MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV 2016 Owners Manual

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions j
Check Check
trailer
trailer hitch
hitch
lock
lock The trailer tow hitch is not operational.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not in the locked position, the trailer may come
loose. There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 168).
X Uncouple the trailer and secure it against rolling away.
X Initiate a new swivelling procedure (Y page 235).
X When the display message disappears, re-couple the trailer.
If the display message continues to be displayed: X Do not re-couple the trailer.
X Check the ground clearance and continue driving without the
trailer.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. j
Trailer coupling Trailer coupling
extending extending The ball coupling is swivelled out or in.
Only swivel the ball coupling in or out when the vehicle is stationary.
No trailer may be coupled during the swivelling procedure. Do not
attempt to speed up, slow down or initiate the swivelling process using your hand, foot or other aids.
X Move the ball coupling of the trailer tow hitch to an operational
position (Y page 235). &
inoperative inoperative
Battery
Battery
low
low The on-board voltage is too low.
The auxiliary heating has switched itself off or cannot be switched on
(Y page 140).
X Drive for a considerable distance.
The battery charges. The auxiliary heating is operational again as
soon as the on-board electrical system voltage is sufficient. &
inoperative Refuel inoperative Refuel
vehicle vehicle There is too little fuel in the fuel tank. The auxiliary heating cannot be
switched on (Y page 140).
X Refuel at the nearest filling station. &
inoperative inoperative
See
SeeOwn‐
Own‐
er's Man.
er's Man. The auxiliary heating is temporarily malfunctioning or faulty.
X When the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down, make up to four attempts to switch on the auxiliary heating,
waiting several minutes between each attempt (Y page 140).
If the auxiliary heating does not switch on: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 288
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Ð
Power steering mal‐ Power steering mal‐
function See Own‐ function See Own‐
er's Manual er's Manual The power steering assistance is faulty.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
You will need to use more force to steer.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Check whether you are able to apply the extra steering force
required.
If you are able to steer safely:
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
If you are unable to steer safely:
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Telephone Telephone
No
Noservice
service Your vehicle is outside the mobile phone network provider's trans-
mitter/receiver range.
X Wait until the mobile phone operational readiness symbol appears
in the multifunction display. ¥
Top up washer fluid Top up washer fluid The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped below
the minimum.
X Top up the washer fluid (Y page 336).Wiper malfunction‐
Wiper malfunction‐
ing ing The windscreen wipers are defective.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Hazard warning
Hazard warning
lamps malfunction‐ lamps malfunction‐
ing ing The hazard warning lamps are faulty.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Key
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Â
Key Key
does
does not
notbelong
belong
to vehicle
to vehicle You have put the wrong key in the ignition lock.
X Use the correct key. Â
Replace key Replace key The key needs to be replaced.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Â
Change Change
key
keybatteries
batteries The key battery is discharged.
X Replace the battery (Y page 84). Display
messages
289On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Â
Key not detected Key not detected
(white display message) The key is currently undetected.
X Change the location of the key in the vehicle.
If the key still cannot be detected:
X Operate the vehicle with the key in the ignition lock if necessary. Â
Key not detected Key not detected
(red display message) The key is not in the vehicle.
A warning tone also sounds.
If the engine is switched off, you can no longer lock the vehicle cen-
trally or start the engine.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 168).
X Locate the key. Because there is interference from a strong source of radio waves, the
key is not detected whilst the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 168).
X Insert the key into the ignition lock and bring into key mode. Â
Remove Remove
starting
starting but‐
but‐
ton,
ton, then
theninsert
insert key
key R
The key detection function has a temporary malfunction or is faulty.
R The key is continually undetected.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock and turn it to the desired posi-
tion.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
General notes
Some systems carry out a self-diagnosis when the ignition is switched on. Several warning and
indicator lamps can thereby temporarily light up or flash. This behaviour is non-critical. These
warning and indicator lamps only indicate a malfunction if they light up or flash after the engine is started or during a journey. 290
Wa
rning and indi cator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Safety
Seat belts Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions ü
N
Only for certain countries: the red seat belt warning lamp lights up for 6 seconds
after the engine starts.
The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their
seat belts.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 46).ü
N
Only for certain countries: the red seat belt warning lamp lights up after the
engine starts. In addition, a warning tone sounds for up to 6 seconds.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 46).
The warning tone ceases. ü
N
The red seat belt warning lamp lights up after the engine starts, as soon as the
driver's or the front-passenger door is closed.
The driver or passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 46).
The warning lamp goes out.
There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow them in a secure
place.
The warning lamp goes out. ü
N
The red seat belt warning lamp flashes and an intermittent audible warning
sounds.
The driver or passenger has not fastened their seat belt. At the same time, you are
driving faster than 25 km/h or have briefly driven faster than 25 km/h.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 46).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone ceases.
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. At the same time, you are driving
faster than 25 km/h or have briefly driven faster than 25 km/h.
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow them in a secure
place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone ceases. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
291On-board computer and displays Z

Safety systems
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions J
N
The red brake system warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be
affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do
not continue driving.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 168).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display. J
N
The red brake system warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do
not continue driving.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 168).
X Do not top up the brake fluid. Topping up will not correct the fault.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display. J
N
The yellow brake system warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
The brake system is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be affec- ted.
There is a risk of an accident.
X If the multifunction display shows a display message, please observe this.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 292
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions !
N
The yellow ABS warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) has been deactivated due to a fault.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
In addition, the ÷andå warning lamps may light up in the instrument
cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking
distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other systems, such as the navigation system or the automatic transmission, will be unavailable. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
293On-board computer and displays Z

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
M Solutions !
N
The yellow ABS warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
ABS is temporarily unavailable.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
In addition, the ÷andå warning lamps may light up in the instrument
cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
Possible causes:
R Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
R The on-board voltage may be insufficient.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore lock if you brake hard, for exam-
ple.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking
distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Carefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight steering movements
at a speed above 20 km/h.
The functions mentioned above are available again when the warning lamp goes
out.
If the warning lamp is still on: X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 294
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions !
N
The yellow ABS warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
EBD is unavailable due to a malfunction.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
In addition, the ÷andå warning lamps may light up in the instrument
cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore lock if you brake hard, for exam-
ple.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking
distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. J÷
å!
N
The red brake system warning lamp and the yellow ESP ®
, ESP ®
OFF and ABS
warning lamps are lit while the engine is running.
ABS and ESP ®
are malfunctioning.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore lock if you brake hard, for exam-
ple.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking
distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
295On-board computer and displays Z

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
M Solutions ÷
N
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP ®
or traction control has engaged due to a risk of skidding or because at least
one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary when pulling away.
X Accelerate more gently while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
In rare cases (Y page 73) it may be better to deactivate ESP ®
.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP ®
(Y page 73). å
N
The yellow ESP ®
OFF warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ESP ®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is deactivated, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Further driving systems or driving safety systems are thus restricted, e.g. Active
Blind Spot Assist. The system does not perform course-correcting braking appli-
cations.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
In rare cases (Y page 73) it may be better to deactivate ESP ®
.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP ®
(Y page 73).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Contact a qualified specialist workshop immediately and have the ESP ®
system
checked. 296
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions ֌
N
The yellow ESP ®
and ESP ®
OFF warning lamps are lit while the engine is running.
ESP ®
, BAS, Active Brake Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Assist,
ESP ®
trailer stabilisation, PRE ‑SAFE®
, PRE‑SAFE ®
PLUS, the HOLD function, hill
start assist, Crosswind Assist, adaptive brake lights, STEER CONTROL, Active Lane
Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are not available due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.
The braking distance may thus increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ֌
N
The yellow ESP ®
and ESP ®
OFF warning lamps are lit while the engine is running.
ESP ®
, BAS, Active Brake Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Assist,
ESP ®
trailer stabilisation, PRE ‑SAFE®
, PRE‑SAFE ®
PLUS, the HOLD function, hill
start assist, Crosswind Assist, adaptive brake lights, STEER CONTROL, Active Lane
Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are not available due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.
The braking distance may thus increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Carefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight steering movements
at a speed above 20 km/h.
The functions mentioned above are available again when the warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on: X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
297On-board computer and displays Z