2007 Mercedes-benz M Class Owners Manual

앫 Shift the automatic transmission to

position P.

앫 Slowly release brake pedal. 앫 When parked on an incline, turn front

wheel towards the road curb.

앫 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 0 and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, or press the start/stop button (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*).

앫 Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with

KEYLESS-GO* and lock vehicle when leaving.

Getting started Parking and locking

Parking brake

Warning!

Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehi- cle’s brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged. Make sure not to endanger any other road users when you en- gage the parking brake.

1 Parking brake pedal 2 Release handle

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Getting started Parking and locking

왘 Step firmly on parking brake pedal 1.

When the engine is running, the warning lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster comes on.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat- tended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or shift the automatic transmission out of position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

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Warning!

Turning off the engine

Getting out of your vehicle with the automatic transmission not fully engaged in position P is dangerous. Also, when parked on an incline, position P alone may not prevent your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.

Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position P (컄 page 187). When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel towards the road curb.

Switching off headlamps

왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to M

(컄 page 59).

For more information, see “Lighting” (컄 page 136).

i If the engine cannot be turned off as de- scribed, see “Emergency engine shut-down” (컄 page 525). 왘 Shift the automatic transmission to

position P (컄 page 187).

Warning!

Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. With the en- gine not running, there is no power assis- tance for the brake and steering systems. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is nec- essary to brake and steer the vehicle.

왘 Apply the parking brake (컄 page 65).

i Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting the automatic transmission to position P (컄 page 187). When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel towards the road curb.

Turning off with the SmartKey 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 0 (컄 page 39).

왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch. The immobilizer is activated.

i If you turn off the engine using the SmartKey and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch with the transmission in a position other than P, the transmission will automatically shift to P. Keep in mind that turning off the engine with the SmartKey alone will not automatically shift the transmission to P. Only when the SmartKey is removed from the starter switch will the transmission automatically shift to P.

Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button (컄 page 41) to turn off the engine. With the driver’s door closed, the start- er switch is now in position 1. With the driver’s door opened, the starter switch is set to position 0, same as SmartKey removed from starter switch (컄 page 39).

i You can turn off the engine while driving by pressing and holding the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button for approximately 3 seconds.

i If you turn off the engine using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open the driver’s door with the transmission in a position other than P, the transmission will automatically shift to P. Keep in mind that turning off the engine with the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button alone will not automatically shift the transmission to P. Only when the driver’s door is opened will the transmission automatically shift to P.

Getting started Parking and locking

Releasing seat belts

왘 Press the seat belt release button

(컄 page 52). Allow the retractor to completely re- wind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate.

! 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 the effectiveness of the seat belt, 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 Light Truck Center.

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Getting started Parking and locking

Locking

Warning!

To prevent possible personal injury, always keep hands and fingers away from the door openings when closing the doors. Be espe- cially careful when small children are around.

Before closing doors, make sure there is no possibility of someone getting caught in a door during closing.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* with you, and lock your vehicle. Do not leave children un- attended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi- cle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

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왘 Exit the vehicle and close all doors and

Locking with KEYLESS-GO*

the tailgate.

i If you hear a warning signal you have forgotten to switch off the headlamps before opening the driver’s door. In addition the message Switch off lights appears in the multifunction display. Switch off the headlamps.

Locking with the SmartKey 왘 Press lock button ‹ on the

SmartKey (컄 page 38). With the tailgate and all doors closed, the turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs on the doors move down. The anti-theft alarm system is armed.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (컄 page 108).

1 Lock button on the outside door handle 왘 Press lock button 1 on an outside

door handle. With the tailgate and all doors closed, the turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs on the doors move down. The anti-theft alarm system is armed.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (컄 page 108).

Safety and Security

Occupant safety Panic alarm Driving safety systems Anti-theft systems

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

In this section you will learn the most im- portant facts about the restraint systems of the vehicle. The restraint systems are 앫 Seat belts (컄 page 77) 앫 Child restraints (컄 page 92) 앫 Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) (컄 page 91)

Additional protection potential provide 앫 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

with 앫 Air bags (컄 page 71) 앫 Air bag control unit (with crash

sensors)

앫 Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for seat belts (컄 page 80) 앫 Active head restraints (컄 page 80)

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Air bag system components with 앫 Front passenger front air bag off

indicator lamp (컄 page 89)

앫 Front passenger seat with Occupant

Classification System (OCS) (컄 page 85)

Although independent systems, their pro- tective functions work in conjunction with each other.

i For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 82). The SRS system conducts a self-test when the ignition is switched on and in regular intervals while the engine is running. This facilitates early detection of malfunctions. The 1 indicator lamp in the instrument cluster (컄 page 26) comes on when the ignition is switched on and goes out no later than a few seconds after the engine was started.

The SRS components are in operational readiness if the 1 indicator lamp is not lit when the engine is running. A malfunction in the system has been detected if the 1 indicator lamp: 앫 fails to go out not later than approxi-

mately 4 seconds after the engine was started

앫 does not come on at all 앫 comes on after the engine was started

or while driving

Warning!

Modifications to or work improperly con- ducted on restraint systems (such as seat belts and anchors, emergency tensioning devices, seat belt force limiters or air bags) or their wiring, as well as tampering with in- terconnected electronic systems, can lead to the restraint systems no longer function- ing as intended.

In addition, improper work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inopera- tive or causing unintended air bag deploy- ment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

If it is necessary to modify an air bag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact a local authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

Air bags or emergency tensioning devices, for example, could deploy inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents although the de- celeration threshold for air bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore, never modify the re- straint systems. Do not tamper with elec- tronic components or their software.

Warning!

In the event that the 1 indicator lamp comes on during driving or does not come on at all, the SRS self-check has detected a malfunction. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immedi- ately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not deploy when needed in an accident, which could result in serious or fa- tal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Air bags

Warning!

Air bags are designed to reduce the poten- tial of injury and fatality in certain frontal im- pacts (front air bags), side impacts (side impact air bags* and head protection win- dow curtain air bags) or rollovers (head pro- tection window curtain air bags). However, no system available today can totally elimi- nate injuries and fatalities.

The deployment of the air bags temporarily releases a small amount of dust from the air bags. This dust, however, is neither injurious to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause some tem- porary breathing difficulty for people with asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury when the front air bags inflate, it is very important for the driver and front passenger to always be in a properly seated position and to wear their respective seat belt.

For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back against the seat backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure it is properly positioned on your body (컄 page 51). Since the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help to keep you at a safe distance from the air bag. Occupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the air bag can be seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it inflates with great force in the blink of an eye: 앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the seat backrest.

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앫 Adjust the driver’s seat as far as possi- ble rearward, still permitting proper op- eration of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver’s breast- bone to the center of the air bag cover on the steering wheel must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by a combina- tion of adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If you have any prob- lems, please see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 Do not lean your head or chest close to

the steering wheel or dashboard.

앫 Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel rim. Placing hands and arms in- side the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when driver’s front air bag inflates.

앫 Adjust the front passenger seat as far as possible rearward from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.

앫 Always sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and use an appropriately sized infant or toddler restraint or boost- er seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

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.

Warning!

Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat.

It should be noted that with respect to both, front side impact air bags or the rear side impact air bags*, there is a possibility for a side impact air bag related injury if occu- pants, especially children, are not properly seated or restrained when next to a side impact air bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job.

To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines:

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

(2) Always wear seat belts properly.

Please contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

i Air bags are designed to deploy only in certain frontal impacts (front air bags), and in side impacts (side impact and head protection window curtain air bags) which exceed preset thresholds, and in certain rollovers (head protec- tion window curtain air bags). Only during these events will they provide their supplemental pro- tection. The driver and passengers should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for air bags to provide their supplemental protec- tion. In case of other types of impacts and impacts be- low air bag deployment thresholds, air bags will not deploy. The driver and passenger 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 pro- tection in a rollover. We caution you not to rely on the presence of the air bags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt. It is important to your safety and that of your pas- sengers 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 and Security Occupant safety

Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning device and air bag

Warning!

앫 Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use belts in- stalled or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 Air bags and pyrotechnic emergency

tensioning devices (ETDs) are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that is deployed must be replaced.

앫 Do not pass belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

앫 Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the belts.

컄컄

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

컄컄

앫 Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide ade- quate protection.

앫 No 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, badges, etc. over the steering wheel hub, front passenger front air bag cover, outboard sides of the seat back- rests, 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 from objects (e.g. packages, purs- es, umbrellas, etc.).

앫 Do not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may turn into projec- tiles and cause head and other injuries when window curtain air bag is deployed.

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앫 Air bag system components will be hot

앫 Given the considerable deployment

after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch.

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

앫 In 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 therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 For your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be fol- lowed. These instructions are available from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

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

Warning!

Only use seat covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat covers may interfere with or prevent the deployment of the front side impact air bags or the rear side impact air bags*. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for availability.

When you sell your vehicle we strongly urge you to give notice to the subsequent owner that it is equipped with an SRS by alerting them to the applicable section in the Operator’s Manual.

i The front air bags in this vehicle have been designed to inflate in two stages. This allows the air bag to have different rates of inflation that are based on the rate of relevant vehicle decelera- tion as assessed by the air bag control unit. On the front passenger-side, the front air bag deployment is additionally influenced by the passenger’s weight category as identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS) (컄 page 85). The lighter the front passenger side occupant, the higher the vehicle deceleration rate required for the second stage inflation of the air bag.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The air bags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deploy- ment thresholds. You will then be protec- ted by the fastened seat belts. The passenger front air bag will only be deployed if: 앫 the system, based on OCS weight sen-

sor readings, senses that the front passenger seat is occupied

앫 the 59 indicator lamp in

the center console is not lit (컄 page 89)

앫 the impact exceeds a preset deploy-

ment threshold

Front air bags

1 Driver air bag 2 Passenger air bag Driver and front passenger front air bags are deployed: 앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts 앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

앫 independently of the side impact air

bags

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Side impact air bags, window curtain air bags

Warning!

The pressure sensors for side impact air bag control are located in the doors. Do not modify any components of the doors or door trim panels including, for example, the addi- tion of door speakers.

Improper repair work on the doors or the modification or addition of components to the doors create a risk of rendering the side impact air bags inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the doors must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

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In addition, the window curtain air bags 2 are deployed in certain vehicle rollovers. The front passenger side impact air bag will not deploy if the OCS senses that the front passenger seat is empty and the front passenger seat belt is not fastened (latch plate is not inserted into the buckle). With an empty front passenger seat and the seat belt fastened (latch plate properly in- serted into buckle) the front passenger side impact air bag will deploy indepen- dently of the empty seat. The side impact air bags and window cur- tain air bags are not deployed in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deploy- ment threshold.

1 Front side impact air bag 2 Window curtain air bag 3 Rear side impact air bag* The side impact air bags and window curtain air bags are deployed: 앫 on the impacted side of the vehicle 앫 in impacts exceeding a preset deploy-

ment threshold

앫 independently of the front air bags

Seat belts

Always wear your seat belt. All vehicle occupants always need to have their seat belts fastened and wear them properly. In addition, applicable motor vehicle safety laws require you to wear seat belts. Even where this is not the case, we strongly recommend that all vehicle occupants have their seat belts fastened and wear them properly. For more information, see “Fastening the seat belts” (컄 page 51).

i For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 82).

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Warning!

Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure all of your passengers are properly restrained, even those sitting in the rear and pregnant women.

Failure to wear and properly fasten and po- sition your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.

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. Air bags can only protect as they are designed if the occupants are prop- erly wearing their seat belts.

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 belt would apply force at the ab- domen 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 nearly upright position and the belt is properly positioned on the body.

Warning!

Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Make sure everyone riding in the vehicle is cor- rectly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one per- son at a time.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Warning!

certain rollovers (window curtain air bags and ETD).

Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed 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.

Do not make any modifications to the seat belts. This can lead to unintended activation of the ETDs or to failure.

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 Light Truck Center.

USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY 앫 Seat belts can only work when used

properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this sec- tion, as that could result in serious inju- ries in case of an accident.

앫 Each occupant should wear their seat

belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, includ- ing rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver air bag, pas- senger front air bag, side impact air bags, head protection window curtain air bags for side windows), ETD (seat belt emergency tensioning device), and front seat knee bolsters. The system is designed to enhance the protection of- fered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front air bags and ETD) and side (side impact, window curtain air bags and ETD) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds and in

앫 Never wear the shoulder belt under your arm, against your neck or off your shoul- der. In a frontal crash, your body would move too far forward. That would in- crease the chance of head and neck in- juries. The belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure internal or- gans such as your liver or spleen.

앫 Never wear belts over rigid or breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, SmartKeys, etc., as these might cause injuries.

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

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앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one person at time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects.

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

앫 Pregnant women should also use a

lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pres- sure on the abdomen.

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

앫 When using a seat belt to secure infant

or toddler restraints or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Enhanced seat belt reminder system When the engine is started, the seat belt telltale < will always illuminate for 6 seconds to remind you and your pas- sengers 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 maxi- mum of 6 seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. If after these 6 seconds the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied) is not fastened with front doors closed, 앫 the seat belt telltale < remains illu- minated for as long as either the driv- er’s or front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened

앫 and if the vehicle speed once exceeds

15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale < starts flashing and a warning chime sounds with increasing

Safety and Security Occupant safety

intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver’s and the front pas- senger’s seat belt are fastened. If the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat belt remains unfastened after 60 seconds, the warning chime stops sounding, the seat belt telltale < stops flashing but continues to be illu- minated.

The seat belt telltale < will only go out if both the driver’s and the front passen- ger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied) are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front door is opened. For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 421).

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD), seat belt force limiter Depending on vehicle production date, the seat belts for the front and rear or rear outer seats are equipped with emergency tensioning devices and belt force limiters. The ETD is designed to activate in the following cases: 앫 in frontal or rear-end impacts

exceeding the system deployment threshold

앫 in certain vehicle rollovers 앫 if the restraint systems are operational

and functioning correctly, see 1 indicator lamp (컄 page 423)

i The ETDs for the front seats will only acti- vate if the respective front seat belt is fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle). The ETDs for the rear or rear outer seats (de- pending on vehicle production date) will activate with or without the respective seat belt fastened.

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In an impact, emergency tensioning devices remove slack from the belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body. Belt force limiters, when activated, are employed to help reduce the peak force exerted by the seat belts on occupants during a crash.

Warning!

A pyrotechnic emergency tensioning device (ETD) that was activated must be replaced.

When disposing of the pyrotechnic emer- gency tensioning device, our safety instruc- tions must be followed. These are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Active head restraint

The active head restraints are intended to offer the driver and front passenger increased protection from whiplash type injuries. In the event of a rear-end collision, the active head restraints on the driver’s and front passenger’s seats are designed to move forward in the direction of travel, providing the head with increased support earlier on in the collision sequence. The active head restraints move forward whether the seat is occupied or not.

Warning!

Only use seat or head restraint covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat or head restraint covers may interfere with or prevent the activation of the active head restraint. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for availability.

You cannot remove the active head restraint on the driver’s and front passenger’s seats. For removal of the active head restraints we recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. For information on head restraint adjust- ment, see “Seats” (컄 page 43). For information on resetting the activated active head restraints, see “Resetting acti- vated head restraints” (컄 page 479).

Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to the head restraints posts. Otherwise, the active head restraints may not be able to function properly or offer the intended degree of protection in the event of an accident.

Warning!

For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints.

Adjust 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. This will reduce the potential for injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Rear head restraints

Warning!

Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints installed when the rear seats are occupied. Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an accident.

With a rear seat occupied, make sure to move the respective head restraint up from the lowest non-use position and have the occupant adjust the head restraint properly.

For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints.

Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it is as close to the head as possible and the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level. This will reduce the potential for injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Children in the vehicle

If an infant or child is traveling with you in the vehicle: 앫 Secure the child using an infant or child

restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child.

앫 Make sure the infant or child is

properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

Warning!

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system. The children could 앫 injure themselves on parts of the vehicle 앫 be seriously or fatally injured through excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold

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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 turned on these parts.

If children open a door, they could 앫 injure other persons 앫 get out of the car and injure themselves

or be injured by following traffic

Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the passenger or cargo compartment unless they are firmly secured in place. For more in- formation, see “Loading” (컄 page 281) and “Useful features” (컄 page 294). Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo increases a child’s risk of injury in the event of 앫 strong braking maneuvers 앫 sudden changes of direction 앫 an accident

Infant and child restraint systems We recommend all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. 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 acti- vated. The belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack. To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt retract completely. To deacti- vate the special seat belt retractor for the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat must be in the most backward posi- tion. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner.

Warning!

Never release the seat belt buckle while the vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will be deactivated.

i For information on child seats with mounting fittings for tether anchorages, see “Installation of infant and child restraint system” (컄 page 92). For information on LATCH-type child seat mounts, see “Child seat anchors – LATCH type” (컄 page 91). The use of infant or child restraints is re- quired by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Ca- nadian provinces.

Infants and small children should be seat- ed 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 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and 210.2. A statement by the child restraint manu- facturer 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 or child restraint system, 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.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing 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 or child restraint 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.

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Always sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and use an appropriately sized in- fant or toddler restraint or booster seat rec- ommended for the size and weight of the child.

Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following im- portant information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat: 앫 Your vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology designed to turn off the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the OCS senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front passenger seat.

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앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be serious- ly 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-fac- ing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat.

앫 If you must install a rear-facing child

restraint on the front passenger seat be- cause circumstances require you to do so, make sure that the 59 indicator lamp is illumi- nated, indicating that the front passen- ger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 59 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 59 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the lamp is illumi- nated. If the 59 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 serious- ly injured or even killed if the front pas- senger front air bag inflates.

Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Posi- tion shoulder belt across chest and shoul- der, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs 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.

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system. Unsupervised chil- dren in a child restraint system may use vehicle equipment and may cause an acci- dent and/or serious personal injury.

앫 If 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 se- cure child restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. For children larger than the typical 12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activated (컄 page 86).

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.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Occupant Classification System The Occupant Classification System (OCS) automatically turns the front passenger front air bag on or off based on the classi- fied occupant weight category determined by weight sensor readings from the front passenger seat.

i The system does not deactivate the front passenger side impact air bag, the window curtain air bag, and the emergency tensioning device.

Occupants must sit properly belted in a nearly upright position with their back against the seat backrest and feet on the floor to be correctly classified. If the occu- pant’s weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant’s weight category.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Furthermore, the occupant weight may ap- pear to increase or decrease due to objects hanging on the seat, other passen- gers pushing on the seat, objects lodged underneath the seat or stuffed between seat and middle console or between seat and door or due to objects applying pres- sure on the back of the seat. Always make sure that the seat has clearance in all directions at all times.

i If your seat, including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way, take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Only seat accessories approved by Mercedes-Benz may be used.

Both, driver and the front passenger should always use the 59 indicator lamp as an indi- cation of whether or not the front passen- ger is properly positioned.

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When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is start- ed and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deacti- vated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat is classified as being empty, the 59 indicator lamp will illumi- nate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

Warning!

If the 59 indicator lamp illumi- nates when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front passenger seat, have the front passenger re-position himself or herself in the seat until the 59 indicator lamp goes out, or check whether objects are caught under or around the seat.

More information about air bag display mes- sages (컄 page 440). In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit will not allow front passenger front air bag deployment when the OCS classified the front passenger seat occupant as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child re- straint or if the front passenger seat is sensed as being empty.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as being heavier than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint or as being a small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult), the 59 indicator lamp will illu- minate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started and then, depending on occupant weight sensor readings from the seat, remain illuminated or go out. With the 59 indicator lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deacti- vated. With the 59 indicator lamp out, the front passenger front air bag is activated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as an adult or someone larger than a small individual, the 59 indicator lamp will illumi- nate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started and then go out, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is activated.

If the 59 indicator lamp is illu- minated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed.

If the 59 indicator lamp is not illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is activated and will be deployed: 앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts 앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

앫 independently of the side impact air

bags.

If the front passenger front air bag is de- ployed, the rate of inflation will be influ- enced by: 앫 the rate of vehicle deceleration as assessed by the air bag control unit

앫 the front passenger’s weight category as identified by the Occupant Classifica- tion System (OCS)

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing 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 or child restraint 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.

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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 pas- senger seat: 앫 Your vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology designed to turn off the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropri- ate child restraint on the front passen- ger seat.

앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be serious- ly 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-fac- ing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat.

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앫 If 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. For children larger than the typical 12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activated (컄 page 87).

앫 If you must install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure that the 59 indicator lamp is illumi- nated, indicating that the front passen- ger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 59 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 59 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 59 indicator lamp is illumi- nated. If the 59 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 serious- ly injured or even killed if the front pas- senger front air bag inflates.

i Deployment of the driver front air bag does not mean that the front passenger front air bag also should have deployed. The Occupant Classification System (컄 page 85) may have determined: 앫 that the seat was empty or occupied by the

weight up to or less than that of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint – both instances where the system suppresses deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the im- pact met the criteria and was of sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air bag.

앫 that the seat was occupied by a small individ-

ual (such as a young teenager or a small adult) or a child weighing more than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint – instances where the system may suppress deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of suffi- cient severity to deploy the driver front air bag.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The 59 indicator lamp is located in the center console.

Warning!

1 59 indicator lamp The 59 indicator lamp 1 will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed from the starter switch or with the starter switch in position 0 (컄 page 39).

If the 1 indicator lamp and the 59 indicator lamp are lit at the same time, there is a malfunction in the Occupant Classification System. The front passenger front air bag will be deactivated in this case. Have the system checked as soon as possible by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

In order to ensure proper operation of the air bag system and OCS: 앫 Do not place more than 4.4 lbs (2 kg) into the parcel net on the back of the front passenger seat. Otherwise, the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant weight category.

앫 Do not place objects under and/or

around the front passenger seat.

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앫 Do not hang anything from or attach any

items to the seats.

앫 Do not stuff objects such as books be- tween the middle console and the front passenger seat.

앫 Do not move the front passenger seat

backwards against stiff objects.

앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the seat backrest.

앫 Do not lean on the armrests or lift your- self from the seat by using the handle over the door as this may cause the OCS to be unable to correctly approximate the occupant weight category.

앫 Only have the seat repaired or replaced by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 Read and observe all warnings in this

chapter.

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Self-test Occupant Classification System After turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 or 2 or pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button once or twice, the 59 indicator lamp (컄 page 89) located in the center console illuminates. If an adult occupant is properly sitting on the front passenger seat and the system senses the occupant as being an adult, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate and go out after approxi- mately 6 seconds. If the seat is not occupied and the system senses the front passenger seat as being empty, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out.

Warning!

If the 59 indicator lamp should not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat.

For more information, see the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 426).

Warning!

Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the Occupant Classifi- cation System. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protec- tion for the child.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of child seats.

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 re- placed.

Do not leave children unattended in the ve- hicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system.

Child seat anchors – LATCH type This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) type anchors (at each of the outer rear seats) for the installation of a LATCH child seat with matching mounting fittings.

Warning!

Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Posi- tion shoulder belt across chest and shoul- der, not face or neck.

A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children over 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.

Install child seat according to manufactu- rer’s instructions.

The child seat must be firmly attached to the right and left side anchors 2 (컄 page 92).

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The LATCH anchors are blended with covers.

1 Anchorage ring covers 왘 Remove anchorage ring cover 1 from the seat on which a child seat is to be installed.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

2 Anchors 왘 Install a LATCH type child seat accord- ing to the manufacturer’s instructions.

! Make sure the seat belt for the center seat can operate freely with a child seat installed.

i 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.

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Installation of infant and child restraint system This vehicle is equipped with tether anchorages for a top tether strap at each of the rear seating positions.

왘 Move the respective head restraint to its uppermost position (컄 page 129). 왘 Guide top tether strap between head

restraint and top of seat backrest.

1 Anchorage ring 2 Hook

1 Anchorage ring 2 Hook

i For safety, make sure hook 2 has attached to anchorage ring 1 beyond the safety catch, as illustrated.

왘 Securely fasten hook 2, which is part

of the tether strap, to anchorage ring 1. Make sure 앫 the top tether strap is not twisted 앫 the head restraint is installed and positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of seat back- rest

앫 top tether strap is positioned be- tween the seat backrest and the cargo compartment cover blind (if installed)

앫 the top tether strap is positioned

between the seat backrest and the partition net* (if installed)

Warning!

After installing top tether straps, make sure that the seat backrests are in an upright po- sition and are properly locked. Check for secure locking by pushing and pulling on the seat backrests. If a seat backrest is not properly locked, the seat backrest could fold. The child seat would no longer be prop- erly supported or positioned to provide its intended benefit.

왘 Lower the head restraint if necessary

(컄 page 129). Make sure the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of seat backrest.

왘 Install the child restraint system and tighten the top tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s in- structions.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Blocking of rear door window operation

With the override switch you can disable the rear side window switches in the rear door panels.

Warning!

Activate the override switch when children are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The children could otherwise injure them- selves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the win- dow opening.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat- tended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi- cle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

The override switch is located on the driver’s door control panel.

1 Override switch For more information on power windows, see “Power windows” (컄 page 236).

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Disabling 왘 Press override switch 1 until it engag-

es. The switch engages in the recessed position. The rear door windows can no longer be operated using the switches located in the rear doors.

i Operating the rear door windows using the switches located on the door control panel of the driver’s door is still possible.

Enabling 왘 Press override switch 1 once more.

The switch disengages from its recessed position back to its original position. The rear door windows can again be operated using the switches located in the rear doors.

왔 Panic alarm

1 Â button

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 interfer-

ence, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including 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 (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Activating

왘 Press and hold button 1 for at least

1 second. The SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* must be within 30 ft (9 m) of the vehicle. An audible alarm and flashing exterior lamps will operate briefly.

Safety and Security Panic alarm

Deactivating

왘 Press button 1 again.

The SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* must be within 30 ft (9 m) of the vehicle.

or 왘 Insert SmartKey or the SmartKey with

KEYLESS-GO* in the starter switch.

or 왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop

button (컄 page 41). The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* must be in the vehicle.

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Safety and Security Driving safety systems

In this section you will find information on the following driving safety systems: 앫 ABS (Antilock Brake System) 앫 BAS (Brake Assist System) 앫 ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) 앫 EBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning) 앫 4-ETS (Electronic Traction System)

Warning!

The following factors increase the risk of accidents: 앫 Excessive speed, especially in turns 앫 Wet and slippery road surfaces 앫 Following another vehicle too closely The ABS, BAS, ESP® and 4-ETS cannot reduce this risk.

Always adjust your driving style to the pre- vailing road and weather conditions.

i In winter operation, the maximum effective- ness of the ABS, the BAS, the ESP®, the EBP, and the 4-ETS is only achieved with winter tires (컄 page 399) or snow chains as required.

ABS

Warning!

Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump- ing 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 ap- proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions.

On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even to light brake pressure. The - indicator lamp in the instrument cluster (컄 page 26) 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. 왘 Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while experiencing the pul- sation.

Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and ability to steer the vehicle. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

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Emergency brake maneuver 왘 Keep continuous full pressure on the

brake pedal.

Warning!

When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS, the ESP®, and the 4-ETS are also switched off. The basic driving and braking functions are still available.

When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability and extending the brak- ing distance.

Warning!

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency be- yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent acci- dents, including those resulting from

excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can pre- vent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

Off-road – ABS With the off-road driving program switched on (컄 page 268), the ABS designed for off-road use is automatically activated. When applying the brakes at speeds below approximately 18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are locked cyclically to short- en the braking distance (dig-in effect). This affects steering the vehicle. For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 413).

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

BAS

The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby poten- tially reducing braking distance. 왘 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.

Warning!

If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake sys- tem is still functioning, but without the addi- tional brake boost available that BAS would normally provide in an emergency braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase.

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Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Warning!

ESP®

The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent accidents, includ- ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or danger- ous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is operational as soon as the engine is run- ning. It 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 the appropriate wheel and by limiting 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 helps stabilize the vehicle during braking maneuvers. The ESP® warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster (컄 page 26) flashes when the ESP® is engaged. The ESP® warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster come on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.

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Warning!

Never switch off the ESP® when you see the ESP® warning lamp v flashing in the in- strument cluster. In this case, proceed as follows: 앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

앫 While driving, ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt 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 result- ing from excessive speed.

! Because the ESP® operates automatically, the engine and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button in position 0 or 1) when testing the brakes on a brake test dynamometer and 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.

i The ESP® will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size (컄 page 536). For more information, see the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 419) and (컄 page 436).

Warning!

The ESP® cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol- lowing another vehicle too closely, or hydro- planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabili- ties of an ESP® equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

! Operational or performance test must only be conducted on a two-axle dynanometer. If such tests are necessary, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. You could otherwise seriously damage the brake system or the transfer case which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Switching off the ESP®

Warning!

The ESP® should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circum- stances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in stan- dard driving maneuvers. Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare wheel is mounted.

To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off the ESP® in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: 앫 when driving with snow chains 앫 in deep snow 앫 in sand or gravel

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Safety and Security Driving safety systems

! Switch on the ESP® immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore.

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

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

앫 the 4-ETS will still apply the brake to a

spinning wheel

앫 the ESP® continues to operate when

you are braking

앫 you cannot activate the cruise control

or the Distronic* system

앫 the cruise control or the Distronic*

system switch off if currently activated

i When the ESP® is switched off and one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP® warning lamp v in the instrument cluster flashes. However, the ESP® will then not stabilize the vehicle.

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The ESP® switch is located on the upper part of the center console.

Warning!

1 ESP® switch 왘 With the engine running, press ESP®