check engine MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS 2011 Owner's Guide
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4
Engine Oil Level
Stop, Turn Engine
OffThe engine oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XSwitch off the engine.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 216) and check the oil level
( Y page 215).8
Reserve FuelThe fuel level has fallen below the reserve range. The fuel gauge's
needle does not move any further down. The operation of the
auxiliary heating can no longer be guaranteed.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.8
Gas cap is openThe fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.´
Clean Fuel FilterThere is water in the fuel filter. The water must be drained off.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsAAS
Service RequiredGRisk of accident
AAS is not available due to a malfunction. The vehicle may roll
back on a gradient as soon as you remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.Cruise Cont.
InoperativeCruise control is inoperative.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.178Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Brakes
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the vehicle is
moving. A warning tone
also sounds.You are driving with the parking brake applied.XRelease the parking brake
The warning lamp goes out and the warning tone ceases.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running.GRisk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct the error.
GWarning
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add brake fluid before checking
the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster183On-board computer and displaysZProCarManuals.com
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Safety systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is deactivated due to a malfunction.
BAS (Brake Assist), ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program), EBD
(Electronic Brake force Distribution) and 4ETS are also temporarily
unavailable.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
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 not be available.
!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
The on-board voltage is too low. ABS has been deactivated due to
undervoltage.
ESP ®
, BAS, EBD and 4ETS are also therefore deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XSwitch off consumers that are not required, e.g. the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
ABS will be available again as soon as the vehicle's on-board
electrical system voltage increases.
If the warning lamp is still on:
XHave the battery and alternator checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.You have engaged the differential locks. ABS, BAS, EBD, ESP ®
and
4ETS have been deactivated.XDisengage the differential locks.
ABS, BAS, EBD, ESP ®
and 4ETS are subsequently reactivated.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster185On-board computer and displaysZProCarManuals.com
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
!
The red brake system
warning lamp and the
yellow ABS warning
lamp are on while
driving. In addition, a
warning tone sounds
for about five seconds.GRisk of accident
EBD is faulty.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.÷
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
or traction control is intervening because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary when
pulling away.XEase off the accelerator pedal after pulling away.XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.XDo not deactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 57).å
The yellow ESP ®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
is deactivated. ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle if it starts
to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
XReactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 57).XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
XHave ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.186Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionså
The yellow ESP ®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.You have engaged the differential locks. ABS, ESP ®
, 4ETS and BAS
have been deactivated.XDisengage the differential locks.
ESP ®
, 4ETS and BAS are subsequently reactivated.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.+
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of injury
The restraint systems are malfunctioning. The air bags or ETDs
may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an
accident, not be triggered at all.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWarning
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster187On-board computer and displaysZProCarManuals.com
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EngineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions! (USA only)
; (Canada only)
The yellow engine
diagnostics warning
lamp lights up while the
engine is running.There may be a malfunction, for example:
R in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system
R the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may
be running in emergency mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states/provinces, you are required by law to
immediately visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as the
yellow Check Engine warning lamp lights up. If in doubt, check
whether such legal regulations apply in the state/province in
which you are currently driving.
! (USA only)
; (Canada only)
The yellow engine
diagnostics warning
lamp lights up while the
engine is running.The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running.The fuel filler cap is not correctly closed.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.188Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
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XPull release lever : on the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XLift the hood slightly.XPush hood catch handle ; in the direction
of the arrow and lift the hood.
Closing the hood
GWarning
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force.
Engine oil
Notes on oil level
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qts.(0.8 l) of oil over
a distance of 600 miles (1000 km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
On the G 55 AMG, the oil level can be checked
using the on-board computer.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
Oil dipstick (example: G 550)
XPull oil dipstick : out of the dipstick guide
tube.XWipe off oil dipstick :.Engine compartment215Maintenance and careZProCarManuals.com
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XSlowly insert oil dipstick : into the
dipstick guide tube to the stop, and take it
out again.
The oil level is correct if the level is between
MIN mark = and MAX mark ;.XAdd oil if necessary.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer
On the G 55 AMG, the oil level can be checked
using the on-board computer.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
Xmake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XPress the & or * button on the
steering wheel to select the following
message:
The measurement takes a few seconds. You
will see one of the following messages in the
multifunction display:
R Engine Oil Level OK
R Add 1.0 qt (Canada: 1.0 liters ) to
reach maximum oil level
R Add 1.5 qts (Canada: 1.5 liters ) to
reach maximum oil level
R Add 2.0 qts (Canada: 2.0 liters ) to
reach maximum oil level
XAdd oil if necessary.If the engine is at normal operating
temperature and the Engine Oil Reduce
Oil Level message appears, the engine oil
level is too high.XHave excess oil siphoned off.
! Do not add too much oil. Adding too much
oil can result in damage to the engine or the
catalytic converter. Have excess oil
siphoned off.
If the Switch ignition on to check
engine oil level message appears:
XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
If the Observe Waiting Time message
appears:
XIf the engine is at normal operating
temperature: repeat the measurement
after about five minutes.
If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature (e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly): repeat the measurement
after about 30 minutes.
If the Engine Oil Level Not With
Engine On message appears:
XSwitch off the engine.XIf the engine is at normal operating
temperature: wait about five minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
i If you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the * or & button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
Adding engine oil
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
216Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
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! Only use engine oils and oil filters which
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. A list of the engine oils and
oil filters that have been tested and
approved according to the Mercedes-Benz
specifications for service products can be
found on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). Further
information on tested and approved engine
oils and oil filters can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following causes engine failure or
damage to the exhaust system:
Rusing engine oils and oil filters that are
not specifically approved for the service
system
Rreplacing the engine oil and oil filter after
having exceeded the interval for
replacement prescribed by the
maintenance system
Rusing engine oil additives
Example: engine oil cap
Engine oil cap (G 55 AMG)
XTurn cap : counter-clockwise and remove
it.
XAdd the amount of oil required.
Observe the specifications in the on-board
computer when doing so or fill carefully to the
maximum mark on the oil dipstick.
iThe difference in quantity between the
MIN mark and the MAX mark on the
dipstick is approximately 2.1 US qts. (2 l).
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 279).
XReplace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
Checking and adding other service
products
Coolant level
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the key to position 2(Y page 117) in
the ignition lock.
XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
GWarning
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
Ruse extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
Engine compartment217Maintenance and careZProCarManuals.com
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After an accidentProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GRisk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
XImmediately turn the SmartKey to position 0 ( Y page 117) in the
ignition lock and remove it.XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.You are unable to
determine the extent of
the damage.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.You cannot detect any
damage.XStart the engine as normal.The NECK-PRO head
restraints on the
driver's and front-
passenger seats have
been triggered.Your vehicle has been involved in a rear-end collision.XReset the NECK-PRO head restraints ( Y page 43).Where will I find...?
First-aid kit
i Check the expiration date on the first-aid
kit at least once a year. Replace the
contents if necessary, and replace missing
contents.
The first-aid kit is located in the stowage
compartment in the front-passenger door.
XRemove first-aid kit : from the stowage
space.
Vehicle tool kit
General notes
i Vehicles are not equipped with the tools
needed to change a wheel when they leave
the factory, e.g. jack or lug wrench. Some
tools for changing a wheel are specific to
the vehicle. To obtain tools approved for
your vehicle, visit a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Where will I find...?229Roadside AssistanceZProCarManuals.com