MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV 2012 Owners Manual

PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors
.Itindicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a replace-
ment for your attention to your immediate
surroundings. You are always responsible for
safe manoeuvring, parking and exiting a park-
ing space. Check in front, behind and to the
sides of the vehicle before manoeuvring,
parking or exiting a parking space. There
must not be any persons, animals or objects
in the area in which yo uare manoeuvring.
PARKTRONIC cannot identify any persons or
objects outside of the detection range. As a
result, PARKTRONIC cannot warn you about
objects in this area.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically if
you:
R switch on the ignition
R shift the transmission to position D,Ror N
R release the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
18 km/h. It is reactivated at lower speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
Range of the sensors General notes
:
Example: sensors in the front bumper,
left-hand side Side view
Top view
The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and
slush. Otherwise, they may not function cor-
rectly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them
(Y
page 298).
Front sensors Centre Approximately 100 cm
Corners Approximately 60 cm
Rear sensors
Centre Approximately 90 cm
(from spare wheel)
Corners Approximately 80 cm
Minimum distance
Centre Approximately 20 cm
Corners Approximately 20 cm
If there is an obstacle withi
nthis range, the
relevant warning displays light up and a warn-
ing tone sounds. If the distance falls below
the minimum, the distance may no longer be
shown. 198
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Warning displays
Warning display for the front area
:
Segments on the left-hand side of the
vehicle
; Segments on the right-hand side of the
vehicle
= Segments showing operational readiness
The warning displays show the distance
between the sensors and the obstacle. The
warning display for the front area is located
on the dashboard above the centre airv ents.
The warning display for the rear area is loca-
ted on the roof lining in the rear compart-
ment.
The warning display for each side of the vehi-
cle is divided into five yellow and two red seg-
ments. PARKTRONIC is operational if yellow
segments showing operational readiness =
light up.
The selected transmission position and the
direction in which the vehicle is rolling deter-
mine which warning display is active when the
engine is running. Transmission
position Warning display
D
Front area activated
R,
Nor the vehicle
is rolling back-
wards Rear and front areas
activated
P
No areas activated One or more segments light up as the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, depending on the
vehicle's distance from the obstacle.
From the:
R
sixth segmen tonwards, you will hea ran
intermittent warning ton efor approx-
imately two seconds.
R seventh segment onwards, you will hear a
warning tone for approximately two sec-
onds. This indicates that you have now
reached the minimum distance.
Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC :
Indicator lamp
; To deactivate/activate PARKTRONIC
If indicator lamp :lights up, PARKTRONIC is
deactivated.
i PARKTRONIC is automatically activated
when you turn the key to position 2in the
ignition lock.
Towing atrailer PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rea
rarea
when you establish an electrical connection
between yourv ehicle and a trailer. Driving systems
199Driving and parking Z

Problems with PARKTRONIC
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is deacti-
vated after a few sec-
onds, and the indicator
lamp in the PARK-
TRONIC button lights
up. PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.
X
If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is deacti-
vated after a few sec-
onds. The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.
X
Cleant he PARKTRONIC sensors (Y page 298).
X Switch the ignition back on. The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves.
X
See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location. Reversing camera
Important safety notes The reversing camera is only an aid. It is not
a replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe manoeuvring and park-
ing. When manoeuvring or parking, make sure
that there are no persons, animals or objects
in the area in which you are manoeuvring.
Under the following circumstances, the
reversing camera will not function, or will
function in a limited manner:
R the rear door is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent light or LED
lighting (the display may flicker) R
if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In
this event, have the camera position and
setting checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. Mercedes-Ben zrecommends
that you use a Mercedes-BenzS ervice
Centre for this purpose. 200
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Activating/deactivating the reversing
camera
:
Reversing camera X
To activate: make sure that the key is in
position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the "Reversing camera"
function is selected in COMAND Online;
see the separate operating instructions for
COMAND Online.
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown with
guide lines in the COMAND display.
X To change the function mode: using the
COMAND controller, select symbol :for
the "Reverse parking" function or sym-
bol ;for "Coupling up a trailer" (see the
separate COMAND Online operating
instructions).
The symbol of the selected function is high-
lighted. To deactivate:
the reversing camera is deac-
tivated if you:
R shif tthe transmission to position P
R drive forward ten metres
R shift the transmission from Rto another
position (after 15 seconds)
R drive forwards at a speed of over
10 km/h Off-road driving systems
Transfer case
General notes The vehicle has permanent all-wheel drive.
The front and rear axles are constantly driven.
For further information on driving off-road,
see (Y
page 169).
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. Off-road driving systems
201Driving and parking Z

HIGH
RANGE
Position for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW
RANGE
Low-range position for driv-
ing off-road
Also for use on steep uphill
or downhill gradients, espe-
cially when towing a trailer
The vehicle travels around
halft
he speed of on-road
driving range HIGH RANGE.
The tractive power is corre-
spondingly higher. Shifting the transfer case
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away.T here is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock. G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away.T here is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
Always wait for the gear change process from
HIGH RANGE toLOW RANGE and from
LOW RANGE toHIGH RANGE to complete.
Do not turn off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission
to another gear. General notes :
Current shift range :
Indicator lamp
; LOW RANGE button
Switching on the off-road gear ratio
! Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.
R the automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
R you are driving at less than 40 km/h.
You could otherwise damage the transfer
case. i
AMG vehicles: to shift the transfer case
to LOW RANGE, deactivate the ECO start/
stop function (Y page 146).202
Off-road driving systemsDriving and parking

X
Press LOW RANGE button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
LOW RANGE transfer case position appears
in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :lights up.
X Shift the transmission to position D.
Switching off the off-road gear ratio G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away .There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
! Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.
R the automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
R you are driving at less than 70 km/h.
You could otherwise damage the transfer
case.
X Press button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
HIGH RANGE transfer case position appears
in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :goes out.
If the gear change is not completed, the fol-
lowing messages could appearint he display:
R TC shift conditions not fulfilled You have not met one or more shift condi-
tions.
R TC NEUTRAL on The transfer case has cancelled the gear
change process and is in N.TheN transfer
case position appears in the multifunction
display.
R TC shift cancelled The transfer case has not performed the
gear change process. X
Repeatt he gear change process.
Make sure to meet all conditions for chang-
ing gears.
R TC Malfunction Visit workshop There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
X Do not shift the transfer case.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible at a qualified specialist workshop.
Shifting to neutral G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away.T here is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
X Turn the key to position 2(Ypage 143) in
the ignition lock.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the selector lever to position
N(Y page 149).
X Press and hold LOW RANGE button ;for
approximately 10 seconds.
Once the gear change procedure is com-
plete, TC in neutral message appears in
the multifunction display for approximately
5s econds.
If the gear change is not completed, the fol-
lowing messages could appear in the display
(Y page 241).
i If the transfer case is in Neutral, the key
is in the ignition lock and you open the driv-
er's door, the TC in neutral message
appears in the multifunction display. If you
then release the parking brake, a warning
tone will sound. Off-road driving systems
203Driving and parking Z

Differential lock
General notes G
WARNING
Whe ndifferential locks are engaged on a firm,
high-grip surface, the vehicle's steerability is
greatly impaired .Inparticular, 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, high-grip surfaces.
! To prevent damage in the transfer case,
you may only operate the vehicle on a roller
dynamometer (single-axle roller dynamom-
eter) if:
R the axle that is not being driven is raised.
or
R the corresponding propeller shaft is dis-
connected and the transfer case differ-
ential lock is activated.
Otherwise, the transfer case can be dam-
aged.
Differential locks improve the traction of the
vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with adifferential
lock for:
R the transfer case: this controls the balance
between the front and rear axles.
R the rear axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the rear axle.
R the front axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the front axle.
Activating the differentia llock Important safety notes
G
WARNING
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, high-grip surfaces. G
WARNING
ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated
while the differential locks are engaged. 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, high-grip surfaces.
! Only activate the differential locks when:
R you are driving at walking pace.
R the driven wheels are not spinning.
R you are not driving on a firm road surface.
General notes
The switches are located on the centre con-
sole. :
Function indicator lamps (red)
; Differential lock for the front axle
= Differential lock for the transfer case
? Differential lock for the rear axle
A Activation indicator lamps (yellow)
Activate the differential locks:
R off-road
R to deactivate ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS
when off-road
R when fording 204
Off-road driving systemsDriving and parking

For further information on driving off-road,
see (Y page 169).
i You can only engage the differential locks
if the transfer case is in the LOW RANGE
off-road driving positio n(Ypage 201).
i You can activate the differential locks in
the following order =,?,;.
Differential lock for the transfer case X
To engage: switch the transfer case to the
LOW RANGE off-road driving position
(Y page 202).
X Press switch =.
When the transfer case is in the LOW
RANGE off-road driving position, the yellow
activation indicator lamp below switch =
lights up.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
panel lights up.
When the differential is locked, the red
function indicator lamp above switch =
lights up.
The following message appears in the mul-
tifunction display:
ABS not available differential locked
The
å!÷ warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up.
The differential lock for the transfer case is
engaged.
4ETS, ESP ®
, BASa nd ABS ar edeactivated.
The vehicle's ability to steer is severely
restricted. Drive carefully and accelerate gen-
tly for optimum traction.
i 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 X
To 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 X
To engage: press switch ;.
The yellow activation indicator lamp lights
up first, followed by the red function indi-
cator lamp.
The differential lock for the front axle is
engaged.
Deactivating the differential lock You can deactivate the differential locks in
this order:
;,?,=.
X To simultaneously deactivate all differ-
ential locks: press switch=.
Yellow activation indicator lamps Aand
red function indicator lamps :go out.
After approximately three seconds of nor-
mal driving, ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are
activated.
The ABS not available differential
locked message disappears from the mul-
tifunction display and the å,!and
÷ warning lamps in the instrument clus-
ter go out.
X Shift the transfer case to the HIGH
RANGE on-road position (Y page 202).
If red function indicator lamps :do not go
out when deactivating the differential locks:
X Observe the traffic situation.
X While driving, make some gentle steering
movements.
Red function indicator lamps :go out as
soon as the differential locks have been
disengaged. Off-road driving systems
205Driving and parking Z

Towing
atrailer Notes on towing
atrailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The braking syste mcan overheat if you leave
your foo tonthe brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There
is a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerato rpedal while driving. G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer
combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even overturn.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling has not been correctly fit-
ted and has not been secured with the bolt
supplied and the correspondin gspring cotter,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always fit and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before beginning each journey,
make sure that the fitted ball coupling is
secured with the bolt supplied and the corre-
sponding spring cotter.
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues, which must not be exceeded, in the vehi-
cle 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 340). 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 differen tincomparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-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 can impair the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
General notes !
Use a drawbar noseweight as close to the
maximum permissible noseweight as pos-
sible. Do not use a noseweight of less than
80 kg; otherwise, the trailer may come
loose.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
i When towing a trailer, set the tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle 206
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

for a maximu
mload; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 325).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the technical data (Y page 350).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is:
R 140 kg (G-Class long-wheelbase version)
R 115 kg (G-Class Cabriolet)
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 tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 325).
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC (Y page 197) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 190) are only available with limita-
tions, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
Driving tips X
On long and steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1,2or 3(Y page 153) 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(Y page 202).
This will use the braking effect of the
engine, so less braking will be required to
prevent the vehicle from gaining speed.
This relieves the load on the brake system
and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need addi-
tional 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 max-
imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum 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 utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 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 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.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle 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 increas-
ing altitude. Towing
atrailer
207Driving an d parking Z