engine MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV 2015 User Guide

Warning and indicator lamps
FunctionPage
:LLow-beam head-
lamps
91
;÷ ESP®165
=K
High-beam head-
lamps
92
?J Brakes (yellow)162
A·Distance warning169
B#! Turn signals92
ChTire pressure monitor170
D6 Restraint system42
EüSeat belt161
FunctionPage
F?Coolant168
GRRear fog lamp91
HOFront fog lamps91
I;Check Engine~
J8 Reserve fuel~
KåESP®
OFF165
L! ABS163
MBrakes (red)
$(USA only)
J(Canada only)162
34Instrument cluster
At a glance

ning. Therefore, malfunctions can be detec-
ted in good time. The6 restraint system warning lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up when the igni- tion is switched on. It goes out no later than afew seconds after the vehicle is started. The
components of the restraint system are in
operational readiness.
A malfunction has occurred if the 6
restraint system warning lamp:
R does not light up after the ignition is
switched on
R does not go out after a few seconds with
the engine running
R lights up again while the engine is running
GWARNING
If restraint system is malfunctioning, restraint
system components may be triggered unin-
tentionally or might not be triggered at all in
the event of an accident with a high rate of
vehicle deceleration. This can affect the Emer- gency Tensioning Device or air bag, for exam-
ple. This poses an increased risk of injury or
even fatal injury.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired in a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp :
is part of the BabySmart™ air bag deactiva-
tion system. A permanently lit PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp informs you that the front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
Depending on the person in the front-
passenger seat, the front-passenger front air
bag must either be deactivated or enabled;
see the following points. You must make sure
of this both before and during a journey.
R Children in a child restraint system:
whether the front-passenger front air bag is
enabled or deactivated depends on the
installed child restraint system, and the age and size of the child. Therefore, always
observe the information on "Children in the
vehicle" ( Ypage 55). There you will also
find instructions on rearward and forward-
facing child restraint systems on the front-
passenger seat.
R All other persons: the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp must be off. Be
sure to observe the notes on "Seat
belts“ ( Ypage 43) and "Air bags"
( Y page 48). There you can also find infor-
mation on the correct seat position.
Observe the information on the BabySmart™
air bag deactivation system in the front-
passenger seat ( Ypage 59).
Seat belts
Introduction
Seat belts are the most effective means of
restricting the movement of vehicle occu-
pants in the event of an accident or the vehi-
cle rolling over. This reduces the risk of vehi- cle occupants coming into contact with parts
of the vehicle interior or being ejected from
the vehicle. Furthermore, the seat belt helps
to keep the vehicle occupant in the best posi- tion in relation to the air bag.
Occupant safety43
Safety
Z

mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt. Dam-aged seat belts can no longer fulfill their
protective function and must be replaced.
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
X Press release button :, hold belt
tongue ;firmly and guide it back towards
belt sash guide =.
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger
The 7 seat belt warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster is a reminder that all vehicle
occupants must wear their seat belts. It may
light up continuously or flash. In addition,
there may be a warning tone.
Regardless of whether the driver's seat belt
has already been fastened, the 7seat belt
warning lamp lights up for six seconds each
time the engine is started. If, after
six seconds, the driver or front-passenger
seat belt has not been fastened and the doors
are closed, the 7seat belt warning lamp
lights up. As soon as the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts are fastened or a front
door is opened again, the 7seat belt
warning lamp goes out.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened after
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. This warning tone stops after six seconds or when the driver's seat belt isfastened.
If the vehicle's speed exceeds 15 mph
(25 km/h) once and the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts are not fastened, a
warning tone sounds. A warning tone also
sounds with increasing intensity for
60 seconds or until the driver or front
passenger have fastened their seat belts.
If the driver or front passenger unfasten their
seat belts during the journey, the seat belt
warning is activated again.
iFor more information on the 7seat
belt warning lamp, see "Warning and indi-
cator lamps in the instrument cluster, seat
belts" ( Ypage 161).
Air bags
Introduction
The installation point of an air bag can be rec-
ognized by the AIR BAG symbol.
An air bag complements the correctly fas-
tened seat belt. It is no substitute for the seat
belt. The air bag provides additional protec-
tion in applicable accident situations.
Not all air bags are deployed in an accident.
The different air bag systems function inde-
pendently from one another ( Ypage 51).
However, no system available today can com- pletely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
It is also not possible to rule out a risk of injury
caused by an air bag due to the high speed at which the air bag must be deployed.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you do not sit in the correct seat position,
the air bag cannot protect as intended and
could even cause additional injury when
deployed. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
48Occupant safety
Safety

Automatic measures after an acci-
dent
Immediately after an accident, the following
measures are implemented, depending on
the type and severity of the impact:R the hazard warning lamps are activated
R the emergency lighting is activated
R the vehicle doors are unlocked
R the front side windows are lowered
R the electrically adjustable steering wheel is
raised
R the engine is switched off and the fuel sup-
ply is cut off
R vehicles with mbrace: automatic emer-
gency call
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
Accident statistics show that children
secured in the rear seats are safer than chil-
dren secured in the front seats. For this rea-
son, Mercedes-Benz strongly advises that you
install a child restraint system on a rear seat.
Children are generally better protected there.
If a child younger than twelve years and under
5 ft (1.50 m)in height is traveling in the vehi-
cle:
R always secure this child in a restraint sys-
tem approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The child restraint system must be appro-
priate to the age, weight and size of thechild.
R be sure to observe the instructions and
safety notes in this section in addition to
the child restraint system manufacturer's
installation instructions.
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
R start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
GWARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot. Chil-
dren may burn themselves on these parts,
particularly on the metal parts of the child
restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you leave the vehicle, taking the child with
you, always ensure that the child restraint
system is not exposed to direct sunlight. Pro-tect it with a blanket, for example. If the child
restraint system has been exposed to direct
sunlight, let it cool down before securing the
child in it. Never leave children unattended inthe vehicle.
Always make sure that all vehicle occupants
are positioned properly in their seats and
have correctly fastened their seat belts. Take
particular care with children.
Please take note of the safety notes on seat
belts ( Ypage 44) and the notes on their cor-
rect use ( Ypage 45).
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
Children in the vehicle55
Safety
Z

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
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 mul-
tifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
GWARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid- ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately 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 vehi- cle 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 apulsing in the brake pedal. X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking sit-
uation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions, and func-
tions as a reminder to take extra care while
driving.
Off-road ABS
If the LOW RANGE shift range is selected by
the transfer case, ( Ypage 132), an ABS sys-
tem 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 dig-
ging-in effect achieved in the process reduces
the stopping distance on off-road terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
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 situa-
tions. 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.
Driving safety systems65
Safety
Z

Adaptive brake lights
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 30 mph (50 km/h) or if braking is assis-ted 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 automat-
ically. If the brakes are applied again, the
brake lamps light up continuously. The hazard
warning lamps are deactivated automatically if you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h). You
can also switch off the hazard warning lamps using the hazard warning button( Y page 90).
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv- ing 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 oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle dyna-
mometer. 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 the driving stability and the
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 continu-
ously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps ( Y page 165) and display messages which
may be displayed in the instrument cluster( Y page 148).
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 slip-
pery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehi-
cle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any circum-
stances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
iIf differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch off automatically.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
66Driving safety systems
Safety

XIf appropriate for the driving conditions,
engage the LOW RANGE off-road gear
( Y page 132).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually 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 trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Traction control is no longer active above a
speed of approximately 37 mph (60 km/h).
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually 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 trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed 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 instru-
ment 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.
iVehicles with the ECO start/stop func-
tion: the ECO start/stop function automat-
ically 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. For 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 fol-
lowing 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.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R and are driving at above 37 mph (60 km/h)
(on AMG vehicles above 62 mph
(100 km/h)), ESP ®
still intervenes when
one wheel reaches its grip limit even
though it is deactivated.
iIf ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more
wheels start to spin, the ÷warning lamp
in the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehi-
cle.
Driving safety systems67
Safety
Z

iIf ESP®
is deactivated, it is reactivated
automatically if you are driving at above
37 mph (60 km/h) (on AMG vehicles above
62 mph (100 km/h)) or you exceed a cer-
tain lateral acceleration.
Trailer stabilization
GWARNING
If road and weather conditions are poor,
trailer stabilization will not be able to prevent the vehicle/trailer combination from swerv-
ing. Trailers with a high center of gravity can
tip over before ESP ®
can detect this. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the prevail- ing road and weather conditions.
Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated because of a malfunction.
If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer
combination) begins to lurch, you can only
stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by
depressing the brake firmly.
In this situation, ESP ®
assists you and can
detect if the vehicle/trailer combination
begins to lurch. ESP ®
slows the vehicle down
by braking and limiting the engine output until the vehicle/trailer combination has stabi- lized.
Trailer stabilization is active above speeds of
about 37 mph (60 km/h).
EBD (electronic brake force distribu- tion)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the rear wheels can
lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases 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 ( Ypage 163) as well as dis-
play messages ( Ypage 148).
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 126) and hill start assist
( Y page 105).
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
X
To activate: remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
iThe immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be star-
ted when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
68Theft deterrent locking system
Safety

Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment of your vehicle available at the time of
publication of the Operator's Manual.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
also applies to safety-related systems and
functions.
iRead the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: ( Ypage 28).
SmartKey
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in thevehicle.
GWARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey, the SmartKey could be uninten-
tionally turned in the ignition lock. This could
cause the engine to be switched off. There is arisk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey. Remove any bulky key rings before
inserting the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
GWARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey, the SmartKey could be uninten-
tionally turned in the ignition lock. This could
cause the engine to be switched off. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey. Remove any bulky key rings before
inserting the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
SmartKey functions
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P or shift manual transmission into
neutral.
R start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
:& To lock the vehicle
;%To unlock the vehicle
X To unlock centrally: press the%but-
ton.
If you do not open the vehicle within
approximately 40 seconds of unlocking: R the vehicle is locked again.
R anti-theft protection is reactivated
X To lock centrally: press the&button.
72SmartKey
Opening and closing

Doors
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them accessto an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could: R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in oper-
ation even after the SmartKey has been
removed from the ignition, such as the seat
adjustment, steering wheel adjustment or
memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and a child could be burned on these
parts.
GWARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or cargo compart-
ment unless they are firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P or shift manual transmission into
neutral.
R start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
Information in the Digital Operator's
Manual
In the Digital Operator's Manual you will find
information on the following topics: R Unlocking and opening doors from the
inside
R Centrally locking and unlocking the vehicle
from the inside
R Automatic locking feature
R Power closing
R Unlocking the driver's door (mechanical
key)
R Locking the vehicle (mechanical key)
R Opening and closing the rear door
Doors75
Opening and closing
Z