automatic transmission MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 2017 Owner's Manual

PLUS is activated. Observe the information on
the HOLD function ( Y
page 172) and on
DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y
page 167).
Engaging reverse gear
! Only move the automatic transmission to
^ when the vehicle is stationary.X
Depress the brake pedal. X
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when reverse gear is engaged. Further informa-
tion on the ECO start/stop function
( Y
page 136).
Shifting to neutral
G WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could: R
open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users. R
get out and disrupt traffic. R
operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they: R
release the parking brake. R
shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position PR
Start 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
If the transmission is in position [ or ^ :
push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to
the first point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position ] : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position ^ or [ , the automatic trans-
mission shifts to \\ automatically. With the SmartKey: if you then open the driv-
er's door or the front-passenger door or remove
the SmartKey from the ignition, the automatic
transmission shifts to ] automatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts automatically
to ] .
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral \\ , e.g. when having the vehi-
cle cleaned in an automatic car wash with a
towing system: X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-
GO start function: remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
All vehicles: switch the ignition on. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Engage neutral \\ .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position X
If the transmission is in position ^ or \\ :
push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the
first point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position ] : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever down past the first point of resistance.
Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display The current transmission position and drive pro-
gram appear in the multifunction display.
C
Status symbol drive program
D
Transmission position

The arrows in the transmission position display
show how and into which transmission positions
you can shift using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
If the transmission position display in the mul-
tifunction display is not working, you should pull
away carefully to check whether the desired
transmission position is engaged. Ideally, you
should select transmission position [ and
drive program E or S .
Transmission positions E Park position
This prevents the vehicle from rolling
away when stopped.
Only shift the transmission into posi-
tion ] ( Y
page 141) when the vehi-
cle is stationary. The parking lock
should not be used as a brake when
parking. Always apply the electronic
parking brake in addition to the park-
ing lock in order to secure the vehi-
cle.
Park position ] is automatically
engaged if: R
you switch off the engine using the
SmartKey and remove the Smart-
Key R
you switch off the engine using the
SmartKey or using the Start/Stop
button and open the driver's door
or front-passenger door R
you open the driver's door when
the vehicle is stationary or when
driving at a very low speed and the
transmission is in position [ or
^
In the event of a malfunction of the
vehicle's electronics, the transmis-
sion may lock in position ] . Have
the vehicle electronics checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
F Reverse gear
You can only shift the transmission
into position ^ when the vehicle is
stationary ( Y
page 142). D Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to \\
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brake pedal will allow
you to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty: shift
the transmission to position \\ if the
vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.
on icy roads.
If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position ^ or [ ,
the automatic transmission shifts to
\\ automatically.
! Coasting in neutral \\ may
cause damage to the drive train.
: Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear automatically. All forward gears
are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear The automatic transmission shifts through the
individual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position [ . This automatic gear shift-
ing behavior is determined by: R
the selected drive program R
the position of the accelerator pedal R
the road speed
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear: R
little throttle: early upshifts R
more throttle: late upshifts
Double-clutch function
When shifting down, the double-clutch function
is active regardless of the currently selected
drive program. The double-clutch functionAutomatic transmission 143
Driving and parking Z

reduces load change reactions and is conducive
to a sporty driving style. The sound generated by
the double-clutch function depends on the drive
program selected.
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic 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.
Gliding mode (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Gliding mode is characterized by the following: R
The combustion engine is disconnected from
the drive train. R
The engine speed corresponds to the idling
speed. R
The multifunction display shows the status
icon C for the drive program's status icon.
In drive programs E and C , you can deactivate
and activate gliding mode using the ECO button
( Y
page 137).
Gliding mode can be activated under the follow-
ing conditions: R
the speed is within a suitable range. R
the course of the road is suitable, e.g. there
are no steep up or downhill gradients. R
you are no longer depressing the accelerator
pedal.
Gliding mode is deactivated under the following
conditions: R
you depress the accelerator pedal. R
you depress the brake pedal. R
you use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch
the transmission position ( Y
page 141).R
you switch to drive program S+ or S
( Y
page 139). R
you activate manual gearshifting
( Y
page 145). R
you leave the suitable speed range.
i If you have selected the "Comfort" setting
for the drive (engine management) in drive
program I , you can also activate gliding mode.
You can find information about this in the Dig-
ital Operator's Manual.
Towing a trailer X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed range
on uphill gradients. X
Manual shifting: depending on the uphill or
downhill gradient, shift into a gear
( Y
page 145), in which the engine will run the
middle of the engine speed range.
This also applies if cruise control or
DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.
Drive programs
Drive program I (Individual) In drive program I the following properties of the
drive program can be selected: R
the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment) R
the suspension R
the steering R
the availability of the ECO start/stop function R
the climate control:
Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found under
"DYNAMIC SELECT" in the vehicle's Digital
Operator's Manual.
i To permanently select the gears in drive
program I using the steering wheel paddle
shifters, select the M (manual) setting for the
drive.
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive program S+ is characterized by the fol-
lowing: R
the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics. R
the vehicle pulls away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as144
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIR BODY CONTROL). R
gliding mode is not available (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles). R
the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S (Sport) Drive program S is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics. R
the vehicle pulls away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIR BODY CONTROL). R
gliding mode is not available (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles). R
the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program C (Comfort) Drive program C is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle delivers comfortable, economical
handling characteristics. R
the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears, unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully. R
the vehicle has improved driving stability, for
example on slippery road surfaces. R
optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed
range and the wheels are less likely to spin. R
gliding mode is not available (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles). Drive program E (Economy) Drive program E is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical
handling characteristics. R
the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears, unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully. R
the vehicle has improved driving stability, for
example on slippery road surfaces. R
optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed
range and the wheels are less likely to spin. R
during deceleration, the engine is disconnec-
ted from the drive train. The vehicle uses
kinetic energy and consumes less fuel. R
the cooling and heating output of the climate
control system has been reduced.
Manual gear shifting
General notes You can change gear yourself using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must be
in position [ to do this.
Depending on which steering wheel paddle
shifter is pulled, the automatic transmission
immediately shifts into the next gear down or
up, if permitted.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: to use manual shift-
ing, you have two options: R
temporary setting R
permanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-
function display will show the current gear
instead of transmission position [ .
If you deactivate manual gearshifting, the gears
will be shifted automatically again.Automatic transmission 145
Driving and parking Z

Temporary setting X
To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position [ .X
Pull steering wheel paddle shifter C or D .
Temporary setting will be active for a certain
amount of time. Under certain conditions the
minimum amount of time is extended, e.g. in the
case of lateral acceleration, during an overrun
phase or when driving on steep terrain. X
To deactivate: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter D and hold it in place.
or X
Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or X
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to change
the drive program.
Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
! In manual mode, the automatic transmis-
sion 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
To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position [ . X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.X
To deactivate: press button C .
Indicator lamp D goes out.
Shifting gears
X
To shift up: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter D .
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
If the maximum engine speed on the currently
engaged gear is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission auto-
matically shifts up in order to prevent engine
damage.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: if the permanent
setting is activated, the automatic transmis-
sion does not shift up automatically even
when the engine limiting speed for the current
gear is reached. It is essential to ensure pro-
tection against reaching the overrevving
range in the multifunction display. Always146
Automatic transmission
Driving an d parking

make sure that the engine speed does not
reach the red area of the tachometer. X
To shift down: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter C .
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic down shifting occurs when coast-
ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage
by not shifting down.
Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display. X
Shift to recommended gear D according to
gearshift recommendation C when shown in
the multifunction display of the instrument
cluster.
Protection against reaching the over-
revving range (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
! In manual mode, the automatic transmis-
sion 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.
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display. X
When message C appears in the multifunc-
tion display, pull the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter.
Kickdown X
For maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed. X
Shift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel paddle shifters.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is only
possible in the temporary setting.Automatic transmission 147
Driving and parking Z

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. 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 ] .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position [ or ^ .
If [ is selected, the transmission shifts to second gear; if ^ is
selected, the transmission shifts to reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be in position Z or
G ) if R
the electrical parking brake is being tested
using a dynamometer R
the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with
4MATIC)
Otherwise, the brake system can be dam-
aged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission. Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following: R
Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water. R
If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with148
Refueling
Driving and parking

overfilling. DEF may leak if overfilled. Mercedes-
Benz offers a special disposable hose with over-
fill protection. You can obtain this from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. DEF is avail-
able in a variety of containers and receptacles.
Only use the disposable hose with the
Mercedes-Benz DEF refill canisters.
DEF refill bottle
! Only screw on the DEF refill bottle hand-
tight. Otherwise, the thread of the DEF refill
bottle could be damaged and DEF could leak
out.
X
Unscrew the protective cap from DEF refill
bottle C .X
Place DEF refill bottle C on the filler neck as
shown and screw it on clockwise until hand-
tight. X
Press DEF refill bottle C towards the filler
neck.
The DEF tank is filled. This may take up to one
minute.
When DEF refill bottle C is no longer pressed,
filling stops and the bottle may be taken off
again after being only partially emptied. X
Release DEF refill bottle C .X
Turn DEF refill bottle C counter-clockwise
and remove it. X
Screw the protective cap onto DEF refill bot-
tle C again.
DEF refill bottles are available at many gas sta-
tions or at a qualified specialist workshop. Refill
bottles without a threaded cap do not provide
overfill protection. DEF may leak if overfilled.
Mercedes Benz offers special refill bottles with a
threaded seal. These are available at any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center. Parking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields.
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. 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.
! Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its driv-
etrain could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally: R
the electric parking brake must be applied. R
the transmission must be in position ] and
the SmartKey must be removed from the igni-
tion lock. R
the front wheels must be turned towards the
curb on steep uphill or downhill gradients. R
the empty vehicle must be secured at the
front axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients. R
on uphill or downhill gradients the laden vehi-
cle must also be secured at the rear axle, for
example with a wheel chock or similar object.154
Parking
Driving and parking

Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral 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 vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position ] .X
With the SmartKey: turn the SmartKey to
position

switched off. The sounds that can be heard while
this is occurring are normal.
Applying or releasing manually X
To apply: push handle C .
When the electric parking brake is applied,
the red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp lights up in the instru-
ment cluster.
The electric parking brake can also be applied
when the SmartKey is removed. X
To release: pull handle C .
The red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
The electric parking brake can only be released: R
if the SmartKey is in position G or H in the
ignition lock ( Y
page 132) orR
if the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button
Applying automatically The electric parking brake is automatically
applied when the transmission is in position ]
and: R
the engine is switched off or R
the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened
To prevent the electric parking brake from being
automatically applied, pull handle C . The electric parking brake is also engaged auto-
matically if: R
DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a
standstill or R
the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle sta-
tionary R
Active Parking Assist is keeping the vehicle
stationary
In addition, at least one of the following condi-
tions must be fulfilled: R
the engine is switched off R
the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened R
there is a system malfunction R
the power supply is insufficient R
the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period
The red $ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
The electric parking brake is not automatically
engaged if the engine is switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
Releasing automatically Your vehicle's electric parking brake is auto-
matically released if all of the following condi-
tions are met: R
the seat belt has been fastened. R
the engine is running. R
the transmission is in position [ or ^ and
you accelerate.
or
you shift from transmission position ] to
position [ or ^ . You will need to accelerate
more on steeper gradients.
If the transmission is in position ^ the tailgate
must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake: R
the driver's door is closed. R
you are shifting out of transmission position
] or you have previously driven faster than
2 mph (3 km/h).
Ensure that you do not depress the accelerator
pedal unintentionally. Otherwise the parking
brake will be released and the vehicle will start
to move.156
Parking
Driving and parking