Actros PDF

Towing - Recovery
Actros
Towing - Recovery
Daimler AG, GSP/OI, HPC R 822, D-70546 Stuttgart

Technical status 08/2008
Service
Towing Recovery
Actros
Guidelines for Breakdown Services
2009 Edition
Daimler AG Teile-Technik und Technische Information (GSP/OI) D-70546 Stuttgart

Information and copyright
Service
If you have any questions or problems in connection with the towing or recovery of Actros vehicles, please
contact:
Daimler AG
Technical Field Service
Tel. +49 711 / 17 - 59 762
Daimler AG Teile-Technik und Technische Information (GSP/OI) D-70546 Stuttgart

Information and copyright
Technical details of the data and illustrations provided in these guidelines

are subject to change without notice.
Reprinting, reproduction or translation, in whole or in part, is not

permissible without the written consent of Daimler AG.
All rights reserved by Daimler AG.
If you have any questions or suggestions concerning this product, please

write to us at:
E-mail: customer.support@daimler.com
Fax: +49-(0) 18 05/0 12-79 78
or
Address: Daimler AG
GSP/OI
HPC R822, W002
D-70546 Stuttgart
Technical status: 11/2009

2009 Copyright Daimler AG
This Manual, including all its parts, is protected under the laws of
copyright. Any further processing or use requires the previous written
consent of Daimler AG. This applies in particular to reproduction, distri-
bution, alteration, translation, microfilming and storage and/or
processing in electronic systems, including databases and online
services.
Contents
General
Safety and liability information 9
Conventions 9
Vehicle identification 10
Description and roadside assistance
Quick guide 12
Instrument panel
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 15
Overview 15
Vehicle Diagnostic System/Vehicle Service System 16
Note on display messages 17
STOP lamp 18
System abbreviations 19
Display messages 22
Indicator lamps 27
Instrument panel
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 28
Overview 28
Driver Information System (FIS) 31
STOP lamp 39
Display messages 43
Indicator lamps 49
Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 50
Overview: Actros 2 50
Overview: Actros 3 51
Onboard computer 56
STOP lamp 64
Display messages 66
Indicator lamps 84
Warning buzzer 86
Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications) i 5

Contents
Oil level in engine 89

Actros 1 89
Actros 2/3 91
Fuel system 92
Overview of fuel system 92
Hand pump (location) 95
Bleeding the fuel system 96
Electrical system 98
EMERGENCY OFF switch 99
Jump starting 102
Batteries 105
Gearshift 109
Manual gearshift system 110
Telligent gearshift system 111
Telligent automatic gearshift system and
Mercedes PowerShift 113
Teach-in process (Telligent gearshift/automatic
gearshift system) 116
Teach-in errors 119
Emergency shift of manual gearshift system 120
Actros 1: Emergency shift of Telligent gearshift
system and Telligent automatic gearshift system 123
Actros 2/3: Emergency shift of Telligent gearshift
system, Telligent automatic gearshift system or
Mercedes PowerShift 128
Compressed air production 134

Versions 134
Pressure regulating system 135
Constant pressure system with separate
four-circuit protection valve 135
Constant pressure system with Electronic
Air-Processing Unit (EAPU) 136
Pressure table 137
Brake system 138

General 138
Telligent brake system 138
Frequent-stop brake 139
Safety valve 140
Active Brake Assist (ABA) 140
Location of components 143
Filling the brake system from an external source 144
Releasing the spring-loaded parking brake 148
6 i Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications)

Contents
Telligent level control 152

Diagram of Telligent level control 152
Raising/lowering the chassis frame 154
Filling the air suspension system from an external source 156
Tilting the cab 157
Engine 163
Starting/stopping the engine with the cab tilted 163
Tow-starting
Tow-starting 165
General 165
Preparations for tow-starting 165
Tow-starting vehicles with manual gearshift system 166
Tow-starting vehicles with Telligent gearshift system 166
Tow-starting vehicles with Telligent automatic
gearshift system and Mercedes PowerShift 167
Towing
Quick guide 168
Towing 169
General 169
Electrical circuits 172
Air brake system 174
Stopped engine, transmission and/or axle damage 176
Drive and propeller shafts 177
Towing with a tow bar 180
Towing in raised position 181
Raising by the wheels 183
Raising by the front axle 184
Raising by the front of the frame (Actros 1 only) 184
Raising by the leaf springs (construction site vehicles only) 186
Raising at the rear 186
Gearshift 189

Contents
Recovery
Recovery 190
General 190
Super-wide tires 191
Recovering the vehicle from the rear 193
Safety components 195
Special tools
Special tools 196

Safety and liability information
General
The aim of these guidelines is to provide roadside assistance and towing personnel with the instructions and
information necessary in order to remove the vehicle from the scene of the breakdown or accident within
30 minutes whenever possible.
These guidelines assume that the reader understands and complies with the pertinent accident prevention
regulations, any relevant professional guidelines for vehicle ownership or recovery and towing company
association regulations, and the road traffic regulations of the country in question.
The instructions in these guidelines, in particular those pertaining to vehicle recovery, are intended exclusively
for experienced recovery specialists and are left to the discretion of the user.
Compensation and/or warranty claims arising from towing or recovery measures will not be accepted by
Daimler AG.
Risk of accident $
All vehicles that have been towed or recovered from a breakdown must be examined for technical condition
and checked for damage at a qualified workshop which possesses all the expertise and tools required to
properly perform the necessary work.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a Mercedes-Benz service center for this work. It is absolutely essential that all
safety-relevant work and all work on safety-relevant systems is performed by a qualified specialist workshop.
Pay attention to the notes in the chapter "Recovery", see page 190.
Risk of accident $
Tampering with electronic components and their software can cause them to stop functioning. The electronic
systems are networked together by interfaces. In some cases, interfering with these electronic systems can
also cause malfunctions in systems that were not directly affected. Such malfunctions can put the operational
safety of your vehicle, and thus your own personal safety, at considerable risk.
Other improperly performed work or modifications to the vehicle can also jeopardize operational safety.
Some safety systems operate only when the engine is running. For this reason, do not switch the engine off
while driving.
Conventions
$ Warning
% Environmental warning
! Potential damage
+ Tip
M Instruction
Displays On-screen display

Vehicle identification
General
Vehicle model designation
18 44
18 Permissible gross vehicle weight in
tonnes
44 Engine output in hp (x 10)
Location of vehicle model plate/vehicle identification number
: Model plate (example)

; Vehicle identification number on right
longitudinal frame member
Data on the vehicle model plate

Vehicle model
Headlamp basic setting
Smoke index
Rear axle ratio
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Permissible gross vehicle weight
Permissible axle loads
(example)

Vehicle identification
General
Key to vehicle identification number
Vehicle identification number (VIN)

WDB 934.042 1 L 115548
WDB Vehicle manufacturer
934.042 Vehicle model designation (see below)
1 Steering
1 = left-hand drive vehicles, 2 = right-hand drive vehicles
L Code letter or code number of manufacturing plant
"K" up to 12.03/"L" as of 01.04
115548 Vehicle identification end number
934.04
934 Vehicle version (model designation code)
930/950 = Platform vehicle
932/952 = Dumper
933/953 = Concrete mixer
934/954 = Semitrailer tractor
.04 Axle configuration
00 ... 06 4x2
07, 08 4x4
11 6 x 2 DNA (dual-tired trailing axle, Nummek)
20, 21 6x2
23 6 x 2/2 (Hendrickson leading axle, Great Britain only)
22 6 x 2/4
14, 16, 24 6x4
18, 41 6x6
30, 31, 42 8 x 4/4
32 8 x 6/4
33 8 x 8/4
8 x 8/4
8 Number of wheels or wheel pairs
x8 Number of driven wheels or wheel pairs
/4 Number of steered wheels
Model designations 950 954 Model designations 930 934

Actros 1 up to manufacture year 12/2002 Actros 2/3 as of manufacture year 01/2003

Quick guide
Instrument panel, Actros 1 (up to 12/1999)

Overview.......................................................................................................... Page 15
Vehicle Diagnostic System (FDS)/Vehicle Service System (FSS) .................... Page 16
Note on display messages ............................................................................... Page 17
STOP lamp ....................................................................................................... Page 18
System abbreviations ...................................................................................... Page 19
Display messages ............................................................................................ Page 22
Electronic system malfunction displays ........................................................... Page 26
Indicator lamps................................................................................................ Page 27
Instrument panel Actros 1 (as of 01/2000)

Overview.......................................................................................................... Page 28
Reservoir pressure gauge for brake circuits 1 and 2 ....................................... Page 29
Gear indicator .................................................................................................. Page 30
Fuel level indicator........................................................................................... Page 30
Driver Information System............................................................................... Page 31
STOP lamp ....................................................................................................... Page 39
Instrument panel, Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Overview: Actros 2 .......................................................................................... Page 50
Overview: Actros 3 .......................................................................................... Page 51
Reservoir pressure gauge for brake circuit 1 or 2............................................ Page 52
Gear indicator .................................................................................................. Page 53
Fuel/AdBlue level gauge ............................................................................... Page 55
Onboard computer........................................................................................... Page 56
STOP lamp ....................................................................................................... Page 64
Warning buzzer
Warning buzzer ................................................................................................ Page 86

Quick guide

Oil level in engine
Calling up the engine oil level on the display: Actros 1 (up to 12/1999)......... Page 89
Calling up the engine oil level on the display: Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) ......... Page 90
Calling up the engine oil level on the display: Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) ..... Page 91
Fuel system
Overview of fuel system................................................................................... Page 92
Fuel tank.......................................................................................................... Page 93
Hand pump location ........................................................................................ Page 95
Bleeding the fuel system.................................................................................. Page 96
Electrical system
Overview of electrical system .......................................................................... Page 98
EMERGENCY OFF switch ................................................................................. Page 99
Jump starting ................................................................................................... Page 102
Batteries .......................................................................................................... Page 105
Gearshift
Overview of gearshift ....................................................................................... Page 109
Manual gearshift system.................................................................................. Page 110
Telligent gearshift system ............................................................................. Page 111
Telligent automatic gearshift system and Mercedes PowerShift ................... Page 113
Teach-in process.............................................................................................. Page 116
Teach-in errors................................................................................................. Page 119
Emergency shift of manual transmission (HPS) ............................................... Page 120
Emergency shift of Telligent gearshift system and Telligent
automatic gearshift system (Actros 1)............................................................. Page 123
Emergency shift of Telligent gearshift system, Telligent
automatic gearshift system and Mercedes PowerShift (Actros 2/3) ............... Page 128
Compressed air production

Versions........................................................................................................... Page 134
Pressure regulating system ............................................................................. Page 135
Constant pressure system with separate four-circuit protection valve ............ Page 135
Constant pressure system with Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU)............ Page 136
Pressure table.................................................................................................. Page 137

Quick guide
Brake system
General ............................................................................................................ Page 138
Frequent-stop brake ........................................................................................ Page 139
Safety valve ..................................................................................................... Page 140
Active Brake Assist .......................................................................................... Page 140
Location of components .................................................................................. Page 143
Filling the brake system from an external source ............................................ Page 144
Releasing the spring-loaded parking brake ...................................................... Page 148
Telligent level control system

Diagram of Telligent level control system...................................................... Page 152
General ............................................................................................................ Page 153
Operating unit.................................................................................................. Page 153
Raising/lowering the chassis........................................................................... Page 154
Filling the air suspension system from an external source .............................. Page 156
Tilting the cab

Before tilting .................................................................................................... Page 157
Mechanical/hydraulic...................................................................................... Page 158
Electrohydraulic............................................................................................... Page 159
Engine
Starting and stopping the engine with the cab tilted ....................................... Page 163

Instrument panel
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999)

Overview
1 2 3 4
5
6
13
7 8
12
9 10
11
15 14
: STOP lamp, see page 27 G Control buttons for Vehicle Diagnostic System
(FDS)/Vehicle Service System (FSS),
see page 16
; The left-hand field of the display see page 16 H Chassis display
shows warning indicators see page 17 and
Starting-off aid
malfunction displays concerning the electronic
Differential lock(s)
systems see page 26.
Trailing axle
= The right-hand field of the display see page 16 Power take-off(s).
shows operating information.
? Indicator lamps, see page 27 I Gear indicator display
A Level control display Vehicles with Telligent gearshift system, see
B Coolant temperature gauge page 111, or Telligent automatic gearshift
system, see page 113.
C Fuel level gauge
D Engine oil pressure gauge
E Reservoir pressure, brake circuit 1 J Auxiliary heater timer
F Reservoir pressure, brake circuit 2 K Tachograph
Instrument panel, Actros 1 (as of 01/2000), see page 28.


Instrument panel
Vehicle Diagnostic System (FDS)/Vehicle Service System (FSS)
FDS Vehicle Diagnostic System

FSS Flexible Service System (Telligent
maintenance system)
Do not press the control buttons : until the

function test is complete.
The control buttons : are used e.g. to call up stored
data and malfunctions from the diagnostic system.
"SYSTEM" button
The "SYSTEM" button can be used to call up operational, service and diagnostic information. This is displayed
in the right-hand field of the display.
With the outside temperature displayed:
M Press "SYSTEM" button once.
Operating information is displayed.
M Press "SYSTEM" button twice.
Service information is displayed.
M Press "SYSTEM" button three times.
Diagnostic information is displayed (1st electronic system). If you continue to press the "SYSTEM" button,
diagnostic information on further electronic systems is displayed.
"INFO" button
Additional information in the selected electronic system is displayed.
"QUIT" button
The diagnostic information disappears and the outside temperature is displayed.
Selecting language
The vehicle is delivered with Service mode set to the language of the recipient country.
M Press "SYSTEM" button twice (Service mode).
M Press the "INFO" button repeatedly until the language setting is shown in the display.
M When the language is displayed, press and hold down the RESET button.
M Then press the "QUIT" button repeatedly until the desired language is shown in the display.
M Release the RESET button. The most recently displayed language is saved automatically.
M Press the "QUIT" button to hide the display.

Instrument panel

Note on display messages
Left display field : yellow/red

1 2
Automatic displays
The left-hand display field automatically shows
warning indicators and malfunction displays
concerning the electronic systems.
Each malfunction in an electronic system is
indicated by a fault code, stored and assigned to a
malfunction class, see page 26.
Right display field ; green/yellow
Automatic displays
Outside temperature
Operating information
(e.g. fluid level in windshield washer system)
Service information
Calling up displays (see page 16)

Check information (e.g. engine oil pressure)
Service points/service dates
Stored service data
Diagnostic information
Display examples
Display messages, see page 22.
Display messages with code, see page 26.

0 4147: Fault code
Electronic system failure, see page 19.

MR: Engine control

Instrument panel
STOP lamp
M Turn vehicle key in ignition lock to drive position.

1
The STOP lamp : goes out after max.
10 seconds or when the engine is started.
Risk of accident $
If the STOP lamp does not go out or if it lights up while driving, the operational safety of the vehicle is at risk.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible taking into account the traffic situation
Switch off the engine and apply the parking brake
Have the system checked and repaired as quickly as possible at a qualified specialist workshop
possessing the required expertise and tools in order to perform the necessary work.
The STOP lamp : lights up:
Cause Action Page

Engine oil level too low. Check engine oil level. 89
Engine oil pressure too low. Check engine oil level. 89
Check engine oil pressure. 89
Oil level OK: Tow the vehicle away. 169
The STOP lamp : lights up and the warning "Brake system reservoir pressure" is displayed:
Cause Action Page

Reservoir pressure of brake Fill compressed air system from an external source. 144
circuit 1 or 2 below 6.8 bar.
Tow the vehicle away. 169
Reservoir pressure of brake Fill compressed air system from an external source, 144
circuit 3 below 5.5 bar.
or release spring-loaded parking brake mechanically. 150
Tow the vehicle away. 169

Instrument panel

System abbreviations
If an electronic system fails, only the abbreviation :

of the defective electronic system is displayed.
1
Risk of accident $
Drive with special care!
If an electronic system fails, this is displayed by the abbreviations below. The handling and braking behavior
of the vehicle may change!
Have the affected system checked and repaired as quickly as possible at a qualified specialist workshop
Abbreviation Description Action

ABS Antilock brake system: M Drive with special care or tow the
vehicle away,
The wheels may lock up when braking. The lateral
see page 153.
stability of the vehicle may change.
AG (AGE) Automatic gear selection M Fold out the clutch pedal and shift
gears manually, see page 123.
(Vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift
system) M Drive with special care.
AHE Trailer recognition module: M Drive with special care.
The braking behavior of the vehicle may change.
BS (EPB) Brake control: M Drive with special care.
The braking behavior of the vehicle has changed
significantly. The ABS is deactivated. The wheels
may lock up when braking. The lateral stability of
the vehicle may change. The brake pedal travel is
longer and the brake pedal forces are higher.
EAB Electronic trailer/semitrailer brake: M Drive with special care.
stability of the vehicle may change. The brake pedal
travel is longer.
EDW Anti-theft alarm system M Have the system repaired.
FFB Radio remote control M Lock/unlock the doors with the ve-
hicle key.

Instrument panel

FLA Flame starting system (cold-starting aid): M Have the system repaired.
At temperatures below 4 C the starting charac-
teristics change.
FR (FMR) Drive control Activate engine limp-home mode:
M Apply parking brake and switch off
engine.
M After 10 seconds, start engine.
In limp-home mode the engine speed
is limited to 1250 rpm.
If the engine speed is not sufficient to
start off or drive, tow the vehicle away,
see page 169.
GS (EPS) Transmission control M If a gearchange is no longer possi-
ble, perform an emergency shift,
see page 126.
HZR Heater control M Have the system repaired.
INS Instrument cluster: M Drive with special care.
Important information (warnings, malfunctions) can M Tow the vehicle away if necessary,
no longer be displayed. see page 169.
KB Clutch operating system M Fold out the clutch pedal and shift
(Vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift
system)
KOM Communications interface M Have the system repaired.
KS Clutch control M Drive with special care.
(Vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift M Fold out the clutch pedal and shift
system) gears manually, see page 123.
KSA Comfort locking system M Have the system repaired.
MR (PLD) Engine control: Activate engine limp-home mode:
The accelerator pedal is inoperative and the engine M Apply parking brake and switch off
speed is constantly below 1300 rpm. engine.
(Vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift M After 10 seconds, start engine.
system) In limp-home mode the engine speed
If the engine speed is not sufficient to
start off or drive, tow the vehicle away,
see page 169.

Instrument panel

NR Level control: M Drive with special care.
The handling of the vehicle may change (e.g. chassis
leans to one side, center of gravity changed).
PSM Parameterizable special module: M Have the system repaired.
The power take-off is inoperative.
RS (RET) Retarder control M Drive with special care.
SIL Seat electronics, left M Have the system repaired.
SIR Seat electronics, right M Have the system repaired.
SRS Supplemental restraint system M Have the system repaired.
WS Maintenance system M Have the system repaired.
WSK Torque converter clutch: M Tow the vehicle away,
see page 169.
The handling of the vehicle may change.
ZHE Auxiliary heater M Have the system repaired.

Instrument panel
Display messages
Display messages on a yellow background

Display message Possible cause/ Possible remedy
consequence
Risk of accident $ M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible taking

The poly-V belt has snapped into account the traffic situation.
or the three-phase alternator M Switch off engine and apply parking brake.
is defective. M Check poly-V belt.
The voltage in the on-board M If the poly-V belt is OK, have the electrical sys-
electrical system has tem checked at a qualified workshop.
dropped below 22 V. M If the poly-V belt has snapped, notify a quali-
The handling and braking fied workshop and have the poly-V belt re-
behavior of the vehicle may placed.
change.

The alternator is defective. into account the traffic situation.
M Switch off engine and apply parking brake.
The handling and braking
behavior of the vehicle may M Have the electrical system checked at a quali-
change. fied workshop.
A bulb or fuse in vehicle light M Check and replace the appropriate bulb.
system or brake lamp has M Check and replace the appropriate fuse.
failed.
Risk of accident $ M Top up the compressed air system, fill from an

The reservoir pressure in the external source, see page 144, or tow the ve-
hicle away, see page 169.
ancillary consumer circuit
has dropped below 5.5 bar.
The gears can no longer be
shifted correctly.
Risk of accident $ M Drive with special care or tow the vehicle

Fault in the brake system of away, see page 169.
the tractor vehicle or trailer/
semitrailer.
behavior of the vehicle
may change.
The service date has been M Perform service.
significantly exceeded.

Instrument panel

Display messages on a red background
consequence

The poly-V belt has snapped into account the traffic situation.
or the three-phase alternator M Switch off engine and apply parking brake.
is defective. M Check poly-V belt.
The voltage in the on-board M If the poly-V belt is OK, have the electrical sys-
electrical system has tem checked at a qualified workshop.
dropped below 22 V. M If the poly-V belt has snapped, notify a quali-
The handling and braking fied workshop and have the poly-V belt re-
behavior of the vehicle may placed.
change.
The engine oil level has M Switch off engine and apply parking brake.
dropped about 2 l below the M Check engine oil level, see page 89, and top up
minimum fill level. if necessary.
The warning buzzer sounds.
The STOP lamp lights up.
The engine oil level has M Switch off engine and apply parking brake.
dropped below the minimum M Check engine for leaks.
fill level.
M Contact a qualified specialist workshop if
The warning buzzer sounds. there is visible oil leakage.
The STOP lamp lights up. M Make sure that escaping oil does not contam-
inate the environment.
M Immediately add the oil quantity shown in the
right-hand display field.
Risk of accident $ M Top up steering oil and drive with special care.
The oil level in the reservoir of M Adjust your driving style. Reduce speed before
the power steering system corners in particular.
has dropped to the minimum M Have the steering system checked at a quali-
fill level. fied workshop.
If more oil is lost, there is a
risk of accident because the
vehicle will be difficult to
steer.

Instrument panel

consequence
Four-axle vehicles: Steering M Adjust your driving style. Reduce speed before
circuit 2 has failed. The corners in particular.
vehicle can only be steered M Have the steering system checked at a quali-
with increased effort. fied workshop.
The coolant level has M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible taking
dropped about 4 l below the into account the traffic situation.
normal fill level. M Switch off engine and apply parking brake.
The warning buzzer sounds. M Top up coolant.
M Have the cooling system checked for leaks at
a qualified workshop.
Risk of accident $ M Top up the compressed air system, fill from an

The reservoir pressure external source, see page 144, or tow the ve-
hicle away, see page 169.
in brake circuit 1 or 2 has
dropped below 6.8 bar
in the spring-loaded brake
and trailer brake circuit is
too low
or
Compressed air
consumption too high
while maneuvering
Compressed air system
leaking.
The operational safety of the
vehicle is at risk.
Risk of accident $ M Drive with special care.

The service limit of the brake M Have the brake linings replaced at a qualified
linings has been reached. workshop as quickly as possible.
The braking behavior of the
vehicle may change signifi-
cantly.

Brake pressure limiting. M Have the brake system checked at a qualified
workshop.
The applied brake pressures
no longer correspond to the
load state.
The braking behavior of the
vehicle is changed.

Instrument panel

consequence
The retarder cannot be M Drive with special care.
deactivated during ABS
control.

Malfunction in brake system M Have the brake system checked at a qualified
of trailer/semitrailer. workshop.
The handling or braking
properties of the vehicle may
change.
Clutch overloaded: The M Leave the clutch to cool and select a lower
permissible operating moving-off gear if necessary.
temperature of the clutch
system has been exceeded. If
the moving-off or
maneuvering process is not
ended within 5 seconds when
the warning buzzer sounds,
the clutch is closed. This can
stall the engine. Observe the
traffic situation.
Display failure (vehicles with M Fold out the clutch pedal and shift gears man-
Telligent automatic ually, see page 123.
gearshift system). M Drive with special care.
Important operating or
information and warnings
M Tow the vehicle away, see page 169.
can no longer be displayed.
behavior of the vehicle may
change.

Display failure. Important or
operating information and
M Tow the vehicle away, see page 169.
warnings can no longer be
displayed.
change.

Instrument panel
Electronic system malfunction display
: Abbreviation
; Fault code
Explanation of malfunction display:

ABS = Abbreviation of the defective electronic system, see page 19.
0 Malfunction class
41 Fault path
47 Fault type
The coding of fault paths and fault types is accessible to workshop staff.
Risk of accident $
If the malfunction display is accompanied by a warning buzzer, this indicates that the problem poses a
potential danger that can directly compromise the vehicle's operational safety.
Malfunction Action
class
0 Have the fault rectified at the next workshop service.
1 Risk of accident $
In the case of class 1 malfunctions, it may be that the handling and braking properties
of the vehicle have changed.
Have the malfunctions repaired as quickly as possible at a qualified specialist workshop
Mercedes-Benz recommends a Mercedes-Benz service center for this work. It is
absolutely essential that all safety-relevant work and all work on safety-relevant systems
is performed by a qualified specialist workshop.
2 Risk of accident $
In the case of class 2 malfunctions, the operational safety of the vehicle is at risk. The
handling and braking properties of the vehicle have changed.
Have the malfunctions repaired immediately at a qualified specialist workshop
Mercedes-Benz recommends a Mercedes-Benz service center for this work. It is
absolutely essential that all safety-relevant work and all work on safety-relevant systems
is performed by a qualified specialist workshop.

Instrument panel

Indicator lamps
Indicator lamp Description

High beam
Cab lock
Cargo liftgate
Frequent-stop brake
Stationary air conditioner
Parking brake
Permanent brake (retarder)
Dumper body
Acceleration skid control "ASR"
Applicable for vehicle with Telligent automatic gearshift system:

Speed too high for automatic downshift brake!
Flame starting system (cold-starting aid)

Instrument panel
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000)
Overview
: Status indicator (yellow or red) B Reservoir pressure, brake circuit 2,

see page 29
; Driver Information System (FIS) display C STOP lamp, see page 39
Operating information D Multifunction display (MFD)
Warnings Gear indicator, see page 30
Display of malfunctions and failures of Trip odometer
electronic systems Time.
Driver Information System (FIS), see page 31.
= Indicator lamps, see page 49 E Fuel level gauge, see page 30
? Reservoir pressure, brake circuit 1, F Coolant temperature gauge
see page 29
A Function buttons for Driver Information System G Clock control buttons
(FIS), see page 31 H Auxiliary heater timer
Instrument panel, Actros 1 (up to 12/1999), see page 15.


Instrument panel

Reservoir pressure gauge for brake circuits 1 and 2
: Reservoir pressure, brake circuit 1

; Reservoir pressure, brake circuit 2
To ensure the operational safety of your vehicle a

reservoir pressure of about 10 bar is required in the
pressure circuits of the brake system.
The ancillary consumer circuit is filled only after
brake circuits 1 and 2 have been filled.
Risk of accident $
Leaks in the compressed air brake system put the operational safety of the vehicle at risk. If the reservoir
pressure in the compressed air brake system is too low, it is not possible to brake the vehicle or change gear.
You could cause an accident with possible injury to yourself and others.
Do not set the vehicle in motion until the required reservoir pressures have been reached and the STOP lamp
has gone out.
If the display shows J, do not start to move the vehicle or, if moving, stop it as quickly as possible taking
into account the traffic situation. In addition, the status indicator lights up red and the STOP lamp does not
go out.
Have the brake system checked and repaired as quickly as possible at a qualified specialist workshop

Instrument panel
Gear indicator
: Engaged gear
18 1st to 8th gear
N Transmission neutral
R Reverse gear
; Preselected gear
18 1st to 8th gear
= Engaged splitter group
/ High-speed splitter group
0 Low-speed splitter group
? Preselected splitter group
Fuel level gauge
: Fuel level gauge

M Check level on fuel level gauge :
and top up if necessary.
M Switch off the engine and the auxiliary heater be-
fore filling the reservoir.
Fuel reserve indicator

When the content of the fuel tank has dropped to
about 14%, the display shows 7. At the same
time the status indicator lights up yellow.

Instrument panel

Driver Information System (FIS)
The Driver Information System (FIS) informs the driver e.g. about operating information, warnings and
malfunctions, while driving.
Risk of accident $
Operating the Driver Information System (FIS) while driving can distract your attention away from what is
happening on the road. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
For this reason, only operate the Driver Information System (FIS) when the vehicle is stationary with the
parking brake applied.
Buttons
The Driver Information System (FIS) is operated using the buttons on the instrument panel. Do not press the
buttons until the automatic function test is complete.
Automatic function test

The warning buzzer sounds for about 2 seconds. At the same time all the indicator lamps light up briefly and
the display shows the last menu item set.
: RESET button
; Function buttons
T Cancel the display and return to the
next menu level up.
9 Scroll up in the active menu or select
function/setting.
: Scroll down in the active menu or
select function/setting.
S Select highlighted menu item or
information.

Instrument panel
Driver Information System (FIS) display
: Display
; Memory field
= Status indicator (yellow or red)
Operating information, warnings and malfunctions

can be shown in the display :. At the same time the
relevant segments of the status indicator ; light up
yellow or red.
When a malfunction/warning display is confirmed
with button T, the malfunction/warning display
moves to the memory field =.
Malfunctions within various electronic systems can be displayed sequentially (with each display lasting about
5 seconds). If there are multiple malfunctions in an electronic system, only the event with the highest priority is
displayed by the malfunction indicator.
? Display field (example)

A Status indicator segment
The fields ? of the display : are assigned

individual segments A in the status indicator =
which light up red or yellow according to the
information priority rating.
A warning buzzer may also sound in addition to the
display message, see page 86.
Display Status indicator Confirm display with function Malfunction class,

button T, see page 31 see page 36
Operating information yellow Display disappears 0
Operating yellow Display changes to the memory field 1
information/warnings
Malfunction Red Display changes to the memory field 2

Instrument panel

Menus
The menus each comprise a number of functions pertaining to the same subject. Certain menus can only be
selected when the vehicle is stationary.
+
The number and sequence of the menus depend on the vehicle version and the vehicle equipment.
Menu overview
Diagnosis Display of all diagnosable control units installed in the vehicle as well as
current and stored events.
see page 40
If there are no events, the display shows "Unavailable".
Overview of system abbreviations
Fault Info Malfunctions in memory field.
Settings Language
ART signal transmitter (Telligent distance control)
Display differential locks
Display NR (level control)
Display separation (activate and deactivate display with dashes)
Service Info Display maintenance system for general maintenance jobs according to the
vehicle load.
Check Info Axle load indicator
Engine oil pressure
Power take-off
Other check information
Engine operating hours
Engine oil level
Engine oil top-up quantity
Equipment Operating states of the differential locks and
Telligent level control.

Instrument panel
Selecting language
When the vehicle is delivered, the language of the

recipient country is set in the "Service Info" menu.
Service information can be displayed in 20
languages.
Operating information and further details
(instructions) can only be displayed in German and
English.
Displaying and changing the language setting
: RESET button
; Function buttons
Displaying the language setting

With the vehicle stationary:
M Press one of the function buttons ;.
M Use 9 or : button to select the "Service
Info" menu.
M Press S button.
M Press : button repeatedly until the language setting is shown in the display.
Changing the language setting

M With the language displayed, press and hold down the RESET button :.
M Press S button repeatedly until the desired language is shown in the display.
M Release RESET button :.
The most recently displayed language is saved.
Return to main display:
M Press T button to display the next menu level up.
M Return to the main display by pressing the T button repeatedly or by holding it down (about 5 seconds).
If none of the function buttons ; are pressed, the main display reappears automatically after about
30 seconds.

Instrument panel

Each malfunction in an electronic system (e.g. tachograph) is indicated by a display message, and is stored and
assigned to a malfunction class.
Malfunctions within various electronic systems can be displayed sequentially (with each display message lasting
about 5 seconds). If there are multiple malfunctions in an electronic system, only the display message with the
highest priority is shown.
In the event of failure or malfunction of an electronic system, the display shows either the system abbreviation
with a display message or the event code.
Display message with system abbreviation
: System abbreviation of electronic system,

see page 40
TCO: Tachograph
; Function restrictions (cause of malfunction)
Text message:
"Stop Vehicle Load Tachograph Disk"
= Location of malfunction:
6 Tractor vehicle
1 Trailer/semitrailer
? Further information is available.
M Press S button on instrument panel.
A Status indicator (yellow or red)

Instrument panel
Display with event code (example)
: System abbreviation of electronic system,

see page 40
"BS": Brake control
; Status indicator (red)
= 2 80 00 Event code
2 Malfunction class
The malfunction class is
either "0", "1" or "2", see page
36.
80 Fault path
00 Fault type
? Further information is available.
M Press S button on instrument panel.
Malfunctions within various electronic systems can be displayed sequentially (with each display message lasting
about 5 seconds). If there are multiple malfunctions in an electronic system, only the display message with the
highest priority is shown.
Risk of accident $
If a display message appears and the warning buzzer sounds at the same time, the operational safety of the
vehicle is at risk.
Have the malfunctions repaired immediately at a qualified specialist workshop possessing the required
expertise and tools in order to perform the necessary work.

Instrument panel

Malfunction class 0
: Status indicator yellow

; Malfunction class "0"
Have class "0" malfunctions repaired at a qualified

specialist workshop during the next service.
Malfunction class 1
: Status indicator yellow

The malfunction display reappears after the engine is

restarted. In the memory field, see page 32, display
messages for various electronic systems can be
shown sequentially (with each display lasting about
5 seconds).
If there are multiple malfunctions in an electronic
system, only the display message with the highest
priority is shown.
Risk of accident $
In the case of class "1" malfunctions, it may be that the handling and braking properties of the vehicle have
changed.
Adjust your driving style accordingly and drive with special care.
Follow the instructions and observe the additional information in the Driver Information System (FIS).
Have the cause checked and repaired as quickly as possible at a qualified specialist workshop possessing the
required expertise and tools in order to perform the necessary work.

Instrument panel
Malfunction class 2
: Status indicator red

The malfunction display reappears after the engine is

restarted. In the memory field, see page 32, display
messages for various electronic systems can be
shown sequentially (with each display lasting about
5 seconds).
If there are multiple malfunctions in an electronic
system, only the display message with the highest
priority is shown.
Risk of accident $
In the case of class "2" malfunctions, the operational safety of the vehicle is at risk. The handling and braking
properties of the vehicle may change.
If it is possible to drive on:
Continuing to drive may result in damage to the vehicle and is against the law.
If it is not possible to drive on:
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place taking into account the traffic situation
Follow the instructions and observe the additional information in the Driver Information System (FIS)
Have the affected system checked and repaired immediately at a qualified specialist workshop possessing
the required expertise and tools in order to perform the necessary work.

Instrument panel

STOP lamp
Risk of accident $
If the STOP lamp does not go out or if it lights up
while driving, the operational safety of the vehicle
is at risk.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible taking
into account the traffic situation.
Apply the parking brake and switch off the
engine.
Have the affected system checked and
repaired as quickly as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop possessing the required 1
expertise and tools in order to perform the
necessary work
Mercedes-Benz recommends a Mercedes-Benz

service center for this work. It is absolutely
essential that all safety-relevant work and all work
on safety-relevant systems is performed by a
qualified specialist workshop.

Instrument panel
Risk of accident $
If an electronic system fails, this is displayed by the abbreviations below. The handling and braking behavior
of the vehicle may change!

ABS Antilock brake system: M Drive with special care or tow the
vehicle away, see page 169.
stability of the vehicle may change.
AG Automatic gear selection M Fold out the clutch pedal and shift
M Drive with special care.
ART Autonomous intelligent cruise control: M Drive with special care.
Inoperative
BS Brake control: M Drive with special care or tow the
The braking behavior of the vehicle has changed
significantly. ABS is deactivated.
stability of the vehicle may change. Brake pedal
travel longer, brake pedal forces increased.
EAB Electronic trailer/semitrailer brake: M Drive with special care or tow the
stability of the vehicle may change. Brake pedal
travel longer.
EDW Anti-theft alarm system M Have the system repaired.
FFB Radio remote control M Lock/unlock the doors with the ve-
hicle key.
FLA Flame starting system (cold-starting aid): M Have the system repaired.
If temperatures are below 4 C, the starting
characteristics change.

Instrument panel

FR Drive control Activate engine limp-home mode:
M Apply parking brake and switch off
engine.
M If the engine speed is not sufficient
to start off or drive, tow the vehicle
away, see page 169.
GS Transmission control M If a gearchange is no longer possi-
ble, perform an emergency shift,
see page 126.
HPS Manual gearshift system (HPS) M Perform emergency shift,
see page 120.
HZR Heater control M Have the system repaired.
INS Instrument cluster: M Drive with special care.
Important information (warnings, malfunctions) can or
no longer be displayed. M Tow the vehicle away,
see page 169.
KOM Communications interface M Have the system repaired.
KS Clutch control M Drive with special care.
Vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift system M Fold out the clutch pedal and shift
KSA Comfort locking system M Have the system repaired.
MR Engine control: Activate engine limp-home mode:
Accelerator pedal inoperative and constant engine M Apply parking brake and switch off
speed below 1300 rpm. engine.
M If the engine speed is not sufficient
to start off or drive, tow the vehicle
away, see page 169.
NR Level control: M Drive with special care.
The handling of the vehicle may change (e.g. chassis
leans to one side, center of gravity changed).
PSM Parameterizable special module: M Have the system repaired.
Power take-off inoperative.
RS Retarder control M Drive with special care.

Instrument panel

SIL Seat electronics, left M Have the system repaired.
SIR Seat electronics, right M Have the system repaired.
SPA Lane Assistant M Have the system repaired.
SRS Supplemental restraint system M Have the system repaired.
TCO Tachograph M Have the system repaired.
WS Maintenance system M Have the system repaired.
WSK Torque converter clutch: M Tow the vehicle away,
see page 169.
The handling of the vehicle may change.
ZHE Auxiliary heater M Have the system repaired.
ZV Central locking M Lock/unlock the doors with the
vehicle key.

Instrument panel

Display messages
Display message with yellow status indicator

Display message Possible cause/consequence Possible remedy
Risk of accident $ M Stop the vehicle as soon as

The poly-V belt has snapped or the three- possible taking into account
the traffic situation.
phase alternator is defective.
M Switch off engine and apply
The voltage in the on-board electrical parking brake.
system has dropped below 22 V.
M Check poly-V belt.
The handling and braking behavior of the
M If the poly-V belt is OK, have
vehicle may change.
the electrical system checked
at a qualified workshop.
M If the poly-V belt has snapped,
notify a qualified workshop
and have the poly-V belt re-
placed.

The alternator is defective. possible taking into account
vehicle may change. parking brake.
M Have the electrical system
checked at a qualified work-
shop.
No monitoring of the trailer/ M Check and replace the appro-
semitrailer. priate fuse.
When switching on the lights: Bulb or M Check and replace the appro-
fuse for standing lamps, low beam priate bulb.
lamps, taillamps, license plate illumi-
nation or rear fog lamp is defective.
When braking: Brake lamp is
defective.
When signaling: Turn signal lamp is
defective.
After the instrument panel function
check: Fuse for brake lamps is
defective.
The oil level of the automatic engine oil M Top up.
refill system has dropped to about 3.5 l.

Instrument panel

Engine oil level has dropped to minimum M Top up.
fill level.
Coolant level has dropped about 2 l M Top up.

below the normal fill level.
Coolant temperature is too high. The M Demand less power from the
engine output is automatically reduced. engine.
M Make sure that the air supply
to the radiator is not obstruct-
ed.
Fuel level has dropped to about 14% of M Refuel.
maximum fill level.
The fluid level in the reservoir of the M Top up.

windshield washer/headlamp cleaning
system has dropped to about 1 l.
Risk of accident $ M Top up the compressed air sys-

The reservoir pressure for ancillary tem, fill from an external
source, see page 144, or tow
consumers has dropped below 5.5 bar.
the vehicle away,
The clutch can no longer be fully
see page 169.
disengaged and reliable gearchanges are
no longer possible.
Risk of accident $ M Drive with special care or tow

Fault in brake system of tractor unit or the vehicle away,
see page 169.
trailer/semitrailer.
vehicle may change.
The parking brake was not applied before M Apply parking brake.
engaging the PTO.
Vehicles with Telligent automatic
gearshift system: The parking brake was
not applied before switching off the
engine.

Instrument panel

Risk of accident $ M Fold out the clutch pedal and

Fault in Telligent automatic gearshift shift gears manually,
see page 123.
system. The warning buzzer sounds.
You cannot start the engine. M Wait until the warning buzzer
stops.
Immobilizer is activated.
M Turn the vehicle key in the igni-
tion lock all the way back.
M Repeat the start attempt after
about 2 seconds.
Display message with red status indicator


The poly-V belt has snapped or the three- possible taking into account
phase alternator is defective.
The voltage in the on-board electrical parking brake.
system has dropped below 22 V.
M If the poly-V belt is OK, have
vehicle may change.
the electrical system checked
M If the poly-V belt has snapped,
notify a qualified workshop
and have the poly-V belt re-
placed.
The engine oil pressure is too low. The M Stop the vehicle as soon as
warning buzzer sounds. The STOP lamp possible taking into account
lights up. the traffic situation.
The operational safety of the engine is at M Switch off engine and apply
risk. parking brake.
M Check engine oil level, see
page 90, and top up.

Instrument panel

Engine oil level has dropped about 2 l M Check engine oil level, see
below minimum fill level. The warning page 90, and top up.
buzzer sounds.
Risk of accident $ M Top up steering oil and drive

The oil level in the reservoir of the power with special care.
steering system has dropped to the
minimum fill level.
If more oil is lost, there is a risk of
accident because the vehicle will be
difficult to steer.
Four-axle vehicles: Steering circuit 2 has M Adjust your driving style. Re-
failed. duce speed before corners in
particular.
The vehicle can only be steered with
increased effort. M Have the steering system
shop.
Coolant level has dropped about 4 l M Stop the vehicle as soon as
below the normal fill level. The warning possible taking into account
buzzer sounds. the traffic situation.
parking brake.
M Top up coolant.
M Have the cooling system
checked for leaks at a qualified
workshop.
Risk of accident $ M Top up the compressed air sys-

Reservoir pressure tem or fill from an external
source, see page 144.
in brake circuit 1 or 2 has dropped
or
below 6.8 bar
in the spring-loaded brake and trailer M Tow the vehicle away, see
brake circuit is too low page 169.
or
Compressed air consumption too high
while maneuvering
Compressed air system leaking.
The operational safety of the vehicle is at
risk.

Instrument panel


The service limit of the brake linings has M Have the brake linings re-
been reached. placed at a qualified workshop
as quickly as possible.
The braking behavior of the vehicle may
change significantly.

Malfunction in brake system of trailer/ M Have the brake system
semitrailer. checked at a qualified work-
shop.
The handling or braking properties of the
vehicle may change.

Brake pressure limiting. M Have the brake system
The applied brake pressures no longer
shop.
correspond to the load state.
The braking behavior of the vehicle is
changed.
The retarder cannot be deactivated
during ABS control or when depressing
the accelerator pedal.
Vehicles with Telligent automatic M Leave the clutch to cool and

gearshift system: select a lower moving-off gear
if necessary.
Clutch overloaded: The permissible
operating temperature of the clutch
system has been exceeded. If the
moving-off or maneuvering process is not
ended within 5 seconds when the
warning buzzer sounds, the clutch may
overheat.

Instrument panel


Display failure. Important operating M Tow the vehicle away, see
information and warnings can no longer page 169.
be displayed.
vehicle may change.
The service date has been significantly M Perform service.
exceeded. M Have the service work per-
formed at a qualified work-
shop.

Instrument panel

Indicator lamps
Indicator lamp Description

Dumper body
Acceleration skid control "ASR" and Telligent stability control "SR"
Applicable for vehicle with Telligent automatic gearshift system:

Speed too high for automatic downshift brake!
Torque converter clutch
Flame starting system (cold-starting aid)
Cargo liftgate
Frequent-stop brake
Parking brake applied.
Permanent brake
Steering lock of hydraulically steered trailing axle.
Cab lock
Lane Assistant

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Overview: Actros 2
: Speedometer with display for B Reservoir pressure gauge for brake circuit 1 or 2,
trip mileage and total mileage see page 52
C Brake circuit 2 indicator lamp, see page 52
; Indicator lamps, see page 84 D Brake circuit 1 indicator lamp, see page 52
= STOP lamp, see page 64 E Button for instrument illumination brighter
? Display, see page 57 F Button for instrument illumination darker
A Tachometer with G RESET button
Ecometer H Button for confirming display messages
Clock I Button for resetting trip mileage to "0"
Outside temperature indicator.
J Fuel level gauge, see page 55
K AdBlue level gauge, see page 55


Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Overview: Actros 3
: Speedometer with display for B Reservoir pressure gauge for brake circuit 1 or 2,
trip mileage and total mileage see page 52
C Brake circuit 2 indicator lamp, see page 52
; Indicator lamps, see page 84 D Brake circuit 1 indicator lamp, see page 52
= STOP lamp, see page 64 E Button for instrument illumination brighter
? Display, see page 57 F Button for instrument illumination darker
A Tachometer with G RESET button
Ecometer H Button for confirming display messages
Clock I Button for resetting trip mileage to "0"
Outside temperature indicator.
J Fuel level gauge, see page 55
K AdBlue level gauge, see page 55


Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Reservoir pressure gauge for brake circuits 1 and 2
: Brake circuit 1 indicator lamp

; Brake circuit 2 indicator lamp
= Reservoir pressure gauge for brake circuit
1 or 2
To ensure the operational safety of your vehicle a

reservoir pressure of about 10 bar is required in the
pressure circuits of the brake system, or 11 bar in
vehicles with Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU),
see page 136.
The ancillary consumer circuit is filled only after
Reservoir pressure (example on Actros 2)
brake circuits 1 and 2 have been filled.
The brake circuit with the lowest reservoir pressure is displayed automatically by the appropriate indicator
lamp : or ;. The gauge = shows the reservoir pressure in this brake circuit.
+
You can check the reservoir pressure of both brake circuits in the Check Info menu under Reservoir
pressure.
Risk of accident $
has gone out.
go out.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Gear indicator
Telligent automatic gearshift system and Mercedes PowerShift (16-speed transmission)

The display shows the following information:
The engaged gear and the engaged splitter group :
The transmission mode ;
The active operating mode =.
: / High-speed splitter group

18 1st to 8th gear
R1, R2 Reverse gears 1 and 2
(Mercedes PowerShift)
R Reverse gear (Telligent
automatic gearshift system)
; E EcoRoll mode
P Power mode Gear indicator in display
= A Automatic mode
M Manual mode
Mercedes PowerShift (12-speed transmission)

Depending on the transmission version, the display shows the following information:
The engaged gear :
The transmission mode ;
The active operating mode =.
: 112 1st to 12th gear

N/E Transmission neutral, high-
/ speed splitter group
N/E Transmission neutral, low-
0 speed splitter group
R1R4 1st to 4th reverse gear
; E EcoRoll mode
P Power mode
= A Automatic mode
M Manual mode Gear indicator in display

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Telligent gearshift system (16-speed transmission)
The display shows information on the engaged gear

and the engaged splitter group : as well as on the
recommended or preselected gear with the
corresponding splitter group ;.

18 1st to 8th gear
R Reverse gear
Gear indicator in display

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Fuel/AdBlue level gauge
: AdBlue level gauge

; Fuel level gauge

M Check level on fuel/AdBlue level gauge and top
up if necessary.
M Switch off the engine and the auxiliary heater be-
fore filling the reservoir.
Fuel reserve indicator

When the content of the fuel tank has dropped to
Fuel/AdBlue level gauge
about 14%, the display shows 7. At the same
(example on Actros 2)
time the status indicator lights up yellow.
+
The fuel supply and range can be called up in the
Trip computer menu.
AdBlue level gauge
The AdBlue level gauge : only shows the 1 segment AdBlue level between reserve and
approximate AdBlue level. The AdBlue level is tank 1/4 full
indicated by 4 blue segments.
2 segments AdBlue level between
+ tank 1/4 and 1/2 full
The current AdBlue level, in liters, is only 3 segments AdBlue level between
displayed in the Check Info menu. tank 1/2 and 3/4 full
4 segments AdBlue level between
!
tank 3/4 full and tank full
If the AdBlue reservoir is empty or there is a
malfunction in the BlueTec exhaust + The current AdBlue level, in liters, is only
aftertreatment system, the indicator lamp ; displayed in the onboard computer menu under
lights up. In this case the vehicle must be Actros Info/Check Info, see page 60.
refueled with AdBlue or the fault must be
rectified immediately.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Onboard computer
The onboard computer informs the driver e.g. about fuel consumption, journey time, events, operating states,
service dates, malfunctions, fault causes and remedial action, while driving.
The onboard computer is operated using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and the buttons on the
instrument panel.
Operation
Risk of accident $
Operating the onboard computer while driving
can distract your attention away from what is
happening on the road. You could lose control of
the vehicle and cause an accident.
For this reason, only operate the onboard
computer when the vehicle is stationary with the
parking brake applied.
Onboard computer (example on Actros 3)
: Display B Telephone:
; Reset button: : Accept call/redial
Reset trip data 9 End call or direct access to telephone
Reset trip counter menu
= T Confirm display messages C VU

? ? RESET button: Scroll up/down in main menu
Confirm service work performed. Confirm display message
Change operating fluid data in menu Settings/ Return to main menu
submenu Operating fluids.
The most recently selected settings are saved
automatically.
A WX D Scroll in submenu (select function):
Adjust volume on audio device (radio and & Forward
telephone).
Back
Select submenus in the menus Language,
Actros 3:
Settings and Diagnosis.
Change values in the menus New SMS,
Actros 2:
Auxiliary heater, Alarm clock and Settings.
Change values in the menus New SMS, Call up data in the menu Diagnosis for service
Auxiliary heater, Alarm clock and Settings. personnel.
Call up data in the menu Diagnosis for service
personnel.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Display fields
: Basic display with speedometer and text

information (display messages, instructions
etc.)
; Symbols or system abbreviations, e.g. for
the ABS function check, display messages,
service indicators, malfunctions and status
indicator (white, yellow and red)
= Menu display or status indicator (white,
yellow or red)
? Operation indicator for level control
(vehicles with air suspension)
A Gear indicator (transmissions with
Telligent gearshift system, Telligent
automatic gearshift system or Mercedes
PowerShift)
B Reminder field (stored malfunctions or
received SMS messages)
C Operation indicator for differential locks
D Operation indicator for cruise control, speed
limiter, Telligent distance control, Active
Brake Assist
The fields of the display change automatically depending on the display type and priority rating (e.g. operation
indicators, display messages, menus).
Display fields may also be linked together.
If certain settings can be made in a menu, this is indicated in the display by the symbol . Settings are made
using the buttons W and X on the multifunction steering wheel.
Status indicator
Individual segments of the status indicator light up white, yellow or red to distinguish display messages
according to their priority rating. Display messages with yellow or red status indicator, (see page 66).

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Menus
The various main menus each comprise a number of functions pertaining to the same subject. Certain menus
can only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
+
The number and sequence of the menus depend on the vehicle model and the vehicle equipment.
Menu overview
Main menu Submenu

Actros Info Speed
Date
Clock
Check Info AdBlue level gauge
(see page 60) Coolant temperature
Brake system reservoir pressure
Oil level in engine
Operating hours
Axle loads
Cargo monitoring
Trailer ID number
Trip computer (trip data) After start
After reset
Diesel fuel tank
Driver 1
Maintenance Time-based servicing
Brakes A1-A4
Air filter
Air drier
Engine
X General
Transmission
Rear axle
Front axle
Retarder
Coolant
Transfer case
Event Info (see page 61) Malfunctions

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Main menu Submenu
Auxiliary heater Temperature
Set temperature
Heating duration
Set memory
Alarm clock Wakeup mode
Wakeup time
Language
Settings Configuration
Cargo monitoring
Clock
Units
Operating fluids
GS back-up mode
(transmission emergency
mode)
(see page 128)
Diagnosis (service
personnel)
Navigation (Audio APS 30)
Audio (radio) Base functions in radio\cassette or CD player mode.
SMS (FleetBoard)
Telephone

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Check Info menu

M Press buttons on multifunction steering wheel.
Menu: Actros Info/Check Info
Description
1. VU Main menu Check Info

2. &* 9 The AdBlue level is 90 l.
AdBlue tank 90 l The display shows the current AdBlue level in a bar
graph and in liters.
(example text)
9 The AdBlue supply is down to the reserve level.
AdBlue reserve
9 The AdBlue supply is exhausted.
AdBlue empty
9 The onboard computer cannot determine the AdBlue
level.
AdBlue tank --- l
2. &* Coolant temperature (C) The engine coolant temperature
(0...+120 C)
2. &* Reservoir pressure (\/ Reservoir pressure in brake circuit 1/brake circuit 2
^)
--.- bar / --.- bar
2. &* Oil level Engine oil level O.K. or top-up quantity or overfilled
O.K. or -.- l / >max. Oil level O.K. = Engine oil level OK
Oil level -.- l = Top-up quantity in liters
Oil level >max. = Engine oil level too high (overfilled)

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Menu Event Info
M Press buttons on multifunction steering wheel and on instrument panel.
Menu: Actros Info/Event Info
Description
1. VU Main menu Event Info Stored malfunctions: System

abbreviation, see page 65, or
symbol, see page 62,
malfunction location, function
restriction, instruction.
2. &* INS
Speed logging disrupted
Immediate service required
(example text)
3. T Press T button
(confirm display
or
message).
VU

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Display messages are operating information, fault messages or warnings that appear automatically in the
display. The status indicator lights up white, yellow or red depending on the priority rating. In addition to the
display message, an indicator lamp on the instrument panel may light up or the warning buzzer may sound.
Display messages can be canceled and called up at a later time in the Event Info menu. If an indicator lamp lights
up with the display message, it will not go out again even when the display message is confirmed.
If several events have occurred, the display messages are shown alternately. In the case of significant
malfunctions, the display message is backed up by the warning buzzer and the STOP lamp.
Display message with system abbreviation
: Status indicator (white, yellow or red)

; System abbreviation
= Location of malfunction:
6 Tractor vehicle
1 Trailer/semitrailer
? Function restrictions
A Instruction
B Reminder field for stored malfunctions
Display message with symbol
: Status indicator (white, yellow or red)

; Symbol
B Reminder field

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Confirm display message
M Press button T, V or U.
The display message disappears and can be called up in the Event Info menu, see page 61.
+
If the cause of the fault is not rectified when the engine is restarted, the display message reappears.
Risk of accident $
The operational safety of the vehicle may be compromised if there is a display message with yellow status
indicator.
Follow the instructions and observe the additional information in the display.
Have the cause checked and repaired as quickly as possible at a qualified specialist workshop possessing the
required expertise and tools in order to perform the necessary work.
Risk of accident $
The operational safety of the vehicle is compromised if there is a display message with red status indicator.
The handling and braking properties of the vehicle may change.
If it is possible to drive on:
Continuing to drive may result in damage to the vehicle and is against the law.
If it is not possible to drive on:
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place taking into account the traffic situation
Follow the instructions and observe the additional information in the display
Have the affected system checked and repaired immediately at a qualified specialist workshop possessing
the required expertise and tools in order to perform the necessary work.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Reminder field
In the reminder field the onboard computer displays appropriate symbols or system abbreviations as reminders
about display messages that have been confirmed. If several events are present that must be displayed by law,
they are displayed alternately.
Symbols in reminder field

, Collective symbol for malfunctions
BS Malfunction in Telligent brake system
* New SMS message
SRS Malfunction in supplemental restraint system (airbag, emergency tensioning retractor)
TCO Malfunction in tachograph
The events stored in the reminder field can be viewed in the Event Info menu, see page 61.
Status indicator
Segments of the status indicator light up yellow or red to distinguish display messages according to their priority
rating.
The status indicator lights up yellow for particular operating states (e.g. differential lock switched on) and
malfunctions of low priority (e.g. when a bulb is defective).
The status indicator lights up red for malfunctions of high priority, e.g. when the alternator is defective.
STOP lamp
: STOP lamp
Risk of accident $
If the STOP lamp does not go out or if it lights up while driving, the operational safety of the vehicle is at risk.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible taking into account the traffic situation
Switch off the engine and apply the parking brake

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Abbrevia- System Abbrevia- System

tion tion
ABA Active Brake Assist KSA Comfort locking system
ABS Antilock brake system MR Telligent engine control
AG Automatic gear selection MSF Modular switch panel
APU Air-processing unit NR Telligent level control
ART Telligent distance control PSM Parameterizable special module
BS Telligent brake system RAD Radio/navigation system
BTS Battery disconnect switch RS Retarder control
EAB Electronic trailer brake SPA Lane Assistant
EDW Anti-theft alarm system SRS Supplemental restraint system
FLA Flame starting system (cold-starting TCO Tachograph
aid)
FM Front module TEL Telephone, hands-free system
FR Drive control TMB Passenger door module
GM Base module TMF Driver door module
GS Telligent transmission control TP Telematics platform
HM Rear module WR Telligent roll control
HPS Manual gearshift system (HPS) WS Telligent maintenance system
HZR Heater control/air conditioning WSK Torque converter clutch
INS Instrument cluster ZDS Central data memory
KB Clutch operating system ZHE Auxiliary heater
KOM Communications interface ZL Telligent trailing axle
KS Clutch control

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Display messages
Display message with white status indicator

consequence
VP Active Brake Active Brake Assist is
Assist switched on.
Switched on
VP Active Brake Active Brake Assist is M Switch on Active Brake Assist.

Assist switched off.
Switched off
VP Active Brake Active Brake Assist may be M Pay particular attention to the traffic
Assist faulty, the antilock brake situation.
Cannot be system (ABS) may be M Brake the vehicle with the service
activated switched off or the brake brake.
system of the vehicle may
M Have the Active Brake Assist system
have a malfunction. checked at a qualified workshop.
Risk of accident $
You will not receive any
distance warnings if Active
Brake Assist is not switched
on. The vehicle will not be
braked automatically in
critical situations. Pay
particular attention to the
traffic situation.
Emergency Active Brake Assist had M Remove the vehicle from the danger
braking automatically initiated area as soon as possible taking into
complete! emergency braking account the traffic situation.
(emergency stop). M Switch off the engine and secure the
Emergency braking is vehicle with the parking brake to pre-
vent it from rolling.
complete.
M Check the condition of the vehicle
and check that the cargo is properly
secured.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
9P The fuel supply is exhausted. M Fill the fuel tank.
9P Top up AdBlue The AdBlue supply is down M Fill AdBlue tank.
to the reserve level.
9P Top up diesel The fuel supply is down to the M Fill the fuel tank.
reserve level.
9P Refuel diesel, The fuel supply is down to the M Fill the fuel tank.
refueling reserve level.
AdBlue
M To avoid the need for another refuel-
recommended ing stop, fill the AdBlue tank at the
same time.
9P Top up diesel The fuel and AdBlue supplies M Fill the fuel tank.
and AdBlue are down to the reserve level. M Fill AdBlue tank.
P The fluid level in the reservoir M Fill the reservoir of the windshield
of the windshield washer/ washer/headlamp cleaning system.
headlamp cleaning system
has dropped to about 1 l.
4N Left brake lamp The left brake lamp on the M Check and replace the appropriate
defective trailer/semitrailer is bulb (see operator's manual of trail-
(example) defective. er/semitrailer).
4P When switching on the M Check and replace the appropriate

lights: Bulb or fuse for fuse.
standing lamps, low beam M Check and replace the appropriate
lamps, taillamps, license bulb.
plate illumination or rear
+ Monitoring by the onboard computer
fog lamp is defective.
can be deactivated in some cases. If this
When braking: Brake lamp
is the case, a visual inspection by the
is defective.
driver is necessary!
When signaling: Turn
signal lamp is defective.
After the instrument panel
function check: Fuse for
brake lamps is defective.
0P 7.5l (example) The engine oil level is too low. M Add the oil quantity shown in the dis-
play.
If it is not possible to top up the
displayed oil quantity, the vehicle can
still be driven driving depending on
operating conditions. It is possible to
drive approximately another 2000-
6000 km or until the status indicator
lights up red.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
P Air filter A service date is due shortly. M Schedule the service for the due date.
01.04.04 3100
km
(example)
P Air filter A service date is due. M Have the service work performed at a
service due qualified workshop.
(example)
,P The coolant level has M Top up coolant.

dropped. M If the coolant level drops again, have
the cooling system checked for leaks
+P Malfunction of the air drier. M Have the air drier checked at a quali-
fied workshop.
:P Risk of accident $ M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
The reservoir pressure in the taking into account the traffic situa-
tion.
ancillary consumer circuit has
dropped below 5.5 bar. The M Apply parking brake.
gears can no longer be shifted M Run the engine until the display mes-
correctly. sage disappears and a sufficient res-
ervoir pressure is obtained.
M If the fault occurs frequently, have the
compressed air system repaired at a
qualified workshop.
:P Vehicles with Telligent M Stop the vehicle, taking into account
automatic gearshift system: the traffic situation.
The reservoir pressure in the M Apply parking brake.
ancillary consumer circuit is
M Switch off the engine and restart.
too low. The Telligent
automatic gearshift system is
inoperative.
BP Malfunction in the electronic Activate engine limp-home mode:
drive control.
M Stop the vehicle, taking into ac-
The accelerator pedal is count the traffic situation.
inoperative and the engine M Switch off engine and apply park-
runs in limp-home mode. ing brake.
The engine output is reduced. M Wait about 10 seconds and restart
the engine.
If the engine is still running in limp-
home mode: Have the fault rectified
at a qualified specialist workshop.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
BP The engine runs at a constant M Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
speed of 1300 rpm. Engine
limp-home mode is activated.
/P You cannot start the engine. M Repeat the start attempt after about
10 seconds.
The starter batteries are
Note that excessively long start attempts
discharged.
drain the batteries.
M Jump start the engine from another
vehicle.
/P Immobilizer You cannot start the engine. M Use a valid vehicle key or the spare
activated. key.
You have attempted to start
the engine 5 times with an + Any additional starting attempt with
invalid vehicle key. an invalid vehicle key increases the
waiting time by 1 more minute.
The immobilizer is activated.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
always carry a spare key in an easily
accessible location for emergencies.
FP The temperature at one wheel M Drive with special care.
brake of the tractor vehicle is M Shift to a lower gear and use the per-
too high. manent brake as much as possible to
The wheel brake may brake the vehicle.
overheat. M Have the brake system checked at a
qualified workshop.
FN Wheel brake The temperature at one wheel M Drive with special care.
overloaded brake on the trailer/ M Shift to a lower gear and use the per-
semitrailer is too high. The manent brake as much as possible to
wheel brake may overheat. brake the vehicle.
M Have the brake system checked at a
qualified workshop.
KN The cargo temperature set on M Have the cargo monitoring system
the cargo monitor in the checked at a qualified workshop.
trailer/semitrailer has been
exceeded or undershot.
LN The cargo pressure set on the M Have the cargo monitoring system
cargo monitor in the trailer/ checked at a qualified workshop.
semitrailer has been

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
MN The cargo fluid level set on the M Have the cargo monitoring system
cargo monitor in the trailer/ checked at a qualified workshop.
semitrailer has been
SN The ramp starting-off aid has M Observe the distance indicator in the
been switched on. display.
UP Clean distance The distance sensor is dirty. M Clean the lens of the distance sensor
sensor in the front bumper with clean water
and a soft cloth.
Do not use dry, rough or hard cloths
and do not rub or scratch the lens.
UP Distance The Telligent distance M Have the Telligent distance control
control: control is malfunctioning. checked at a qualified workshop.
Restrictions
possible
VP Active Brake Active Brake Assist is M Pay particular attention to the traffic
Assist unavailable. situation.
unavailable
The vehicle will not be braked M Brake the vehicle with the service
automatically in critical brake.
situations. You must brake M Have the Active Brake Assist system
the vehicle with the service checked at a qualified workshop.
brake.
VP Active Brake Active Brake Assist is M Pay particular attention to the traffic
Assist: malfunctioning. situation.
Function
restricted The vehicle will not be braked M Brake the vehicle with the service
automatically in critical brake.
situations. You must brake M Have the Active Brake Assist system
the vehicle with the service checked at a qualified workshop.
brake.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
GP Up to 05/2005: Risk of accident $ M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
Clutch: Vehicles with Telligent taking into account the traffic situa-
Failure. Use GS tion.
gearshift system/automatic
back-up mode M Apply parking brake.
gearshift system/Mercedes
As of 06/2005 PowerShift: Insufficient M Run the engine until there is sufficient
Clutch: reservoir pressure in ancillary reservoir pressure in the ancillary
Failure. consumer circuit. The consumer circuit again.
Service transmission can no longer
required The display message about the
shift. ancillary consumer reservoir pressure
disappears.
M Switch off engine.
M Wait about 10 seconds and restart
the engine.
M If the display still shows the display
message Clutch failure, perform
the "minor teach-in process", see
page 116.
M If the "minor teach-in process" is un-
successful, perform the "major teach-
in process", see page 118.
M If the "major teach-in process" is un-
successful, activate GS back-up
mode, see page 128.
GP Gearshift: Risk of accident $ M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
Failure. taking into account the traffic situa-
Perform major
Vehicles with Telligent
tion.
teach-in gearshift system/automatic
process gearshift system/Mercedes M Apply parking brake.
PowerShift: The transmission M Switch off engine and apply parking
can no longer shift. brake.
M Perform the "major teach-in process",
see page 118.
GP Gearshift: Risk of accident $ M Activate GS back-up mode,
Failure. Use GS see page 128.
back-up mode
gearshift system/automatic M Tow the vehicle away, see page 169.
gearshift system/Mercedes M Have the gearshift system checked at
PowerShift: Electronic system a qualified workshop.
of transmission control is
malfunctioning.
The transmission can no
longer shift.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
GP Parameter- Risk of accident $ M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
ization error. taking into account the traffic situa-
Perform major
tion.
teach-in gearshift system/automatic
process gearshift system/Mercedes M Switch off engine and apply parking
PowerShift: The transmission brake.
can no longer shift. M Perform the "major teach-in process",
see page 118.
0P Torque No CAN link to the FR. M Have the torque converter clutch
converter mode/ Information on idle and checked and repaired at a qualified
no accelerator kickdown speeds is missing. workshop.
shutoff
0P Torque Torque converter mode is -

converter activated.
activated
0P Torque There is a malfunction at the M Have the torque converter clutch

converter: solenoid valve of the torque checked and repaired at a qualified
Permanently converter clutch. workshop.
activated
0P Torque - M Have the torque converter clutch

converter: checked and repaired at a qualified
Restrictions workshop.
possible
0P Retarder lever! The function of the retarder is M Have the torque converter clutch
restricted. checked and repaired at a qualified
workshop.
The retarder is inoperative.
The retarder operates with no
function restrictions.
0P Retarder! The retarder cannot be shut M Have the torque converter clutch
off. checked and repaired at a qualified
workshop.
0P Valve! The retarder is inoperative. M Have the torque converter clutch
checked and repaired at a qualified
The retarder brake responds
workshop.
with a delay.
The torque converter is
permanently active.
0P Temperature The function of the retarder is M Have the torque converter clutch
sensor! restricted. checked and repaired at a qualified
workshop.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
0P Electronics! The function of the retarder is M Have the torque converter clutch
restricted. checked and repaired at a qualified
workshop.
0P Network! The retarder is inoperative. M Have the torque converter clutch
checked and repaired at a qualified
The torque converter is
workshop.
permanently active.
Torque converter mode/no
accelerator shutoff: No CAN
link to the FR. Information on
idle and kickdown speeds is
missing.
0P Retarder: The retarder lever is M Have the torque converter clutch
Restrictions inoperative. checked and repaired at a qualified
possible workshop.
There is a malfunction of the
temperature sensor.
0P Temperature of The vehicle was driven for too Shift to a lower gear in order to increase
torque long in torque converter the engine speed to over 1200 rpm.
converter mode. When the torque converter clutch is
clutch too high
closed, the indicator lamp X goes
out.
3P Risk of accident $ M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
The voltage in the on-board taking into account the traffic situa-
tion.
electrical system has dropped
below 22 V. The poly-V belt M Switch off engine and apply parking
has snapped or the alternator brake.
is defective. M If the poly-V belt is OK, have the elec-
trical system checked at a qualified
workshop.
change. M If the poly-V belt has snapped, notify a
qualified workshop and have the
poly-V belt replaced.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
The alternator is defective. taking into account the traffic situa-
tion.
M Switch off engine and apply parking
behavior of the vehicle may brake.
change.
M Have the electrical system checked at
a qualified workshop.
CN The braking Risk of accident $ M Have the brake system checked at a
behavior may qualified workshop.
change.
Malfunction in brake system
of trailer/semitrailer.
change.
Up to 05/ Risk of accident $ M Apply the parking brake when parking

2005: Parking brake is not applied. the vehicle.
MP The vehicle was parked with a
gear engaged and the parking
brake released. When the
engine is switched off, the
transmission automatically
shifts to neutral. This can
cause the parked vehicle to
roll away. This may cause
injury to yourself and others.
Up to 05/ Vehicles with parameterizable M Apply the parking brake before

2005: special module (PSM): switching on the PTO.
MP Parking brake is not applied.
The parking brake was not
applied before switching on
the PTO. This can cause the
parked vehicle to roll away.
This may cause injury to
yourself and others.
Up to 05/ Air filter A service date has been signif- M Have the service work performed at a
2005: Immediate icantly exceeded. qualified workshop.
service
P Risk of damage to the vehicle
(example) and its major assemblies.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
Up to 05/ Brake A1 Risk of accident $ M Have the brake linings replaced at a
2005: Immediate Due service work has not qualified workshop.
NP service been performed.
(example)
The service limit of the brake
linings or the brake disks has
been exceeded.
change.
6P The braking Risk of accident $ M Have the brake system checked at a

behavior may qualified workshop.
change. Visit a
Malfunction in the brake
workshop at the system of the vehicle.
first The handling or braking
opportunity.
change.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Display message with yellow status indicator and warning buzzer

consequence
0P Vehicles with Telligent M Shift to a lower gear to maneuver the
automatic gearshift system: vehicle or to move off.
;
The permissible operating M Finish the moving-off or maneuvering
temperature of the clutch has process as quickly as possible.
been exceeded. There is a risk
of clutch damage.
DP Coolant The coolant temperature is M Reduce speed and shift down to a
temperature too too high. The engine output is lower gear if necessary.
; high automatically reduced. M Make sure that the air supply to the
radiator is not obstructed.
/P CODE You cannot start the engine. M Wait until the warning buzzer stops.
; The immobilizer is activated. M Turn the vehicle key in the ignition
lock all the way back.
M Repeat the start attempt after about
2 seconds.
You cannot start the engine. M Use a valid vehicle key or the spare
key.
You have attempted to start
the engine with an invalid + After 5 invalid start attempts the
vehicle key. The immobilizer is display shows Immobilizer activated.
activate.
S; The ramp distance is less than M Observe the distance indicator in the
50 cm. display.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
As of 06/ Engage parking Risk of accident $ M Apply the parking brake when parking
2005 brake the vehicle.
Parking brake is not applied.
MP Vehicles with Telligent
automatic gearshift system
and Mercedes PowerShift:
The vehicle was parked with a
gear engaged and the parking
brake released. When the
engine is switched off, the
transmission automatically
shifts to neutral. This can
cause the parked vehicle to
roll away. This may cause
injury to yourself and others.
As of 06/ Engage parking Risk of accident $ M Apply the parking brake before
2005 brake switching on the PTO.
Vehicles with parameterizable
MP special module (PSM):
Parking brake is not applied.
The parking brake was not
applied before switching on
the PTO. This can cause the
parked vehicle to roll away.
This may cause injury to
As of 06/ Air filter - A service date has been signif- M Have the service work performed at a
2005 Immediate icantly exceeded. Risk of qualified workshop.
service damage to the vehicle and its
P (example) major assemblies.
As of 06/ Brake A1 - Risk of accident $ M Have the brake linings replaced at a
2005 Immediate qualified workshop.
service
Due service work has not
NP (example)
been performed.
linings or the brake disks is
past maximum.
change.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
$P The alternator or the poly-V M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible

belt is defective. taking into account the traffic situa-
tion.
M Switch off engine and apply parking
brake.
M If the poly-V belt is OK, have the elec-
trical system checked at a qualified
workshop.
M If the poly-V belt has snapped, notify a
qualified workshop and have the poly-
V belt replaced.
+P Power reduced There may be a fault in the M Shift the transmission manually.
exhaust aftertreatment M Confirm the display message.
system.
If the display message appears only
The indicator lamp ; temporarily, no action is required.
flashes. The engine output is
M Have the fault rectified at a qualified
reduced.
workshop.
automatic gearshift system/
Mercedes PowerShift: The
transmission switches to
manual mode.
+ P Service There is a fault in the exhaust M Have the fault rectified at a qualified
required aftertreatment system. The workshop.
permissible emission levels If the fault is not rectified, the
are exceeded. indicator lamp ; flashes and the
engine power is automatically
reduced the next time the vehicle
comes to a standstill.
If the exhaust aftertreatment system
operates properly over the course of
several journeys, the full engine
power is available again and the
indicator lamp ; goes out.
+ P Service The indicator lamp ; M Have the fault rectified at a qualified
required flashes. workshop.
The NOx sensor is defective.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
9P Power reduced The AdBlue supply is M Fill AdBlue tank.
Top up AdBlue exhausted. M Shift the transmission manually.
The indicator lamp ; M Confirm the display message.
flashes.
When the AdBlue supply is topped up,
The engine output is reduced. the display message does not reappear
Vehicles with Telligent the next time the engine is started. The
automatic gearshift system/ indicator lamp ; goes out. The full
Mercedes PowerShift: The engine power is available again.
transmission switches to
manual mode.
9P AdBlue empty The AdBlue supply is M Fill AdBlue tank.
exhausted. If the AdBlue supply is not topped up,
the indicator lamp ; flashes and the
engine power is reduced the next time
the vehicle comes to a standstill.
When the AdBlue supply is topped up,
the display message does not reappear
the next time the engine is started. The
indicator lamp ; goes out.
The full engine power is available again.
CN The braking Risk of accident $ M Continue driving with special care.
behavior is
changed
Malfunction in brake system M Have the brake system checked at a
of trailer/semitrailer. qualified workshop.
properties of the vehicle have
changed.
Up to 05/ The braking Risk of accident $ M Continue driving with special care.
2005: behavior is
changed
The full braking power is not M Shift to a low gear and use the perma-
1P available. nent brake as much as possible to
brake the vehicle.
As of 06/
2005 M Have the brake system checked at a
qualified workshop.
CN
6P Brake force Risk of accident $ M Continue driving with special care.
increased
Malfunction in the brake M Have the brake system checked at a
Pedal travel system of the vehicle. qualified workshop.
lengthened
Immediate
service properties of the vehicle have
required changed.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
NP Brake linings Risk of accident $ M Continue driving with special care.
fully worn
Due service work has not M Have the brake linings on the trailer/
been performed. semitrailer replaced at a qualified
workshop as quickly as possible.
linings or the brake disks on
the trailer/semitrailer is past
maximum.
change.
MN The handling Risk of accident $ M Continue driving with special care.

and braking
behavior may
The trailer/semitrailer is M Avoid heavy braking, except in emer-
change. braked automatically. gency situations, so that the wheels
of the trailer/semitrailer do not lock
up.
M Have the trailer/semitrailer checked
7P Malfunction in the retarder M Continue driving with special care.
control. M Have the retarder control checked at
The retarder is not a qualified workshop.
deactivated during ABS
control or when depressing
the accelerator pedal.
8N Malfunction in Risk of accident $ M Continue driving with special care.
trailer ABS
The antilock brake system M Avoid heavy braking, except in emer-
(ABS) in the trailer/ gency situations, so that the wheels
semitrailer is not functioning. of the trailer/semitrailer do not lock
There is a risk of excessive up.
braking at the trailer/ M Have the trailer/semitrailer ABS
semitrailer. checked at a qualified workshop.
.P The oil level in the reservoir of M Have the steering system checked at
the power steering system a qualified workshop.
has dropped to the minimum
fill level.
IP Four-axle vehicles: Steering M Adjust your driving style. Reduce
circuit 2 has failed. speed before corners in particular.
The vehicle can only be M Have the steering system checked at
steered with increased effort. a qualified workshop.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

consequence
/P The engine oil level is too M Have at least 2 liters of oil extracted
high. This can cause the at a qualified workshop. If too much
engine oil pressure to drop. oil is added, there is a risk of damage
The operational safety of the to the engine or catalytic converter
engine is at risk. (vehicles with BlueTec exhaust af-
tertreatment).
0P Converter temp. The vehicle was driven for too Shift to a lower gear in order to increase
long in torque converter the engine speed to over 1200 rpm.
mode. When the torque converter clutch is
closed, the indicator lamp X goes
out.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Display message with red status indicator and warning buzzer

consequence
; Risk of accident $ M Pay particular attention to the traffic
During an automatic distance situation.
warning it is absolutely M Brake the vehicle with the service
essential to brake the vehicle brake.
with the service brake when:
The display shows
with red status indicator
A double warning tone
sounds
A constant warning buzzer
sounds

taking into account the traffic situa-
; The CAN bus, the data
tion.
transfer system to the
instrument panel, has failed. M Switch off engine and apply parking
The display can no longer brake.
show important information M Notify a qualified specialist workshop.
concerning the operational
safety of the vehicle.
,P Coolant level has dropped 2 l M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible

below the normal fill level. The taking into account the traffic situa-
; tion.
operational safety of the
engine is at risk. M Switch off engine and apply parking
brake.
M Top up coolant.
M Have the cooling system checked for
leaks at a qualified workshop.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Display message with red status indicator and STOP lamp
consequence
OP Risk of accident $ M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
taking into account the traffic situa-
The reservoir pressure
tion.
in brake circuit 1 or 2 has
M Apply parking brake.
dropped below 6.8 bar
in the spring-loaded brake M Run the engine to top up the com-
and trailer brake circuit is pressed air supply.
too low M Do not continue to drive until the
STOP lamp has gone out.
M Have the compressed air brake sys-
vehicle is at risk. tem checked for leaks at a qualified
workshop.
Display message with red status indicator, warning buzzer and STOP lamp
consequence
.P The engine oil pressure is too M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
low. taking into account the traffic situa-
; tion.
brake.
M Check engine oil level, see page 90,
and top up.
M Notify a qualified specialist workshop.
0P 12.5 l The engine oil level is signifi- M Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
cantly too low. taking into account the traffic situa-
; (example)
tion.
brake.
M Check engine for leaks.
Contact a qualified specialist
workshop if there is visible oil
leakage. Make sure that escaping oil
does not contaminate the
environment.
M Add the oil quantity shown in the dis-
play immediately.

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)
Indicator lamps
Indicator lamp Function

G Turn signal indicator, tractor vehicle, left
I Turn signal indicator, trailer/semitrailer, left
H Turn signal indicator, trailer/semitrailer, right
J Turn signal indicator, tractor vehicle, right
M Low beam
K High beam
V Permanent brake
! Parking brake
x Frequent-stop brake
STOP lamp
H Cab lock
d Acceleration skid control (ASR)/Telligent stability control (SR)
W Permanent brake; Telligent automatic gearshift system
; Engine diagnosis
% Flame starting system (cold-starting aid)
Lane Assistant (SPA)
X Torque converter clutch (WSK)
Telligent trailing axle
Z Hill holder
G Dumper body
D Cargo liftgate

Instrument panel
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

Engine diagnosis indicator lamp
Risk of accident $
Always have service work performed at a qualified specialist workshop possessing the required expertise and
tools in order to perform the necessary work.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a Mercedes-Benz service center for this work. In particular, it is absolutely
essential that all safety-relevant work and all work on safety-relevant systems is performed by a qualified
specialist workshop. There is a risk of accident and injury if these jobs are not performed properly.
Problem Possible cause/consequence Possible remedy

The indicator lamp ; During the Instrument display check, the -
lights up briefly. indicator lamp ; lights up briefly and
goes out again if there is no malfunction.
The indicator lamp ; The AdBlue supply is exhausted or there M Fill AdBlue tank immedi-
flashes. is a malfunction. ately.
At the same time the display The engine output may be reduced.
shows a display message
with red status indicator:
9P
The indicator lamp ; The indicator lamp ; lights up. M Have the BlueTec exhaust
lights up. Emissions-relevant malfunction or fault in aftertreatment system
the BlueTec exhaust aftertreatment checked as quickly as possi-
system. This malfunction or fault could ble at a qualified specialist
result in damage or degradation of the workshop.
exhaust aftertreatment system.
The engine output may be reduced.

Warning buzzer
Warning buzzer
The warning buzzer sounds in addition to the operating information in the display.
Warning buzzer function (test circuit)

The warning buzzer sounds for about 2 seconds.
Overview of warning buzzer in addition to display message or indicator lamp
Warning buzzer ; sounds when Display Action
Engine oil level too low. 0 M Check engine oil level.

The STOP lamp lights up at the same Actros 1 (up to 12/1999), see page 89.
time. Actros 1 (as of 01/2000), see page 90.
The operational safety of the vehicle Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003), see page 91.
is at risk. Engine damage is possible.
Engine oil pressure too low. . M Tow the vehicle away, see page 169.
The STOP lamp lights up at the same
time.
The operational safety of the vehicle
Malfunctions in certain electronic Malfunction displays and display messages:

systems.
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999), see page 22.
The operational safety of the vehicle
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000), see page 43.
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003), see page 66.
Maximum permissible engine speed M If the warning buzzer sounds when shifting
exceeded. down, select a higher gear.
The operational safety of the vehicle M If the warning buzzer sounds when tow-starting,
is at risk. Engine damage is possible. reduce the towing speed or select a higher mov-
ing-off gear.
Coolant level too low or coolant , M Check cooling system for leaks.
temperature too high. M Top up coolant or tow the vehicle away if neces-
The operational safety of the vehicle sary, see page 169.

Warning buzzer

Permissible coolant temperature Up to 05/ M Demand less power from the engine.
exceeded. 2005: M Reduce speed and shift down to a lower gear if
D necessary.
As of 06/ M Make sure that the air supply to the radiator is

2005 not obstructed.
D
P
Actros 1: M Fold out clutch pedal, see page 123.
Telligent automatic gearshift system
when the clutch pedal must be folded
out.
If the service brake is released, the x M Apply parking brake.

vehicle key in the ignition lock is M Press bottom of frequent-stop brake switch.
turned all the way back or removed
The indicator lamp x in the instrument panel
and the frequent-stop brake is
goes out.
activated.
Risk of accident $
The parking brake must be applied in order to switch
off the engine. Otherwise the vehicle can roll away
unintentionally.
Malfunction in Active Brake Assist M Press top of Active Brake Assist OFF switch.
(ABA) The indicator lamp in the Active Brake Assist OFF
switch lights up red.
Active Brake Assist is switched off.
+ When the engine is restarted, the Active Brake
Assist is switched back on automatically.
Vehicle stationary and hill holder Z M Operate service brake; apply parking brake if
activated if no pedal actuation (clutch necessary.
or brake pedal) occurs. + The hill holder is merely an aid intended to
provide assistance when moving off.
Activated immobilizer. / M Wait until the warning buzzer stops.

P M Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock all the
way back.
M Repeat start attempt with a valid vehicle key or
spare key after about 2 seconds.
+ Any additional starting attempt with an invalid
vehicle key increases the waiting time by 1 more
minute. After 5 invalid start attempts the display
shows Immobilizer activated.

Warning buzzer
If reverse gear is engaged and there is S M Observe the distance indicator in the display.
an obstacle closer than 50 cm from M Increase the distance to the obstacle.
the vehicle rear.
+ If necessary, a second person should assist with
the maneuvering.
Telligent automatic gearshift system Up to 05/ M Leave the clutch to cool and select a lower mov-
when the clutch is overloaded. 2005: ing-off gear if necessary.
0
As of 06/
2005
0P
Display failure. 5 M Tow the vehicle away, see page 169.
+ The display can no longer show
important information concerning the
operational safety of the vehicle.
Damage of failure in the CAN bus, the 5P M Tow the vehicle away, see page 169.
data transfer system to the
instrument panel.
+ The display can no longer show
important information concerning the
operational safety of the vehicle.
If the lights are switched on and the M Switch off lights.

vehicle key is removed.
The seat belt on the driver seat is not M Buckle up seat belt.
buckled.
If reverse gear is engaged.
Telligent adaptive cruise control M Reduce speed and watch the traffic.
with risk of a collision.
Active Brake Assist distance
warnings.

Oil level in engine

Actros 1: Calling up the engine oil level/pressure on the display
Up to 12/1999
Checking engine oil level
To check the engine oil level the vehicle must be

parked on level ground. The engine oil level can be
called up on the display with the engine off or with it
running.
M Wait for the function test to finish.
M Press "SYSTEM" button once.
The display shows the operating information :.
M Press "INFO" button once.
The display shows the operating information,
either the top-up quantity, e.g. 4.5 l ;, or
engine oil level O.K. =. Add the oil quantity
shown in the display. The oil filler opening is
behind the maintenance flap. Do not overfill the
engine!
Checking engine oil pressure
M Start engine.
M Press "SYSTEM" button once or twice. 1
The display shows the operating hours :.
M Press "INFO" button twice. 2
The display shows the current engine oil
pressure ?.
Idle speed about 550 rpm = min. 0.5 bar. Rated 3
rpms about 1800 rpm = min. 2.5 bar

Oil level in engine
As of 01/2000
Checking engine oil level
To check the engine oil level the vehicle must be

parked on level ground. The engine oil level can be
called up on the display with the engine off or with it
running.
M If the outside temperature is displayed after the 1
function test, press any function button :.
M Use 9 or : button to select the Check
Info menu.
M Press S button.
M Use 9 or : button to select the Other
menu line.
M Press S button.
The display shows engine oil level O.K. or the top-
up quantity in liters. Add the oil quantity shown in
the display. The oil filler opening is behind the
maintenance flap. Do not overfill the engine!
Checking engine oil pressure

M Start engine.
M Press any function button :.
M Use 9 or : button to select the Check
Info menu.
M Press S button.
M Use 9 or : button to select the Oil pres-
sure menu.
M Press S button.
The display shows the current engine oil
pressure.
Idle speed about 550 rpm = min. 0.5 bar
Rated rpms about 1800 rpm = min. 2.5 bar

Oil level in engine

Actros 2/3: Calling up the engine oil level in the display
To check the engine oil level the vehicle must be parked on level ground and the engine must have been
switched off for at least one minute.
In order to receive as accurate a reading as possible, wait about 10 minutes if the engine is cold or about
1 minute if it is warm.
If the engine oil level is called up earlier, the display will not show the correct quantity. If the engine oil level is
called up while driving, the display always shows the engine oil level measured the last time the engine was off.
M Switch off engine and apply parking brake.
M Wait about 1 minute.
M Press the VU buttons on the multifunction steering wheel repeatedly until the Check Info is displayed.
M Press the &* buttons repeatedly until the display shows Oil level.
If the display shows
Oil level O.K. = Engine oil level OK
Oil level -.- l = Top-up quantity in liters
Oil level >max. = Engine oil level too high
(overfilled)
!
Only top up the engine oil when the display shows 0 with a yellow status indicator.

Fuel system
Overview of fuel system (example)
: AdBlue tank A Fuel filter

; Fuel tank with fuel pump unit B High pressure pumps
= Hand pump (example) C Fuel pump
Location of hand pump, see page 95.
? Injection nozzles D Engine control unit

Fuel system

Fuel tank
Main fuel tank
The main fuel tank is usually located on the right-

hand side of the vehicle frame.
The main fuel tank can be recognized by the fuel
pump unit.
Additional fuel tank
Additional fuel tanks may be mounted on the left or

right side of the vehicle frame. They are identifiable
by a cap with vent line or by a fuel pump unit with no
electrical connection.

Fuel system
Combination tank
Filler neck
: Diesel fuel
; Hydraulic fluid
The combination tank consists of two separate 2

chambers for diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid.
+ 1
It is possible for the hydraulic tank to be installed
separately.
AdBlue tank
The AdBlue tank is on the right-hand side of the

vehicle frame and is identifiable by its blue cap.
AdBlue is a noncombustible, nontoxic, colorless,
odorless and water-soluble liquid.
!
Only use AdBlue that conforms with
DIN 70 070. Special additives are not
permissible.
If AdBlue comes into contact with painted or
aluminum surfaces during refueling, rinse off the
affected areas immediately with plenty of water.
(example)
Risk of injury $
Please make sure that:
AdBlue does not come into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
AdBlue is kept away from children
If you or others have come into contact with AdBlue:

In the event of eye contact, flush out the eyes immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical
attention if necessary
Wash affected areas of the skin with plenty of clean water
If AdBlue has been swallowed, rinse out the mouth immediately with plenty of clean water and drink
plenty of water. Seek medical attention if necessary.

Fuel system

Hand pump (location)
Vehicles are fitted with either the hand pump : or

the fuel prefilter with heated water separator ;.
A hand pump is integrated into the top section of the
fuel prefilter housing ;.
+
The installation location varies depending on
version.
: or ? Hand pump
; or = Fuel prefilter with heated water separator

Fuel system
Bleeding the fuel system
System without fuel prefilter
M Check whether the filter in the sightglass : of

the hand pump is heavily clogged.
M If the filter is heavily clogged: Unscrew
sightglass : using a wrench (size 19 mm) and
clean filter.
M Start engine and run for about 1 minute.
The fuel system bleeds itself automatically.
If the engine stops or fails to start after about
1 minute:
M Bleed the fuel system with the hand pump.
!
Bleeding the fuel system by running the starter
for a long time is not permissible. Long starting
procedures can damage the starter.
Bleeding the fuel system with the hand pump
M Remove cap of fuel tank.

M Release handle of hand pump ; by turning
counterclockwise. 2
M Operate hand pump (about 100 times) until a no-
ticeable resistance can be felt.
M Press handle of hand pump ; all the way down
and tighten by turning clockwise.
M Close cap of fuel tank.
1

Fuel system

System with fuel prefilter
M Before bleeding, check whether water has settled

in the sightglass :. 3
If water has settled in the sightglass :, drain 4
water from fuel system.
M Close knurled screw ? on fuel prefilter.
M Place a container under drain screw ;.
M Slacken drain screw ;.
M Operate hand pump = and collect the water/
fuel mixture. 1
M Tighten drain screw ;. 2
M Open knurled screw ? on fuel prefilter.
M Remove cap of fuel tank.

M Slacken bleed screw A.
M Check that the knurled screw ? is at "FUEL ON".
M Place receptacle underneath.
M Operate hand pump =.
M Bleed until the fuel emerges free of bubbles. If no
fuel emerges, refuel main fuel tank with diesel
and repeat the procedure.
M Tighten bleed screw A.
M If the system is completely empty, operate hand
pump = about 200 times (to bleed the fuel sys-
tem).
M Fit and tighten cap of fuel tank.
M Start engine.
Environmental warning %
Dispose of the water/fuel mixture properly

without contaminating the environment.

Electrical system
Overview of electrical system
: Batteries arranged one above the other A EMERGENCY OFF switch on the instrument
panel, see page 100
; Batteries arranged side by side B EMERGENCY OFF switch on right wheel well,
see page 101
= Batteries in rear of vehicle C RESET switch (export vehicles for France), see
in semitrailer tractors with integral rear end page 101
? Batteries behind the cab D Jump-start connection point
on heavy-duty tractor units (SLT) (semitrailer tractors with integral rear end), see
page 103

Electrical system

EMERGENCY OFF switch
Vehicles used to transport hazardous goods may be equipped with 2 EMERGENCY OFF switches depending on
their ADR classification. The switches are used to interrupt the power supply in an emergency. This prevents
short circuits with sparks which may ignite a fire or an explosion.
Risk of accident $
Press the EMERGENCY OFF switch only in the event of danger and only when the vehicle is stationary; never
while driving.
The EMERGENCY OFF switch kills the engine automatically, i.e. the power steering is inoperative as well. The
vehicle can only be steered with increased effort.
In addition the power supply to all important electrical consumers (e.g. vehicle lights, antilock device etc.) is
interrupted. The operational safety of the vehicle is compromised and there is a greater risk of accident.
If the power supply is interrupted with the EMERGENCY OFF switch while the anti-theft alarm system is active,
the anti-theft alarm system triggers an alarm.
Deactivating anti-theft alarm system (EDW)
d Actros 1
e Actros 2/3
: Switch
; Indicator lamp
M Unlock driver door with vehicle key.

or
M Unlock vehicle with radio remote control.
or
M Press switch : in switch unit on dashboard.
The vehicle key in the ignition lock must be turned all the way back or removed.
Canceling the alarm

M Press % button on radio remote control.
or
M Unlock driver door (hold vehicle key in unlock position)
or
M Press top (Actros 2/3) or bottom (Actros 1) of switch :.

Electrical system
EMERGENCY OFF switch on the instrument panel
EMERGENCY OFF switch, Actros 1 EMERGENCY OFF switch, Actros 2
Interrupting the power supply

M Open cover.
M Pull out switch pin.
All consumers are disconnected from the battery
with the exception of the tachograph.
Restoring the power supply

M Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock all the
way back.
M Press cover of EMERGENCY OFF switch down un-
til it clicks into place.
EMERGENCY OFF switch, Actros 2/3
The power supply to all consumers is restored.

Electrical system

EMERGENCY OFF switch behind the cab on the right wheel well
Interrupting the power supply
M Open cover.
M Swing switch lever ; up.
All consumers are disconnected from the battery
with the exception of the tachograph.
Restoring the power supply

way back.
M Press cover down until it clicks into place.
The power supply to all consumers is restored.
Vehicles with RESET switch
(export vehicles for France)

The RESET switch : is on the battery supporting
frame.
If an EMERGENCY OFF switch has been operated,
press the RESET switch : before restarting the
vehicle:
M Switch off both EMERGENCY OFF switches. 1
M Open cover of RESET switch.
M Swing switch lever to the left.
M Press cover all the way to the right.
The RESET switch : is automatically restored to
the basic position and the vehicle is operational
again.

Electrical system
Jump starting
When the vehicle batteries are flat, another vehicle can be used to jump start the engine.
Risk of injury $
Charging batteries produces explosive oxyhydrogen gas. For this reason, always ensure good ventilation
when working on batteries.
Do not use fire or open flames near batteries, and do not smoke.
Avoid producing sparks (e.g. when disconnecting the batteries). Sparks can ignite the oxyhydrogen gas and
cause the batteries to explode. You and others could be seriously injured.
Risk of injury $
While jump starting, there is a risk of caustic burns due to gases escaping from the batteries. Do not lean
over the batteries when jump starting.
!
Do not use a quick charger for jump starting.
Discharged batteries may freeze at temperatures of 10 C. In this case do not start the engine. Let the
battery thaw out first. Only jump start from vehicles with 24 V system.
Use jumper cables that are protected against reverse polarity and have a cross section of about 35-50 mm
and insulated terminal clips.
Before jump starting with a mobile charging station (battery with power supply unit), pull the mains plug.
Overvoltages can damage electronic components in the vehicle.
!
Before jump starting, the condition of the batteries must be checked.
The vehicle must not be jump started when the batteries
are visibly damaged
are frozen
or the fluid level has dropped below "Min." (see "Min./Max." mark on battery housing).
Replace the batteries.

Discharged batteries may freeze at temperatures of 10 C. In this case do not start the engine. Let the
battery thaw out first.
Do not use a quick charger for jump starting.
Only jump start from vehicles with 24 V system.
Use jumper cables that have a cross section of about 3550 mm and insulated terminal clips.
Before jump starting with a mobile charging station (batteries with power supply unit), pull the mains plug.
Overvoltages can damage electronic components in the vehicle.

Electrical system

Semitrailer tractors with batteries integrated in the vehicle rear do not need to be uncoupled for jump starting.
They are equipped with a jump-start socket on the left side of the vehicle. Location of batteries and jump-start
socket, see page 98.
Jump-start socket
(semitrailer tractors with integral rear end)
: Positive terminal cover (red)
; Negative terminal cover (black)
M Before jump starting, disconnect all mobile com-

munications systems, such as telephone, two-
way radio, fax etc., from the electrical system.
M Make sure that the vehicles do not touch.
way back.
M In vehicles used to transport hazardous goods, check that the EMERGENCY OFF switches are switched off
and that the RESET switch (export vehicles for France) has been operated.
M Switch off all electrical consumers.
M Vehicles with jump-start connection point: Remove covers on positive terminal : and negative terminal ;.
M Vehicles with batteries mounted at the side on the chassis frame: Remove battery cover.
M Connect first the positive terminals and then the negative terminals with the jumper cables.
!
Do not connect the ground cable to the vehicle frame. This can cause damage to the engine or transmission
components.
Vehicle supplying power:

M Run the engine at a high speed.
Vehicle receiving power:
M Turn vehicle key in ignition lock to drive position. On vehicles with cold-starting aid, make sure that the indi-
cator lamp % goes out.
M Start engine and run at idle speed.
!
When removing the jumper cables, the engine of the vehicle receiving power should only be running at idle
speed. This prevents voltage spikes. If the batteries are deeply discharged, wait a few minutes before
removing the jumper cables.
M Remove jumper cables first from the negative terminals and then from the positive terminals.
M Have the batteries checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz service center.

Electrical system
Risk of accident $
When towing or recovering a vehicle with a gear engaged, the engine can start unintentionally and the vehicle
could drive off out of control. You could cause an accident with possible serious or fatal injury to yourself or
others.
Before towing or recovering, make sure that the ignition in the vehicle is switched off and that no gear is
engaged.
Disconnect the battery if:
the ignition cannot be switched off
the batteries are deeply discharged
the cab is not accessible, e.g. due to an accident

Electrical system

Batteries
Risk of explosion/injury $
A Risk of explosion
Charging batteries produces explosive oxyhydrogen gas. Batteries should only be charged in well-
ventilated rooms.
D Risk of explosion
Avoid producing sparks! Do not use fire or open flames near batteries, and do not smoke.
B Battery acid is corrosive.

Wear acid-proof protective gloves! Splashes of acid on the skin or clothing should be neutralized
immediately with soapy water or an acid neutralizer, and then rinsed with water.
E Wear eye protection. When mixing water and acid the fluid can splash into your eyes. If acid splashes
in the eyes, flush it out immediately with clean water and seek medical attention without delay!
C Keep children away. Children are incapable of appreciating the dangers of handling batteries and
acid.
F When handling batteries, always comply with the safety information, precautions and procedures
contained in the operating instructions.
Environmental warning %
K Batteries contain pollutants. Old batteries must not be discarded with household refuse.
I Dispose of batteries in an environmentally acceptable way. Hand in batteries to a specialist

workshop, a Mercedes-Benz service center or a recycling station for used batteries.
Full batteries must be transported and stored upright. Secure batteries to prevent them from tipping
over while transporting. Battery acid can escape from the blow holes of the stop plugs and
contaminate the environment.

Electrical system
Disconnecting and connecting batteries

Location of batteries, see page 98.
On vehicles with batteries at the rear (semitrailer tractors with batteries integrated at the rear and integral rear
end), the batteries are only accessible after uncoupling the semitrailer.
Risk of injury $
There is a risk of short circuit if the positive terminal of the connected battery comes into contact with vehicle
parts. This can cause the highly volatile gas mixture to ignite. You and others could be seriously injured.
Never place any metal objects or tools on the batteries
When disconnecting the batteries, always disconnect first the negative and then the positive terminal
When connecting the batteries, always connect first the positive and then the negative terminal
Never disconnect or connect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
Disconnecting batteries
!
Vehicles with BlueTec exhaust aftertreatment:
Wait at least 5 minutes after switching off the
engine before disconnecting the battery.
This period is necessary to ensure proper
operation of the exhaust aftertreatment system
after restarting.

way back and remove.
M Remove battery cover.
M Disconnect negative terminal :.
M Disconnect positive terminal ;.
Connecting batteries
M Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock all the way back and remove.
M Connect positive terminal ;.
Do not mix up the terminals!
M Connect negative terminal :.
After a power interruption, perform the following work:
M Set clock.
M Deactivate anti-theft system on audio device (radio) (see manufacturer's operating instructions).

Electrical system

Battery tray
Vehicles with low bodies may be fitted with a battery tray. This can be used to check the batteries.
!
Disconnect the battery terminals before pulling out the battery tray!
Pulling out battery tray
M Disconnect batteries.
M Unscrew bolts : using wrench (size 13 mm).
M Pull out battery tray.
1 1
Removing/installing batteries (vehicles with batteries arranged one above the other)
Risk of injury $
Batteries are very heavy. When removing or installing a battery, it may fall and cause injury to yourself and
others.
For this reason be especially careful when removing the battery and get a second person to assist.
M Observe the safety information, see page 105.
Removing batteries
+
To remove the battery, unscrew only the marked
bolts on the retaining frame on the battery
carrier. The bolts on the inside join the parts of
the retaining frame together and must not be
unscrewed.
M Disconnect negative and positive terminals on

both batteries, see page 106.
M Unscrew bolts :.
M Remove retaining frame ;.
M Remove upper battery.

Electrical system
M Unscrew bolts =.
M Remove retaining frame ?.
M Remove lower battery.
Installing batteries
M Install lower battery and fit retaining frame ?.
M Secure retaining frame ? with bolts =.
M Install upper battery and fit retaining frame ;.
M Secure retaining frame ; with bolts :.
M Connect positive and negative terminals on both
batteries, see page 106.

Gearshift

Overview of gearshift
Manual gearshift system (HPS) (see page 110)
Telligent gearshift system (see page 111)
Actros 1 Actros 2/3
Telligent automatic gearshift system and Mercedes PowerShift (see page 113)
Actros 1 Actros 2/3

Gearshift
Manual gearshift system
The manual gearshift system (HPS) is a manually

operated gearshift system. It is arranged as a double
H shift. The shift ranges are divided into:
The low-speed shift range "L"; it comprises:
The reverse gear "R"
Forward gears 1 to 4
The high-speed shift range "H"; it comprises:
Forward gears 5 to 8
The splitter groups with the switch on the front of
the gearshift lever.
The additional gear ratios allow a total of 16
forward gears and 2 reverse gears to be shifted.
The manual gearshift system (HPS) has two dedicated hydraulic circuits. The gears can be shifted hydraulically
irrespective of the battery voltage and the compressed air supply. The splitter group and range group are shifted
electropneumatically.
Risk of accident $
There is a risk of accident if there is a pressure loss in the ancillary consumer circuit. You may not be able to
operate the clutch or change gears properly, and may not be able to escape from danger areas quickly
enough.
If the display shows : and the status indicator lights up yellow, do not start to move the vehicle or, if
moving, stop it as quickly as possible taking into account the traffic situation.
Have the compressed air system checked and repaired as quickly as possible at a qualified specialist
workshop possessing the required expertise and tools in order to perform the necessary work.

Gearshift

Telligent gearshift system
The Telligent gearshift system has 16 forward gears and 2 reverse gears.
The gears can be selected either by the electronics or by the driver.
A shift noise can be heard from the central speaker when each shift operation is completed.
Risk of accident $
enough.
Actros 1 Actros 2/3
d Left-hand drive vehicles

e Right-hand drive vehicles
: Neutral button
; Gearshift lever
Move forwards: Upshift.
Move backwards: Downshift/reverse gear.
= Function button
? Half-gear switch
Pull up: Upshift 1/2 gear.
Push down: Downshift 1/2 gear.

Gearshift
Starting off
Only 1st to 4th gear or reverse gear can be shifted from neutral in order to move off.
M Depress brake pedal or apply parking brake.
M Fully depress clutch pedal.
M Press function button =, hold down and push gearshift lever ; forward.
The Telligent gearshift system shifts to 1st gear (Actros 1) or 2nd gear (Actros 2/3).
The gearshift is complete when a shift noise is heard from the central speaker and the display shows the
engaged gear.
M Release brake pedal or parking brake.
M Release clutch pedal and slowly depress accelerator pedal.
Neutral position
The gearshift is complete when the display shows N.
M Press and hold down neutral button :.
The N indicator flashes in the display.
M Release clutch pedal and neutral button :.
When the transmission is in neutral, only the splitter group is changed when the half-gear switch is pressed.
Reverse gear
M Press and hold down function button =.
M Pull gearshift lever ; backward until resistance can be felt.
The gearshift is complete when a shift noise is heard from the central speaker and the display shows R.
Vehicles with backup warning system: The backup warning system sounds.
M Release clutch pedal and slowly depress accelerator pedal.

Gearshift

Telligent automatic gearshift system and Mercedes PowerShift
Risk of accident $
enough.
Actros 1 Actros 2/3

Telligent automatic gearshift system (16-speed Telligent automatic gearshift system (16-speed
transmission) transmission)
d Left-hand drive vehicles

e Right-hand drive vehicles
: Neutral button ? Function button
; Mode selector switch A Half-gear or gear switch
M Manual mode Pull up:
A Automatic mode 12-speed: Upshift 1 gear
16-speed: Upshift 1/2 gear
= Gearshift lever Push down:
Move forwards: Upshift. 12-speed: Downshift 1 gear
Move backwards: Downshift/reverse gear. 16-speed: Downshift 1/2 gear

Gearshift
Operating modes
In vehicles without fleet mode and vehicles with 16-

speed transmissions you can choose between
2 operating modes. Vehicles with fleet mode are
always in automatic mode. There is no mode
selector button on the shift control unit.
Automatic mode:
M Press mode selector button.
or
M Move mode selector switch to position A.
The display briefly shows auto..
The electronic system automatically controls the clutch operating system and shifts the gears in relation to:
Vehicle load
Engine speed
Accelerator pedal position
Operating state of the permanent brake
Gradient of the road.
Manual mode:
M Press mode selector button.
or
M Move mode selector switch to position M.
The display briefly shows man..
The driver can now control the shift point and direction of every shift operation.
Risk of accident $
When driving off-road or with the differential lock engaged in automatic mode A, shift operations performed
by the electronic system can lead to undesirable interruptions of the tractive power. The power flow is
interrupted and the vehicle may roll back on uphill gradients, for example, causing an accident.
Never drive off-road with the differential lock engaged in automatic mode A.
For this sort of driving, always select manual mode M in order to be able to initiate the gearchanges yourself
according to the driving situation.

Gearshift

Starting off (automatic mode)
M Press function button ?, hold down and push gearshift lever = forward.
The electronic system shifts to a suitable moving-off gear according to the vehicle load.
The gearshift is complete when the display shows the engaged gear.
M Release brake pedal or parking brake and slowly depress accelerator pedal.
Starting off (manual mode)

M Press function button ?, hold down and push gearshift lever = forward.
The electronic system shifts
to 1st gear (Actros 1)
or
to 2nd gear (Actros 2/3, 16-speed
transmission)
or
to 3rd gear (Actros 2/3, 12-speed
transmission)
The gearshift is complete when the display shows the engaged gear.
M Release service or parking brake and slowly depress accelerator pedal.
Neutral position
M Press neutral button :.
The gearshift is complete when the display shows N.
Reverse gear
M Press function button ?, hold down and pull gearshift lever = backward until resistance can be felt.
The gearshift is complete when a shift noise is heard from the central speaker and the display shows reverse
gear.
R in vehicles with Telligent automatic
gearshift system
R1 in vehicles with Mercedes PowerShift
Vehicles with backup warning system: The backup warning system sounds.
M Release brake pedal or parking brake and slowly depress accelerator pedal.

Gearshift
Teach-in process
Vehicles with Telligent gearshift system, Telligent automatic gearshift system and Mercedes PowerShift:
The teach-in process can be performed in order to restore proper operation following maintenance or repair
work or after a fault.
The reservoir pressure must be sufficient. The display message : must not be shown in the display.
If the teach-in process is aborted prematurely, the display shows a message. In this case, make a note of the
fault code for the service personnel (the fault code is not stored).
If the gear control (GS) aborts the teach-in process:
M Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock all the way back and wait at least 5 seconds.
M Repeat teach-in process.
In vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift system or Mercedes PowerShift, the clutch is operated automat-
ically.
Extract from fault code list, see page 119.
Minor teach-in process
Vehicles with Telligent gearshift system

M Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock all the way back.
M Fully depress clutch pedal within 3 seconds and hold down.
M Press and hold down neutral button on shift control unit.
A signal tone and a shift noise can be heard from the central speaker and the arrows for the splitter group in
the display flash alternately.
M Release clutch pedal.
A signal tone and a shift noise can be heard from the central speaker.
The teach-in process is complete when the display shows N.
M Release clutch pedal and neutral button on shift control unit.
Vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift system

M Release neutral button on shift control unit.

Gearshift

Vehicles with Mercedes PowerShift
A signal tone can be heard from the central speaker, the display shows N and the arrows for the splitter group
flash alternately.
M Start engine.
A signal tone can be heard from the central speaker.
M Release neutral button on shift control unit.

Gearshift
Major teach-in process

The major teach-in process is necessary when
The GS control unit or the engine has been replaced
The display shows a message with the fault code a 2 1011.
After the display: Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock all the way back, wait about 5 seconds and then
turn it back to the drive position.
The display shows a message with the fault code a 2 8093.
Vehicles with Telligent gearshift system

M Press and hold down neutral button and function button on shift control unit simultaneously.
M When the display shows N, start the engine.
M An acoustic signal and a shift noise can be heard from the central speaker.
M The teach-in process is complete when the display shows N (large).
M Release clutch pedal, neutral button and function button.
Vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift system or Mercedes PowerShift

M Press and hold down neutral button and function button on shift control unit simultaneously.
A signal tone can be heard from the central speaker, the display shows N (small) and the arrows for the
splitter group flash alternately.
M Start engine.
A signal tone can be heard from the central speaker and the display shows N (large).

Gearshift

M Release neutral button and function button.
If the display messages do not disappear after the teach-in process, activate GS backup mode, (see page 128).
Have the gearshift system checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz service center.
Extract from fault code list
Fault code Cause Remedy

GS 06-GS 18 / Teach-in errors M Repeat teach-in process.
GS 27/ GS 29/ If this fault code reappears after the teach-in
GS 32 process, have the fault rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop possessing the required
expertise and tools in order to perform the
necessary work. Mercedes-Benz recommends
a Mercedes-Benz service center for this work.
GS 19 Vehicle rolling. M Apply parking brake.
GS 20 The display shows U <<<. M Charge or replace the battery.
GS 21 The clutch pedal was released too early M Depress and release the clutch pedal at the
or too late during the teach-in process. right time (listen for the warning buzzer).
GS 22 The neutral button was not released M Press and hold down neutral button.
during the teach-in process.
GS 23 Teach-in errors M Perform major teach-in process.
GS 24 Parking brake not applied during the M Apply parking brake.
teach-in process.
GS 25 Emergency shift operated during M Do not operate emergency shift.
teach-in process.
GS 26 Engine running M Minor teach-in process: Switch off the engine.
M Major teach-in process: Do not start the en-
gine until the transmission neutral position N
flashes.
GS 28 Engine was not started. M Do not start the engine until the transmission
neutral position N flashes.
GS 30 The accelerator pedal was depressed M Do not depress the accelerator pedal during
during the teach-in process. the teach-in process.
GS 31 The clutch pedal was not fully M Repeat teach-in process.
depressed during the teach-in process.

Gearshift
Emergency shift of manual gearshift system (HPS)
: Shift transmitter = Gear cylinder

; Expansion reservoir ? Gate cylinder
Risk of injury $
Perform the emergency shift at the transmission only when the vehicle is stationary, the parking brake is
applied and the engine is off. The vehicle key in the ignition lock must be turned all the way back.
If a gear is engaged while the engine is running, this can cause transmission damage and the vehicle may
move off suddenly and uncontrollably. You may be seriously injured.
If the HPS is defective, you can shift 3rd or 4th gears or reverse gear manually using the gear and gate levers
on the transmission. 4th gear permits you to start the vehicle moving in order to reach a qualified specialist
workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a Mercedes-Benz service center for this work because this possesses the required
expertise and tools in order to perform the necessary work.
!
The manually engaged gear cannot be changed while driving.
Depending on the vehicle model and equipment, it may be necessary to tilt the cab in order to gain access
to the gear and gate levers.
Tilting the cab, see page 157.

Gearshift

Tools
The necessary tools can be found in the vehicle tool bag.
Gear Tool
3, 4 Open end wrench, size 34 mm, or adjustable pliers
R Second open end wrench, size 34 mm, or second adjustable pliers
Shifting 3rd and 4th gears

way back.
M If necessary, tilt the cab, see page 157.
(Gate lever on left side of transmission)
M If a gear is engaged, move the gear lever on the

right side of the transmission to neutral
position A.
M If 5th 8th gear was engaged, move the gate le-
ver on the left side of the transmission to
position ;.
M To engage 3rd gear, move the gear lever to
position B.
M To engage 4th gear, move the gear lever to
position ?.
The gear is engaged when the shift shaft is felt to
engage in the corresponding position.
Starting off (Gear lever on right side of transmission)
!
You can only drive in the engaged gear. It is not possible to change gears while driving.
When you stop, you must keep the clutch pedal fully depressed.
M Fully depress clutch pedal and start engine.

M Release parking brake.
M Slowly release clutch pedal and slowly depress accelerator pedal.

Gearshift
Shifting reverse gear

!
In order to shift reverse gear, the help of a second person is necessary.

way back.
M If necessary, tilt the cab, see page 157.
(Gate lever on left side of transmission)
If a gear is engaged, move the gear lever on the right

side of the transmission to neutral position A.
1st person:
M Push the gate lever on the left side of the trans-
mission forward as far as the stop : and hold in
this position.
2nd person:
M Move gear lever on right side of transmission to
position ?.
The gear is engaged when the gear lever is felt to
engage in position ?.
Starting off (Gear lever on right side of transmission)
!
M Fully depress clutch pedal and start engine.


Gearshift

Emergency shift of Telligent gearshift system and Telligent automatic
gearshift system (Actros 1)
General information
On vehicles with Telligent gearshift system and Telligent automatic gearshift system, an emergency shift can
be performed at the shift control unit or at the transmission.
On vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift system, the clutch pedal must be folded out before operating
the emergency shift.
A malfunction in the automatic clutch operating system is indicated by the malfunction display "Fold out clutch
pedal". At the same time the warning buzzer sounds.
: Up to 12/1999
; As of 01/2000
Folding out clutch pedal
M Turn vehicle key in ignition lock to drive position;

the warning buzzer sounds.
1
M Pull release lever : down. The clutch pedal ;
automatically swings into the driver footwell and
locks in place. The warning buzzer should stop.
M Fully depress clutch pedal ; twice.
M Shift transmission to neutral and start engine.
M Perform gearchange manually.
M The clutch pedal ; must be fully depressed for
each gearchange. 2

Gearshift
Emergency shift at shift control unit
(Vehicles with Telligent gearshift system or

Telligent automatic gearshift system)
M Swing cover : of emergency switch up.
The emergency switch is inoperative in normal
mode, even if it can be pressed. A changeover from
normal mode to emergency shift can only occur if:
The emergency switch is in the basic position n
The vehicle is stationary
The clutch is disengaged
A malfunction is present
Before the emergency shift is performed, the

emergency switch must be in the basic position n.
The following codes may be shown in the display:
Up to manufacture year 12/1999:
"GS 01" =
Emergency shift not in basic position
"GS 02" = Emergency shift active
"GS 03" = No gear indication possible
"GS 04" = Emergency shift not possible
As of manufacture year 01/2000:
"GS 01" =
Emergency shift not in basic position
"GS 02" = Emergency shift active
While driving it is only possible to change from 2nd to 5th gear.
The individual shift positions can only be engaged in sequence and gears can only be shifted from the
transmission neutral position (n, b or c).
If the display shows the warning Ancillary consumer reservoir pressure, run the engine to fill the compressed
air system.
If it is not possible to perform the emergency shift with the emergency switch, perform the emergency shift at
the transmission, see page 126.

Gearshift

Shift positions of emergency shift
n Basic position (transmission in neutral)
2 2nd gear
b Neutral (low-speed range group)
c Neutral (high-speed range group)
5 5th gear
k Reverse gear
M Fully depress clutch pedal and hold down.

M Start engine.
Shifting to neutral:
M If a gear is engaged, press down emergency switch in position n (basic position) and hold down for
about 1 second. Release emergency switch.
Shifting to 2nd gear

M Press down emergency switch in position n and hold down for about 1 second.
M Turn emergency switch to position 2 and again hold for about 1 second.
M Release emergency switch.
Shifting to 5th gear

M Press down emergency switch in position 2 and hold down for about 1 second.
M Turn emergency switch to position b and again hold for about 2 seconds.
M Press down emergency switch in position b and hold down for about 1 second.
M Turn emergency switch to position c and again hold for about 2 seconds.
M Press down emergency switch in position c and hold down for about 1 second.
M Turn emergency switch to position 5 and hold for about 2 seconds.
Shifting to reverse gear:

M Press down emergency switch in position n and hold down for about 1 second.
M Turn emergency switch to position k and again hold for about 1 second.
Engaging the clutch and starting off:

M Gradually release clutch pedal.
M To move off, slowly depress accelerator pedal.

Gearshift
Emergency shift at transmission
Risk of injury $
Perform the emergency shift at the transmission only when the vehicle is stationary, the parking brake is
applied and the engine is off. The vehicle key in the ignition lock must be turned all the way back.
If a gear is engaged while the engine is running, this can cause transmission damage and the vehicle may
move off suddenly and uncontrollably. You may be seriously or fatally injured.
: Adapter for transmission shift shaft

; "3/4" adjusting screw
The special tool for the emergency shift is in the

vehicle document wallet.
M If necessary, tilt the cab forward, see page 157.
M Always turn the shift shaft from the transmission
neutral position (N) (center position) all the way
to the stop. Do this using the adapter for the
transmission shift shaft :.
M If the shift shaft fails to engage at the stop, turn
the shift shaft to the center position and repeat
the shift operation.
!
The gear indicator in the display may fail.
Shifting 1st or 2nd gear
M Fit adapter for transmission shift shaft : on shift

shaft.
M Turn shift shaft clockwise =.
G210, G 211: 1st gear is engaged.
G240, G 260: 2nd gear is engaged.
or
M Turn shift shaft counterclockwise ?.
G210, G 211: 2nd gear is engaged.
G240, G 260: 1st gear is engaged.

Gearshift

3rd or 4th gear
M Unscrew screw plug A from shift shaft.

M Screw "3/4" adjusting screw ; all the way into
shift shaft and tighten.
M Fit adapter for transmission shift shaft : on shift
shaft.
M Turn shift shaft clockwise =.
G210, G 211: 3rd gear is engaged.
G240, G 260: 4th gear is engaged.
or
G210, G 211: 4th gear is engaged.
G240, G 260: 3rd gear is engaged.
Reverse gear
M Unscrew screw plug A from shift shaft.
M Screw "R" adjusting screw (special tools, see page 196) all the way into shift shaft (about 18 turns), then un-
screw max. 1/4 turn.
M Fit adapter for transmission shift shaft : on shift shaft.
Starting off in the engaged gear
!
M Depress clutch pedal.

M Start engine.

Gearshift
Emergency shift of Telligent gearshift system, Telligent automatic gearshift

system or Mercedes PowerShift (Actros 2/3)
If there is a malfunction in the electronic gearshift, the vehicle can only be driven in emergency mode (GS back-
up mode).
To do this, you must enable the function GS back-up mode in the onboard computer.
In GS back-up mode the shift positions of the transmission are shifted using the buttons on the multifunction
steering wheel.
Vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift system or Mercedes PowerShift:
The vehicle can be expected to behave sluggishly when starting off or stopping.
Shift options in GS back-up mode:
Low gear or high gear
Reverse gear
Transmission neutral
Towing mode.
In GS back-up mode you can only drive in the engaged gear. It is not possible to change gears while driving.
Enabling GS back-up mode

M Stop the vehicle and switch off, taking into account the traffic situation.
M Start engine.
M Press buttons on multifunction steering wheel.
Description
1 VU Main menu
Settings
2 WX Configuration
3 &* Enable
GS back-up mode
4 WX On Enable GS back-up mode
GS back-up mode remains enabled for as long as the vehicle key in the ignition lock remains in the drive position.
When the vehicle key in the ignition lock is turned all the way back, GS back-up mode is disabled again automat-
ically.

Gearshift

GS back-up mode: Vehicles with Telligent gearshift system
Starting off
Gear Description
indicator
1 VU GS back-up mode N GS back-up mode

Engage parking brake before gear activated
selection
2 &* Select gear N

Low gear/High gear
3 WX Select gear N Select gear (5, 2, R)

Low gear/High gear
4 &* Depress clutch N

Clutch depressed?/Yes/No
5 Fully depress Depress clutch N

clutch pedal. Clutch depressed?/Yes/No
6 WX Yes N Confirm
7 &* GS back-up mode 2, 5 or R
Engage parking brake before gear
selection
8 Release clutch GS back-up mode 2, 5 or R Vehicle moves off

pedal and slowly Engage parking brake before gear
depress accelera- selection
tor pedal.
Stopping, changing gear or transmission in neutral
Gear Description
indicator
1 Depress clutch GS back-up mode 5, 2, N or R Stop the vehicle.

pedal. Engage parking brake before gear Observe the traffic
2 Brake vehicle to a selection situation. It is not
standstill with possible to change
brake pedal. gears while driving.
3 &* Select gear 5, 2, N or R

Gearshift
If the display shows Driving in GS back-up mode Manual gearshift only possible to N, stop the vehicle.
While driving it is only possible to change to the transmission neutral position N with a gear engaged. In GS back-
up mode the selected gear may not appear in the display if the transmission is cold. In this case it may be
necessary to repeat the gear selection several times. If there is no gear shown in the display after repeated gear
selection, switch off and restart the engine and reactivate GS back-up mode.
Towing mode
Gear Description
indicator

selection
2 &* Select gear N

Low gear/High gear/N/R/Towing
3 WX Select gear N Select Towing

Towing
4 &* Depress clutch N

Clutch depressed?/Yes/No
5 Fully depress Depress clutch N

clutch pedal. Clutch depressed?/Yes/No
6 WX Yes N Confirm
7 &* GS back-up mode N
Towing
8 Release clutch GS back-up mode N Towing mode is

pedal. Towing activated

Gearshift

GS back-up mode: Vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift system or Mercedes
PowerShift
Starting off
M Select manual mode M.
Gear Description
indicator

selection
2 &* Select gear N

Low gear/High gear
3 WX Select gear N Select gear (5, 2, R)1

Low gear/High gear
Select gear (7, 1, R)2
4 &* GS back-up mode 2, 5 or R1
Engage parking brake before gear
selection 1, 7 or R2
5 Slowly depress GS back-up mode 2, 5 or R1 Vehicle moves off

accelerator pedal. Engage parking brake before gear
selection 1, 7 or R2
1
16-speed transmission
2
Stopping, changing gear or transmission in neutral
Gear indicator Description
1 Brake vehicle to a GS back-up mode 2, 5, N or R1 Stop the vehicle. Observe the

standstill with brake Engage parking brake before traffic situation. It is not possible
gear selection 1, 7, N or R2
pedal. to change gears while driving.
2 &* Select gear 2, 5, N or R1
N
1, 7, N or R2
1 16-speed transmission
2
If the display shows Driving in GS back-up mode Manual gearshift only possible to N, stop the vehicle.
While driving it is only possible to change to N with a gear engaged.
In GS back-up mode the selected gear may not appear in the display if the transmission is cold. In this case it
may be necessary to repeat the gear selection several times. If there is no gear shown in the display after
repeated gear selection, switch off and restart the engine and reactivate GS back-up mode.

Gearshift
Towing mode
M Select automatic mode A.
Gear Description
indicator

selection
2 &* Select gear N

Towing
3 WX Select gear N Select Towing

Towing
4 &* GS back-up mode N Towing mode is

Towing activated
Manual emergency shift at transmission

The manual emergency shift in the Actros 2/3 can be performed using the special tool "adapter for transmission
shift rod".
Special tools, see page 196.
Description of emergency shift, see page 126.

Gearshift

Emergency shift (live PTO)
If the live power take-off fails, it is possible to create a rigid power transmission connection in the power take-off.
: Retainer
; Slotted nut
= Threaded hole for retainer
Risk of injury $
Perform the emergency shift of the transmission-
independent PTO only when the vehicle is
stationary, the parking brake is applied and the
engine is off.
The shaft could cause you serious injury if the
engine is running.
M Unscrew retainer :.
M Unscrew slotted nut ; as far as the stop, about 4.5 turns.
+
If the slotted nut ; is stiff, turn the drive shaft a little.
M Secure slotted nut ; with retainer : by turning the retainer : over and screwing it into a suitable thread-
ed hole =.

Versions
: Electrical connection of reservoir pressure

sensors for brake circuits 1 and 2
The following compressed air production systems

may be installed depending on the vehicle version:
Pressure regulating system:
The air drier with integrated pressure regulator
and the four-circuit protection valve are two
separate components.
The pressure for brake circuits 1 and 2 is not
limited in the four-circuit protection valve, but
corresponds to the shutoff pressure of the
Pressure regulating system
pressure regulator in the air drier.
Conventional constant pressure system:
The air drier with integrated pressure regulator
and the four-circuit protection valve are two
separate components.
The pressure for brake circuits 1 and 2 is limited
in the four-circuit protection valve.
Constant pressure system with Electronic Air-
Processing Unit (EAPU):
The pressure regulator, compressed air drier,
multi-circuit protection valve, pressure limiting
valves and control electronics are combined in
one mechatronic unit. Conventional constant pressure system
The pressure regulating system and the conventional

constant pressure system are very similar externally.
They can be distinguished by the electrical
connection of the reservoir pressure sensors for
brake circuits 1 and 2 :. On the pressure
regulating system this is located at the side of the
four-circuit protection valve while on the conven-
tional constant pressure system it is at the top of the
four-circuit protection valve.
Constant pressure system

with Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU)


Pressure regulating system
The compressed air is produced by the engine-driven compressor (single-cylinder or dual compressor) and then
flows to the air drier with integrated pressure regulator (single-chamber or dual-chamber air drier). Here the
compressed air is dried and limited to the set value.
From the air drier the compressed air travels to the four-circuit protection valve. Here the compressed air is split
into 4 circuits and the pressure in circuits 3 and 4 is limited to 8.5 bar. The pressure for brake circuits 1 and 2
is not limited, but corresponds to the shutoff pressure of the pressure regulator in the air drier. The compressed
air flows through the outlets of the four-circuit protection valve to the compressed air reservoirs.
At the four-circuit protection valve are the reservoir pressure sensors for brake circuits 1 and 2. These register
the pressures that are displayed in the Instrument. In addition, the four-circuit protection valve protects the
intact pressure circuits against a potentially defective pressure circuit.
The air drying is monitored by a condensation sensor mounted on the compressed air reservoir of brake
circuit 2. Since 31.05.2005 the compressed air reservoir of brake circuit 2 is also fitted with a safety valve to
dissipate the overpressure (only on compressed air reservoirs with an operating pressure < 15.5 bar aluminum
tanks).
Constant pressure system with separate four-circuit protection valve
The compressed air is produced by the engine-driven compressor (single-cylinder or dual compressor) and then
flows to the air drier with integrated pressure regulator (single-chamber or dual-chamber air drier). Here the
compressed air is dried and limited to the set value.
From the air drier the compressed air travels to the constant compressed air reservoir, at which a condensation
sensor monitors the drying of the air. Since 31.05.2005 the constant compressed air reservoir is also fitted with
a safety valve to dissipate the overpressure (only on compressed air reservoirs with an operating pressure
< 15.5 bar aluminum tanks).
The compressed air then travels to the four-circuit protection valve. Here the compressed air is split into
4 circuits and the pressure is limited: to 10 bar in brake circuits 1 and 2, and to 8.5 bar in circuits 3 and 4. The
compressed air flows through the outlets of the four-circuit protection valve to the compressed air reservoirs.
At the four-circuit protection valve are the reservoir pressure sensors for brake circuits 1 and 2. These register
the pressures that are displayed in the Instrument. In addition, the four-circuit protection valve protects the
intact pressure circuits against a potentially defective pressure circuit.

Constant pressure system with Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU)
The Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU) is a

development of the conventional compressed air
supply system. It is available in the Actros 3 (model
designation 934 only).
The following components are combined in one
mechatronic unit:
Pressure regulator
Compressed air drier
Multi-circuit protection valve
Pressure limiting valves
Control electronics
Electronic Air-Processing Unit
The engine-driven, switchable compressor (single-cylinder or dual compressor) produces the compressed air.
The air flows through the compressed air line for cooling before arriving in the Electronic Air-Processing Unit.
Here the compressed air is filtered and dried by the air drier cartridge. It is then distributed between the brake
and ancillary consumer circuits, as well as the circuit for the air suspension. The pressures in the pressure
circuits are monitored by pressure sensors and any faults are reported to the driver via the base module and the
Instrument. In the event of a defective pressure circuit, the Electronic Air-Processing Unit protects those air
circuits that are still intact. The Electronic Air-Processing Unit controls and regulates all functions according to
their set specifications and with reference to the information provided by the pressure sensors and by the
networked vehicle systems.
Via the compressed air connections (21 to 27) on the Electronic Air-Processing Unit the compressed air flows
into the compressed air reservoirs or directly into the various pressure circuits.
A condensation sensor is mounted on compressed air reservoir V2 (front axle brake circuit supply). If conden-
sation is present, the driver is notified via the Instrument.
In the case of compressed air reservoirs with a test pressure PD < 15.5 bar, the compressed air reservoir V2 is
also fitted with a safety valve to protect the compressed air system against overpressure.
The pressure in the supply circuits is 12.5 bar. The pressure in the brake circuits is limited by the brake control.
The Electronic Air-Processing Unit is integrated into the vehicle network and is diagnosable via the CAN bus. The
part numbers, measurement values, binary values and the fault memory can be read out. For optimum control,
the type of compressor (single-cylinder or dual compressor) is also stored.


Pressure table
The pressure values stabilize only when the ignition is on and may be slightly higher when new in order to compensate for
the relaxation losses anticipated in use.
Pressure Conventional Conventional

regulating constant constant
system pressure pressure
system system with
Electronic Air-
Processing Unit
Operating pressures
Operating pressure, rear and front axle brake 9.8...10.6 bar 9.5...10.7 bar 10.7...13.3 bar
circuit supply (connections 21 and 22)
Operating pressure, trailer control, ancillary 8.0...8.7 bar 8.0...8.7 bar 7.4...8.5 bar
consumers, parking brake and transmission
control supply, clutch operating system
(connections 23 to 26)
Opening and closing pressures
Opening pressure, rear and front axle brake circuit 8.7...9.0 bar 8.7...9.0 bar 8.7...9.0 bar
supply (connections 21, 22)
Closing pressure, 1front and rear axle brake circuit min. 4.5 bar min. 4.5 bar min. 4.5 bar
supply (connections 21, 22)
Opening pressure, trailer control and parking brake 7.2...7.5 bar 7.2...7.5 bar 6.7...7.0 bar
(connections 23, 25)
Closing pressure1, trailer control and parking min. 4.5 bar min. 4.5 bar min. 4.5 bar
brake (connections 23, 25)
Opening pressure, ancillary consumers 7.2...7.5 bar 7.2...7.5 bar 7.2...7.5 bar
(connection 24)
Closing pressure1, ancillary consumers min. 4.5 bar min. 4.5 bar min. 4.5 bar
(connection 24)
Opening pressure, transmission control, clutch --- --- 6.2...6.5 bar
operating system (connection 26)
Closing pressure1, transmission control, clutch --- --- min. 4.5 bar
operating system (connection 26)
Spring-loaded actuator
Release pressure (reservoir pressure in min. 8.0 bar min. 8.0 bar min. 8.0 bar
compressed air system)
Release pressure (with external compressed air min. 6.5 bar min. 6.5 bar min. 6.5 bar
source)
1
Closing pressure = static safety pressure (without replenishment and with 0 bar in the defective circuit)

Brake system
General
Risk of accident $
has gone out.
go out.
Different brake systems may be installed depending on the vehicle equipment. The dual-circuit pneumatic brake
with antilock brake system is standard equipment in the Actros 1/2, the Telligent brake system is available as
special equipment in the Actros 1/2 and standard in the Actros 3.
Telligent brake system
The Telligent brake system is an electronically controlled and monitored pneumatic brake system. It consists
of a purely pneumatic dual-circuit brake system, which is actuated by the electronic brake control.
The electronic brake control is superimposed on the conventional, purely pneumatic control of the service brake
and supplements it with the following functions:
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Acceleration skid control (ASR)
Automatic load-dependent brake pressure control (ALB)
Hill holder (as of Actros 3)
Brake Assist (as of Actros 3)
If the electronic system fails, the brake system is controlled pneumatically in two circuits. Braking behavior is
significantly different from that of the intact system. The ABS function is no longer available, the pedal travel is
longer and the pedal forces are higher.
To relieve the strain on the wheel brakes the Telligent brake system can activate the permanent brake
depending on the load state of the vehicle and the weather conditions.

Brake system

Frequent-stop brake
Risk of accident $
The parking brake must be applied in order to switch off the engine. Otherwise the vehicle can roll away
unintentionally. If necessary (e.g. on uphill or downhill gradients), secure the vehicle with wheel chocks.
d Actros 1
e Actros 2/3
: Frequent-stop brake indicator lamp
; Frequent-stop brake switch
The frequent-stop brake is intended for vehicles

which perform a high proportion of stop-and-start
procedures (garbage trucks etc.). It is activated by
the driver via the frequent-stop brake switch ; and
then remains on standby. Activation/standby is
displayed via the indicator lamp : in the
Instrument.
The function is activated by operating the brake pedal. While the vehicle is stationary, the diaphragm brake
cylinders of the service brake on all axles are pressurized via a solenoid valve. A constant minimum brake
pressure of approx. 3.5 bar secures the vehicle to prevent it from rolling. When the vehicle starts off, the brakes
open automatically. It is not necessary to release the brakes manually. In comparison with the hill holder, which
acts exclusively as a starting-off aid, the frequent-stop brake maintains the brake pressure even when the clutch
or brake pedal is not operated.
The frequent-stop brake requires less compressed air than the parking brake.
Switching on/activating the frequent-stop brake

M Press top of frequent-stop brake switch ;.
The indicator lamp : in the instrument panel lights up.
The frequent-stop brake is standing by, but is not yet active.
M Brake vehicle to a standstill.
The frequent-stop brake is active.
If you release the service brake and turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock all the way back with the frequent-
stop brake activated, the warning buzzer sounds. In addition the indicator lamp : in the instrument panel
flashes.

Brake system
Releasing the frequent-stop brake

M Depress accelerator pedal.
When the vehicle moves off, the frequent-stop brake is released automatically and is on standby again.
Deactivating the frequent-stop brake

M Press bottom of frequent-stop brake switch ;.
The indicator lamp : in the instrument panel goes out.
Safety valve
(Only for Actros 1 vehicles delivered to Norway and Sweden.)
If the reservoir pressure in the spring-loaded brake

circuit drops below 4.0 bar, the safety valve : is
automatically turned to the shutoff position. The
vehicle is braked automatically with the spring-
loaded parking brake (even if the parking brake lever
is in the release position). This prevents any uninten-
tional release of the parking brake due to another
pressure rise in the spring-loaded actuator.
In order to ensure that the parking brake releases
properly, the reservoir pressure (service brake
circuits) must be at least 8 bar. The STOP lamp and
the reservoir pressure warning indicator must not be
lit.
M Turn safety valve to the right to release position.
The safety valve cannot be turned to the release position until the pressure in the spring-loaded brake circuit
has risen above 4.0 bar.
M Lift the lock on the parking brake valve and swing the lever all the way forward.
The parking brake release indicator lamp must go out.
If the reservoir pressure in the spring-loaded brake circuit is insufficient, the spring-loaded parking brake can be
released mechanically or pneumatically.
Active Brake Assist (ABA)
(Only in Actros 3 vehicles.)

The Active Brake Assist is an assistance system for critical driving situations. Active Brake Assist can help to
minimize the danger of a collision with vehicles in front or at least to reduce the consequences of a collision.
Active Brake Assist is merely an aid to assist you while driving. When Active Brake Assist detects a dangerous
situation, the driver is warned acoustically and visually.
If there is danger of a collision, automatic partial braking is initiated as an additional second warning stage.

Brake system

If the driver fails to react to the warnings, Active Brake Assist automatically triggers an emergency stop (full
braking).
+
When the Telligent adaptive cruise control is on, the warnings of the Telligent adaptive cruise control
appear first, and then those of the Active Brake Assist. When the Telligent adaptive cruise control is off,
only the warnings of the Active Brake Assist appear.
Risk of accident $
Active Brake Assist does not absolve you from adapting your driving style to suit the traffic and road
conditions.
The responsibility for the speed driven, the timely initiation of braking or evasive maneuvers and the keeping
of a safe distance always lies with the driver.
Active Brake Assist does not adapt automatically to road and traffic conditions. Brake the vehicle with the
service brake if:
The display shows the symbol with a red status indicator
A constant warning tone sounds
A constant warning tone sounds and automatic partial braking is initiated
The deceleration provided by the Active Brake Assist may not be sufficient to avoid a collision with the vehicle
in front.
Risk of accident $
Active Brake Assist issues warnings and brakes the vehicle only for preceding vehicles, not for oncoming
traffic or stationary obstructions on the road, such as broken-down vehicles or the end of a tailback with
stationary vehicles.
It cannot always clearly identify complex driving situations. If a visual and/or acoustic warning or partial
braking occurs in a non-critical situation, you can switch off the system by operating
the turn signal lever
the brake pedal
the accelerator pedal or
the Active Brake Assist OFF switch
If Active Brake Assist has already initiated an emergency stop, this can be aborted by actuating the kickdown
(accelerator pedal depressed beyond the actuation point) or the Active Brake Assist OFF switch.
If you do not receive a visual and acoustic warning in a critical situation, then either Active Brake Assist has
not recognized the danger of the situation, or it is switched off or has failed. Brake the vehicle with the service
brake.

Brake system
Switching Active Brake Assist on/off
: Active Brake Assist OFF switch

; Indicator lamp
Active Brake Assist is switched on automatically.

The indicator lamp ; in the Active Brake Assist
OFF switch goes out.
Active Brake Assist is switched off automatically:
At speeds below 10 km/h
Vehicles with air suspension:
If the chassis is not at normal level
In the event of a fault in the Active Brake Assist
electronics
If the antilock brake system is switched off or
there is a fault in the brake system of the vehicle.
The display shows n and 6 with a yellow
status indicator.
Switching off
M Press top of Active Brake Assist OFF switch :.

The indicator lamp ; in the switch lights up.
The display briefly shows and Active Brake Assist switched off with a white status indicator.
+
When the engine is restarted, the Active Brake Assist is switched back on automatically.
Switching on
M Press top of Active Brake Assist OFF switch :.
The indicator lamp ; in the switch goes out.
The display briefly shows and Active Brake Assist switched on with a white status indicator.
+
If the indicator lamp ; in the Active Brake Assist OFF switch : lights up, there may be a malfunction. This
malfunction may be in the Active Brake Assist or in the vehicle's brake system.
If the indicator lamp ; in the Active Brake Assist OFF switch : also lights up when the antilock brake
system is off.
When you press the switch, the display briefly shows and Active Brake Assist cannot be activated
with a white status indicator alternating with other event messages.

Brake system

Location of components (example: semitrailer variant)
: Front compressed air filler connection (special D Trailer control valve

equipment for Actros 2/3)
; Compressor E Regeneration compressed air reservoir
= Compressed air reservoir (front axle service F Four-circuit protection valve1
brake)
? Combination brake cylinder G Air drier with integrated pressure regulator1
A Compressed air reservoir (trailer/semitrailer H Constant pressure reservoir
brake)
B Compressed air reservoir (clutch operating I Front coupling head (special equipment for
system/gearshift) Actros 1)
C Compressed air reservoir (rear axle service brake)
1
Location: On the implement carrier or on the inside of the frame (special equipment).

Brake system
Filling the brake system from an external source
If the engine is not running, you can fill the brake system via the following components:
Compressed air filler connection on air drier (vehicles without Electronic Air-Processing Unit)
Compressed air filler connection on Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU)
Front coupling head (special equipment for Actros 1)
Front compressed air filler connection (special equipment for Actros 2/3)
Tire inflation connection
!
The maximum filling pressure of 12.5 bar must not be exceeded.
To ensure proper filling, the pressure regulator of the vehicle to be filled must switch on. Reduce the pressure
to below 9 bar if necessary.
+
Compressed air can be released e.g. by operating the service brake repeatedly.
Before towing, check that the spring-loaded actuators of the parking brake are released.
If the compressed air supply is insufficient, release the spring brake cylinders mechanically, see page 150.
Separate filling of the air suspension system, see page 156.

Brake system

Filling via the air drier/Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU)
: Screw plug
The four-circuit protection valve, the air drier or the

Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU) are usually
located on the vehicle frame on the left side.
On semitrailer tractors the four-circuit protection
valve, the air drier or the Electronic Air-Processing
Unit (EAPU) may be installed inside the frame.
Detach any covers if necessary.
M If a compressed air filler connection is not al-
ready present: Unscrew screw plug : and
screw in compressed air filler connection.
Vehicles with single-chamber air drier
Leave the compressed air filler connection
installed in place of the screw plug :.
M Connect filling hose to compressed air filler con-
nection.
M Only on vehicles with Electronic Air-Process-
ing Unit (EAPU): Switch on ignition.
M Fill compressed air reservoir via the compressed
air filler connection.
Vehicles with dual-chamber air drier
Vehicles with Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU)

Brake system
Filling via the front coupling head/front compressed air filler connection (special equipment)
Actros 1
The coupling head ; is behind a flap on the left-
hand side of the bumper.
Actros 2/3
The filler connection : is in a cutout on the right-
hand side of the bumper.

Brake system

Filling via the tire inflation connection
: Tire inflation connection
The brake system should only be filled via the tire

inflation connection : in an emergency as the
compressed air is neither cleaned nor dried and
there is no protection against overpressure.
!
Compressed air that has not been cleaned and
dried can lead to malfunctions or damage in the
compressed air system. When filling the
compressed air system, make sure that no dirt
and no damp air is allowed to enter the
compressed air system. Vehicles with single-chamber air drier
The four-circuit protection valve, the air drier or the

Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU) are usually
located on the vehicle frame on the left side.
On semitrailer tractors the four-circuit protection
valve, the air drier or the Electronic Air-Processing
Unit (EAPU) may be installed inside the frame.
Detach any covers if necessary.
Vehicles with dual-chamber air drier
Vehicles with Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU)

Brake system
Releasing the spring-loaded parking

brake
If the compressed air supply is insufficient, the spring-loaded parking brake can be released pneumatically via
an external compressed air source or mechanically.
Releasing the spring-loaded parking brake pneumatically
Risk of accident $
Before releasing the spring-loaded parking brake, secure the vehicle with wheel chocks to prevent it from
rolling. The spring-loaded cylinders of the parking brake must be restored to the operational state before the
vehicle is operated.
If it is not possible to fill the system via the air drier/

Electronic Air-Processing Unit (EAPU) or front
coupling head/front compressed air filler
connection, circuit 3 can be filled via the filling valve.
On vehicles as of mid-2000, the filling valve is
replaced by a test connection.
Do not confuse the filling valve ; with a test
connection :. The filling valve ; has a red dust
cap with a wide rubber lip. The rubber lip bears the
inscription "Emergency release connection". When
the dust cap is removed, you will see the valve which
is flush with the threaded connection. The valve in
the test connection : protrudes.
Location of filling valves/test connections for circuit 3 on the implement carrier

Brake system

Location of filling valves/test connections for circuit 3 on the four-circuit protection valve
Actros 1/2 with single-chamber air drier and con- Actros 1/2 with single-chamber air drier and pressure
stant pressure system regulating system
Actros 3 with single-chamber air drier without inte-
gral rear end
Location of filling valves/test connections for circuit 3 on the compressed air reservoir
The compressed air reservoirs may be located in other positions depending on equipment installed.
Actros 1/2 with dual-chamber air drier and constant Actros 3 with integral rear end
pressure system
Actros 3 with dual-chamber air drier without integral
rear end

Brake system
Releasing the spring-loaded parking brake mechanically

In an emergency, if there is insufficient reservoir pressure in the brake system, the spring brake cylinders can
be released mechanically to allow the vehicle to be towed away.
Risk of accident $
Before releasing the spring-loaded parking brake, secure the vehicle with wheel chocks to prevent it from
rolling. Attach a clearly visible sign on the mechanically released spring-loaded parking brake in the vehicle
interior. The spring-loaded cylinders of the parking brake must be restored to the operational state before the
vehicle is operated.
The vehicles may be equipped with different spring brake cylinders on each axle. Spring brake cylinders with
release screw or with release indicator may be installed.
Spring brake cylinder with release screw Spring brake cylinder with release indicator
: Driving position
; Release position
M Secure vehicle using wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling.
Releasing the spring brake cylinders mechanically

Release all the spring brake cylinders on the vehicle.
M Turn the release screws all the way counterclockwise to the release position ;.
!
Slacken the release screw with a maximum torque of 70 Nm. Do not use an impact wrench. Otherwise the
spring brake cylinder could be damaged.
+
Use a wrench with a size of 24 mm.
The slackening travels of the release screws are as follows:
Vehicles with 4 x 2 axle configuration: 40 mm
Vehicles with 4 x 4 axle configuration in combination with disk brakes and spring brake cylinders on the
front axle: 40 mm
All other vehicles: 60-65 mm

Brake system

Restoring spring brake cylinders to driving position
Restore all the spring brake cylinders to the driving position :.
M Clean and grease release screws before screwing in.
M Fill brake system up to cutoff pressure.
M Swing lever of parking brake all the way to the release position.
M Turn the release screw of the spring brake cylinder clockwise to the driving position :.
M Tighten release screws.
!
Tighten the release screws with a maximum torque of 35 Nm. Do not use an impact wrench. Otherwise the
spring brake cylinders could be damaged.

Telligent level control
Diagram of Telligent level control
: Telligent level control operating unit (beside ? Compressed air reservoir

driver seat)
; Valve block (front axle) A Bellows
= Air suspension filler connection and test B Valve block (rear axle)
connections


General
The chassis can be raised or lowered in order to attach or detach swap bodies or semitrailers.
Risk of accident $
When driving with a raised driving level, there is a risk of damage if you fail to observe the headroom of
underpasses.
Do not exceed the maximum permissible vehicle height when driving with a raised driving level. In the Federal
Republic of Germany the permissible vehicle height is limited to max. 4 m. In other countries or if the vehicle
is operated on international services, comply with all the relevant national regulations.
When driving with a lowered driving level, there is a risk of damage due to inadequate spring travel and
insufficient ground clearance.
The handling and braking behavior of the vehicle may change when driving with a level other than the normal
level (driving position).
Only drive the vehicle at the normal level (driving position) wherever possible.
+
Vehicles with air-sprung rear axle and steel-sprung front axle: The chassis can only be raised or lowered at
the rear axle.
Vehicles with full air suspension: The chassis can be raised or lowered at the front and rear axles.
If a fault occurs in the Telligent level control, this is shown in the display.
When the vehicle key in the ignition lock is in the drive position, the height of the chassis readjusts automat-
ically. If the height of the chassis does not readjust automatically, e.g. due to insufficient reservoir pressure, the
display shows r. Automatic readjustment is deactivated.
If the pressure in the compressed air system is too
low:
M Start engine and leave to run.
Operating unit
Risk of injury $
If the operating unit for the Telligent level control is not properly inserted into the holder provided, there is
a risk of injury when leaving the cab. You could catch your foot in the connecting cable of the operating unit
and trip.
For this reason, always insert the operating unit into the holder provided with the connecting cable towards
the cab rear wall.

: Operation indicator lamp,

raise/lower chassis at front
; Operation indicator lamp,
raise/lower chassis at rear
= ON/OFF, preselect
chassis at front
? ON/OFF, preselect
chassis at rear
A M1 = Memory, chassis height 1
B M2 = Memory, chassis height 2
C Driving position (normal level)
D Raise
E Lower
F STOP (raise/lower)
Raising/lowering the chassis

M Press button = or ?.
The operation indicator lamp : or ; lights up.
M To raise the chassis at the front and rear simultaneously, press buttons = and ?.
The operation indicator lamps : and ; light up.
M Press Raise button D or Lower button E.
The display shows or and the status indicator lights up yellow.
M When the desired height is reached, press STOP button F.


Maintaining the level
A constant chassis height can be saved for loading and unloading the vehicle.
M Vehicles with leading axle: Lower the leading axle.
M If necessary, use the Raise D or Lower E button to set the desired height of the chassis.
M Start engine and run until the pressure regulator cuts out.
M Press and hold down the STOP button F.
M Release STOP button F.
If the reservoir pressure in the compressed air system is sufficient, the stored height of the chassis is kept
constant for about 4 to 5 hours.
!
Lower the chassis all the way before removing interchangeable flatbeds or containers, otherwise the chassis
will rebound violently when the body is removed. This can cause damage to the shock absorbers.
Normal level
!
When continuing to drive after changing the chassis height, the chassis must be returned to the driving
position (normal level).
M Press normal level button C.

The operation indicator lamps go out. The chassis rises or drops to the stored height automatically. When the
driving position (normal level) is reached, the display or disappears from the display and the status
indicator goes out.

Filling the air suspension system from an external source
If it is not possible to fill the air suspension system

via the tire inflation connection : or the coupling
head ;, see page 144, the system can be filled
directly via the test connection A.
Filling the air suspension system via the test
connection A requires a minimum pressure of
8.5 bar.
Filling the air suspension system via the tire inflation
connection : or coupling head ; requires a
minimum pressure of 10 bar.
The test connection for the air suspension is located
on the left-hand side of the vehicle below the
implement carrier.
Test connections
If the air suspension control system fails, the test
connections =, ? and B can be used to raise/
lower the chassis. Minimum pressure 8.5 bar.
= Front axle
? Left rear axle 2
A Air suspension supply (external filling)
B Right rear axle
Raising or lowering the chassis via test connec-

tions:
way back.
Raising or lowering the chassis at the front:

M Pressurize or depressurize test connection =.
Raising or lowering the chassis at the rear:

M Pressurize or depressurize test connection ? for
the left side and/or test connection B for the
right side.
!
Do not raise the chassis all the way up.
The shock absorbers could be damaged.

Tilting the cab

Tilting the cab
Before tilting the cab

M Shift transmission to neutral.
M Switch off engine.
M Switch off auxiliary heater or stationary air conditioner.
M If you have to start the engine after tilting the cab, turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock to the drive posi-
tion.
M Remove all loose objects (e.g. cans, bottles, tools, bags, etc.) from vehicle.
M Keep the areas in front of the gearshift lever and in front of the cab clear for safety reasons.
M Close all doors and stowage compartments in the cab.
M Close all outside flaps.
M Additionally secure the vehicle using wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling.
M Check that the coupling pin at the front is correctly inserted.
Risk of injury $
The cab may suddenly drop forward to the end
position when it is being tilted. Anybody standing
in the tilting range of the cab could be injured.
Only tilt the cab when you are certain that nobody
is standing in the tilting range. Only stand under
the cab when it is in the fully tilted position.
Always tilt the cab all the way forward as far as the end stop.
If the tilting hydraulics are defective or leaking, have the system checked at a qualified specialist workshop

Tilting the cab
Vehicles with stationary air conditioner or auxiliary heater
M Switch off stationary air conditioner or auxiliary

heater.
M Vehicles with liquid gas heater:
Disconnect coupling : of gas supply line behind
the cab.
M Vehicles with refrigerator:
Switch off the refrigerator before tilting the cab 1
and wait 10 minutes after tilting the cab back be-
fore switching it back on.
Vehicles with mechanical/hydraulic cab tilting system
2 1
Actros 1 Actros 2/3
: Tilt to driving position

; Tilt forward
Tilting the cab forward:

M Open flap in entryway steps on passenger side and swing up.
M Swing valve lever on tilt pump to position :.
M Attach pump lever to tilt pump with nut wrench.
M Operate tilt pump until the cab is tilted to the end position.
The cab is unlocked automatically when the tilt pump is operated.
If no resistance can be felt when operating the tilt pump:
M Check that there is sufficient oil in the tilt pump.
If firm resistance can be felt when operating the tilt pump:
M Check that the valve lever on the tilt pump is pointing in the desired direction.

Tilting the cab

Tilting back to driving position:
Risk of accident $
Before driving off, make sure that the valve lever is at "Tilt to driving position". Otherwise there is a danger
that the cab lock could open by itself while driving and the cab could tip forward if the vehicle brakes.
M Swing valve lever on tilt pump to position ;.

M Operate tilt pump until the cab has swung back to the driving position and clicks audibly into the catch.
The cab is locked automatically.
Do not operate the tilt pump again when the cab is locked.
M Swing down flap in entryway steps on passenger side so that it clicks into place.
Risk of accident $
If the indicator lamp H fails to go out when the engine is started, the cab is not locked. There is a danger
of the cab tipping forward when the vehicle decelerates.
Make sure that the indicator lamp H goes out after engine start. If necessary, repeat the lowering
procedure and make sure that the cab locks in the driving position.
Vehicles with electrohydraulic cab tilting system
Tilting the cab forward
Actros 1 Actros 2/3
: Main electrohydraulic cab tilt system switch

; Indicator lamp

M Press top of main electrohydraulic cab tilt system switch :.
The indicator lamp ; in the switch lights up.
On road vehicles and construction site vehicles the electrohydraulic cab tilt pump is located in the entryway
steps on the passenger side. In car transporters and Low-liner vehicles it is on the right behind the cab.

Tilting the cab
Actros 1 Actros 2/3
2
1
: Tilt forward
; Tilt to driving position
= Maintenance flap open. Electrohydraulic cab tilt pump switch
M Open flap in entryway steps on passenger side and swing up.

M Swing valve lever on electrohydraulic cab tilt pump to position :.
M Open maintenance flap.
M Actros 2/3: Remove electrohydraulic cab tilt pump switch from bracket.
M Press electrohydraulic cab tilt pump switch = and hold down until the cab has tilted to the end position.
When the noise of the pump starts to get louder, the cab is at the end position.

Tilting the cab

Tilting back to driving position
Risk of accident $
Before driving off, make sure that the valve lever is at "Tilt to driving position". Otherwise there is a danger
that the cab lock could open by itself while driving and the cab could tip forward if the vehicle brakes.
M Move valve lever on electrohydraulic cab tilt pump to position ;.

M Swing down flap in entryway steps on passenger side so that it clicks into place.
M Press electrohydraulic cab tilt pump switch = and hold down until the cab has tilted to the driving position
and is locked.
The cab locks automatically.
M Return electrohydraulic cab tilt pump switch = to the bracket under the maintenance flap.
M Close maintenance flap.
M Press bottom of main electrohydraulic cab tilt pump switch.
M The cab tilting system is switched off.
The indicator lamp in the switch goes out. After engine start, the indicator lamp H in the instrument panel
goes out.
Risk of accident $
If the indicator lamp H fails to go out when the engine is started, the cab is not locked. There is a danger
of the cab tipping forward when the vehicle decelerates.
Make sure that the indicator lamp H goes out after engine start. If necessary, repeat the lowering
procedure and make sure that the cab locks in the driving position.
!
If some slight pump noise is audible when operating the tilt pump, check that there is sufficient oil in the tilt
pump.
If a loud pump noise is audible when operating the tilt pump, check whether the valve lever is pointing in the
desired direction.
If the electrohydraulic cab tilt system fails, check fuse F2 in module A2 in the electrical compartment, see
page 162.

Tilting the cab
Actros 1 Module A1 Fuse F13
Actros 2/3 Module A2 Fuse F2

Engine

Starting and stopping the engine with the cab tilted
Risk of injury $
When the cab is tilted and the engine is running, make sure that you do not touch hot or moving engine parts
(e.g. exhaust manifold, poly-V belt, fan). You may be injured.
If working on public roads, pay attention to the traffic situation and secure the area around the vehicle
accordingly.

M Tilt cab forwards, see page 157.
Vehicles with 2 pushbuttons on the engine
: Start pushbutton on engine

; Stop pushbutton on engine
Starting the engine

M Hold down the start pushbutton : until the en-
gine starts.
+
If a gear is engaged, the start pushbutton is
inoperative.
Increasing the engine rpm

M With the engine running, press the start
pushbutton : again and hold it down until the
desired engine speed is reached.
+
The engine speed can be increased up to the maximum governed rpm.
Switching off the engine

M With the engine running, press the engine stop pushbutton ;.
The engine dies.
Cranking the engine without starting

M Hold down the start pushbutton : and the stop pushbutton ; at the same time.
The engine turns over without starting.

Engine
Vehicles with one pushbutton on the engine
: Start/stop pushbutton on engine
Starting the engine

Hold down the start/stop pushbutton : until the
engine starts.
+
If a gear is engaged, the start pushbutton is
inoperative.
Starting the engine and increasing the engine rpm

M Press and hold down the start/stop
pushbutton :.
The engine starts and the rpm increase after about 3 seconds.
Hold down the start/stop pushbutton : until the desired engine speed is reached.
When the start/stop pushbutton : is released, the engine runs at the set speed.
+
The engine speed can be increased up to the maximum governed rpm.
Switching off the engine

M With the engine running, press the start/stop pushbutton : again.
The engine dies.

Tow-starting
Tow-starting
General
Risk of accident $
If the reservoir pressure in the compressed air system is too low or nonexistent (warning lamp lights up
below 6.8 bar), there will not be adequate braking effect. The clutch booster and gearshift system may be
inoperative depending on the pressure level.
If possible, fill the compressed air system from an external source before tow-starting, see page 144
If the engine is not running, only tow-start the vehicle on a straight stretch of road (no power steering)
Only use a tow bar
Risk of skidding on wet or slippery roads
Do not tow-start in the reversing direction with reverse gear engaged
If spring-loaded brake cylinders have been mechanically released, the parking brake is inoperative
Do not tow-start if there is engine, transmission, transfer case, axle or steering damage
Only tow-start the vehicle with the batteries connected.
Risk of accident $
When tow-starting, the retarder (eddy current brake) in the vehicle may perform uncontrolled braking actions.
Switch off the retarder before tow-starting. If necessary, use the service brake to brake the vehicle while tow-
starting.
Preparations for tow-starting
!
If the maximum permissible engine speed is exceeded, the warning buzzer sounds. Select a higher moving-
off gear or reduce the towing speed.
If the display of the Driver Information System (FIS)/onboard computer shows +, reliable gear shifting is
not guaranteed.

The indicator lamps should light up. If the indicator lamps do not light up, the vehicle cannot be tow-started.
M Deactivate acceleration skid control (ASR).
M Switch off Telligent stability control.
M Switch off Active Brake Assist.
M In vehicles used to transport hazardous goods, check that the EMERGENCY OFF switches are deactivated,
see page 99.
M Check compressed air supply. The STOP lamp must not light up. In vehicles with Telligent gearshift system
or Telligent automatic gearshift system if the display shows +, the system must be filled from an exter-
nal source, see page 144.

Tow-starting
Tow-starting
M Swing coupling pin cover : up.

M Swing coupling jaw cover ; down.
M Disengage coupling pin =, swing forward
about 90 and pull out upwards.
M Insert tow bar into coupling jaw.
M Engage coupling pin = in the catch with an audi-
ble click.
Tow-starting vehicles with manual gearshift system (HPS)

M Shift to 5th or 6th gear.
M Tow-start vehicle.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 20 km/h.
M Slowly release clutch pedal and slowly depress
accelerator pedal.
M Immediately after the engine starts:
Fully depress clutch pedal and shift transmission
to neutral.
Tow-starting vehicles with Telligent gearshift system

M Shift to 4th gear.
The engaged gear must be shown in the display.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 20 km/h.
M Release clutch pedal and slowly depress acceler-
ator pedal.
Fully depress clutch pedal and shift transmission
to neutral.

Tow-starting
Tow-starting
Tow-starting vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift system and Mercedes
PowerShift
M Shift to 4th gear (16-speed transmission) or

6th gear (12-speed transmission).
The engaged gear must be shown in the display.
M At about 20 km/h slowly depress accelerator
pedal.
The electronic system engages the clutch
automatically.
Shift transmission to neutral.
+
If the accelerator pedal is operated slowly, the
clutch is eased in slowly.
If the accelerator pedal is operated quickly, the
clutch is let in quickly.

Quick guide
Towing
General
Hazard information .......................................................................................... Page 169
General rules for towing .................................................................................. Page 170
Propeller shaft removal.................................................................................... Page 171
Electrical circuits
Deactivating acceleration skid control (ASR)/Telligent
stability control (SR) and Active Brake Assist (ABA) ........................................ Page 172
Switching transfer case to road position ......................................................... Page 173
Air brake system

Connecting an external compressed air source............................................... Page 174
Notes on stopped engine, transmission and/or axle damage

Stopped engine................................................................................................ Page 176
Transmission/transfer case damage ............................................................... Page 176
Front axle damage ........................................................................................... Page 176
Rear axle damage ............................................................................................ Page 176
Drive shafts
Ascertaining the damage location on a blocked drive train ............................. Page 177
Removing the rear axle drive shafts................................................................. Page 178
Filling planetary gears with oil ......................................................................... Page 179
Towing
Tow bar............................................................................................................ Page 180
Towing in raised position ................................................................................. Page 181
Overview of towing options ............................................................................. Page 182
Raising by the wheels ...................................................................................... Page 183
Raising by the front axle .................................................................................. Page 184
Raising by the front of the frame (Actros 1 only) ............................................. Page 184
Raising by the leaf springs (construction site vehicles only) ............................ Page 186
Raising at the rear ........................................................................................... Page 186
Gearshift
Engaging the high-speed splitter group on the transmission ........................... Page 189

Towing
Towing
General
Hazard information
Risk of accident $
If the vehicle must be transported on a low loader (e.g. after an accident), the maximum permissible vehicle
height may be exceeded. Drive with particular care and attention. Observe the maximum headroom of bridges
and underpasses. Otherwise you could cause an accident.
Risk of accident $
If you have your vehicle towed without the engine running, the power steering and the compressed air supply
are inoperative.
It then takes a great deal of effort to steer the vehicle. You could leave the road when cornering or collide
with the towing vehicle.
When the brake system has no compressed air supply, you can no longer brake the vehicle with the service
brake and this could cause you to collide with the towing vehicle. Fill the compressed air system from an
external compressed air source.
Before starting to tow, talk to the driver of the towing vehicle and agree on clear communication signals.
Make sure that you and the driver of the towing vehicle adjust your driving style to suit the more difficult
conditions.
Risk of accident $
When you start to move a vehicle with acceleration skid control (ASR)/Telligent stability control (SR) or
Active Brake Assist (ABA), the ASR/SR/ABA may perform uncontrollable braking actions. Switch off the
ASR/SR/ABA and the ignition before starting to move the vehicle.
Risk of accident $
When towing with a gear engaged, there is a danger that the engine could start and the vehicle could drive
off out of control. Before towing, make sure that the ignition in the vehicle is switched off. Disconnect the
batteries if the ignition cannot be switched off or if the batteries are deeply discharged or the cab is
inaccessible.
You might otherwise cause an accident with possible serious or fatal injury to yourself.
!
When towing air-sprung vehicles, check the driving level and correct it if necessary.
If the compressed air system cannot be filled, mechanically release the spring-loaded brake cylinder, see
page 150.
If the vehicle is raised at the rear for towing, all wind guides must be folded in or removed.

Towing
Towing
General rules for towing

The propeller shafts must be removed to avoid damage to the transmission and transfer case.
see page 171
The safety features for ASR, SR and ABA must be switched off.
see page 172
The transfer case must be switched to road position.
see page 173
The compressed air system must be supplied with sufficient pressure! Make sure that the air suspension is
supplied with sufficient compressed air.
see page 174
Wind guides, mirrors and bodies may protrude above and to either side of the vehicle. Pay attention to the
height of the vehicle when driving through tunnels and bridges.
Ensure that the vehicle to be towed has an adequate power supply.
Ensure that the vehicle to be towed is adequately lit, if necessary by installing additional lights with turn
signals.

Towing
Towing
Propeller shaft removal
Risk of injury $
A propeller shaft may fall down and injure you when being removed. Secure the propeller shaft prior to
removal to prevent it from falling, e.g. with the aid of a second person or by tying up the propeller shaft.
To avoid damage to the transmission, certain propeller shafts must be removed according to the towing method
used.
Model Tow bar Raised at front Raised at rear

4x2 B B -
4x4 A and B B A
6x2 B B -
6x4 B B -
6x6 B B A
8x4 B B -
8x6 A and B B -
8x8 A and B B -

Towing
Towing
Electrical circuits
Deactivating acceleration skid control (ASR)/Telligent stability control (SR) and

Active Brake Assist (ABA)
Actros 1:
: ASR cutout switch
Actros 2/3:
; ASR cutout switch
= SR cutout switch
? Active Brake Assist OFF switch
A Active Brake Assist OFF indicator lamp
Deactivating acceleration skid control (ASR)

M Press top of ASR shutoff switch : or ;.
The indicator lamp d in the instrument panel flashes.
Deactivating Telligent stability control

M Press top of SR shutoff switch =.
The indicator lamp d in the instrument panel flashes.
Deactivating Active Brake Assist (ABA)

M Press top of Active Brake Assist OFF switch ?.
The Active Brake Assist and the acoustic distance warning are switched off.
The indicator lamp A in the switch lights up red. The display briefly shows ABA and Active Brake Assist
switched off with a white status indicator.
!
The ASR and ABA systems are reactivated automatically when the engine is switched off and restarted.

Towing
Towing
Switching transfer case to road position
Transfer case switch

1 Road position
2 Neutral position
3 Off-road position
The transfer case may only be shifted when the

vehicle is stationary. The neutral position 2 of the
transfer case is only necessary when changing from
the road position 1 to the off-road position 3.
M Vehicles with Telligent automatic gearshift sys-
tem or Mercedes PowerShift: Press mode selec-
tor switch M.
M Move transfer case switch to road position 1.
The road position is engaged.
!
If there is insufficient reservoir pressure, the road position is engaged.

Towing
Towing
Air brake system
Connecting an external source
M Open the maintenance flap at the front of the ve-

hicle.
M On vehicles raised at the front for towing: Un-
screw connection 21 : on service brake valve.
M On vehicles raised at the rear for towing: Un-
screw connection 22 ; on service brake valve.
Actros 1: Identical adapters are required for both
brake circuits (M22x1.5).
Actros 2/3: An adapter is required for the front axle
brake circuit (M18x1.5).
!
Voss connector:
Pay attention to the clip and seal in the stepped hole and do not disassemble the connectors on the
Actros 2/3.
M Establish connection between yellow coupling

head (brake) of towing vehicle and line from
connection 21/22.

Towing
Towing
M Actros 1: Connect compressed air supply line of
towing vehicle (red coupling head) to tire inflation
connection = or to front coupling head, see
page 146, of defective vehicle.
M Actros 2/3: Connect compressed air supply line
of towing vehicle (red coupling head) to tire infla-
tion connection = or to front filler connection,
see page 146, of defective vehicle.
A reservoir pressure of 10 bar is required.
!
When filling directly at four-circuit protection
valve: Test connection 22 for rear axle brake
circuit,
test connection 21 for front axle brake circuit.
On vehicles with continuous brake systems, note
that the brake force at the towed vehicle is
relatively low/high depending on the vehicle
load and the type of brake system.
Install a manual brake force regulator if
necessary.
A reservoir pressure of 8.5 bar is required.

If the spring-loaded actuator of the parking brake cannot be reliably released pneumatically, release it mechan-
ically, see page 150.

Towing
Towing
Notes on stopped engine, transmission and/or axle damage
Stopped engine
Comply with section entitled "Towing vehicles with a tow bar", see page 180.
M Remove propeller shaft to drive axles complete, see page 177.
M If it is not possible to remove the propeller shaft, remove the appropriate drive shafts, see page 178.
M All-wheel drive vehicles: Switch transfer case to road position.
M Ensure that the compressed air supply is provided by the towing vehicle.
Transmission/transfer case damage
Risk of injury $
A propeller shaft may fall down and injure you when being removed. Secure the propeller shaft prior to
removal to prevent it from falling, e.g. with the aid of a second person or by tying up the propeller shaft.
Do not turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock to the drive position when the front axle is raised. Otherwise
the automatic ASR function may cause uncontrollable braking of the rear wheels may while the vehicle is
being towed. This can cause the vehicle to lose lateral stability and break away.
M Remove propeller shafts to drive axles complete, see page 177.
Front axle damage

Observe the towing instructions as for a stopped engine.
M Raise vehicle at front axle.
M Deactivate ASR/SR and ABA, see page 172.
M Remove propeller shaft between rear axle and transfer case, see page 177.
M On vehicles with air suspension: Set the required chassis height with the operating unit, see page 152.
Damage to the rear axle differential

M Engage differential lock with bolt, see page 178.
M Remove both drive shafts on the damaged axle, see page 178.
M On vehicles with two driven rear axles: Remove drive shafts of both rear axles.
M Remove propeller shaft from front axle to transfer case, see page 177.
Damage to the planetary gear system or the wheel bearings

M Raise the damaged axle.
M Remove propeller shafts of the axles not raised, see page 177.

Towing
Towing
Drive shafts
Ascertaining the damage location on a blocked drive train

M Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling.
M Start engine.
M Fill compressed air system up to cutoff pressure.
The indicator lamp ! and the STOP lamp must not light up.
M Disengage the clutch, select a gear and gradually release the clutch pedal.
1 2 3
11 10 9 8 4 5 6 7
Transmission damage : The engine stalls without propeller shaft ; moving.

Transfer case damage = Propeller shaft ; moves. Propeller shafts ? and D do not
move.
Rear axle damage A, C The engine/transmission block twists in the frame. In vehicles
with transfer case the propeller shafts ;, D and F also move.
Front axle damage E, G Propeller shafts ;, ? and B move. Propeller shafts D and F
do not move.
Wheel bearing/planetary hub reduction The intact wheel turns.
drive

Towing
Towing
Removing the rear axle drive shafts
Engaging differential lock with bolt:

M Remove cable connector : from shift cylinder
housing ;.
M Unscrew switch using socket wrench
(size 24 mm).
M Carefully screw bolt = all the way into shift cyl-
inder housing ;.
Actros 1 M 18 x 1.5 x 80 mm
Actros 2/3 M 22 x 1.5 x 80 mm
M If it is not possible to screw the bolt = all the
way in: Pull out drive shaft about 150 mm and
(example)
twist until the bolt = can be screwed fully home.
(example)
Removing drive shafts on rear axles HL 6 and HL 8:

way back or remove.
M Engage differential lock (interwheel differential
lock) with bolt.
M Unscrew bolts : on wheel hubs.
M Place oil pan under wheel hub.
M Collect escaping oil.
M Pull out both drive shafts.
M Use a cover to protect the wheel hub against dirt.

Towing
Towing
Removing drive shafts on rear axles HL 7 and HD 7:

way back or remove.
M Engage differential lock (interwheel differential
lock) with bolt.
M Unscrew oil drain screws of planetary hub reduc-
tion drives.
M Collect escaping oil in an oil pan.
M Detach end covers of planetary hub reduction
drives =.
M Remove retaining rings : using pliers.
M Remove both drive shafts together with sun gear.

To do this, use special tool ; or a 120 mm long
bolt M 8.
M Detach sun gear from drive shaft and reinstall in
axle gear.
M Attach end cover =.
Filling planetary gears with oil
!
If the towing distance exceeds 100 km, add oil to
the planetary hub reduction drives.
M Unscrew oil filler screw in center of end cover =.

M Screw oil container ? into end cover =.
M Fill planetary hub reduction drive with oil (3.25 l
on each side of the wheel). Only use clean trans-
mission oil.
M Unscrew oil container ?.
M Screw in oil filler screw and tighten.

Towing
Towing
Preparations for towing
Towing with a tow bar
!
Do not tow the vehicle without a compressed air
supply.
Always use a tow bar for towing.
If possible, tow the vehicle empty; unload the
vehicle if necessary in order to avoid
consequential damage.
The coupling jaw may only be loaded to half the
permissible gross weight of the tractor vehicle,
see page 192.
Towing:
M Swing coupling pin cover : up.
M Swing coupling jaw cover ; down.
M Disengage coupling pin =, swing forward about 90 and pull out upwards.
M Insert tow bar into coupling jaw.
M Engage coupling pin = in the catch with an audible click.
M Run the engine if possible (for power steering, compressed air supply and transmission lubrication).
M If the engine cannot be run: Ensure that the compressed air supply is provided by the towing vehicle.
On four-axle vehicles with propeller shaft installed, the power steering assistance while driving is supplied by
the second power steering pump.
!
If the engine is not running, greater effort will be required to steer.

Towing
Towing
Towing in raised position
!
If possible, tow the vehicle empty. Unload the vehicle if necessary in order to avoid consequential damage.
On four-axle vehicles it may be necessary to remove the wheels on the second front axle in order to obtain
sufficient ground clearance. Secure the brake drums with wheel nuts.
If the vehicle is raised, always turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock all the way back and remove.
Do not raise the vehicle by the front coupling jaw, by the rear towing coupling or by the rear trailer hitch. Risk
of frame damage.
Do not raise the vehicle by the frame on one side only.
Laden vehicles and empty four-axle vehicles may only be towed when raised at the front by the wheels or
axles.
Secure the vehicle on the lifting arm of the towing vehicle with suitable fastening materials.
Install warning lamps on the vehicle if necessary.
Vehicles involved in an accident:

M Before raising the vehicle, check the connections between the frame sections and between the frame and
the axle.
M On air-sprung vehicles: Set air suspension (on the raised axle) to "Lower".
M If the air spring bellows on a rolling axle are defective, ensure adequate clearance and tow at max. 10 km/h.
M Fold up or detach the underride guard if necessary.
Additionally for semitrailer tractors with semitrailer:

M Make sure there is sufficient clearance between the semitrailer tractor and the semitrailer, particularly when
cornering and when starting to drive up steep slopes.
Risk of accident $
Trailer/semitrailer with ABS/EAB:
When towing entire truck/trailer combinations with braked trailer and electronic trailer brake, there is a
danger of uncontrolled braking of the trailer/semitrailer.
This can cause the trailer/semitrailer to lose lateral stability and break away.
Connect the towing vehicle and the trailer/semitrailer with an ABS cable (5-pin).
Retrofit an ABS socket on the towing vehicle if necessary.
Towing:
M Deactivate acceleration skid control (ASR), Telligent stability control (SR) and Active Brake Assist (ABA),
see page 172.
M Remove the propeller shaft to the rolling axles.
M When towing entire combinations, route an ABS cable from the towing vehicle to the trailer/semitrailer
(5-pin).

Towing
Towing
Overview of towing options
Vehicle model Raised at the front by Raised at the rear by (7)

Wheels on Leaf Frame (only Wheels on Wheels on End cross-
front axle or springs Actros 1: rear axle or trailing axle member (3)
front axle vehicles rear axle
housing (5) with air housing (5)
suspension
on all axles)
4x2 x x1 x1, 2, 6 x x1
4x4 x x1 x x1
6x2 x x1 x1, 2, 6 x1
6 x 2/4 x x1 x1, 2, 6 x1 x1
6x4 x x1 x1 x1
6x6 x x1 x1
8 x 4/4, x2, 4 Not Not Not
8 x 6/4, permissible permissible permissible
8 x 8/4
1 Empty vehicle only

2 Only as far as the nearest unloading station at
max. 10 km/h
3
Semitrailer tractor only
4
Remove wheels from 2nd front axle, secure
brake drums
5
Make sure suitable axle forks are used (axle
diameter and width)
6
See "Air-sprung vehicles" on page 185
7
Additionally secure the steering wheel and
remove the roof spoiler

Towing
Towing
Raising by the wheels
M Secure vehicle using wheel chocks to prevent it

from rolling.
M Set the lift fork ; to the track width of the vehi-
cle.
M Raise the vehicle with the aid of air cushions if
necessary.
Pay attention to tie rods, soundproofing panels
and the level control system on vehicles with full
air suspension.
M Move the lift fork ; under the vehicle and set to

the tire size of the vehicle.
M Raise vehicle.
!
Make sure there is sufficient clearance between
the arm of the lift fork and the front trim, partic-
ularly when cornering and when starting to drive
up steep slopes.
M Secure the vehicle with straps : on the wheels

and chains on the axles and transfer bar.
On vehicles with two front axles:
M Unload vehicle.
M Lift the front axle with lifting forks.
Ensure that the steering linkage, springs, hoses
and cables are not damaged.
M Secure the front axle to the lifting device with
chains.
M Make sure that the 2nd front axle has sufficient
ground clearance. The 2nd front axle must touch
the ground while the vehicle is being towed or
when cornering; remove the wheels from the 2nd
front axle if necessary. Secure brake drums with
wheel nuts.
!
If the vehicle cannot be unloaded:
Tow the vehicle only as far as the nearest unloading station at max. 10 km/h.

Towing
Towing
Raising by the front axle
M Lift the front axle with lifting forks :. Ensure that

the steering linkage, springs, stabilizer bars, hos-
es and cables are not damaged.
M Secure the front axle to the lifting device with
chains ;.
If the lifting force of the towing vehicle is insufficient:

Tow the vehicle only as far as the nearest unloading
station (only possible in the forward direction on a
straight, flat road, at max. 10 km/h):
M Raise the vehicle by the 1st front axle, remove
wheels and secure brake drums with wheel nuts.
M Detach the drag link on the 2nd front axle.
M Lower the vehicle until the 2nd front axle is shar-
ing the load.
Raising by the front of the frame (Actros 1 only)
!
Only raise unladen vehicles at the front end of the
frame.
Actros 2/3: These vehicles must never be raised
by the front end of the frame. There is a risk of
serious damage to the longitudinal frame
members.

Towing
Towing
Air-sprung vehicles
!
Do not raise the vehicle by the front
crossmember.
M Fit the support fixture so that it cannot slip out of

place.
M Attach the support fixture so that lines, cables,
hoses and other detachable parts are not dam-
aged.
M Tie the axle up to the frame using a chain or
strap :.
Lateral forces arising when a laden vehicle is raised
can lead to distortion at the cargo area.
M Set rear axle to driving level.
6 x 2 vehicles: The trailing axle can only be bled if
both lines to the air bellows are disconnected and
sealed off.
M Secure the vehicle to the lifting device with a
chain or straps to prevent it from slipping forward
or backward.
Leaf-sprung vehicle
Never raise the vehicle by the front crossmember.
M Fit the support fixture so that it cannot slip out of
place.
M Attach the support fixture so that lines, cables,
aged.
M Tie the axle up to the frame using a chain or strap :.
M Secure the vehicle to the lifting device with chains or straps to prevent it from slipping forward or backward.
Lateral forces arising when a laden vehicle is raised can lead to distortion at the cargo area.

Towing
Towing
Raising by the leaf springs (construction site vehicles only)
!
In certain vehicles a crossmember may be
installed under the spring mounting. The spring
support cannot be used on these vehicles.
Only unladen vehicles should be raised by the leaf
springs, using a jointed spring support.
M Install jointed spring support : in the support

fixture or lifting device and secure.
M Fasten lifting device with spring support : to
leaf spring and secure.
M Secure the vehicle with a chain hoist ; to pre-

vent it from slipping.
Raising at the rear
M On vehicles with driven front axle: Remove pro-

peller shaft between transfer case and front axle
complete; mark the propeller shaft before remov-
ing.
M Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock and
engage the steering wheel lock.
M Secure the steering wheel with two additional
straps : in the tangential direction to prevent it
from turning.
M Make sure there is sufficient clearance of the
front cab trim (front spoiler).
M Detach wind guides.

Towing
Towing
Raising by the rear wheels
M Set the lift fork to the track width of the vehicle.

M Move the lift fork under the vehicle and set to the
tire size.
M Raise the vehicle and secure at the wheels with
straps and at the axle with chains.
Raising the vehicle at the lift axle
It is only permissible to raise the vehicle at the lift

axle when the vehicle is unladen, i.e. without
superstructure or swap body. On semi-laden
vehicles, place a square wooden block between the
longitudinal frame member and the lift axle.
M Secure the vehicle to the lifting device with
chains. Attach the chains so that lines, cables,
aged.
M Before raising, tie the 1st rear axle to the frame
with chains, see page 188.
!
Observe the tire pressure and changes in the tire temperature. The front axle load increases when multi-axle
vehicles are raised at the last axle.

Towing
Towing
Raising vehicles with two drive axles at the rear
Laden four-axle vehicles must not be raised at the

rear. When raising unladen vehicles, remove the
wheels on the 2nd front axle (secure the brake
drums with wheel nuts). Otherwise there is a danger
of frame damage when cornering.
M Place hard wood blocks 100 x 100 x 500 mm be-
tween the axle housing and frame on both sides
and secure to prevent them from slipping.
M Set the lift fork to the track width and tire size.
Raise the vehicle and secure to the lifting device
with chains.
Raising the vehicle at the rear crossmember (semitrailer tractors only)
M If necessary, detach the trailer hitch or towing

coupling.
M Unfasten the wiring harness in the crossmember
and the compressed air reservoir if necessary
and move out of the way.
!
Actros 2/3:
Raising the vehicle by the end of the frame can
lead to frame damage, so only raise by the wheels
or the axle housings.
M Tie the axle up to the frame with chains. Place a

wooden block between the frame and the chain.
M Attach lifting device.
M Secure the vehicle to the lifting device with
straps.

Towing
Towing
Gearshift
Engaging the high-speed splitter group on the transmission
On vehicles with manual gearshift or Actros 1 with

Telligent gearshift/Telligent automatic gearshift
system, the high-speed group can be engaged.
M Shift transmission to neutral.
M Unscrew stop plug : on transmission housing
(above the propeller shaft).
M Screw "GP" adjusting screw ; (vehicle docu-
ment wallet) all the way in and tighten. 1
!
On vehicles with a TELMA transmission, it is not
possible to shift the high-speed splitter groups on
the transmission.
GP 2

Recovery
Recovery
General
!
The force application points referred to in these guidelines do not have an infinite load capacity. They should
only be regarded as suitable points for the application of external forces and are intended for experienced
recovery experts. Application of these instructions is left to the discretion of the recovery experts.
The steering may be damaged if the vehicle is towed with recovery tools which are fastened to the wheels/
hubs on steering axles.
Force application points

To avoid concentrating the frame load at single points, the connecting points between the longitudinal frame
members and the frame crossmembers are most suitable. The straps used should be as wide as possible so
as not to damage any detachable frame parts, lines, cables and hoses.
Use as many force application points as possible.
One-sided pulling will cause distortion or cracking of the frame.
The towing straps should form an isosceles triangle with the smallest possible angle.
Load compensating rollers should be used to ensure that the pulling force is equal on both sides.
Avoid towing at an angle wherever possible. A towing angle of max. 15 to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
must not be exceeded.
The utmost care is to be exercised when applying external forces to the axles and axle connecting
components.
Before recovering
M Always unload the vehicle first, especially vehicles with box bodies. This reduces the towing forces required.
Further damage to the vehicle can be reduced to a minimum.
M If it is not possible to unload the vehicle, choose as many force application points as possible.
Straightening the vehicle

M Use as many force application points as possible or apply the forces in the vicinity of frame crossmembers.
Use straps.
M If possible, assist the procedure using inflatable jacks.
M The forces can be distributed evenly by using guide pulleys or load compensation rollers.
After straightening
!
Do not start the engine. Oil residues in the intake system can cause the engine to overrev, which may result
in engine damage.

Recovery
Recovery
Super-wide tires
Converting from super-wide tires to twin tires

If it is not possible to continue driving with a damaged super-wide tire, it can be replaced on one side with twin
tires of size 315/70 R 22.5.
!
With these tires the vehicle may be driven for 50 km at max. 62 km/h.
Risk of accident $
Exceeding the specified tire load capacity or the permissible tire maximum speed can lead to tire damage or
tire failure. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident with possible injury to
For this reason, only use the tire makes, rim sizes and tire sizes approved for your vehicle model and pay
attention to the tire load capacity and speed index necessary for your vehicle.
To avoid damage to the super-wide tires, they are equipped with a specially tailored run flat system. For this
reason only approved super-wide tires and run flat systems may be used. Never operate the super-wide tires
without the run flat system. If a super-wide tire fails, you could lose control of the vehicle and cause an
accident with possible injury to yourself and others.

Recovery
Recovery
Maximum permissible pulling forces
!
Recovery at the front coupling jaw
Actros 1:
10 t (2 axles), 20 t (3 and 4 axles).
Actros 2/3:
20 t (2, 3 and 4 axles)
Towing angle max. 15.
!
Recover semitrailer tractors fitted with weight-
optimized end crossmember at the towing
coupling with a force of max. 6 t.
Observe the data on the model plate of the
towing coupling.
!
Recovery at the trailer hitch
Pin diameter 38 mm: max. 12 t pulling force
Pin diameter 48 mm: max. 20 t pulling force

Recovery
Recovery
Recovering the vehicle from the rear
Recovering by the frame

Only for vehicles without integral rear end and vehicles which are not sunken in the ground.
M Remove towing coupling and/or compressed air

reservoir.
M Unfasten wiring harness in crossmember if nec-
essary and place to one side.
M To prevent pinpoint frame loads insert a suitable

wooden block (see Special tools, Page 196). The
block must overlap the end crossmember.
Recovering by the axle (sunken vehicles)
M Attach towing straps to axle housing.

Recovery
Recovery
M Fit the straps : so that detachable parts, stabi-

lizer bars, hoses and cables are not damaged.

Recovery
Recovery
Safety components
When recovering a vehicle, pay attention to the following safety components:
Frame
Longitudinal members and crossmembers.
Cab
Cab mounting including catch.
Steering system
Steering shaft, steering wheel with ignition lock, steering gear, steering gear pitman arms, pitman arms, track
levers, steering cylinders, drag links, tie rods and joints.
Mounting of the steering gear on the frame.
Front axle(s)
Front axle housing and attaching parts for suspension and brakes, kingpins, steering knuckles.
Rear axle(s)
Rear axle housing and attaching parts for suspension and brakes.
Axle joints
Springs, spring shackles, spring bracket.
Air spring bellows, detachable parts of air spring bellows.
Wishbone control arm, longitudinal and transverse control arms, stabilizer bars, including attaching parts.
Wheels
Wheel hub, tires, rims, wheel mounting parts.
Brakes
All mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical actuating systems and brake force transmission
mechanisms.
Brake drums, disks and calipers.
Propeller shafts
Vehicle connecting parts

Fifth wheel couplings and articulation journals, trailer hitches and towing couplings at front and rear with
installations.
Electrical system
Wiring harnesses and electrical lines.

Special tools
Special toolse
Mercedes-Benz special tools
The special tools listed on this page can be found in the vehicle document wallet in Actros vehicles. The special
tools can also be acquired from any Mercedes-Benz service center.
Designation Actros 1 Actros 2/3

Adapter for Emergency shift at Emergency shift at
transmission shift transmission, see page 126 transmission, see page 126
shaft
Order number:
A 945 268 05 71
Adjusting screw Emergency shift at

for 3rd and 4th transmission, see page 126
gears
Order number:
3/4 A 945 268 02 71
Adjusting screw Emergency shift at

for reverse gear transmission, see page 126
Order number:
A 945 268 03 71
R
Adjusting screw Vehicles with manual
for high-speed gearshift system (HPS) only
splitter group
Order number:
GP A 945 268 01 43

Special tools
Special toolse
The following special tools/aids can be acquired from any Mercedes-Benz service center. Special tools and bolts
are not included in the vehicle tool kit.
Special tools
(For extracting the drive shafts on axles with planetary hub reduction drive, see page 178).
Bolts
Bolt M 8 x 120 mm
(For extracting the drive shafts on axles with planetary hub reduction drive, see page 178).
Bolt M 18 x 1.5 x 80 mm
(For locking the rear axle differential, see page 178).
Bolt M 22 x 1.5 x 80 mm
(For locking the rear axle differential, see page 178).
Adapter for compressed air connection

: M 18x1.5 part no. A 000 431 29 31
; M 22x1.5 part no. A 004 997 82 72
Adapter for test connections
M 18 part no. A 000 431 29 31
M 22 part no. A 000 431 30 31
Pressure booster :
for vehicles with brake system operating pressure of
8.5 bar 1

Special tools
Special toolse
Compressed air hose
; Connection
= Hose
? Adapter 2 3
A Coupling head
5
4
Lifting fork
B Front axle lifting fork

6
C Spacer plate

Special tools
Special toolse
Shop-made special tools
Square wooden block for rear crossmember.
160 mm
500
mm
m
150 m
Wheel hub cover 1

Item Designation Dimen-
sion
2
: Diameter 230 mm
; Hole circle radius 95 mm 5
= Hole diameter 19 mm
? Undercut depth 5 mm
A Undercut diameter 150 mm 4 3
N54.10-2211-00
i
The undercut is necessary because of the protruding axle tube, otherwise the cover will not lie flat.
The following special tools/aids are recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Inflatable jack
Lift height up to 200 mm, lift force up to 9000 kg

Index
A Brake system, Nordic E

ABA (Active Brake Assist) 140 countries 140 EAB, see System abbreviations
System abbreviations 65 BS, see System abbreviations Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 19
ABS, see System abbreviations Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 40 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 40
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 19 Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 19 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 40 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65 EDW, see System abbreviations
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65 BTS, see System abbreviations 65 Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 19
Active Brake Assist 140 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 40
AdBlue level gauge 55 C Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Chassis frame 154, 156 Electrical system 98
AdBlue tank 94
Chassis number 10 Electronic Air-Processing Unit
Additional tank 93
Clutch operating system 123 (EAPU) 136
Adjusting screw 189
Combination tank 94 Electronic system malfunction
AG, see System abbreviations display 26
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 40 Compressed air production 134
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 19 Electronic trailer/semitrailer
Compressed air system
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65 brake 19
Filling from an external
AGE, see System abbreviations 19 source 144 EMERGENCY OFF switch 99
Versions 134 RESET switch 101
AHE, see System abbreviations 19
Constant pressure system Emergency shift at
Aids 197, 199
with Electronic Air-Processing transmission 126
Air suspension system 152
Unit (EAPU) 136 Emergency shift, transmission 120
Antilock brake system 19, 40, 65 with separate four-circuit Telligent automatic gearshift
Anti-theft alarm system 19 protection valve 135 system 124
APU, see System abbreviations 65 Conventions 9 Telligent automatic gearshift
ART, see System abbreviations Coupling jaw 166, 180, 192 system (Actros 1) 123
Telligent gearshift system 124
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 40 Coupling pin 166 Telligent gearshift system
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Crossmember 185, 188 (Actros 1) 123
Automatic gearshift system 113
Engine diagnosis 85
Auxiliary heater 21, 158 D Engine oil pressure
Axle configuration 11 Detachable frame parts 190 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 90
Axle housing 193 Differential lock 178 Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 89
Display Engine, starting and stopping with
B Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 17 the cab tilted 163
Batteries Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 57 EPB, see System abbreviations 19
Battery tray 107 Display messages EPS, see System abbreviations 20
Disconnecting and connecting Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 43
106 Event code 36
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 22
Removing/installing 107 Actros 2/3 66 Export vehicles 101
Battery terminals 106 Displays External force application 190
Bellows 152 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 2934 External force application
Bleed screw 97 Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 1618 points 190
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 52
Bleeding 97
55
Bleeding the fuel system 96
Drive control 20
Blocked drive train 177
Drive shafts 177
Brake control 19
Drive train 177
Brake pressure limiting 47
Driver Information System 31
Brake system 138
200 i Guidelines for Breakdown Services

Index
F GM, see System abbreviations 65 K

FFB, see System abbreviations Ground cable 103 KB, see System abbreviations
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 19 Ground clearance 183 Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 20
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 40 GS back-up mode 128 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Filler connection 152 GS, see System abbreviations KOM, see System abbreviations
Filler neck Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 20
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 20
Diesel fuel 94 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41
Hydraulic fluid 94 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Filling from an external source Guide pulleys 190 KS, see System abbreviations
Air suspension system 156 Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 20
Guidelines Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41
Brake system 144
Trade association 9 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Filling pressure 144 Vehicle ownership 9
KSA, see System abbreviations
FIS 31
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 20
FLA, see System abbreviations H Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 20 Half-gear switch 111, 113 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 40 Hand pump 95, 97
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Hazardous goods vehicles 99 L
Flame starting system 20
HM, see System abbreviations 65 Level control 152
FM, see System abbreviations 65
HPS, see System abbreviations Level gauge
FMR, see System abbreviations 20 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41 AdBlue 55
Folding out clutch pedal 123 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65 Fuel 55
Force application points 190 Hydraulic fluid 94 Lift axle 187
FR, see System abbreviations Hydraulic-pneumatic Lift fork 183, 188
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 20 power shift 110 Lifting device 183
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41
HZR, see System abbreviations Lifting forks 183, 184
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 20 Liquid gas heater 158
Frame crossmember 190 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41
Longitudinal frame member 190
Frame distortion 190 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Frame load 190, 193
M
Frequent-stop brake 139 I
Main tank 93
Front axle 183 Indicator lamps
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 49 Malfunction classes 26, 36
Front coupling head 146
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 27 Manual gearshift system (HPS) 110
Fuel level sensor 93 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 84 Menu overview
Fuel prefilter 95 Inflatable jacks 190 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 33
Fuel reserve indicator 55 INS, see System abbreviations Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 58
Fuel tank 93 Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 20 Mercedes PowerShift 113
Fuel reserve indicator 55 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41 Mode
Function button, shift control Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65 Automatic 114
unit 111, 113 Instrument panel Manual 114
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 15 Mode selector button 114
G Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 28
Mode selector switch 114
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 50
Gas supply line, Model plate 10
auxiliary heater 158 Integral rear end 106
MR, see System abbreviations
Gate cylinder 120 Interwheel differential lock 178
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 20
Gear cylinder 120 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41
J Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Gearshift 109
Jump starting 102 MSF, see System abbreviations 65
Jumper cables 102
Jump-start connection point 103
Guidelines for Breakdown Services i 201

Index
N Recovery and towing company Steering linkage 183

Negative terminal 106 association 9 Steering wheel lock 186
Neutral button 111, 113 Recovery experts 190 STOP lamp
Neutral position 112, 115 Refrigerator 158 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 64
NR, see System abbreviations Reservoir pressures 137 Stop pushbutton 163
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 21 RESET switch 101 Straps 190
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41 RET, see System abbreviations 21 Super-wide tires 191
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65 Switching
Reverse gear 112, 115
RS, see System abbreviations Acceleration skid control 172
O Stability control 172
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 21
Oil level in engine Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41 Transfer case 173
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 90 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65 System abbreviations
Actros 1(bis 12/1999) 89 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 91
S
Onboard computer 56
Safety components 195 T
Overview TCO, see System abbreviations
Safety valve 140
Batteries 98 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 42
Electrical system 98 Shift control unit 111, 113 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Overview of fuel system 92 Shift shaft 126 Teach-in process 116
Shock absorbers 156 TEL, see System abbreviations 65
P SIL, see System abbreviations Telligent automatic gearshift
Parking brake 148 Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 21
system 113
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 42
Permissible pulling forces 192 Telligent brake system 138
SIR, see System abbreviations
PLD, see System abbreviations 20 Telligent gearshift system 111
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 21
Positive terminal 106 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 42 Telligent level control
PowerShift 113 SPA, see System abbreviations Normal level 154
Prefilter 95 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 42 Operating unit 153
Pressure regulating system 135 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65 Telligent level control 152
Pressure table 137 Special tools 196, 197 Test connection 148, 156
PSM, see System abbreviations Splitter group 110 Tilt pump 158
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 21 Spring-loaded actuator Tilting the cab 157
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 41 Parking brake, releasing 148 Tire inflation connection 147
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65 Safety valve 140
TMB, see System abbreviations 65
Pump lever 158 Springs 183
TMF, see System abbreviations 65
Pump noise 161 SRS, see System abbreviations
Tow bar 166, 180
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 21
Towing 168
Q Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 42
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65 Towing angle 190
Quick charger 102
Stabilizer bars 184, 194 Towing forces 192
Quick guide 12
Start pushbutton 163 Towing straps 190
R Start/stop pushbutton 164 Tow-starting 165
RAD, see System abbreviations 65 Starting off 112, 115 Tow-starting speed 166
Radio remote control 19 Stationary air conditioner 158 TP, see System abbreviations 65
Range group 110 Status indicator Track width 188
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 32 Trailer coupling 192
Recovery 190
Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 64
Trailer recognition module 19
202 i Guidelines for Breakdown Services

Index
V W Z
Valve block 152 Warning buzzer 86 ZDS, see System abbreviations 65
Vehicle Water separator 95 ZHE, see System abbreviations
Identification number 11 Water/fuel mixture 97 Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 21
Leaf-sprung 185 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 42
Wheel bearing damage 177
Model designation 10 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Raising at the frame 184 Wheel hubs 178
ZL, see System abbreviations 65
Raising at the rear Wooden block 193, 199
ZV, see System abbreviations 42
crossmember 188 WR, see System abbreviations 65
Raising by the leaf springs 186
WS, see System abbreviations
Raising by the wheels 187
Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 21
Straightening 190
Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 42
Vehicle Diagnostic System Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
(FDS) 16 WSK, see System abbreviations
Vehicle model designation 11 Actros 1 (up to 12/1999) 21
Vehicle model plate 10 Actros 1 (as of 01/2000) 42
Vehicle Service System (FSS) 16 Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003) 65
Vehicle tool kit 197
Vehicle version 11
Vent line 93
Guidelines for Breakdown Services i 203

Towing - Recovery
Actros
Towing - Recovery
Daimler AG, GSP/OI, HPC R 822, D-70546 Stuttgart

Technical status 08/2008

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Towing - Recovery

Daimler AG, GSP/OI, HPC R 822, D-70546 Stuttgart

Daimler AG Teile-Technik und Technische Information (GSP/OI) D-70546 Stuttgart

Daimler AG Teile-Technik und Technische Information (GSP/OI) D-70546 Stuttgart

Technical details of the data and illustrations provided in these guidelines

Reprinting, reproduction or translation, in whole or in part, is not

If you have any questions or suggestions concerning this product, please

Technical status: 11/2009

Safety and liability information 9

Description and roadside assistance

Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications) i 5

Oil level in engine 89

Compressed air production 134

Brake system 138

6 i Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications)

Telligent level control 152

Tilting the cab 157

Quick guide 168

Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications) i 7

Special tools 196

8 i Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications)

Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications) i 9

Vehicle model designation

Location of vehicle model plate/vehicle identification number

: Model plate (example)

Data on the vehicle model plate

10 i Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications)

Vehicle identification number (VIN)

Model designations 950 954 Model designations 930 934

Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications) i 11

Instrument panel, Actros 1 (up to 12/1999)

Instrument panel Actros 1 (as of 01/2000)

Instrument panel, Actros 2/3 (as of 01/2003)

12 i Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications)

Description and roadside assistance

Compressed air production

Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications) i 13

Telligent level control system

Tilting the cab

14 i Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications)

Description and roadside assistance

Instrument panel, Actros 1 (as of 01/2000), see page 28.

Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications) i 15

Vehicle Diagnostic System (FDS)/Vehicle Service System (FSS)

FDS Vehicle Diagnostic System

Do not press the control buttons : until the

16 i Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications)

Description and roadside assistance

Left display field : yellow/red

Right display field ; green/yellow

Calling up displays (see page 16)

Display messages, see page 22.

Display messages with code, see page 26.

Electronic system failure, see page 19.

Guidelines for Breakdown Services (Subject to technical modifications) i 17

M Turn vehicle key in ignition lock to drive position.

The STOP lamp : lights up:

Cause Action Page

Cause Action Page