2006 Mercedes-benz R Class Owners Manual

왘 Slide mechanical key 1 back into

SmartKey.

왘 Check the operation of the SmartKey.

464

왔 Replacing bulbs Bulbs

Safe vehicle operation depends on proper exterior lighting and signaling. It is there- fore essential that all bulbs and lamp as- semblies are in good working order at all times. Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely important. Have headlamps checked and readjusted at regular intervals and when a bulb has been replaced. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for headlamp adjustment.

If the headlamps or front fog lamps are fogged up on the inside as a result of high humidity, driving the vehicle a dis- tance with the lights on should clear up the fogging.

Practical hints Replacing bulbs

Backup bulbs will be brought into use when the following lamps malfunction: 앫 Turn signal lamps 앫 Brake lamps 앫 Parking lamps 앫 Tail lamps Read and observe messages in the multifunction display (컄 page 442).

465

Practical hints Replacing bulbs

Front lamps

Lamp

Type 1 Parking/standing lamp W 5 W 2 Turn signal lamp 3 Additional turn signal

PY 21 W

lamp

LED

4 Headlamps:

Low beam Bi-Xenon headlamps*: Low beam1
5 Headlamps:

High beam/high beam flasher Bi-Xenon headlamps*: High beam/high beam flasher spot lamp 6 Sidemarker lamp 7 Corner-illuminating

H7 (55W)

D2S-35 W

H7 (55W)

H7 (55W) WY 5 W

front fog lamp*

H11 (55W) 1 Vehicles with Bi-Xenon* headlamps: Do not replace the Bi-Xenon bulbs yourself. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

466

Rear lamps

Lamp

8 High-mounted brake

lamp

9 Tail, brake, and sidemarker lamp a Turn signal lamp b Backup lamp c Rear fog lamp (driver’s

side only)

d License plate lamps

Type

LED

P 21 W PY 21 W P 21 W

P 21 W C 5 W

Practical hints Replacing bulbs

Notes on bulb replacement 앫 Only use 12-volt bulbs of the same type

and with the specified watt rating.

앫 Switch the lights off before changing a

bulb to prevent short circuits.

앫 Always use a clean lint-free cloth when

handling bulbs.

앫 Your hands should be dry and free of oil

Have the LEDs and bulbs for the following lamps replaced by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center: 앫 the additional turn signal lamps in the

exterior rear view mirrors

앫 the high mounted brake lamp 앫 the Bi-Xenon* low beam lamps 앫 the Bi-Xenon high beam flasher spot-

and grease.

light*

앫 If the newly installed bulb does not

앫 the front sidemarker lamps

come on, visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Warning!

Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Allow the lamp to cool down before chang- ing a bulb.

Keep bulbs out of reach of children.

Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas. A bulb can explode if you: 앫 touch or move it when hot 앫 drop the bulb 앫 scratch the bulb Wear eye and hand protection.

Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the lamp and its components. We recommend that you have such work done by a qualified technician.

467

Practical hints Replacing bulbs

Replacing bulbs for front lamps

Before you start to replace a bulb for a front lamp, do the following first: 왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to

position M (컄 page 147). 왘 Open the hood (컄 page 345).

Halogen headlamps

1 Low beam/high beam headlamp cover

468

2 Bulb socket for turn signal lamp

Low beam headlamp bulbs 왘 Turn cover 1 counterclockwise. 왘 Remove cover 1. 왘 Turn bulb socket 3 counterclockwise. 왘 Pull bulb socket 3 out of the head-

lamp housing.

왘 Pull the low beam bulb out of bulb

socket 3.

왘 Insert the new low beam bulb into bulb

socket 3.

왘 Insert bulb socket 3 into the head-

lamp housing.

왘 Turn bulb socket 3 clockwise until it

engages.

왘 Place cover 1 on the opening in the

headlamp housing.

왘 Turn cover 1 clockwise until it engag-

2 Bulb socket for turn signal lamp 3 Bulb socket for low beam headlamp 4 Bulb socket for high beam headlamp

es.

Front turn signal lamp bulbs 왘 Pull bulb socket 2 out of the head-

lamp housing.

왘 Pull the turn signal bulb out of bulb

socket 2.

왘 Insert the new turn signal bulb into bulb

socket 2.

왘 Insert bulb socket 2 into the head-

lamp housing.

High beam headlamp bulbs 왘 Turn cover 1 counterclockwise. 왘 Remove cover 1. 왘 Turn bulb socket 4 counterclockwise. 왘 Pull bulb socket 4 out of the head-

lamp housing.

왘 Pull the high beam bulb out of bulb

socket 4.

왘 Insert the new high beam bulb into bulb

socket 4.

왘 Insert bulb socket 4 into the head-

lamp housing.

왘 Turn bulb socket 4 clockwise until it

engages.

왘 Place cover 1 on the opening in the

headlamp housing.

왘 Turn cover 1 clockwise until it engag-

es.

Practical hints Replacing bulbs

Bi-Xenon headlamps*

1 Bulb socket for turn signal lamp 2 Low beam/high beam headlamp cover

– Do not remove

1 Bulb socket for turn signal lamp

469

Practical hints Replacing bulbs

Low beam and high beam flasher spot bulbs

Warning!

Do not remove the low beam/high beam cover for the Bi-Xenon* headlamp. Because of high voltage in Bi-Xenon* lamps, it is dan- gerous to replace the bulb or repair the lamp and its components. We recommend that you have such work done by a qualified technician.

Front turn signal lamp bulbs 왘 Pull bulb socket 1 out of the head-

lamp housing.

왘 Pull the turn signal bulb out of bulb

socket 1.

왘 Insert the new turn signal bulb into bulb

socket 1.

왘 Insert bulb socket 1 into the head-

lamp housing.

Parking and standing lamp bulbs

1 Bulb socket for parking and standing

lamp

왘 Turn bulb socket 1 counterclockwise. 왘 Pull bulb socket 1 out of the housing. 왘 Pull the bulb out of bulb socket 1. 왘 Insert the new parking and standing

lamp bulb into bulb socket 1.

왘 Insert bulb socket 1 into the housing. 왘 Turn bulb socket 1 clockwise until it

engages.

470

Practical hints Replacing bulbs

Corner-illuminating front fog lamp* bulbs

1 Corner-illuminating front fog lamp* 2 Cover 3 Retaining screw 왘 Remove retaining screw 3. 왘 Insert a suitable object (e.g. screwdriv- er) at point indicated by the arrow and pry out cover 2. Cover 2 is released.

왘 Swing cover 2 outwards and take it

off.

4 Retaining screws 왘 Remove screws 4 that retain front fog

lamp 1.

왘 Remove corner-illuminating front fog

lamp 1.

5 Corner-illuminating front fog lamp bulb

socket

왘 Turn bulb socket 5 counterclockwise. 왘 Pull bulb socket 5 out of the housing. 왘 Pull the bulb out of bulb socket 5. 왘 Insert the new corner-illuminating front

fog lamp bulb into bulb socket 5.

왘 Insert bulb socket 5 into the housing.컄컄

471

Practical hints Replacing bulbs

컄컄

왘 Turn bulb socket 5 clockwise until it

engages.

왘 Insert corner-illuminating front fog

lamp 1 back into bumper. 왘 Fasten retaining screws 4. 왘 Reinsert cover 2 and press it in until it

engages.

왘 Fasten retaining screw 3.

Additional turn signal lamps bulbs The additional turn signal lamps in the exterior rear view mirrors have LEDs. If a malfunction occurs or LEDs fail to func- tion, the entire turn signal unit must be re- placed. Have the turn signal unit replaced by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Front sidemarker lamp bulbs Since replacing the sidemarker lamp bulbs is a technically highly demanding process, we recommend you have the sidemarker lamp bulbs replaced by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Replacing bulbs for rear lamps

Before you start to replace a bulb for a rear lamp, do the following first: 왘 Turn the combination switch to

position M (컄 page 147).

Tail lamp unit

To access the tail lamp units, you have to remove the cover in the correspond- ing side trim panel of the cargo com- partment.

왘 Open the tailgate (컄 page 122).

472

Opening the side trim panels

왘 Insert a suitable object such as a coin

왘 Depending on which bulb needs to be

Practical hints Replacing bulbs

into the slot of lock 1.

왘 Turn lock 1 clockwise (left side trim panel) or counterclockwise (right side trim panel) by 90° in direction of arrow.

왘 Remove cover 2.

Replacing bulbs

replaced, turn the respective bulb socket 1 - 4 counterclockwise.

왘 Pull the bulb socket out of the housing. 왘 Similarly turn the bulb counterclock-

wise carefully and pull the bulb out of bulb socket.

왘 Insert the new bulb into the bulb sock-

et.

왘 Turn the bulb in the bulb socket clock-

wise carefully.

왘 Insert the bulb socket into the housing. 왘 Turn the bulb socket clockwise until it

engages.

1 Lock 2 Cover in left side trim panel

1 Lock 2 Cover in right side trim panel

1 Tail, sidemarker, standing, and parking

lamp bulb socket

2 Turn signal lamp bulb socket 3 Fog lamp bulb socket

(driver’s side only)

4 Backup lamp bulb socket

473

Practical hints Replacing bulbs

License plate lamp

1 License plate lamp cover 2 Screw 왘 Loosen screws 2. 왘 Remove license plate lamp cover 1. 왘 Replace the license plate lamp bulb. 왘 Reinstall license plate lamp cover 1. 왘 Retighten screws 2.

474

왔 Replacing wiper blades Front wiper blades

Never open the hood when the wiper arms are folded forward. Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper arm back. If released, the force of the impact from the tensioning spring could crack the windshield. Do not allow the wiper arms to contact the windshield glass without a wiper blade inserted. Make sure the wiper blades are proper- ly installed. Improperly installed wiper blades may cause windshield damage. For your convenience, we recommend that you have this work carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Removing

Warning!

For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove the SmartKey from starter switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: Make sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0) before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise the motor could suddenly turn on and cause injury.

왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch.

or 왘 Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:

Make sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0 (컄 page 39). 왘 Fold the wiper arms forward until they

engage.

Practical hints Replacing wiper blades

1 Wiper blade 2 Tab 3 Wiper arm 왘 Press tabs 2 together. 왘 Tilt wiper blade 1 away from wiper

arm 3.

왘 Take off wiper blade 1 in direction of

arrow.

475

Practical hints Replacing wiper blades

Installing

왘 Fold wiper blade 1 towards wiper

Rear wiper blade

arm. Tabs 2 must engage into both recess- es of attachment 2.

왘 Check whether the wiper blade is

securely fastened.

왘 Fold the wiper arm backward to rest on

the windshield. Make sure to hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper arm back.

Warning!

For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove SmartKey from starter switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: Make sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0) before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise the motor could suddenly turn on and cause injury.

Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper arm back. If released, the force of the impact from the tensioning spring could crack the rear window. Do not allow the wiper arms to contact the rear window glass without a wiper blade inserted.

1 Wiper blade 2 Attachment 3 Guide tab 4 Opening 왘 With guide tab 3 sliding into opening

4, place wiper blade 1 onto wiper arm in direction of arrow.

476

Make sure the wiper blades are proper- ly installed. Improperly installed wiper blades may cause rear window dam- age. For your convenience, we recommend that you have this work carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Removing 왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch.

or 왘 Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:

Make sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0 (컄 page 39).

Practical hints Replacing wiper blades

왘 Fold wiper arm 1 away from the rear

Installing

window until it engages.

1 Wiper arm 2 Wiper blade 왘 Turn wiper blade 2 to form a right an-

gle with wiper arm 1 as shown.

왘 Hold wiper arm 1 and disengage wip-

er blade 2 by carefully sliding it in direction of arrow.

왘 Remove wiper blade 2.

1 Wiper arm 2 Wiper blade 왘 Insert wiper blade 2 into wiper

arm 1.

왘 Hold wiper arm 1 and engage wiper blade 2 by pushing it in direction of ar- row until it locks into place.

왘 Check whether the wiper blade is

securely fastened.

왘 Fold the wiper arm to rest on the rear

window. Make sure to hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper arm back.

477

Preparing the vehicle

왘 Park the vehicle in a safe distance from

moving traffic on a hard, flat surface when possible.

왘 Turn on the hazard warning flasher

(컄 page 153).

왘 Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are in a straight-ahead position.

왘 Set the parking brake (컄 page 65). 왘 Set the automatic transmission to P

(컄 page 197).

Vehicles with SmartKey: 왘 Turn off the engine (컄 page 66). 왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch.

Practical hints Flat tire

Warning!

The dimensions of the spare wheel are dif- ferent from those of the road wheels. As a result, the vehicle handling characteristics change when driving with a spare wheel mounted. Adapt your driving style accord- ingly.

The spare wheel is for temporary use only. When driving with spare wheel mounted, ensure proper tire inflation pressure and do not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Drive to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible to have the spare wheel replaced with a regular road wheel.

Never operate the vehicle with more than one spare wheel mounted. Do not switch off the ESP® with a spare wheel mounted.

478

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: 왘 Turn off the engine by pressing the

KEYLESS-GO* button once (컄 page 66).

왘 Open the driver’s door (this puts the starter switch in position 0, same as with the SmartKey removed from the starter switch). The driver’s door then can be closed again.

왘 Have any passenger exit the vehicle at

a safe distance from the roadway.

Open doors only when conditions are safe to do so.

Mounting the spare wheel

Preparing the vehicle 왘 Prepare the vehicle as described

(컄 page 478).

왘 Take the wheel wrench and the vehicle

jack from the vehicle tool kit (컄 page 455).

왘 Take the spare wheel from the wheel

well under the cargo compartment floor (컄 page 458).

Practical hints Flat tire

Lifting the vehicle 왘 Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by blocking wheels with wheel chocks or other sizable objects. One wheel chock is included with the vehicle tool kit (컄 page 455).

When changing wheel on a level surface: 왘 Place the wheel chock in front of and

another sizable object behind the wheel that is diagonally opposite to the wheel being changed.

Always try lifting the vehicle using the jack on a level surface. However, should cir- cumstances require you to do so on a hill, place the wheel chock and another sizable object as follows: 왘 Place the wheel chock and another sizable object on the downhill side blocking both wheels of the axle not being worked on.

Warning!

The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets built into both sides of the vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel change. Never get beneath the vehicle while it is supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from the area under the lifted vehicle. Always firmly set parking brake and block wheels before raising vehicle with jack.

Do not disengage parking brake while the vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is always vertical (plumb line) when in use, especially on hills. Always try to use the jack on level surface. Make sure the jack arm is fully seated in the jack take-up bracket. Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before working under the vehicle.

479

Practical hints Flat tire

1 Wheel wrench 왘 On wheel to be changed, loosen but do

not yet remove the wheel bolts (approximately one full turn with wheel wrench 1).

The jack take-up brackets are located di- rectly behind the front wheel housings and in front of the rear wheel housings.

Do not position the jack on the body of the vehicle, as this may cause damage to the vehicle.

480

2 Take-up bracket 3 Jack 4 Crank 왘 Place jack 3 on firm ground. 왘 Position jack 3 under the take-up

bracket 2 so that it is always vertical (plumb-line) as seen from the side, even if the vehicle is parked on an in- cline.

왘 Turn crank 4 clockwise until jack 3

is fully seated in take-up bracket 2 and the jack base evenly meets the ground.

왘 Continue to turn crank 4 until the wheel is a maximum of 1.2 in (3 cm) from the ground.

Warning!

The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for performing maintenance work under the vehicle. 앫 Never start the engine when the vehicle

is raised.

앫 Never lie down under the raised vehicle.

Removing the wheel

Mounting the spare wheel

Practical hints Flat tire

1 Alignment bolt 왘 Unscrew upper-most wheel bolt and

remove.

왘 Replace this wheel bolt with alignment bolt 1 supplied in the vehicle tool kit (컄 page 454).

왘 Remove the remaining wheel bolts.

Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt. This could result in damage to the bolts and wheel hub threads.

1 Wheel bolt for 18" and 19" light alloy

wheels

2 Wheel bolt for 17" light alloy wheels or

collapsible tire (located in trunk with spare wheel)

Wheel bolts 2 must be used when mounting the spare wheel with collaps- ible tire. The use of any wheel bolts oth- er than wheel bolts 2 for the spare wheel with collapsible tire will physical- ly damage the vehicle’s brakes.

왘 Remove the wheel.

481

Warning!

Only use genuine equipment Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts. Other wheel bolts may come loose.

Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle could fall off the jack.

왘 Guide spare wheel onto the alignment

bolt and push it on.

왘 Insert wheel bolts and tighten them

slightly.

왘 Unscrew the alignment bolt, install last

wheel bolt and tighten slightly.

Practical hints Flat tire

왘 Clean contact surfaces of wheel and

wheel hub.

To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat against hub and hold it there while installing first wheel bolt.

Warning!

Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or rusted.

Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.

Damaged wheel hub threads should be repaired immediately. Do not continue to drive under these circumstances! Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or call Roadside Assistance.

Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tight- ened wheel bolts can cause the wheel to come off. This could cause an accident. Make sure to use the correct wheel bolts.

482

Inflating the collapsible tire

Warning!

Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is properly mounted.

Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric air pump (컄 page 454) before lowering the vehicle.

Warning!

Observe instructions on air pump label.

Do not lower the vehicle before inflat- ing the collapsible tire. Otherwise the rim may be damaged.

1 Flap 2 On/off switch 3 Electrical plug 4 Air hose with pressure gauge and vent

screw

5 Union nut 왘 Open flap 1 on electric air pump. 왘 Pull out electrical plug 3 and air hose

with pressure gauge 4.

왘 Remove the valve cap from the collaps-

왘 Take the electric air pump out of the

ible tire valve.

vehicle tool kit storage well (컄 page 454).

Practical hints Flat tire

왘 Screw union nut 5 onto the collaps-

ible tire valve.

왘 Insert electrical plug 3 into a power

outlet (컄 page 306).

The cigarette lighter* (컄 page 303) is not designed for use with the electric air pump. Use a power outlet (컄 page 306) for electric air pump operation.

왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 1.

or 왘 Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:

Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button once without depressing the brake pedal.

왘 Press I on electric air pump switch 2.

The electric air pump should now switch on and inflate the collapsible tire.

컄컄

483

Practical hints Flat tire

컄컄

왘 Inflate the spare wheel tire to the rec- ommended tire inflation pressure given in the “Technical data” section (컄 page 514). This takes about 5 minutes for the col- lapsible tire.

Warning!

Air hose 4 and union nut 5 can become hot during inflation. Exercise proper caution to avoid burning yourself when using the equipment.

484

왘 Press 0 on electric air pump switch 2. 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 0.

or 왘 Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:

Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button twice without depressing the brake pedal.

왘 If the tire inflation pressure is above the recommended tire inflation pres- sure given in this Operator’s Manual, release excess tire inflation pressure using the vent screw.

Please compare the recommended tire inflation pressure for your vehicle with the tire inflation pressure on the yellow label located on the spare wheel rim. If the tire inflation pressure on the yel- low label on the spare wheel rim differs from the values given in this Operator’s Manual, inflate the tire to the recom- mended tire inflation pressure given on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim.

Do not operate the electric air pump longer than 8 minutes without interrup- tion. Otherwise it may overheat. You may operate the electric air pump again after it has cooled off.

Warning!

Lowering the vehicle

Warning!

Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is properly mounted.

Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric air pump (컄 page 483) before lowering the vehicle.

왘 Lower vehicle by turning crank coun-

terclockwise until vehicle is resting ful- ly on its own weight.

왘 Remove the jack.

Follow recommend tire inflation pressures.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be- cause they are more likely to become punc- tured or damaged by road debris, potholes, etc.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

왘 Detach the electric air pump. 왘 Store the electrical plug and the air hose behind the flap and place the electric air pump back in the vehicle tool kit storage well.

1-5 Wheel bolts

Practical hints Flat tire

6 Wheel wrench 왘 Tighten the five wheel bolts evenly, fol- lowing the diagonal sequence illustrat- ed (1 to 5), until all bolts are tight. Observe a tightening torque of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm).

Warning!

Have the tightening torque checked after changing a wheel. The wheels could come loose if they are not tightened to a torque of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm).

컄컄

485

Practical hints Flat tire

컄컄

왘 Store jack and all other vehicle tool kit

items back into the storage well.

The removed road wheel cannot be stored in the spare wheel well under the cargo compartment floor, but should be transported in the cargo compartment wrapped in a protective wrap.

486

Practical hints Battery

G Observe all safety instructions

and precautions when handling automotive batteries.

A Risk of explosion D Keep flames or sparks away

from battery. Do not smoke.

E Wear eye protection. C Keep children away. F Follow the instructions in this

Operator’s Manual.

B Battery acid is caustic. Do not

allow it to come into contact with skin, eyes or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with clean water and seek medical help if necessary.

Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if disposed of improperly. Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of disposal. Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old batteries for recycling.

왔 Battery The battery is located under the front passenger seat.

Mercedes-Benz recommends to have the battery replaced at authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

The battery should always be sufficiently charged in order to achieve its rated ser- vice life. If you use your vehicle mostly for short-distance trips, you will need to have the battery charge checked more frequently. When replacing the battery, always use batteries approved by Mercedes-Benz. If you do not intend to operate your vehicle for an extended period of time, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center about steps you need to observe.

487

Practical hints Battery

The battery is a valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery, also referred to as “fleece” battery. Such batteries do not require topping-up of the electrolyte level. VRLA batteries therefore do not have cell caps and the battery cover is non-removable. Do not attempt to open the battery as otherwise the bat- tery will be damaged.

488

Even though VRLA batteries do not require topping-up of the electrolyte level and cannot be opened to check the electrolyte level, the battery condi- tion must be checked periodically by performing a battery conductance test. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for bat- tery condition testing intervals. As with any other battery, the battery may discharge if the vehicle is not operated for an extended period of time. You can connect a battery maintenance charge unit tested and approved for use on your vehicle model or disconnected the battery to prevent battery discharge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for more information.

The factory-equipped VRLA battery is leak-proofed. Only use a battery as re- placement that has the same security features and is of identical size, voltage, and capacity as the factory-equipped battery. The battery, the battery ventilation and the lateral plug must always be securely installed when the vehicle is in operation.

Warning!

Jump starting must only be done using the jump-start contacts located in the engine compartment (컄 page 496).

Warning!

Failure to follow these instructions can re- sult in severe injury or death.

Observe all safety instructions and precau- tions when handling automotive batteries (컄 page 487). Never lean over batteries while connecting, you might get injured.

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek medical help if necessary.

A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.

Never loosen or detach battery termi- nal clamps while the engine is running or the SmartKey is in the starter switch. Otherwise the alternator and other electronic components could be se- verely damaged. Have the battery checked regularly by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for further information.

Warning!

Do not place metal objects on the battery as this could result in a short circuit.

Use leak-proof battery only to avoid the risk of acid burns in the event of an accident.

Practical hints Battery

Disconnecting, removing, reinstalling and reconnecting the battery

Warning!

Disconnecting, removing, reinstalling and reconnecting the battery is a complicated and technically demanding procedure that also requires safety precautions to avoid the risk of injury. We strongly recommend that it be performed by a qualified technician or an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center only. Please read the instructions fully before beginning operation and only undertake it if you feel fully capable of per- forming all of the tasks involved as de- scribed in these instructions. Observe all safety instructions and precautions when handling automotive batteries (컄 page 487). Performing the tasks involved incorrectly can cause damage to the vehicle and impair the operating safety of the vehicle, and/or cause severe injury to you or others.

489

Practical hints Battery

With a disconnected battery you will no longer be able to turn the SmartKey in the starter switch and pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button will have no effect.

Step 1 (Disconnecting)

If your battery is discharged, the vehi- cle must be jump started (컄 page 496) using the jump start contacts in the engine compartment, or an accessory battery charge unit* approved by Mercedes-Benz must be connected using the jump start contacts in the engine compartment (see separate instructions for the accessory battery charge unit*) before any of the follow- ing steps can be performed. If the bat- tery cannot be jumped or charged, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

490

왘 Set the automatic position to P

(컄 page 199).

왘 Firmly depress the parking brake

(컄 page 65).

왘 Turn off the engine (컄 page 66). 왘 Leave the ignition switched on

(컄 page 38).

왘 Switch off all electrical consumers. 왘 Read and observe safety instructions

and precautions (컄 page 487). 왘 Open the front passenger door.

Open doors only when conditions are safe to do so.

왘 Move the front passenger seat to the most rearward position (컄 page 43).

Step 2 (Disconnecting)

1 Seat rail covers, front right 2 Seat rail covers, front left 왘 Pull off right seat rail cover 1 in direc-

tion of arrow.

왘 Pull left seat rail cover 2 in direction

of arrow as far as it will go. Left seat rail cover 2 cannot be re- moved.

왘 Switch off the ignition (컄 page 38). 왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch. Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: 왘 Make sure the vehicle’s on-board

electronics have status 0. After turning off the engine with the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, with the driver's door closed, the starter switch is in position 1. With the driver’s door opened, the start- er switch is set to position 0, same as SmartKey removed from starter switch (컄 page 39).

3 Battery cover mounting nuts 왘 Using a 6 mm T-handle hex key (not

supplied with vehicle) with a minimum shaft length of 12 in (30 cm), unfasten and remove battery cover mounting nuts 2 located at the floor carpet per- foration.

왘 Move the front passenger seat to the

most forward position (컄 page 43).

Practical hints Battery

Step 3 (Disconnecting)

4 Seat rail, rear 5 Seat rail cover, rear 왘 Pull seat rail cover 5 away from seat rail 4 on both sides as indicated by ar- rows.

왘 Pull off seat rail cover 5 to the rear as

indicated by arrow.

491

Practical hints Battery

Step 4 (Disconnecting)

Step 5 (Disconnecting)

Step 6 (Disconnecting)

6 Floor carpet 왘 Pull back and fold floor carpet 8 in

7 Battery cover mounting nuts 왘 Unfasten and remove battery cover

direction of the arrow.

mounting nuts 7.

To release the floor carpet perforations (see dotted line in above illustration), you will have to apply somewhat great- er force when pulling the floor carpet back.

492

8 Battery cover with integrated air

channel

9 Pulling battery cover out a Lifting battery cover 왘 Lift battery cover 8 slightly in direc-

tion of arrow a.

왘 Pull battery cover 8 in direction of

arrow 9.

왘 Remove battery cover 8.

Step 7 (Disconnecting)

Step 8 (Disconnecting)

Practical hints Battery

Step 9 (Removing) 왘 Take out battery.

Step 10 (Reinstalling) 왘 Carry out step 9 (컄 page 493) first and

then step 7 (컄 page 493), both in re- verse order.

b Battery ventilation hose c Battery d Battery attachment e Attachment nuts 왘 Pull battery ventilation hose b out of

battery c.

왘 Unfasten and remove attachment

nuts e.

왘 Remove battery attachment d.

f Positive terminal with cover g Negative terminal 왘 Disconnect battery negative lead from

negative terminal g.

왘 Remove the cover from positive termi-

nal f.

왘 Disconnect battery positive lead from

positive terminal f.

b Battery ventilation hose h Vent plug

The battery, battery ventilation hose b, and vent plug h must always be securely installed when the vehicle is in operation.

컄컄

493

Practical hints Battery

컄컄

왘 Carry out step 8 to reconnect the bat-

tery (컄 page 493).

왘 Carry out steps 6 to 1 in reverse order

to complete reinstall the battery, (컄 page 492) to (컄 page 490).

Step 11 (Reconnecting) 왘 If the battery has been removed, carry out step 9 (컄 page 493) first and then step 7 (컄 page 493), both in reverse order, before starting the connecting procedure.

왘 Open the driver’s door.

494

왘 Make sure the SmartKey is removed

from the starter switch. Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: 왘 Make sure the vehicle’s on-board

electronics have status 0. With the driver’s door opened, the vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0, same as SmartKey re- moved from the starter switch (컄 page 39).

왘 Connect the positive lead to the posi-

tive terminal and fasten it’s cover (컄 page 493).

왘 Connect the negative lead to the nega-

tive terminal (컄 page 493).

Never invert the terminal connections!

The following procedures must be car- ried out following any interruption of battery power (e.g. due to disconnec- tion): 앫 Set the clock (컄 page 180).

Vehicles with Modular COMAND system with navigation module*: Time and date are set automatical- ly.

앫 Synchronize the door windows

(컄 page 251).

앫 Synchronize the power tilt/sliding

sunroof* (컄 page 258).

앫 Synchronize the power tilt/sliding

panel* (컄 page 262).

앫 Synchronize the power folding

exterior rear view mirrors* (컄 page 211).

왘 Charge the battery in accordance with the instructions of the battery charger manufacturer.

Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if disposed of improperly. Large 12-volt storage batteries contain lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of disposal. Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old batteries for recycling.

Charging the battery

If the battery is discharged, the battery can be charged using the jump-start contacts located in the engine compartment (컄 page 497).

Warning!

Never charge a battery while still installed in the vehicle unless the accessory battery charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is being used. Gases may escape during charg- ing and cause explosions that may result in paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.

An accessory battery charge unit specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is available, permitting the charging of the battery in its installed position. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for information and availability. Charge battery in accordance with the separate instructions for the accessory battery charger.

Practical hints Battery

495

Practical hints Jump starting

Warning!

Failure to follow these directions will cause damage to the electronic components, and can lead to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.

Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump starting, you might get injured.

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if necessary.

A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and very explosive. Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking, etc.

Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing personal injury.

Read all instructions before proceeding.

If the battery is discharged, the engine can be started with jumper cables and the bat- tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow- ing: 앫 Jump starting should only be performed using the jump-start contacts in the en- gine compartment (컄 page 497).

앫 Jump starting should only be performed when the engine and catalytic convert- er are cold.

앫 Do not start the engine if the battery is

frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.

앫 Only jump start from batteries with the same voltage rating (12V). Jump start- ing with a more powerful battery could damage the vehicle’s electrical system, which will not be covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

앫 Use only jumper cables with sufficient

cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.

앫 Always make sure the jumper cables

are not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts that move when the engine is started or running.

Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at- tempts. Do not attempt to start the engine us- ing a battery quick charge unit. If the engine does not run after several unsuccessful starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Excessive unburned fuel generated by repeated failed starting attempts may damage the catalytic converter. Make sure the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation. Make sure the cable clamps do not touch any other metal part while the other end is still attached to a battery.

496

Warning!

Keep flames or sparks away from battery. Do not smoke.

Observe all safety instructions and precau- tions when handling automotive batteries.

The jump-start contacts are located in the engine compartment.

왘 Turn off all electrical consumers. 왘 Apply parking brake. 왘 Set automatic transmission to

position P.

왘 Open the hood (컄 page 345). 왘 Open cover of positive terminal 2.

1 Negative (-) terminal 2 Positive (+) terminal 왘 Make sure the two vehicles do not

touch.

1 Negative terminal of discharged

battery

2 Positive terminal of discharged battery 3 Negative terminal of charged battery 4 Positive terminal of charged battery

Practical hints Jump starting

왘 Connect positive terminals 2 and 4 with the jumper cable. Clamp cable to charged battery 4 first.

왘 Start engine of the vehicle with the

charged battery and run at idle speed. 왘 Connect negative terminals 1 and 3 of the batteries with the jumper cable. Clamp cable to charged battery 3 first.

Never invert the terminal connections!

왘 Start the engine of the disabled vehi-

cle.

497

Practical hints Jump starting

You can now turn on the electrical con- sumers. Do not turn on the lights under any circumstances. 왘 Remove the jumper cables first from

negative terminals 1 and 3 and then from the positive terminals 2 and 4.

You can now turn on the lights. 왘 Have the battery checked at the near- est authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Do not tow-start the vehicle.

498

When circumstances do not permit the recommended towing methods, the vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground only so far as necessary to have the vehicle moved to a safe location where the recommended towing methods can be employed.

Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so could damage the transfer case, which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the ground. Observe instructions for towing the ve- hicles with all wheels on the ground.

왔 Towing the vehicle Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle be transported with all wheels off the ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly equipment. This method is preferable to other types of towing.

Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip- ment, with the SmartKey in starter switch turned to position 0. Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage radiator and supports. To prevent damage during transport, do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts. Use the towing eyes. Switch off the ESP® (컄 page 101), tow-away alarm (컄 page 107) and the automatic central locking (컄 page 130). Do not tow-start the vehicle.

Practical hints Towing the vehicle

When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, the automatic transmis- sion must be in position N and the SmartKey must be in starter switch position 2. When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, the vehicle may be towed only for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (observe instructions re- garding flexible drive shaft), the engine must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 1). Otherwise, the 4-ETS may become engaged which may cause loss of towing control.

499

Practical hints Towing the vehicle

To be certain to avoid additional dam- age to the vehicle powertrain, however you should observe the following: 앫 With damage to the front axle

앫 raise front axle 앫 remove flexible drive shaft be- tween rear axle and transfer case

앫 With damage to the rear axle

앫 raise rear axle 앫 tow vehicle with wheel lift or

dolly placed under front wheels 앫 With damage to the transfer case 앫 remove flexible drive shaft to

the drive axles

Always install new self-locking nuts when reinstalling flexible drive shaft.

Warning!

Warning!

If circumstances require towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, always tow with a tow bar if: 앫 the engine will not run 앫 there is a malfunction in the power

supply or in the vehicle’s electrical sys- tem

Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in starter switch position 2.

If the SmartKey is left in starter switch position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the steering is locked. To unlock, remove SmartKey from starter switch and reinsert.

With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering systems. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.

To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning flasher in use, turn the SmartKey in starter switch to position 2 and activate combination switch for left or right turn signal in usual manner – only the selected turn signal will operate. Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning flasher will operate again.

500

i The vehicle cannot be started via tow-start.

If the battery is disconnected or dis- charged, the automatic transmission will remain locked in position P and the SmartKey will not turn in the starter switch. For more information, see “Bat- tery” (컄 page 487) and “Jump starting” (컄 page 496).

When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, note the following: With the automatic central locking activated and the ignition in position 2 (컄 page 38), the vehicle doors lock if the left front wheel is turning at a speed of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or above. To prevent the vehicle doors from locking, deactivate the automatic central locking (컄 page 130). Switch off the tow-away alarm (컄 page 107). Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the towing eye. Never attach tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame or suspension parts.

Practical hints Towing the vehicle

Installing towing eye bolts

The front towing eye is located behind a cover on the passenger side below the front bumper.

1 Towing eye cover

501

왘 Press mark on cover 1 as indicated by

Stranded vehicle

the arrow.

왘 Lift off cover 1 to reveal the threaded

hole for towing eye bolt.

왘 Take the towing eye bolt and wheel

wrench from the vehicle toolkit (컄 page 455).

왘 Screw towing eye bolt in to its stop and

tighten with wheel wrench.

왘 After use, unscrew towing eye bolt. 왘 Store the towing eye bolt and wheel wrench back into the vehicle toolkit (컄 page 455).

왘 Engage cover 1 at top and press at

bottom.

Freeing a stranded vehicle, on which the wheels are dug into sand or mud, should be done with the greatest of care, especial- ly if the vehicle is heavily loaded. Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or diago- nally, since it could result in damage to the chassis alignment. Never try to free a vehicle that is still cou- pled to a trailer. If possible, a vehicle equipped with trailer hitch receiver should be pulled backward in its own previously made tracks.

Practical hints Towing the vehicle

The rear towing eye is located behind the right side cover in the rear bumper panel.

1 Towing eye cover

Warning!

In order to avoid possible serious burns or injury, use extreme caution when removing the cover, because the rear exhaust pipe is extremely hot.

502

Warning!

Only use fuses approved for Mercedes-Benz with the specified amperage for the system in question. Otherwise, a short circuit could result and cause a fire.

Practical hints Fuses

Only install fuses that have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz and that have the specified amperage rating. Otherwise, electrical parts or systems could be damaged. Never attempt to repair or bridge a blown fuse. Have the cause determined and remedied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

왔 Fuses The electrical fuses in your vehicle serve to stop the supply of electricity to a device that is malfunctioning. This helps to prevent damage to the other vehicle electronics. If a fuse is blown, the compo- nents and systems secured by that fuse will stop operating. The following aids are available to help you change fuses. They are included with the vehicle tool kit (컄 page 455): 앫 Fuse chart

The fuse chart explains the fuse alloca- tion and fuse amperages.

앫 Spare fuses 앫 Fuse extractor

503

Practical hints Fuses

Main fuse box

The main fuse box is located on the pas- senger side of the engine compartment. 왘 Open the hood (컄 page 345).

1 Clamp 2 Main fuse box cover

504

왘 Switch off the ignition (컄 page 38) and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: 왘 Switch off the ignition (컄 page 39). 왘 Open the driver’s door (this puts the starter switch in position 0, same as with the SmartKey removed from the starter switch). The driver’s door then can be closed again.

왘 Release clamp 1. 왘 Lift fuse box cover 2 up. 왘 Install main fuse box cover in reverse

order.

The fuse box cover must be installed properly to prevent moisture and/or dirt from entering the fuse box and pos- sibly impairing fuse operation.

Fuse box in cargo compartment

The fuse box is located behind under the cargo compartment cover on the right-hand side of the spare wheel well. 왘 Open the tailgate (컄 page 122). 왘 Lift the cargo compartment cover

(컄 page 454).

왘 Secure cargo compartment cover with

strap (컄 page 455).

1 Cover 2 Handle 왘 Lift cover 1 at handle 2.

Fuse box in passenger compartment

The fuse box is located behind a cover in the dashboard on the passenger side. 왘 Open the front passenger door.

Opening: 왘 Pull cover 1 in direction of arrow. Closing: 왘 Clip upper end of cover 2 into open-

ing.

왘 Push on lower end of cover 2 until it

engages.

1 Cover

Do not use sharp objects such as a screwdriver to open fuse box cover 1, as this could damage it.

Practical hints Fuses

505

506

Technical data Parts service

Warranty coverage

Identification labels

Layout of poly-V-belt drive

Engine

Rims and tires

Electrical system

Main Dimensions

Weights

Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.

507

Technical data Parts service

The “Technical data” section provides the necessary technical data for your vehicle.

The use of non-genuine Mercedes-Benz parts and accessories not authorized by Mercedes-Benz could damage the vehicle, which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty, or could compromise the vehicle’s durability or safety.

All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain a stock of Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts required for mainte- nance and repair work. In addition, strate- gically located parts distribution centers provide quick and reliable parts service. More than 300 000 different parts for Mercedes-Benz models are available. Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts are subject- ed to stringent quality inspections. Each part has been specifically developed, man- ufactured or selected for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Therefore, Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts should be installed.

508

Technical data Warranty coverage

Replacement parts and accessories are covered by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and Accessories warranties, copies of which are available at any Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Loss of Service and Warranty Information Booklet

Should you lose your Service and Warranty Information booklet, have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center arrange for a replacement. It will be mailed to you.

왔 Warranty coverage Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the warranties printed in the Service and Warranty Information booklet. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center will exchange or repair any defec- tive parts originally installed on the vehicle in accordance with the terms of the follow- ing warranties: 앫 New Vehicle Limited Warranty 앫 Emission System Warranty 앫 Emission Performance Warranty 앫 California, Maine, Massachusetts, and

Vermont Emission Control Systems Warranty

509

Technical data Identification labels

1 Certification label (on driver’s B-pillar)

510

Example certification label R 500
2 Paintwork code 3 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Data shown on certification label are for illustration purposes only. These data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the illus- tration. Refer to certification label on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also embossed underneath the passen- ger-side seat in the second seat row.

4 Second-row seat 5 Carpet 6 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 왘 Move second-row seat 4 on passen- ger side to the rear as far as possible (컄 page 137).

왘 Fold carpet 5 in direction of arrow.

You may have to cut the perforated car- pet using a sharp object, e. g. a knife.

When ordering parts, please specify vehicle identification and engine num- ber.

Technical data Identification labels

511

7 Vacuum line routing diagram label 8 Emission control information label, includes both federal and California certification exhaust emission stan- dards

9 VIN, visible (lower edge of windshield) a Engine number (engraved on engine)

Technical data Layout of poly-V-belt drive

R 350
1 Idler pulley 2 Idler pulley 3 Automatic belt tensioner