2005 Mercedes-benz G Class Owners Manual

Warning!

Switching on headlamps

Low beam headlamps The exterior lamp switch is located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.

On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi- cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre- vent this type of loss of control.

For more information, see “Driving instruc- tions” (컄 page 216). For information on off-road driving, see “Off-road driving” (컄 page 223).

Exterior lamp switch 1 Off 2 Low beam headlamps on 왘 Turn exterior lamp switch to

position B.

51

Getting started Driving

High beam The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

Turn signals

The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

The combination switch resets automati- cally after major steering wheel move- ments. To signal minor directional changes such as changing lanes, press combi- nation switch only to point of resis- tance and release. The corresponding turn signals will flash three times.

Combination switch 1 High beam 2 High beam flasher 왘 Push combination switch in direction of

arrow 1. The high beam headlamp indicator lamp A in the instrument cluster comes on (컄 page 24).

For more information on headlamps, see “Lighting” (컄 page 110).

Combination switch 1 Turn signals, right 2 Turn signals, left 왘 Press combination switch in direction

of arrow 1 or 2. The corresponding turn signal indicator lamp K or L in the instrument cluster flashes (컄 page 24).

52

Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Turn the combination switch to the de- sired position depending on the inten- sity of the rain. 0 Windshield wipers off Intermittent wiping II Normal wiper speed III Fast wiper speed Intermittent wiping interval is depen- dent on wetness of windshield. After the initial wipe, pauses between wipes are automatically controlled by the rain sensor.

Getting started Driving

Do not leave windshield wipers in inter- mittent setting when the vehicle is tak- en to an automatic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Wipers will oper- ate in the presence of water sprayed on the windshield, and wipers may be damaged as a result. The switch should not be left in inter- mittent setting as the wipers will wipe the windshield once every time the en- gine is started. Dust that accumulates on the windshield might scratch the glass and/or damage the wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry wind- shield.

Windshield wipers

The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

Combination switch 1 Single wipe 2 Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 35).

53

Getting started Driving

Intermittent wiping 왘 Set the combination switch to

position I. Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is opened.

Single wipe 왘 Press combination switch briefly in

direction of arrow 1. The windshield wipers wipe one time without washer fluid.

Wiping with windshield washer fluid 왘 Push combination switch in direction of

arrow 1 past the resistance point. The windshield wipers operate with washer fluid.

For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Windshield/rear window washer system and headlamp cleaning system” (컄 page 245).

54

If anything blocks the windshield wip- ers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off immediately. 앫 For safety reasons, withdraw

SmartKey from starter switch be- fore attempting to remove any blockage.

앫 Remove blockage. 앫 Turn the windshield wipers on

again.

If windshield wipers fail to function at all in combination switch position I, 앫 set the combination switch to the

next highest wiper speed.

앫 have the windshield wipers

checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Rear window wiper/washer

The rear window wiper/washer switch is located on the upper part of the center console.

1 Interval wiping on/off 2 Indicator lamp 3 Simultaneous operation of wiper and

washer

Wiping with windshield washer fluid 왘 Press and hold lower half 3 of the

switch. The wiper operates with washer fluid. The rear window will be wiped for ap- proximately another five seconds after the switch is released.

For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Windshield/rear window washer system and headlamp cleaning system” (컄 page 245).

Getting started Driving

Problems while driving

The engine runs erratically and misfires 앫 An ignition cable may be damaged. 앫 The engine electronics may not be op-

erating properly.

앫 Unburned gasoline may have entered the catalytic converter and damaged it.

왘 Give very little gas. 왘 Have the problem repaired by an au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

The rear window wiper will also auto- matically engage if 앫 the windshield wipers are engaged. 앫 the gear selector lever is placed

in R “Reverse”.

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 35).

Interval wiping

Switching on 왘 Press upper half 1 of the switch.

Indicator lamp 2 comes on.

Switching off 왘 Press upper half 1 of the switch

again. Indicator lamp 2 goes out.

55

Getting started Driving

The coolant temperature is above 248°F (120°C) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling the engine. 왘 Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Allow engine and coolant to cool.

왘 Check the coolant level and add cool-

ant if necessary (컄 page 244). Excessive coolant temperatures trigger a warning message in the multifunction display (컄 page 306).

In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking gasoline: 왘 Do not start the engine under any

circumstances.

왘 Notify local fire and/or police

authorities.

If the extent of the damage cannot be determined: 왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Light Truck Center.

If no damage can be determined on the 앫 major assemblies 앫 fuel system 앫 engine mount: 왘 Start the engine in the usual manner.

56

왔 Parking and locking You have now completed your first drive. You have properly stopped and parked your vehicle. End your drive as follows.

Warning!

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 ve- hicle.

Getting started Parking and locking

Warning!

Parking brake

Do not park this vehicle in areas where com- bustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re- sult of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always: 앫 Keep right foot on brake pedal. 앫 Pull the parking brake lever up as many

notches as possible.

앫 Move the gear selector lever to

position P.

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

wheels towards the road curb.

앫 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

position 0 and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.

앫 Take the SmartKey and lock vehicle

when leaving.

1 Lever 2 Button 왘 Pull lever 1 up as many notches as

possible. When the engine is running, the warn- ing lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster will be illuminated.

57

Getting started Parking and locking

Warning!

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or move the gear selector lever from position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Getting out of your vehicle with the gear se- lector lever not fully engaged in position P is dangerous. Also, when parked on an incline, position P alone may not prevent your vehi- cle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.

Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position P.

When parked on an incline, turn front wheels towards the road curb.

Switching off headlamps

왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to M

(컄 page 51).

For more information, see “Exterior lamp switch” (컄 page 110).

58

Turning off engine

왘 Place the gear selector lever in

position P. Always set the parking brake in addi- tion to shifting to position P. On slopes, turn the front wheels to- wards the road curb.

왘 Turn SmartKey in the starter switch to position 0 and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch. The immobilizer is activated.

i The SmartKey can only be pulled out when: 앫 it has been turned to position 0 in

the starter switch

앫 the gear selector lever for the auto- matic transmission is in position P

왘 Press the seat belt release button 3

(컄 page 45). Allow the retractor to completely re- wind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate. With the SmartKey removed and the driver’s door open, a warning sounds if the vehicle’s exterior lamps are not switched off.

Getting started Parking and locking

Warning!

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsuper- vised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (컄 page 92).

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

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

왘 After exiting the vehicle, press the lock

button ‹ on the SmartKey (컄 page 34). With the hood, tailgate and all doors closed, all turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs on the doors move down. The anti-theft alarm system is armed.

59

60

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Panic alarm

Driving and safety systems

Anti-theft systems

61

Safety and Security Occupant safety

In this section you will learn the most im- portant facts about the restraint systems of the vehicle.

62

The restraint systems are 앫 Seat belts 앫 Emergency tensioning device 앫 Airbags 앫 Child seats 앫 Child seat recognition 앫 Lower anchors and tethers for children

(LATCH)

As independent systems, their protective effects work in conjunction with each oth- er.

For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and re- straint systems for infants and chil- dren, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 72).

The 1 indicator lamp in the instrument cluster (컄 page 25) comes on: 앫 for about four seconds when you turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1.

앫 for about four seconds when you start

the engine by turning the SmartKey. The 1 indicator lamp remains lit if the SmartKey is turned to position 2 and left there. The indicator lamp will go out when you start the engine.

The 1 indicator lamp goes out shortly after you start the engine. This shows that the restraint systems are operational.

A malfunction in the system has been de- tected if the 1 indicator lamp: 앫 fails to extinguish after approximately

four seconds.

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

or while driving.

For safety reasons, we strongly recom- mend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center imme- diately to have the system checked. For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 294).

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Airbags

In the event that the 1 indicator lamp comes on during driving or does not come on at all, the SRS self-check has detected a malfunction. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immedi- ately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not 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 also re- sult in injury.

In addition, through improper work there is a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended airbag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be per- formed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Warning!

Airbags are designed to reduce the potential of injury in certain frontal (front airbags) im- pacts, which may cause significant injuries. However, no system available today can to- tally eliminate injuries and fatalities.

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

63

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Warning!

The service life of the passenger front airbag extends to the date indicated on the label lo- cated on the driver side B pillar. To provide continued reliability after that date, they should be inspected by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center at that time and replaced when necessary.

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

For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure it is properly positioned on your body (컄 page 68). Since the airbag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help to keep you at a safe distance from the airbag. Occupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the airbag can be seriously injured by an airbag as it inflates with great force in the blink of an eye: 앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the backrest.

64

앫 Adjust the driver seat as far as possible rearward, still permitting proper opera- tion of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver’s breast- bone to the center of the airbag cover on the steering wheel must be at least ten inches (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by a combina- tion of adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If you have any prob- lems, please see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. 앫 Do not lean with your head or chest close to the steering wheel or dash- board.

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

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

Warning!

Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat. Should you choose to place a child 12 years old or under in the front passenger seat of your vehicle, you must properly use a BabySmartTM child restraint which will turn off the passenger front airbag (컄 page 74).

앫 Always sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and appropriate size in- fant or child restraint system.

앫 Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM1 compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deacti- vate the passenger front airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fa- tal injury will result.

Failure to follow these instructions can re- sult in severe injuries to you or other occu- pants.

If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you make the buyer aware of this safety in- formation. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator’s Manual.

1 BabySmartTM

is a

trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Airbags are designed to activate only in certain frontal (front airbags) impacts and in side (head protection window curtain airbags) impacts which exceed preset thresholds. Only during these types of impacts, if of sufficient severity to meet the deploy- ment thresholds, will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passenger should al- ways wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for the airbags to pro- vide their supplemental protection. In cases of other frontal impacts, an- gled impacts, roll-overs, other side im- pacts, rear collisions, or other accidents, the airbags will not be acti- vated. The driver and passengers will then be protected by the fastened seat belts. We caution you not to rely on the pres- ence of the airbags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt.

65

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Your vehicle was originally equipped with airbags that are designed to acti- vate in certain impacts exceeding a preset threshold to reduce the poten- tial and severity of injury. It is important to your safety and that of your passen- ger that you replace deployed airbags and repair any malfunctioning airbags to make sure the vehicle will continue to provide supplemental crash protec- tion for occupants.

66

Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning device and airbag

Warning!

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

앫 No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the SRS. This includes changing or re- moving any component or part of the SRS, the installation of additional trim material, badges, etc. over the steering wheel hub, passenger front airbag cov- er, or door trim panels, and installation of additional electrical/electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring. Keep area between airbags and occupants free from objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

앫 Airbags and emergency tensioning de- vices (ETDs) are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An airbag or ETD that was activated must be replaced. 앫 Do not pass belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

앫 Do not make any modification that could

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

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

앫 Airbag system components will be hot

after an airbag has inflated. Do not touch.

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

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

앫 Given the considerable deployment

speed and the textile structure of the airbags, there is the possibility of abra- sions or other injuries resulting from airbag deployment.

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

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Front airbags

In the event that the 1 indicator lamp comes on while driving, the SRS may not be operational. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immedi- ately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not 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 also re- sult in injury.

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

threshold

67

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The airbags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deploy- ment thresholds. You will then be protect- ed by the fastened seat belts. The passenger front airbag will only be deployed if: 앫 the passenger seat is occupied 앫 the 7 indicator lamp in the center

console is not lit (컄 page 74)

앫 the impact exceeds a preset deploy-

ment threshold

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

68

Seat belts

When the engine is started, the seat-belt telltale < illuminates to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened be- fore the engine is started, the seat belt telltale < illuminates and a warning chime sounds for approximately six seconds when the engine is started. The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces. Even where this is not the case, all vehicle occupants should have their seat belts fas- tened whenever the vehicle is in motion. For more information, see “Fastening the seat belt” (컄 page 43).

Window curtain airbags The window curtain airbags 1 deploy in the area of the side windows between the A and C pillars (see arrows).

1 Window curtain airbag The window curtain airbags are deployed: 앫 on the impacted side of the vehicle 앫 in impacts exceeding a preset deploy-

ment threshold

앫 independently of the front airbags The window curtain airbags are not de- ployed in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment threshold.

i For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and re- straint systems for infants and chil- dren, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 72).

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Warning!

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

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

If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are properly wearing your seat belt. Airbags can only protect as they are designed if the occupants are prop- erly wearing their seat belts.

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position as this can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt would apply force at the ab- domen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly upright position and the belt is properly positioned on the body.

Warning!

Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Be sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly re- strained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time.

69

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Warning!

Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked.

Only use seat belts which have been ap- proved by Mercedes-Benz.

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

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash, they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

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

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

앫 Each occupant should wear their seat

belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, includ- ing rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver airbag and passenger front airbag, head protection window curtain airbags for side win- dows), ETD (seat belt emergency ten- sioning device for driver’s seat, front passenger seat and the outboard pas- senger seats). The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to prop- erly belted occupants in certain frontal (front airbags and EDT) and side (win- dow curtain airbags and ETD) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds.

70

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

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

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

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

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

앫 Pregnant women should also use a

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

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

Emergency tensioning device (ETD), seat belt force limiter The seat belts for the front and rear outer seats are equipped with emergency ten- sioning devices and belt force limiters. The ETD is designed to activate in the following cases: 앫 in frontal or rear-end impacts exceed-

ing a preset severity level

앫 if the restraint systems are operational

and functioning correctly, see 1 indicator lamp (컄 page 62) The EDTs for the front seats will only activate if the respective front seat belt is fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle). The EDTs for the rear outer seats will activate with or without the respective seat belt fastened.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

In an impact, emergency tensioning devices remove slack from the belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body.

Warning!

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

When disposing of the emergency tension- ing device, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available at your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Do not place objects heavier than 20 lbs (9 kg) on the front passenger seat. This could cause the passenger front airbag and, with the seat belt fastened to secure the object, the ETD on the front passenger side to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system’s deployment threshold.

71

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Children in the vehicle

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

restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child.

앫 Make sure the infant or child is proper- ly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

Infant and child restraint seats and infor- mation on choosing an appropriate re- straint system can be obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Infant and child restraint systems Use only a BabySmartTM1 compatible child restraint for the front passenger seat in this vehicle. We recommend that all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All lap-shoul- der belts except the driver’s seat belt and the rear center seat belt have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child restraints. To fasten a child restraint, follow manufac- turer’s instructions for mounting child re- straints. Then pull shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During the seat belt retraction a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack.

To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner. For more information on child seats with mounting fittings for tether an- chorages, see “Installation of infant and child restraint system” (컄 page 76). For information on LATCH-type child seat anchors, see (컄 page 77).

Warning!

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

72

1 BabySmartTM

is a

trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside of vehicle and to infant or child restraints.

The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territo- ries and all Canadian provinces. Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system properly secured by a lap-shoulder belt or, if so equipped, a child restraint lower anchorage sys- tem that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 210.2. A statement by the child restraint man- ufacturer of compliance with this stan- dard can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruc- tion manual provided with the restraint.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM System installed in the ve- hicle to deactivate the passenger front air- bag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it in- flates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury can result.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing positions. Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt and top tether strap, or secured via lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufactur- er’s instructions.

컄컄

73

Safety and Security Occupant safety

컄컄

Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt.

A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

74

Warning!

BabySmartTM airbag deactivation system

Children too big for child restraint systems must ride in back seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.

When the child restraint is not in use, re- move it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an ac- cident.

Do not leave children unattended in the ve- hicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system. Unsupervised chil- dren in a child restraint system may use ve- hicle equipment and may cause serious personal injury.

7 indicator lamp Special BabySmartTM1 compatible child seats, designed for use with the Mercedes-Benz system and available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center are required for use with the BabySmartTM airbag deactivation system. With the special child seat properly in- stalled, the passenger front airbag will not deploy.

1 BabySmartTM

is a

trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The 7 indicator lamp located in the center console will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed or in the start- er switch position 0.

The system does not deactivate the emergency tensioning device.

Self-test BabySmartTM without special child seat installed After turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 or 2, the 7 indicator lamp located in the center console comes on for approximately six seconds and then goes out. If the indicator lamp should not come on or is continuously lit, the system is not func- tioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat. For more information, see “Practical hints” section (컄 page 295).

Warning!

Warning!

The BabySmartTM airbag deactivation sys- tem will ONLY work with a special child seat designed to operate with it. It will not work with child seats which are not BabySmartTM compatible.

Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the deactivation sys- tem. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of protecting the child.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of special child seats. When using a BabySmartTM compatible child seat on the front passenger seat, the passenger front airbag will not deploy only if the 7 indicator lamp remains illuminated.

Make sure to check the indicator every time you use the special system child seat. Should the light go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. If the light remains out, do not use the BabySmartTM restraint to transport children on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Warning!

Do not place powered-on laptops, cell phones and like electronic devices on the front passenger seat. Signals from such de- vices may interfere with the BabySmartTM system. Such signal interference may cause the 7 indicator lamp not to come on dur- ing self-test or be continuously lit, indicating that the system is not functioning.

75

Warning!

Use only the described anchorage rings for the respective child seat. Other lashing eye- lets could tear in the case of an accident. Make sure 앫 the fastening straps are not crossed or

twisted.

앫 the hook is properly attached and is

closed.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Installation of infant and child restraint system

4 Hook 왘 Securely fasten hook 4 to anchorage

ring. For safety, make sure the hook is at- tached to the ring beyond the safety catch, as illustrated.

Once the top tether anchorage hook is at- tached, the child restraint itself can be se- cured. Secure child restraint and tighten the top tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

1 Anchorage ring for rear left side seat 2 Anchorage ring for rear center seat 3 Anchorage ring for rear right side seat 왘 Remove the cargo compartment cover

blind (컄 page 183).

왘 Remove the partition net*

(컄 page 185).

왘 Guide top tether strap between head restraint and top of seat back. Head restraint must be installed and posi- tioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head re- straint and top of seat back.

76

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

Anchors Install a LATCH type child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 왘 Install child seat according to manufac-

turer’s instructions.

With a child seat installed in the left rear seat, the seat belt for the center seat occupied by a passenger must op- erate freely. Non-LATCH type child seats may also be used and can be installed using the vehicle’s seat belt system. Install child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Warning!

Install child seat according to manufactur- er’s instructions.

The child seat must be firmly attached in the right and left side anchors.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

An incorrectly mounted child seat may come loose during an accident which could result in serious injury or death to the child.

Damaged or impact-damaged child seats or child seat mounting fittings must be re- placed.

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

Children too big for child restraint systems must ride in back seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.

77

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Blocking rear door window operation

The override switch is located in the driver’s door.

1 Override switch

78

Activating override switch 왘 Slide override switch 1 to the right.

Deactivating override switch 왘 Slide override switch 1 to the left.

The functions in the rear are enabled again.

For more information on power windows, see “Power windows” (컄 page 171).

A dot becomes visible. The functions in the rear are disabled. Operation of the rear windows with the switches located in the driver’s door is still possible.

Warning!

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

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsuper- vised use of vehicle equipment can cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Safety and Security Panic alarm

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

interference, and

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

ence, and

(2) this device must accept any inter-

(2) this device must accept any inter-

ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation.

ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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

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

왔 Panic alarm

1 Â button An audible alarm and blinking turn signal lamps will operate for approximately 2½ minutes. 왘 To activate: Press and hold button 1

for at least one second.

왘 To deactivate: Press button 1 again or

insert SmartKey in starter switch.

79

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

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

In winter operation, the maximum ef- fectiveness of the ABS, ESP, EBB, and 4-ETS is only achieved with winter tires (M+S tires), or snow chains as re- quired.

80

Warning!

ABS

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

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

Warning!

Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump- ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of ABS and significantly reduces braking effec- tiveness.

The ABS regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle. The ABS is functional above a speed of ap- proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions (as long as the differential locks are not engaged). At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while experi- encing the pulsation.

Continuous steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and the ability to steer the vehicle. On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re- spond even with light brake pressure. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and func- tions as a reminder to take extra care while driving. The - indicator lamp in the instrument cluster (컄 page 24) comes on when you turn the SmartKey to position 2. It goes out when the engine is running.

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

Emergency brake maneuver 왘 Keep continuous full pressure on the

brake pedal. If the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS, EBB, ESP, and 4-ETS are also switched off. Normal driving and braking functions are still available.

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

LOW RANGE– ABS During off-road driving a special low range system for the antilock brake system (ABS) is operational with transfer case in position LOW (컄 page 154). An improved braking action (dig-in effect) is obtained for vehicle speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h) through a change in the ABS control function. For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 288).

81

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

Warning!

BAS

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency be- yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af- forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, atten- tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci- dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck- less or dangerous manner which could jeop- ardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby poten- tially reducing braking distance. Apply con- tinuous full braking pressure until the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking. When you release the brake pedal the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated. With the BAS malfunctioning, the ABS, ESP, and 4-ETS are also switched off.

Warning!

The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that af- forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol- lowing another vehicle too closely, or aqua- planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabili- ties of a BAS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 298).

82

4-ETS

The 4-ETS improves vehicle’s ability to uti- lize available traction, especially under slippery road conditions. The brakes are applied to the spinning wheel and power is allowed to flow to the wheel(s) with trac- tion. The 4-ETS function is available between ve- hicle speeds of 0 mph (km/h) and 37 mph (60 km/h). The ESP warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster (컄 page 24) comes on when you switch on ignition (컄 page 35). It goes out when the engine is running. The ESP warning lamp v starts to flash at any vehicle speed, as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.

Warning!

When you see the ESP warning lamp v flashing in the instrument cluster, then pro- ceed as follows: 앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

앫 While driving ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid.

The 4-ETS cannot prevent accidents result- ing from excessive speed.

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

The engine must be shut off when 앫 the parking brake is being tested on

a brake test dynamometer.

앫 the vehicle is being towed with one

axle raised.

Otherwise, the 4-ETS will engage the brakes and seriously damage the brake system.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 293).

83

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

EBB

ESP

The EBB enhances braking effectiveness by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking effort in straight line braking circumstances with- out a loss of vehicle stability.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of ad- hesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spin- ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap- plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and by limiting engine output, the ESP works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster (컄 page 24) flashes when the ESP is engaged. The ESP warning lamp v comes on when you switch on ignition (컄 page 35). It goes out when the engine is running.

Warning!

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

as possible.

앫 While driving ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid.

The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

84

Warning!

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

Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the wheels to rotate at differ- ent speeds, possibly causing the ESP to activate. For this reason, all wheels, in- cluding the spare wheel, must have the same tire outside diameter.

The engine must be shut off when 앫 the parking brake is being tested on

a brake test dynamometer.

앫 the vehicle is being towed with one

axle raised.

Otherwise, the ESP will engage the brakes and seriously damage the brake system.

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

The ABS, BAS and ESP are automatical- ly switched off when the differential locks are switched on (컄 page 158).

85

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

Switching off the ESP

Warning!

When the ESP is turned off, 앫 engine torque is not limited. 앫 the drive wheels can spin.

The ESP control switch is located in the up- per center console.

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

Turn ESP on immediately if the afore- mentioned circumstances do not apply anymore.

ESP on/off 왘 Press upper half of switch.

ESP is deactivated and the ESP warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on.

The ESP should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circum- stances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in stan- dard driving maneuvers.

To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off the ESP in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: 앫 starting out on slippery surfaces and in

deep snow in conjunction with snow chains

앫 sand or gravel 앫 when driving off-road

86

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

Switching on the ESP 왘 Press lower half of switch.

The ESP warning lamp v in the in- strument cluster goes out. You are now again in normal driving mode.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 293).

Even if the ESP has been turned off, it is still active in the following situations: 앫 when braking 앫 at vehicle speeds up to approximately 37 mph (60 km/h), if one wheel reach- es the grip limit, e.g. when the street is icy on one side The brake is applied until the wheel re- gains sufficient traction.

If one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster flashes, regardless of the speed.

If the ESP is switched off, it will be au- tomatically activated when exceeding a vehicle speed of 37 mph (60 km/h) or exceeding a severity threshold of side acceleration.

Warning!

When the ESP warning lamp v is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off.

Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail- ing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP.

87

Safety and Security Anti-theft systems

Immobilizer

Anti-theft alarm

The immobilizer prevents unauthorized persons from starting your vehicle.

Activating Removing the SmartKey from the starter switch activates the immobilizer.

Deactivating Inserting the SmartKey in the starter switch deactivates the immobilizer.

In case the engine cannot be started (yet the vehicle’s battery is charged), the system is not operational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).

Once the alarm system has been armed, a visual and audible alarm is triggered when someone opens 앫 a door 앫 the tailgate 앫 the hood The alarm will stay on even if the activating element (a door, for example) is immedi- ately closed. The alarm system will also be triggered when 앫 someone attempts to raise the vehicle 앫 the vehicle is opened with the mechan-

ical key

If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an emergency call is initi- ated automatically by the Tele Aid sys- tem (컄 page 198) provided Tele Aid service was subscribed to and properly activated, and that necessary cellular service and GPS coverage are avail- able.

Arming the alarm system The alarm system is armed after locking the vehicle with the SmartKey. The turn signal lamps blink three times to indicate that the alarm system is being armed. A red lamp in the tow-away alarm switch begins to blink after arming the alarm system (컄 page 28).

88

Canceling the alarm To cancel the alarm: 왘 Press the Œ or ‹ button on the

SmartKey.

or 왘 Insert the SmartKey in the starter

switch.

If the turn signal lamps do not blink three times, one of the following ele- ments may not be properly closed: 앫 a door 앫 the tailgate 앫 the hood Close the respective element and lock the vehicle again.

Disarming the alarm system The alarm system is disarmed when you unlock your vehicle with the SmartKey. The turn signal lamps blink once to indicate that the alarm system is disarmed.

Safety and Security Anti-theft systems

Tow-away alarm

Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual and audible alarm will be triggered when someone attempts to raise the vehicle.

The tow-away protection alarm is trig- gered, for example, if the vehicle is lift- ed on one side. If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an emergency call is initi- ated automatically by the Tele Aid sys- tem provided Tele Aid service was subscribed to and properly activated, and that necessary cellular service and GPS coverage are available.

89

Safety and Security Anti-theft systems

Arming tow-away alarm When you lock your vehicle, the tow-away alarm is automatically armed. When you unlock your vehicle, the tow-away protection disarms automatically.

Disarming tow-away alarm To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature, switch off the tow-away alarm be- fore towing the vehicle, or when parking on a surface subject to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.

90

The switch is located on the center con- sole.

1 Tow-away alarm off switch 2 Indicator lamp 왘 Switch off the ignition and remove the

SmartKey from the starter switch. You cannot disarm the tow-away alarm when the ignition is switched on.

왘 Press upper half 1 of the switch.

Indicator lamp 2 in the switch comes on briefly.

왘 Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey. The tow-away alarm remains disarmed un- til you lock your vehicle again.

Canceling the tow-away alarm To cancel the alarm: 왘 Press the Œ or ‹ button on the

SmartKey.

or 왘 Insert the SmartKey in the starter

switch.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Seats

Memory function

Lighting

Instrument cluster

Control system

Automatic transmission

Transfer case

Differential locks

Good visibility

Climate control

Power windows

Power tilt/sliding sunroof

Driving systems

Loading

Useful features

91

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

In the “Controls in detail” section you will find detailed information on how to oper- ate the equipment installed in your vehicle. If you are already familiar with the basic functions of your vehicle, this section will be of particular interest to you. To quickly familiarize yourself with the ba- sic functions of the vehicle, refer to the “Getting started” section of this manual. The corresponding page numbers are giv- en at the beginning of each segment.

SmartKey

Your vehicle comes supplied with two SmartKeys, each with remote control and a removable mechanical key. The locking tabs for the mechanical key portion of the two SmartKeys are a different color to help distinguish each key unit. The SmartKey provides an extended oper- ating range. To prevent theft, however, it is advisable to only unlock the vehicle when you are in close proximity to it. The SmartKey centrally locks and unlocks: 앫 the doors 앫 the tailgate 앫 the fuel filler flap

92

SmartKey with remote control 1 ‹ Lock button 2 Locking tab for mechanical key 3 Œ Unlock button 4 Battery check lamp 5  Panic button (컄 page 79)

You can also open and close the power windows (컄 page 172) and tilt/sliding sunroof (컄 page 175) using the SmartKey.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

To prevent possible malfunction, avoid exposing the SmartKey to high levels of electromagnetic radiation.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. It is possible for children to open a locked door from the inside, which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

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

interference, and

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

ence, and

(2) this device must accept any inter-

(2) this device must accept any inter-

ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation.

ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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

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

93

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Factory setting

Global unlocking 왘 Press button Œ.

All turn signal lamps flash once. The locking knobs on the doors move up. The anti-theft alarm system is dis- armed.

The vehicle will lock again automatically within approximately 40 seconds of un- locking if: 앫 neither door nor tailgate is opened 앫 the SmartKey is not inserted in the

starter switch

앫 the central locking switch is not