brake MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2013 Owner's Manual

If yourv
ehicle 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
detec tifthe vehicle/trailer combination
begins to lurch. ESP ®
slows the vehicle down
by braking and limiting the engine output until
the vehicle/trailer combination has
stabilized.
Trailer stabilization is active above speeds of
about 37 mph (60 km/h).
Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated because of a malfunction.
Crosswindd riving assistance Strong crosswinds ca
ncause your vehicle to
deviate from a straigh tcourse. The crosswind
driving assistance function integrated into
ESP ®
significantly reduces these effects.
ESP ®
intervenes automatically according to
the direction and intensity of the crosswinds
affecting your vehicle.
When driving on straight roads or gentle
bends, your vehicle is kept safely on course
by a stabilizing brake intervention.
Crosswind driving assistance is active above
a vehicle speed of 80 km/h.
Crosswind driving assistance does not work
if ESP ®
is deactivated or disabled because of
a malfunction. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66). G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still 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
specialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 323) as well as
display messages (Y page 289).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
(Y page 211) and hill start assist
(Y page 166). PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
If PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is to aid you, the radar
sensor system must be:
R activated (Y page 281)
R operational
With the help of the radar sensor system,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can detect obstacles that
are in front of your vehicle for an extended
period of time.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead or
reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake has detected a risk of collision,
you will be warned visually and acoustically
as well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot prevent a collision without your
intervention.
Starting at a speed of around
4 mph (7 km/h), this function warns you if
you very quickly approach a vehicle in front. Driving safety systems
73Safety Z

An intermittent warning tone will then sound
and the 000Fdistance warning lamp will light
up in the instrument cluster.
X Brake immediately in order to increase the
distance from the vehicle in front.
or
X Take evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.
From a speed of approximately
4 mph (7 km/h), if the driver and front
passenge rhave fastened their seat belts,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can brake the vehicle
automatically at speeds up to approximately
124 mph (200 km/h).
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated driving condition smay cause
unnecessary warnings or th eunnecessary
intervention of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake.
You can prevent the intervention of the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake at any time by:
R depressing the accelerator peda lfurther
R activating kickdown
R releasing the brake pedal
The braking action of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is
ended automatically if:
R you maneuve rto avoid the obstacle.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R there is no longer an obstacle detected in
front of your vehicle.
If you have activated DSR (Y page 250), PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake is deactivated.
At speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h) ,PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can also detect
stationary objects .Examples of stationary
objects are stopped or parked vehicles.
If you approach an obstacle and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects a ris kofacollision, the system
will alert you both visuall yand acoustically. If
you do not brake or take evasive action, the
system will warn you by automatically braking
the vehicle gently .Ifthere is an increased risk
of collision, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are activated (Y
page 54). If, at speeds over
20 mph (30 km/h), a risk of collision remains
and you do not brake, take evasive action or
significantly accelerate, automatic braking
may be performed up to alevel of automatic
emergency braking. Automatic emergency
braking is not performed until immediately
prior to an accident that can no longer be
avoided. G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will initially brake your
vehicle by a partial application of the brakes
if a danger of collision is detected. There may
be a collision unless you also brake.
Automatic emergency brakin gcannot prevent
a collision .There is a risk of an accident.
Always apply the brakes yourself and try to
take evasive action. G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic
conditions.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R not give a warning or intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake, especially if
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake warns you. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
R there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R there are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages 74
Driving safety systemsSafety

R
a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in fron tonadifferent line
relative to the center of your vehicle G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may neither
give warnings nor intervene in all critical
situations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
In order to maintain an appropriate distance
from the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
X To activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer (Y page 276).
When PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is activated, the
0003 symbol appears in the multifunction
display as long as the HOLD function is
deactivated (Y page 211). On vehicles with
Active Parking Assist, the 0003symbol is
displayed when Pis engaged or you are
driving faster than 22 mph (35 km/h).
Following damage to the fron tend of the
vehicle, have the configuratio nand operation
of the rada rsensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the fron tofthe vehicle. STEER CONTROL
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66).
STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a
noticeable steering force to the steering
wheel in the direction required for vehicle
stabilization. This steering assistance is provided in
particular if:
R
both right wheels or both left wheels are on
a wet or slippery road surface when you
brake
R the vehicle starts to skid
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, you will not receive
steering support from STEER CONTROL.
Power steering will, however, continue to
function. Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
X To activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X To activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.
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.
Anyone can start the engine if a valid
SmartKey has been left inside the vehicle.
i The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started 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). Theft deterrent locking system
75Safety Z

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment 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.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 28).SmartKey
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
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
parking position P.
R starting 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. G
WARNING
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 access
to an unlocked vehicle. Achild'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
operation 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. G
WARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey, the SmartKey could be
unintentionally 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.
! Keep the SmartKey away from strong
magnetic fields. Otherwise, the remote
control function could be affected. 78
SmartKeyOpening and closing

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
The engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey. The on-board voltage is too low.
X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
X Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
(Y page 390).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 391).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine cannot be
started using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey is in
the vehicle. Ad
oor is open. Therefore, the SmartKey cannot be detected as
easily.
X Close the door and try to start the vehicle again. There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
X
Start your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock. Doors
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
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
parking position P.
R starting 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. G
WARNING
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 access
to an unlocked vehicle. Achild'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
operation 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 84
DoorsOpening and closing

The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R
an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
The hazard warning lamps switch off
automatically if the vehicle reaches a speed
of over 6mph (10km/h) again after a full
brake application.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times (Y page 136) while the
lights are on and the engine is running. When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0. Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated
while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active: whenthe lights are switched on. Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Active:
R
if you are driving at speeds below
25mph (40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signal or turn the steering wheel
R if you are driving at speeds between
25mph (40 km/h) and45mph (70 km/h)
and turn the steering wheel
Not active: if your speed exceeds
25mph (40 km/h) or if you switch off the turn
signal or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes. Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Adaptive Highbeam Assist does not recognize
road users:
R who have no lights, e.g. pedestrians
R who have poor lighting, e.g. cyclists
R whose lighting is blocked, e.g. by a barrier Exterior lighting
129Lights and windshield wipers
Z

Tail lamp
0002
Brake lamp: P 21 W-L Changing the front bulbs
Removing and installing the cover in the
front wheel housing You must remove the cover from the front
wheel housing before you can change the
front bulbs. X
To remove: switch off the lights.
X Turn the front wheels inwards.
X Remove securing pin 0003using a suitable
tool.
X Slide cover 0002up and remove it.
X To install: insert cover 0002again and slide
it down until it engages.
X Insert securing pin 0003. Low-beam headlamps (halogen
headlamps) G
WARNING
These bulbs are pressurized.
They can explode when being changed if:
R they are still hot
R they hit an object when being removed
R they are dropped
There is a risk of injury.
You should wear eye protection and clean
gloves when you are changing a bulb. If
necessary, have bulbs changed at a qualified
specialist workshop. X
Remove the cover in the front wheel
housing (Y page 134).
X Turn housing cover 0002counter-clockwise
and pull it out.
X Turn bulb holder 0003counter-clockwise and
pull it out.
X Take the bulb out of bulb holder 0003.
X Insert the new bulb into bulb holder 0003.
X Insert bulb holder 0003into the lamp and turn
it clockwise.
X Align housing cover 0002and turn it
clockwise until it engages.
X Replace the cover in the front wheel
housing (Y page 134).134
Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

High-beam headlamps (halogen
headlamps)
G
WARNING
These bulbs are pressurized.
They can explode when being changed if:
R they are still hot
R they hit an object when being removed
R they are dropped
There is a risk of injury.
You should wea reye protection and clean
gloves when you are changin gabulb. If
necessary, have bulbs changed at a qualified
specialist workshop. X
Switch off the lights.
X Open the hood.
X Turn housing cover 0002counter-clockwise
and pull it out.
X Pull lever 0021upwards and remove bulb
holder 0003.
X Take the bulb out of bulb holder 0003.
X Inser tthe new bulb into bulb holder 0003.
X Simultaneously press bulb holder 0003and
pull lever 0021downwards.
X Align housing cover 0002and turn it
clockwise until it engages. Changing the rear bulbs
Opening and closing the service flap Left-hand service flap
Right-hand service flap
You must open the service flap in the cargo
compartment before you can change the
bulbs in the brake lamp.
X
To open: release service flap 0002at the top,
e.g. with a screwdriver, and swing it
downward in the direction of the arrow.
X Right side: remove the first-aid kit
beforehand and pull the parcel net down.
X To close: reinsert service flap 0002. Replacing bulbs
135Lights and windshield wipers Z

Brake lamp
X
Switch off the lights.
X Open the cargo compartment.
X Ope nthe service flap (Y page 135).
X Turn bulb holder 0002counter-clockwise and
remove it.
X Take bulb out of bulb holder 0002.
X Insert the new bulb into bulb holder 0002.
X Insert bulb holder 0002into the lamp and turn
it clockwise.
X Close the service flap (Y page 135).Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always
use washer fluid when operating the
windshield wipers.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windshield after the vehicle has been
washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Cleant he windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash. !
Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather. Combination switch
0004
0008 Windshield wiper off
0005 0001 Intermittent wipe, low (rain sensor
set to low sensitivity)
0006 0002 Intermittent wipe, high (rain sensor
set to high sensitivity)
000B 0018 Continuous wipe, slow
000C 0012 Continuous wipe, fast
001F 0007 Single wipe
0013 0008 To wipe with washer fluid
X Switch on the ignition.
X Turn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
In the 0001or0002 position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the 0002 position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the 0001position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently.
If the wiper blades are worn, the windshield
will no longer be wiped properly. This could
prevent you from observing the traffic
conditions. Replace the wiper blades twice a
year, ideally in spring and fall. 136
Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment 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.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 28).Notes on breaking-in
anew vehicle Important safety notes
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this by applying greater force
to the brake pedal. The first 1,000miles (1,500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R You should therefore drive at varying
vehicle and engine speeds for the first
1,000 miles (1,500 km).
R Avoid heavy loads, e.g .driving at full
throttle, during this period.
R Change gearing ood time, before the
tachometer needle is 0001of the way to the
red area of the tachometer.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3,2or 1when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain. After 1,000 miles (1,500 km), you can
increase the engine speed gradually and
accelerate the vehicle to full speed.
Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R
Do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h) for the first 1,000 miles
(1,500 km).
R Only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
R Change gear in good time.
R Ideally, for the first 1,000 miles (1,500 km),
drive in program C.
i You should also observe these notes on
breaking in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
limits. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restric tthe
pedal travel or obstruct adepressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficien tclearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats. G
WARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinde rcorrect usage
of the pedals, e.g.:
R shoes with thick soles
R shoes with high heels
R slippers
There is a risk of an accident. 162
DrivingDriving and parking