2007 Mercedes-benz G Class Owners Manual

Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death.

Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and corrected immediately. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with at least one window fully open.

54

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission P Park position with gear selector lever

lock

R Reverse gear N Neutral position D Drive position For more information, see “Automatic transmission” (컄 page 162).

Starting 왘 Make sure the gear selector lever is set

to park position P.

왘 Do not depress the accelerator. 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 3 (컄 page 39) and release it again immediately. The engine starts automatically.

For information on turning off the engine, see “Turning off engine” (컄 page 64).

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

the starter switch and reinsert.

If the engine does not start as described, carry out the following steps: 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 0 and repeat the starting procedure.

왘 Remember that extended starting

attempts can drain the battery. 왘 Get a jump start (컄 page 399). If the engine does not start after several starting attempts, there could be a mal- function in the engine electronics or in the fuel supply system. 왘 Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Light Truck Center or call Roadside Assistance.

Parking brake

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, which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

1 Parking brake lever 2 Release button 왘 Pull up slightly on parking brake

lever 1 and press release button 2. 왘 Push parking brake lever 1 down to

its original position. The brake warning lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster goes out.

Getting started Driving

Driving off

왘 Depress the brake pedal.

The gear selector lever lock is released. 왘 Move the gear selector lever to drive

position D or reverse gear R.

! In order to avoid damage to the transmis- sion: 앫 Wait for the gear selection process to com- plete before setting the vehicle in motion.

앫 Place the gear selector lever in park

position P or reverse gear R only when the vehicle is stopped.

왘 Release the brake pedal. 왘 Carefully depress the accelerator.

! If you hear a warning signal and the message Release parking brake appears in the multifunction display when driving off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake. Release the parking brake (컄 page 55).

55

Getting started Driving

i Once the vehicle is in motion, the automatic central locking system engages and the locking knobs drop down. The automatic door lock feature can be deacti- vated (컄 page 155). You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so.

After a cold start, the transmission shifts at a higher engine revolution. This allows the catalytic converter to reach its operating temperature earlier.

Warning!

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.

56

Warning!

Switching on headlamps

It is dangerous to shift the gear selector lever out of P or N if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

! Do not run cold engine at high engine speed. Running a cold engine at high engine speed may shorten the service life of the engine.

! Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear.

For more information, see “Driving instruc- tions” (컄 page 245). For information on off-road driving, see “Off-road driving” (컄 page 253).

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

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

position B. The low beam headlamp indicator lamp B in the instrument cluster comes on (컄 page 26).

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.

Combination switch 1 Turn signals, right 2 Turn signals, left

Combination switch 1 High beam 2 High beam flasher 왘 Push the combination switch in

direction of arrow 1. The high beam headlamp indicator lamp A in the instrument cluster comes on (컄 page 26).

For more information on headlamps, see “Lighting” (컄 page 117).

Getting started Driving

왘 Press the 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 26).

The combination switch resets automati- cally after major steering wheel move- ments.

i To signal minor directional changes such as changing lanes, press combination switch only to point of resistance and release. The corre- sponding turn signals will flash three times.

57

Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Turn the combination switch to the desired position depending on the intensity of the rain. 0 Windshield wipers off Intermittent wiping II Normal wiper speed III Fast wiper speed

Getting started Driving

Windshield wipers

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

Combination switch 1 Single wipe

Wiping with windshield washer fluid

2 Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 39).

58

! Do not operate the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry. Dust that accumulates on a windshield might scratch the glass and/or damage the wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry windshield. If it is necessary to operate the windshield wipers in dry weather conditions, always operate the windshield wipers with windshield washer fluid (컄 page 59).

! If anything blocks the windshield wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off immediately. 앫 For safety reasons, stop the vehicle in a safe location, turn off the engine and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch before attempting to remove any blockage.

앫 Remove blockage. 앫 Turn the windshield wipers on again. If the windshield wipers fail to function at all with the combination switch in position I, 앫 set the combination switch to the next

higher wiper speed

앫 have the windshield wipers checked at the

nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Intermittent wiping Only switch on intermittent wiping under wet weather conditions or in the presence of precipitation. When you select intermittent wiping, the rain sensor is activated. The rain sensor automatically sets a suitable wiping interval depending on the wetness of the sensor surface.

! Do not leave windshield wipers in intermit- tent setting when the vehicle is taken to an auto- matic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers will operate in the presence of water sprayed on the windshield, and windshield wipers may be damaged as a result.

왘 Turn the combination switch to

position I. After the initial wipe, pauses between wipes are automatically controlled by the rain sensor.

i Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is opened. This protects persons getting into or out of the vehicle from being sprayed. Intermittent wiping will be continued when all doors are closed and 앫 the gear selector lever is in drive position D

or reverse gear R or

앫 the wiper setting is changed using the

combination switch

Getting started Driving

Single wipe 왘 Press the combination switch briefly in direction of arrow 1 to the resistance point. The windshield wipers wipe one time without washer fluid.

Wiping with windshield washer fluid 왘 Push the combination switch in direc- tion of arrow 1 past the resistance point. The windshield wipers operate with washer fluid.

i To prevent smears on the windshield, or noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with wind- shield washer fluid every now and then even when it is raining.

For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Windshield/rear window washer system and headlamp cleaning system” (컄 page 275).

59

Wiping with windshield washer fluid 왘 Press and hold switch 3.

The wiper operates with washer fluid. The rear window is wiped for a further 5 seconds after switch 3 is released.

For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Windshield/rear window washer system and headlamp cleaning system” (컄 page 275).

Getting started Driving

Rear window wiper/washer

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

i The rear window wiper engages automatically when the gear selector lever is in reverse gear R with the windshield wipers switched on. 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 39).

Activating intermittent wipe 왘 Press switch 1.

Indicator lamp 2 comes on. Intermittent wipe is activated.

Deactivating intermittent wipe 왘 Press switch 1 once more. Indicator lamp 2 goes out. Intermittent wipe is deactivated.

1 Intermittent wipe 2 Indicator lamp 3 Rear window washer system

60

Problems while driving

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

operating properly.

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

왘 Give very little gas. 왘 Have the problem repaired at an

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

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 in a safe location as

soon as possible and turn off the engine. Allow engine and coolant to cool off.

왘 Check the coolant level and add

coolant if necessary (컄 page 274).

i Excessive coolant temperatures trigger a warning message in the multifunction display (컄 page 348).

Getting started Driving

In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking fuel: 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 Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Light Truck Center or call Roadside Assistance.

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.

61

Getting started 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 the steering system. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.

62

Warning!

Parking brake

Warning!

Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged.

Do not park this vehicle in areas where combustible 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 or damage to the vehicle drivetrain as a result 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 park

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.

앫 Take the SmartKey with you and lock

vehicle when leaving.

Getting started Parking and locking

Warning!

Warning!

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

Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to park position P (컄 page 164). When parked on an incline, turn front wheels towards the road curb.

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 park position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

1 Parking brake lever 왘 Pull parking brake lever 1 up as many

notches as possible. When the ignition is switched on or the engine is running, the brake warning lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster comes on.

63

Getting started Parking and locking

Switching off headlamps

Apply the parking brake (컄 page 62).

Releasing seat belts

i Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to park position P (컄 page 164). On slopes, turn the front wheels towards the road curb. 왘 Turn SmartKey in the starter switch to

position 0.

왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch. The immobilizer is activated.

i The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the gear selector lever in park position P and the SmartKey in starter switch position 0.

왘 Press seat belt release button

(컄 page 50). Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding latch plate.

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

왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to M

(컄 page 56).

For more information, see “Lighting” (컄 page 117).

Turning off engine

왘 Move the gear selector lever to park

position P.

Warning!

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

64

Getting started Parking and locking

Locking

Warning!

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

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

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

왘 Press lock button ‹ on the

SmartKey (컄 page 38). With the hood, tailgate and all doors closed: 앫 All turn signal lamps flash three

times.

앫 The locking knobs in the doors

move down.

앫 The anti-theft alarm system is

armed.

왘 Exit the vehicle and close all doors and

the tailgate.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (컄 page 100).

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

! Failure to switch off the headlamps when leaving the vehicle may result in a discharged battery.

65

66

Safety and Security

Occupant safety Panic alarm Driving safety systems Anti-theft systems

67

Safety and Security Occupant safety

In this section you will learn the most important facts about the restraint systems of the vehicle. 앫 Seat belts (컄 page 74) 앫 Child restraints (컄 page 84) 앫 Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) (컄 page 83)

Additional protection potential provide 앫 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

with 앫 Air bags (컄 page 70) 앫 Air bag control unit (with crash

sensors)

앫 Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for seat belts (컄 page 78)

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

indicator lamp (컄 page 81)

앫 BabySmartTM air bag deactivation

system (컄 page 81)

68

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

4 seconds.

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

or while driving.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 334).

Although independent systems, their protective functions work in conjunction with each other.

i For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 78). The 1 indicator lamp in the instrument cluster (컄 page 27) comes on: 앫 for about 4 seconds when you turn the

SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1.

앫 for about 4 seconds when you start the

engine by turning the SmartKey.

i 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.

Warning!

Warning!

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

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

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

Safety and Security Occupant safety

In addition, improper work on the SRS cre- ates 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.

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

69

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Air bags

Warning!

Air bags are designed to reduce the poten- tial of injury and fatality in certain frontal impacts (front air bags), or side impacts (window curtain air bags). However, no system available today can completely elim- inate injuries and fatalities.

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

70

Warning!

Warning!

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

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

For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back against the seat backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure it is properly positioned on your body (컄 page 50). Since the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help to keep you at a safe distance from the air bag. Occupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the air bag can be seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it inflates with great force in the blink of an eye: 앫 Sit properly belted in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the seat backrest.

앫 Adjust the driver’s seat as far as possi-

ble rearward, still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver’s breastbone to the center of the air bag cover on the steering wheel must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by a combination of adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If you have any problems, 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 inside the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when driver’s front air bag inflates.

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

앫 Always sit as upright as possible, prop- erly use the seat belts and appropriate size infant or child restraint system.

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

Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injuries to you or other occupants.

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

Safety and Security Occupant safety

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 pas- senger seat of your vehicle, you must prop- erly use a BabySmartTM child restraint which will turn off the passenger front air bag.

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

(1) Always sit as upright as possible, prop- erly use the seat belts and use an appro- priately sized infant or child restraint system for all children 12 years old or under.

(2) Always wear seat belts properly.

71

Safety and Security Occupant safety

i Air bags are designed to deploy only in certain frontal impacts (front air bags) and in side impacts (window curtain air bags) which exceed preset thresholds. Only during these events will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passenger should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for the air bags to provide their supplemental pro- tection. In case of other types of impacts and impacts below air bag deployment thresholds, air bags will not deploy. The driver and passenger will then be protected to the extent possible by a properly fastened seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also needed to provide the best possible protection in a rollover. We caution you not to rely on the presence of the air bags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt. It is important to your safety and that of your pas- senger that you replace deployed air bags and repair any malfunctioning air bags to make sure the vehicle will continue to provide supplemental crash protection for occupants.

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

Warning!

앫 Damaged seat belts or seat belts that

were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Use only seat belts installed or supplied at an au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 Air bags and Emergency Tensioning

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

앫 Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

앫 Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the seat belts.

72

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

앫 No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the SRS. This includes changing or removing any component or part of the SRS, the installation of additional trim material, badges, etc. over the steering wheel hub, front passenger front air bag cover, outboard sides of the front seat backrests, door trim panels, or door frame trims, and installation of additional electrical/electronic equip- ment on or near SRS components and wiring. Keep area between air bags and occupants free from objects (e.g. pack- ages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

앫 Air bag system components will be hot

after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch.

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

Front air bags

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

threshold

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

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

앫 Given the considerable deployment

speed and the textile structure of the air bags, there is the possibility of abra- sions or other injuries resulting from air bag 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

The air bags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment thresholds. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belts. The passenger front air bag will only be deployed if: 앫 the front passenger seat is occupied 앫 the 56 indicator lamp in the center console is not lit (컄 page 81) 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 air bag to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system’s deployment threshold.

73

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Window curtain air bags

Seat belts

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 belts” (컄 page 48).

i For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 78).

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

ment threshold

앫 independently of the front air bags The window curtain air bags are not deployed in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment threshold.

74

Warning!

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

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

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

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

Warning!

Warning!

Warning!

Safety and Security Occupant safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

75

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

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 section, as that could result in serious injuries in case of an accident.

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

앫 Each occupant should wear their seat

앫 Never wear seat belts over rigid or

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

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 lap 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 Seat belts should not be worn twisted.

In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the seat belt to manage impact forces. The twisted seat belt against your body could cause injuries.

앫 Pregnant women should also always use a lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.

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

앫 When using a seat belt to secure infant restraints, toddler restraints or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

76

Enhanced seat belt reminder system When the engine is started, the seat belt telltale < will always illuminate for 6 seconds to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened when the engine is started, an additional warning chime will also sound for a maxi- mum of 6 seconds or until the driver’ s seat belt is fastened.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

If the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat belt remains unfastened after 60 seconds, the warning chime stops sounding, the seat belt telltale < stops flashing but continues to be illuminated. After a vehicle standstill the warning chime is reactivated and the seat belt telltale < is flashing again if the vehicle speed once exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).

The seat belt telltale < will only go out if both the driver’s and the front passen- ger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied) are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front door is opened. For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 332).

If after these 6 seconds the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied) is not fastened with front doors closed, 앫 the seat belt telltale < remains illuminated for as long as either the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened.

앫 and if the vehicle speed once exceeds

15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale < starts flashing and a warning chime sounds with increasing intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver’s and the front passenger’s seat belt are fastened. If you and/or your passenger release the seat belt during driving, the seat belt telltale < starts flashing and a warning chime sounds as described before.

77

Children in the vehicle

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

restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child.

왘 Make sure the infant or child is

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

Safety and Security Occupant safety

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

exceeding the system deployment threshold

앫 if the restraint systems are operational

and functioning correctly, see 1 indicator lamp (컄 page 68)

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

78

When activated, emergency tensioning devices remove slack from the seat belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body. Seat belt force limiters reduce the force exerted by the seat belts on occupants during a crash.

Warning!

An Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) that was activated must be replaced.

When disposing of emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available at any 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 air bag 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 thresh- old.

Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the passenger or cargo compartment unless they are firmly secured in place. For more information, see “Loading” (컄 page 206) and “Useful features” (컄 page 215). Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo increases a child’s risk of injury in the event of 앫 strong braking maneuvers 앫 sudden changes of direction 앫 an accident

Warning!

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

Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system’s metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and the child could be burned on these parts.

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

or be injured by following traffic

Safety and Security Occupant safety

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

79

Safety and Security Occupant safety

To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner.

Warning!

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

i For information on child seats with mounting fittings for tether anchorages, see “Installation of infant and child restraint systems” (컄 page 84). For information on LATCH-type child seat anchors, see (컄 page 83). The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces.

Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for the child restraint, that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 210.2. A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of compliance with these standards can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction manual provided with the restraint. When using any infant or child restraint system, make sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside of vehicle and to infant or child restraints.

Warning!

Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger front air bag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates 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 seating 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 manufacturer’s instructions.

80

When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle; even if the children are secured in a child restraint system. Unsupervised children in a child restraint system may use vehicle equipment and may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

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.

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 seat belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system The 56 indicator lamp is located on the upper part of the center console.

1 Front passenger front air bag off

indicator lamp

81

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Special BabySmartTM 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 air bag deactivation system. With the special child seat properly installed, the passenger front air bag will not deploy. The 56 indicator lamp will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed or in starter switch position 0.

i 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 56 indicator lamp comes on for approximately 6 seconds and then goes out. If the 56 indicator lamp should not come on or is continuously lit, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat. For more information, see “Practical hints” section (컄 page 337).

Warning!

The BabySmartTM air bag 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.

82

Warning!

Warning!

When using a BabySmartTM compatible child seat on the front passenger seat, the passenger front air bag will not deploy only if the 56 indicator lamp (컄 page 81) remains illuminated.

Make sure to check the 56 indicator lamp every time you use the special system child seat. Should the 56 indicator lamp go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. If the 56 indicator lamp remains out, do not use the BabySmartTM restraint to transport children on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Do not place powered-on laptops, cell phones, electronic tags such as those used in ski passes and like electronic devices on the front passenger seat. Signals from such devices may interfere with the BabySmartTM system. Such signal interference may cause the 56 indicator lamp (컄 page 81) not to come on during self-test or be contin- uously lit, indicating that the system is not functioning.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

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

Warning!

Children too big for child restraint systems must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck.

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

컄컄

83

Safety and Security Occupant safety

컄컄

Install child seat according to manufacturer’s instructions.

The child seat must be firmly attached to the right and left side anchors 1. An incorrectly mounted child seat may come loose during an accident which could result in serious injury or death to the child.

Damaged or impact damaged child seats or child seat mounting fittings must be replaced.

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

84

The LATCH-type anchors are located between the seat cushion and the seat backrest.

Installation of infant and child restraint systems 왘 Remove the cargo compartment cover

blind, if installed (컄 page 214). 왘 Remove the partition net*, if so

equipped and installed (컄 page 210).

Anchorage rings for installation of top tether straps are located on the floor behind each rear seat.

1 Anchors 왘 Install child seat according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

i With a child seat installed in the left rear seat, the seat belt for the center seat occupied by a passenger must operate freely.

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

1 Hook 2 Anchorage ring for rear right side seat 3 Anchorage ring for rear center seat 4 Anchorage ring for rear left side seat

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

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

twisted.

앫 the hook is properly attached and is

closed.

i For safety, make sure hook 1 has attached to respective anchorage ring beyond the safety catch, as shown in the illustration above.

Make sure 앫 the top tether strap is not twisted 앫 the head restraint is installed and positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of the seat backrest

Once the top tether anchorage hook is attached, the child restraint itself can be secured. Secure child restraint and tighten the top tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

Hook fastened to respective anchorage ring 1 Hook 5 Top tether strap 왘 Guide top tether strap 5 between

head restraint and top of seat backrest. 왘 Securely fasten hook 1, which is part

of top tether strap 5, to respective anchorage ring 2, 3, or 4.

85

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

Disabling 왘 Slide override switch 1 to the right.

Symbol 7 becomes visible. The rear door windows can no longer be operated using the switches located in the rear doors.

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

Enabling 왘 Slide override switch 1 to the left. The rear door windows can again be operated using the switches located in the rear doors.

1 Override switch For more information on power windows, see “Power windows” (컄 page 192).

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Blocking of rear door window operation

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

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 window 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. A child’s unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

86

왔 Panic alarm

1 Â button

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

ference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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

i Canada only: This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Safety and Security Panic alarm

Activating

왘 Press and hold  button for at

least 1 second. An audible alarm and blinking turn signal lamps will operate briefly.

Deactivating

왘 Press  button once more. or 왘 Insert the SmartKey in the starter

switch.

87

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

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

88

Warning!

ABS

The following factors increase the risk of accidents: 앫 Excessive speed, especially in turns 앫 Wet and slippery road surfaces 앫 Following another vehicle too closely The driving safety systems described in this section cannot reduce these risks or pre- vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle.

Always adapt your driving style to the pre- vailing road and weather conditions and keep a safe distance to other road users and objects on the street.

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

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 Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle. The ABS is functional above a speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) indepen- dent of road surface conditions (as long as the differential locks are not engaged).

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 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 respond even to 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 26) comes on when you turn the SmartKey to position 2. It goes out when the engine is running.

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Emergency brake maneuver 왘 Keep continuous full pressure on the

brake pedal.

Warning!

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

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

89

Safety and Security Driving 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 170). 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 324).

90

Warning!

BAS

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

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!

If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake system is still functioning normally, but without the additional brake boost available that BAS would normally provide in an emer- gency braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase.

Warning!

4-ETS

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

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 340).

The 4-Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) improves vehicle’s ability to utilize avail- able 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 traction. The 4-ETS function is available between vehicle speeds of 0 mph (km/h) and 37 mph (60 km/h). The ESP® warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster (컄 page 26) comes on when you switch on ignition (컄 page 39). It goes out when the engine is running. The ESP® warning lamp v starts to flash at any vehicle speed, as soon as a tire loses traction and the wheel begins to spin.

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Warning!

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

as possible.

앫 While driving ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions.

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

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

91

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

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

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

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 330).

92

EBB

ESP®

The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) enhances braking effectiveness by allow- ing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking effort in straight line braking circumstances without a loss of vehicle stability.

Warning!

If the EBB is malfunctioning, the brake system is still functioning. However, the rear wheels may lock during hard braking, caus- ing you to lose control over the vehicle and possibly causing an accident. Adjust your driving style to the non-operating status of the EBB.

For more information, see the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 327).

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is operational as soon as the engine is run- ning and monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of adhesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESP® recognizes when a wheel is spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By applying the brakes to the appropriate wheel and by limiting engine output, the ESP® works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP® is especially useful while driving off and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP® also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and steering maneuvers. The ESP® warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster (컄 page 26) flashes when the ESP® is engaged. The ESP® warning lamp v comes on when you switch on ignition (컄 page 39). It goes out when the engine is running.

Warning!

Warning!

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

as possible.

앫 While driving ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions.

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

The ESP® cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol- lowing another vehicle too closely, or hydro- planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabili- ties of 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.

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

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

! Because the ESP® operates automatically, the engine and ignition must be shut off when testing the parking brake on a brake test dynamometer and such testing should be no longer than 10 seconds. Active braking action through ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

i The ESP® will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size (컄 page 416).

i The ABS, BAS, and ESP® are automatically switched off when the differential locks are switched on (컄 page 175).

93

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Switching off the ESP®

Warning!

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

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

94

Warning!

Switch on the ESP® immediately if the afore- mentioned circumstances do not apply any- more. Otherwise the ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a wheel is spinning.

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

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

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

allows the drive wheels to spin and