brake MERCEDES-BENZ GL 2014 Manual Online

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

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

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

Dialing a number from the phone book
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theTelTelmenu.
XPress thec,dorvbutton to
switch to the phone book.
XPress thecordbutton to select the
desired name.
or
XTo begin rapid scrolling:press and hold
thecordbutton for longer than
one second.
Rapid scrolling stops when you release the
button or reach the end of the list.
XIf only one telephone number is stored
for a name:press theaorvbutton
to start dialing.
or
XIf there is more than one number for a
particular name:press theaorv
button to display the numbers.
XPress thecordbutton to select the
number you want to dial.
XPress theaorvbutton to start
dialing.
or
XTo exit the telephone book:press the
vor8button.
Redialing
The on-board computer saves the last names
or numbers dialed in the redial memory.
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theTelTelmenu.
XPress theabutton to switch to the
redial memory.
XPress thecordbutton to select the
desired name or number.
XPress theaorvbutton to start
dialing.
or
XTo exit the redial memory:press the
vor8button.
Assistance menu
Introduction
In theDriveAssistDriveAssistmenu, you have the
following options:
RDisplaying the assistance graphic
(Ypage 280)
RActivating/deactivating the distance
warning function (Ypage 281)
RActivating/deactivating PRE-SAFE®Brake
(Ypage 281)
RActivating/deactivating ATTENTION
ASSIST (Ypage 281)
RActivating/deactivating Blind Spot Assist
or Active Blind Spot Assist (Ypage 281)
RActivating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist
(Ypage 282)
Displaying the assistance graphic
XPressYoreon the steering wheel
to select theDriveAssistDriveAssistmenu.
XPresscordto selectAssistanceAssistance
GraphicGraphic.
XPress thevbutton.
The multifunction display shows the
DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the
assistance graphic (Ypage 210).
The assistance graphic can display the status
of and information from other driving systems
or driving safety systems.
The assistance graphic shows:
Rthe

For further information on the automatic
locking feature, see (Ypage 88).
Activating/deactivating the acoustic
locking verification signal
If you switch on theAcousticAcousticLockLockfunction,
an acoustic signal sounds when you lock the
vehicle.
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theSett.Sett.menu.
XPressdorcto select theVehicleVehicle
submenu.
XPressvto confirm.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
Acoustic LockAcoustic Lockfunction.
If theAcousticAcousticLockLockfunction is activated,
the7symbol in the multifunction
display lights up orange.
XPress thevbutton to save the setting.
Activating/deactivating the radar sensor
system
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theSett.Sett.menu.
XPressdorcto select theVehicleVehicle
submenu.
XPressvto confirm.
XPress thecordbutton to select
Radar Sensor (See Oper. Manual):Radar Sensor (See Oper. Manual):.
You will see the selected setting:EnabledEnabled
orDisabledDisabled.
XPress thevbutton to save the setting.
The following systems are switched off when
the radar sensor system is deactivated:
RDISTRONIC PLUS (Ypage 203)
RBAS PLUS (Ypage 68)
RPRE-SAFE®Brake (Ypage 75)
RBlind Spot Assist (Ypage 243)
RActive Blind Spot Assist (Ypage 247)
Convenience submenu
Activating/deactivating the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature
GWARNING
When the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature adjusts
the steering wheel, you and other vehicle
occupants – particularly children – could
become trapped. There is a risk of injury.
While the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is
making adjustments, make sure that no one
has any body parts in the sweep of the
steering wheel.
If somebody becomes trapped:
Rpress one of the memory function position
buttons, or
Rmove the switch for steering wheel
adjustment in the opposite direction to that
in which the steering wheel is moving.
The adjustment process is stopped.
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theSettSettmenu.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
ConvenienceConveniencesubmenu.
XPressvto confirm.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
Easy Entry/Exit:Easy Entry/Exit:function.
If theEasy Entry/ExitEasy Entry/Exitfunction is
activated, the vehicle steering wheel is
displayed in orange in the multifunction
display.
XPress thevbutton to save the setting.
Further information on the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature (Ypage 121).
Switching the belt adjustment on/off
XPress theYorebutton on the
steering wheel to select theSett.Sett.menu.
XPress thedorcbutton to select the
ConvenienceConveniencesubmenu.
XPressvto confirm.
Menus and submenus285
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
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.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
I(USA
only)$(Canada
only)
Please ReleasePlease Release
Parking BrakeParking Brake
The redI(USA only)/$(Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and a warning tone sounds. A condition for automatic
release of the electric parking brake is not fulfilled (Ypage 189).
You are driving with the electric parking brake applied.
XRelease the electric parking brake manually.
The redI(USA only)/$(Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and a warning tone sounds.
You are using the electric parking brake for emergency braking
(Ypage 189).
I(USA
only)$(Canada
only)
Parking Brake SeeParking Brake See
Operator's ManualOperator's Manual
The yellow$warning lamp lights up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
To apply:
XSwitch the ignition off.
XPress the electric parking brake handle for at least ten seconds.
XShift the transmission toP.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The yellow$warning lamp and the redI(USA
only)/$(Canada only) indicator lamp light up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
To release:
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.
XRelease the electric parking brake manually.
or
XRelease the electric parking brake automatically (Ypage 189).
If the electric parking brake still cannot be released:
XDo not drive on.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
294Displaymessages
On-b oard computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The redI(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 redI(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 redI(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
On-b oard computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The yellow$warning lamp lights up. If you manually apply or
release the electric parking brake, the redI(USA
only)/$(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning. It is not possible to
apply the electric parking brake manually.
XShift the transmission toP.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I(USA
only)$(Canada
only)
Parking BrakeParking Brake
InoperativeInoperative
The yellow$warning lamp lights up. The redI(USA
only)/$(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about ten
seconds after the electric parking brake has been applied or
released. It then goes out or remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning, e.g. because of
overvoltage or undervoltage.
XRemove the cause for the overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging the battery or restarting the engine.
XEngage or release the electric parking brake.
If it remains impossible to apply or release the electric parking
brake:
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.
XEngage or release the electric parking brake.
If the electric parking brake still cannot be released:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The yellow$warning lamp lights up and the redI(USA
only)/$(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes.
It is not possible to apply the electric parking brake manually.
XShift the transmission toP.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I(USA
only)$(Canada
only)
Turn On theTurn On the
Ignition toIgnition to
Release theRelease the
Parking BrakeParking Brake
The redI(USA only)/$(Canada only) indicator lamp lights
up.
You attempted to release the electric parking brake while the
ignition was switched off.
XSmartKey:turn the SmartKey to position1in the ignition lock.
XKEYLESS-GO:switch on the ignition.
296Displaymessages
On-b oard computer and displays