tow MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class 2014 W463 Owner's Guide

Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera 0043
Rear view camera X
To activate: make sure that the SmartKey
is in position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the rear view camera
function is selected in COMAND (see the
separate operating instructions for
COMAND).
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown with
guide lines and "Reverse parking"
function 0043in the COMAND display.
To deactivate: the rear view camera is
deactivated if you:
R shift the transmission to position P
R drive forward ten meters
R shift the transmission from Rto another
position after 15 seconds
R drive forwards at a speed of over 5 mph
(10 km/h) Off-road driving systems
Transfer case
General notes The vehicle has permanent all-wheel drive.
Power is always transmitted to both axles.
For further information on driving off-road,
see (Y
page 164).
Shift ranges G
WARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The
power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is
a risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
Do not turn off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission
to another gear. HIGH
RANGE
Position for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW
RANGE
Low-range position for
driving off-road.
Also for use on steep uphill
or downhill gradients,
especially when towing a
trailer.
The vehicle travels around
half the speed of on-road
driving range
HIGH RANGE.
The tractive power is
correspondingly higher. Off-road driving systems
193Driving and parking Z

The differential lock for the front axle is
engaged.
Disengaging the differential locks You can disengage the differential locks in the
following order: 0044,0085,0087.
X To simultaneously disengage all
differential locks: press switch0087.
Yellow activation indicator lamps 0083and
red function indicator lamps 0043go out.
After approximately three seconds of
normal driving, ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS
are activated.
The ABS ABS not
notavailable
available Differential
Differential
Locked
Locked message disappears in the
multifunction display and the 00BB,0025
and 00E5 warning lamps in the instrument
cluster go out.
X Shift the transfer case to the HIGH
RANGE on-road position (Y page 194).
i If red function indicator lamps 0043do not
go out after disengaging the differential
locks, bring the vehicle to a standstill in
accordance with the traffic conditions.
Then continue driving, as the load change
can release the differential locks. Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time. G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even
rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary. G
WARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in
question is longer or angled differently. This
could seriously impair the driving
characteristics and the trailer can come
loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed
to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
You will find the applicable permissible
values, which must not be exceeded, in the
vehicle documents. You will find the values
approved by the manufacturer on the vehicle
identification plates and those for the towing
vehicle in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 342). 198
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling
characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your vehicle/trailer
combination.
General notes R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
R Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R If you do not need the ball coupling, remove
the ball coupling from the ball coupling
recess. This reduces the risk of damage to
the ball coupling.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y page 316).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the technical data (Y page 351).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling for up to 3
people is 562 lbs (255 kg). The maximum
permissible trailer drawbar noseweight for
more than 3 persons and the maximum load
in the trunk can be found in the trailer
drawbar noseweight table (Y page 352).
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch
or trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y page 316).
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC ( Ypage 189) and Blind Spot
Assist (Y page 185) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter
according to the load placed on the vehicle.
If necessary, use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar. Towing a trailer
199Driving and parking Z

Driving tips
X
On long and steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1,2or 3(Y page 150) in
good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
X If necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE( Ypage 194).
This will use the braking effect of the
engine, so that less braking will be required
to maintain the speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. Refer to the
"Technical data" section to find out whether
this applies to your vehicle. If you utilize any
of the added maximum rear axle load when
towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer
combination may not exceed a maximum
speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for reasons
concerning the operating permit. This also
applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1,2or 3in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS. This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to
maintain the speed. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly. If
you need additional braking, depress the
brake pedal repeatedly rather than
continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude. Trailer power supply
! You can connect accessories with a
maximum power consumption of 180 W to
the permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics. 200
Towing a trailerDriving and pa
rking

Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes You can make a connection to the 13-pin
socket on the ball coupling using an adapter
or, if necessary, an adapter cable. Both can
be obtained in a qualified specialist
workshop.
Installing the adapter !
Make sure that there is enough slack in
the cable for cornering so that the cable
cannot become detached. X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the connector with lug 0043into
groove 0044on the socket and turn the
connector clockwise to the stop.
X Make the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties.
i When the socket is connected, the
ultrasonic backing up aid is deactivated. Towing a trailer
201Driving and parking Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions Blind Spot Assist
Blind Spot Assist
Currently Currently
Unavailable See Unavailable See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual
or
Active Blind Spot
Active Blind Spot
Assist Currently Assist Currently
Unavailable See Unavailable See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is temporarily
inoperative. Possible causes are:
R
you have established the electrical connection between the
trailer and your vehicle.
R the sensors are dirty.
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
The yellow 0063indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
X When towing a trailer, confirm the display message with 0076.
If you are driving without a trailer and the display message does
not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Clean the sensors (Y page 291).
X Restart the engine.
If the system detects that the sensors are fully operational, the
display message disappears.
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is operational again. Blind Spot Assist Blind Spot Assist
Inoperative Inoperativeor
Active Blind Spot Active Blind Spot
Assist Inoperative Assist Inoperative Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is defective.
The yellow
0063indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. DISTRONIC PLUS DISTRONIC PLUS
Off Off DISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated (Y
page 176).
If it was deactivated automatically, a warning tone also sounds. DISTRONIC PLUS
DISTRONIC PLUS
Now Available Now Available DISTRONIC PLUS is operational again after having been
temporarily unavailable. You can now reactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y
page 176). Display
messages
235On-board computer and displays Z

Safety
Seat belts Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00E9
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up for six seconds.
The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger
to fasten their seat belts.
X
Fasten your seat belt (Y page 50).00E9
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up. In addition, a
warning tone sounds
for up to six seconds.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
X
Fasten your seat belt (Y page 50).
The warning tone ceases. 00E9
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 front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
X
Fasten your seat belt (Y page 50).
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. 00E9
The red seat belt
warning lamp flashes
and an intermittent
audible warning
sounds.
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. In
addition, you are driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h)
or you have
briefly driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 50).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases. There are objects on the front-passenger seat. In addition, you are
driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have briefly driven
faster than 15 mph (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
243On-board computer and displays Z

Useful information
............................256
Loading guidelines ............................256
Stowage areas .................................. 257
Features ............................................. 262 255Stowage and features

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 24).Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death. Driving, braking and steering characteristics
change depending on:
R
type of load
R weight
R the center of gravity of the load
You should therefore load your vehicle as
shown in the illustrations.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door (Y page 342).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
(Y page 342).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Ypage 322).
Observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R Position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
i Transport loads when possible in the
cargo compartment. You should only use
the cargo compartment enlargement if the
load does not fit in the cargo compartment.
R Always place the load against the front or
rear seat backrests. 256
Loading guidelinesStowage and features

If the rear bench seat is not occupied:
X Insert the belt tongue on the outer seat
belts into the buckle of opposite seat
belt 0043.
X Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie downs.
X Pad sharp edges for protection. Stowage areas
Stowage space
Important safety notes G
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 256).Stowage compartments in the front Glove box
X
To open: pull handle 0043and open glove box
flap 0044.
X To close: fold glove box flap 0044upwards
until it engages. 0047
Glove box unlocked
0048 Glove box locked
X To lock:(Y page 70) insert the mechanical
key into the lock and turn it 90° clockwise
to position 0048.
X To unlock:(Y page 70) insert the
mechanical key into the lock and turn it 90°
counter-clockwise to position 0047.
i The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key. Stowage areas
257Stowage and features Z