2009 Mercedes-benz G Class Owners Manual

child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injuries to you or other occupants. If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you make the buyer aware of this safety information. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator’s Manual. G Warning! Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat. Should you choose to place a child 12
years old or under in the front passenger seat of your vehicle, you must properly use a BabySmartTM child restraint which will turn off the front passenger front air bag. To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines:

(1)

(2)

Always sit as upright as possible, properly use the seat belts, and for children 12 years old and under, use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. Always wear seat belts properly.

Air bags are designed to deploy only in certain frontal impacts (front air bags) and in side impacts (window curtain air bags) which

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exceed preset deployment thresholds. Only in the event of such a situation will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passengers should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for the air bags to provide their supplemental protection. In case of other types of impacts and impacts below air bag deployment thresholds, air bags will not deploy. The driver and passengers will then be protected to the extent possible by a properly fastened seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also needed to provide the best possible protection in a rollover. Air bags are not a substitute for seat belts. Always wear your seat belt, regardless of whether or not your vehicle is equipped with air bags. It is important to your safety and that of your passengers that you replace deployed air bags and repair any malfunctioning air bags to make sure the vehicle will continue to provide supplemental crash protection for occupants.

Safety guidelines for the seat belt, Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) and air bag G Warning! RDamaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to stress in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use seat belts installed or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RAir bags and pyrotechnic Emergency

Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material, which may require special handling and regard for the environment. Check with your local government’s disposal guidelines. California residents, see

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therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RFor your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or ETD, our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RGiven the considerable deployment speed, required inflation volume, and the material of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other, potentially more serious injuries resulting from air bag deployment.

If you sell your vehicle, we strongly recommend that you inform the subsequent owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS and refer them to the applicable section in the Operator’s Manual.

Front air bags G Observe Safety notes, see page 33.

www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/ Perchlorate/index.cfm.

RAir bags and ETDs are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that is deployed must be replaced.

RDo not pass seat belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

RDo not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the seat belts. RDo not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection. RNo modifications of any kind may be made

to any components or wiring of the SRS. This includes changing or removing any component or part of the SRS, the installation of additional trim material, seat covers, badges, etc. over the steering wheel hub, front passenger front air bag cover, outboard sides of the seat backrests, door trim panels, or door frame trims, and installation of additional electrical/electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring. Keep area between air bags and occupants free of objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

RDo not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may be thrown around in the vehicle and cause head and other injuries when the window curtain air bag is deployed.

RAir bag system components will be hot after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.

RNever place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

RIn addition, improper repair work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must

Driver’s front air bag : and front passenger front air bag ; are designed to provide increased protection for the driver and front passenger against the risk of injuries to the head and thorax. Driver and front passenger front air bags are deployed Rin the event of certain frontal impacts Rif impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

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Rif the system determines that air bag

deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt

Rdepending on whether the seat belt is in

use

Rindependently of the window curtain air

bags

The air bags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system’s preset deployment thresholds. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belts. The front air bags will not deploy in the event of a rollover unless the vehicle’s rate of longitudinal deceleration or acceleration exceeds the preset deployment threshold for the front air bags. The front passenger front air bag will only be deployed if Rthe front passenger seat is occupied Rthe 4/ indicator lamp in the center

console is not lit (Y page 36)

Rthe impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

! Do not place objects heavier than 20 lb (9 kg) on the front passenger seat. This could cause the front air bag on the front passenger side to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system’s deployment threshold.

Window curtain air bags G Observe Safety notes, see page 33.

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When deployed, window curtain air bags : are designed to provide increased protection for the head (but not the chest or arms) of the occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. Window curtain air bags : are deployed Ron the impacted side of the vehicle Rin side impacts exceeding a preset

deployment threshold

Rindependently of the front air bags Rregardless of whether the front passenger

seat is occupied

Rregardless of whether the seat belt is in use Rin certain vehicle rollovers, if the system determines that air bag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt

Window curtain air bags : are not deployed in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment threshold. Window curtain air bags : deploy in the area indicated by the arrows.

BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system Your vehicle is equipped with the BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system. G Warning! According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat

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belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Occupants, especially children, should always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat: RChildren 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes- Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

RA child in a rear-facing child restraint on the

front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in a backseat.

RIf you must install a BabySmartTM

compatible rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure the 4/ indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 4/ indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is

Occupant safety

37

installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 4/ indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 4/ indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 4/ indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

RIf you have to place a child in a forward-

facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. G Warning! When using a BabySmartTM compatible child seat on the front passenger seat, the front passenger front air bag will not deploy only if the 4/ indicator lamp remains illuminated. Please be sure to check the 4/ indicator lamp every time you use a BabySmartTM compatible child seat on the front passenger seat. Should the 4/ indicator lamp go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. If the 4/ indicator lamp remains out, do not use the BabySmartTM restraint to transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

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devices may interfere with the BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system. Such signal interference may cause the 4/ indicator lamp not to come on during self-test or be continuously lit, indicating that the system is not functioning. G Warning! The BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system will ONLY work with a special child seat designed to operate with it. It will not work with child seats which are not BabySmartTM compatible. Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness off the BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the front passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of protecting the child. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of special child seats.

Seat belts Safety notes The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50
states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces. Even where this is not the case, all vehicle occupants should have their seat belts fastened whenever the vehicle is in motion. For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (Y page 44). G Warning! Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure all of your passengers are

Special BabySmartTM compatible child seats, designed for use with the Mercedes-Benz system, are required for use with the BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system. Please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for information on availability. With the special child seat installed properly, the front passenger front air bag will not deploy. The 4/ indicator lamp : will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed from the starter switch or with the starter switch in position 0. The system does not deactivate the window curtain air bag and the Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD).

Self-test BabySmart™ without special child seat installed After turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 or 2 the 4/ indicator lamp comes on for approximately 6 seconds and then goes out. If the 4/ indicator lamp should not come on or is continuously lit, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat. More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (Y page 220). G Warning! Do not place powered-on laptops, mobile phones, electronic tags such as those used in ski passes and like electronic devices on the front passenger seat. Signals from such

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properly restrained. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts. Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are properly wearing your seat belt. The air bags can only protect as intended if the occupants are properly wearing their seat belts. G Warning! Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position as this can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the seat belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a position that is as upright as possible and the seat belt is properly positioned on the body. G Warning! Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Make sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time. G Warning! Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to stress in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use seat belts which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.

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Do not make any modifications to the seat belts. This can lead to unintended activation of the ETDs or to their failure to activate when necessary. Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection. Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Proper use of seat belts G Warning! USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY RSeat belts can only work when used

properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this section, as that could result in serious injuries in case of an accident.

REach occupant should wear their seat belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, including rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver front air bag, front passenger front air bag, window curtain air bags for door windows), Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) and seat belt force limiters. The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front air bags and ETDs) and side (window curtain air bags and ETDs) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds.

RNever wear the shoulder belt under your

arm, against your neck or off your shoulder. In a frontal crash, your body would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The seat belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure internal organs such as your liver or spleen.

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Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder section is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder (it should not touch the neck). Never pass the shoulder portion of the seat belt under your arm. For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the seat belt outlet.

RPosition the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdomen. If the lap belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.

RNever wear seat belts over rigid or

breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as these might cause injuries.

RMake sure the seat belt is always fitted snugly. Take special care of this when wearing loose clothing.

RNever use a seat belt for more than one

person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects at the same time.

RSeat belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the seat belt to distribute impact forces. The twisted seat belt against your body could cause injuries.

RPregnant women should also always use a

lap/shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.

RPlace the seat backrest in a position that is

as upright as possible.

RCheck your seat belt during travel to make

sure it is properly positioned.

RNever place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

RWhen using a seat belt to secure infant

restraints, toddler restraints, or children in

booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. G Warning! Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges. They could tear. Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in the door or in the seat adjustment mechanism. This could damage the seat belt. Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effectiveness of the seat belts.

Fastening the seat belts G Warning! According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see “Children in the vehicle”. A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. G Warning! Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes- Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

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Front seat belts and rear outer seat belts

Rear center seat belt

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41

X With a smooth motion, pull the seat belt out

of seat belt outlet :.

X Place the shoulder portion of the seat belt across the top of your shoulder and the lap portion across your hips.

X Push latch plate ; into buckle = until it

clicks.

X If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the

correct height (Y page 42).

X If necessary, tighten the lap portion to a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.

To release the seat belt with seat belt relase button ?, see (Y page 43).

Overview : Attachment for latch plates ; Buckle for fixed latch plate = Release button for fixed latch plate ? Fixed latch plate A Buckle for free-sliding latch plate B Release button for free-sliding latch plate C Free-sliding latch plate

X Pull both latch plates ? and C out of

attachment :. The seat belt has two latch plates: Latch plate ? is fixed at the end of the seat belt.

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Latch plate C is free-sliding across the seat belt.

i To release buckle ; from fixed latch

plate ?, press release button = using a suitable object, e.g. a screwdriver or a coin. X With a smooth motion, pull the seat belt out

of attachment :.

X Push fixed latch plate ? into buckle ;

until it clicks.

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X Guide the seat belt at free-sliding latch

plate C across your body. Place the shoulder portion of the seat belt across the top of your shoulder and the lap portion across your hips.

X Push free-sliding latch plate C into buckle

A until it clicks.

X If necessary, tighten the lap portion to a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.

Seat belt outlet height adjustment You can adjust the height of the seat belt outlet for the following seats: RDriver’s seat RFront passenger seat RRear outer seats

X Raising: Slide the seat belt outlet height

adjuster upward. The seat belt outlet height adjuster engages in different positions.

X Lowering: Press and hold release

button :.

X Slide the seat belt outlet height adjuster

downward.

X Release button : and make sure the seat

belt outlet height adjuster engages into place.

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Releasing the seat belts X Releasing front seat belts and rear

outer seat belts: Press seat belt release button ? (Y page 41). Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding latch plate ; (Y page 41).

! Make sure the seat belt retracts fully so that the seat belt and/or latch plate cannot get caught or pinched in the door or in the seat mechanism. This can damage the seat belt and impair its effectiveness, and/or cause damage to the door and/or door trim panel. Such damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Damaged seat belts must be replaced. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

X Releasing rear center seat belt: Press release button B on buckle A for free- sliding latch plate C (Y page 41).

X Press release button = on buckle ; for

fixed latch plate ? (Y page 41).

X Allow the retractor to completely rewind the rear center seat belt by guiding fixed latch plate ? (Y page 41).

X Guide both latch plates ? and C one after the other into attachment : (Y page 41). G Warning! To help prevent the possibility of injury, always store the rear center seat belt latch plates in the attachment when the rear center seat belt is not in use.

Seat belt reminder system When the engine is started, the seat belt telltale 7 will always illuminate to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened when the engine is started, an additional warning chime will also sound for a maximum of

6 seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. The seat belt telltale 7 and the warning chime will go out if the driver’s seat belt is fastened. For more information, see “Practical hints” (Y page 216).

Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD), seat belt force limiter The seat belts for the front seats and rear outer seats are equipped with ETDs and seat belt force limiters. The ETDs are designed to activate in the following cases: Rin frontal or rear-end impacts exceeding

the system’s preset deployment threshold Rif the restraint systems are operational and

functioning correctly, see “SRS indicator lamp” (Y page 32)

The ETDs for the front seats will only activate if the front seat belts are fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle). The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate with or without the respective seat belts fastened. In an impact, the ETDs remove slack from the seat belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body. Seat belt force limiters, when activated, are employed to help reduce the peak force exerted by the seat belts on occupants during a crash. i The ETDs do not correct an incorrect seat

position or incorrectly worn seat belts. The ETDs do not pull occupants back toward the seat backrest. G Warning! Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be replaced. For your safety, when disposing of the pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety

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instructions. These are available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Correct driver seat adjustment G Warning! In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle control, all seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fastening of seat belts, must be done before the vehicle is put into motion.

Steering wheel G Observe Safety notes, see page 67. X Position the steering wheel properly

(Y page 68).

Make sure: RYou can reach the steering wheel with your

arms slightly bent at the elbows.

RYou can move your legs freely. RAll displays (including malfunction and

indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster are clearly visible.

Seat belt G Observe Safety notes, see page 38. X Fasten and position your seat belt correctly

(Y page 40).

Make sure: RThe seat belt is always fitted snugly. RAdjust the seat belt so that the shoulder section is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder.

RPlace the lap portion of the seat belt as low

as possible on your hips.

Seat and head restraint G Observe Safety notes, see page 62. X Position the seat and head restraint

properly. See (Y page 63) for seat and head restraint adjustment. Observe the following points: RAlways be in a properly seated position. RThe position should be as far rearward from

the front air bag in the steering wheel as possible, while still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls.

RAdjust the seat to a comfortable seating position that still allows you to reach the accelerator/brake pedal safely.

RThe seat must be adjusted so that you can correctly fasten and position your seat belt. RThe seat backrest must be in a position that

is as nearly upright as possible.

RAdjust the seat cushion so that the front edge of the seat cushion lightly supports your legs.

RAdjust the head restraint so that it is as

close to the head as possible and the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level.

RNever place hands under the seat or near any moving parts while the seat is being adjusted.

Children in the vehicle Safety notes If an infant or child is traveling with you in the vehicle: X Secure the child using an infant or child

restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child.

X Make sure the infant or child is properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

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G Warning! When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. The children could Rinjure themselves on parts of the vehicle Rbe seriously or fatally injured through

excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold Rinjure themselves or cause an accident with

vehicle equipment that can be operated even if the SmartKey is removed from the starter switch or removed from the vehicle, such as seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment, or the memory function.

If children open a door, they could injure other persons or get out of the vehicle and injure themselves or be injured by following traffic. Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system’s metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and the child could be burned on these parts. G Warning! Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the passenger or cargo compartment unless they are firmly secured in place. Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo increases a child’s risk of injury in the event of Rstrong braking maneuvers Rsudden changes of direction Ran accident

For more information on loading, see (Y page 126).

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45

Infant and child restraint systems G Observe Safety notes, see page 44. We recommend all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. Only use a BabySmartTM compatible child restraint for the front passenger seat in this vehicle. All lap/shoulder belts except the driver’s seat belt have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child restraints. To fasten a child restraint, follow child restraint instructions for mounting. Then pull the shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During seat belt retraction, a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The seat belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack. To deactivate, release the seat belt buckle and let the seat belt retract completely. The seat belt can then again be used in the usual manner. G Warning! Never release the seat belt buckle while the vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will be deactivated.

i Information on child seats with mounting

fittings for tether anchorages (Y page 47). For information on LATCH-type child seat anchors (Y page 48).

The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces. Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for the child restraint, that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 225

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and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 210.2. A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of compliance with these standards can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction manual provided with the restraint. When using any infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat, make sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Please read and observe warning labels affixed to the inside of the vehicle and to infant or child restraints. G Warning! According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Occupants, especially children, should always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat: RChildren 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-

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Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

RA child in a rear-facing child restraint on the

front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in a backseat.

RIf you must install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure the 4/ indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 4/ indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 4/ indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 4/ indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 4/ indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

RIf you have to place a child in a forward-

facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight

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47

of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. G Warning! Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt. A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster. When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

Installation of infant and child restraint systems G Observe Safety notes, see page 44. G Warning! Always lock the seat backrests in their upright position when the rear seats are occupied by passengers, before installing top tether straps, or the extended cargo compartment is not in use. Make sure that seat backrests are secured properly by pushing and pulling on the seat backrests. If a seat backrest is not locked properly, the seat backrest could fold. The child seat would no longer be supported properly or positioned to provide its intended benefit. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries.

This vehicle is equipped with tether anchorages for a top tether strap at each of the rear seating positions. The anchorage rings are located on the floor behind each rear seat. Top tether straps enable an additional connection to be made between child restraint systems secured with LATCH-type anchors and rear seats. This can further reduce the risk of injury. X Remove the cargo compartment cover

blind, if installed (Y page 129).

X Guide the top tether strap between head

restraint and top of the seat backrest. The head restraint must be installed and positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of the seat backrest.

X Make sure the top tether strap is not

twisted.

X Fold up anchorage ring :. X Securely fasten hook ;, which is part of

top tether strap, to anchorage ring :.

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48 Occupant safety

X For safety, make sure hook ; is attached

to anchorage ring : beyond the safety catch, as illustrated.

Once hook ; is attached, the child restraint itself can be secured. X Install the child restraint system and

tighten the top tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions. G Warning! Only use the described top tether anchorage rings for the respective child seat. Other lashing eyelets could tear in case of an accident. Make sure the top tether straps are not crossed or twisted and the hook is attached and closed properly.

Child seat anchors – LATCH-type G Observe Safety notes, see page 44. G Warning! Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster. Install child seat according to manufacturer’s instructions. The child seat must be firmly attached to the right and left side anchors. An incorrectly mounted child seat may come loose during an accident which could result in serious injury or death to the child. Damaged or impact damaged child seats or child seat mounting fittings must be replaced. This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH-type anchors (at each of the rear outer seats) for the installation of a LATCH-type child seat with matching mounting fittings.

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Non-LATCH-type child seats may also be used and can be installed using the vehicle’s seat belt system. Install child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

LATCH-type anchors : are located between the seat cushion and the backrest. X Install a LATCH-type child seat according

to the manufacturer’s instructions. A rigid connection between the child seat and the body of the vehicle is established. X Make sure the seat belt for the rear center

seat can operate freely with a child seat installed.

Child safety Child safety locks G Observe Safety notes, see page 44. G Warning! Children could open a rear door from the inside. This may cause serious personal injury or an accident. Therefore, secure the rear doors with the child safety locks whenever children are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The child safety locks on the rear doors enable you to secure each rear door individually. You cannot open a secured rear door from the inside. You can open the rear door from the outside when the vehicle is unlocked.

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The rear door windows can no longer be operated using the respective switch located in the rear doors.

It is still possible to operate the rear door windows using the switches located on the door control panel of the driver’s door. X Deactivating: Slide override switch : to

the left. The rear door windows can again be operated using the respective switch located in the rear doors.

For more information on power windows, see the “Controls in detail” section (Y page 81).

Panic alarm

X Activating: Press and hold ! button : for at least 1 second. An audible alarm and flashing turn signal lamps will operate briefly.

X Deactivating: Press ! button : again. or X Insert the SmartKey in the starter switch. i USA only:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful

2.

interference, and this device must accept any interference received, including

X Securing: Press the lever up in direction of

arrow :.

X Check to make sure the child safety locks

are working properly.

X Releasing: Press the lever down in

direction of arrow ;.

Override switch G Observe Safety notes, see page 44. With the override switch you can disable the rear door window switches in the rear door panels. G Warning! Activate the override switch when children are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The children may otherwise injure themselves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the rear door window opening.

X Activating: Slide override switch : to the

right. Symbol # becomes visible.

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50 Driving safety systems

interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

i Canada only:

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference,

and this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

2.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Driving safety systems Introduction This section contains information about the following driving safety systems: RABS (Antilock Brake System) RBAS (Brake Assist System) REBB (Electronic Brake Booster) RESP® (Electronic Stability Program) i In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of most of the driving systems described in this section is only achieved with winter tires, or snow chains as required.

Safety notes G Warning! The following factors increase the risk of accidents: RExcessive speed, especially in turns RWet and slippery road surfaces RFollowing another vehicle too closely The driving safety systems described in this section cannot reduce these risks or prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle. They cannot increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the driving safety systems described in this section must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others. Always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions and keep a safe distance to other road users and objects on the street. If a driving system malfunctions, other driving safety systems may also switch off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that may come on as well as messages in the multifunction display that may appear. G Warning! 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 Rwheels may lock during hard braking Rsteering capabilities are reduced Rbraking distance is increased Rvehicle stability in standard driving

maneuvers is increased

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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-road driving.

ABS G Observe Safety notes, see page 50. G Warning! Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS and significantly reduces braking effectiveness. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle. The ABS is functional above a speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions, provided the differential locks are not engaged. On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even to light brake pressure. The ! indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.

Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. X Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake

pedal while you feel the pulsation.

Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and the ability to steer the vehicle. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and

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51

functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

Emergency brake maneuver X Keep continuous full pressure on the brake

pedal. G Warning! If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety 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 multifunction display that may appear. If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability and extending the braking distance.

LOW-RANGE ABS During off-road driving, a special low-range system for the ABS is operational with the transfer case in position LOW (Y page 91). An improved braking action (dig-in effect) is obtained for vehicles speeds of up to 37 mph (60 km/h) through a change in the ABS control function.

BAS G Observe Safety notes, see page 50. The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby potentially reducing the braking distance. X Apply continuous full braking pressure until

the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.

When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated. G Warning! If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still functions, but without the additional brake

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boost available that the BAS would normally provide in an emergency braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase.

EBB G Observe Safety notes, see page 50. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) enhances braking effectiveness by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking effort in straight-line braking without a loss of vehicle stability. G Warning! If the EBB malfunctions, the brake system is still functioning. However, the rear wheels may lock up during hard braking. You may to lose control over the vehicle and possibly cause an accident. Adjust your driving style to the non-operating status of the EBB.

ESP® G Observe Safety notes, see page 50. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is operational as soon as the engine is running and monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of adhesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESP® recognizes when a wheel is spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By applying brakes to individual wheels and by limiting the engine output, the ESP® works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP® is especially useful while driving off and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP® also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and steering maneuvers. The ESP® warning lamp d in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.

The ESP® warning lamp d in the instrument cluster flashes when the ESP® is engaged. G Warning! Never switch off the ESP® when you see the ESP® warning lamp d flashing in the instrument cluster. In this case proceed as follows: RWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as

possible.

RWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator

pedal.

RAdapt your speed and driving style to the

prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

! Only conduct operational or performance tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such tests are necessary, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You could otherwise seriously damage the brake system or the transfer case which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

! Because the ESP® operates

automatically, the engine and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer. Such testing should be no longer than 10
seconds. Active braking action through the ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

! The ESP® will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size as specified in the “Technical data” section of this Operator’s Manual.

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Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) G Observe Safety notes, see page 50. The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction System) is a component of the ESP®. The 4-ETS improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize available traction, especially under slippery road conditions by applying the brakes to a spinning wheel. In addition, more power is transferred to the wheel(s) with traction. The 4-ETS function is available between vehicle speeds of 0 mph (km/h) and 37 mph (60 km/h). When you switch off the ESP®, the 4-ETS is still enabled.

Switching off the ESP® G Warning! The ESP® should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers. To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off the ESP® in driving situations in which it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: Rwhen driving with snow chains Rin deep snow Rin sand or gravel Rwhen driving off-road G Warning! Switch on the ESP® immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a wheel is spinning.

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53

When you switch off the ESP®, Rthe ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle Rthe engine output is not limited, which

allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip

Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you

are braking

Rthe 4-ETS will still apply the brakes to a spinning wheel at vehicle speeds up to approximately 37 mph (60 km/h)

Rthe cruise control cannot be activated Rthe cruise control switches off if activated i When the ESP® is switched off and one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP® warning lamp d in the instrument cluster flashes. However, the ESP® will then not stabilize the vehicle.

i When the ESP® is switched off, it will be

switched on again automatically when exceeding a vehicle speed of 37 mph (60
km/h) or exceeding a severity threshold of side acceleration.

X With the engine running, press ESP®

switch : until the ESP® warning lamp d in the instrument cluster comes on. The ESP® is switched off. G Warning! When the ESP® warning lamp d is illuminated continuously, the ESP® is

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Anti-theft systems

switched off or is not operational due to a malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers is reduced. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP®.

! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period with the ESP® switched off. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Switching on the ESP® X Press ESP® switch : until the ESP® warning lamp d in the instrument cluster goes out. You are now again in normal driving mode with the ESP® switched on.

Anti-theft systems Immobilizer The immobilizer prevents unauthorized persons from starting your vehicle. When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The engine can be started by anyone with a valid SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.

Activating X Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch.

Deactivating X Switch on the ignition. i Starting the engine will also deactivate

the immobilizer. In the event that the engine cannot be started (yet the vehicle’s battery is charged), the system is not operational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).

Anti-theft alarm system Once the alarm system has been armed, a visual and audible alarm is triggered when someone opens Ra door Rthe tailgate Rthe hood The alarm will stay on even if the activating element (a door, for example) is immediately closed. The alarm system will also be triggered when Rthe vehicle is opened with the mechanical

key

Ra door is opened from the inside Rthe tailgate is opened from the inside To cancel the alarm after it has been triggered, see “Canceling the alarm” (Y page 55).

X Arming: Lock the vehicle with the

SmartKey. The turn signal lamps flash three times to indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm system is armed.

i If the turn signal lamps do not flash three

times, a door or the tailgate may not be properly closed.

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X Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch.

X Press tow-away alarm switch :.

Indicator lamp ; comes on briefly.

X Exit and lock the vehicle. The tow-away alarm remains disabled until you lock the vehicle again.

Canceling the alarm To cancel the alarm, do one of the following: X Insert the SmartKey in the starter switch. X Press button % or & on the

SmartKey.

Close the respective element.

X Disarming: Unlock the vehicle with the

SmartKey. The turn signal lamps flash once to indicate that the alarm system is disarmed.

i The vehicle will lock and the alarm system

will rearm automatically again after approximately 40 seconds unless you open a door or the tailgate.

Tow-away alarm Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual and audible alarm will be triggered when someone attempts to raise the vehicle. To cancel the alarm after it has been triggered, see “Canceling the alarm” (Y page 55). X Arming: Lock the vehicle with the

SmartKey. The tow-away alarm is armed after about 30 seconds automatically.

X Disarming: Unlock the vehicle with the

SmartKey. The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until you lock the vehicle again.

Disabling tow-away alarm To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm, disable the tow-away alarm feature before towing the vehicle, or when parking on a surface subject to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.

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Vehicle equipment .............................. 58
Locking and unlocking ....................... 58
Starter switch positions ..................... 62
Seats .................................................... 62
Multifunction steering wheel ............. 67
Mirrors ................................................. 69
Memory function ................................. 70
Lighting ................................................ 72
Wipers .................................................. 79
Power windows ................................... 81
Driving and parking ............................ 82
Automatic transmission ..................... 87
Transfer case ....................................... 91
Differential locks ................................. 93
Instrument cluster .............................. 95
Control system .................................... 97
Driving systems ................................ 112
Climate control system .................... 119
Front windshield defroster .............. 124
Rear window defroster ..................... 125
Power tilt/sliding sunroof ............... 125
Loading and storing .......................... 126
Useful features ................................. 131