warning MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS 2011 Owners Manual

Safety systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is deactivated due to a malfunction.
BAS (Brake Assist), ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program), EBD
(Electronic Brake force Distribution) and 4ETS are also temporarily
unavailable.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other
systems, such as the navigation system or the automatic
transmission, will not be available.
!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
The on-board voltage is too low. ABS has been deactivated due to
undervoltage.
ESP ®
, BAS, EBD and 4ETS are also therefore deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XSwitch off consumers that are not required, e.g. the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
ABS will be available again as soon as the vehicle's on-board
electrical system voltage increases.
If the warning lamp is still on:
XHave the battery and alternator checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.You have engaged the differential locks. ABS, BAS, EBD, ESP ®
and
4ETS have been deactivated.XDisengage the differential locks.
ABS, BAS, EBD, ESP ®
and 4ETS are subsequently reactivated.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster185On-board computer and displaysZProCarManuals.com

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
!
The red brake system
warning lamp and the
yellow ABS warning
lamp are on while
driving. In addition, a
warning tone sounds
for about five seconds.GRisk of accident
EBD is faulty.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.÷
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
or traction control is intervening because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary when
pulling away.XEase off the accelerator pedal after pulling away.XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.XDo not deactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 57).å
The yellow ESP ®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
is deactivated. ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts
to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
XReactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 57).XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
XHave ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.186Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionså
The yellow ESP ®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.You have engaged the differential locks. ABS, ESP ®
, 4ETS and BAS
have been deactivated.XDisengage the differential locks.
ESP ®
, 4ETS and BAS are subsequently reactivated.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.+
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of injury
The restraint systems are malfunctioning. The air bags or ETDs
may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an
accident, not be triggered at all.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWarning
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster187On-board computer and displaysZProCarManuals.com

EngineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions! (USA only)
; (Canada only)
The yellow engine
diagnostics warning
lamp lights up while the
engine is running.There may be a malfunction, for example:
R in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system
R the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may
be running in emergency mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states/provinces, you are required by law to
immediately visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as the
yellow Check Engine warning lamp lights up. If in doubt, check
whether such legal regulations apply in the state/province in
which you are currently driving.
! (USA only)
; (Canada only)
The yellow engine
diagnostics warning
lamp lights up while the
engine is running.The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running.The fuel filler cap is not correctly closed.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.188Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
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TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss) is lit.GRisk of accident
The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 253).XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 269).h
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) flashes for
60 seconds and then
remains lit.The tire pressure monitor is defective.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Each tire, including the spare tire (if there is one), should be inspected at least every two weeks
when they are cold and pumped to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (see
the tire and load data label on the B-pillar on the driver's side or the tire pressure table on the
inside of the fuel filler flap of your vehicle, if there is one). If your vehicle has tires which are a
different size to those on the tire and load data label or those specified in the tire pressure table,
if there is one, you should determine the correct tire pressure for these tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitor (TPMS).
An indicator lamp lights up if one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure indicator lamp lights up, you should stop and check your tires as soon
as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
An excessively low tire pressure also increases fuel consumption, reduces the service life of the
tires and may impair the driving and braking characteristics of the vehicle. Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level at which the low tire
pressure indicator lamp of the TPMS lights up.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure indicator lamp. When the system detects a malfunction, the indicator lamp will flash
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster189On-board computer and displaysZProCarManuals.com

for approximately one minute and then remain illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator
is lit, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction indicator after replacing one or more tires or wheels
on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.190Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
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Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
relevant systems and functions.
Loading guidelines
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. You should
therefore load your vehicle as shown in the
illustrations.
Load distribution
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, accessories fitted, vehicle occupants
and luggage/load.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door ( Y page 275).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
( Y page 275).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Y page 256).
Observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
i Transport loads when possible in the
cargo compartment. You should only use
the cargo compartment enlargement if the
load does not fit in the cargo compartment.
R always place the load against the front or
rear seat backrests.
192Loading guidelinesLoading, stowing and features
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Rif the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
the belt tongue on the outer seat belts into
the buckle of opposite seat belt :.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. Pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Front stowage compartments
Glove box
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
you will find an AUX-IN jack or a Media
Interface installed in the glove box. A Media
Interface is a universal interface for
portable audio equipment, e.g. for an
iPod ®
or USB device (see the separate
Audio or COMAND operating instructions).XTo open: pull handle : and open glove box
flap ;.XTo close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
1Glove box unlocked2Glove box lockedXTo lock: insert the mechanical key
( Y page 63) into the lock and turn it 90°
clockwise to position 2.XTo unlock: insert the mechanical key
( Y page 63) into the lock and turn it 90°
counter-clockwise to position 1.
Stowage compartment/telephone
compartment under the armrest/in the
center console.
Under the armrest is a shallow stowage tray
(telephone compartment), under which is a
deeper stowage compartment.
Stowage compartments193Loading, stowing and featuresZProCarManuals.com

XTo open the stowage tray (telephone
compartment): press button : and raise
the armrest.XTo open the stowage compartment:
press button ; and raise the armrest.
The stowage tray is raised together with the
armrest.XTo open the stowage compartment in
the center console: slide cover = back
using the handle.
i The º (Y page 204) Roadside
Assistance call button and
E (Y page 205) MB Info call button are
located in the stowage compartment under
the armrest.
Rear stowage compartments
Stowage pockets
GWarning!
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
The stowage pockets are located on the rear
side of the front seats.
Stowage areas
Parcel nets
GWarning
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
The parcel nets are located in the front-
passenger footwell.
Enlarging the cargo compartment
Important safety notes
GWarning!
Always lock the seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
occupied, or the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo.
GWarning!
Failure to assure that the seat bench and seat
backrests are locked into place could result
in an increased chance of injury in an
accident.
194Stowage areasLoading, stowing and features
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Never place hands under seat or near any
moving parts while a seat is being adjusted.
For safety reasons, the rear seat bench must
only be adjusted when the vehicle is
stationary.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! Ensure that you remove all containers
from the cup holder in the rear before
folding the seat backrest and the seat
cushion of the rear bench seat forwards.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seats can
be folded down to increase the cargo
compartment capacity. The following
changes are possible:
R fold the seat backrests forward
R fold the rear bench seat back fully.
Folding the seat backrest forwards:Seat backrest release lever;Rear bench seat release lever
i Open the rear doors. This allows you
better access to release lever :.
XRemove the center head restraint
( Y page 80).XPull release lever :.
The corresponding seat backrest is
released.XFold the seat backrest forward until it
engages.Folding back the seat backrestXPull release lever : and fold the seat
backrest up.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be
damaged.
XFold the seat backrest back until it engages
audibly in the seat catch.XInstall the head restraint.
Folding the rear bench seat forwards
XFold the seat backrest forward
( Y page 195).XPull release lever ;.
The corresponding rear bench seat is
released.XFold the rear bench seat forward until it
engages.
Folding rear bench seat into an upright
position
XFold back the rear bench seat backrest
until it engages audibly in the seat catch.XFold back the seat backrest ( Y page 195).XInstall the head restraints.GWarning
Make sure that the rear bench seat and front
seat backrest are correctly engaged in
position.
If the seat backrests or rear bench seat are
not fully engaged and the following occurs:
R sharp braking
R a sudden change of direction
R an accident
the seat backrests or rear bench seat may fold
forwards and instead of being restrained by
the seats as intended you could be injured by
them. Occupants could then also be injured
in the event of an accident, e.g. by objects
Stowage areas195Loading, stowing and featuresZProCarManuals.com