2013 Mercedes-benz G Class Owners Manual

There is a risk of an accident. Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct usage of the pedals. G WARNING If you switch off the ignition while driving, safety-relevant functions are only available with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake boosting effect. You will require considerably more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident. Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G WARNING If the parking brake has not been fully released when driving, the parking brake can: Roverheat and cause a fire Rlose its hold function. There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release the parking brake fully before driving off.

! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use the engine's full performance until it has reached operating temperature. Only shift the automatic transmission to the desired drive position when the vehicle is stationary. Where possible, avoid spinning the drive wheels when pulling away on slippery roads. You could otherwise damage the drive train.

! Avoid high engine speeds when the

engine is cold. The engine's service life could otherwise be significantly shortened. Do not use the engine's full performance until it has reached operating temperature.

! AMG vehicles: at low engine oil

temperatures below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the maximum engine speed is restricted in order to protect the engine. To protect the engine and maintain smooth engine operation, avoid driving at full throttle when the engine is cold.

SmartKey positions

g To remove the SmartKey 1 Power supply for some consumers, such

as the windshield wipers

2 Ignition (power supply for all consumers)

and drive position 3 To start the engine As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after starting the engine or lights up while driving, see (Y page 249). If the SmartKey is in position 0 in the ignition lock for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in the ignition lock. The steering is then locked. To unlock, remove the SmartKey and reinsert it into the ignition lock. The steering is locked when you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

140 Driving

X Remove the SmartKey when the engine is

switched off. The starter battery could otherwise be discharged.

If you cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock, the starter battery may not be charged sufficiently. X Check the starter battery and charge it if

necessary (Y page 307).

or X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 308). i You can only remove the SmartKey if: Rthe SmartKey is in position 0 in the

ignition lock.

Rthe automatic transmission selector

lever is in P.

Starting the engine Important safety notes G WARNING Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave the engine running in enclosed spaces without sufficient ventilation. 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.

! Do not depress the accelerator pedal

when starting the engine.

Starting procedure X Shift the automatic transmission to

position P. The transmission position display in the multifunction display shows P.

i For further information about the

automatic transmission, see (Y page 145).

i If you depress the brake when starting the engine, pedal travel is unusually long and there is less pedal resistance.

X Make sure that the parking brake is

applied.

X Turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 3 (Y page 139) and release it as soon as the engine is running.

i You can also use the touch-start function. To do this, turn the SmartKey to position 3 (Y page 139) and release it immediately. The engine then starts automatically.

Pulling away Automatic transmission G WARNING If the engine speed is above the idling speed and you engage transmission position D or R, the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is a risk of an accident. When engaging transmission position D or R, always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.

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

! Do not depress the accelerator pedal while depressing the brake pedal. This impairs engine performance and results in premature wear on the brake system and drivetrain.

! If a warning tone sounds and the Release Park. Brake message appears in the multifunction display, the parking brake is still applied. Release the parking brake.

X Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

X Shift the automatic transmission to

position D or R.

i Before driving off, wait until the gear

change is fully completed.

X Release the parking brake (Y page 157). X Release the brake pedal. X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal. i It is only possible to shift the automatic transmission from position P to a different position if you depress the brake pedal. Only then is the selector lever lock released.

i The vehicle locks centrally once you have pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors drop down. You can open the doors from the inside at any time. You can also deactivate the automatic locking feature (Y page 220).

i Upshifts take place at higher engine

speeds after a cold start. This helps the catalytic converter to reach its operating temperature more quickly.

Hill start assist G WARNING After a short time, hill start assist will no longer brake your vehicle and it could roll away. There is a risk of an accident and injury. Therefore, quickly move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start assist.

Hill start assist helps you when pulling away forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient.

Driving 141

It holds the vehicle for a short time after you have removed your foot from the brake pedal. This gives you enough time to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and to depress it before the vehicle begins to roll. X Take your foot off the brake pedal. i Once you have taken your foot off the

brake pedal, the vehicle is held for around one second.

X Pull away. Hill start assist will not function if: Ryou are pulling away on a level road or on

a downhill gradient.

Rthe transmission is in position N. Rthe parking brake is applied. RESP® is malfunctioning.

ECO start/stop function (AMG vehicles) Important safety notes G WARNING If the engine is switched off automatically and you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted automatically. The vehicle may begin moving. There is a risk of accident and injury. If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off the ignition and secure the vehicle against rolling away.

General notes The ECO start/stop function is only available for the G 63 AMG. The ECO start/stop function switches the engine off automatically when the vehicle stops moving. The engine starts automatically when the driver wants to pull away again. The ECO start/stop function thereby helps you to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of your vehicle.

142 Driving

The ECO start/stop function is activated each time the engine is switched on. The ECO start/stop function is only available in drive program C. The system is operational when the ¤ symbol is shown in green in the multifunction display. The system is operational if all conditions for automatic engine switch-off have been fulfilled (Y page 142) and the ¤ symbol is shown in green in the multifunction display. In addition, the Stop/Start active message is shown in the AMG menu in the multifunction display. If not all conditions for automatic engine switch-off (Y page 142) are fulfilled, the ¤ symbol is shown in yellow in the multifunction display. In addition, the Stop/Start inactive message is shown in the AMG menu in the multifunction display. If the ECO start/stop function has been manually deactivated (Y page 142) or a malfunction has caused the system to be deactivated, the ¤ symbol is not displayed. The Stop/Start active or Stop/Start inactive message in the AMG menu in the multifunction display goes out.

Deactivating/activating the ECO start/ stop function

ECO button

X To switch off: press button : in drive

program C.

or X Switch to drive program S or M

(Y page 149). Indicator lamp ; on button : and the ¤ symbol in the multifunction display go out. The Stop/Start active or Stop/Start inactive message in the AMG menu in the multifunction display goes out. X To switch on: press button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up. If drive program S or M is active, the automatic transmission switches to drive program C. If all conditions for automatic engine switch-off (Y page 142) are fulfilled, the ¤ symbol is shown in green in the multifunction display. In addition, the Stop/Start active message is shown in the AMG menu in the multifunction display. If conditions for automatic engine switch- off (Y page 142) have not been fulfilled, the ¤ symbol will be shown in yellow. If this is the case, the ECO start/stop function is not available. In addition, the Stop/Start inactive message is shown in the AMG menu in the multifunction display.

i If indicator lamp ; is off, the ECO start/

stop function has been deactivated manually or as the result of a malfunction. The engine will then not be switched off automatically when the vehicle stops.

Automatic engine switch-off If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in D or N, the ECO start/stop function switches off the engine automatically. The ECO start/stop function is operational and the ¤ symbol is displayed in green in the multifunction display, if: Rthe indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit

green.

Rno off-road program has been selected.

Rthe vehicle is stationary. Rthe outside temperature is within the

comfort range.

Rthe engine is at normal operating

temperature.

Rthe set temperature for the vehicle interior

has been reached.

Rthe battery is sufficiently charged. Rthe system detects that the windshield is not fogged up when the air-conditioning system is switched on.

Rthe hood is closed. Rthe driver's door is closed and the driver's

seat belt is fastened.

If conditions for automatic engine switch-off have not been fulfilled, the ¤ symbol will be shown in yellow. In addition, the Stop/Start inactive message is shown in the AMG menu in the multifunction display. i If you shift the transmission from R to D,

the ECO start/stop function is available again once the ¤ symbol reappears in green in the multifunction display.

i The engine can be automatically switched

off an unlimited number of times.

i You can still activate the HOLD function when the vehicle is stationary, even if the engine has been switched off automatically. It is then not necessary to continue applying the brakes during the automatic stop phase. When you depress the accelerator pedal, the engine starts automatically and the braking effect of the HOLD function is deactivated. Depress the accelerator pedal carefully, as the engine must be started first.

i During automatic engine switch-off, the climate control system only operates at a reduced capacity. If you require full climate control capacity, the ECO start/stop function can be deactivated by pressing the ECO button (Y page 142).

Driving 143

Automatic engine start The engine starts automatically if: RIn general:

- you switch off the ECO start/stop

function by pressing the ECO button.

- you release the brakes when in

transmission position D or N and when the HOLD function is not active.

RBy the driver:

- you release the brakes when in

transmission position D or N.

- you depress the accelerator pedal. - you engage reverse gear R. - you move the transmission out of

position P.

- you switch to drive program S or M. - you unfasten your seat belt or open the

driver's door. RBy the system:

the vehicle starts to roll. the brake system requires this. the temperature in the vehicle interior deviates from the set range. the system detects moisture on the windshield when the air-conditioning system is switched on. the charge level of the battery is too low.

i Shifting the transmission to position P

does not start the engine.

144 Driving

Problems with the engine Problem The engine does not start. The starter motor can be heard.

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions RThere is a malfunction in the engine electronics. RThere is a malfunction in the fuel supply. X Turn the SmartKey back to position 0 in the ignition lock before

attempting to start the engine again.

The engine does not start. The starter motor can be heard. The yellow reserve fuel warning lamp is lit and the needle of the fuel gauge display shows 0.

The engine does not start. You cannot hear the starter motor.

The engine is not running smoothly and is misfiring.

X Try to start the engine again (Y page 140). Avoid excessively

long and frequent attempts to start the engine, as this (Y page 139) will drain the battery.

If the engine does not start after several attempts: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The fuel tank is empty. X Refuel the vehicle.

The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak or discharged. X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 308). If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high. X Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two

minutes.

X Try to start the engine again. If the engine still does not start: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical component of the engine management system. X Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.

Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter and damage it.

X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist

workshop.

Automatic transmission 145

Problem The coolant temperature display is showing more than 248 ‡ (120 †). A display message may also appear in the multifunction display and a warning tone may sound.

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled sufficiently. X Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant

to cool down.

X Check the coolant level (Y page 291). Observe the warning

notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.

If the coolant level is correct, the radiator fan may be faulty. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled sufficiently. X At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next

qualified specialist workshop.

X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in

mountainous terrain and stop-and-go traffic.

Automatic transmission Important safety notes G WARNING If the engine speed is above the idling speed and you engage transmission position D or R, the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is a risk of an accident. When engaging transmission position D or R, always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate. G WARNING The automatic transmission switches to neutral position N when you switch off the engine. The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an accident. After switching off the engine, always switch to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehicle from rolling away by applying the parking brake.

i Bear in mind that the power transmission between the engine and the transmission is interrupted when the engine is switched off. Therefore, to prevent the vehicle from rolling away, shift the automatic transmission to position P and apply the

parking brake when the engine is switched off and the vehicle is stationary.

Selector lever Overview of transmission positions ! If the engine speed is too high or if the

vehicle is rolling, do not shift the transmission directly from D to R, from R to D or directly to P. Do not open the driver's door while the vehicle is in motion. At low speeds in transmission position D or R, park position P is otherwise engaged automatically. The transmission could be damaged.

146 Automatic transmission

Selector lever j Park position k Reverse gear i Neutral h Drive When you select a transmission position, the selector lever subsequently returns to its original position. The current transmission position P, R, N or D appears in the transmission position display in the multifunction display.

Transmission position and drive program display ! If the transmission position display in the

multifunction display is not working, you should pull away carefully to check whether the desired transmission position is engaged. Select transmission position D. Do not restrict the shift range.

: Transmission position ; Drive program Current transmission position : and current drive program ; appear in the multifunction display.

The current position of the selector lever is shown by the indicators next to the selector lever. The indicators light up when the SmartKey is inserted into the ignition lock. The indicators go out when the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock. When the selector lever is in position D, you can influence the gearshifts made by the automatic transmission by: Rrestricting the shift range Rchanging gear yourself

Engaging park position P X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the

brake pedal and keep it depressed.

X Press the P button in the center console. i If you depress the brake pedal and push the selector lever forwards or back to the first point of resistance, park position P is disengaged. The transmission shifts to neutral N.

Park position P is automatically engaged: Rif you remove the SmartKey from the

ignition lock

Rif you open the driver's door while traveling at low speed in transmission position D or

Rif DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 177) brakes

your vehicle until it is stationary and at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:

the engine is switched off. the driver's door is open and the seat belt is not fastened. there is a system malfunction. the power supply is insufficient.

Engaging reverse gear R ! Only shift the automatic transmission to

R when the vehicle is stationary.

X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the

brake pedal and keep it depressed.

X Push the selector lever forwards past the

first point of resistance. Transmission position R is engaged.

i For AMG vehicles: when reverse gear is engaged and the ECO start/stop function is switched on, the engine starts up automatically (Y page 141).

Shifting to neutral N G WARNING When leaving the SmartKey in the starter switch, do not leave children unattended in the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch on the ignition which could result in unsupervised use of vehicle equipment. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

If the vehicle is stationary: X Depress the brake pedal. X Depending on the current transmission

position, press the selector lever forwards or backwards to the first point of resistance. The automatic transmission shifts to N.

If the engine has been switched off, the automatic transmission automatically shifts to N. i For AMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop

function switches the engine off automatically if the vehicle is braked to a standstill when in neutral N and the brake is still depressed (Y page 141).

Automatic transmission 147

Remaining in neutral N G WARNING If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they could: Ropen the doors, thus endangering other

people or road users.

Rget out and disrupt traffic. Roperate the vehicle's equipment. Additionally, children could set the vehicle in motion if, for example, they: Rrelease the parking brake. Rshift the automatic transmission out of

parking position P. Rstarting the engine. There is a risk of an accident and injury. When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave children or animals unattended in the vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of reach of children.

X Make sure that the ignition is switched on. X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the

brake pedal and keep it depressed.

X Shift to neutral N. X Release the brake pedal. X If the parking brake is applied, release it. X Switch off the ignition and leave the

SmartKey in the ignition lock.

Shifting to transmission position D X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the

brake pedal and keep it depressed.

X Push the selector lever back past the first

point of resistance. Transmission position D is engaged.

i For AMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop

function switches the engine off automatically if the vehicle is braked to a standstill when in transmission position D and the brake is still depressed (Y page 141).

148 Automatic transmission

Transmission positions B Park position

Do not shift the transmission into position P (Y page 145) unless the vehicle is stationary. The parking lock should not be used as a brake when parking. In addition to engaging the parking lock, you must always apply the parking brake to secure the vehicle. i The SmartKey can only be

removed if the transmission is in position P. When there is no SmartKey in the ignition lock, the selector lever is locked in position P.

Have the vehicle electronics checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

A Neutral

No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive wheels. Releasing the brakes will allow you to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to push it or tow it. Do not shift the transmission to N while driving. Otherwise, the automatic transmission could be damaged. If ESP® is deactivated or faulty: only shift the transmission to position N if the vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g. on icy roads. If you want to engage the transfer case, shift briefly into N (Y page 199). ! Rolling in neutral N can damage

the drive train.

C Reverse gear

Only shift the transmission to R when the vehicle is stationary.

7 Drive

The automatic transmission changes gear automatically. All forward gears are available.

Changing gear The automatic transmission shifts to the individual gears automatically when it is in transmission position D. This automatic gearshifting behavior is determined by: Ra shift range restriction, if selected Rthe position of the transfer case (HIGH

RANGE or LOW RANGE)

Rthe position of the accelerator pedal Rthe road speed

Automatic transmission 149

Driving tips Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the automatic transmission shifts gear: Rlittle throttle: early upshifts Rmore throttle: late upshifts

Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the

pressure point. The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed.

X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the

desired speed is reached. The automatic transmission shifts back up.

Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and forth between transmission positions D and R can help to free a vehicle that has become stuck in mud or snow. The vehicle's engine management restricts repeated shifting between transmission positions D and R up to a maximum speed of up to 5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and forth between transmission positions D and R, move the selector lever forwards and backwards past the point of resistance.

Program selector button General notes The program selector button allows you to choose between drive programs with different driving characteristics. i In AMG vehicles, drive program E is called

drive program C.

Drive programs E Economy C Controlled Efficiency S Sport M Manual

Comfortable, economical driving

Sporty driving style Manual gear shifting

i When the engine is started, the automatic transmission always switches to automatic drive program E (drive program C in AMG vehicles).

i For further information on the automatic

drive program, see (Y page 150).

i Only change from automatic drive

program E or S to manual drive program M when the vehicle is stationary.

Selecting the drive program

Towing a trailer X Drive in the middle of the engine speed

range on uphill gradients.

X Limit shift range to 3 or 2 depending on the

uphill or downhill gradient (Y page 150), even if cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC is activated.

X Shift the transfer case into low-range

driving position LOW RANGE on extreme uphill gradients or steep downhill gradients (Y page 199).

Example: program selector button X Press program selector button :

repeatedly until the letter for the desired

150 Automatic transmission

gearshift program appears in the multifunction display.

i Only change from automatic drive

program E or S to manual drive program M when the vehicle is stationary.

Steering wheel paddle shifters

Rincreased sensitivity. This improves driving

stability on slippery road surfaces, for example

Rthe automatic transmission shifting up sooner. This results in the vehicle being driven at lower engine speeds and the wheels being less likely to spin

Drive program S is characterized by the following: Rsporty engine and transmission settings Rthe vehicle pulling away in first gear Rthe automatic transmission shifting up

later

In the automatic drive program, you can restrict or derestrict the shift range by using steering wheel paddle shifters : and ; (Y page 150). In the manual drive program you can change gears manually using steering wheel paddle shifters : and ;(Y page 151). i You can only change gear with the

steering wheel paddle shifters when the transmission is in position D.

Automatic drive program Drive program E (drive program C on AMG vehicles) is characterized by the following: Rcomfort-oriented engine and transmission

settings

Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from the automatic transmission shifting up sooner

Rthe vehicle pulling away more gently in forward and reverse gears, unless the accelerator pedal is depressed fully

Rthe fuel consumption possibly being higher

as a result of the later automatic transmission shift points

Shift ranges Introduction When the automatic transmission is in position D, it is possible to restrict or derestrict the shift range. The shift range selected is shown in the multifunction display. The automatic transmission shifts only as far as the selected gear. Driving situations = You can use the engine's braking

effect.

5 The braking effect of the engine can be utilized on downhill gradients or when driving: Ron steep mountain roads Rin mountainous terrain Rin arduous conditions

4 The braking effect of the engine can

be utilized on extremely steep downhill gradients and long downhill stretches.

Automatic transmission 151

Restricting the shift range X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle

shifter (Y page 150). The automatic transmission shifts down one gear and restricts the shift range to the relevant gear.

i If the engine exceeds the maximum engine speed when shifting down, the automatic transmission protects against engine damage by not shifting down.

i If the maximum engine speed for the shift

range is reached and you continue to accelerate, the automatic transmission shifts up in order to prevent the engine from overrevving, even if the shift range is restricted.

Derestricting the shift range X Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle

shifter (Y page 150). The automatic transmission shifts up one gear and restricts the shift range to the relevant gear.

Clearing the shift range restriction X Pull and hold the right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter (Y page 150) until D is shown again in the multifunction display. The automatic transmission shifts from the current shift range directly to D.

Selecting the ideal shift range X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle

shifter (Y page 150) and hold it in position. The automatic transmission shifts to the gear which allows optimum acceleration and deceleration. To do this, the automatic transmission shifts down one or more gears.

i The automatic transmission cannot shift down beyond second gear. To shift to first gear, you have to pull the left steering wheel paddle shifter.

Manual drive program Introduction In drive program M, you can change gear manually using the steering wheel paddle shifters. For this, the transmission must be in position D. The gear currently selected and engaged is shown in the multifunction display. Manual drive program M differs from drive programs E and S with regard to spontaneity, responsiveness and smoothness of gear changes.

Switching on the manual drive program X Press the program selector button

(Y page 149) repeatedly until M appears in the multifunction display.

Upshifting (except AMG vehicles) X Pull the right-hand paddle (Y page 150).

The automatic transmission shifts up to the next gear.

Shifting up (AMG vehicles) ! In manual drive program M, the automatic

transmission does not shift up automatically even when the engine limiting speed for the current gear is reached. When the engine limiting speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent the engine from overrevving. Always make sure that the engine speed does not reach the red area of the tachometer. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.

X Pull the right-hand paddle (Y page 150).

The automatic transmission shifts up to the next gear.

Before the engine speed reaches the red area, an upshift indicator will be shown in the multifunction display. X If the color in the speedometer

multifunction display changes to red and

152 Automatic transmission

the UP display message is shown, shift up a gear.

Downshifting X Pull the left-hand paddle (Y page 150).

The automatic transmission shifts down to the next gear.

i If you slow down or stop without shifting

down, the automatic transmission automatically shifts down.

Selecting the optimal gear for maximum acceleration X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter until the transmission selects the optimum gear for the current speed.

Kickdown You can also use kickdown for maximum acceleration in manual drive program M. X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the

pressure point. The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed.

X Shift back up once the desired speed is

reached.

i Vehicles with an AMG engine: it is not possible to use kickdown in manual drive program M.

i Vehicles without an AMG engine: if you

apply full throttle, the automatic transmission shifts up to the next gear when the maximum engine speed is reached. This prevents the engine from overrevving.

Switching off the manual drive program X Press the program selector button

(Y page 149) repeatedly until E (C in AMG vehicles) or S appears in the multifunction display.

Refueling 153

Problems with the automatic transmission Problem The acceleration ability is deteriorating. The transmission no longer changes gear.

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions The transmission is in emergency mode. It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear. X Stop the vehicle. X Shift the transmission to position P. X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock. X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X Shift the transmission to position D or R.

If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.

X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist

workshop immediately.

You hear a warning tone.

You have: Rswitched off the engine Ropened the driver's door Rnot moved the selector lever to position P X Move the selector lever to position P.

Refueling Important safety notes G WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous. It burns violently and can cause serious personal injury. Never allow sparks, flames or smoking materials near gasoline. Turn off the engine before refueling. Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing contact. Direct skin contact with fuels and the inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your health.

! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a gasoline engine. Even small amounts of the wrong fuel result in damage to the fuel system and engine.

! Do not switch on the ignition if you

accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines. Notify a qualified specialist workshop and have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained completely.

! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the

fuel system.

! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted surfaces. You could otherwise damage the paintwork.

! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can. Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection system could be blocked by particles from the fuel can.

If you overfill the fuel tank, pressure may build up in the fuel tank. This could cause fuel to spray out when the fuel pump nozzle is removed. There is a risk of injury. The fuel tank is full when the fuel pump nozzle first switches off. End the refueling process.

154 Refueling

For further information on fuel and fuel quality (Y page 350).

Refueling Fuel filler flap

Example: G 550 fuel filler cap : To open the fuel filler flap ; Tire pressure table = Fuel type ? To insert the fuel filler cap When you open or close the vehicle with the SmartKey, the fuel filler flap is automatically unlocked or locked. The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed 8 in the instrument cluster. The arrow next to the filling pump indicates the side of the vehicle. The fuel filler flap is located to the rear on the right.

Opening

: To open the fuel filler flap ; Tire pressure table

= Fuel type ? To insert the fuel filler cap X Switch off the engine. i When the engine is running and the fuel filler flap is open, the yellow reserve fuel warning lamp and the = (USA only) or ; (Canada only) Check Engine warning lamp may light up. Further information about warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster can be found in the Digital Operator's Manual.

X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition

lock.

X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of

arrow :. The fuel filler flap opens slightly.

X Open the fuel filler flap. X Turn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise

and remove it.

X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder bracket on the inside of filler flap ?.

X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel

pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.

i Do not add any more fuel after the pump

stops filling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel may leak out.

Closing X Replace the fuel filler cap and turn it clockwise. The fuel filler cap audibly engages.

X Close the fuel filler flap. i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the vehicle. A locking pin otherwise prevents the fuel filler flap from closing after the vehicle has been locked.

Fuel filler flap emergency release

Refueling 155

The emergency release is located in the cargo compartment, on the right-hand side when viewed in the direction of travel, behind the rear panel trim. i The vehicle body in the emergency

release area has sharp edges. There is a risk of injury. Avoid contact with the edges on the inside of the vehicle body.

X Open the rear door. X Remove edge protection :. X Remove rear panel trim ;.

X Pull emergency release = in the direction

of the arrow. The fuel filler flap is unlocked.

X Open the fuel filler flap.

156 Parking

Problems with the fuel and fuel tank Problem Fuel is leaking from the vehicle.

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions G Risk of explosion or fire The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective. X Turn the SmartKey to position 0(Y page 139) in the ignition lock

immediately and remove it.

The fuel filler flap cannot be opened.

X Do not restart the engine under any circumstances. X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked. or The SmartKey batteries are discharged. X Unlock the vehicle (Y page 68). or X Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key (Y page 70). X Open the rear door. X Manually unlock the fuel filler flap using the emergency release

(Y page 155).

The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed. X Manually unlock the fuel filler flap using the emergency release

(Y page 155).

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

Parking Important safety notes G WARNING If you leave children unsupervised in the vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for example: Rreleasing the parking brake Rshifting the automatic transmission out of

the parking position P

Rstarting the engine. They could also operate the vehicle's equipment. There is a risk of an accident and injury.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. G WARNING If flammable materials such as leaves, grass or twigs are exposed to prolonged contact to parts of the exhaust system that heat up, they could ignite. There is a risk of fire. Park the vehicle so that no flammable materials come into contact with parts of the vehicle which are hot. Take particular care not to park on dry grassland or harvested grain fields.

Parking 157

G WARNING If you switch off the ignition while driving, safety-relevant functions are only available with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake boosting effect. You will require considerably more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident. Do not switch off the ignition while driving.

Switching off the engine Important safety notes G WARNING If you switch off the ignition while driving, safety-relevant functions are only available with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake boosting effect. You will require considerably more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident. Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G WARNING The automatic transmission switches to neutral position N when you switch off the engine. The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an accident. After switching off the engine, always switch to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehicle from rolling away by applying the parking brake.

Vehicles with automatic transmission X Shift the transmission to position P. X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the

ignition lock (Y page 139) and remove it. The immobilizer is activated.

X Apply the parking brake firmly. X Turn the steering wheel until the steering

wheel lock engages.

i If you turn off the engine with the

SmartKey and then remove it from the

ignition lock or open a front door, the automatic transmission shifts to P automatically.

i The SmartKey can only be removed if the

automatic transmission is in position P.

Parking brake G WARNING If you must brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the braking distance is considerably longer and the wheels could lock. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents. Only use the parking brake to brake the vehicle when the service brake is faulty. Do not apply the parking brake too firmly. If the wheels lock, release the parking brake until the wheels begin turning again. G WARNING If you leave children unsupervised in the vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for example: Rreleasing the parking brake Rshifting the automatic transmission out of

the parking position P

Rstarting the engine. They could also operate the vehicle's equipment. There is a risk of an accident and injury. When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.

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i When you apply parking brake ; to brake the vehicle, the brake lamps do not light up. X To apply: pull parking brake ; up firmly.

Parking brake ; is applied. When the ignition is switched on or the engine is running, the F (USA only) or J (Canada only) indicator lamp is lit in the instrument cluster.

X To release: depress the brake pedal and

keep it depressed. The selector lever lock is released.

X Pull parking brake ; up firmly. X Press release button : on parking

brake ; and move parking brake ; down to the stop. When the ignition is switched on or the engine is running, the F (USA only) or ! (Canada only) indicator lamp goes out in the instrument cluster.

i If you pull away with parking brake ;

applied, a warning tone sounds.

Parking the vehicle for a long period If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than four weeks, the battery may be damaged by exhaustive discharge. X Connecting a trickle charger. i You can obtain information about trickle

chargers from a qualified specialist workshop.

If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a result of lack of use. X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and

seek advice.

Driving tips General driving tips Important safety notes G WARNING Always remember that you must concentrate primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's concentration must always be directed primarily at road traffic. For your own safety and that of others, we recommend that you stop the vehicle at a safe place and in accordance with the traffic conditions before making or accepting a phone call. Comply with all legal requirements if you use the telephone while driving. Use the hands- free system and only use the telephone when road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers to use mobile phones while driving. Only operate COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data System) in compliance with all legal requirements and when the road, weather and traffic conditions permit. You may otherwise not be able to observe the traffic conditions, endangering yourself and others. Remember that your vehicle covers a distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) a second when it is traveling at only 30 mph (approximately 50 km/h). G WARNING If you switch off the ignition while driving, safety-relevant functions are only available with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake boosting effect. You will require considerably more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident. Do not switch off the ignition while driving.

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159

Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel: X The tires should always be inflated to the

recommended tire pressure. X Remove unnecessary loads. X Remove roof carriers when they are not

needed.

X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. X Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. X Have all maintenance work performed at

the service intervals specified in the Service Booklet or indicated by the service interval indicator.

Fuel consumption also increases when driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic and in mountainous terrain.

Drinking and driving G WARNING Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgment. The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident are greatly increased when you drink or take drugs and drive. Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow anyone to drive who has been drinking or taking drugs.

Pedals G WARNING Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal. The operating and road safety of the vehicle is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident. Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter the driver's footwell. Install the floormats securely and as specified in order to ensure sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use loose floormats.

Exhaust check 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.

Certain engine systems are designed to keep the level of poisonous components in exhaust fumes within legal limits. These systems only work at peak efficiency if they are serviced exactly in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. For this reason, all work on the engine should only be carried out by qualified and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians. The engine settings must not be changed under any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific service work must be carried out at regular intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details can be found in the Maintenance Booklet.

Braking Important safety notes G WARNING If you activate the LOW off-road gear while driving on a slippery road surface, the wheels may lose traction: Rif you remove your foot from the

accelerator pedal when driving

Rif off road ABS intervenes when braking If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no longer be steered. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents.

160 Driving tips

Never activate the LOW off-road gear while driving on a slippery road surface.

Downhill gradients ! On long and steep gradients, you must reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early to a lower gear. This allows you to take advantage of the engine braking effect and helps avoid overheating and excessive wear of the brakes. When you take advantage of the engine braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This could cause damage to the drive train. This type of damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.

Heavy and light loads G WARNING If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even cause the braking system to fail. There is a risk of an accident. Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never depress the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal at the same time.

! Depressing the brake pedal constantly

results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads.

If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.

Wet roads If driving in heavy rain for a prolonged period of time without braking, there may be a delayed reaction from the brakes when braking for the first time. This may also occur after the vehicle has been washed.

You have to depress the brake pedal more firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front. After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying attention to the traffic conditions. This will warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly and protecting them against corrosion.

Limited braking performance on salt- treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt residue may form on the brake discs and brake pads. This can result in a significantly longer braking distance. RBrake occasionally to remove any possible

salt residue. Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when doing so. RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the

beginning and end of a journey.

RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle

ahead.

Servicing the brakes ! If the brake warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and you hear a warning tone even though the parking brake has been released, the brake fluid level may be too low. Observe additional warning messages in the multifunction display. The brake fluid level may be too low due to brake pad wear or leaking brake lines. Have the brake system checked immediately. This work should be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

! A function or performance test should

only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you are planning to have the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further information first. Otherwise, you could damage the drive train or the brake system.

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! As the ESP® system operates

automatically, the engine and the ignition must be switched off (the SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock) if the parking brake is tested on a brake dynamometer (for a maximum of ten seconds). Braking applications triggered automatically by ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only have brake pads/linings installed on your vehicle which have been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond to an equivalent quality standard. Brake pads/linings which have not been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not of an equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use brake fluid that has been specially approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corresponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake fluid which has not been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's operating safety. All checks and maintenance work on the brake system must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. Have brake pads installed and brake fluid replaced at a qualified specialist workshop. If your brake system is subject only to moderate loads, you should test the functionality of your brakes at regular intervals by pressing firmly on the brake pedal at high speeds. This improves the grip of the brake pads. You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS) on (Y page 61).

High-performance brake system for AMG vehicles The high-performance brake system is only installed on the G 63 AMG and the G 65 AMG.

The high-performance brake system is designed for heavy loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This will depend on: RSpeed RBraking force REnvironmental conditions, such as

temperature and humidity

The wear of individual components of the brake system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake discs, depends on the individual driving style and operating conditions. For this reason, it is impossible to state a mileage that will be valid under all circumstances. An aggressive driving style will lead to high wear. You can obtain further information about this from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. New and replaced brake pads and discs only reach their optimum braking effect after several hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for this by applying greater force to the brake pedal. Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and braking accordingly during this break-in period. Excessive heavy braking results in correspondingly high brake wear. Observe the brake system warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note any brake status messages in the multifunction display. For high-performance driving in particular, it is important to maintain and have the brake system checked regularly.

Parking brake G WARNING If you must brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the braking distance is considerably longer and the wheels could lock. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents. Only use the parking brake to brake the vehicle when the service brake is faulty. Do not apply the parking brake too firmly. If the wheels lock, release the parking brake until the wheels begin turning again.

162 Driving tips

If you brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the brake lamps will not light up. If you drive on wet roads or dirt-covered surfaces, road salt and/or dirt could get into the parking brake. In order to prevent corrosion and a reduction in the braking power of the parking brake, observe the following: Rpull the parking brake upwards with the

release button depressed from time to time before beginning the journey (Y page 157).

Rdrive for approximately 110 yds (100 m) at a maximum speed of 12 mph (20 km/h).