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!