brakes MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV 2014 Owners Manual

Steering wheel paddle shifters
......101
Transmission position
displa y................................... 100, 101
Auxiliary ventilation
Activating/deactivating ...................94
Activating/deactivating (on the
center console) ................................ 94
Problem (display message) ..............94
Axle load, permissible (trailer
towing) ............................................... 266B
Back button ....................................... 178
Backup lamp Display message ............................ 144
Ball coupling
Installing ........................................ 137
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................60
Battery Checking (SmartKey) .......................68
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 67
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................68
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 217
Display message ............................ 144
Important safety notes ..................215
Jump starting ................................. 219
Overview ........................................ 215
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................144
Display message ............................ 144
Notes/function .............................. 121
Bluetooth ®
see also Digital Operator's Manual 170
Brake fluid
Display message .................... 144, 149
Notes ............................................. 261
Brake fluid level ................................ 204
Brake lamps Adaptive .......................................... .61
Display message ............................ 144
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 60
BAS .................................................. 60
Brake fluid (notes) .........................261
Display message .................... 144, 146 High-performance brake system
....106
Important safety notes ..................106
Maintenance .................................. 106
Parking brake ................................ 105
Riding tips ...................................... 106
Warning lamp ................................. 159
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brush guard ....................................... 193
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
Buttons on the COMAND controller 178 C
Calling up a malfunction see Display messages
Care
Carpets .......................................... 210
Car wash ........................................ 206
Chrome parts ................................. 210
Display ........................................... 210
Gear or selector lever ....................210
Headlamps ............................ 206, 209
Interior ........................................... 210
Matte finish ........................... 206, 208
Notes ............................................. 206
Paint ...................................... 206, 208
Plastic trim .................................... 210
Power washer ........................ 206, 207
Rear view camera ..................206, 210
Roof lining ...................................... 210
Seat belt ........................................ 210
Seat cover ..................................... 210
Sensors ................................. 206, 209
Soft top .......................................... 206
Tail pipes ............................... 206, 210
Trim pieces .................................... 210
Washing by hand ...................206, 207
Wheels ................................... 206, 208
Windows ................................ 206, 209
Wiper blades .......................... 206, 209
Wooden trim .................................. 210
Cargo compartment cover
Installing/removing .......................188
Notes/how to use .........................188
Opening and closing ......................188 Index
5

Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ......................................
.66
Display message ............................ 144
Emergency locking ........................... 69
Emergency unlocking .......................69
Important safety notes ....................69
Opening (from inside) ......................69
Overview .......................................... 69
Drinking and driving .........................106
Drive program Automatic ...................................... 101
Display ................................... 100, 101
Manual .......................................... .101
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........144
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Symmetrical low bea m.................... 82
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angl e............ 106
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving on flooded roads ..................107
Driving safety systems 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...61
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......60
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 63
Adaptive brake lamps ......................61
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............60
Electronic brake force distribution ...63
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) .61
Important safety information ...........59
Overview .......................................... 59
Driving system
Variable SPEEDTRONIC .................112
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 121
Cruise control ................................ 109
Display message .................... 144, 153
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 114
HOLD function ............................... 123
PARKTRONIC ................................. 125
Rear view camera .......................... 128
SPEEDTRONIC ............................... 112
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................101
Brakes ........................................... 106DISTRONIC PLUS
........................... 119
Downhill gradient ........................... 106
Drinking and driving .......................106
Driving abroad ................................. 82
Driving in winter ............................ .106
Driving on flooded roads ................107
Driving on sand .............................. 106
Driving on wet roads ......................106
Driving over obstacles ...................106
Exhaust check ............................... 106
Fuel ................................................ 106
General .......................................... 106
Hydroplaning ................................. 106
Icy road surfaces ........................... 106
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 106
New brake pads/linings ................106
Off-road driving .............................. 106
Off-road fording .....................106, 107
Snow chains .................................. 230
Symmetrical low bea m.................... 82
Tire ruts ......................................... 106
Towing a trailer .............................. 134
Wet road surface ........................... 106
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message ............................ 144
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) .....144
see also Digital Operator's Manual 170
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) .....144
see also Digital Operator's Manual 170 E
EASY-ENTRY feature ............................ 78
Activating/deactivating .................144
Function/notes ................................ 79
EASY-EXIT feature
Function/notes ................................ 79
Switching on/off ........................... 144
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message .................... 144, 148
Function/notes ................................ 63
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating ...................99
General information .........................998
Index

Turn signals
Display message ............................ 144
Switching on/off .............................. 83
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 249
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................69
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 69 V
Variable SPEEDTRONIC Function/notes ............................. 112
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 27
Data acquisition ............................... 27
Display message .................... 144, 157
Equipment ....................................... 26
Limited Warranty ............................. 27
Loading .......................................... 237
Locking (in an emergency) ...............69
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 66
Lowering ........................................ 253
Parking for a long period ................ 106
Pulling away ..................................... 98
Raising ........................................... 251
Securing from rolling away ............251
Towing away .................................. 221
Tow-starting ................................... 221
Transporting .................................. 223
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........69
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................66
Vehicle data ................................... 264
Vehicle data ....................................... 264
Vehicle data (off-road driving) Approach/departure angl e............ 265
Fording depth ................................ 264
Maximum gradient climbing ability 265
Vehicle dimensions ...........................264
Vehicle emergency locking ................69
Vehicle identification number see VIN Vehicle identification plate
..............258
Vehicle level (display message) .......144
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 212
Ventilation Setting the airflow ........................... 94
Video
see also Digital Operator's Manual 170
Video (DVD) ........................................ 144
VIN ...................................................... 258
Voice Control System see Separate operating instructions W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 160
Brakes ........................................... 159
Coolant .......................................... 165
Cruise control ................................ 110
Distance warning ........................... 166
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 166
ESP ®
.............................................. 162
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 163
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................116
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC )......... 113
Overview .......................................... 32
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ...............44
Seat belt ........................................ 158
SRS ................................................ 164
Tire pressure monitor ....................167
Warning triangle ................................ 212
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 144
Weather display (COMAND)
see also Digital Operator's Manual 170
Wheel bolt tightening torque ...........253
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 249
Checking ........................................ 229
Cleaning ................................ 206, 208
Cleaning (warning) .........................250
Important safety notes ..................228
Interchanging/changing ................249
Mounting a new wheel ...................252
Mounting a wheel .......................... 250
Overview ........................................ 228
Removing a wheel ..........................252
Storing ........................................... 250 Index
19

Warning and indicator lamps
Function Page
:
L
Low-beam
headlamps 83
;
÷
ESP® 162
=
K
High-beam
headlamps 83
?
J
Brakes (yellow) 159
A
·
Distance warning 166
B
#!
Turn signals 83
C
h
Tire pressure monitor 167
D
6
SRS 164
E
ü
Seat belt 158 Function Page
F
?
Coolant 165
G
R
Rear fog lamp 83
H
O
Front fog lamps 83
I
;
Check Engine ~
J
8
Reserve fuel ~
K
å
ESP®
OFF 162
L
!
ABS 160
M
Brakes (red)
$
(USA only) J
(Canada only) 15932
Instrument clusterAt a glance

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 59). G
WARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance. G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
Provided that the differential locks are not
active, ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even if you only brake gently.
The yellow !ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Braking If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal. X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Off-road ABS If the
LOW RANGE shift range is selected by
the transfer case, (Y page 130), an ABS
system specifically suited to off-road terrain
is automatically activated.
At speeds below 37 mph (60 km/h), the front
wheels lock cyclically during braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability. BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 59). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. 60
Driving safety systemsSafety

Adaptive brake lights
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 30 mph (50 km/h) or if braking is
assisted by BAS, the brake lamps flash
rapidly. In this way, traffic traveling behind
you is warned in an even more noticeable
manner.
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 45 mph (70 km/h) to a standstill, the
hazard warning lamps are activated
automatically. If the brakes are applied again,
the brake lamps light up continuously. If you
drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h), the hazard
warning lamps are deactivated automatically.
You can also switch off the hazard warning
lamps using the hazard warning button
(Y page 82). ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 59). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle
dynamometer. Before you operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please
consult a qualified workshop. You could
otherwise damage the drive train or the
brake system. ESP
®
monitors driving stability and traction.
Traction is the power transmission between
the tires and the road surface.
ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the å
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 162) and any display messages that
appear in the instrument cluster
(Y page 144).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
i If differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch themselves off
automatically.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 59).
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
. Driving safety systems
61Safety Z

X
If appropriate for the driving conditions,
engage the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Y page 130).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
At speeds above approximately 37 mph
(60 km/h), traction control is no longer
active.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 59). G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain. X
To deactivate: press button:until the
å warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster.
X To activate: press button :until the
å warning lamp goes out in the
instrument cluster.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
i Vehicles with the ECO start/stop
function: the ECO start/stop function
automatically switches the engine off when
the vehicle comes to a stop. The engine
starts automatically when the driver wants
to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its
previously selected status. Example: if
ESP ®
was deactivated before the engine
was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated. 62
Driving safety systemsSafety

X
To release: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
X Pull parking brake ;up firmly.
X Press release button :on parking
brake ;and move parking brake ;down
to the stop.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the F(USA only)
or ! (Canada only) indicator lamp goes
out in the instrument cluster.
i If you pull away with parking brake ;
applied, a warning tone sounds. Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharge.
X Connecting a trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice. Driving tips
Information in the Digital Operator's
Manual
In the Digital Operator's Manual you will find
information on the following topics:
R General driving tips
R Engine oil R
Braking
-Important safety notes
- Downhill gradients
- Heavy and light loads
- Wet roads
- Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
- New brake pads/linings
- Servicing the brakes
- AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes
R Driving on wet roads
R Winter driving
-General notes
- Driving with summer tires
- Slippery road surfaces
R Off-road driving
-General notes
- Driving on sand
- Tire ruts and gravel roads
- Driving over obstacles
R Traveling uphill
-Approach/departure angle
- Maximum gradient-climbing capability
- Hilltops
- Driving downhill Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth. 106
Driving tipsDriving an
d parking

For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
R lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
R brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads !
Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R the maximum permissible still water depth
depends on the vehicle equipment
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace
Off-road fording !
Under no circumstances should you
accelerate before entering the water. The
bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and other assemblies.
! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle's electronics and interior
equipment. :
Fording depth, 24 in (60 cm)
i You may only drive through fresh water.
R Observe the safety notes (Y page 108) and
the general notes (Y page 106) on off-road
driving.
R Establish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
R Switch off the air-conditioning system.
R Shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE (Ypage 129).
R Engage the differential locks, if necessary
(Y page 132).
R Restrict the shift range to 1or
2(Y page 101).
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Enter and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
R Do not stop and do not switch off the
engine.
R Water offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
R Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Always observe the fording depth values
(Y page 264). Driving tips
107Driving and parking Z

Off-road driving
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not load items on the basic carrier bars. It
may cause instability during some maneuvers
which could result in an accident.
Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will
make it easier to recognize unexpected
obstacles and avoid damage to the vehicle.
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never
turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehicle
cannot complete the attempted climb, back it
down in reverse gear.
Do not drive along the side of a slope. The
vehicle might otherwise rollover. If in doing so
the vehicle begins to show a tendency to roll,
immediately steer into a line of gravity
(straight up or downhill).
Never let the vehicle roll backwards in idle.
You may lose control of the vehicle if you use
only the service brake. For information on
driving downhill, see "Driving downhill".
When driving off-road, sand, mud and water,
possibly mixed with oil, for example, could get
into the brakes. This could result in a reduced
braking effect or in total brake failure and also
in increased wear and tear. The braking
characteristics change depending on the
material ingressing the brakes. Clean the
brakes after driving off-road. If you detect a
reduced braking effect or grinding noises,
have the brake system checked in a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as possible.
Adapt your driving style to the different
braking characteristics.
Driving off-road increases the likelihood of
damage to the vehicle, which, in turn, can lead
to failure of the mechanical assembly or
systems. Adapt your driving style to suit the
terrain conditions. Drive carefully. Have
damage to the vehicle rectified immediately
at a qualified specialist workshop. Checklist before driving off-road !
If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible.
Check the engine oil level. The engine oil
warning lamp warning must not be ignored.
Continuing the journey while the symbol is
displayed could lead to engine damage.
X Engine oil level: check the engine oil level
and add oil if necessary.
Only then does the engine receive enough
oil when the vehicle is standing on a steep
incline.
X Tire-changing tool kit: check that the jack
is working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
X Wheels and tires: check the tire tread
depth and tire pressure.
X Check for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires.
X Replace any missing valve caps.
X Replace dented or damaged wheels.
X Carry a sound spare wheel.
Checklist after driving off-road Driving over rough terrain places greater
demands on your vehicle than driving on
normal roads. After driving off-road, check
the vehicle. This allows you to detect damage
promptly and reduce the risk of an accident
to yourself and other road users.
X Shift the transfer case to HIGH
RANGE(Y page 130).
X Disengage the differential locks
(Y page 134).
X Clean the headlamps and rear lights and
check for damage.
X Clean the front and rear license plates.
X Clean the wheels and tires with a water jet
and remove any foreign objects. 108
Driving tipsDriving and parking