ESP MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS 2018 Workshop Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2018, Model line: G-CLASS, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS 2018Pages: 294, PDF Size: 4.86 MB
Page 153 of 294

Differential locks
General notes
GWARNING
Whe nth edifferential locks are engaged, ABS,
4ETS ,ES P
®and BA Sare deactivated. As a
result ,th ewheels could loc kwhen braking
and th ebraking distanc eis increased. There is
a ris kof an accident.
Disengage th edifferential locks immediately
on fir msurfaces wit hgoo dgrip.
!In order to avoid damage to th etransfe r
case, you mus toperat eth evehicle on adyna-
mometer (1-axl edynamometer) only if:
Rth eaxl eno tdriven on is jacked up
or
Rth ecorrespondin gpropeller shaft is dis -
connecte dand th etransfe rcas edifferen -
tial loc kis engaged.
Differential locks improve th etraction of th e
vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped wit h adifferential loc k
eac hfor:
Rth etransfe rcase: this controls th ebalance
between th efron tand rea raxles.
Rth erea raxle: this controls th ebalance
between th ewheels on th erea raxle.
Rth efron taxle: this controls th ebalance
between th ewheels on th efron taxle.
Information on differential gea rsyste m
an ddifferential lock
Whe nth evehicle drives around acurve, th e
wheels on th eoutsid eof th ecurve mus tcover a
greater distance. Therefore, th ewheels turn
more rapidly than on th einside. The differential,
a gear syste min th edrive train ,allow sfo rdif -
ferin grotational speeds and facilitates corner-
ing.
The disadvantage of adifferential is that th e
wheels that hav eth eleas tgrip, get th emost
drive. Fo rexample, awhee lon adrive axl elies
on snow-covered groun dand therefore has no
traction .The differential sends most of th edrive
forc eto this whee lbecause th eforc etake sth e
rout eof th elowest resistance. The opposite
whee lon this axle, however, whic hstand son
fir m groun dand could therefore allow propul- sion, receives no drivin
gpower. 4ETS compen-
sates fo rthis disadvantage. 4ETS provides goo d
steerability by automatically braking th espin-
ning wheel. 4ETS provides th ewhee lon th efir m
surfac ewit hmore drive force, whic hin turn pro -
vides propulsion .
ES P
®and 4ETS are traction systems that are
idea lfo rroad drivin gand suitable fo rligh toff-
road driving. The LOW RANGEoff-road g
ear
also improves off-road capability.
Mor echallengin goff-road condition srequire
additional measures suc has locking on eor
more differential.
Your vehicle is equipped wit hthree differential
locks :
Rforth etransfe rcas e
Rforth efron taxl e
Rforth erea raxl e
Each differential loc kcan be engage dwit hth e
correspondin gswitch on th ecenter console. If
th edifferential in th etransfe rcas eis locked, th e
fron tand rea rwheels rotate at th esam espeed.
If th edifferential fo rth erea raxl eis locked, bot h
rea rwheels rotate at th esam espeed, regard -
les sof their respective torque. Note, engaging
th edifferential loc kgreatly impairs th evehicle' s
steerability.
Note, it is imperative to use th edifferential func-
tion when drivin gon fir mroad surfaces. Under
no circumstances should th edifferential be
locke dwhen drivin gon fir mroad surfaces. Oth-
erwise ,th evehicle may no tbe steerable and you
could los econtro lof th evehicle. Therefore, only
engage th edifferential loc kwhen drivin goff-
road. You should only engage th edifferential
loc kif act ivati
n
g4ETS and ES P®drivingsystems
and LOW RANGE off-road gear prove to be
insufficient.
Engaging th edifferential lock s
General notes
The switches are located on th ecenter console.
Off-road driving systems15 1
Driving an d parking
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Page 154 of 294

:Function indicator lamps (red)
;Differential lock for the front axle
=Differential lock for the transfer case
?Differential lock for the rear axle
AActivation indicator lamps (yellow)
Engage the differential locks:
Roff-road
Rto deactivate ABS, 4ETS, ESP®and BAS while
off-road
Rwhen fording
For further information on driving off-road, see
(
Ypage 129).
You can engage the differential locks in the fol-
lowing order: =,?,;.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When differential locks are engaged on a firm,
high-grip surface, the vehicle's steerability is
greatly impaired. In particular, engaging the
differential locks when cornering could lead
to you losing control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm surfaces with good grip.
GWARNING
When the differential locks are engaged, ABS, 4ETS, ESP
®and BAS are deactivated. As a
result, the wheels could lock when braking
and the braking distance is increased. There is
a risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm surfaces with good grip.
!Only engage the differential locks when:
Ryou are driving at walking pace
Rthe drive wheels are not spinning
Ryou are not driving on a firm road surface
Differential lock for the transfer case
XTo engage: switch the transfer case to the
LOW RANGE off-road driving position
(
Ypage 149).
XPress switch =.
If the transfer case is in the LOW RANGEoff-
road position, the yellow activation indicator
lamp under switch =lights up.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
If the differential is locked, the red function
indicator lamp above switch =lights up.
In the multifunction display you see the:
Differential Locks Active ABS and
ESP Not Available
The å!÷ warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster.
The differential lock for the transfer case is
engaged.
4ETS, ESP
®, BAS and ABS are deactivated.
The vehicle's ability to steer is severely restric-
ted. Drive carefully and accelerate gently for
optimum traction.
You can now engage the differential lock for rear
axle ?and the differential lock for front axle ;
as required.
Differential lock for the rear axle
XTo engage: press switch ?.
Yellow activation indicator lamp Alights up
first, followed by red function indicator
lamp :of switch ?.
The differential lock for the rear axle is
engaged.
Differential lock for the front axle
XTo engage: press switch ;.
First, the yellow activation indicator lamp
lights up, followed by the red function indica-
tor lamp.
The differential lock for the front axle is
engaged.
152Off-road driving systems
Driving and parking
Page 155 of 294

Disengaging thedifferential lock s
You can disengage th edifferential locks in th e
followin gorder :; ,? ,= .
XTo simultaneously disengage all differen-
tial locks: press switch =.
Yellow activation indicator lamp sA and red
function indicator lamp s: go out .
Afte rapproximately three seconds of normal
driving, ABS, 4ETS ,ES P
®and BA Sare activa-
ted.
The Differential Locks Active ABS
and ESP Not Availablemessag edisap-
pear sin th emultifunction display and th e
å!÷warning lamps in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
XShift the transfer case to the HIGH RANGE
on-road position (Ypage 149).
If red function indicator lamps :do not go out
when disengaging the differential locks, stop
the vehicle safely in accordance with the traffic
conditions and then drive on. The load change
can disengage the differential locks.
Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/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.
GWARNING
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 ques-
tion 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.
GWARNING
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.
!If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the engine cooling system may be
necessary, depending on the vehicle type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis
frame.
The installation of a trailer tow hitch is only per-
missible if a towing weight is specified in your
vehicle documents. If this is not the case, then
the vehicle is not approved for the towing of a
trailer.
For more information, please contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-
able trailer coupling is used.
Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-
weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling may cause damage.
Damage may be caused to the following:
RTowing vehicle
RTrailer
RBall coupling
RTrailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could become
unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the mini-
mum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/
trailer combination could also become unstable.
Towing a trailer153
Driving and parking
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To avoid hazardous situations:
Rmake sure to check the noseweight before
each journey
Ruse a drawbar noseweight as close as possi-
ble to the maximum noseweight
Rdo not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
Rthe noseweight must not be lower than the
minimum permissible noseweight
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
Rthe permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
When backing up the vehicle towards the trailer,
make sure there is nobody between the trailer
and the vehicle.
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found:
Rin your vehicle documents
Ron the type plate for the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" (
Ypage 291).
When backing up the vehicle towards the trailer,
make sure there is nobody between the trailer
and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you
do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle
correctly, the trailer could become detached.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning radius This could impair the handling characteristics.
Adapt your driving style accordingly. Maintain a
safe distance. Drive carefully.
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.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
RDo not exceed the maximum permissible
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle.
RIf you do not need the ball coupling, remove
the ball coupling from the ball coupling
recess. This will reduce the risk of damage to the ball coupling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-
imum load. Further information on the tire pres-
sure table in the fuel filler flap (
Ypage 120).
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Ypage 143) and Blind Spot
Assist (Ypage 140) availability is limited or not
available at all.
The height of the ball coupling changes with the
load of the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (
Ypage 291).
Driving tips
XObserve the notes on ESP®trailer stabiliza-
tion (Ypage 61).
XOn long and steep downhill gradients, select
shift range 1,2or 3(Ypage 116) in good
time.
154Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
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XUsing a torque wrench, tighten nutBwith a
torque of 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) .
XCheck that the length of overhanging thread
Cbeneath nut Bis at least 0.32 in (8 mm) .
XCheck that the assembled ball coupling has
been assembled correctly.
Also observe the height of the trailer coupling
and the trailer manufacturer's instructions.
Depending on the height of the trailer coupling,
it may be necessary to rotate the ball coupling
by 180° when assembling on the ball coupling
carrier bar. The assembly process is identical.
Installing the ball coupling
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it can come loose during the
journey and endanger other road users. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
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.
XPull protective cap =in the direction of the
arrow, out of the ball coupling recess.
XInsert the ball coupling horizontally into ball
coupling recess ?in the direction of the
arrow.
XMake sure that the hole in ball coupling Ais
in line with the hole in ball coupling recess B.
156Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
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XSlide boltCinto the hole in the ball coupling
recess and the ball coupling to the stop.
XSecure the bolt using spring cotter D.
Correctly installed and secured ball couplingXCheck the ball coupling, bolt and spring cotter
for correct installation.
Coupling up a trailer
!
Do not connect the trailer's brake system (if
featured) to the hydraulic brake system of the
towing vehicle, as the latter is equipped with
an anti-lock brake system. Doing so will result
in a loss of function of the brake systems of
both the vehicle and the trailer. Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
XApply the vehicle's parking brake.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission is
set to position
P.
XPosition the trailer horizontally behind the
vehicle.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
XPush the combination switch upwards/down-
wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also
depends on this, for example:
RESP®
RPARKTRONIC
These restrictions apply to accessories that are
supplied with power via the trailer socket in your
vehicle, e.g. a rear bicycle rack.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law
:
RSafety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible.
RA separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
RSafety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature brakes the
trailer.
Towing a trailer157
Driving and parking
Z
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Permissible trailer and drawbar loads
Weight specifications
The gross trailer weight is calculated as the
weight of the trailer plus the weight of the load
and the trailer's equipment.
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (
Ypage 291).
Loading a trailer
RWhen loading the trailer, make sure that nei-
ther the permissible gross trailer weight nor
the permissible gross vehicle weight are
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehi-
cle.
You can find the maximum permissible values
on the type plates of your vehicle and the
trailer. When calculating how much weight
the vehicle and trailer may carry, pay atten-
tion to the respective lowest values.
RThe trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle weight.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate on the B-pil-
lar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer load
where the trailer drawbar noseweight accounts
for 8% to 15% of the permissible gross trailer
weight.
Additional accessories, passengers and load
reduce the permissible trailer load and nose-
weight that your vehicle can tow.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RHave the towing vehicle, including the driver,
passengers and load, and completely loaded
trailer weighed on a suitable weighing
machine. This will allow you to ensure that the
weights of the towing vehicle and trailer com-
ply with the maximum permissible values.
RCheck the gross axle weight rating of the front
and rear axles, the gross weight of the trailer
and trailer drawbar load.
Trailer power supply
!
You can connect accessories with a maxi-
mum 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.
Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes
Trailers with 7-pin connector: you can make a
connection to the 13-pin connector on the ball
coupling using an adapter plug 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.
XOpen the socket cover.
XInsert the connector with lug :into
groove ;on the socket and turn it clockwise
to the stop.
XMake the cover engage.
XIf you are using an adapter cable, secure the
cable to the trailer with cable ties.
When the socket is connected, PARKTRONIC is
deactivated.
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Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipmen tintegrate din th evehi-
cle when driving ,you may be distracte dfrom
th etraffic situation .You could also lose con-
trol of th evehicle. Ther eis aris kof an acci-
dent.
Only operate this equipmen twhen th etraffic
situation permits. If you are no tsur ethat this
is possible ,park th evehicl epayin gattention
to traffic condition sand operate th eequip-
men twhen th evehicl eis stationary.
You must observ eth elegal requirements for th e
country in whic hyou are currentl ydriving when
operating th eon-board computer.
GWARNIN G
If th einstrumen tcluste rhas faile dor mal-
functioned, you may no trecognize function
restriction sin systems relevan tto safety. The
operating safet yof your vehicl emay be
impaired .Ther eis aris kof an accident.
Drive on carefully. Hav eth evehicl echecke d
at aqualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
If th eoperating safet yof your vehicl eis
impaired ,pull ove ras soo nas it is saf eto do so.
Contac t aqualified specialist workshop.
The on-board computer only shows message sor
warning sfrom certain systems in th emultifunc-
tion display. You should therefor emak esur e
your vehicl eis operating safely at all times .
Fo ran overview, see th einstrumen tpanel illus-
tration (
Ypage 32).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The brightness control knob is locate don th e
botto mleftof th einstrumen tcluste r
(
Ypage 32).
XTurn th ebrightness control knob clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
If th eligh tswitch is set to th eÃ, Tor
L position ,th ebrightness is dependen t
upon th ebrightness of th eambien tlight.
iThe ligh tsensor in th einstrumen tcluste r
automatically control sth ebrightness of th e
multifunction display.
In daylight, th edisplays in th einstrumen t
cluste rare no tilluminated.
Speedometer with segments
The segments in th espeedometer indicat e
whic hspee drange is available.
RCruis econtrol activated (Ypage 133):
The segments ligh tup from th estore dspee d
to th een dof th escale.
RDISTRONI CPLU Sactivated (Ypage 136):
On eor two segments in th eset spee drange
ligh tup.
RDISTRONI CPLU Sdetects avehicl ein front:
The segments between th espee dof th evehi-
cle in fron tand th estore dspee dligh tup.
Tachometer
!
Do no tdriv ein th eoverrevving range, as this
could damag eth eengine.
The red ban din th etachometer indicates th e
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel suppl yis interrupted to protect th e
engin ewhen th ered ban dis reached.
Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tion swhen temperatures are aroun dfreezing
point.
Bea rin min dthat th eoutside temperature dis-
play indicates th etemperature measured and
does no trecord th eroad temperature.
The outside temperature display is in th emulti-
function display (
Ypage 162).
Changes in th eoutside temperature are dis-
played after ashort delay.
160Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays
Page 173 of 294

XPress the:or9 button to select the
Auto. Mirror Foldingfunction.
If the Auto. Mirror Foldingfunction is
activated, the vehicle's exterior mirror is dis-
played in red in the multifunction display.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
:To fold the exterior mirrors in or out
If you have activated the Auto.
MirrorFold‐ingfunction and you fold the exterior mirrors in
using button :, they will not fold out automat-
ically (
Ypage 82).
You can then only fold out the exterior mirrors
using button :.
Restoring the factory settings
XPress the=or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett.menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Factory Settingsubmenu.
XPress ato confirm.
The ResetAllSettings?display message
appears.
XPress the :or9 button to select Noor
Yes.
XPress ato confirm the selection.
If you have selected Yesand confirmed, the
multifunction display shows a confirmation
message.
For safety reasons, the Daytime Running
Lightsfunction in theLightsubmenu is only
reset if the vehicle is stationary.
AMG menu in Mercedes-AMG vehicles
AMG displays
:Digital speedometer
;Gear indicator
=Upshift indicator
?Engine oil temperature
ACoolant temperature
BTransmission oil temperature
XPress =or; on the steering wheel to
select the AMGmenu.
Upshift indicator UP
=indicates that the engine
has reached the overrevving range when in the
manual gearshift program. Upshift indicator
UP
= fades out other messages until you have
shifted up.
If the engine oil temperature is below 176 ‡
(80 †), the oil temperature is shown in blue.
Avoid driving at full engine output during this
time.
SETUP
:Drive program (C/S/M)
;ESP®mode (ON/OFF)
SETUP shows the drive program and the ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program) mode.
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the AMGmenu.
XPress9repeatedly until SETUP appears.
Menus and submenus171
On-board computer and displays
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If you switch off the engine, the RACE TIMER is
reset to "0" after 30 seconds. All laps are
deleted.
You cannot delete individual stored laps. If you
have stopped 16 laps, the current lap does not
have to be reset.
XReset the current lap (Ypage 172).
XPressato confirm Reset.
The Reset Race-Timer?display message
appears in the multifunction display.
XPress the :button to select Yesand press
the a button to confirm.
All laps are deleted.
Overall statistics
:RACETIMER overall evaluation
;Total time driven
=Average speed
?Distance covered
AMaximum speed
If you save at least one lap and then stop RACE- TIMER, an overall evaluation is available.
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the AMGmenu.
XPress the9button repeatedly until the
overall evaluation appears.
Lap statistics
:Lap
;Lap time
=Average lap speed
?Lap length
ATop speed during lap This function is only available if you have stored
at least two laps and have stopped the RACE-
TIMER.
XPress the
=or; button on the steering
wheel to select the AMGmenu.
XPress9repeatedly until a lap evaluation
appears.
Each lap appears in a separate submenu. The
fastest lap is indicated by flashing symbol :.
XPress the9or: button to select a dif-
ferent lap evaluation.
Display messages
Introduction
General notes
Display messages appear in the multifunction
display.
Display messages with graphic displays may be
shown in simplified form in the Operator's Man-
ual and may therefore differ from the multifunc-
tion display.
Please respond in accordance with the display
messages and follow the additional notes in this
Operator's Manual.
Certain display messages are accompanied by
an audible warning tone or a continuous warning
tone.
When you stop and park the vehicle, please
observe the notes on:
RHOLD function (Ypage 142)
RParking (Ypage 122)
Hiding display messages
XPress the aor% button on the steering
wheel.
The multifunction display hides the display
message.
High-priority display messages are shown in red
in the multifunction display. Some high-priority
display messages cannot be hidden.
The multifunction display shows these mes-
sages continuously until the causes for the mes-
sages have been remedied.
Display messages173
On-board computer and displays
Z