lights MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2012 Workshop Manual

GWARNING
Blind Spot Assist monitors certain areas in the
immediate vicinity of your vehicle. Vehicles
that approach and drive past at high speeds
are not detected. There is no display and no
warning.
If the lanes are very wide, it may not be
possible to monitor the complete width of the
neighboring lane. For this reason, vehicles in
the next lane may not be detected, especially
if they are driving in a staggered formation.
This may be the case if vehicles are driving at
that edge of their lane which is furthest away
from your vehicle.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions and
your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to
recognize dangers in time, cause an accident
and injure yourself and others.
If the lanes are narrow, vehicles driving in the
lane beyond the lane next to your vehicle may
be indicated, especially if the vehicles are not
driving in the middle of their lane. This may
be the case if the vehicles are driving on the
inner side of their lane.
Due to the nature of the system:
R warnings may be issued in error when
driving close to crash barriers or similar
solid lane borders.
R warnings may be interrupted when driving
alongside particularly long vehicles, for
example trucks, for a prolonged time.
The two sensors for Blind Spot Assist are
integrated into the sides of the rear bumper.
Make sure that the bumper is free from dirt,
ice or slush around the sensors. The radar
sensors must not be covered, for example by
bicycle racks or overhanging cargo. Following
a severe impact or in the event of damage to
the bumpers, have the function of the radar
sensors checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, such as an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. Blind Spot Assist may otherwise
not work properly.
Indicator and warning display:Yellow indicator lamp/red warning lamp
When Blind Spot Assist is activated, indicator
lamp : lights up yellow in the exterior
mirrors up to a vehicle speed of 20 mph
(30 km/h). When the vehicle speed exceeds
20 mph (30 km/h), the indicator lamp goes
out and Blind Spot Assist is ready for use.
When your speed exceeds approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), warning lamp : lights up
red on the corresponding side whenever a
vehicle is detected in the blind spot
monitoring range. This warning is always
given when a vehicle enters the blind spot
monitoring range from behind or from the
202Driving systemsDriving and parking

side. When you are passing another vehicle,
the warning is emitted only if the difference
in speed is less than 7 mph (12 km/h).
The yellow indicator lamp goes out if the
reverse gear is engaged. In this event, Blind
Spot Assist is no longer active.
The brightness of the indicator/warning
lamps is adjusted automatically according to
the ambient light.GWARNING
Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds under
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h). The
indicator lamps in the exterior mirrors are
yellow. Vehicles in the monitoring range are
then not indicated.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions and
your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to
recognize dangers in time, cause an accident
and injure yourself and others.
Collision warning
If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range
of Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the turn
signal, a double warning tone sounds. Red
warning lamp : flashes. If the turn signal
remains on, detected vehicles are indicated
by the flashing of red warning lamp :. There
are no further warning tones.
Switching on Blind Spot Assist
XMake sure that the radar sensor system
( Y page 227) and Blind Spot Assist
( Y page 228) are activated in the on-board
computer.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Warning lamps : light up red in the
exterior mirrors for approximately 1.5
seconds and then turn yellow.
Trailer towing
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical
connection. This can be accomplished by
checking the trailer lighting. In this event,
Blind Spot Assist is deactivated. The indicator
lamp in the exterior mirrors lights up yellow
and the Blind Spot Assist Currently
Unavailable See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction
display.
i You can deactivate the indicator lamps in
the exterior mirrors.
To do so, switch off Blind Spot Assist when:
R the SmartKey is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
R the engine is not running.
R the electrical connection to the trailer
has been established.
Off-road driving systems
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
4ETS , it improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
GWARNING
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
Off-road driving systems203Driving and parkingZ

Activating/deactivating DSR
Activating
DSR can only be activated if you are driving
no faster than 20 mph (30 km/h).
Vehicle without the Off-Road Pro Engineering
package
Vehicle with the Off-Road Pro Engineering package
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up.
The DSR symbol and a message, such as the
following, appear in the multifunction display:
If the speed that is being driven is too high,
the DSR symbol and the Max. speed
20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) message appears
in the multifunction display.
DeactivatingXPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out.
The DSR symbol appears in the
multifunction display with the Off
message.
DSR is deactivated automatically if you are
driving faster than 21 mph (Canada:
35 km/h). The DSR symbol appears in the
multifunction display with the Off message.
You also hear a warning tone.
Changing the set speed while
the vehicle is in motion
When DSR is activated, the control speed can
be changed to a value between 3 mph and
10 mph (Canada: between 4 km/h and
18 km/h) during the journey.
XTo increase or decrease in 1 mph
(Canada: 1 km/h) increments: press the
cruise control lever to the point of
resistance briefly upwards : for a higher
control speed or briefly downwards ; for
a lower control speed.
The set value appears in the multifunction
display.XTo increase or decrease in 5 mph
(Canada: 10 km/h) increments: push the
cruise control lever beyond the point of
resistance briefly upwards : for a higher
control speed or briefly downwards ; for
a lower control speed.
The set value appears in the multifunction
display.Off-road driving systems205Driving and parkingZ

Off-road drive program
i The off-road drive program is available
only in vehicles without the Off-Road Pro
engineering package.
The off-road drive program assists you in
driving off-road. The engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting
characteristics of the automatic transmission
are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP ®
and
4 ETS programs especially adapted to off-
road driving are also activated.
Do not use the off-road drive program on
roads that are covered in snow or icy or if you
have installed snow chains on your vehicle.
For information about driving off-road, see
( Y page 174).XTo activate: press off-road button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. Off-road
indicator = appears in the multifunction
display.XTo activate: press off-road button :.
Indicator lamp ; and off-road indicator
= go out.LOW RANGE off-road gear
General notes
The LOW RANGE off-road gear assists you in
driving off-road and when fording. When LOW
RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting
characteristics of the automatic transmission
are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP ®
and
4 ETS programs especially adapted to off-
road driving are also activated.
Information on "Off-road driving"; see
( Y page 174) . You will find information about
driving safety systems in conjunction with
LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section
( Y page 67).
Shift ranges
HIGH RANGERoad position for all
normal driving situationsLOW RANGEOff-road position for
driving off-road and
fording
The gear ratio between the
engine and wheels is only
approximately one third of
that in the HIGH RANGE
road position. The drive
torque is correspondingly
higher as a result.
Do not use LOW RANGE:
R on slippery road
surfaces, e.g. in the case
of slush
R on snow or ice-covered
roads
R if you have snow chains
on your vehicleGWARNING
Always wait until the procedure of shifting
from HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE – and from
LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE – has been
entirely completed. During this procedure do
206Off-road driving systemsDriving and parking

not turn off the engine or shift the automatic
transmission into another gear.
If you do not wait until the shifting procedure
has been entirely completed then it might not
be correctly performed. The transfer case
might be in neutral, thus interrupting the
transfer of power between the engine and the
drive axle.
The vehicle is then freely movable, even if a
gear has been selected, and could
unintentionally be set into motion –
particularly on up – or downhill grades. This
could lead to an accident and cause injury to
yourself and others.
Please observe related messages appearing
in the multifunction display.
From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE
! Only carry out the gear change process if:
R the engine is running
R the transmission is in position N
R you are not driving faster than
25 mph (40 km/h)
XPress LOW RANGE button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. LOW RANGE
indicator = appears in the multifunction
display.When the gear change is complete,
indicator lamp ; lights up.
While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button : again.
From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE
! Only carry out the gear change process if:
R the engine is running
R the transmission is in position N
R you are not driving faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h)
XPress LOW RANGE button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes.
If the gear change process has taken place,
indicator lamp ; and LOW RANGE
indicator = in the multifunction display go
out.
While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button : again.
Messages in the multifunction display
If a gear change process has not been
successful, the following messages may be
displayed in the multifunction display:
Drive max. 25 mph (Canada: 40 km/h): You
have driven faster than 25 mph (40 km/h).
Indicator lamp ; also flashes.
XDrive more slowly to carry out the gear
change process.
Briefly engage gear N : The transmission
is in position D and you are now driving below
25 mph (40 km/h).
XShift the transmission to N to complete the
gear change process.
Shifting process canceled
Reactivate : The shifting process has not
been completed.
XMaintain all gear change conditions and
carry out the gear change process again.
Stop vehicle Apply parking brake : A
warning tone is also heard. The gear change
Off-road driving systems207Driving and parkingZ

lost and steering would no longer be possible.
The differential locks must therefore only be
activated off-road and only if activating the
other driving systems (4ETS, ESP ®
and LOW
Range off-road gear) is no longer sufficient.
Engaging the differential locks
! Pull away slowly when the differential
locks are activated.
Function or performance tests may only be
performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you
wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
Automatic mode
Use automatic mode ; for all driving
situations, including driving off-road or when
fording.
In automatic mode, the differential locks are
engaged and disengaged according to driving
requirements. This guarantees sufficient
traction for most driving situations with
unrestricted vehicle steerability.
XStart the engine.
The differential locks are in automatic
mode. The indicator lamp in selector
wheel : lights up above symbol for
automatic mode ;.Engaging manuallyGWARNING
Never drive on a paved surface with the center
and rear axle differential locks manually
engaged. Ability to steer the vehicle is greatly
reduced when the differential locks are
manually engaged, increasing the risk of an
accident.
For safety reasons, the locks are
automatically released at a vehicle speed
above 31 mph (50 km/h). Nevertheless, you
should only manually lock the differential if
absolutely necessary because engaged locks
will restrict the vehicle drivetrain while
cornering and cause the vehicle to chatter.
This could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident.
! The differential locks must not be
activated when the vehicle is being towed
or while the wheels are spinning.
Only engage the differential locks manually if
traction in automatic mode is insufficient.
The differential locks can be activated
manually up to a speed of 19 mph
(30 km/h).
XStart the engine.XTurn selector wheel : to desired position
= or ?.
The indicator lamp in selector wheel :
lights up at the corresponding symbol.
The engaged differential appears in the
multifunction display:
AThe differential lock for the transfer case
is locked.
If you have not previously selected the off-
road menu ( Y page 222) in the on-board
Off-road driving systems209Driving and parkingZ

Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your federal state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
i The vehicle's wiring harness features a
line to the brake indicator lamp.XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XStart the engine.XSelect highway level.XVehicles with the adaptive damping
system: set ADS to AUTO or COMF .XSwitch off the engine.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XCouple up the trailer.XEstablish all electrical connections.
i
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When
coupling up a trailer, please observe the
following:
R if highway level has not been set
manually, the vehicle will automatically
sink to highway level as soon as it
reaches a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h).
R high-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and reversing in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
- the trailer tow hitch
- the safety switch for braked trailers
- the safety chains
- the electrical connections
- the lights
- the wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer features electronically
controlled 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
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
Trailer towing211Driving and parkingZ

Selecting the unit of distance for the
digital speedometerXPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the Settings menu.XPress the & button to select submenus.XPress the W or X button to select the
Instrument cluster submenu.XPress the & button to display Display
unit Digital speedometer .XPress the W or X button to select
km or miles as the unit of measurement for
distance.XPress the &, V or U button to
select a different display.
Selecting the language
The Language: function allows you to select
the language for the instrument cluster.
XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the Settings menu.XPress the & button to select submenus.XPress W or X to select the
Instrument cluster submenu.XPress & to select Language .XPress the W or X button to select the
desired language.XPress the &, V or U button to
select a different display.
Selecting the status line display
XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the Settings menu.XPress the & button to select submenus.XPress W or X to select the
Instrument cluster submenu.XPress & to select Status line
display .XPress W or X to select the display in
the status line: speed ( Speed) or outside
temperature ( Outside temp. ).
The selected display now appears
constantly in the lower multifunction
display. When you scroll through theStandard display menu (Y page 220), you
will see the display you have not selected.XPress the &, V or U button to
select a different display.
Time/date
This submenu is only available on vehicles
with no navigation module. To set the time
and the date for vehicles with a navigation
module, see the separate operating
instructions.
In the Time/date submenu, you can set the
time and date.
XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the Settings... menu.XPress the & button to select submenus.XPress the W or X button to select the
Time/date submenu.XTo set the time: press & to select
Clock Set Hour or Clock Set
Minute(s) .
or
XTo set the date: press & to select
Date Set Day , Date Set Month or Date
Set Year .XPress W or X to set a value.XPress the &, V or U button to
select a different display.
Lights
Switching the daytime running lamps on/
off
This function is not available in Canada.
If you have activated the Daytime Running
Lights function and the light switch is in the
$ or à position, the daytime running
lamps are automatically switched on when
the engine is running.
In the dark, the following also light up:
R the low-beam headlamps
R the parking lamps
R the tail lamps
224Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA
only) ! (Canada
only)
Release Parking
BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake applied. A warning tone also
sounds.XRelease the parking brake$ (USA
only) J (Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not correct the malfunction.GWARNING
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsG
Tele Aid
InoperativeUSA only: one or more of the main functions in the mbrace system
are malfunctioning.
Canada only: one or more of the main functions of the TELEAID
system are malfunctioning.XUSA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.XCanada only: have the TELEAID system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of injury
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.236Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

GWARNING
If the 42 indicator lamp remains lit with an adult occupant on the front-passenger
seat even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the front-
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Lights
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Cornering Lamp
Left or Cornering
Lamp RightThe left or right-hand cornering light is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 123).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Low Beam Left
or Low Beam RightThe left or right-hand low-beam headlamp is defective.b
Trailer Tail Lamp
Left or Trailer
Tail Lamp RightThe left or right-hand trailer tail lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Trailer Turn
Signal Left or
Trailer Turn
Signal RightThe left or right-hand trailer turn signal lamp is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Trailer Brake LampThe trailer brake lamp is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Turn Signal Rear
Left or Turn Signal
Rear RightThe rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 123).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages241On-board computer and displaysZ