tailgate MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2014 User Guide

Opening/closing automatically from
inside
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Parts of the body could become trapped
during automatic closing of the tailgate.
Moreover, people, e.g. children, may be
standing in the closing area or may enter the
closing area during the closing process. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
closing area during the closing process.
Use one of the following options to stop the
closing process:
Rpress theTbutton on the SmartKey.
Rpress the remote operating switch on the
driver's door.
Rpress the closing or locking button on the
tailgate.
Rpull the handle on the tailgate.
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running,
particularly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust
fumes could enter the passenger
compartment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the
tailgate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
iTailgate opening dimensions
(Ypage 453).
iNotes on the reversing feature for the
tailgate (Ypage 89).
Opening and closing
You can open and close the tailgate from the
driver's seat when the vehicle is stationary
and unlocked.
XTo open:pull remote operating switchC
for the tailgate until the tailgate opens.
XTo close:turn the SmartKey to position1
or2in the ignition lock.
XPress remote operating switch for
tailgateCuntil the tailgate is closed.
Limiting the opening angle of the
tailgate
Important safety notes
!Make sure there is sufficient clearance to
open the tailgate fully when setting the
opening angle. The tailgate could otherwise
be damaged. Ideally, set the opening angle
outside.
Activating
You can limit the opening angle of the
tailgate. This is possible in the top half of its
opening range, up to approximately 4 in
(10 cm) before the stop.
This could be useful, for example, if there is
insufficient space above the tailgate.
XTo open the tailgate:pull the handle on
the tailgate.
XTo stop the opening procedure at the
desired position:press the closing button
92Cargo compartment
Opening and closing

(Ypage 90) in the tailgate or pull the handle
on the outside of the tailgate again.
XTo store the position:press and hold the
closing button in the tailgate until you hear
a short tone.
The opening angle limiter is activated. The
tailgate will now stop in the stored position
when opening.
Deactivating
XPress and hold the closing button
(Ypage 90) in the tailgate until you hear
two short tones.
Tailgate emergency release
Important safety notes
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
iTailgate opening dimensions
(Ypage 453).
If the tailgate can no longer be opened from
outside the vehicle, use the emergency
release on the inside of the tailgate.
Opening
XTake the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey (Ypage 82).
XInsert mechanical keyDinto the opening
in panelingC.
XTurn mechanical keyD90° clockwise.
XPush mechanical keyDin the direction of
the arrow and open the tailgate.
XInsert the mechanical key into the
SmartKey.
iWhen you lock the vehicle (Ypage 88),
the cargo compartment is also locked.
Side windows
Important safety notes
GWARNING
While opening the side windows, body parts
could become trapped between the side
window and the door frame as the side
window moves. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody touches the side
window during the opening procedure. If
somebody becomes trapped, release the
switch or pull the switch to close the side
window again.
GWARNING
While opening the side windows, body parts
in the closing area could become trapped.
There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that no body parts are in close
proximity during the closing procedure. If
somebody becomes trapped, release the
switch or press the switch to open the side
window again.
GWARNING
If children operate the side windows they
could become trapped, particularly if they are
left unsupervised. There is a risk of injury.
Activate the override feature for the rear side
windows. When leaving the vehicle, always
take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle. Never leave children unsupervised in
the vehicle.
Side windows93
Opening and closing
Z

RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR (Ypage 256).
RAlways keep the doors, tailgate, windows
and sliding sunroof closed while driving.
RAdapt your speed to the terrain. The
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
RDrive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
RDrive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
RLook out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and furrows.
RCheck the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
RWhen fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine.
ROn sand, drive quickly to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's
wheels could become stuck in loose
ground.
RDo not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
RDo not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission positionN.
iDo not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill
gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces.
The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle
on such surfaces.
Checklist before driving off-road
!If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible.
Check the engine oil level. The engine oil
warning lamp warning must not be ignored.
Continuing the journey while the symbol is
displayed could lead to engine damage.
XEngine oil level:check the engine oil level
and add oil if necessary.
When driving on steep gradients, the
engine oil level must be sufficiently high to
ensure a correct oil supply in the vehicle.
XDEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles):check the
level and top up if necessary (Ypage 186).
XTire-changing tool kit:check that the jack
is working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
XWheels and tires:check the tire tread
depth and tire pressure.
XCheck for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires.
XReplace any missing valve caps.
XReplace dented or damaged wheels.
XRims:dented or bent rims can result in a
loss of tire pressure and damage the tire
bead. Therefore, check your rims before
driving off-road and replace them as
required.
Checklist after driving off-road
!If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
XVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package:activate the on-road program
(Ypage 258).
XDeactivate the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Ypage 259).
XDeactivate DSR (Ypage 256).
XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
lower the vehicle to a ride height suitable
for the road conditions, e.g. to the
highway/high-speed level.
XClean the headlamps and rear lights and
check for damage.
XClean the front and rear license plates.
XClean the wheels/tires with a water jet and
remove any foreign objects.
198Driving tips
Driving an d parking

parking. When maneuvering or parking, make
sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the area in which you are
maneuvering.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
in a limited manner:
Rthe tailgate is open
Rin heavy rain, snow or fog
Rat night or in very dark places
Rif the camera is exposed to very bright light
Rif the area is lit by fluorescent light or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
Rif there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
Rif the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
Rif the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In
this event, have the camera position and
setting checked at a qualified specialist
workshop
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera
XTo activate:make sure that the SmartKey
is in position2in the ignition lock.
XMake sure that the function "show rear
view camera display" is selected in
COMAND.
XEngage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display with guide lines.
XTo change the function mode for
vehicles with trailer tow hitch:using the
COMAND controller, select symbolCfor
the "Reverse parking" function or
symbolDfor "Coupling up a trailer" (see
the separate COMAND operating
instructions).
The symbol of the selected function is
highlighted.
To deactivate:the rear view camera is
deactivated if you:
Rshift the transmission to positionP
Rdrive 33 ft (10 m) forwards
Rshift the transmission fromRto another
position after 15 seconds
Rdrive forwards at a speed of over 5 mph
(10 km/h)
Displays in the COMAND display
The rear view camera may show a distorted
view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or
not at all. The rear view camera does not show
objects in the following positions:
Rvery close to the rear bumper
Runder the rear bumper
Rin the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
!Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
Rthe bumper of a parked vehicle
Rthe drawbar of a trailer
Rthe ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
Rthe rear section of an HGV
Ra slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the
bottom-most guideline.
Driving systems231
Driving and parking
Z

of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to positionP.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
XVehicles with ADS:set ADS toAUTOor
COMF.
XSwitch off the engine.
XClose all doors and the tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish all electrical connections.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is
working.
iVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When
coupling up a trailer, please observe the
following:
RUnless highway level has been set
manually, the vehicle is automatically
lowered to highway level. This is the case
if a speed of 5 mph(8km/h) is reached.
RHigh-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
RSafety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
RA separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
RA safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
RIn order to accumulate driving experience
and accustom yourself to the new handling
characteristics, practice the following at a
location where there is no traffic:
-Cornering
-Stopping
-Backing up
RBefore driving, check:
-the trailer tow hitch
-the safety switch for braked trailers
-the safety chains
-electrical connections
-the lights
-the wheels
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
Towing a trailer267
Driving an d parking
Z

RSecure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
RIf you couple up a trailer, regularly check
that the cargo is securely fastened and
make sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
RThe vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
RIf possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
RIf the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
RWhen driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
RIf the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.
Decoupling a trailer
GWARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
GWARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you
disconnect the trailer cable. This could result
in your limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or
underneath the vehicle being trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
!Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overrun brake.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to positionP.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XClose all doors and the tailgate.
XApply the trailer's parking brake.
XDetach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
XSwitch off the engine.
268Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Surround lighting and exterior lighting
delayed switch-off
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theSett.Sett.menu.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
LightsLightssubmenu.
XPressvto confirm.
XPressdorcto select the
Surround LightingSurround Lightingfunction.
When theSurround LightingSurround Lightingfunction is
activated, the light cone and the area
around the vehicle are displayed in orange
in the multifunction display.
XPress thevbutton to save the setting.
Deactivating delayed switch-off of the
exterior lighting temporarily:
XBefore leaving the vehicle, turn the
SmartKey to position0in the ignition lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock.
The exterior lighting delayed switch-off is
deactivated.
Delayed switch-off of the exterior lighting is
reactivated the next time you start the
engine.
If you have activated theSurroundSurround
LightingLightingfunction and the light switch is set
toX, the following functions are activated
when it is dark:
Rsurround lighting:the exterior lighting
remains lit for 40 seconds after unlocking
with the SmartKey. If you start the engine,
the surround lighting is switched off and
automatic headlamp mode is activated
(Ypage 128).
Rexterior lighting delayed switch-off:the
exterior lighting remains lit for
60 seconds after the engine is switched off.
If you close all the doors and the tailgate,
the exterior lighting goes off after
5 seconds.
iDepending on your vehicle's equipment,
when the surround lighting and delayed
switch-off exterior lighting are on, the
following light up:
RParking lamps
RDaytime running lamps
RSide marker lamps
RSurround lighting in the exterior mirrors
Activating/deactivating the interior
lighting delayed switch-off
If you activate theInterior LightingInterior Lighting
DelayDelayfunction, the interior lighting remains
on for 20 seconds after you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theSettSettmenu.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
LightLightsubmenu.
XPressvto confirm.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
Interior Lighting DelayfInterior Lighting Delayffunction.
If theInteriorInteriorLightingLightingDelayDelayfunction
has been switched on, the vehicle interior
is displayed in orange in the multifunction
display.
XPress thevbutton to save the setting.
Vehicle submenu
Activating/deactivating the automatic
door locking mechanism
If you activate theAutomatic Door LockAutomatic Door Lock
function, the vehicle is centrally locked above
a speed of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h).
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theSettSettmenu.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
VehicleVehiclesubmenu.
XPressvto confirm.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
Automatic Door LockAutomatic Door Lockfunction.
When theAutomaticAutomaticDoorDoorLockLockfunction
is activated, the vehicle doors are displayed
in orange in the multifunction display.
XPress thevbutton to save the setting.
284Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
Transmission NotTransmission Not
in P Risk ofin P Risk of
Vehicle RollingVehicle Rolling
AwayAway
The driver's door is open and the transmission is in positionR,N
orD.
A warning tone also sounds.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 188).
Service RequiredService Required
DoDoNotNotShiftShiftGearsGears
Visit DealerVisit Dealer
You cannot change the transmission position due to a malfunction.
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission positionDis selected:
XDrive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the
transmission from positionD.
If transmission positionR,NorPis selected:
XNotify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
Only Shift to 'P'Only Shift to 'P'
when Vehicle iswhen Vehicle is
StationaryStationary
The vehicle is moving.
XStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to
road and traffic conditions.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
eThe tailgate is open.
GWARNING
When the engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior if the tailgate is open.
There is a risk of poisoning.
XClose the tailgate.
fThe hood is open.
GWARNING
The open hood may block your view when the vehicle is in motion.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 188).
XClose the hood.
QAt least one door is open.
A warning tone also sounds.
XClose all the doors.
Displaymessages321
On-b oard computer and displays
Z

Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 28).
Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury,
particularly in the event of sudden braking or
a sudden change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running,
particularly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust
fumes could enter the passenger
compartment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the
tailgate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
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 (Ypage 415).
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
(Ypage 415).
Observe the notes on the loading the vehicle
(Ypage 415).
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
RNever exceed the maximum permissible
gross vehicle weight or the gross axle
weight rating of the vehicle (including
occupants).
RThe cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects.
RPosition heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
RThe load must not protrude above the
upper edge of the seat backrests.
RAlways place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
RAlways place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
RUse the cargo tie down rings and the parcel
nets to transport loads and luggage.
RUse cargo tie-down rings and fastening
materials appropriate for the weight and
size of the load.
RHook in the cargo net when loading.
RSecure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. Pad sharp edges
for protection.
340Stowage areas
Stowage and features

XTo extend:pull the cargo compartment
cover back by grab handleCand clip it
into retainersDon the left and right.
XTo retract:unhook the cargo compartment
cover from left-hand and right-hand
retainersD.
XGuide cargo compartment cover forwards
by grab handleCuntil it is completely
rolled up.
Coat hooks on the tailgate
CCoat hook
Stowage well under the cargo
compartment floor
GWARNING
If you drive when the cargo compartment floor
is open, objects could be flung around, thus
striking vehicle occupants. There is a risk of
injury, particularly in the event of sudden
braking or a sudden change in direction.
Always close the cargo compartment floor
before a journey.
The TIREFIT kit, tire-change tool kit, etc. are
located in the stowage compartment.
XTo open:holding the ribbing, press
handleCdownwardsD.
HandleCfolds up.
XSwing the cargo compartment floor
upwards using handleCuntil it rests
against the cargo compartment cover.
XFold out hook