MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV 2012 Owners Manual

288

Useful information
............................290
Engine compartment ........................290
Service ............................................... 294
Care .................................................... 295 289Maintenance and care

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. Country-specific differen-
ces are possible. Note that your vehicle
may not be fitted with all features descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 22). Engine compartment
Bonnet
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. If you do so, the bonnet may open
up and block your view. G
WARNING
There is a risk of injury if the bonnet is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Owner's Manual
and observe the relevan tsafety notes. G
WARNING
The radiator fan between the radiator and the
engine can start automatically, even if the key
has been removed from th eignition lock. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. You could otherwise be injured. Vehicles with
apetrol engine: The elec-
tronic ignitio nsystem uses high voltage. For
this reason, you mus tnever touch ignition
system components (ignition coil, ignition
cables, spark plug connectors or test socket)
while:
R the engine is running
R the engine is being started
R the ignition is switched on and the engine
is being cranked by hand
You could otherwise suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured.
Vehicles with adiesel engine: The elec-
tronic injection control uses high voltage. For
this reason, you must never touch injection
system components while:
R the engine is running
R the engine is being started
R the ignition is switched on
You could otherwise suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured. G
WARNING
The windscreen wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the bonnet is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off and that the key has been pulled
out of the ignition lock before opening the
bonnet.
! Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
not folded away from the windscreen .Oth-
erwise, you could damage the windscreen
wipers or the bonnet. 290
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Opens the bonnet
The release lever on the bonnet is in the foot-
well on the left-hand side of the vehicle when
viewed in the direction of travel.
X Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off.
X Pull release lever :on the bonnet.
The bonnet is released. Vehicles with a petrol engine
Vehicles with a diesel engine X
Lift the bonnet slightly.
X Petrol engine: push the handle of bonnet
catch ;in the direction of the arrow and
lift the bonnet.
X Diesel engine: pull the handle of bonnet
catch ;in the direction of the arrow and
lift the bonnet.
Closing the bonnet G
WARNING
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you close the bonnet.
X Lower the bonnet and let it fall from a
height of approximately 20 cm.
X Check that the bonnet has engaged prop-
erly.
If the bonnet can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Radiator
i Vehicles with adiesel engine: do not
cover the radiator. Do not use thermal
mats, insect protection covers or anything
similar. Doing so can cause the Onboard
Diagnostics System to display inaccurate
values. Some of these values are legally
required and must always be correct. Engine oil
Notes on oil level Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.
8lof oil per 1,000 km. The
oil consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds. Engine compartment
291Maintenance and care Z

Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
Example
:oil dipstick
On the G 65 AMG, the oil level can be checked
using the on-board computer only.
On all other models, the dipstick must be
used to chec kthe engine oil level.
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.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least 30 minutes if the engine is not at
operating temperature (i.e. if you only start
the engine briefly).
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the oil dipstick
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick :into the 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 ;.
X Top up the oil if necessary.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer !
Do not add too much oil. Topping up with
too much engine oil can result in damage
to the engine or to the catalytic converter.
Have excess engine oil siphoned off.
G6 5 AMG: the oil level can be checked using
the on-board computer only. On all other models, the dipstic
kmust be
used to chec kthe engine oil level.
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.
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
X Press the &or* button on the steer-
ing 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 l to reach maximum oil level
R
Add 1.5 litres to reach maximum oil level
R
Add 2.0 l to reach maximum oil level
X
Top up the oil if necessary.
If the engine is at normal operating tempera-
ture and the Engine oil Reduce oil level message appears, the engine oil level
is too high.
X Have excess oil siphoned off.
If the Switch ignition on to check engine oil level message appears:
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock (Y page 143).
If the Observe waiting time message
appears: 292
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
If the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: repeat the measuremen tafter
about five minutes.
X 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 when engine on message appears:
X Switch off the engine.
X If the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: wait about five minutes before
carrying out the measurement.
X If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature: e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, wait approximately
30 minutes before carrying out the meas-
urement.
i If you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the *or& button on the mul-
tifunction steering wheel.
Adding engine oil H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill
any. If oil enters the soil or waterways, it is
harmful to the environment.
! Do not add too much oil .Ifthe 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 con-
verter. Have excess oil siphoned off. Engine oil cap (example:
G 65 AMG) X
Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove it.
X Top up with 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.
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 345).
i The difference between the minimum
mark and the maximum mark on the oil
dipstick is approximately 2litres.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Make sure that the cap locks securely into
place. Other service products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
The cooling system is pressurised. Therefore,
only unscrew the cap once the engine has
cooled down. The coolan ttemperature dis-
play must be less than 70 †. Otherwise, you
could be scalded if hot coolant escapes. X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only chec kthe coolant level if the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
X Turn the key to position 2(Ypage 143) in
the ignition lock. Engine compartment
293Maintenance and care Z

X
Chec kthe coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
70 †.
X Slowly turn cap :half a turn anti-clock-
wise to allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap :further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately
1.5 cm above marker bar =in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, top up with coolant that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 347).
Topping up the windscreen washer sys-
tem/headlampc leaning systemG
WARNING
Windscreen washer fluid is highly flammable.
Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibi-
ted when handling washer fluid concentrate. Example: washer fluid reservoir X
To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Top up with the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windscreen washer syste mand the headlamp
cleaning system.
Further informatio nonwindscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 347). Service
ASSYST service interval display
Service messages Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
The ASSYST service interval display informs
you of the nex tservice due date.
If a service due date has been exceeded, you
also hear a warning tone.
The multifunction display shows a service
message for a few seconds, e.g.:
Service A in 99999 km Service A due now
Service A 99999 km overdue
Maintaining the time-dependen
tservice
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
before disconnecting the battery.
Or:
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display.
The symbol and the letter indicate which type
of service is due:
¯ Minor service A ±
Major service B294
ServiceMaintenance and care

The ASSYST service interval display does not
take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Hiding aservice message X
To hide the service message, press the
% back button on the multifunction
steering wheel ( Ypage 31)( Ypage 214).
Displaying service messages Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
X Switch the ignitio non.
X Press VorU to select the standard
display menu on the steering wheel
(Y page 215).
X Press &or* to select the ASSYST
service interval display.
The ¯ or± service symbol and the
service due date are displayed.
Information about Service Arduous operating conditions or increased
loads on the vehicle will require some service
work to be performed more often than for a
vehicle in normal use. Such arduous condi-
tions include regular city driving with frequent
intermediate stops and use in mountainous
terrai noronp oor road surfaces.
For example, if the vehicle is used under ardu-
ous operating conditions, have air filters,
engine oil and oil filters changed frequently
and check the wheels often.F urther informa-
tion can be obtained at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Ben zService
Centre. Fuel/water separator
H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner. !
If you continue driving without having the
fuel/water separator serviced, this could
cause damage to the engine. Any resulting
damage is not covered by the warranty.
If the fuel/water separator needs servicing,
the following message appears in the multi-
function display: You will also hear a brief warning tone.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible. Care
General notes
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly Care
295Maintenance and care Z

after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosio
nofthe brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up. Care of the exterior
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, following a car wash, drive with
particular care until the brakes are dry.
! Preferably use car washes with adjustable
high-pressure jets for pre-washing. This
corresponds with the specifications for
cabriolet programmes. In car washes that
use high water pressures, there is a risk
that a small amount of water may leak into
the vehicle.
! Cabriolet: do not treat the vehicle with
hot wax under any circumstances.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. The exterior mirrors could other-
wise be damaged.
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (airflow control is turned to position
0/theÃandÁ buttons
are switched off).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at posi-
tion 0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehi-
cle in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
screen.
High-pressure cleaning equipment G
WARNING
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your
vehicle, in particular the tyres. You could oth-
erwise damage the tyres and cause an acci-
dent.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
30 cm between the vehicle and the high-
pressure cleaner nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tyres
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints etc.
R soft top (Cabriolet)
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures. 296
CareMaintenance and care

Cleaning the G-Class Cabriolet soft top
!
Never use any of the following to clean the
sof ttop:
R petrol
R thinner
R tar or stain remover
R other organic solvents
! Remove bird droppings immediately as
they are corrosive and, therefore, can make
the soft-top fabric leak. Do not use high-
pressure cleaning equipment to clean the
vehicle. Do not use sharp-edged equipment
to remove ice and snow.
X Light soiling: you can clean the soft top
while it is dry or rinse it with clear water.
X Normal to heavy soiling: clean the soft
top with a brush and clear water. Clean
stains and other heavy soiling with a brush
and suitable soft-top cleaning agents.
Always brush in the direction of the fabric,
from front to back.
Frequent cleaning reduces the soft top's
resistance to dirt.
To restore this resistance, clean your soft top
with Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet care products.
Incorrect cleaning and care, as well as ageing,
can cause the soft-top seams to leak. Have
the soft-top seams sealed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
i Cover the soft top appropriately if you
plan to leave the vehicle outside for a long
period of time.
Cleaning the wheels !
Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up.
Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by inade-
quate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
X Remove impurities immediately, where
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
Care and treatment of matt paintwork !
Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing makes the paintwork
shiny.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or pol-
ishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matt finish leads to considerable sur-
face damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop. Care
297Maintenance and care Z