MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2014 Owners Manual

message appears in the multifunction
display.
Off-road program 2
XSelector wheelCCengaged:briefly press
selector wheelC.
Selector wheelCextends.
XTo select:turn selector wheelCuntil
indicator lampDcomes on.
Off-road indicator

General notes
CLOW RANGE off-road gear button
DLOW RANGE off-road gear indicator lamp
HIGH RANGEPosition for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW RANGEOff-road position for
driving off-road and
fording
The transmission ratio
between the engine and
wheels is only
approximately one third of
that in the HIGH RANGE
road position. Drive torque
is thus proportionately
higher.
Do not use LOW RANGE:
Ron slippery road
surfaces, e.g. in the case
of slush
Ron snow or ice-covered
roads
Rif you have mounted
snow chains to your
vehicle
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.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Ypage 197). You will find information about
driving safety systems in conjunction with
LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section
(Ypage 66).
From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE
!Only change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if:
Rthe engine is running.
Rthe transmission is in positionN
Ryou are driving at a speed below
40 km/h
XPress LOW RANGE buttonC.
Indicator lampDflashes.
When the gear change is complete,
indicator lampDlights up. LOW RANGE
indicator appears in the multifunction
display and in the status indicator.
While indicator lampDis flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE buttonCagain.
iYou cannot activate LOW RANGE if the
SPORT on-road program is activated. The
LOW RANGE Not in Drive ProgramLOW RANGE Not in Drive Program
SPORTSPORTmessage then appears in the
multifunction display.
From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE
!Only change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if:
Rthe engine is running.
Rthe transmission is in positionN
Ryou are driving at a speed below
70 km/h
XPress LOW RANGE buttonC.
Indicator lampDflashes.
When the gear change is complete,
indicator lampDgoes out. In the
multifunction display, theLOW RANGE OffLOW RANGE Off
message appears and status indicator

While indicator lampDis flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE buttonCagain.
Driving systems261
Driving and parking
Z

Messages in the multifunction display
If a gear change process has not been successful, the following messages may be displayed
in the multifunction display:
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
LOW RANGE Max.LOW RANGE Max.
Speed 40 km/hSpeed 40 km/h
You have been driving faster than 40 km/h. Additionally, the
indicator lamp on the button in the center console blinks.
XDrive more slowly to carry out the gear change process.
LOWLOWRANGERANGEShiftShifttoto
Position N BrieflyPosition N Briefly
The transmission is in positionDand you are driving at below
40 km/h.
XShift the transmission toNto complete the gear change
process.
LOWLOWRANGERANGEShiftingShifting
Canceled PleaseCanceled Please
ReactivateReactivate
The gear change process was not carried out.
XEnsure that all gear change conditions are fulfilled and carry out
the gear change process again.
LOW RANGE StopLOW RANGE Stop
ApplyApplyParkingParkingBrakeBrake
A warning tone also sounds. The gear change process has not been
completed. LOW RANGE is in the neutral position. There is no
connection between the engine and the drive wheels.
!Do not drive any further. You could otherwise damage the
vehicle's drive train.
XStop the vehicle. Take into account the road and traffic
conditions when doing this.
XDepress the electric parking brake (Ypage 189).
XCarry out the gear change process again.
If the gear change process has been carried out, theLOWLOWRANGERANGE
Stop Apply Parking BrakeStop Apply Parking Brakemessage disappears.
ON&OFFROAD menu in the COMAND
display (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package)
You can display some driving systems, driving
programs and additional information in the
COMAND display.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2in the ignition lock.
XMake sure that COMAND is activated, see
the separate COMAND operating
instructions.
XPress function buttonC.
The corresponding displays appear in the
COMAND display:
Rlevel control
Rsteering angle
Rvehicle's angle of inclination
262Driving systems
Driving and parking

Ruphill or downhill gradient in percentage
Ron-road/off-road program selected
Rcondition of the differential lock for the
transfer case
Rthe LOW RANGE off-road gear is selected
Rcondition of the LOW RANGE off-road
gear
Rthe on-road trailer program is selected
Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the
ball coupling in question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair the
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification
plates and those for the towing vehicle under
"Technical data" (Ypage 457).
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even
rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
Rthe permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
Rin the vehicle documents
Ron the identification plates for the trailer
tow hitch and the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
Towing a trailer263
Driving and pa rking
Z

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning radius
This could impair the handling
characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
RDo not exceed the legally prescribed
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
RIf you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
This will reduce the risk of damage to the
ball coupling.
iWhen towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Ypage 425).
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (Ypage 222) and Blind Spot
Assist (Ypage 243) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Ypage 456).
Driving tips
iObserve the information on ESP®trailer
stabilization (Ypage 74) and on pulling
away with a trailer (Ypage 170).
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
maximum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. See
"Technical data" to find out whether this
applies to your vehicle (Ypage 457). 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 operating 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
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand paddle shifter to shift into
a lower gear in good time on long and steep
downhill gradients.
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
maintain the speed. This relieves the load on
264Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

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.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
RMaintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
RAvoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
RThe 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.
Installing the ball coupling
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it can come loose during the
journey and endanger other road users. There
is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling installation
instructions. Make sure that the ball coupling
is installed and secured correctly before every
journey.
Cover cap
XPull protective capCin the direction of the
arrow, out of the ball coupling recess.
XPlace protective capCin the ball coupling
recess.
Towing a trailer265
Driving an d parking
Z

Ball coupling recess
Holes in the ball coupling and ball coupling recess
XInsert the ball coupling horizontally into ball
coupling recessDin the direction of the
arrow until the holes in ball coupling

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.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to positionP.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
XVehicles with ADS:set ADS toAUTOor
COMF.
XSwitch off the engine.
XClose all doors and the tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish all electrical connections.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is
working.
iVehicles 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:
RUnless highway level has been set
manually, the vehicle is automatically
lowered to highway level. This is the case
if a speed of 5 mph(8km/h) is reached.
RHigh-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.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
RSafety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
RA separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
RA safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
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:
RIn order to accumulate driving experience
and accustom yourself to the new handling
characteristics, practice the following at a
location where there is no traffic:
-Cornering
-Stopping
-Backing up
RBefore driving, check:
-the trailer tow hitch
-the safety switch for braked trailers
-the safety chains
-electrical connections
-the lights
-the wheels
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
Towing a trailer267
Driving an d parking
Z

RSecure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
RIf you couple up a trailer, regularly check
that the cargo is securely fastened and
make sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
RThe 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.
RIf possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
RIf the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
RWhen 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.
RIf the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
RWhen 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
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.
Decoupling a trailer
GWARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
GWARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you
disconnect the trailer cable. This could result
in your limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or
underneath the vehicle being trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
!Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overrun brake.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to positionP.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
XStart the engine.
XClose all doors and the tailgate.
XApply the trailer's parking brake.
XDetach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
XSwitch off the engine.
268Towing a trailer
Driving and parking