2008 Mercedes-benz R Class Owners Manual

parts.

i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is in close proximity, i.e. within approximately 3 ft (approximately 1 m), the vehicle could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.

Tar stains Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become more difficult to remove. A tar remover is recommended.

Paintwork, painted body components

! Affixing stickers, adhesive tape or similar materials to painted body components may dam- age the paintwork.

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”. This should normally be done every 3 to 5 months, de- pending on the climate and washing deter- gent used. Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be applied if the paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding (i.e. loss of gloss). Do not apply any of these products or wax if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot. 왘 Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up

Stick for quick and provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle doors, etc.).

404

Engine cleaning Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical compo- nents and connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax, should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all con- trol linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax.

Vehicle washing In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt as soon as possible. When washing the vehicle underbody, do not forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.

i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is in close proximity, i.e. within approximately 3 ft (approximately 1 m), the vehicle could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.

Hand-wash Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct sunlight. 왘 Only use a mild car wash detergent,

such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.

왘 Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a dif-

fused jet of water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the ventilation intake.

왘 Use plenty of water and rinse the sponge and chamois frequently.

왘 Rinse with clean water and thoroughly

dry with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the finish.

! Do not use scouring agents on these parts. Never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when cleaning the vehicle. Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry cloth or sponge. Otherwise you may scratch or damage the paint.

Operation Vehicle care

Automatic car wash You can have your car washed in an auto- matic car wash from the start. Automatic car washes without brushes are prefera- ble. 왘 To protect the filter system, switch the climate control system (컄 page 208) or the automatic climate control system* (컄 page 222) to air recirculation mode.

! Do not clean your vehicle in an automatic touchless car wash which uses caustic spray. Otherwise the caustic spray will damage the paint or ornamental moldings.

If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it before running it through the automatic car wash.

! Make sure that the windshield wiper switch is set to 0 (컄 page 60). Otherwise, the rain sensor could activate and cause the wipers to move unintentionally. This may lead to vehicle damage. Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in exterior rear view mirrors prior to running the vehicle through an automatic car wash to prevent damage to the mirrors.

405

Operation Vehicle care

When taking the vehicle through an auto- matic conveyor type car wash, observe the following instructions.

Warning!

When leaving the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* in the starter switch, do not leave children unattended in the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch on the ignition which could result in unsupervised use of vehicle equipment. A child’s unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

406

Vehicles with SmartKey: 왘 With the vehicle at a standstill and the

왘 Depress the brake pedal. 왘 Shift the automatic transmission to

neutral position N.

왘 Release the brake pedal. 왘 If engaged, release the parking brake

(컄 page 56).

왘 Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* in the starter switch.

i After running the vehicle through an auto- matic car wash, wipe any wax off of the wind- shield (컄 page 409). This will prevent smears and reduce wiping noise which can be caused by residual wax on the windshield. When leaving the car wash, make sure that the mirrors are folded out. Otherwise they may vibrate.

ignition switched on shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N.

왘 If engaged, release the parking brake

(컄 page 56).

왘 Switch off the ignition and leave the

SmartKey in the starter switch.

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: 왘 With the vehicle at a standstill, depress

the brake pedal and keep it pressed.

왘 With the ignition switched on shift the

automatic transmission to park position P.

왘 Release the brake pedal. 왘 Remove the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop

button from the starter switch (컄 page 41).

왘 Insert the SmartKey with

KEYLESS-GO* into the starter switch.

왘 Switch on the ignition.

Ornamental moldings For regular cleaning and care of ornamen- tal moldings, use a use damp cloth.

Headlamps, brake lamps, tail lamps, side markers, turn signal lenses 왘 Use a mild car wash detergent, such

Cleaning the Distronic* system sensor cover

Operation Vehicle care

! Do not use chrome cleaner on ornamental moldings. Although ornamental moldings may have chrome appearance, they could be made of anodized aluminum that will be damaged when cleaned with chrome cleaner. Instead, use damp cloth to clean those ornamental moldings. Very dirty ornamental moldings of which you are sure are chrome-plated, use a chrome cleaner. If in doubt whether an ornamental molding is chrome-plated, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.

! Only use window cleaning solutions that are suitable for plastic lamp lenses. Window clean- ing solutions which are not suitable may damage the plastic lamp lenses of the headlamps. There- fore, do not use abrasives, solvents or cleaners that contain solvents. Never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when cleaning the lenses. Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or sponge. Otherwise you may scratch or damage the lens surface.

1 Distronic system sensor cover 왘 Switch off the ignition (컄 page 39). 왘 Use a mild car wash detergent, such as

Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water and a non-scratching cloth to clean sensor cover 1.

407

Operation Vehicle care

! To prevent scratches or damage, never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when cleaning the sensor cover 1. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth or sponge. 왘 Restart the engine after cleaning sen-

sor cover 1.

Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors

1 Parktronic system sensors in front

bumper

408

왘 Use a mild car wash detergent, such as

Cleaning the Rear View Camera lens*

Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water and a soft, non-scratching cloth to clean sensors 1 on the bumpers.

! Do not apply strong pressure to the sensor covers. Applying strong pressure may damage the sensor covers. Follow the instructions provided by the power washer manufacturer on maintaining a distance between the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer.

! To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when cleaning the sensors. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth or sponge.

1 Camera lens 왘 Only use clean water and a soft,

non-scratching cloth to clean camera lens 1.

Be careful not to apply wax to camera lens 1 when waxing the vehicle. If neces- sary, remove the wax using the Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo with plenty of water.

! Do not clean the camera and the area around the camera: 앫 with a high-pressure cleaner 앫 with a dry cloth and high pressure 앫 with aggressive cleaning agents You could otherwise damage the camera.

Operation Vehicle care

왘 Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild

window cleaning solution on all outside and inside glass surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is recom- mended.

! Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto the windshield before turning the SmartKey in the starter switch or pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*). 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.

! To clean the window interior, do not use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or cleaners con- taining solvents. Do not touch the inside of the front, rear or side windows with hard objects such as an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may damage the windows.

Cleaning the windows and the wiper blades

Warning!

For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re- move SmartKey from starter switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: Make sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0) before cleaning the windshield and/or the wiper blades. Otherwise, the wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause injury.

왘 Fold wiper arms forward until they snap

into place.

! Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts. They could tear. 왘 Clean the wiper blade inserts with a

clean cloth and detergent solution.

409

Operation Vehicle care

Cleaning the panorama roof with tilt/sliding panel* The rear part of the panorama roof has a protective layer on the inside. 왘 Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild

window cleaning solution. An automotive glass cleaner is recom- mended.

Light alloy wheels If possible, clean wheels once a week. 왘 Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong spray of water for cleaning the light al- loy wheels.

! Only use acid-free cleaning materials. Acid may cause corrosion or damage the clear coat.

! Do not use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or cleaners containing solvents. Do not touch the protective layer with hard objects such as an ice scraper or ring. Never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when clean- ing the rear part of the tilt/sliding panel*. Otherwise you may scratch or damage the protective layer.

! The vehicle should not be parked for an extended period of time immediately after it has been cleaned, especially not after the wheel rims have been cleaned with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim cleaners can lead to increased corrosion of the brake disks and brake pads. Non-approved wheel cleaners may also damage the wheel paint if the car is not driven after cleaning. Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system should always be warmed-up before it is parked after cleaning. To do so, please drive your vehicle for several minutes to allow the brakes to dry. When applying Mercedes-Benz approved Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care products, take care not to spray them on the brake disks.

Plastic and rubber parts 왘 Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing solution.

왘 Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-

warm solution. The surface may temporarily change color. If this is the case, wait for it to dry.

Warning!

Do not use cleaners containing solvents or cockpit care sprays to clean the cockpit or the steering wheel. Cleaners containing sol- vents will make the surface porous and vehi- cle occupants could suffer serious injuries from plastic parts coming loose in the event of air bag deployment.

410

Hard plastic trim items 왘 Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.

Carpets 왘 Use Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet

and Fabric Care for cleaning the carpets.

! Never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when cleaning the surface. Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry cloth or sponge. Otherwise you may scratch or damage the surface.

Steering wheel 왘 Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thor- oughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.

Headliner 왘 Use a soft bristle brush or a

dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive dirt.

Seat belts 왘 Only use clear, lukewarm water and

soap.

! The seat belts must not be treated with chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the seat belts at temperatures above 176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.

Warning!

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.

Operation Vehicle care

Upholstery Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that have the tendency to give off coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause the upholstery to become permanently dis- colored. By lining the seats with a proper intermediate cover, contact-discoloration will be prevented.

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 앫 deployment of the front side impact air

bags

앫 deployment of the rear side impact air

bags*

앫 activation of the active head restraints Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for availability.

411

Wood trims 왘 Dampen cloth using water and use

damp cloth to clean wood trims in your vehicle.

! Do not use solvents like tar remover or wheel cleaner nor polishes or waxes as these may be abrasive.

Operation Vehicle care

Leather upholstery Please note that leather upholstery is a natural product and is therefore subject to a natural aging process. Leather up- holstery may also react to certain ambient influences such as high humidity or high temperature by showing wrinkles for example. 왘 Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.

! To avoid damage to leather upholstery: 앫 Wipe with light pressure only. 앫 Do not clean with abrasive cleaning agents

such as scouring milk or powder.

앫 Do not soak the leather upholstery.

As leather is a natural product, it could otherwise harden or become porous.

앫 Exercise particular care when cleaning

perforated leather as its underside should not become wet.

412

Practical hints

What to do if … Where will I find ...? Unlocking/locking in an emergency Resetting activated head restraints Replacing SmartKey batteries Replacing bulbs Replacing wiper blades Flat tire Bleeding the fuel system (diesel engine only) Battery Jump starting Towing the vehicle Fuses

413

Practical hints What to do if …

Lamps in instrument cluster

Problem - The yellow ABS indicator lamp comes on while the engine is running.

414

General information: If any of the following lamps in the instru- ment cluster fails to come on during the

bulb self-check when switching on the ignition, have the respective bulb checked and replaced if necessary.

Possible cause/consequence ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. The BAS and the ESP® are also switched off (see messages in multifunction display). The brake system is still functioning normally but without the ABS available. If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, other systems such as the navigation system* or the automatic transmission may also be malfunctioning.

The charging voltage has fallen below 10 volts. The ABS has switched off. The battery might not be charged sufficiently.

Suggested solution 왘 Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability.

왘 Read and observe messages in the multifunction display (컄 page 427).

왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident. When the voltage is above this value again, the ABS is operational again and the ABS indicator lamp should go out. If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out: 왘 Have the generator (alternator) and

the battery checked.

Problem

- The yellow ABS indicator lamp comes on while

the engine is running.

; (USA only) 3 (Canada only)

The red brake warning lamp comes on while driving and an acoustic warning sounds.

Possible cause/conse- quence The self-diagnosis has not yet been completed yet.

You are driving with the parking brake set. There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.

Warning!

Driving with the brake warning lamp illumi- nated can result in an accident. Have your brake system checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on.

Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system.Overfilling the brake fluid res- ervoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.

Practical hints What to do if …

Suggested solution

The indicator lamp will go out after driving a short distance at a vehicle speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h). 왘 Release the parking brake

(컄 page 56).

왘 Risk of accident! Carefully stop the

vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do so.

왘 Apply the parking brake (컄 page 65). 왘 Contact an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.

! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.

415

Possible cause/conse- quence The Electronic Brake Propor- tioning (EBP) has switched off due to a malfunction. The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP® are also switched off.

Suggested solution

왘 Have the system checked at an autho-

rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident.

The red brake warning lamp comes on while driving. In addition, the yellow ABS mal- function indicator lamp, and the yellow ESP® warning lamp come on and an acoustic warn- ing sounds.

Practical hints What to do if …

Problem

; (USA only) 3 (Canada only)

416

Problem

? (USA only) ± (Canada only)

The yellow engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving.

i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as soon as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check local requirements.

Practical hints What to do if …

Suggested solution

왘 Have the vehicle checked as soon as

possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. An on-board diagnostic connector is used by the service station to link the vehicle to the shop diagnostics system. It allows the accurate identifi- cation of system malfunctions through the readout of diagnostic trouble codes. It is located in the front left area of the footwell next to the parking brake pedal.

Possible cause/conse- quence There is a malfunction in: 앫 The fuel management

system

앫 The ignition system 앫 The emission control

system

앫 Systems which affect

emissions

Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and may switch the engine to its limp-home (emergency operation) mode.

417

Practical hints What to do if …

Problem

? (USA only) ± (Canada only)

The yellow engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving.

l The red distance warning lamp comes on

while driving and you hear a warning sound.

418

Possible cause/conse- quence A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.

Suggested solution

왘 Check the fuel cap (컄 page 352). If it is not closed properly: 왘 Close the fuel cap. If it is closed properly: 왘 Have the fuel system checked by an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Vehicles with diesel engine only: Your fuel tank is empty.

왘 After refueling start, turn off and

restart the engine three or four times in succession.

You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle ahead of you. The Distronic* has recognized a stationary obstacle on your probable line of travel.

The limp-home mode is canceled. You do not need to have your vehicle checked. 왘 Apply the brakes immediately. 왘 Carefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.

Problem v The yellow ESP® warning lamp

comes on while the engine is running.

Possible cause/consequence The ESP® has been switched off with the ESP® switch or has switched off due to a malfunction. Risk of accident! Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail- ing road, weather, and traffic conditions.

v The yellow ESP® warning lamp

flashes while driving.

The ESP® or the Electronic Traction System has come into operation because of de- tected traction loss of at least one tire.

Practical hints What to do if …

Suggested solution 왘 Switch the ESP® back on (컄 page 105).

Exceptions: (컄 page 104)

If the ESP® cannot be switched back on: 왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Observe additional messages in the

multifunction display that may appear. 왘 Have the system checked at an autho-

rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

왘 When driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

왘 While driving, ease up on the accelera-

tor.

왘 Adapt your speed and driving to the

prevailing road and weather condi- tions.

왘 Do not deactivate the ESP®.

Exceptions: (컄 page 104)

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident.

419

Practical hints What to do if …

Problem < The red seat belt telltale comes on for a maximum of 6 seconds after starting the engine.

Possible cause/consequence The seat belt telltale reminds you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts before driving off.

Suggested solution 왘 Fasten your seat belts.

Regardless of whether the seat belts are fastened or not, the seat belt tell- tale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds after starting the engine.

< You hear a warning chime for a

maximum of 6 seconds after starting the engine.

< The red seat belt telltale comes on while the vehicle is standing still and the engine is running or during driving.

You have forgotten to fasten your seat belt. 왘 Fasten your seat belt.

The warning chime stops sounding.

You and/or your front passenger have for- gotten to fasten your seat belts.

왘 Fasten your seat belts.

The seat belt telltale goes out.

There are items placed on the front passen- ger seat and therefore the system senses the front passenger seat as being occupied.

왘 Remove the items from the front pas-

senger seat and put them in a safe place. The seat belt telltale goes out.

420

Practical hints What to do if …

Problem < During driving the red seat belt telltale flashes and you addition- ally hear an intermittent warning chime with increasing intensity.

Possible cause/consequence The vehicle’s speed once exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) and you and/or your front passenger have forgotten to fasten your seat belts. There are items placed on the front passen- ger seat and therefore the system senses the front passenger seat as being occupied.

Suggested solution 왘 Fasten your seat belts.

The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops sounding.

왘 Remove the items from the front

passenger seat and put them in a safe place. The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops sounding.

i After 60 seconds with an unfastened seat belt on one of the front seats, the warning chime stops sounding and the seat belt telltale illumi- nates continuously. The seat belt telltale will only go out if both the driver and front passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front door is opened.

421

Practical hints What to do if …

Problem H USA only:

Combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale for the TPMS illuminates continuously. Canada only: Low tire pressure telltale for the Advanced TPMS* illuminates continuously.

H USA only:

Combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale for the TPMS flashes 60 seconds and then stays illuminated.

422

Possible cause/consequence The TPMS (USA only) or Advanced TPMS* (Canada only) detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.

There is a malfunction in the TPMS.

Suggested solution 왘 Carefully bring the vehicle to a

halt, avoiding abrupt steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.

왘 Read and observe messages in

the multifunction display.

If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after few minutes driving. 왘 Read and observe messages in

the multifunction display.

왘 Have the TPMS checked by an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

After the malfunction has been remedied the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after few minutes driving.

Warning!

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom- mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 366) or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap (컄 page 352). If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard or the tire inflation pressure label, you should deter- mine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitor- ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. Accord- ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu- minates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi- cantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.

Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi- cle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv- er’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Practical hints What to do if …

USA only: Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is com- bined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately 1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse- quent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal- function exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

423

Possible cause/consequence The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark. 왘 Refuel at the next gas station

Suggested solution

(컄 page 352).

There is a malfunction in the restraint systems. The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Device (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy unexpectedly in an accident.

왘 Drive with added caution to the

nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Practical hints What to do if …

Problem The yellow fuel tank reserve warning lamp in the fuel gauge comes on while driving. 1 The red SRS indicator lamp comes

on while driving.

Warning!

In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indi- cated as outlined above, the SRS may not be operational. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immedi- ately to have the system checked, otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpect- edly and unnecessarily which could result in an accident and/or injury to you or to others.

424

Possible cause/consequence The system is malfunctioning.

Practical hints What to do if …

Suggested solution 왘 Have the system checked as soon as

possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

왘 Also read and observe any messages in the multifunction display and follow corrective steps (컄 page 438).

Lamp in center console

Problem 59 The front passenger

front air bag off indica- tor lamp illuminates and remains illuminat- ed with the weight of a typical adult or some- one larger than a small individual on the front passenger seat.

Warning!

If the 59 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated with the weight of a typical adult or someone larger than a small individual on the front passen- ger seat, do not have any passenger use the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

425

Practical hints What to do if …

Problem

59 The front passenger

front air bag off indica- tor lamp does not illu- minate and/or does not remain illuminated with the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less on the front passenger seat.

Possible cause/consequence The system is malfunction- ing.

Suggested solution

왘 Make sure there is nothing between seat cushion and

child seat and check installation of the child seat.

왘 Make sure no objects applying supplemental weight

onto the seat are present.

왘 Make sure no objects which apply forces to the seat are present (e.g. objects such as books, briefcases etc. lodged behind or around the seat, head restraints pushing against roof etc.). The system may recognize such forces as supplemental weight.

왘 If the front passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains out, have the system checked as soon as pos- sible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Do not transport a child on the front passen- ger seat until the system has been repaired.

왘 Also note any messages in the multifunction display

and follow corrective steps (컄 page 438).

Warning!

If the 59 indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the

426

weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less on the front passenger seat, do not transport a child on

the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display

Warning and malfunction messages appear in the multifunction display located in the instrument cluster. Certain warning and malfunction messag- es are accompanied by an audible signal. Address these messages accordingly and follow the additional instructions given in this Operator’s Manual. Selecting the vehicle status message memory menu in the control system (컄 page 169) displays both cleared and uncleared messages. High-priority messages appear in the multifunction display in red color.

Certain messages of high priority cannot be cleared from the multifunction display using the reset button (컄 page 154) or button j, k, ÿ, or è on the multifunction steering wheel. Other messages of high priority and mes- sages of less immediate priority can be cleared from the multifunction display using the reset button (컄 page 154) or button j, k, ÿ, or è on the multifunction steering wheel. They are then stored in the vehicle status message memory (컄 page 169). Remember that clearing a message will only make the mes- sage disappear. Clearing a message will not correct the condition that caused the message to appear.

Practical hints What to do if …

Warning!

All categories of messages contain important information which should be taken note of and, where a malfunction is indicated, addressed as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Failure to repair condition noted may cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty, or result in property dam- age or personal injury.

427

i Switching on the ignition causes all instrument cluster lamps (except high beam headlamp indicator lamp, and turn signal indica- tor lamps unless activated) as well as the multi- function display to come on. Make sure the lamps and multifunction display are in working order before starting your journey.

On the pages that follow, you will find a compilation of the most important warning and malfunction messages that may appear in the multifunction display. For your convenience the messages are divided into two sections: 앫 Text messages (컄 page 429) 앫 Symbol messages (컄 page 444)

Practical hints What to do if …

Warning!

No messages will be displayed if either the instrument cluster or the multifunction display is inoperative.

As a result, you will not be able to see infor- mation about your driving conditions, such as speed or outside temperature, warn- ing/indicator lamps, malfunction/warning messages or the failure of any systems. Driving characteristics may be impaired.

If you must continue to drive, do so with added caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

428

Text messages

Display message ABS

ABS, ESP Inoperative See Operator's Manual

ABS, ESP Unavailable See Operator’s Manual

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible cause/consequence The ABS and the ESP® have been switched off due to a malfunction. The BAS is also switched off. The brake system is still functioning normally but without the ABS avail- able.

The ABS and the ESP® have been switched off because of insufficient power supply. The charging voltage has fallen below 10 volts. The BAS is also switched off. The brake system is still functioning normally but without the ABS available.

Possible solution 왘 Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability.

왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident. When the voltage is above this value again, the ABS is operational again and the message in the multifunction display should disappear. If the message in the multifunction display does not disappear: 왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

429

Practical hints What to do if …

Display message ABS

Unavailable See Operator’s Manual

Possible cause/consequence The self-diagnosis has not yet been completed yet.

Possible solution The display will clear after driving a short distance at a vehicle speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h).

Inoperative

The cruise control is malfunctioning. 왘 Have cruise control checked by an

––– MPH

You have attempted to set a speed while driving below 20 mph (30 km/h). The ESP® is switched off. The automatic transmission is set to position P, R, or N. The vehicle is secured with the parking brake.

authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

왘 Accelerate to a speed exceeding

20 mph (30 km/h) and set the speed (컄 page 257).

왘 Switch on the ESP® (컄 page 105). 왘 Set the automatic transmission to

position D (컄 page 190).

왘 Release the parking brake (컄 page 56).

Cruise Control And SPEEDTRONIC Cruise Control

430

Display message DISTRONIC

––– MPH

Inoperative

Override

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible cause/consequence You have attempted to set a speed while driving below 20 mph (30 km/h). The ESP® is switched off. The automatic transmission is set to position P, R, or N. The vehicle is secured with the parking brake. The Distronic* or the Distronic* display are malfunctioning.

You have accelerated. The Distronic* has switched off.

Possible solution 왘 Accelerate to a speed exceeding

20 mph (30 km/h) and set the speed (컄 page 257).

왘 Switch on the ESP® (컄 page 105). 왘 Set the automatic transmission to posi-

tion D (컄 page 190).

왘 Release the parking brake (컄 page 56).

왘 Have the system checked by an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

왘 Stop accelerating.

431

Practical hints What to do if …

Display message DISTRONIC

Available Again

Currently Unavailable See Operator’s Manual

Possible cause/consequence Distronic* had been deactivated and is available again. Distronic* is deactivated because the functionality is impaired by external interferences, e.g. high-frequency sources such as toll stations, speed measuring systems etc. Distronic* is deactivated because the Distronic* sensor has not sensed any other vehicles or objects, e.g. road sign or such, for a long time.

Possible solution 왘 Activate Distronic* (컄 page 268).

왘 Leave the area of the external

interference.

왘 Activate Distronic* again (컄 page 268)

when the message DISTRONIC Available Again appears.

왘 Try to activate Distronic* again (컄 page 268) when the message DISTRONIC Available Again appears.

432

Display message DISTRONIC

Currently Unavailable See Operator’s Manual

Possible cause/consequence Distronic* is deactivated because 앫 the Distronic* cover in the

radiator grille is dirty

앫 the functionality is impaired by

heavy precipitation or fog

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible solution 왘 Clean the Distronic* cover in the radiator

grille (컄 page 407). 왘 Restart the vehicle. Distronic* becomes operational again with- out the engine being restarted when 앫 dirt on the radiator grille has fallen off

while driving (e.g. slush or snow) 앫 the system recognizes full sensor availability due to lessening rain or because the road is drying, for example

앫 the message in the multifunction display

disappears

You can then operate Distronic* as usual again.

433

Practical hints What to do if …

Display message Depress brake to shift out of P.

Door Open Vehicle Not In Park

Drive to workshop without shifting gears.

434

Possible cause/consequence You have tried to shift the automatic transmission into position D, R or N using the gear selector lever without depressing the brake pedal. You have opened the driver’s door and the automatic transmission is still in position D, R or N.

The automatic transmission cannot be shifted out of the set position be- cause of a malfunction.

Possible solution 왘 Depress the brake pedal.

왘 Before you leave the vehicle, make sure that the automatic transmission is set to position P and that the parking brake is engaged.

If the automatic transmission is set to position D: 왘 Without changing the automatic transmis- sion from position D, drive to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. If the automatic transmission is set to position N, R or P: 왘 Do not drive. 왘 Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light

Truck Center.

Display message ESP

Inoperative See Operator’s Manual

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible cause/consequence In addition, the yellow ESP® warning lamp v comes on. The ESP® has detected a malfunc- tion and switched off. The ABS may still be operational.

In addition, the yellow ESP® warning lamp v comes on. The ESP® or the ESP® display is malfunctioning.

In addition, the yellow ESP® warning lamp v comes on. The ESP® is deactivated because of a malfunction or interrupted power supply.

Possible solution 왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident. 왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident. 왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light

Truck Center as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident.

435

Practical hints What to do if …

Display message ESP

Unavailable See Operator’s Manual

436

Possible cause/consequence The ESP® was deactivated because of insufficient power supply. The charging voltage has fallen below 10 volts. The brake system is still functioning normally but without the ESP® available.

If the yellow ESP® warning lamp v flashes while driving and this message appears, the Electronic Traction System has switched off to prevent overheating of the drive wheel brakes. The self-diagnosis has not been completed yet.

Possible solution When the voltage is above this value again, the ESP® is operational again and the message in the multifunction display should disappear. If the message in the multifunction display does not disappear: 왘 Have the generator (alternator) and the

battery checked.

왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the Electronic Traction System switches on again. The message in the multifunction display disap- pears and the ESP® warning lamp v goes out.

The display will clear after driving a short distance at a vehicle speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h).

Display message

Shift to P or N to start engine.

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible cause/consequence Possible solution You have attempted to start the engine with the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button while the automatic transmission was set to position R or D.

왘 Set the automatic transmission to

position P or N. Make sure the brake pedal is depressed when attempting to start the engine with the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button. 왘 Stop the vehicle.

Only shift to P when vehicle is at a standstill.

SRS

Restraint Sys. Malfunction Service Required

You have tried to shift the automatic transmission into position P using the gear selec- tor lever although the vehicle was still in motion. The system is malfunctioning.

Warning!

In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indi- cated as outlined above, the SRS may not be operational. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center

immediately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed in an accident, which could re- sult in serious or fatal injury, or it might de- ploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury.

왘 Drive with added caution to the near- est authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

437

Practical hints What to do if …

Display message

Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator’s Manual

438

Possible cause/consequence Front passenger front air bag is activated while driving even though a child, small individual, or object below the system’s weight threshold is on the front passenger seat, or the front pas- senger seat is empty. Objects on the seat or forces acting on the seat may make the system sense supple- mental weight.

Possible solution

Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and check the front passen- ger seat for the following: 왘 Apply the parking brake (컄 page 65). 왘 Switch off the ignition (컄 page 39). 왘 Remove child and child restraint from front passenger seat and properly secure

the child in rear seat employing the child restraint if necessary.

왘 Remove any other items from on and around the front passenger seat and

make sure the storage bag on the back of the front passenger seat is empty. 왘 Make sure that no objects which apply forces to the seat are present (e.g. ob- jects such as books, briefcases etc. lodged behind or around the seat, head re- straints pushing against roof etc.). The system may recognize such forces as supplemental weight and sense that an occupant on the front passenger seat is of a greater weight than actually present.

왘 Keep the seat unoccupied, close the front passenger door and switch on the

ignition (컄 page 39). (Continued on next page)

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

Practical hints What to do if …

Monitor the 59 indicator lamp on the center console (컄 page 81) and the multifunction display in the instrument cluster (컄 page 29) for the following: With the seat unoccupied and the ignition turned on, 앫 the 59 indicator lamp on the center console should illuminate and remain illuminated, indicating that the OCS (컄 page 77) has deactivated the air bag.

앫 the message Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator’s Manual or the message Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See Operator’s Manual should not appear in the multifunction display at any time the seat is unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the system to complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure neither message appears in the multifunction display.

If above conditions are met, you can occupy the front passenger seat again. Depending on the front passenger classification sensed by the OCS (컄 page 77), the 59 indicator lamp will remain illuminated or go out. If above conditions are not met, the system is not working properly. Have the system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Warning!

If the 59 indicator lamp re-

mains out even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any children 12 years old and under and other small

individuals use the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

439

Possible cause/consequence Front passenger front air bag is deactivated while driving even though an adult or someone larger than a small individual is oc- cupying the front pas- senger seat. Forces acting on the seat may make the system sense a decrease in weight.

Possible solution

Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and check the front passenger seat for the following: 왘 Apply the parking brake (컄 page 65). 왘 Switch off the ignition (컄 page 39). 왘 Have the front passenger vacate the seat and exit the vehicle. 왘 Adjust the seat in a height position (컄 page 44). 왘 Make sure that no objects which apply forces to the seat are present (e.g. ob- jects such as books, briefcases etc. lodged underneath, behind or around the seat). Such forces may cause the system to sense that an occupant of a lesser weight than actually present is on the front passenger seat.

왘 Keep the seat unoccupied, close the front passenger door and switch on the

ignition (컄 page 39). (Continued on next page)

Practical hints What to do if …

Display message

Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See Operator’s Manual

440

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

Practical hints What to do if …

Monitor the 59 indicator lamp on the center console (컄 page 81) and the multifunction display in the instrument cluster (컄 page 29) for the following: With the seat unoccupied and the ignition turned on, 앫 the 59 indicator lamp on the center console should illuminate and remain illuminated, indicating that the OCS (컄 page 77) has deactivated the air bag.

앫 the message Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator’s Manual or the message Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See Operator’s Manual should not appear in the multifunction display at any time the seat is unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the system to complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure neither message appears in the multifunction display.

If above conditions are met, you can occupy the front passenger seat again. Depending on the front passenger classification sensed by the OCS (컄 page 77), the 59 indicator lamp will remain illuminated or go out. If above conditions are not met, the system is not working properly. Have the system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Warning!

If the 59 indicator lamp re-

mains out even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any children 12 years old and under and other small

individuals use the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

441

Practical hints What to do if …

Display message Check tires, then restart Run Flat Indicator.

Run Flat Indicator Inoperative Tire Pressure Check Tires

Possible solution 왘 Make sure that the correct tire inflation pressure is set

Possible cause/consequence There was a warning message about a loss in the tire inflation pressure and the Run Flat Indicator has not been reactivated yet. Run Flat Indicator is malfunctioning. 왘 Have the Run Flat Indicator checked by an authorized

왘 Then restart the Run Flat Indicator (컄 page 375).

for each tire.

The Run Flat Indicator indicates that the pressure is too low in one or more tires.

왘 Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.

Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

왘 Check and adjust tire inflation pressure as required

(컄 page 373).

왘 If necessary, replace the wheel (컄 page 492). 왘 Restart the Run Flat Indicator after adjusting the tire

inflation pressure values (컄 page 375).

왘 Drive the vehicle for a few minutes.

Tire pressure displayed after driving for a few minutes.

Vehicles with Advanced TPMS*: The tire inflation pressure is being checked.

442

Practical hints What to do if …

Display message Tire Pressure Monitor Inoperative Tire Pressure Monitor Inoperative No Wheel Sensors

Tire Pressure Monitor Wheel Sensor Missing

Tire Pressure Monitor Currently Unavailable

Possible cause/consequence The TPMS or Advanced TPMS* is malfunctioning. There are wheels without appropriate wheel sensors mounted (e.g. winter tires).

Possible solution 왘 Have the TPMS or Advanced TPMS* checked by an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

왘 Have the TPMS or Advanced TPMS* checked by an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Vehicles with Advanced TPMS*: One or more sensors are defect (e.g. battery is empty). The respective tire is indicated by --- instead of the tire inflation pressure in the multifunction display. Vehicles with Advanced TPMS*: One or more wheels without appropriate wheel sensors mounted (e.g. spare tire). The respective tire is indicated by --- instead of the tire inflation pressure in the multifunction display. The TPMS or Advanced TPMS* is unable to monitor the tire pressure due to a nearby radio interference source.

왘 Have the wheel sensors installed by an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

왘 Have the Advanced TPMS* checked by an autho-

rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

왘 Have the wheel sensors installed by an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

왘 As soon as the causes of the malfunction have been removed, the TPMS or Advanced TPMS* automati- cally becomes active again after a few minutes driving.

443

Practical hints What to do if …

Symbol messages

Display symbol ò

Display message Replace air filter.

444

Possible cause/consequence Possible solution The air filter is clogged.

The battery is no longer charg- ing. Possible causes: 앫 alternator malfunctioning 앫 broken poly-V-belt Do not forget that the brake system requires electrical energy and may be operating with restricted capability. Considerably greater brake pedal force is required and the stopping distance is increased.

왘 Have the air filter checked by an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. 왘 Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do so and check the poly-V-belt. If it is broken: 왘 Do not continue to drive. Otherwise

the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

If it is intact: 왘 Contact an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking responsiveness.

Display symbol

Display message Battery/Alternator Stop Vehicle

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible cause/consequence Possible solution The battery is defective.

왘 Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as

Brake Wear

The brake pads have reached their wear limit.

! Brake pad thickness must be visually in- spected by a qualified technician at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Booklet.

soon as it is safe to do so.

왘 Apply the parking brake (컄 page 65). 왘 Do not continue to drive. 왘 Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Light Truck Center.

왘 Have the brake pads replaced as soon as

possible.

445

Display message Release Parking Brake

Possible cause/consequence Possible solution You are driving with the parking brake set.

왘 Release the parking brake (컄 page 56).

EBV, ABS, ESP Inoperative See Operator’s Manual

The EBP, the ABS, and the ESP® have switched off due to a mal- function. The BAS is also switched off. The brake system is still func- tional but without the EBP, the ABS, and the ESP® available.

왘 Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability.

왘 Have the system checked at an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident.

Practical hints What to do if …

Display symbol ; (USA only) ! (Canada only) ; (USA only) 3 (Canada only)

446

Practical hints What to do if …

Display symbol ; (USA only) 3 (Canada only)

Display message Check Brake Fluid Level

Possible cause/consequence Possible solution There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.

왘 Risk of accident! Carefully stop the vehi- cle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do so.

왘 Apply the parking brake (컄 page 65). 왘 Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.

! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.

Warning!

Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an ac- cident. Have your brake system checked im- mediately. Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You could be seriously burned.

447

Practical hints What to do if …

Display symbol •

Display message Coolant Level Stop car, switch engine off.

448

Possible cause/consequence Possible solution The coolant is too hot. Among other possible causes (the cooling fan could be malfunctioning), the poly-V-belt could be broken.

왘 Stop the vehicle in a safe location or

as soon as it is safe to do so.

왘 Turn off the engine. 왘 Apply the parking brake (컄 page 65). 왘 Check the poly-V-belt.

If it is broken: 왘 Do not continue to drive. Otherwise

the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

If it is intact: 왘 Wait for the message to disappear

before restarting the engine. Doing otherwise could result in seri- ous engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

(Continued on next page)

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence Possible solution

Practical hints What to do if …

왘 Observe the coolant temperature in the

multifunction display (컄 page 164). If the temperature rises again: 왘 Contact an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately.

During severe operation conditions and stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant tem- perature may rise close to 248°F (120°C).

! The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature above 248°F (120°C). Doing so may cause serious damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

449

Warning!

앫 Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.

앫 Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns and can occur just by opening the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.

Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.

Practical hints What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message Top Up Coolant See Operator’s Manual

Possible cause/consequence Possible solution The coolant level is too low.

왘 Add coolant (컄 page 360).