engine MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV 2015 Workshop Manual

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 thetrailer
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison with 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 radius
This could impair the handling characteris-
tics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully.
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.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech- nical data" section ( Ypage 268).
Driving tips
X
On long and steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1,2 or 3(Y page 107) in
good time.
iThis also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
X If necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE (Y page 132).
This will use the braking effect of the
engine, so that less braking will be required to maintain the speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional 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 permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the rel-evant 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 utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the oper-ating permit. This also applies in countries in
which the permissible maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations is above 60 mph (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.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1,2 or 3in good time.
iThis also applies if you have activated
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
138Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
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, decreases with
increasing altitude.
Assembling the ball coupling
Assembling the ball coupling
GWARNING
The ball coupling can be damaged if the nut on the ball coupling is tightened using the incor- rect torque. As a result, the trailer may
detach. There is a risk of an accident.
Immediately after installing, have the tighten-
ing torque checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
!Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use ball couplings tested and
approved for use on Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles. This helps to avoid damage to the
vehicle.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions if you use a ball coupling other than the one supplied.
X Screw in ball coupling :as far as it will go
through the hole of ball coupling carrier ;.
X
Slide securing bolt ?over the thread of
ball coupling =as far as it will go.
X Screw on nut Aas far as it will go.
X
Using a torque wrench, tighten nut Bwith
a torque of 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) .
X Check that thread Cprotruding below nut
B has the minimum required length of
0.32 in (8 mm).
X Check the assembled ball coupling for cor-
rect installation.
Towing a trailer139
Driving and pa rking
Z

stopping and backing up in a traffic-free location.
R Before driving, check:
- Trailer tow hitch
- Safety switch for braked trailers
- Safety chains
- Electrical connections
- Lights
- Wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer features electronically control-
led brakes, pull away the vehicle/trailer
combination carefully, manually brake
using the brake controller, and check the
brakes for correct function.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if applica-
ble) the trailer brakes are functioning cor-rectly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv-
ing without one. Avoid sudden steeringmovements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Thenincrease the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2,or1.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure. R
When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature tomaximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an addi-
tional distance beyond the vehicle you are
overtaking before returning to the previous lane.
Decoupling a trailer
!
Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close all doors, including the rear door.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X Detach the trailer cable and decouple thetrailer.
X Switch off the engine.
Permissible trailer and drawbar loads
Weight specifications
The gross trailer weight is calculated by add-
ing the weight of the trailer to the weight of
142Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?
Coolant Too Hot
Stop Vehicle
Switch Engine Off
The coolant is too hot.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury. X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 110).
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 snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the display message goes out
and the coolant temperature is below 248 ‡ (120 †). Other-
wise, the engine could be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant
level, the coolant temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
The poly-V-belt may have torn.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
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 not damaged:
X Wait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Display messages155
On-board computer and displays
Z

Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
TC shift condiZ
tionsnotfulfilled
Apply the brake/
parking brake
The parking brake has not been applied and the brake pedal has
not been depressed. The transfer case has canceled the gear
change process and is inNeutral. There is no connection between
the engine and the drive wheels.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Depress the brake pedal and apply the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N.
X Make sure all conditions for changing gears are met(Y page 132).
X Repeat the gearshift process.
TC malfunction
Consult workshop
aboutapplyingthe
parking brake
There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
X Do not shift the transfer case.
X When parking, secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 110).
X Have the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
TC shift canceled
Reactivate
The transfer case has not performed the gear change process. XRepeat the gearshift process.
X Make sure all conditions for changing gears are met (Y page 132).
TC shift condiZ
tionsnotfulfilled
Max. speed 25 mph
You have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.
X Drive more slowly.
X Repeat the gearshift process.
TC shift condiZ
tionsnotfulfilled
SelectNEUTRALgear
You have not met one or more shift conditions.
X Shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N.
X Repeat the gearshift process.
TC shift condiZ
tionsnotfulfilled
Max. speed 40 mph
You have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.
X Drive more slowly.
X Repeat the gearshift process.
LOW RANGE
ON
The transfer case is in the LOW RANGEoff-road position.
HIGH RANGE
ON
The transfer case is in the HIGH RANGEon-road position.
156Displaymessages
On-board computer and displays

Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
AThe rear door is open.
GWARNING
When the engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior if the tailgate is open.
There is a risk of poisoning.
X Close the rear door.
?The hood is open.
GWARNING
The open hood may block your 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 ( Ypage 110).
X Close the hood.
D
PowerSteeringMalZ
function.SeeOperZ
ator's Manual
The power steering is malfunctioning.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
You will need to use more force to steer.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Check whether you are able to apply the extra force required.
X If you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.
X If you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster
General notes
This section describes indicator and warning
lamps in the instrument cluster relevant to
safety and solutions. A description of other
indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster and their solutions can be found in the
Digital Operator's Manual.
160Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Safety
Seat belts
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
ü
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up. In addition, a warn-
ing tone sounds for up
to six seconds.The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
X Fasten your seat belt ( Ypage 46).
The warning tone ceases.
ü
The red seat belt warn-
ing lamp lights up after
the engine starts, as
soon as the driver's or
the front-passenger
door is closed.The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
X Fasten your seat belt ( Ypage 46).
The warning lamp goes out.
There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out.
ü
The red seat belt warn-
ing lamp flashes and an
intermittent audible
warning sounds.The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. The
vehicle is being driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or has briefly been driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h). X Fasten your seat belt ( Ypage 46).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone ceases.
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. The vehicle is being
driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or has briefly been driven
faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning toneceases.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster161
On-board computer and displays
Z

Safety systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
$(USA only)
J (Canada only)
USA only: the red
brake system warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone alsosounds.
Canada only: the yel-
low brake system warn-
ing lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone alsosounds.GWARNING
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking char- acteristics may be affected.
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. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 110).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
USA only: the red
brake system warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone alsosounds.
Canada only: the yel-
low brake system warn-
ing lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone alsosounds.There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
GWARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
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. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 110).
X Do not add brake fluid. Adding more will not remedy the mal-
function.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
162Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is deactivated due to a malfunc-
tion. Other systems, e.g. BAS (Brake Assist), ESP ®
(Electronic Sta-
bility Program) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution), the
HOLD function, hill start assist, adaptive brake lights and ESP ®
trailer stabilization have also been deactivated.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affec-ted. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other
systems, such as the navigation system or the automatic trans-
mission, will not be available.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster163
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.ABS is temporarily unavailable. BAS, ESP ®
, EBD (electronic brake
force distribution), the HOLD function, hill start assist, ESP ®
trailer
stabilization and the adaptive brake lights, for example, have also
been deactivated.
Possible causes are: R self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
R the on-board voltage may be insufficient.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affec-ted. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Carefully drive a suitable distance, making slight steering move-
ments at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on: X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
164Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays