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Mercedes-Benz Vito: Rescuers Beware!
On new years eve, I took delivery of a brand new Mercedes-Benz Vito Crew Cab van (long wheel base).
Here's a link to the MB website with a bit of background info to the model: http://tinyurl.com/ay55n4
Over the last couple of weeks, I've noticed a few things that could potentially be a "trap" for rescuers and thought I'd give a heads up to everyone.
Ignition: check out the key. It's not broken!
If you need to engage the park brake, push down on the pedal located against the tunnel wall.
To disengage it, pull the handle located on the dashboard.
Looking for the fuel cap?
1) Look at the display- see the fuel bowser? It has an arrow pointing to one side of the vehicle. It's pointing to the side of the vehicle that the fuel cap is loacted on.
When you go to that side of the vehicle, nothing is obvious.
You'll need to open the door to access the fuel cap.
Need to access the hood/bonnet? Look under the dashboard on the PASSENGER side of the vehicle and pull the red lever!
Once the hood/bonnet is open, beware of the weight for such a small hood/bonnet- use the supporting strut.
What about batteries?
While in the hood/bonnet compartment, check out the "Jump Start" battery- this is not the "Start Up" battery.
Looking for the start up battery? Go back to the passenger side of the vehicle and look under the seat.
Open up the side compartment cover, and there it is!
Need to unlock the rear doors to get to the rear seat passengers?
Press the button on the dashboard.
If you need to make room in the rear to work on casualties, the rear seat comes out in about 10 seconds with two people.
And finally, what about cutting metal?
Check out the message on the glass- this is visible from both the interior and exterior. Mercedes-Benz have been courteous enough to tell us where to cut!
Here's a link to the MB website with a bit of background info to the model: http://tinyurl.com/ay55n4
Over the last couple of weeks, I've noticed a few things that could potentially be a "trap" for rescuers and thought I'd give a heads up to everyone.
Ignition: check out the key. It's not broken!
If you need to engage the park brake, push down on the pedal located against the tunnel wall.
To disengage it, pull the handle located on the dashboard.
Looking for the fuel cap?
1) Look at the display- see the fuel bowser? It has an arrow pointing to one side of the vehicle. It's pointing to the side of the vehicle that the fuel cap is loacted on.
When you go to that side of the vehicle, nothing is obvious.
You'll need to open the door to access the fuel cap.
Need to access the hood/bonnet? Look under the dashboard on the PASSENGER side of the vehicle and pull the red lever!
Once the hood/bonnet is open, beware of the weight for such a small hood/bonnet- use the supporting strut.
What about batteries?
While in the hood/bonnet compartment, check out the "Jump Start" battery- this is not the "Start Up" battery.
Looking for the start up battery? Go back to the passenger side of the vehicle and look under the seat.
Open up the side compartment cover, and there it is!
Need to unlock the rear doors to get to the rear seat passengers?
Press the button on the dashboard.
If you need to make room in the rear to work on casualties, the rear seat comes out in about 10 seconds with two people.
And finally, what about cutting metal?
Check out the message on the glass- this is visible from both the interior and exterior. Mercedes-Benz have been courteous enough to tell us where to cut!
Add a Comment
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Comment by lutan1 on June 29, 2010 at 3:03am
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IMPORTANT UPDATE:
I've just had the front windscreen replaced. It was fitted with an after market one by the suppliers.
Interesting to note that the "cut here" labels are not present on this one.
Rescuers beware- potential issue arising there!!!!
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Comment by Michael Bates on January 30, 2009 at 7:50pm
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Lutan Today i answered my own question. I had the oppurtunity to look at a mercedes 500 class sedan model year 2009 and sure enough they had the cut marks located on both the a post and c post just like in your photo. I sure hope this becomes an industry standard, it saves valuable time, and creates a safer working enviornment for us as first responders, now the hard part is getting everyone on the same page.
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Here's a better and more up to date link:
http://www.colacambulance.com/2007%20Mercedes%20Sprinter.htm
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I drive a Dodge Sprinter for work van, believe it is essentially same vehicle,mostly mercedes product,
Michael, I forgot to mention that the Sprinters are used extensively throughout Australia as Ambulances.
And for a load of other photos, including interior shots of the Sprinter, go to:
http://www.colacambulance.com/Mercedes.htm
Thought it might be of interest....
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I think you're right about Daimler-Chrysler.
I beleive they own Mercedes, Dodge, Chyrsler, etc.
I've got no idea though about the markings, etc on the US vehicles- if you want to pay for me to come over, I'll find out...!!!
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Lutan , do you know if the "cut here" feature is on US vehicles, I drive a Dodge Sprinter for work van, believe it is essentially same vehicle,mostly mercedes product, but have not noticed this on that vehicle.although i will agree the door lock button is not user friendly if not familiar, and the hidden fuel cap and battery are not clearly marked either
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Comment by Drew Tenhundfeld on January 10, 2009 at 12:20am
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Lutan thanks for the tips.
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The other thing with the key- flick that little grey button and you can pull out the metal key which will unlock the glove compartment which will then give you access to Owner manuals, etc
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No billy, it's on the "right" side! :)
Another thing to be aware of- if you look on the key, the bottom right button will open and close the electric rear doors- though this model is not fitted with them....
Potential trap if someone pushes the wrong button without the electrics being isolated.
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Comment by BillySFCVFD on January 9, 2009 at 10:27pm
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Nice tour but I see one major defect. The steering wheel and foot controls are on the wrong side. haha TCSS
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