2020 MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS check engine

Ensure that the following weights are not
exceeded:
R the permissible noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
R the maximum permissible gross weight of
vehicle/trailer combination
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
R on the type plates for the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page
304)
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section (Y page 315).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
R requires more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning radius
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to suit the road and weather conditions.
Drive carefully. Maintain a safe distance.
If you require any further explanation regard-
ing the information contained in the Operating
Instructions, please contact a Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Van Center.
General notes R
Observe the legally permitted maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in
the relevant country, state or Canadian
province. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents for the maxi-
mum permitted speed of your trailer. This reduces the risk of accidents.
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling for
your Metris trailer tow hitch if it has been
approved for your vehicle. More information
on the availability, mounting and installation
of the trailer electrics is available at any
qualified specialist workshop.
R The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road
safety. Observe the notes on operation, care
and maintenance of the trailer tow hitch
(see the manufacturer's operating instruc-
tions).
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
R Do not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
R Minimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
You will find weight information under "Techni-
cal data"
(Y page 315).
The height of the ball neck changes according
to the load on the vehicle. If this is case, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable trailer drawbar.
Driving tips The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents for the maximum per-
mitted speed of your trailer. Observe the
legally permitted maximum speed in the rele-
vant country, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, select a
lower gear.
i This also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily
to keep the correct speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to Towing a trailer
169
Driving and parking Z

Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R Practice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traf-
fic. This enables you to gain experience and
get used to the new handling characteris-
tics.
R Before driving, check:
- that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
- that the safety switch for a braked trailer
is functioning properly
- that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
- that the electrical connections are secure
- that the lights are working
- that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer is equipped with a separate
functional braking system, check before
each journey whether the brakes are func-
tioning correctly.
R Secure the load on the trailer according to
the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads
(Y page 244).
R When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a
decreased gradient climbing capability and a
longer braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
rather moderately at first so that the trailer
can activate its brakes. Then increase the
force on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on
inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4, 3, 2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine. R
When driving on a downhill gradient, shift to
a low gear and take advantage of the
engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the air conditioning to the maximum level.
Open the windows if necessary.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination you need an additional dis-
tance before you can return to your original
lane. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun
brake is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the selector lever of the
automatic transmission is in position P.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close all doors.
X Apply the parking brake of the trailer.
X In addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
X Remove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer. Towing a trailer
171
Driving and parking Z

Safety systems
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsABS, ESP Inopera‐
tive
+
ABS, BAS, hill start assist, and ESP
®
as well as its driving safety sys-
tems are unavailable due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could
be automatically deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The
braking distance can 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.
X Switch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
X Check if the display message has disappeared and ESP ®
is opera-
tional.
X If the display message continues to be displayed:
R Drive on with care.
R Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ABS, ESP Curr.
Unavail.
+
ABS, BAS, hill start assist, and ESP
®
as well as its driving safety sys-
tems are temporarily unavailable.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could
be automatically deactivated.
For example, the on-board voltage may be insufficient.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The
braking distance can 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.
X Drive on with care and on a suitable stretch of road make slight
steering movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h ).
X Switch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
X Check if the display message has disappeared and ESP ®
is opera-
tional.
X If the display message continues to be displayed:
R Drive on with care.
R Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.196
Display messages (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
On-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsX
Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Further information on the Occupant Classification System (OCS)
can be found under "Occupant Classification System (OCS)"
(Y page
54). #
Check Brake Pad
Wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. $ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Y page
138).
X Do not add brake fluid. Adding more will not remedy the malfunc-
tion.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. EBD, ABS, ESP Inop‐
erative
+ 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 automatically deactivated.
G WARNING
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 can 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.
X Switch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
X Check if the display message has disappeared and ESP ®
is opera-
tional.
X If the display message continues to be displayed:
R Drive on with care.
R Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Display messages (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
199On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions÷
Inoperative
+ ESP
®
, BAS and hill start assist are unavailable due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could
be automatically deactivated.
G WARNING
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.
X Switch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
X Check if the display message has disappeared and ESP ®
is opera-
tional.
X If the display message continues to be displayed:
R Drive on with care.
R Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ÷
Currently Unavail.
+ ESP
®
, BAS and hill start assist are unavailable due to a malfunction.
The self-diagnosis function, for example, may not be complete.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could
be automatically deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
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.
X Drive on with care on a suitable stretch of road, making make
slight steering movements at a speed above
12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
X Switch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
X Check if the display message has disappeared and ESP ®
is opera-
tional.
X If the display message continues to be displayed:
R Drive on with care.
R Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.200
Display messages (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
On-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions? The fan motor is faulty.
X Check the coolant temperature (Y page 178).
X If 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 ter-
rain, and stop-and-go traffic.
Under normal driving conditions and at the correct coolant level, the
coolant temperature gauge may rise to the letter H.Check Coolant Level
+ The coolant level is too low.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient coolant in the
engine cooling system. You could otherwise damage the engine.
X Add coolant, making sure to observe the warning notes
(Y page
253).
X Have the engine cooling system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop if the coolant needs to be refilled more often than
usual. 4
Check Engine Oil
Level An additional warning tone sounds. The engine oil level has dropped
to the minimum level.
X Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page

252).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page
253).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if you
need to add engine oil more often than usual.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient engine oil. You
could otherwise damage the engine. Manually Check Oil
Level Reminder to check the oil level.
X Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).
X To confirm the oil check: press and hold 3.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient engine oil. You
could otherwise damage the engine. 4
Stop Vehicle Turn
Eng. Off The oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away ( Y page
138).
X Check the oil level ( Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).Display messages (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
205
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions? The fan motor is faulty.
X Check the ? coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.
If 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 ter-
rain, and stop-start traffic.
Under normal operating conditions and at the correct coolant level,
the display may rise to the red mark. +
Check Coolant
Level See Oper.
Manual The coolant level is too low.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient coolant in the
engine cooling system. You could otherwise damage the engine.
X Add coolant, making sure to observe the warning notes
(Y page 253).
X Have the engine cooling system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop if the coolant needs to be refilled more often than
usual. 4
Check Engine Oil
At Next Refueling X
Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page

252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if you
need to add engine oil more often than usual.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient engine oil. You
could otherwise damage the engine. 4
Manually Check Oil
Level Reminder to check the oil level.
X Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).
X To confirm the oil check: press a.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient engine oil. You
could otherwise damage the engine. 4
Eng. Oil Level
Low: Stop Vehicle
Turn Engine Off The oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away ( Y page
138).
X Check the oil level ( Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).220
Display messages (vehicles with steering wheel buttons)
On-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsCruise Control
- - - mph A condition for activating cruise control has not been met.
You have tried to store a speed below
20 mph (30 km/h) for exam-
ple.
X If conditions permit, drive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) and
store the speed.
X Check the activation conditions for cruise control (Y page
147).Blind Spot Assist
Inoperative Blind Spot Assist is faulty.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Blind Spot Assist
Currently Unavail.
See Operator's Man‐
ual Blind Spot Assist is temporarily inoperative. Possible causes:
R You have attached a trailer.
R The sensors in the rear bumper are dirty.
R The function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R The radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio stations
or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R The system is outside the operating temperature range.
Once the causes listed above no longer apply, the display message
goes out and Blind Spot Assist is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away ( Y page
138).
X Switch off the engine.
X Clean the sensors in the rear bumper (Y page
267).
X Restart the engine. Display messages (vehicles with steering wheel buttons)
223
On-board computer and displays Z