MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2014 W166 Owner's Manual

Jump-starting
For the jump-starting procedure, use only the jump-starting connection point, consisting of a
positive terminal and an earth point, in the engine compartment. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with water and
seek medical attention. G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk
of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a battery.
R It is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
and disconnecting a battery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected.
R It is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
the jumper cables.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running. G
WARNING
Ad ischarged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point .When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could be
damaged by the non-combusted fuel.
If, at low temperatures, the indicator lamps/warning lamps in the instrumentc luster do not
light up, it is highly likely that the discharged battery has frozen .Inthis case you may neither
jump-start the vehicle nor charge the battery. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be
shorter. The starting characteristics can be impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have
the thawed-out battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Jump-starting
389Breakdown assistance Z

Do not start the vehicl
eusing a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged,
the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper
cables. Observe the following points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,
jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or ajump-starting device.
R You may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust system are cold.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
R Only jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating.
R Only use jumper cables which have a sufficien tcross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that:
R the jumper cables are not damaged.
R when the jumper cables are connected to the battery, uninsulated sections of the terminal
clamp do not come into contact with other metal sections.
R the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts which can move when the engine
is running, such as the V-belt pulley or the fan.
X Secure the vehicle by applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the ignitio nlock and remove it (Y page 157). On vehicles
with KEYLESS-GO, make sure the ignition is switched off (Y page 158). All indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster must be off.
X Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g. rear window defroster, lighting, etc.
X Open the hood. (Example)
Position number
0021identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device. 390
Jump-startingBreakdown assistance

X
Slide cover 0002of positive terminal 0003in the direction of the arrow.
X Connect positive terminal 0003on your vehicle to positive terminal 0023of donor battery 0021
using the jumper cable, always begi nwith positive terminal 0003on your own vehicle first.
X Start the engine of the dono rvehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connec tnegative terminal 0022of donor battery 0021to ground point 0020of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to battery of other vehicle 0021first.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engin erun for several minutes.
X First, remove the jumper cables from earth point 0020and negative terminal 0022, then from
positive clamp 0003and positive terminal 0023. Begin each time at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
X Close cover 0002of positive terminal 0003after removing the jumper cables.
X Have the battery checke dataqualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could
rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the
permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
preven tdamage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONI CPLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
! Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the traile rtow hitch, if
available. You could otherwise damage the
vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with acrane. Towing and tow-starting
391Breakdown assistance Z

!
When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may shift to position Pwhen
the driver's or front-passenger door are
opened, which could lead to damage to the
transmission.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! Vehicles with differential locks: make
sure the differential locks are in automatic
mode. When towing, the differential locks
must not be switched on. The transmission
may otherwise be damaged.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
! If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of your
vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 442).
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission
damage, have it transported on a transporter
or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in
position Nwhen the vehicle is being towed. The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R
cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
R cannot release the electric parking brake
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Deactivate the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Y page 276).
You could otherwise be locked out when
pushing or towing the vehicle. Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye Example: towing eye mounting covers
0002 Front cover
0003 Back cover
Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: if possible,
connect the towbar to the trailer tow hitch
(Y page 253).
The brackets for the screw-in towing eyes are
located in the bumpers. They are at the front
and at the rear, under the covers. 392
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

X
Remove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit (Y page 380).
X To open the cover at the front: press the
mark on cover 0002inwards in the direction
of the arrow.
X To open the cover at the rear: insert a
flat, blunt object into the cutout and lever
cover 0003out of the bumper.
X Take cover 0002or0003 off the opening.
X Screw the towing eye in clockwise to the
stop and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye X
Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.
X Attach cover 0002or0003 to the bumper and
press until it engages.
X Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit. Towing the vehicle wit
hthe rear axle
raised
! The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP ®
could
otherwise damage the brake system.
Onl ypossible for vehicles without
4MATIC.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 124).
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
X When leaving the vehicle, take the
SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO key with you.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is importan tthat you observe the
safety instructions (Y page 391). Towing
avehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is importan tthat you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 391).
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to position Pwhen you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic
transmission stays in position Nwhen towing
the vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in
position 0.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y page 158).
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Leave the SmartKey in position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 124).
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the
combination switch as usual. In this case,
only the indicator lamps for the direction of
travel flash. After resetting the
combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again. Transporting the vehicle
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as Towing and tow-starting
393Breakdown assistance Z

axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eyes or trailer tow hitch can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or
transporter if you wish to transport it.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
As soon as the vehicle ha sbeen loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle fro mrolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle. Information on 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
If the vehicle has transmission damage or
damage to the front or rear axle, have it
transported on a transporter or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system
If the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P. To
shift the automatic transmission to position
N, you must provide power to the vehicle's
electrical system in the same way as when
jump-starting (Y page 389).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer. Recovering
avehicle that has become
stuck
! When recovering a vehicle that has
become stuck, pull it as smoothly and evenly as possible. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles.
If the drive wheels have become stuck in
loose or muddy ground, pull the vehicle out
with extreme caution, especially so if the
vehicle is loaded.
Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a
trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with an automatic transmission
must no tbe tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission.
You can find information on "Jump-starting"
at (Y page 389). Fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher
amperage, the electric cables could be
overloaded. This could result in a fire. There
is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
! For the fuse boxes in the engine
compartment and under the rear bench
seat, only use fuses with the suffix "S".
Otherwise, components or systems could
be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If afuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating. 394
FusesBreakdown assistance

Blow
nfuses must be replace dwith fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Ben zCenter. Before changing a fuse
Observe the important safety notes
(Y page 394)
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 179).
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it (Y page 157).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure
the ignition is switched off (Y page 158).
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R Fuse box on the front-passenger side of the
dashboard
R Fuse box in the engine compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
R Fuse box under the rear bench seat
The fuse allocation chart is located in the fuse
box under the rear bench seat (Y page 396).Dashboard fuse box
Observe the important safety notes
(Y page 394)
! Do not use a pointed objec tsuch as a
screwdriver to open the cover in the
dashboard. You could damage the
dashboard or the cover.
! Make sure that no moisture can ente rthe
fuse box when the cover is open. !
When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. X
To open: pull cover 0002outwards in the
direction of the arrow and remove it.
X To close: clip in cover 0002on the front of
the dashboard.
X Fold cover 0002inwards until it engages. Fuse box in the engine compartment
Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Y page 394).
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. Fuses
395Breakdown assistance Z

X
Open the hood.
X Use a dry cloth to remove any moisture
from the fuse box.
X To open: open clamps 0003.
X Fold up cover 0002in the direction of the
arrow and remove it.
X To close: check whether the seal is seated
correctly in cover 0002.
X Insert cover 0002at the side of the fuse box
into the retainers.
X Fold down cover 0002and close clamps 0003.
X Close the hood. Fuse box under the rear bench seat
Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Y page 394).
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses or the cover
could be damaged by the rear bench seat.
X Fold the right-hand rear bench seat forward
(Y page 335). X
To open: lift and fold out carpet 0002in the
direction of the arrow. X
Release clamps 0003by pressing them in the
direction of the arrow.
X Fold cover 0023up in the direction of the
arrow and remove it.
i The fuse allocation chart is located under
cover 0023.
X To close: insert cover 0023into the retainers
on the side of the fuse box.
X Fold down cover 0023until clamps 0003engage
audibly.
X Fold the right-hand rear bench seat back
(Y page 335). 396
FusesBreakdown assistance

Useful information
............................398
Important safety notes ....................398
Operation ........................................... 398
Winter operation ............................... 400
Tire pressure ..................................... 402
Loading the vehicle ..........................409
All about wheels and tires ...............413
Changing awheel ............................. 421
Wheel and tire combinations ...........426
Emergency spare wheel ...................436 397Wheels and tires

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 28).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is arisk of an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R model
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R model G
WARNING
Af lat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with aflat tire.
R immediately replace the flat tire with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop. Tires with run-flat characteristics:
R
pay attention to the information and
warning notices on MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Ben zorthat are not
being used correctly can impair operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be found
in the "Wheel/tire combinations" section
(Y page 426).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
(Y page 409)
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap (Y page 174)
R in the "Tire pressure" section Operation
Information on driving
If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that
the wheels or tires are damaged. If you
suspect that a tire is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tires for
damage. Hidden tire damage could also be
causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you find no signs of damage, have the tires 398
OperationWheels and tires