steering MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2014 Service Manual

Program selector button
General notes
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package
XBriefly press program selector buttonC.
The letterMappears in the multifunction
display. The manual drive programMis
activated.
AMG vehiclesXPress program selector buttonC
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving
characteristics.
iThe permanent drive programMis
available on the following vehicles:
RVehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package
RAMG vehicles
Further information about permanent drive
programM(Ypage 179).
As well as this permanent drive program
M, you can also activate temporary drive
programM(Ypage 178).
iAMG vehicles:the automatic
transmission switches to automatic drive
programCeach time the engine is started.
iDrive programMis not saved after the
engine has been switched off. If required,
you must select the drive program again
after starting the engine.
Drive program on vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package
MManualPermanent manual
gearshifting
Drive programs on AMG vehicles
CControlled
Efficiency
Comfortable, economical
driving
SSportSporty driving style
MManualPermanent manual
gearshifting
iFor further information on the automatic
drive program, see (Ypage 178).
Steering wheel paddle shifters
In the manual drive program, you can change
gears manually using steering wheel paddle
shiftersCandD.
Automatic transmission177
Driving and parking
Z

Further information about permanent drive
programM(Ypage 179).
Further information about temporary drive
programM(Ypage 178).
iYou can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in positionD.
Automatic drive program (AMG
vehicles)
Automatic drive programs C and S
Drive programCis characterized by the
following:
Rcomfort-oriented engine and transmission
settings
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner
Rthe vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
Rincreased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
Drive programSis characterized by the
following:
Rsporty engine and transmission settings
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up
later
Rthe fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points
Manual drive program M
General notes
In this drive program, you can briefly change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel
paddle shifters. The transmission must be in
positionD.
All vehicles (except AMG vehicles and
vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package):you can activate
manual drive programMusing the steering
wheel paddle shifters.
AMG vehicles:you can activate manual drive
programMin automatic drive programsCand
S.
Vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package:if manual drive
programMis deactivated using the program
selector button, you can activate manual
drive programMusing the steering wheel
paddle shifters.
iAs well as temporary drive programM,
you can also activate permanent drive
programM(Ypage 177).
Further information about permanent drive
programM(Ypage 179).
Activating
XShift the transmission to positionD.
XPull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 177).
Manual drive programMis temporarily
activated. The selected gear andMappear
in the multifunction display.
Shifting gears
If you pull on the left or right steering wheel
paddle shifter, the automatic transmission
switches to manual drive programMfor a
limited amount of time. Depending on which
paddle shifter is pulled, the automatic
transmission immediately shifts into the next
gear down or up, if permitted.
XTo shift up:pull the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (Ypage 177).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
iIf the maximum engine speed on the
currently engaged gear is reached and you
continue to accelerate, the automatic
178Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

transmission automatically shifts up in
order to prevent engine damage.
XTo shift down:pull on the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter
(Ypage 177).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
iIf the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
iAutomatic down shifting occurs when
coasting.
Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The
recommended gear is shown in the
multifunction display.
XShift to recommended gearDaccording
to gearshift recommendationCwhen
shown in the multifunction display of the
instrument cluster.
Deactivating
If you have activated manual drive program
M, it will remain active for a certain amount
of time. Under certain conditions the
minimum amount of time is extended, e.g. in
the case of lateral acceleration, during an
overrun phase or when driving on steep
terrain.
If manual drive programMhas been
deactivated, the automatic transmission
shifts into the automatic drive program that
was last selected.
You can also deactivate manual drive
programMyourself:
XPull on the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter and hold it in place
(Ypage 177).
or
XUse the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or
XAMG vehicles:use the program selector
button to change the drive program
(Ypage 177).
Manual drive programMis deactivated.
The automatic transmission switches into
the automatic drive program that was last
selected, i.e.EorS.
or
XVehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package:use the selector
wheel to switch to the on-road program
(Ypage 253) or the off-road program
(Ypage 258).
Manual drive program
General information
In this drive program, you can permanently
change gear yourself by using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must
be in positionD.
iAs well as this permanent drive program
M, you can also activate temporary drive
programM(Ypage 178).
Switching on the manual drive program
In manual drive programM, you can change
gear using the steering wheel paddle shifters
if the transmission is in positionD. You can
see the currently selected drive program and
which gear is engaged in the multifunction
display.
Automatic transmission179
Driving and pa rking
Z

XAMG vehicles:press the program selector
button (Ypage 177) untilMappears in the
multifunction display.
XVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package:press the program selector
button (Ypage 177).
The letterMappears in the multifunction
display.
Shifting up (all vehicles except AMG
vehicles)
XIf corresponding gearshift
recommendationCappears in the
multifunction display on the instrument
cluster, pull on the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (Ypage 177).
The automatic transmission shifts to
recommended gearD.
Shifting up (AMG vehicles)
!In manual drive programM, the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
CGear indicator
DUpshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the
multifunction display.
XIf the color in the speedometer
multifunction display changes to red and
theUPUPdisplay message is shown, shift up
a gear.
Downshifting
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 177).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Maximum acceleration
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter until the transmission selects the
optimum gear according to the speed.
iIf you slow down or stop without shifting
down, the automatic transmission
automatically shifts down.
Kickdown
You can also use kickdown for maximum
acceleration in manual drive programM.
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
XShift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
iAll vehicles (except AMG vehicles):if
you apply full throttle, the automatic
transmission shifts up to the next gear
when the maximum engine speed is
180Automatic transmission
Driving and pa rking

XPress DEF refill bottleCtowards the filler
neck.
The DEF tank is filled. This may take up to
one minute.
iWhen DEF refill bottleCis no longer
pressed, filling stops and the bottle may be
taken off again after being only partially
emptied.
XRelease DEF refill bottleC.
XTurn DEF refill bottleCcounter-clockwise
and remove it.
XScrew the protective cap onto DEF refill
bottleCagain.
DEF refill bottles can be obtained at many gas
stations or at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Refill bottles without a threaded cap
do not provide overfill protection. DEF may
leak if overfilled. Mercedes Benz offers
special refill bottles with a threaded seal.
These are available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Closing the DEF filler cap
XMount DEF filler capDon the filler neck
and turn it clockwise.
XTo close the fuel filler flap, press it in the
direction of arrowC.
XDrive faster than 10 mph (16 km/h).
TheCheck Additive See Operator'sCheck Additive See Operator's
ManualManualmessage goes out after
approximately one minute.
iIf theCheck Additive SeeCheck Additive See
Operator's ManualOperator's Manualmessage continues
to be shown in the multifunction display,
you must add more DEF.
Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable
materials come into contact with parts of the
vehicle which are hot. Take particular care not
to park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields.
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking positionP.
Rstart the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle
equipment and become trapped. 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 unsupervised in the vehicle.
!Always secure the vehicle correctly
against rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle
or its drivetrain could be damaged.
188Parking
Driving and parking

iEnsure that you do not depress the
accelerator pedal unintentionally.
Otherwise the parking brake will be
released and the vehicle will start to move.
Emergency braking
XWhile driving, push handleCof the electric
parking brake.
The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency by using the electric parking
brake.
iThe vehicle is braked for as long as the
handle of the electric parking brake is
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
Ra warning tone sounds
RtheRelease Parking BrakeRelease Parking Brakemessage
appears
Rthe redI(USA only) or$(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a
standstill, the electric parking brake is
engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
XConnecting a trickle charger.
iYou can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication
equipment while driving, you will be
distracted from traffic conditions. You could
also lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk
of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are driving. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h) the vehicle covers
Drivingtips191
Driving an d parking
Z

bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and other assemblies.
!Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle's electronics and interior
equipment.
REstablish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
RVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select the highest possible vehicle level.
RShift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
RAvoid high engine speeds.
REnter and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
RDrive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
RDo not stop.
RWater offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
REnsure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
RClean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
RApply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Always observe the fording depth values
(Ypage 454).
Winter driving
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to positionN.
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package:if driving in snow or with snow
chains, select the snow program
(Ypage 255) with the off-road program
selector wheel in the center console.
iVehicles with a diesel engine:do not
cover the radiator, e.g. with a protective
cover. The measuring function of the
onboard diagnosis system may otherwise
provide inaccurate values. Some of these
values are required by law and must
therefore always be accurate.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. You
should pay special attention to road
196Driving tips
Driving and parking

XClean the wheels, wheel housings and the
vehicle underside with a water jet; check
for any foreign objects and damage.
XCheck whether twigs or other parts of
plants have become trapped. These
increase the risk of fire and can damage
fuel pipes, brake hoses or the rubber
bellows of the axle joints and propeller
shafts.
XAfter the trip, examine without fail the
entire undercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes,
bodywork structure, steering, chassis and
exhaust system for damage.
XAfter driving for extended periods across
sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty
conditions, have the brake discs, wheels,
brake pads/linings and axle joints checked
and cleaned.
XIf you detect strong vibrations after off-road
travel, check for foreign objects in the
wheels and drive train and remove them if
necessary. Foreign objects can disturb the
balance and cause vibrations.
Driving over rough terrain places greater
demands on your vehicle than driving on
normal roads. After driving off-road, check
the vehicle. This allows you to detect damage
promptly and reduce the risk of an accident
to yourself and other road users.
Driving on sand
Observe the following rules when driving on
sand:
RVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package:select off-road program 1
(Ypage 258).
RVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select a raised vehicle level.
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RUse the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter to shift to a lower gear appropriate
to the terrain.
RDrive quickly to overcome the rolling
resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's wheels
could become stuck in loose ground.
RDrive in the tracks of other vehicles if
possible. Make sure that:
-the tire ruts are not too deep.
-the sand is sufficiently firm.
-the ground clearance of the vehicle is
sufficient.
Tire ruts and gravel roads
!Check that the ruts are not too deep and
that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged
or bottom out and get stuck.
Observe the following rules when driving
along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with
loose gravel:
RVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select a raised vehicle level.
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
RDrive slowly.
RWhere ruts are too deep, drive with the
wheels of one side on the center grassy
area, if possible.
Driving over obstacles
!Obstacles could damage the floor of the
vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask
passengers for guidance when driving over
large obstacles. The passenger should
always keep a safe distance from the
vehicle when doing so in order to avoid
injury as a result of unexpected vehicle
movements. After driving off-road or over
obstacles, check the vehicle for possible
damage, especially to the underbody and
the components of the chassis.
Driving tips199
Driving and pa rking
Z

Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other
obstacles:
RSelect the LOW RANGE (Ypage 259) off-
road gear.
RRaise the vehicle level.
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
RDrive very slowly.
RDrive straight over the center of obstacles.
Traveling uphill
Approach/departure angle
GWARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle.
RObserve the rules on off-road driving.
RDo not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines
or gradients, but instead follow the direct
line of fall. The maximum gradient-climbing
capability of your vehicle is 100%, which
corresponds to an approach/departure
angle of 45°. Note that the climbing ability
of your vehicle depends on the terrain
conditions.
RWhen driving down an incline, make use of
the engine's braking effect. Observe the
engine speed; do not overrev the engine.
RBefore driving on extreme uphill and
downhill gradients, select the LOW RANGE
off-road gear (Ypage 259).
RDrive slowly.
RAvoid high engine speeds. Drive at
appropriate engine speeds (maximum
3,000 rpm).
RUse the left-hand paddle shifter to shift into
a lower gear in good time on long and steep
downhill gradients.
RCheck the brakes after prolonged off-road
driving.
iHill start assist will aid you when pulling
away on a hill.
For further information about hill start
assist, see (Ypage 171).
Do not switch to transmission positionN
when driving off-road. If you try to brake the
vehicle using the service brake, you could
lose control of the vehicle. If the gradient is
too steep for your vehicle, drive back down in
reverse gear.
Always observe the approach/departure
angle values (Ypage 455).
Maximum gradient-climbing capability
Always observe the maximum gradient
climbing ability values (Ypage 455).
Hilltops
When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly
reduce pressure on the accelerator
immediately before reaching the brow of the
hill. Use the vehicle's own impetus to drive
over the top of the hill.
This style of driving prevents:
Rthe vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
brow of a hill
Rthe vehicle from traveling too quickly down
the other side
200Driving tips
Driving and parking

height if the chassis is raised. There is a risk
of an accident.
Adjust the vehicle level before pulling away.
GWARNING
Due to the high center of gravity, the vehicle
may start to skid and roll over in the event of
an abrupt steering maneuver and/or when
the vehicle's speed is not adapted to the road
conditions. There is a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to
the vehicle's driving characteristics and to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
!When driving on extremely rough terrain,
select a high vehicle level in good time.
Make sure there is always sufficient ground
clearance. You will otherwise damage the
vehicle.
RUtility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle safely may
result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.
RIn a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt.
You and all vehicle occupants should
always wear your seat belts.
Basic settings
The extent to which the vehicle is raised or
lowered depends on the basic setting
selected.
Select:
Rhighway/high-speed level for driving on
normal roads
Roff-road level 1 for driving on easily
negotiable off-road terrain
Roff-road level 2 for driving on normal off-
road terrain
Roff-road level 3 for freeing the vehicle in
particularly rough terrain at low speeds
only
The individual vehicle levels differ from
highway level as follows:
Rhighway level: +/–0 in (+/–0 mm)
Rhigh-speed level: –0.6 in (–15 mm)
Roff-road level 1: + 1.2 in (+ 30 mm)
Roff-road level 2: + 2.3 in (+ 60 mm)
Roff-road level 3: + 3.6 in (+ 90 mm)
Highway/high-speed level
!Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being
lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground,
damaging the underbody.
CSelector wheel
DTo raise the level