
and prevent battery damage. Care
12 V battery !
Dirty battery clamps and battery surfaces
cause leak currents which lead to the bat-
teries discharging.
! Do not use cleaning agents containing
fuel. Cleaning agents containing fuel cor-
rode the battery housing.
! If dirt gets into the battery cell, battery
self-discharge will increase and the battery
may be damaged.
The following points on battery care must be
observed:
X Regularly check the battery terminals and
the fastening of the negative cable to the
chassis to ensure that they are firmly
seated.
X Always keep the battery terminals and bat-
tery surfaces clean and dry.
X Lightly grease the undersides of the battery
terminals with acid-resistant grease.
X Only clean the battery casing with a com-
mercially available cleaning product. Care
Notes on care
G
WARNING
If you use openings in the bodywork or
detachable parts as steps, you could:
R slip and/or fall
R damage the vehicle and cause yourself to
fall.
There is a risk of injury.
Always use secure climbing aids, e.g. a suit-
able ladder. Care
263
Maintenance and care Z
Stowage space in the cargo compart-
ment
Tool holder in the cargo compartment
Tool holder in the cargo compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle
X To remove tools: release clamping
strap ;.
X Remove tool holder cover :
X Carefully pull the tool kit and jack out of the
tool holder.
X To stow tools: before stowing, wind the
jack to the fully closed position and place it
so that the hand wheel is facing forwards
and the plate is facing inwards.
X Place the jack and vehicle tool kit into the
tool holder.
X Replace tool holder cover :.
X Tighten clamping strap ;.
Separate holder for jack Holder for the jack in the cargo compartment on
the right-hand side of the vehicle
The vehicle tool kit or tire-changing tools are
in the seat base of the left front seat
(Y page
270). X
To remove the jack: release clamping
strap :.
X Pull jack ; out of the upper holder and
from the lower fixture =.
X To stow the jack: before stowing, wind the
jack to the fully closed position and place it
so that the hand wheel is facing forwards
and the plate is facing inwards.
X Place jack ; onto lower fixture =.
X Press jack ; into the upper holder and fas-
ten clamping strap :.
The jack is secured. First-aid kit
Removing the first-aid kit The first-aid kit is located in the stowage com-
partment in the co-driver's door.
i Check the expiration date on the first-aid
kit at least once a year. Replace any expired
or missing contents.
Observe the legal requirements of the coun-
try in which you are currently driving. Flat tire
In your vehicle, you will find a sticker with the
Mercedes-Benz Service24h telephone number,
e.g. on the B-pillar on the driver's side.
For vehicles with a spare wheel, information
on breakdown assistance in the event of a flat
tire can be found under "Wheels and tires"
( Y page
297). Jump-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is
a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is suffi-
cient ventilation while charging and jump-
starting. Do not lean over a battery. 272
Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance
G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of
injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash away battery acid immedi-
ately with plenty of clean water and seek
medical attention. G
WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery,
gases can escape from the battery. There is
a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
! Vehicles with a gasoline engine:
avoid
repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Oth-
erwise, the catalytic converter could be
damaged by non-combusted fuel.
If the indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster do not light up at low tem-
peratures, the discharged battery may have
frozen. In this case you may neither charge the
battery nor jump-start the vehicle. The service
life of a thawed battery may be shorter. Start-
up behavior may deteriorate, in particular at
low temperatures. Have the thawed battery
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not use a rapid charging device to start the
vehicle. If your vehicle's battery is discharged,
the engine can be jump-started from another
vehicle or from a donor battery using jumper
cables. For this purpose, the vehicle has a
jump-starting connection point in the engine
compartment.
When jump-starting, observe the following
points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles.
If the other vehicle's battery is not accessi-
ble, jump-start the vehicle using a donor
battery or a jump-starting device.
R You may only jump-start the vehicle when
the engine and exhaust system are cold.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is fro-
zen. Let the battery thaw first. R
Jump-starting may only be performed from
batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
R Only use jumper cables that have a suffi-
cient cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, attach the
battery of another vehicle for a few minutes
before attempting to start. This charges the
empty battery a little.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not
touch.
Make sure that:
R The jumper cables are not damaged.
R Bare parts of the terminal clamps do not
come into contact with other metal parts
while the jumper cables are connected to
the battery.
R The jumper cables cannot come into contact
with parts such as the V-belt pulley or the
fan. These parts move when the engine is
started and while it is running.
Jumper cables and further information regard-
ing jump starting can be obtained at any quali-
fied specialist workshop. Before connecting the jumper cables
X Apply the parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position j.
X Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g.
audio equipment, blower.
X Turn the key to position u in the ignition
lock and remove it .
X Open the hood (Y page 251). Connecting the jumper cable Jump-starting
273
Breakdown assistance Z
X
Push contact protection cover : of the
jump-starting connection point backwards
against the spring force as far as it will go.
The jump-starting connection point is visi-
ble. Terminal connecting plan
X Remove the cover from positive terminal =
of the donor vehicle's battery.
X Connect the positive terminal clamp of the
jumper cable to positive terminal = of the
donor vehicle's battery, and then to positive
terminal A of the jump-starting connection
point.
X Run the donor vehicle's engine at idling
speed.
X Connect the negative terminal clamp of the
jumper cable to negative terminal ; of the
donor vehicle's battery, and then to ground
contact ? of your own vehicle.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock and start
the engine.
You can now switch electrical consumers
back on except the lighting system.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let
the engine run for several minutes.
X Disconnect the negative terminal of the
jumper cable from ground contact ? and
then from negative terminal ; of the donor
vehicle's battery.
X Disconnect the positive terminal clamp of
the jumper cable from positive terminal A
on the jump-starting connection point, and
then from positive terminal = of the donor
vehicle's battery.
Contact protection cover : is automatically
returned forwards to its original position by
the spring force and the jump-starting con-
nection point is closed. X
Position the cover on positive terminal = of
the donor vehicle's battery.
You can now switch on the lighting system.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunction in the voltage sup-
ply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing
the vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar. G
WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissi-
ble gross weight of your vehicle, the:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehi-
cle, its weight should not be greater than
the permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on the gross vehicle weight can be
found on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page
304).274
Tow-starting and towing away
Breakdown assistance