trailer MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2014 Owner's Guide

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
Z

Trailer power supply
!You can connect accessories with a
maximum power consumption of 240Wto
the permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 4.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics.
270Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
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.
Lights
iDisplay messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
I
Check LeftCheck Left
Cornering LightCornering Lightor
Check RightCheck Right
Cornering LightCornering Light
The left or right-hand cornering light is defective.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
Check Left LowCheck Left Low
BeamBeamorCheckCheck
Right Low BeamRight Low Beam
The left or right-hand low-beam headlamp is defective.
XCheck whether you are permitted to replace the bulb yourself
(Ypage 138).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
CheckCheckTrailerTrailerLeftLeft
Turn SignalTurn Signalor
Check TrailerCheck Trailer
Right Turn SignalRight Turn Signal
The left or right-hand trailer turn signal lamp is defective.
XObserve the separate operating instructions provided by the
trailer manufacturer.
I
Check Rear LeftCheck Rear Left
Turn SignalTurn Signalor
Check Rear RightCheck Rear Right
Turn SignalTurn Signal
The rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is defective.
XCheck whether you are permitted to replace the bulb yourself
(Ypage 138).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Displaymessages303
On-b oard computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
I
Check Front LeftCheck Front Left
Parking LampParking Lampor
Check Front RightCheck Front Right
Parking LampParking Lamp
The front left or front right parking or standing lamp is defective.
XCheck whether you are permitted to replace the bulb yourself
(Ypage 138).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
Backup LightBackup Light
The backup lamp is defective.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
Check Front LeftCheck Front Left
Sidemarker LampSidemarker Lampor
Check Front RightCheck Front Right
Sidemarker LampSidemarker Lamp
The left or right front side marker lamp is defective.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
Check Left TailCheck Left Tail
LampLamporCheckCheck
Right Tail LampRight Tail Lamp
The left or right-hand tail lamp is defective.
or
The rear left or right side marker lamp is defective.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
CheckCheckLeftLeftDaytimeDaytime
Running LightRunning Lightor
Check RightCheck Right
Daytime RunningDaytime Running
LightLight
The left-hand or right-hand daytime running lamp is faulty.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
Active LightActive Light
System InoperativeSystem Inoperative
The active light function is defective.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
Malfunction SeeMalfunction See
Operator's ManualOperator's Manual
The exterior lighting is defective.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Vehicles with trailer tow hitch: a fuse may have blown.
XCheck the fuses (Ypage 400).
XIf necessary, replace the blown fuse. Observe the warning notes.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Displaymessages305
On-b oard computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
Blind Spot AssistBlind Spot Assist
CurrentlyCurrently
Unavailable SeeUnavailable See
Operator's ManualOperator's Manual
orActive BlindActive Blind
Spot AssistSpot Assist
CurrentlyCurrently
Unavailable SeeUnavailable See
Operator's ManualOperator's Manual
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is temporarily
inoperative. Possible causes are:
Rthe sensors are dirty.
Rfunction is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
Rthe radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
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.
The yellowcindicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display
message disappears.
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot 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 sensors (Ypage 380).
XRestart the engine.
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is deactivated while
towing a trailer.
You have established the electrical connection between the trailer
and your vehicle.
XPressvon the steering wheel to confirm the display
message.
Blind Spot AssistBlind Spot Assist
InoperativeInoperativeor
Active Blind SpotActive Blind Spot
Assist InoperativeAssist Inoperative
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is defective.
The yellowcindicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Park AssistPark Assist
CanceledCanceled
The driver's door is open and the driver's seat belt has not been
fastened.
XRepeat the parking process with the seat belt fastened and the
driver's door closed.
You have inadvertently touched the multifunction steering wheel
while steering intervention was active.
XWhile steering intervention is active, make sure that the
multifunction steering wheel is not touched unintentionally.
314Displaymessages
On-b oard computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
%
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is deactivated due to a
malfunction. For this reason, BAS (Brake Assist), BAS PLUS,
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program), PRE-SAFE®, PRE-SAFE®
Brake, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, the HOLD function, hill
start assist, crosswind driving assistance and ESP®trailer
stabilization are also deactivated, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is 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
affected. 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.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit 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
transmission, will not be available.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster327
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
%
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
ABS is temporarily unavailable. Therefore, BAS, BAS PLUS, ESP®,
EBD (electronic brake force distribution), PRE-SAFE®,
PRE-SAFE®Brake, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, the HOLD
function, hill start assist, crosswind driving assistance and ESP®
trailer stabilization, for example, are also deactivated.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
Possible causes are:
Rself-diagnosis is not yet complete.
Rthe on-board voltage may be insufficient.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. 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.
XCarefully drive a suitable distance, making slight steering
movements 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:
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
328Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
%
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds.
EBD is malfunctioning. Therefore, ABS, BAS, BAS PLUS, ESP®,
PRE-SAFE®, PRE-SAFE®Brake, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST,
the HOLD function, hill start assist, crosswind driving assistance
and ESP®trailer stabilization, for example, are also not available.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. 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.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
'(USA only)
M(Canada only)

iIf you drive at speeds above 20 mph
(30 km/h) or with the SmartKey in position
0or1in the ignition lock, the cover of the
360° camera closes automatically.
Cleaning the exhaust pipe
!Do not clean the exhaust pipe with acid-
based cleaning agents such as sanitary
cleansers or wheel cleaners.
Impurities combined with the effects of road
grit and corrosive environmental factors may
cause flash rust to form on the surface. You
can restore the original shine of the exhaust
pipe by cleaning it regularly, especially in
winter and after washing.
XClean the exhaust pipe with a chrome care
product tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of rags soaked in oil and grease in an
environmentally responsible manner.
!Do not clean the ball coupling with a
power washer. Do not use solvents.
!Please note the care instructions in the
trailer coupling manufacturer's operating
instructions.
The ball coupling must be cleaned if it
becomes dirty or corroded.
XRemove rust on the ball of the ball coupling,
e.g. with a wire brush.
XRemove dirt with a clean, lint-free cloth or
a brush.
XAfter cleaning, lightly oil or grease ball
couplingC.
XCheck that the vehicle's trailer tow hitch is
working properly.
iYou can also have the maintenance work
on the ball coupling and the trailer tow hitch
carried out by a qualified specialist
workshop.
Interior care
Cleaning the display
!For cleaning, do not use any of the
following:
Ralcohol-based thinner or gasoline
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rcommercially-available household
cleaning agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not put pressure on the display surface
when cleaning. This could lead to
irreparable damage to the display.
XBefore cleaning the display, make sure that
it is switched off and has cooled down.
XClean the display surface using a
commercially available microfiber cloth
and TFT/LCD display cleaner.
XDry the display surface using a dry
microfiber cloth.
Cleaning Night View Assist Plus
!Never clean the camera lens. When
cleaning the field of vision of the driving
systems, make sure that you do not spray
glass cleaner on the camera lens. If the
Care381
Maintenance and care
Z

!Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if
available. You could otherwise damage the
vehicle.
!Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
!When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may shift to positionPwhen
the driver's or front-passenger door are
opened, which could lead to damage to the
transmission.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
!Vehicles with differential locks: make
sure the differential locks are in automatic
mode. When towing, the differential locks
must not be switched on. The transmission
may otherwise be damaged.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles(50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
!If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of your
vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Ypage 444).
iInformation on your vehicle's gross
vehicle weight rating can be found on the
vehicle identification plate; see the printed
Operator's Manual.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission
damage, have it transported on a transporter
or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in
positionNwhen the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position2in
the ignition lock
Rcannot release the electric parking brake
Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to
positionN
iDisarm the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Ypage 284).
You could otherwise be locked out when
pushing or towing the vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
Example: towing eye mounting covers
CFront cover
DBack cover
398Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance