ECU MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2014 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2014, Model line: GL, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2014Pages: 462, PDF Size: 8.98 MB
Page 265 of 462
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
Page 267 of 462
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 cap Cin the direction of the
arrow, out of the ball coupling recess.
XPlace protective cap Cin the ball coupling
recess.
Towing a trailer265
Driving an d parking
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Page 270 of 462
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
Page 271 of 462
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications
Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Ypage 456).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Ypage 456).
Loading a trailer
RWhen loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry,
pay attention to the respective lowest
values.
RThe trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
iMercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's
permissible gross weight.
iThe weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar load
for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RTo check that the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the
maximum permissible values, have the
vehicle/trailer combination (including the
driver, passengers, and cargo with a fully
laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge.
RCheck the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar load.
Removing the ball coupling
XRemove the spring cotter.
XRemove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
XRemove the ball coupling from the ball
coupling recess.
XClean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
XStow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines
(Ypage 340) and the safety notes regarding
stowage spaces (Ypage 341).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch can be found at (Ypage 381).
Storing the ball coupling
GWARNING
Do not carry the ball coupling in the vehicle
interior if it is not secured.
Otherwise, you and others could be injured by
the ball coupling being thrown around if you:
Rbrake sharply
Rchange direction suddenly
Rare involved in an accident
Towing a trailer269
Driving and parking
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Page 297 of 462
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and P PSolutions
The red I(USA only)/ $(Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and the yellow $warning lamp lights up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
To release:
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.
XRelease the electric parking brake manually.
To apply:
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.
XApply the electric parking brake manually.
If the red I(USA only)/ $(Canada only) indicator lamp
continues to flash:
XDo not drive on.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 428).
XShift the transmission toP.
XTurn the front wheels towards the curb.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The yellow $warning lamp lights up. The red I(USA
only)/ $(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about ten
seconds after the electric parking brake has been applied or
released. It then goes out or remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.
XApply the electric parking brake.
If it is not possible to engage the electric parking brake:
XShift the transmission toP.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
If it is not possible to release the electric parking brake:
XRelease the electric parking brake automatically (Ypage 189).
If the electric parking brake still cannot be released:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Displaymessages295
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and P PSolutions
'(USA
only) M(Canada
only)
Check Brake FluidCheck Brake Fluid
LevelLevel
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. In
addition, the '(USA only)/ M(Canada only) warning lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning tone sounds.
GWARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
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.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 188).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
XDo not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction.
&
Check Brake PadCheck Brake Pad
WearWear
The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
S
mbrace Inoperativembrace Inoperative
USA 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-SAFEPRE-SAFE
Inoperative SeeInoperative See
Operator's ManualOperator's Manual
Important functions of PRE-SAFE®have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and P PSolutions
PRE-SAFEPRE-SAFE
FunctionsFunctions
Currently LimitedCurrently Limited
See Operator'sSee Operator's
ManualManual
Vehicles without the Active Driving Assistance package: Adaptive
Brake Assist is temporarily inoperative. Possible causes are:
Rfunction is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
Rthe sensor in the bumper is dirty.
Rthe radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
RAMG vehicles: ESP®is deactivated.
Rthe system is outside the operating temperature range.
Rthe on-board voltage is too low.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display
message disappears.
Adaptive Brake Assist is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 188).
XClean the bumpers (Ypage 380).
XRestart the engine.
XAMG vehicles: reactivate ESP®(Ypage 73).
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and P PSolutions
PRE-SAFEPRE-SAFE
FunctionsFunctions
Currently LimitedCurrently Limited
See Operator'sSee Operator's
ManualManual
Vehicles with the Active Driving Assistance package:
PRE-SAFE®Brake is temporarily inoperative. Possible causes are:
Rfunction is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
Rthe sensors in the radiator grill and the bumper are dirty.
Rthe radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
RAMG vehicles: ESP®is deactivated.
Rthe system is outside the operating temperature range.
Rthe on-board voltage is too low.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display
message disappears.
PRE-SAFE®Brake is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 188).
XClean the sensors in the radiator grill and the bumper
(Ypage 380).
XRestart the engine.
XAMG vehicles: reactivate ESP®(Ypage 73).
PRE-SAFEPRE-SAFE
FunctionsFunctions
Currently LimitedCurrently Limited
See Operator'sSee Operator's
ManualManual
Vehicles without the Active Driving Assistance package: Adaptive
Brake Assist is faulty. The distance warning function may also have
failed.
Vehicles with the Active Driving Assistance package:
PRE-SAFE®Brake is faulty. BAS PLUS or the distance warning
function may also have failed.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
u
SRS MalfunctionSRS Malfunction
Service RequiredService Required
There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System).
The uwarning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
GWARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be
triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not
be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information on occupant safety (Ypage 43).
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and P PSolutions
Front PassengerFront Passenger
Airbag DisabledAirbag Disabled
See Operator'sSee Operator's
ManualManual
The front-passenger air bag is disabled during the journey, even
though:
Ran adult
or
Ra person larger than a certain size is occupying the front-
passenger seat
If additional forces are applied to the seat, the system may
interpret the occupant's weight as lower than it actually is.
GWARNING
The front-passenger air bag does not deploy during an accident.
There is an increased risk of injury.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 188).
XSwitch the ignition off.
XHave the occupant get out of the vehicle.
XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front-passenger door and
switch on the ignition.
XObserve the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp in the
center console and the multifunction display and check the
following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
Rthe PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must light up and
remain lit. If the indicator lamp is on, OCS has disabled the front-
passenger air bag (Ypage 49).
RtheFront Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator'sFront Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
ManualManualorFront Passenger Airbag Disabled SeeFront Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Operator's ManualOperator's Manualdisplay messages must not be shown in
the multifunction display.
XWait for a period of at least 60 seconds until the necessary
system checks have been completed.
XMake sure that the display messages do not appear in the
multifunction display.
If these conditions are fulfilled, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp remains lit or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the
occupant.
If the conditions are not fulfilled, the system is not operating
correctly.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and P PSolutions
Front PassengerFront Passenger
Airbag EnabledAirbag Enabled
See Operator'sSee Operator's
ManualManual
The front-passenger air bag is enabled during the journey, even
though:
Ra child, a small adult or an object weighing less than the
system's weight threshold is located on the front-passenger
seat
or
Rthe front-passenger seat is unoccupied
The system may detect objects or forces applying additional
weight on the seat.
GWARNING
The air bag may deploy unintentionally.
There is an increased risk of injury.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 188).
XSwitch the ignition off.
XOpen the front-passenger door.
XRemove the child and the child restraint system from the front-
passenger seat.
XMake sure that there are no objects on the seat adding to the
weight.
The system may otherwise detect the additional weight and
interpret the seat occupant's weight as greater than it actually
is.
XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front-passenger door and
switch on the ignition.
XObserve the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp in the
center console and the multifunction display and check the
following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
Rthe PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must light up and
remain lit. When the indicator lamp is on, OCS (Occupant
Classification System) has disabled the front-passenger air bag
(Ypage 49).
RtheFront Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator'sFront Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
ManualManualorFront Passenger Airbag Disabled SeeFront Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Operator's ManualOperator's Manualdisplay messages must not be shown in
the multifunction display.
302Displaymessages
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