heating MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS 2011 User Guide

XTo adjust the side bolsters of the head
restraint: push or pull right and/or left-
hand side bolster : into the desired
position.XTo adjust the angle of the head
restraint: push or pull the head restraint in
the direction of arrow ;.
Adjusting the multicontour seat
You can adjust the contour of the front seats
individually so as to provide optimum support
for your back and sides.
XMake sure that the key is in position 1 in
the ignition lock.:To adjust the thigh cushion;To adjust the backrest contour in the
lumbar region=To adjust the backrest contour in the
upper back region?To adjust the side bolsters of the seat
backrestAdjusting the 4-way lumbar support
You can adjust the contour of the front seat
backrests individually to provide optimum
support for your back.:To raise the backrest contour;To soften the backrest contour=To lower the backrest contour?To harden the backrest contour
Switching the seat heating on/off
General notes
The red indicator lamps in the button indicate
the heating level you have selected.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
heating may switch off.
One or more of the indicator lamps in the
seat heating button are flashing.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
Front-seat heating
Seats81Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZProCarManuals.com

iThe system automatically switches down
from level 3 to level 2 after approximately
five minutes.
The system automatically switches down
from level 2 to level 1 after approximately
ten minutes.
The system automatically switches off
approximately 20 minutes after it is set to
level 1.XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired heating level is set.XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
Rear-seat heating
:Level 1 (normal heating);Level 2 (rapid heating)
i
The system automatically switches down
from level 2 (rapid heating) to level 1
(normal heating) after approximately five
minutes.
The system automatically switches off
approximately 30 minutes after it is set to
level 1.
XTo select level 1: press the upper section
of button :.
An indicator lamp lights up.XTo deactivate level 1: press the upper
section of button :.
The indicator lamp goes out.XTo select level 2: press the lower section
of button ;.
Both indicator lamps light up.XTo deactivate level 2: press the lower
section of button ;.
Both indicator lamps go out.
Problems with the seat heating
If one or all of the indicator lamps in the seat
heating button are flashing, the seat heating
has switched off automatically. The vehicle's
electrical system voltage is too low because
too many electrical consumers are switched
on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the
seat heating will switch back on
automatically.
Switching the seat ventilation on/off
Switching on/off
Seat ventilation is only available for the front
seats.
The three blue indicator lamps in the buttons
indicate the ventilation level you have
selected.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
ventilation may switch off.
82SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
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XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set.
i If you open the side windows and the
sliding sunroof using the key ( Y page 71),
the driver's seat ventilation automatically
switches to the highest level.
XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
Problems with the seat ventilation
If one or all of the indicator lamps in the seat
ventilation button are flashing, the seat
ventilation has switched off automatically.
The vehicle's electrical system voltage is too
low because too many electrical consumers
are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the
seat ventilation will switch back on
automatically.
Steering wheel
Important safety notes
You can adjust the steering wheel electrically.
GWarning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
When you adjust the steering wheel, make
sure that:
R the steering wheel can be reached with
your arms slightly bent.
R you can move your legs freely.
R you can see all the displays in the
instrument cluster clearly.
Adjusting the steering wheel
:To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment);To adjust the steering wheel heightXMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2 in the ignition lock.
i
If the driver's door is open, the steering
wheel can be adjusted for up to 30 minutes
after the ignition has been switched off.
XPress the lever in the direction of
arrow : or ; until the steering wheel is
in the desired position.
You can find more information under:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature ( Y page 84)
R Storing settings ( Y page 88)
Steering wheel heating
Switching on/off
The steering-wheel heating heats the leather
areas of the steering wheel.
Steering wheel83Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZProCarManuals.com

:To switch on the steering-wheel heating;Indicator lamp=To switch off the steering-wheel heatingXTo switch on/off: make sure that the key
is in position 1 or 2 in the ignition lock.XTurn the lever in the direction of arrow :
or = .
Indicator lamp ; lights up or goes out.
i
The steering wheel heating does not
switch off automatically.
i The steering wheel heating may switch off
temporarily if:
R the temperature of the vehicle interior is
above 86 ‡ (30 †).
R the temperature of the steering wheel is
above 95 ‡ (35 †).
Indicator lamp ; remains on.
i The steering wheel heating is deactivated
if you remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock.
Problems with the steering wheel
heating
If steering wheel heating indicator lamp ; is
flashing, the steering wheel heating has
switched off automatically. The vehicle's
electrical system voltage is too low because
too many electrical consumers are switched
on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the
steering wheel heating will switch back on
automatically.
Steering wheel EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature
General notes
The EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature makes getting
in and out of your vehicle easier.
You can activate and deactivate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature in the on-board
computer ( Y page 165).
Important safety notes
GWarning
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is
activated.
To stop steering maneuver do one of the
following:
R press the steering column adjustment
switch.
R press one of the memory function position
buttons.
R press the memory button.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver's door and
unintentionally activate the EASY-ENTRY/
84Steering wheelSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
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Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
relevant systems and functions.
Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
GWarning
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
and the windows could fog up, impairing
visibility and endangering you and others.
Have a clogged filter replaced as soon as
possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
GWarning
Follow the recommended settings for heating
and cooling given on the following pages.
Otherwise, the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.
Automatic climate control controls the
temperature and the humidity in the vehicle
interior and filters undesirable substances
from the air.
Automatic climate control is only operational
when the engine is running 6
. Optimum
operation is only achieved when you drive
with the side windows and the sliding sunroof
closed.
i Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather, e.g. using the
convenience opening feature ( Y page 71).
This will speed up the cooling process and
the desired vehicle interior temperature
will be reached more quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of dust and completely filters out
pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount
of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For
this reason, you should always observe the
interval for replacing the filter, which is
specified in the Service Booklet. As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Service Booklet.6 The "residual heat" function can only be switched on/off if the ignition is switched off.106Overview of climate control systemsClimate control
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Setting the airflowXTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XPress the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button goes
out.XTo increase/reduce: turn
thumbwheel : clockwise or counter-
clockwise ( Y page 107).
i
The airflow from the rear-compartment
vents and the center vents is the same.
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
i You should only select the defrosting
function until the windshield is clear again.
i When you switch on the "defrosting"
function using the ¥7
or z 8
button,
you cannot adjust any of the other settings.
XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XTo switch on: press the ¥7
or z 8
button.
The indicator lamp in the ¥7
or z 8
button comes on.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow
R high temperature
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode off
i If necessary, also activate the windshield
defroster ( Y page 110).
XTo deactivate: press the ¥7
or z 8
button.
The indicator lamp in the ¥7
or z 8
button goes off. The previously selected
settings come into effect again.
or
XPress the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up. The indicator lamp in the z button
goes out. Airflow and air distribution are set
to automatic mode.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the "defrosting" function.XIf necessary, activate the windshield
defroster ( Y page 110).
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XSwitch on the windshield wipers.XClose the center air vents.
When automatic air distribution is switched
off:
XTurn the air distribution thumbwheel to the
O or P symbol.
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
XIf necessary, activate the windshield
defroster ( Y page 110).
Activating/deactivating windshield
heating
GWarning
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the windshield before driving.
7 USA only.
8 Canada only.110Operating the climate control systemClimate control
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from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.GWarning!
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press button
z or ¥ .
XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XTo switch on: press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the g button lights
up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. When air-recirculation mode
is activated automatically, the indicator
lamp in the g button is not lit.
Outside air is added after about 30
minutes.
XTo switch off: press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the g button goes
out.
i Air-recirculation mode switches off
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes if
outside temperatures are less than about
41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes if outside
temperatures are over about
41 ‡ (5 †)
Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the coolant temperature and
on the interior temperature that has been set.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
i If you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated.XTurn the key to position 0 in the ignition
lock or remove it.XTo activate: press the Á button.
The indicator lamp in the Á button lights
up.XTo switch off: press the Á button.
The indicator lamp in the Á button goes
out.
i Residual heat is deactivated
automatically:
R after about 30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops
R if the coolant temperature is too low
Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
GWarning
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
Always keep sufficient distance between
unprotected parts of the body and the air
vents. If necessary, use the air distribution
adjustment to direct the air to air vents in the
vehicle interior that are not in the immediate
area of unprotected skin.
112Setting the air ventsClimate control
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! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel result in damage to the fuel
system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
Gasoline
Fuel grade
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire.
i Only refuel with unleaded premium-grade
gasoline with a specified minimum octane
number of 91 (average value of 96 RON/
86 MON).
Usually, you will find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find
the label on the gasoline pump, ask the gas
station staff.
You can find further information under
"Fuel" ( Y page 277), by consulting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
Refueling
Fuel filler flap
When you open or close the vehicle with the
key, the fuel filler flap is automatically
unlocked or locked.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
in the instrument cluster 8. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle. The fuel filler flap is located to the
rear on the right.
Fuel filler cap G 550 (example)
:To open the fuel filler flap;Tire pressure table=Fuel type?To insert the fuel filler cap
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.
i When the engine is running and the fuel
filler flap is open, the yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp and the = (USA only)
or ; (Canada only) engine diagnostics
warning lamp may light up.
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see ( Y page 188).
XRemove the key from the ignition lock.XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.XOpen the fuel filler flap.132RefuelingDriving and parking
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pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched offGWarning!
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust check
GWarning
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency
when they are maintained exactly in
accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications. For this reason, all work on the
engine must be carried out only by qualified
and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Service Booklet.
Brakes
Important safety notesGWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of control loss.
Do not engage the transfer case in position
LOW when driving on ice or packed snow. At
speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h) vehicle
steering is adversely affected by the Off-road
ABS.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWarning
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Driving tips137Driving and parkingZProCarManuals.com

Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur
you must drive in the following manner:
R reduce your speed
R avoid ruts
R brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or AUTOTRONIC.
Water can also be drawn in by the engine's
air suction nozzles and this can cause
engine damage.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R the maximum permissible still water depth
is 50 cm.
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace.
Off-road fording:Fording depth, 20 in (50 cm)
The fording depth must not exceed 20 in
(50 cm) when the vehicle is loaded and ready
to drive.
! The water depth must not exceed 20 in
(50 cm). Note that the possible fording
depth is less in flowing water.
i You may only drive through freshwater.
R Observe the safety notes (Y page 142) and
the general notes (Y page 142) on off-road
driving.
R Establish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
R Switch off the auxiliary heating and the air-
conditioning system.
R Shift the transfer case to
LOW (Y page 126).
R Engage the differential locks, if necessary
( Y page 129).
R Restrict the shift range to 1 or 2
( Y page 123).
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Enter and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
! Under no circumstances should you
accelerate before entering the water. The
bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and other assemblies.
140Driving tipsDriving and parking
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