2009 Mercedes-benz G Class Owners Manual

operate in the presence of water sprayed on the windshield, and windshield wipers may be damaged as a result.

! If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt on

the surface of the rain sensor or optical effects may cause the windshield wipers to wipe in an undesired fashion. This could then damage the windshield wiper blades or scratch the windshield. You should therefore switch off the windshield wipers when weather conditions are dry.

Intermittent wiping interval is dependent on wetness of windshield. After the initial wipe, pauses between wipes are controlled by the rain sensor automatically. X Turn the combination switch to position I. Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is opened. This protects persons getting into or out of the vehicle from being sprayed. Intermittent wiping will be continued when all doors are closed and Rthe automatic transmission is in drive

position D or reverse gear R

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 81
Version: 2.11.7.1

X Switch on the ignition. X Activating intermittent wiping: Press

switch :. Indicator lamp ; comes on.

X Deactivating intermittent wiping: Press

switch : again. Indicator lamp ; goes out.

X Wiping with washer fluid: Press and hold

switch =. The rear window is wiped for another 5 seconds after switch = is released. For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp cleaning system” (Y page 153).

Problems with wipers ! If anything blocks the wipers (leaves,

snow, etc.), switch them off immediately. For safety reasons, stop the vehicle in a safe location, and R-

remove the SmartKey from the starter switch

- engage the parking brake before attempting to remove any blockage.

RRemove blockage. RTurn the wipers on again. If the windshield wipers fail to function at all with the combination switch in position I, Rset the combination switch to the next

higher wiper speed

Rhave the windshield wipers checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

Power windows

81

Power windows Opening and closing The door windows are opened and closed electrically. The switches for all door windows are located on the driver’s door control panel. The switches for the respective door windows are located on the front passenger door and on the rear doors. i Operating the rear door windows from the rear is not possible when you activate the override switch (Y page 49). G Observe Safety notes, see page 44. G Warning! When closing the door windows, make sure there is no danger of anyone being harmed by the closing procedure. Activate the override switch when children are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The children may otherwise injure themselves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the window opening. The closing of the door windows can be immediately halted by releasing the switch or by releasing button & on the SmartKey. G Warning! Do not keep any part of your body up against the window pane when opening a window. The downward motion of the pane may pull that part of your body down between the window pane and the door frame and trap it there. If there is a risk of entrapment, release the switch and pull it to close the window.

i You can also open or close the windows using the SmartKey, see “Summer opening feature” (Y page 82) and “Convenience closing feature” (Y page 82).

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 82
Version: 2.11.7.1

82 Driving and parking

sliding sunroof have reached the desired position. The vehicle unlocks.

X Release button % on the SmartKey to

interrupt the opening procedure.

Convenience closing feature When locking the vehicle, you can simultaneously close the windows and the tilt/sliding sunroof. G Warning! When closing the windows and the tilt/sliding sunroof, make sure there is no danger of anyone being harmed by the closing procedure. If potential danger exists, proceed as follows: RRelease button & to stop the closing

procedure. To open, press and hold button %. To continue the closing procedure after making sure that there is no danger of anyone being harmed by the closing procedure, press and hold button &.

The SmartKey must be in close proximity to the driver’s outside door handle. X Aim transmitter eye of the SmartKey at the

driver’s outside door handle.

X Press and hold button & on the

SmartKey until the windows and the tilt/ sliding sunroof are completely closed.

X Release button & on the SmartKey to

interrupt the closing procedure.

Driving and parking Safety notes G Warning! Make sure absolutely no objects are obstructing the pedals’ range of movement. Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obstacles. If there are any floormats or

: Override switch (Y page 49) ; Left front door window = Right front door window ? Right rear door window A Left rear door window X Switch on the ignition. X Opening/closing: Press or pull and hold switch ; to A to the resistance point. The corresponding door window will move downwards or upwards until you release the switch.

X Express opening: Press switch ; to A

past the resistance point and release. The corresponding door window opens completely.

X Stopping during express opening: Press

or pull the respective switch again.

Summer opening feature When the weather is warm, you can ventilate the vehicle before driving off by simultaneously Ropening the windows Ropening the tilt/sliding sunroof The summer opening feature can only be activated via the remote control of the SmartKey. The SmartKey must be in close proximity to the driver’s outside door handle. X Aim transmitter eye of the SmartKey at the

driver’s outside door handle.

X Press and hold button % on the

SmartKey until the windows and the tilt/

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 83
Version: 2.11.7.1

carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals still have sufficient clearance. During sudden driving or braking maneuvers the objects could get caught between the pedals. You could then no longer brake or accelerate. This could lead to accidents and injury. G Warning! With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering systems. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.

Starting the engine G Warning! Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death. Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and corrected immediately. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with at least one window fully open at all times.

Driving and parking

83

Automatic transmission

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission j Park position with gear selector lever lock k Reverse gear i Neutral position h Drive position For more information, see “Automatic transmission” (Y page 87). X Make sure the automatic transmission is in

park position P.

Starting X Do not depress the accelerator pedal. X Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to

position 3 (Y page 62) and release it. The engine starts automatically.

Starting difficulties ! Remember that extended starting

attempts can drain the battery.

If the SmartKey is left in starter switch position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in the starter switch. In this case, the steering is locked. X To unlock, remove the SmartKey from the

starter switch and reinsert.

The engine does not start. You can hear the starter. There could be a malfunction in the engine electronics or in the fuel supply system.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 84
Version: 2.11.7.1

84 Driving and parking

X Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to

position 0 and repeat the starting procedure.

driving off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake. Release the parking brake.

If the engine does not start after several starting attempts: X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center or call Roadside Assistance.

The engine does not start. You cannot hear the starter. The battery may not be sufficiently charged. X Get a jump start (Y page 237). If the engine will not start despite a jump start: X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center or call Roadside Assistance.

The starter has been exposed to excessive temperatures. X Let the starter cool for about 2 minutes. X Repeat the starting procedure. If the engine does not start after several starting attempts: X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center or call Roadside Assistance.

Driving off G Warning! On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.

! Do not run a cold engine at high engine

speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine speeds may shorten the service life of the engine. This is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

! If an acoustic warning sounds and the

message Release Parking Brake appears in the multifunction display when

! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may

cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

! Simultaneously depressing the

accelerator pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

i Once the vehicle is in motion, the

automatic central locking system engages and the locking knobs in the doors move down. The automatic door lock feature can be deactivated (Y page 108).

Automatic transmission G Warning! It is dangerous to shift the automatic transmission out of park position P or neutral position N if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

! Only shift the automatic transmission into reverse gear R or park position P when the vehicle is stopped. Otherwise the automatic transmission could be damaged.

X Depress the brake pedal.

The gear selector lever lock is released.

X Shift the automatic transmission into drive

position D or reverse gear R.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 85
Version: 2.11.7.1

i Shifting the automatic transmission out of

park position P is only possible with the brake pedal depressed. Only depressing the brake pedal releases the gear selector lever lock.

X Wait for the gear selection process to complete before setting the vehicle in motion.

X If engaged, release the parking brake. X Release the brake pedal. X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal. After a cold start, the automatic transmission shifts at a higher engine revolution. This allows the catalytic converter to reach its operating temperature earlier. For more information on driving, see “Driving instructions” (Y page 176). For information on off-road driving, see “Off- road driving” (Y page 179).

Problems while driving The engine runs erratically and misfires RAn ignition cable may be damaged. RThe engine electronics may not be

operating properly.

RUnburned gasoline may have entered the

catalytic converter and damaged it.

X Give very little gas. X Have the problem checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

The coolant temperature is above 248‡ (120†) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling the engine. X Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon

as possible.

X Turn off the engine immediately.

Driving and parking

85

X Allow the engine and coolant to cool off. X Check the coolant level and add coolant if

necessary (Y page 152).

In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking fuel: X Do not start the engine under any

circumstances.

X Exit the vehicle at a safe distance from the

roadway.

X Notify local fire and/or police authorities. If the extent of the damage cannot be determined: X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center or call Roadside Assistance. If no damage on major assemblies, fuel system, and engine mount can be determined: X Start the engine in the usual manner.

Parking G Warning! Do not park this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system. These materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire. Vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury or damage to the vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always do the following before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle: RKeep right foot on the brake pedal. REngage the parking brake. RShift the automatic transmission into park

position P.

RSlowly release the brake pedal. RWhen parked on an incline, always turn the

front wheels towards the road curb.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 86
Version: 2.11.7.1

86 Driving and parking

RTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 0 and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.

RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the

vehicle when leaving.

Parking brake G Warning! Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged. G Warning! When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or shift the automatic transmission out of park position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

X Releasing: Pull up slightly on parking brake

lever : and press release button ;.

X Push parking brake lever : down to its

original position. When the ignition is switched on or the engine is running, the brake warning lamp

$ (USA only) or J (Canada only) in the instrument cluster goes out.

X Engaging: Pull up parking brake lever :

firmly. When the engine is running, the brake warning lamp $ (USA only) or J (Canada only) in the instrument cluster comes on.

Turning off the engine G Warning! Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering systems. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.

X Shift the automatic transmission into park

position P.

X Engage the parking brake. i Always engage the parking brake in

addition to shifting the automatic transmission into park position P. When parked on an incline, also turn the front wheels towards the road curb.

X Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to

position 0.

X Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch. The immobilizer is activated.

The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the automatic transmission in park position P.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 87
Version: 2.11.7.1

Automatic transmission Introduction For information on driving with an automatic transmission, see “Driving and parking” (Y page 82). G Warning! Make sure absolutely no objects are obstructing the pedals’ range of movement. Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obstacles. If there are any floormats or carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals still have sufficient clearance. During sudden driving or braking maneuvers the objects could get caught between the pedals. You could then no longer brake or accelerate. This could lead to accidents and injury.

! Allow the engine to warm up under low

load use. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has been reached. Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period when driving off on slippery road surfaces. This may cause serious damage to the engine and the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

i During the brief warm-up, transmission

upshifting is delayed. This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more quickly to operating temperature.

Automatic transmission

87

Gear selector lever

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission j Park position with gear selector lever lock k Reverse gear i Neutral position h Drive position G Warning! It is dangerous to shift the automatic transmission out of park position P or neutral position N if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

! Only shift the automatic transmission into reverse gear R or park position P when the vehicle is stopped. Otherwise the automatic transmission could be damaged.

i Shifting the automatic transmission out of

park position P is only possible with the brake pedal depressed. Only depressing the brake pedal releases the gear selector lever lock.

i The current gear selector lever position corresponds with the current transmission position.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 88
Version: 2.11.7.1

88

Automatic transmission

The current transmission position P, R, N, or D appears in the multifunction display (Y page 88).

Shifting procedure The automatic transmission selects individual gears automatically, depending on: Rthe selected gear range (Y page 89) Rtransfer case position (HIGH or LOW)

(Y page 91)

Rthe position of the accelerator pedal Rthe vehicle speed With drive position D selected, you can influence transmission shifting by limiting or extending the gear range.

Transmission positions The current transmission position appears in the multifunction display.

: Transmission position indicator

Effect

B Park position

Shift the automatic transmission into park position P only when the vehicle is stopped. The park position is not intended to serve as a brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always engage the parking brake in addition to shifting the automatic transmission into park position P to secure the vehicle. The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the gear selector lever in park position P. With the SmartKey removed from the starter switch, the gear selector lever is locked in park position P. If the vehicle’s electrical system is malfunctioning, the gear selector lever could remain locked in park position P. To unlock the gear selector lever manually, see “Manually unlocking the gear selector lever” (Y page 222).

C Reverse gear

Shift the automatic transmission into reverse gear R only when the vehicle is stopped.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 89
Version: 2.11.7.1

Effect

A Neutral position

No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be moved freely (pushed or towed). To avoid damage to the transmission, never shift the automatic transmission into neutral position N while driving. Exceptions: RIf the ESP® is deactivated or

malfunctioning, shift the automatic transmission into neutral position N if the vehicle is in danger of skidding.

RShift the automatic transmission into neutral position N if you have to shift the transfer case.

! Coasting the vehicle, or driving

for any other reason with the automatic transmission in neutral position N can result in transmission damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

7 Drive position

The automatic transmission shifts automatically. All forward gears are available.

Driving tips Kickdown Use the kickdown when you want maximum acceleration. X Depress the accelerator pedal past the

point of resistance. Depending on the engine speed the automatic transmission shifts into a lower gear.

Automatic transmission

89

Working on the vehicle G Warning! When working on the vehicle, engage the parking brake and shift the automatic transmission into park position P. Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Gear ranges With the automatic transmission in drive position D, you can limit or extend the gear range, see “One-touch gearshifting” (Y page 90). The current gear range appears in the multifunction display.

: Gear range indicator

! If the transfer case is in off-road position LOW, the automatic transmission will not shift up automatically, even when the engine has reached the speed limit for that gear. There is a risk of damaging the engine. It is very important to make sure the permissible engine speed is not exceeded.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 90
Version: 2.11.7.1

90

Automatic transmission

Effect

= With this selection you can use the

braking effect of the engine.

5 Allows the use of engine’s braking

power when driving Ron steep downgrades Rin mountainous regions Runder extreme operating

conditions

4 For maximum use of engine’s braking effect on very steep or lengthy downgrades.

One-touch gearshifting With the automatic transmission in drive position D, you can limit or extend the gear range using the gear selector lever.

Limiting gear range G Warning! On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.

X Briefly press the gear selector lever to the

left in the D- direction. The automatic transmission will shift into the next lower gear as permitted by the shift program. This action simultaneously limits the gear range of the automatic transmission.

i To avoid overrevving the engine when

downshifting, the automatic transmission will not shift into a lower gear if the engine’s maximum speed would be exceeded.

Extending gear range X Briefly press the gear selector lever to the

right in the D+ direction. The automatic transmission will shift into the next higher gear as permitted by the shift program. This action simultaneously extends the gear range of the automatic transmission.

i If you press on the accelerator pedal

when the engine has reached the revolution limit of the current gear range, the automatic transmission will upshift beyond any gear range limit selected.

Canceling gear range limit X Press and hold the gear selector lever to

the right in the D+ direction until D reappears in the multifunction display. The automatic transmission will shift from the current gear range directly into drive position D.

Shifting into optimal gear range X Press and hold the gear selector lever to

the left in the D- direction. The automatic transmission will select the gear range suited for optimal acceleration and deceleration automatically. This will involve shifting down one or more gears.

Emergency operation (limp-home mode) If vehicle acceleration becomes less responsive or sluggish or the automatic transmission no longer shifts, the automatic transmission is most likely operating in limp- home (emergency operation) mode. In this mode only second gear and reverse gear R can be selected. X Stop the vehicle in a safe location. X Shift the automatic transmission into park

position P.

X Turn off the engine.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 91
Version: 2.11.7.1

X Wait at least 10 seconds before restarting. X Restart the engine. X Shift the automatic transmission into drive position D (for second gear) or reverse gear R.

X Have the automatic transmission checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

Transfer case

For more information on off-road driving, see “Off-road driving” (Y page 179).

Transfer case position

HIGH Road position LOW Off-road position This position is intended for driving off-road and step gradients. The automatic transmission will not upshift automatically to the next higher gear range when driving at the rpm limit. The transfer case supports the engine’s driving force (approximately 1/2 speed). Output is therefore increased. Neutral No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive axle.

Transfer case

91

Switching transfer case The transfer case switch is located on the lower part of the center console.

Transfer case switch Current transfer case indicator : appears in the multifunction display.

G Warning! Always wait until the procedure of shifting from HIGH to LOW – and from LOW to HIGH – has been entirely completed. During this procedure do not turn off the engine or shift the automatic transmission into another gear. If you do not wait until the shifting procedure has been entirely completed then it might not be correctly performed. The transfer case might be in neutral, thus interrupting the transfer of power between the engine and the drive axle. The vehicle is then freely movable, even if a gear has been selected, and could unintentionally be set into motion – particularly on up – or downhill grades. This

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

92

Transfer case

could lead to an accident and cause injury to yourself and others. Please observe related messages appearing in the multifunction display.

Switching from HIGH to LOW ! The shifting procedure can only be

performed when the following conditions are met: RThe engine is running. RThe automatic transmission is in neutral

position N.

RThe vehicle is not at a standstill. RThe vehicle speed does not exceed

25 mph (40 km/h).

X Press upper half (“LOW”) of the transfer

case switch. Once the shift is complete, transfer case position L appears in transfer case indicator :.

If the shifting procedure does not take place, press upper half (“LOW”) of the transfer case switch once more. X Shift the automatic transmission into drive

position D.

Switching from LOW to HIGH ! The shifting procedure can only be

performed when the following conditions are met: RThe engine is running. RThe automatic transmission is in neutral

position N.

RThe vehicle is not at a standstill. RThe vehicle speed does not exceed

43 mph (70 km/h).

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 92
Version: 2.11.7.1

X Press lower half (“HIGH”) of the transfer

case switch. Once the shift is complete, transfer case position H appears in transfer case indicator :.

If the shifting procedure does not take place, press lower half (“HIGH”) of the transfer case switch once more. X Shift the automatic transmission into drive

position D.

Messages in the multifunction display If a shift was not completed and one of the following messages appears in the multifunction display: RTC shift conditions not fulfilled The shift did not take place. At least one shift condition was not met.

X Repeat the shifting procedure.

RTC in neutral

The shift did not take place. The transfer case is in neutral. Transfer case position N appears in transfer case indicator :.

X Repeat the shifting procedure.

G Warning! If the transfer case is in Neutral, the park position P of the automatic transmission will not hold the vehicle. The parking brake must be engaged to hold the vehicle in place.

RTC shift procedure canceled

The shift did not take place.

X Repeat the shifting procedure. RTransfer case Visit workshop

There may be a malfunction in the system.

X Repeat the shifting procedure.

If the shifting procedure still does not take place:

X Have the vehicle checked at an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 93
Version: 2.11.7.1

Differential locks

93

i If the SmartKey is in starter switch

position 0 or 1, an alarm will sound if the transfer case is in Neutral and the driver’s door is opened. Switch the transfer case to gear position HIGH or LOW.

The ABS, BAS, and ESP® are switched off automatically when the transfer case differential lock is activated. For more information on off-road driving, see “Off-road driving” (Y page 179).

Differential locks

Differential locks improve the vehicle’s tractive power off-road. Switch differential locks Rfor off-road driving Rto switch the ABS off during off-road driving Rfor driving through water Rwhen driving on deep snow and icy or

fouled surfaces

! Do not switch the front axle differential

lock when driving around tight corners. This restricts steering ability.

! When driving off-road, apply only

moderate pressure to the accelerator pedal if the differential locks are switched on. When operating the vehicle on a single-axle dynamometer – no matter how briefly – you must Rraise the axle not being driven or Rdisconnect the drive shaft and Rswitch the transfer case differential lock. Otherwise the transfer case can be damaged, which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. G Warning! Never drive on pavement with differential locks switched. Steering control will be strongly affected with the differential locks activated.

A few words about differentials and differential locks When a vehicle negotiates a turn, wheels on the outside of the curve must travel farther and rotate faster than the inside wheels. The differential, the operation of a set of gears that allows the powered wheels in a vehicle to turn at different speeds, makes this essential function possible. The drawback is that the differential also sends most of the engine’s power to the wheel with the least load or strain on it. For example, if one of a vehicle’s powered wheels sits on a patch of snow and spins because there is no traction, all of the engine’s power will go to that wheel because the power will take the path of least resistance. Meanwhile, the opposite wheel, sitting on dry pavement where it could get enough grip to start the vehicle moving, sits idle because it receives no power. The 4-ETS addresses this problem and provides for good control and steering ability by automatically slowing the slipping wheel and thus increasing the power to the other non-slipping drive wheels to get the vehicle moving. The ESP® and the 4-ETS in this vehicle feature such intelligent limited-slip differential technology, ideally suited for on- road and light off-road driving. Transfer case position LOW (Y page 91) also enhances off- road driving capabilities. More extreme off-road conditions may call for another solution, engaging a differential lock or preventing the differential from operating altogether. This vehicle comes with three differential locks: front, transfer case (center), and rear. Each can be engaged simply by pushing dashboard-mounted

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 94
Version: 2.11.7.1

94 Differential locks

switches in sequential order (center, rear, front) (Y page 94). When the transfer case (center) differential is locked, half of the engine’s power is automatically distributed to the front wheels and half to the rear wheels. When the rear differential is locked, power going to the rear wheels is equally distributed, so that both rear wheels turn at the same speed and torque. Please be aware that engaging the differential locks will significantly reduce the steering ability of the vehicle. For your safety and the safety of others and to prevent damage to the vehicle, the differential locks must not be engaged when driving on paved roads. It is important to understand that during on-road/paved driving, differentials are absolutely necessary for providing the essential control and steering ability of the vehicle. The differential locks, therefore, must not be engaged when driving on paved roads and should only be used to the extent necessary to negotiate off- road conditions which cannot be handled by the systems (the 4-ETS, the ESP®, and the manual switch position “LOW” of transfer case) this vehicle comes equipped with.

Switching differential locks on and off The switches are located on the upper part of the center console.

: Transfer case (center) differential lock ; Rear axle differential lock = Front differential lock

? Engagement indicator lamps (yellow) A Function indicator lamps (red) The differential locks can only be switched on in the sequence :, ;, =.

Switching differential locks on ! To avoid damage to the transfer case and

differential locks: REngage the differential locks only at low

speed (walking speed, not more than 5 mph [8 km/h]).

RDo not engage the differential locks if the driving wheels are spinning due to lack of traction.

RDo not engage the differential locks on

paved roads.

Transfer case differential lock X Press switch :.

Yellow engagement indicator lamp ? for the transfer case differential lock comes on. The ESP® warning lamp d in the instrument cluster comes on.

When the differential lock engagement operation has been completed, the red function indicator lamp A comes on. The message ABS not available differential locked appears in the multifunction display. The ESP® warning lamp d and the ! indicator lamp in the instrument cluster come on. Once the transfer case differential lock is switched on, you can now, if needed, switch on rear axle differential lock ;, or switch on rear axle differential lock ; and front differential lock =.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 95
Version: 2.11.7.1

Rear axle differential lock X Press switch ;.

Yellow engagement indicator lamp ? comes on first, followed by red function indicator lamp A. The rear axle differential lock is switched on.

Front differential lock X Press switch =.

Yellow engagement indicator lamp ? comes on first, followed by red function indicator lamp A. The front differential lock is switched on.

Switching differential locks off There are two different methods to disengage differential locks: RYou can switch the differential locks off in

reverse order (=, ;, :).

RTo switch off all differential locks at the

same time:

X Press switch :.

Yellow engagement indicator lamps ? go out first. Red function indicator lamps A go out when the switching process has been carried out in the differential.

To activate the ESP®, BAS, and ABS systems, drive again for 3 seconds using a constant driving style. All messages in the multifunction display disappear. The ESP® warning lamp d and the ! indicator lamp in the instrument cluster go out. i If red function indicator lamps A do not

go out when the differential locks are disengaged, bring vehicle to a stop and then continue driving. Changing the vehicle load can help to disengage the differential locks.

Instrument cluster

95

G Warning! Always remember to disengage the differential locks when returning to drive on paved roads, see “A few words about differentials and differential locks”.

Instrument cluster Introduction For a full view illustration of the instrument cluster, see “Instrument cluster” (Y page 26). G Warning! No messages will be displayed if either the instrument cluster or the multifunction display is inoperative. As a result, you will not be able to see information about your driving conditions, such as Rspeed Routside temperature Rwarning/indicator lamps Rmalfunction/warning messages Rfailure of any systems Driving characteristics may be impaired. If you must continue to drive, please do so with added caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

: Reset button

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 96
Version: 2.11.7.1

96

Instrument cluster

For information on changing the instrument cluster settings, e.g. the language, see (Y page 104).

Activating the instrument cluster The instrument cluster is activated when you Ropen the driver’s door Rswitch on the ignition Rpress reset button : Rswitch on the exterior lamps

Adjusting the instrument cluster illumination Use reset button : to adjust the illumination brightness for the instrument cluster and the switches on the center console. X To brighten illumination: Turn reset

button : clockwise until the desired level of illumination is reached.

X To dim illumination: Turn reset

button : counterclockwise until the desired level of illumination is reached. i The instrument cluster illumination is

dimmed or brightened automatically to suit ambient light conditions. The instrument cluster illumination will also be adjusted automatically when you switch on the vehicle’s exterior lamps.

Coolant temperature gauge The coolant temperature gauge is located on the left side in the instrument cluster (Y page 26). G Warning! Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.

Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down. During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop- and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248‡ (120†). ! Excessive coolant temperature triggers a

warning in the multifunction display. The engine should not be operated with a coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†), i.e. in the red zone of the coolant temperature gauge. Doing so may cause serious engine damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Resetting trip odometer X Make sure you are viewing the standard display (Y page 99) in the multifunction display.

X Press and hold the reset button in the

instrument cluster (Y page 95) until the trip odometer is reset.

Tachometer The red marking on the tachometer (Y page 26) denotes excessive engine speed. ! Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds, as it may result in serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is interrupted if the engine is operated within the red marking.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 97
Version: 2.11.7.1

Control system 97

Control system Introduction The control system is activated as soon as the starter switch is in position 1 (Y page 62). The control system enables you to call up information about your vehicle and to change vehicle settings. For example, you can use the control system to find out when your vehicle is next due for maintenance service, to set the language for messages in the instrument cluster display, and much more. G Warning! A driver’s attention to the road and traffic conditions must always be his/her primary focus when driving. For your safety and the safety of others, selecting features through the multifunction steering wheel should only be done by the driver when traffic and road conditions permit it to be done safely. Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph (approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) every second. The control system relays information to the multifunction display.

: Multifunction display ; Press button

to select submenus in the Settings menu to set values to set the volume

= Press button

6 to answer a call

to dial2
to redial

Multifunction steering wheel The displays in the multifunction display and the settings in the control system are controlled by the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

~ to end a call

to reject an incoming call

? Press button

to select next or previous menu

2 Function only available in telephone menu.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

98

Control system

A Press button briefly

to move within a menu Within Audio/DVD menu to select previous or next track, scene or stored station Within Telephone menu to switch to the phone book and select a name or number

Press and hold button

Within Audio/DVD menu to select previous or next track with quick search or to select previous or next station in station list or wave band Within Telephone menu to start the quick search in the phone book

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 98
Version: 2.11.7.1

X Press button V or U repeatedly to

pass through each menu one after the other.

X Press button * or & repeatedly to pass through each function display, one after the other, in the current menu.

In the Settings menu, instead of functions, you will find a number of submenus for calling up and changing settings. For instructions on using these submenus, see “Settings menu” (Y page 103). The number of menus available in the system depends on which optional equipment is installed in your vehicle.

Multifunction display

i Canada and AMG vehicles:

The steering wheel in this vehicle may vary from steering wheel shown. However, multifunction steering wheel symbols and feature description apply to Canada and AMG vehicles as well.

Depending on the selected menu, pressing the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel will alter what appears in the multifunction display. The information available in the multifunction display is arranged in menus and accompanying functions and submenus. The individual functions are then found within the relevant menu (radio or CD operations under Audio/DVD menu, for example). These functions serve to call up relevant information or to customize the settings for your vehicle. It is helpful to think of the menus, and the functions within each menu, as being arranged in a circular pattern.

: Trip odometer ; Main odometer = Transfer case indicator ? Transmission position/gear range

indicator

A Digital clock B Outside temperature/digital

speedometer

For more information on menus displayed in the multifunction display, see “Menus and submenus” (Y page 99).

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 99
Version: 2.11.7.1

Control system 99

Menus and submenus

i The headings used in the menus table are designed to facilitate navigation within the system and are not necessarily identical to those shown in the multifunction display. The first function displayed in each menu will automatically show you which part of the system you are in.

Function

: Standard display menu

(Y page 99)

; Audio/DVD menu (Y page 100) = Navigation menu (Y page 102) ? Vehicle status message memory3

menu (Y page 102)

A Settings menu (Y page 103) B Trip computer menu (Y page 109) C Telephone menu (Y page 110)

Standard display menu

Standard display In the standard display, trip odometer : and main odometer ; appear in the multifunction display. X If you see another display, press button

V or U repeatedly until the standard display appears.

X Press button & or * to select the functions in the Standard display menu.

3 The vehicle status message memory menu is only displayed if there is a message stored.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

100 Control system

The following functions are available: RChecking tire inflation pressure with the

Advanced TPMS (Y page 157)

RCalling up digital speedometer or outside

temperature (Y page 100)

RCalling up maintenance service indicator

display (Y page 186)

RChecking engine oil level (Y page 150)

Calling up digital speedometer or outside temperature You can select whether the digital speedometer or the outside temperature appears in the multifunction display (Y page 105). G Warning! The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges.

X Press button & or * repeatedly until

the digital speedometer or the outside temperature appears in the multifunction display.

Digital speedometer

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 100
Version: 2.11.7.1

Outside temperature

Audio/DVD menu The functions in the Audio/DVD menu operate the audio or video equipment which you have currently switched on. The following functions are available: RSelecting radio station (Y page 100) ROperating audio devices/audio media

(Y page 101)

ROperating video DVD (Y page 101) If no audio equipment is currently switched on, the message AUDIO Off appears in the multifunction display.

Selecting radio station The HD Radio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio is treated as a radio application. For more information on HD Radio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, refer to separate COMAND system operating instructions. Additional optional satellite radio equipment and a subscription to satellite radio service provider are required for satellite radio operation. Contact an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center for details and availability for your vehicle.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 101
Version: 2.11.7.1

Control system 101

X Switch on the COMAND system and select radio. Refer to separate COMAND system operating instructions.

X Press button V or U repeatedly until the currently tuned station appears in the multifunction display.

separate COMAND system operating instructions.

X Press button V or U repeatedly until

the Audio/DVD menu appears in the multifunction display.

Example illustration : Wave band setting ; Station frequency X Selecting next or previous stored

station: Press button * or & briefly to select a stored station.

X Selecting next or previous station in the station list: Press and hold button * or & to select a station.

X Selecting next or previous station in

wave band (Only if no station list is available): Press and hold button * or & to select a station.

You can only store new stations using the corresponding feature on the radio. Refer to separate COMAND system operating instructions. You can also operate the radio in the usual manner.

Operating audio devices/audio media X Switch on the COMAND system and select the audio device or audio media. Refer to

Example illustration : Disc number ; Current track X Selecting next or previous track: Press

button * or & briefly.

X Selecting a track from the track list (quick search): Press and hold button * or &.

The current track does not appear during Audio AUX mode operation.

Operating video DVD X Switch on the COMAND system and select

DVD-Video. Refer to separate COMAND system operating instructions.

X Press button V or U repeatedly until

the Audio/DVD menu appears in the multifunction display.

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

102 Control system

: Disc number ; Current scene X Press button * or & to select a

scene.

Navigation menu The Navigation menu contains the functions needed to operate your navigation system. X Press button V or U repeatedly until

the Navigation menu appears in the multifunction display. The message shown in the multifunction display depends on the status of the navigation system: RWith the COMAND system switched off, the message NAVI Off appears in the multifunction display.

RWith the COMAND system switched on

but route guidance not activated, the direction of travel and, if applicable, the name of the street currently traveled on appear in the multifunction display.

RWith the COMAND system switched on

and route guidance activated, the direction of travel and maneuver instructions appear in the multifunction display.

Please refer to separate COMAND system operating instructions for instructions on how to activate the route guidance system.

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 102
Version: 2.11.7.1

Vehicle status message memory menu Use the Vehicle status message memory menu to scan malfunction and warning messages that may be stored in the memory. Such messages appear in the multifunction display and are based on conditions or system status the vehicle’s system has recorded. The Vehicle status message memory menu only appears if messages have been stored. G Warning! Malfunction and warning messages are only indicated for certain systems and are intentionally not very detailed. The malfunction and warning messages are simply a reminder with respect to the operation of certain systems. They do not replace the owner’s and/or driver’s responsibility to maintain the vehicle’s operating safety. Have all required maintenance and safety checks performed on the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to address the malfunction and warning messages.

X Press button V or U repeatedly until

the Vehicle status message memory menu appears in the multifunction display. If conditions have occurred causing status messages to be recorded, the number of messages appears in the multifunction display.

: Number of recorded status messages

463_AKB; 2; 52, en-US d2ureepe,

2008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 103
Version: 2.11.7.1

X Press button & or *.

The stored messages will now be displayed in the order in which they have occurred. For malfunction and warning messages, see “Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display” (Y page 196). i After you have scrolled through all recorded status messages, the first recorded message appears again.

Should the vehicle’s system record any conditions while driving, the number of messages will reappear in the multifunction display when the SmartKey in the starter switch is turned to position 0 or removed from the starter switch. Except for high-priority messages, the vehicle status message memory will be cleared when you switch off the ignition.

Settings menu Introduction In the Settings menu there are two