ESP MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS 2011 User Guide

instructions when installing the ISOFIX
child restraint system.XWhen an ISOFIX child seat securing system
is installed, make sure that the center seat
belt in the rear compartment is fully
functional and can move freely.
Top Tether
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 49).
GWarning
Always lock the rear seat backrests in their
upright position when the rear seats are
occupied by passengers. Lock the rear seat
backrests in their upright position before
installing the Top Tether straps or when the
cargo compartment is not in use. Make sure
that rear seat backrests are secured properly
by pushing and pulling on the seat backrests.
If the seat backrest is not locked properly, the
seat backrest could fold forward. The child
restraint system is no longer supported
properly or held in position and can no longer
fulfill its function. This could cause serious or
even fatal injuries.
Top Tether provides an additional connection
between the child restraint system secured
with ISOFIX and the rear seat. It helps reduce
the risk of injury even further.
The Top Tether anchorage points are located
on the trunk floor behind the rear bench seat.
XRemove the cargo compartment cover
( Y page 196).XMove the head restraint upwards.XInstall the ISOFIX child restraint system
with Top Tether. Comply with the
manufacturer's installation instructions
when doing so.XRoute Top Tether belt = under the head
restraint between the two head restraint
bars.XAttach Top Tether hook : to Top Tether
anchorage ; on the trunk floor.XMake sure that Top Tether belt = is not
twisted.XTension Top Tether belt =. Comply with
the manufacturer's installation
instructions when doing so.XMove the head restraint back down again
slightly if necessary ( Y page 80). Make
sure that you do not interfere with the
correct routing of Top Tether belt =.GWarning!
Only use the described top tether anchorage
rings for the respective child seat. Other
lashing eyelets could tear in case of an
accident. Make sure the top tether straps are
not crossed or twisted and the hook is
attached and closed properly.
Children in the vehicle53SafetyZProCarManuals.com

X To activate: press ! button : for at
least one second.
An alarm sounds and the indicator lamp
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button : again.
or
XInsert the key into the ignition lock.
i
USA only:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC regulations. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210
regulations of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R
ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
Important safety notes
GWarning
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
GWarning!
The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
switch off
when the differential locks are switched on.
When the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
are
switched off
R wheels may lock during hard braking
R steering capabilities are reduced
Driving safety systems55SafetyZProCarManuals.com

Rbraking distance is increased
R vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is increased
Make sure the differential locks are switched
on at all times except when driving off-road
for example. Switch on the differential locks
immediately when returning from off-road
driving.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
GWarning
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS operates above a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) regardless of road-surface
conditions, provided the differential locks are
not active. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
Off-road ABS
If the LOW shift range ( Y page 126) is
selected on the transfer case, an ABS system
specifically suited to off-road terrain is
activated.
At speeds below 37 mph(60 km/h) , the front
wheels lock periodically when braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
56Driving safety systemsSafety
ProCarManuals.com

XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWarning
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction.
Traction is the power transmission between
the tires and the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWarning
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Switch the ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
i If differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch themselves off
automatically.
Driving safety systems57SafetyZProCarManuals.com

4ETS (Electronic Traction System)GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Traction control is no longer active at speeds
above approximately 37 mph (60 km/h).
Activating/deactivating ESP ®
GWarning!
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
GWarning
Switch on ESP ®
immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
When you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R and drive over 37 mph (60 km/h), ESP ®
intervenes when the grip limit of a wheel is
reached, even if it is deactivated.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you have deactivated ESP ®
, it is
automatically reactivated if you exceed a
speed of 37 mph (60 km/h) or a certain
lateral acceleration.XTo deactivate: press button : until the
å warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster.GWarning
When the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp and the
å ESP®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
58Driving safety systemsSafety
ProCarManuals.com

! Avoid spinning a drive wheel for an
extended period with ESP ®
switched off.
This could cause serious damage to the
drive train.XTo activate: press button : until the
å warning lamp goes out in the
instrument cluster.
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
GWarning!
If the EBD malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate: remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i
The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R a door using the mechanical key
R the rear door
R the hood
The alarm is also triggered if:
R the position of the vehicle is changed.
R a window is smashed.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example.
i If the alarm stays on for more than 30
seconds, the emergency call system
mbrace (USA only) or TELEAID (Canada
only) initiates a call to the Customer
Assistance Center automatically. The
emergency call system initiates the call
provided that:
R you have subscribed to the mbrace/
TELEAID service.
R the mbrace/TELEAID service has been
activated properly.
R the required mobile phone, power supply
and GPS are available.
Anti-theft systems59SafetyZProCarManuals.com

GWarning!
The tailgate swings open to one side. Always
make sure there is sufficient clearance for the
tailgate.
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! The tailgate swings out to the side when
opened. Therefore, make sure that there is
sufficient clearance.
Opening
You can only open the rear door after
unlocking it first.
XPress the % button on the SmartKey.XPress release button : and pull door
handle ;.XOpen the rear door.
Closing
GWarning!
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around.
Side windows
Important safety notes
GWarning
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access
to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in
operation even after the SmartKey has
been removed from the ignition, such as the
seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment or memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if
they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and a child could be burned on these
parts.
GWarning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger or cargo compartment unless they
are firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
70Side windowsOpening and closing
ProCarManuals.com

GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
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.
Opening and closing the side
windows
:Override feature for rear door windows;Front left=Front right?Rear rightARear left
The switches for all side windows are located
on the driver's door. There is also a switch on
each door for the corresponding side window.
i The side windows cannot be operated
from the rear when the override feature for
the side windows is activated.XTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo open: press the corresponding switch.XTo close: pull the corresponding switch.
i
If you press the switch beyond the point
of resistance while opening, an automatic
opening/closing process is started. You
can stop automatic operation by pressing
again.
Convenience opening feature
You can ventilate the vehicle before you start
driving. To do this, you can use the key to
simultaneously:
R unlock the vehicle
R open the side windows
R open the sliding sunroof
i The convenience opening feature can
only be operated using the key. The
SmartKey must be close to the driver's
door handle.
XPoint the tip of the key at the driver's door
handle.XPress and hold the % button until the
side windows and the sliding sunroof are in
the desired position.
Convenience closing feature
When you lock the vehicle, you can
simultaneously:
R close the side windows
R close the sliding sunroof
GWarning!
When closing the windows and the tilt/sliding
sunroof, make sure there is no danger of
anyone being harmed by the closing
procedure.
Side windows71Opening and closingZProCarManuals.com

GWarning!
When closing the sliding sunroof, make sure
that there is no danger of anyone being
harmed by the closing procedure.
The opening procedure of the sliding sunroof
can be immediately halted by releasing the
sunroof switch or, if the sunroof switch was
moved past the resistance point and released,
by moving the sunroof switch in any direction.
The closing procedure of the sliding sunroof
can be immediately halted by releasing the
sliding sunroof switch. The closing procedure
of the sliding sunroof can be immediately
reversed by moving the sliding sunroof switch
toward : or ?.
If you are not wearing a seat belt, or are not
wearing it correctly, there is a risk that you
could be thrown through the opening in the
event of the vehicle overturning. An opening
of this kind poses a risk of injury even to
passengers who are wearing their seat belts
correctly, as parts of the body could protrude
from the vehicle interior.
! Only open the sliding sunroof if it is free
of snow and ice. Otherwise, malfunctions
may occur.
Do not allow anything to protrude from the
sliding sunroof. Otherwise, the seals could
be damaged.
! If the sliding sunroof cannot be opened or
closed due to a malfunction, contact a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! The weather can change abruptly. It could
start to rain or snow. Make sure that the
sliding sunroof is closed when you leave the
vehicle. The vehicle electronics can be
damaged if water enters the vehicle
interior.
i Resonance noises can occur in addition
to the usual airflow noises when the sliding
sunroof is open. They are caused by minor
pressure fluctuations in the vehicle interior.
Change the position of the sliding sunroof
or open a side window slightly to reduce or
eliminate these noises.
Opening and closing the sliding
sunroof
Overhead control panel
:To raise;To lower=To close?To openXTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress or pull the 2 switch in the
corresponding direction.
i If you press the 2 switch beyond the
point of resistance while opening, an
automatic opening process is started. You
can stop automatic operation by operating
the switch again.
Operating the sliding sunroof
manually
The actuator is located in the cargo
compartment, on the left-hand side behind
the rear wall trim.
Sliding sunroof73Opening and closingZProCarManuals.com

Resetting the front seat head restraints
It is necessary to reset the front seat head
restraints after the voltage supply has been
interrupted, e.g. if the battery has been
completely discharged or disconnected.
XMake sure that the cup holder on the center
console is folded down ( Y page 197).XMove the seat as far forward as possible
and the head restraint in as far as possible.
Rear seat head restraints
Important safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, always drive with the rear
head restraints in the upright position when
the rear seats are occupied.
Keep the area around head restraints clear of
articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the
folding operation of the head restraints.
GWarning!
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it
is as close to the head as possible and the
center of the head restraint supports the back
of the head at eye level. This will reduce the
potential for injury to the head and neck in the
event of an accident or similar situation.
With a rear seat occupied, make sure to move
the respective head restraint up from the
lowest non-use position and have the
occupant adjust the head restraint properly.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints installed when the rear seats are
occupied. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
GWarning!
Make sure the rear seat head restraints
engage when placing them upright manually.
Otherwise their protective function cannot be
ensured.
The back of the head will not be supported in
the event of a collision. That could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. Rear seat
occupants can be seriously injured or killed.
Adjusting the head restraint heightXTo raise: pull the head restraint up until the
desired height has been reached.XTo lower: push the head restraint down
until the desired height has been reached.
Installing/removing the rear seat head
restraints
XTo remove: pull the head restraint up and
out.XTo re-install: insert the head restraint so
that the arched side points in the direction
of travel.XPush the head restraint down until you hear
it engage in position.
Adjusting the luxury head restraints
GWarning
When folding back the head restraint side
bolsters, do not put your hands between the
side bolster and the cushion holder. There is
a danger of becoming trapped.
80SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
ProCarManuals.com