check engine MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2020 MY20 Operator’s Manual

Driving on flooded roads
!
Do not drive through flooded areas. Check
the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water could enter the
vehicle interior or engine compartment. It
can then damage the engine's or automatic
transmission's electronic components. It
can also be sucked in by the engine's air
intake connection and cause engine dam-
age.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in mind
that: R the water level of standing water should not
be above the lower edge of the front
bumper
R you must not drive faster than walking
speed Driving in winter
G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface
in an attempt to increase the engine's brak-
ing effect, the drive wheels could lose their
grip. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
! An accumulation of snow and ice, particu-
larly when frozen, caught in the area around
the air intake slots, moving parts, the axles
and the wheel arches may:
R restrict air intake
R damage vehicle parts
R cause malfunctions by restricting the
mobility intended by the design (e.g.
reduced possible steering input).
Regularly check the vehicle and remove
snow or ice when traveling in wintry condi-
tions.
If there is any damage, inform a qualified
specialist workshop.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission may
only briefly coast in neutral position N.
Extended coasting of the wheels, e.g. when
towing, results in transmission damage. Have your vehicle winterized at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery roads.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and brak-
ing maneuvers. Do not use cruise control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position i.
X Try to maintain control of the vehicle using
corrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially
in wooded areas or on bridges. If you do not
adjust your driving style, the vehicle may start
to skid. Always adapt your driving style and
drive at a speed to suit the prevailing weather
conditions.
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
You can find further information under:
R "M+S tires" ( Y page
280)
R "Snow chains" (Y page 281)
R "Driving with summer tires" (Y page 280)
Also observe the notes under "Winter opera-
tion" (Y page 280). Driving off-road
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle. 144
Driving tips
Driving and parking

G
WARNING
When driving off-road, your body is subject
to forces from all directions, due to the
uneven surface. You could be thrown from
your seat, for instance. There is a risk of
injury.
Always wear a seat belt, even when driving
off-road. G
WARNING
If you drive over obstacles or in ruts, the
steering wheel may jerk out of your grip,
causing injury to your hands.
Always hold the steering wheel firmly with
both hands. When driving over obstacles,
you must expect steering forces to increase
briefly and suddenly. G
WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact
with hot parts of the exhaust system. There
is a risk of fire.
When driving on an unpaved road or off-
road, check the vehicle underside regularly.
In particular, remove trapped plant parts or
other flammable material. Contact a quali-
fied specialist workshop immediately if dam-
age is detected.
! When driving off-road or on unpaved surfa-
ces, check the underside of the vehicle as
well as the wheels and tires at regular inter-
vals. In particular, remove trapped foreign
objects, such as stones and branches.
Such foreign objects could:
R damage the chassis, the fuel tank or the
brake system
R cause imbalance and thereby vibrations
R be thrown out as you continue your jour-
ney
If there is any damage, inform a qualified
specialist workshop.
When driving off-road and on construction
sites, sand, mud and water mixed with oil, for
example, may get into the brakes. This may
lead to a reduction in braking performance or
total brake failure, also as a result of increased wear. The braking characteristics will vary
depending on the material that has got into
the system. Clean the brakes after driving off-
road. If you then notice reduced braking per-
formance or hear scraping noises, have the
brake system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. Adjust your driving style to the
changed braking characteristics.
Driving off-road or on construction sites
increases the possibility of vehicle damage
which may in turn lead to the failure of certain
assemblies and systems. Adapt your driving
style to the off-road driving conditions. Drive
carefully. Have any vehicle damage rectified at
a qualified specialist workshop as soon as pos-
sible.
When loading your vehicle for driving off-road
or on a construction site, keep the vehicle's
center of gravity as low as possible.
Rules for driving off-road !
Always bear the vehicle's ground clear-
ance in mind and avoid obstacles, e.g. deep
ruts.
Obstacles may damage the following parts
of the vehicle:
R the chassis
R the drive train
R the fuel and supply tanks
For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when driving off-road. If you have to
drive over obstacles, have the front
passenger direct you.
i We recommend that you additionally carry
a shovel and a recovery rope with shackle in
the vehicle.
R Ensure that loads and items of luggage are
securely stowed or lashed down
(Y page
242).
R Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
shift to a low gear.
R If the surface requires, temporarily deacti-
vate ESP ®
when pulling away (Y page 69).
R Only drive off-road with the engine running
and a gear engaged.
R Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
necessary in many situations.
R Avoid spinning the drive wheels.
R Make sure that the wheels always remain in
contact with the ground. Driving tips
145
Driving and parking Z

R
Drive with extreme care over unknown ter-
rain where you can only see for a short dis-
tance. As a precaution, get out of the vehi-
cle to take a look at the route to be taken in
advance.
R Check the water depth before fording.
R Watch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
tree stumps and ruts).
R Avoid edges where the surface could crum-
ble or break away.
Checklist after driving off-road !
If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Off-road driving places a higher demand on
your vehicle than normal road operation.
Check your vehicle after driving on rough ter-
rain. By doing so you will notice any damage in
good time and reduce the risk of an accident
for yourself and other road users. Clean your
vehicle thoroughly before driving on public
roads.
Observe the following points after driving off-
road, on construction sites and before driving
on public roads:
X Activate ESP ®
(Y page 69).
X Clean the headlamps and tail lamps and
check them for damage.
X Clean the front and rear license plates.
X Clean the windshield, windows and exterior
mirrors.
X Clean the steps, door sills and grab handles.
This increases safety of footing.
X Clean the wheels/tires, wheel housings and
the underbody of the vehicle with a water
jet.
This increases road grip, especially on wet
road surfaces.
X Check the wheels/tires and wheel housings
for trapped foreign objects and remove
them.
Trapped foreign objects can damage the
wheels/tires and may be flung out from the
vehicle when you continue driving.
X Check the underbody for trapped branches
or other parts of plants and remove them.
Trapped branches or other parts of plants
increase the risk of fire and can cause dam- age to fuel lines, brake hoses and the rubber
bellows of axle joints and drive shafts.
X Clean the brake disks, brake pads and axle
joints, particularly after operation in sand,
mud, grit/gravel, water or similarly dirty
conditions.
X Check the entire floor assembly, the tires,
wheels, bodywork structure, brakes, steer-
ing, chassis and exhaust system for any
damage.
X Check the service brake for operating
safety, e.g. carry out a brake test.
X If you notice strong vibrations after driving
off-road, check the wheels and drive train
for foreign objects again. Remove any for-
eign objects which can lead to imbalances
and thus cause vibrations. Driving in mountainous areas
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine, and with it its
gradient climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude. Please take note of this
particularly when driving with a trailer in moun-
tainous areas.
The maximum permissible trailer loads are
valid for journeys at altitudes up to

1100 yds
(1000 m) above sea level with gradients up to
12%.
Information on maximum permissible trailer
loads can be found in your vehicle registration
papers and on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 304) or under "Trailer loads" ( Y page 315).
When driving at altitudes of 2700 yds
(2500 m) above sea level, the ECO start/stop
function is no longer available.
Notes on braking on downhill gradients can be
found in the "Braking" section (Y page 142). Driving systems
Cruise control
General notes Cruise control maintains the speed of the vehi-
cle for you. It brakes automatically in order to
avoid exceeding the set speed.146
Driving systems
Driving and parking

The rear view camera is a visual parking aid. It
shows you the area behind the vehicle in the
audio display.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed in a
mirrored fashion, as in the rear-view mirror or
the exterior mirrors. The guide lines displayed
assist you in backing up.
The message displays depend on the language
setting of the audio system. The following rear
view camera displays are examples.
Important safety notes !
Objects that are not at ground level appear
further away than they actually are, for
example:
R the bumper of the vehicle parked behind
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the tail-end of a truck
R slanted posts
Only use the camera guide lines for orienta-
tion. Do not get any closer to objects than
the lowest horizontal guide line. You may
otherwise damage your vehicle and/or the
object.
The rear view camera is only an aid. It cannot
replace your own awareness of the immediate
surroundings. You are responsible for safe
maneuvering and parking. Make sure that
there are no persons, animals or objects in the
maneuvering area while maneuvering and
parking in parking spaces.
The rear view camera may show obstacles in
perspectival distortion, incorrectly or not at all.
The rear view camera cannot display all
objects located very near and/or under the
rear bumper. It does not warn you of a colli-
sion, persons or objects.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate or rear-end door is open.
R if it is raining very heavily or snowing, or it is
foggy.
R at night or in very dark places.
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light.
White lines may appear in the camera image
R if the area is lit by fluorescent light, e.g.
from fluorescent lamps or LED lighting.
The camera image may flicker. R
if the camera lens fogs up, e.g. when driving
into a heated garage in winter, causing a
rapid change in temperature.
R the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.
Observe the notes on cleaning.
(Y page
267)
R if the rear of the vehicle is damaged.
In this case, have the camera position and
setting checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
R the display has pixel errors.
Have the display repaired or replaced if usa-
bility is significantly reduced due to pixel
errors.
Do not use the rear view camera in these sit-
uations. You could otherwise injure others or
damage objects and the vehicle while parking
and maneuvering.
The field of vision and other functions of the
rear view camera may be restricted due to
additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-
cle (e.g. license plate holder, rear-mounted
bicycle rack).
Guide lines are always shown at road level. In
trailer mode, the guide lines are shown at the
level of the trailer coupling.
If you change wheel size, make sure they cor-
respond to the correct wheel size category
( Y page 278). If the category is changed with-
out recoding the control units in the vehicle,
the rear view camera cannot be precisely cali-
brated. The guide lines at road level or at the
level of the trailer tow hitch will not be dis-
played correctly.
In vehicles with a tailgate, the rear view cam-
era is protected from raindrops and dust by
means of a flap. When the rear view camera is
activated, this flap opens.
The flap closes again when:
R you have finished the maneuvering process
R you switch off the engine
For technical reasons, the flap may remain
open briefly after the rear view camera has
been deactivated. 164
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Ensure that the following weights are not
exceeded:
R the permissible noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
R the maximum permissible gross weight of
vehicle/trailer combination
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
R on the type plates for the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page
304)
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section (Y page 315).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is more susceptible to strong crosswinds
R requires more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning radius
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to suit the road and weather conditions.
Drive carefully. Maintain a safe distance.
If you require any further explanation regard-
ing the information contained in the Operating
Instructions, please contact a Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Van Center.
General notes R
Observe the legally permitted maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in
the relevant country, state or Canadian
province. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents for the maxi-
mum permitted speed of your trailer. This reduces the risk of accidents.
R Install only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling for
your Metris trailer tow hitch if it has been
approved for your vehicle. More information
on the availability, mounting and installation
of the trailer electrics is available at any
qualified specialist workshop.
R The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road
safety. Observe the notes on operation, care
and maintenance of the trailer tow hitch
(see the manufacturer's operating instruc-
tions).
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
R Do not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
R Minimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
You will find weight information under "Techni-
cal data"
(Y page 315).
The height of the ball neck changes according
to the load on the vehicle. If this is case, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable trailer drawbar.
Driving tips The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents for the maximum per-
mitted speed of your trailer. Observe the
legally permitted maximum speed in the rele-
vant country, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, select a
lower gear.
i This also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily
to keep the correct speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to Towing a trailer
169
Driving and parking Z

Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R Practice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traf-
fic. This enables you to gain experience and
get used to the new handling characteris-
tics.
R Before driving, check:
- that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
- that the safety switch for a braked trailer
is functioning properly
- that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
- that the electrical connections are secure
- that the lights are working
- that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer is equipped with a separate
functional braking system, check before
each journey whether the brakes are func-
tioning correctly.
R Secure the load on the trailer according to
the applicable specifications and current
standards on securing loads
(Y page 244).
R When driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that
the brakes and lights are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly and has a
decreased gradient climbing capability and a
longer braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
rather moderately at first so that the trailer
can activate its brakes. Then increase the
force on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on
inclines, restrict the shift range. Select shift
range 4, 3, 2 or 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine. R
When driving on a downhill gradient, shift to
a low gear and take advantage of the
engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the air conditioning to the maximum level.
Open the windows if necessary.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination you need an additional dis-
tance before you can return to your original
lane. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun
brake is engaged.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the selector lever of the
automatic transmission is in position P.
X Engage the vehicle's parking brake.
X Close all doors.
X Apply the parking brake of the trailer.
X In addition, secure the trailer against rolling
away with a wheel chock or similar object.
X Remove the trailer cable and safety chains
and decouple the trailer. Towing a trailer
171
Driving and parking Z

Safety systems
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsABS, ESP Inopera‐
tive
+
ABS, BAS, hill start assist, and ESP
®
as well as its driving safety sys-
tems are unavailable due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could
be automatically deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The
braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Switch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
X Check if the display message has disappeared and ESP ®
is opera-
tional.
X If the display message continues to be displayed:
R Drive on with care.
R Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ABS, ESP Curr.
Unavail.
+
ABS, BAS, hill start assist, and ESP
®
as well as its driving safety sys-
tems are temporarily unavailable.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could
be automatically deactivated.
For example, the on-board voltage may be insufficient.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The
braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care and on a suitable stretch of road make slight
steering movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h ).
X Switch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
X Check if the display message has disappeared and ESP ®
is opera-
tional.
X If the display message continues to be displayed:
R Drive on with care.
R Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.196
Display messages (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
On-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsX
Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Further information on the Occupant Classification System (OCS)
can be found under "Occupant Classification System (OCS)"
(Y page
54). #
Check Brake Pad
Wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. $ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
Braking performance can be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Y page
138).
X Do not add brake fluid. Adding more will not remedy the malfunc-
tion.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. EBD, ABS, ESP Inop‐
erative
+ EBD is unavailable due to a malfunction. ABS, BAS, hill start assist
and ESP
®
as well as its driving safety systems, for example, are
therefore also unavailable.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could
be automatically deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock prematurely
if you brake hard, for example.
This causes steerability and braking to be greatly impaired. The
braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Switch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
X Check if the display message has disappeared and ESP ®
is opera-
tional.
X If the display message continues to be displayed:
R Drive on with care.
R Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Display messages (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
199On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions÷
Inoperative
+ ESP
®
, BAS and hill start assist are unavailable due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could
be automatically deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Switch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
X Check if the display message has disappeared and ESP ®
is opera-
tional.
X If the display message continues to be displayed:
R Drive on with care.
R Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ÷
Currently Unavail.
+ ESP
®
, BAS and hill start assist are unavailable due to a malfunction.
The self-diagnosis function, for example, may not be complete.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated and other driving systems could
be automatically deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents.
X Drive on with care on a suitable stretch of road, making make
slight steering movements at a speed above
12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
X Switch the engine off, wait briefly and start the engine again.
X Check if the display message has disappeared and ESP ®
is opera-
tional.
X If the display message continues to be displayed:
R Drive on with care.
R Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.200
Display messages (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
On-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions? The fan motor is faulty.
X Check the coolant temperature (Y page 178).
X If the coolant temperature is below the maximum value specified
below, you can continue driving to the nearest qualified specialist
workshop.
Avoid heavy loads on the engine, e.g. driving in mountainous ter-
rain, and stop-and-go traffic.
Under normal driving conditions and at the correct coolant level, the
coolant temperature gauge may rise to the letter H.Check Coolant Level
+ The coolant level is too low.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient coolant in the
engine cooling system. You could otherwise damage the engine.
X Add coolant, making sure to observe the warning notes
(Y page
253).
X Have the engine cooling system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop if the coolant needs to be refilled more often than
usual. 4
Check Engine Oil
Level An additional warning tone sounds. The engine oil level has dropped
to the minimum level.
X Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page

252).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page
253).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if you
need to add engine oil more often than usual.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient engine oil. You
could otherwise damage the engine. Manually Check Oil
Level Reminder to check the oil level.
X Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).
X To confirm the oil check: press and hold 3.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient engine oil. You
could otherwise damage the engine. 4
Stop Vehicle Turn
Eng. Off The oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away ( Y page
138).
X Check the oil level ( Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).Display messages (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
205
On-board computer and displays Z