open bonnet MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV 2012 Owners Manual

Neutral (ECO start/stop function)
.150
Overview ........................................ 149
Problem (fault) ............................... 156
Progra mselector button ................152
Pulling away ................................... 144
Selector leve r................................ 149
Shift range s................................... 153
Steering wheel gearshift paddle s... 153
Trailer towing ................................. 152
Transmissio nposition display ........150
Automatic transmission emer-
gency running mode .........................156
Auxiliary heating Activating/deactivating .................134
Activating/deactivating (on the
centre console ).............................. 135
Display message ............................ 250
Important safety notes ..................134
Malfunction ................................... .138
Problem (display message) ............138
Remote control .............................. 135
Setting ........................................... 223
Setting the departur etime ............ .136
Auxiliary ventilation
Activating/deactivating .................134
Activating/deactivating (on the
centre console ).............................. 135
Problem (display message) ............138
Remote control .............................. 135
Axle load, permissible (traile rtow-
ing) ...................................................... 350 B
Backrest (display message) .............249
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................61
Battery Changing (auxiliary heating
remote control) .............................. 137
Changing (key )................................. 71
Checking (key )................................. 71
Important safety guidelines (key )..... 70
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 311
Display message ............................ 239
Important safety notes ..................309
Jump starting ................................. 313
Overview ........................................ 309Belt tensioner
Activation ......................................... 39
Function .......................................... .47
Blind Spo tAssist
Activating/deactivating .................220
Display message ............................ 243
Notes/function .............................. 190
Trailer towing ................................. 192
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC (AdBlue ®
) ............................. 345
Bonnet Closing .......................................... .291
Display message ............................ 249
Important safety notes ..................290
Opening ......................................... 291
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 232
Notes ............................................. 346
Brake lamps
Adaptive .......................................... .61
Display message ............................ 235
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 60
BAS .................................................. 61
Brake fluid (notes) .........................346
Display message ............................ 229
Driving tips .................................... 165
High-performance brake system ....166
Important safety notes ..................165
Parking brake ................................ 164
Warning lamp ................................. 253
Breakdown
see Flat tyre
see Towing away
Bulbs
Brake lamp .................................... 118
Cornering light function .................117
Foglamps ....................................... 117
Rea rfoglamp ................................. 118
Reversing lamp .............................. 118
Tai llamp ........................................ 118
see Changing bulbs Index
5

Cockpit
Function Page
:
Combination switch 108
;
Steering wheel gearshif
tpaddles =
Instrument cluster 211
?
Horn
A
Overhead control panel 34
B
PARKTRONIC warning display 197
C
Climate control systems 124
D
Ignition lock 143
E
To adjust the steering wheel 97
F
Cruise control lever 174
G
Ligh
tswitch 104
H
To open the bonnet 29126
CockpitAt a glance

by braking and limiting the engine output until
the vehicle/trailer combination has stabi-
lised.
Trailer stabilisation is active above speeds of
about 60 km/h.
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 60). G
WARNING
If EBDh as malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g .unde rfull braking .This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 254) as well as dis-
play messages (Y page 231).
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE provides increased braking
safety. In addition to the braking function,
ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has the HOLD function
(Y page 196) and hill start assist
(Y page 145). Anti-theft systems
Immobiliser
X To activate: remove the key from the igni-
tion lock.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
The immobiliser prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key. i
The immobiliser is always deactivated
when you start the engine. ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
X
To prime: lock the vehicle with the key.
Indicator lamp :flashes. The alarm sys-
tem is primed after approximately
15 seconds.
X To deactivate: unlock the vehicle with the
key.
i If you then do not open a door or the rear
door, the alarm system switches back on
again after approximately 40 seconds.
X To stop the alarm: insert the key into the
ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off.
or
X Press the %or& button on the key.
The alarm is switched off.
Av isual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is primed and you open:
R a door
R a door using the emergency key element
R the rear door/tailgate
R the bonnet
The alarm is also triggered if:
R the position of the vehicle is changed
R a window is smashed
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it,
for example. 64
Anti-theft systemsSafety

4
° Continuous wipe, slow
5 ¯ Continuous wipe, fast
B í Single wipe
C î To wipe with washe rfluid
X Turn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock.
X Turn the combination switch to the corre-
sponding position.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted if you stop
and open a front door. This protects people
getting into and out of the vehicle fro mbeing
sprayed with water.
In the ÄorÅ position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically accord-
ing to the intensity of the rain. In the Å
position, the rain sensor is more sensitive
than in the Äposition, causing the wind-
screen wipers to wipe more frequently.
i When the windscreen wipers are
switched on and you stop the vehicle, the
windscreen wipers wipe more slowly. Switching the rear window wiper on/
off
Combination switch
:
è Switch
2 b To wipe with washer fluid
3 ITo switch on intermittent wiping
4 0To switch off intermittent wiping
5 b To wipe with washer fluid X
Turn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock.
X Turn switch :on the combination switch
to the corresponding position.
When the rear window wiper is switched on,
the symbol appears in the instrument clus-
ter.
i The rear window wiper comes on auto-
matically if you shift the selector lever to
R while the windscreen wipers are on. Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The wiper arms could start moving and cause
an injury if you leave the windscreen wipers
switched on.
Remove the key from the ignition lock before
replacing the wiper blades.
! To avoid damaging the windscreen wiper
blades, make sure that you touch only the
wiper arm of the windscreen wiper.
! Never open the bonnet if a windscreen
wiper arm has been folded away from the
windscreen.
Never fold a windscreen wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windscreen/
rear window.
Hold the windscreen wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release
the windscreen wiper arm without a wiper
blade and it falls onto the windscreen, the
windscreen may be damaged by the force
of the impact.
Mercedes-Benzr ecommends that you have
the wiper blades changed at aqualified
specialist workshop. 120
Windscreen wipersLights and windscreen wipers

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
If the auxiliary heating is faulty:
X
Have the auxiliary heating checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. Adjusting the air vents
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air
vents .This could cause burns or frostbite to
bare skin in the immediate vicinity of the
vents. Keep bare skin away from these air
outlets. If necessary, direct the airflow away
to a different area of the vehicle interior. General notes
In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
R keep the air inlet grille on the bonnet free
of blockages, such as ice, snow or leaves.
R never cover the vents or ventilation grilles
in the vehicle interior.
i For virtually draught-free ventilation,
adjust the sliders of the air vents to the
centre position.
i If the automatic climate control con-
stantly differs from the set temperature or
if undesired draughts are noticeable, pro-
ceed as follows:
XOpen the side air vents
X Open the centre air vents
X Open the rear air vents
X Set the temperature to 22 †.
The automatic climate control adjusts
itself to the set temperature. Setting the centre air vents
Centre air vents
:
Centre air vent, left
; Centre air vent, right
= Centre vent thumbwheel, right
? Centre vent thumbwheel, left
X To open/close: turn thumbwheels =
and ?to the right or left. Setting the side air vents
Side air vents
:
Side air vent
; Swivelling side air vent
= Control for side air vent Adjusting the air vents
139Climate control Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
?
Coolant Stop vehi‐
cle Switch engine
off The coolan
tis too hot.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
Never drive with an overheated engine. Driving when your engine
is overheated can cause som efluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire.
Steam fro manoverheated engine can cause serious burns which
can occur just by opening the bonnet.
There is a risk of injury.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 163).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
X Do not start the engine again until the display message goes out
and the coolant temperature is below 120 †. The engine may
otherwise be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visi taqualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant
level, the coolant temperature may rise to 120 †. The poly-V-belt may have torn.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switc hoff the engine.
X Check the poly-V-belt.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
X Wai tuntil the display message disappears before restarting the
engine .The engine may otherwise be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 238
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
# The battery is no
tbeing charged.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
Possible causes:
R faulty alternator
R torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attentio ntoroad and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Open the bonnet.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Check eng. oil
lev. when next
refuelling The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
Aw
arning tone also sounds.
X Chec kthe oil level when next refuelling, at the latest
(Y page 291).
X If necessary, top up the engine oil (Y page 293).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
the engine oil needs topping up more often than usual. 4
Engine oil level
Stop vehicle Turn
engine off The engine oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Top up the engine oil (Y page 293) and check the oil level
(Y page 291). 4
Add
1 litre engine
oil when next refu‐
elling AMG vehicles: the engine oil level is too low.
X
Check the oil level when next refuelling, at the latest
(Y page 291).
X If necessary, top up the engine oil (Y page 293).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
the engine oil needs topping up more often than usual. 4
Cannot measure
engine oil level The measuring system is malfunctioning.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
239On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
A G-Class long-wheelbase version:
the tailgate is open.
G-Class Cabriolet: the tailgate is open.
G WARNING
Whe nthe engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior if the tailgate (G-Class long-wheelbase version and G-Class
Cabriolet) is open.
There is a risk of poisoning.
X Close the tailgate (G-Class long-wheelbase version or G-Class
Cabriolet). ? The bonnet is open.
Aw
arning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
The open bonne tmay then bloc kyour view when the vehicle is in
motion.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 163).
X Close the bonnet. C At least one door is open.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
X Close all doors. ^
Rear left seat
backrest not
locked or
Front right seat back‐
rest not locked G
WARNING
The driver's or front-passenger seat backres tis not engaged.
X Push the backrest back until it engages. Display messages
249On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning.
The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be mal-
functioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and top up the coolant, observing the
warning notes (Y page 293).
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine
cooling system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
below 120 †. The engine may otherwise be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-start driving. ?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning. A warning tone
also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 120 †. The airflow to the
engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may be too
low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Never drive with an overheated engine. Driving when your engine
is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which
can occur just by opening the bonnet.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 163).Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
261On-board computer and displays Z

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