MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class 2012 W463 Owners Manual

display, remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock.
or
X Turn the light switch to $ or Ã.
Low-beam headlamps X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock or start the
engine.
X Turn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
X To switch off: turn the light switch to
$.
Daytime running lamps Daytime running lamps in Canada
The "daytime running lamps" function is
required
by
law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
X Turn the light switch to $ or Ã.
When the engine is running: depending on
the ambient

light, the low-beam headlamps
or the parking lamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
If the light switch is set to $
or Ã
, you
cannot activate the high-beam headlamps.
However, the high-beam flasher can always
be used. Turn the light switch to L when
driving at night. You can switch on the high-
beam headlamps in this position.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a driving position to N or P, the low-beam
headlamps go out after three minutes.
When the engine is running: if you turn the
light switch to T, you turn on the parking
lamps and low-beam headlamps.
When the engine is running: if you turn the
light switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps. Daytime running lamps in the USA
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
X
To switch on: activate the daytime
running lamps function in the on-board
computer (Y page 160).
X Turn the light switch to $ or Ã.
When the engine is on: the low-beam
headlamps are switched on. The L
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up.
If the light switch is set to $
or Ã
, you
cannot switch on the high-beam headlamps
in bright conditions. Turn the light switch to
L. You can switch on the high-beam
headlamps in this position.
If the light switch is set to $, Ã or
L, you can switch on the high-beam
headlamps in less bright conditions.
However, the high-beam flasher can always
be used.
Turn the light switch to L when driving at
night.
When the engine is running: if you turn the
light switch to T or L, the manual
settings take precedence over the daytime
running lamps.
Automatic headlamp mode G
WARNING
If the exterior lamp switch is set to Ã, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions.
To minimize

risk to you and to others, activate
headlamps by turning exterior lamp switch to
L when traffic and/or ambient lighting
conditions require you to do so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position à to L with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from à to L will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident. Exterior lighting
89
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the

driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.
The parking lamps, low-beam headlamps and
license plate lamp are switched on or off
automatically, depending on the brightness of
the ambient light.
X To switch on: turn the light switch to
Ã.
SmartKey in

position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
When the engine is running: depending on
the ambient light, the parking lamps, the
low-beam headlamps and the license plate
lamp are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
Canada only:
if
the light switch is in position
$ or Ã, you cannot switch on the high-
beam headlamps. However, the high-beam
flasher can always be used. Turn the light
switch to L when driving at night. You can
switch on the high-beam headlamps in this
position.
Front fog lamps and rear fog lamp Front fog lamps
G
WARNING
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn

the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Your vehicle may
otherwise not be visible and you could
endanger yourself and others. G
WARNING
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position
à to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from à to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
X To switch on: turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock or start the
engine.
X Turn the light switch to L or T
. If the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.
X Pull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green N

indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.
X To switch off: press the light switch in as
far as it will go.
The green N

indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Rear fog lamp
X To switch on: turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock or start the
engine.
X Turn the light switch to L
or T
. If the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.
X Pull the light switch out to the second
detent.
The yellow R

indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.
X To switch off: press the light switch in as
far as it will go.
The yellow R

indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out. 90
Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

Combination switch
Turn signals X
To indicate briefly:
press the
combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the
combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding ! or # indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster flashes.
High-beam headlamps X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey to
position
2 in the ignition lock or start the
engine.
X Turn the light switch to L or Ã.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
In the à position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark.
X To deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. High-beam flasher X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up briefly. Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps switch on
automatically if an air bag or the Emergency
Tensioning Devices are triggered and the
SmartKey is

in position 1 in the ignition lock.
X To switch on: press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn

signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off: press button :.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated fifteen

times while the lights are on
and the engine is running (Y page 100). When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0. Exterior lighting
91
Lights and windshield wipers Z

X
To switch on manually: turn the
SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock
or start the engine.
X Briefly press button : of the headlamp
cleaning system.
The headlamps are cleaned with a high-
pressure water jet. Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction
you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated if the low-beam headlamps
are switched on and the fog lamp is switched
off.
Active: if you are driving at speeds below
25 mph(40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signals and turn the steering wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph(40 km/h) or switch off the turn signal
and turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position.
The cornering lamp may remain lit for a short
time. Headlamps and indicator lamps
fogged up on the inside
The headlamps

and the indicator lamps in the
exterior mirrors may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity. X
Drive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on

the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
X Have the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Front overhead control panel
:
t To switch the cargo compartment
lamp/rear interior lighting on/off
; p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
= Rocker switch (to control the interior
lighting)
? p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off 92
Interior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

Rear-compartment overhead control panel
:
p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
; p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off Interior lighting control
Important notes In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging,
the
interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
unless the SmartKey is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control X
To switch on: set rocker switch = to the
center position.
The interior lighting switches on
automatically when it is dark if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the

SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
(Y page 161).
When a front door is opened, the front interior
lighting comes on. When a rear door is
opened, the rear interior lighting comes on.
In addition, the courtesy lights come on. i
If a

door remains open and the SmartKey
is not in the ignition lock, the interior
lighting switches off after a short while.
X To switch off: press the z symbol on
rocker switch =.
The interior lighting remains switched off
even when it is dark if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the

SmartKey from the ignition lock
Manual control Front interior lighting
!
If the interior lighting has been switched
on manually, it will not be switched off
automatically.
This can cause the starter battery to
discharge.
Make sure that the interior lighting does
not remain switched on too long after the
engine has been switched off.
X To switch on: press the c symbol on
rocker switch =.
X To switch off: set rocker switch = to the
center position.
Reading lamps
X To switch on/off: press the p
button.
Cargo compartment lamp G
WARNING
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. G
WARNING
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death. Interior lighting
93
Lights and windshield wipers Z

!
Switch off
the cargo compartment lamp if
you wish to leave the rear door open for a
longer period. The battery may otherwise
discharge.
X To switch on/off: press the t button.
i If you open the rear door, the cargo
compartment lamp comes on. Then, you
cannot switch

it off using the t button.
Switch off the cargo compartment lamp if
you wish to leave the rear door open for a
longer period. This prevents the battery
from discharging. X
Open the rear door.
X To switch off with the rear door open:
press lock : down in the direction of the
arrow until it engages.
The cargo compartment lamp is switched
off.
! Do not close the rear door while lock :
is engaged at the bottom. Otherwise, you
could damage lock :.
X To switch on with the rear door open:
press lock cylinder ;.
The cargo compartment lamp resumes its
normal function.
Rear interior lighting
X To switch on/off: press the t button.
i The rear interior lighting switches on
when you open a rear door. Then, you
cannot switch

it off using the t button. Switch off the rear interior lighting if you
wish to leave the rear doors open for a
longer period. This prevents the battery
from discharging.
Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs G
DANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an

electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change the Xenon bulbs yourself, but
have them replaced at a qualified workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs G
WARNING
Bulbs and lamps can become very hot. For
this reason, allow them to cool down before
changing them. Otherwise, you could burn
yourself when you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could, for example, damage
the bulbs and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may explode and injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurized and could
explode when you change them, especially if
they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them.
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (

Y page 95). Have the bulbs that94
Replacing bulbs
Lights and windshield wipers

you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do
not
touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when installing.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Before changing bulbs Have the following bulbs changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
R
additional turn signals in the exterior
mirrors
R high-mounted brake lamp
R high-beam/low-beam headlamps (Xenon
bulbs)
R parking lamp/standing lamp
R license plate lamp
i Individual segments of the license plate
lamp LEDs may fail without a display
message appearing in the multifunction
display. Check the license plate lamp
regularly. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if necessary.
You can replace the following bulbs:
R fog lamp/cornering light with fog lamp
function
R turn signal lamp (front)
R brake/tail lamp
R turn signal lamp (rear)
R tail lamp/standing lamp R
backup lamp
R rear fog lamp
R side marker lamp Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
Front bulbs :
Turn signal lamp: 1156 NA
; Side marker lamp: T 4 W
= Cornering light function with fog lamp
function: H11 55 W
Rear bulbs :
Side marker lamp: T 4 W
; Tail lamps:
Turn signal lamp: PY 21 W
Brake lamp/tail lamp: P 21/5 W
Tail lamp/standing lamp: W 5 W
= Backup lamp: P 21 W
? License plate lamp: LEDs 3
A Rear fog lamp: P 21 W
3 Have these bulbs changed at a qualified specialist workshop only. Replacing bulbs
95
Lights and windshield wipers Z

Changing the front bulbs
Front fog lamps/cornering lamps with
fog lamp function X
Switch off the lights.
X Remove screws : .
X Remove cover ;. X
Remove screws ? .
i Only remove screws ?. Do not turn
adjustment screw A. If adjustment screw
A is

turned, the front fog lamp adjustment
must be checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
X Remove headlamp =. X
Hold headlamp =
.
X Lightly press bulb holder B, turn it
counterclockwise to the stop and pull it
out. X
Take bulb C out of bulb holder
B.
X Insert the new bulb into bulb holder B.
X Insert bulb holder B
into
headlamp = and
turn it clockwise to the stop.
X Insert headlamp =.
X Replace and tighten screws ?.
X Position cover ;.
X Replace and tighten screws :.
Turn signals X
Switch off the lights.96
Replacing bulbs
Lights and windshield wipers

G 55 AMG: turn signal with protection grille
X
G 55 AMG: pull protection grille : out of
bracket ; in the direction of the arrow.
X Fold up protection grille :.
! Make sure that the protection grille does
not strike against painted surfaces.
You could otherwise damage the
paintwork. X
Remove screws :.
X Remove lens ;. X
Turn bulb = counterclockwise, applying
slight pressure,
and remove it from the bulb
holder.
X Insert the new bulb into the bulb holder and
turn it clockwise until it engages.
X Install lens ;.
X Replace and tighten screws :.
! Do not fasten the screws too tightly. You
could otherwise damage the lens.
X G 55 AMG: fold down protection grille :
and engage it in bracket ;.
Side marker lamps The bulbs of the front and rear side marker
lamps are changed in the same way.
Front side marker lamp (example)
X
Switch off the lights.
X Remove screws :.
X Remove housing ;. Replacing bulbs
97
Lights and windshield wipers Z

X
Remove dust cover =.
X Push the catch to the side and pull the bulb
holder with the bulb out of housing ;.X
Lightly press bulb ?, turn it counter-
clockwise and pull it out.
X Insert the new bulb and, applying slight
pressure, turn
it clockwise until it engages.
X Insert the bulb holder into housing ;.
X Attach dust cover =.
X Insert housing ;.
X Replace and tighten screws :.
! Do not fasten the screws too tightly. You
could otherwise damage the lens. Changing the rear bulbs
Only G 55 AMG: headlamp protection
grille You must remove the protective grille before
you can change the bulbs in the tail lamps.
G 55 AMG: protective grille X
Unscrew screws ;.
X Swing protective grille : to the right.
! Make sure that the protective grille does
not hit any painted surfaces.
You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
X After changing the bulbs, swing protective
grille : to the left.
X Tighten screws ;.
Tail lamp X
Switch off the lights.
X Remove screws :.
X Remove lens ;. =
Turn signals
? Brake/tail lamp
A Tail lamp/standing lamp98
Replacing bulbs
Lights and windshield wipers