traction control MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2014 Owners Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket...................................... 353
12 V socket
see Sockets
360° camera
Cleaning .........................................380
Function/notes.............................235
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)....72
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive)..................................................256
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message............................291
Function/notes ................................ 67
Important safety notes....................67
Warning lamp ................................. 327
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification.................155
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer)............................281
Display message............................314
Function/information....................247
Trailer towing.................................250
Active Curve System
Display message............................311
Function/notes.............................218
Active Driving Assistance package.247
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer)............................282
Display message............................313
Function/information....................251
Trailer towing.................................253
Active light function.........................133
Active Parking Assist
Display message............................314
Exiting a parking space..................229
Function/notes.............................226
Important safety notes..................226
Parking..........................................228
Towing a trailer..............................230
ADAPTIVE BRAKE................................. 75
Adaptive Brake Assist
Display message............................298
Function/notes ................................ 71
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message............................306
Function/notes.............................134
Switching on/off...........................134
Additives (engine oil)........................450
ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
Function/notes.............................217
Air bags
Display message............................301
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger).......................................46
Important safety notes....................44
Knee bag .......................................... 47
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp..................................49
Safety guidelines.............................43
Side impact air bag..........................47
Window curtain air bag....................48
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air filter (display message)..............309
AIR FLOW...........................................157
AIRMATIC package
ADS (Adaptive Damping System)...217
Function/notes.............................217
Level control..................................218
Air vents
Glove box .......................................163
Important safety notes..................162
Rear...............................................163
Setting...........................................162
Setting the center air vents...........162
Setting the side air vents...............163
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system).........77
Switching off (ATA)..........................77
Switching the function on/off
(ATA)................................................77
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer)......................................283
Setting the color (on-board
computer)......................................283
4Index

Emergency unlocking.......................88
Important safety notes....................86
Opening (from inside)......................87
Overview..........................................86
Power closing feature......................88
Drinking and driving.........................192
Drive program
Automatic......................................178
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever)......173
Manual ...........................................178
Manual (AMG vehicles)..................179
Manual (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package)................179
Off-road program (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package)..........258
SETUP (on-board computer)..........287
see On-road programs
Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service.................376
Symmetrical low beam..................128
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle............200
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)...72
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).......67
ADAPTIVE BRAKE.............................75
Adaptive Brake Assist......................71
BAS (Brake Assist System)..............68
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ...............................................68
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST....69
Distance warning function...............69
Electronic brake force distribution...74
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program).72
Important safety information...........67
Overview..........................................66
PRE-SAFE®Brake .............................75
STEER CONTROL.............................76
Driving systems
360°camera..................................235
Active Blind Spot Assist.................247
Active Curve System......................218
Active Driving Assistance package 247
Active Lane Keeping Assist............251
Active Parking Assist.....................226
ADS...............................................217
AIRMATIC package........................217
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system...........................................221
ATTENTION ASSIST........................239
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 243
Cruise control................................201
Display message............................309
DISTRONIC PLUS...........................203
HOLD function...............................216
Lane Keeping Assist......................245
Level control (vehicles with
AIRMATIC package).......................218
Level control (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package)................212
On-road programs .......................... 253
PARKTRONIC.................................222
Rear view camera..........................230
Driving tips
Automatic transmission.................176
Brakes...........................................193
Break-in period..............................166
DISTRONIC PLUS...........................211
Downhill gradient...........................193
Drinking and driving.......................192
Driving abroad...............................128
Driving in winter .............................196
Driving on flooded roads................195
Driving on sand..............................199
Driving on wet roads......................195
Driving over obstacles...................199
Exhaust check...............................192
Fuel ................................................ 192
General..........................................191
Hydroplaning.................................195
Icy road surfaces...........................196
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads...................................194
Off-road driving..............................197
Off-road fording.............................195
Snow chains..................................407
Index9

Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Rnew vehicles or after the COLLISION
PREVENTION ASSIST system has been
serviced
Observe the notes in the section on
breaking-in (Ypage 166).
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensor checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 67).
ESP®monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. 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. 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.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
4ETS 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, even if you
deactivate ESP®.
In appropriate driving situations, activate the
off-road program (Ypage 258).
Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction
System)
A 4ETS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated (Ypage 258).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If ESP®is malfunctioning, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!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.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle
dynamometer. Before you operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please
consult a qualified workshop. You could
otherwise damage the drive train or the
brake system.
ESP®is deactivated if the

The spinning of the wheels results in a
cutting action for better traction on loose
surfaces.
Rtraction control is still activated.
RESP®still provides support when you
brake.
Off-road ESP®
An ESP®system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated (Ypage 258).
Off-road ESP®intervenes with a delay if there
is oversteering or understeering, thus
improving traction.
ESP®trailer stabilization
General information
ESP®trailer stabilization is not available in
AMG vehicles.
If your vehicle/trailer combination begins to
swerve, ESP®assists you in this situation.
ESP®slows the vehicle down by braking and
limiting the engine output until the vehicle/
trailer combination has stabilized.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If road and weather conditions are poor,
trailer stabilization will not be able to prevent
the vehicle/trailer combination from
swerving. Trailers with a high center of gravity
can tip over before ESP®can detect this.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer
combination) begins to lurch, you can only
stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by
depressing the brake firmly.
Trailer stabilisation is active above speeds of
about 37 mph (60 km/h).
ESP®trailer stabilization does not work if
ESP®is deactivated or disabled because of a
malfunction.
Crosswind driving assistance
General information
Strong crosswinds can cause your vehicle to
deviate from a straight course. The crosswind
driving assistance function integrated into
ESP®significantly reduces these effects.
ESP®intervenes automatically according to
the direction and intensity of the crosswinds
affecting your vehicle.
ESP stabilities the vehicle with braking
interventions to assist you in keeping the
vehicle in the lane.
Crosswind driving assistance is active at
vehicle speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h)
when driving straight ahead or cornering
gently.
Important safety notes
Crosswind driving assistance does not work
if ESP®is deactivated or disabled because of
a malfunction.
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
General information
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section for driving safety systems
(Ypage 67).
GWARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
74Driving safety systems
Safety

Driving downhill
RDrive slowly.
RDo not drive at an angle down steep
inclines. Steer into the line of fall and drive
with the front wheels aligned straight.
Otherwise, the vehicle could slip sideways,
tip and rollover.
RShift to a lower gear using the left-hand
paddle shifter before tackling steep
downhill gradients.
RActivate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake
gently. When doing so, make sure that the
vehicle is facing in the direction of the line
of fall.
RCheck that the brakes are working normally
after a long downhill stretch.
iThe special off-road ABS setting enables
a precise, brief and repeated locking of the
front wheels. This causes them to dig into
loose earth. Be aware that the front wheels
easily skid across the ground surface if
completely braked and therefore lose their
ability to steer.
Driving systems
Cruise control
General notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. You must
select a lower gear in good time on long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden or towing a trailer. By doing
so, you will make use of the braking effect of
the engine. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
iCruise control should not be activated
when driving off-road.
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
CTo activate or increase speed
DTo activate or reduce speed

There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS.
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up
to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this
braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC PLUS
warns you visually and audibly. There is a risk
of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rstrong radar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a
vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may
unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the
stored speed.
This speed may:
Rbe too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane
Rbe so high when driving in the right-hand
lane that you overtake vehicles in the left-
hand lane
Rbe so high when driving in the left-hand lane
that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand
lane
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
CTo activate or increase speed
DTo activate or reduce speed

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
CheckCheck
TiresTires
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
The wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a risk of the
following hazards:
Rthey may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
Rthey may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
Rthe driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 188).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, follow the instructions for a
flat tire (Ypage 387).
XCheck the tire pressure (Ypage 412).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
WarningWarning
Tire MalfunctionTire Malfunction
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly. The
wheel position is shown in the multifunction display.
GWARNING
If you drive with a flat tire, there is a risk of the following hazards:
Ra flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
Ryou could lose control of the vehicle.
Rcontinued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 188).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, follow the instructions for a
flat tire (Ypage 387).
Displaymessages319
On-b oard computer and displays
Z

and wheels checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb or
other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over
curbs, speed humps or similar elevations, try
to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle.
Otherwise, the tires, particularly the
sidewalls, may be damaged.
Regular checking of wheels and tires
GWARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There is a risk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Regularly check the wheels and tires of your
vehicle for damage at least once a month, as
well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss of
tire pressure. Pay particular attention to
damage such as:
Rcuts in the tires
Rpunctures
Rtears in the tires
Rbulges on tires
Rdeformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width
of the tire (Ypage 405). If necessary, turn
the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect
the inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve other than the
standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
Do not use any other valve caps or systems,
e.g. tire pressure monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire
pressure as necessary (Ypage 408).
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Ypage 439).
The service life of tires depends on the
following factors amongst other things:
RDriving style
RTire pressure
RDistance covered
Important safety notes on the tire
tread
GWARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
RSummer tires:

Example:
RTreadwear grade:200
RTraction grade:AA
RTemperature grade:A
All passenger car tires must conform to the
statutory safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
iThe actual values for tires are vehicle-
specific and may deviate from the values in
the illustration.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
U.S. government course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government test track as
a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm, due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate conditions.
Traction
GWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
!Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage
to the drive train.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on a wet surface as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on dry road
surfaces.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum
tread depth of