ESP MERCEDES-BENZ GL SUV 2009 Repair Manual

You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 297).
The maximum drawbar load of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 140 kg. How-
ever, the actual noseweight must not exceed
the value given on the trailer coupling or
trailer identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do
not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
When towing a trailer, where possible set the
tyre pressures for the permissible gross
weight which you find in the table on the
inside of your vehicle's fuel filler flap (higher
values).
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 51).
In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on
the type of trailer and is either 80 km/h or
100 km/h. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. G
Risk of accident
Always observe the maximum speed permit-
ted in Germany for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions, even in countries where higher speeds
are permitted. This lowers the risk of an acci-
dent. When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1,2or 3in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Distronic* or Speedtronic.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely.
Driving tips
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The 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- Trailer towing*
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G
Risk of accident
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:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
coupling can be found at (Y page 203).Trailer power supply
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's
trailer socket outlet is equipped with a per-
manent power supply and a power supply that
is switched on via the ignition lock.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
The power supply that is switched on via the
ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket
pin 10.
! You can connect consumers with a power
rating of up to 240 W to the permanent
power supply and up to 180 W to the power
supply that is switched on via the ignition
lock.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer's turn signal lamps are only guar-
anteed to function when bulbs are used.
You can obtain further information about
installing the trailer electrics from a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
X To switch the connected power supply
on or off: turn the key in the ignition lock
to position 2or 0, respectively. Trailer with 7-pin connector
If your trailer has a 7-pin connector, you can
connect it to the 13-pin socket on the ball
coupling using an adapter or, if necessary, an
adapter cable. Both of these can be obtained
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Fitting the adapter X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert connector with lug :into
groove ;on the socket and turn the con-
nector clockwise to the stop.
X Make the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties.
! Make sure that there is sufficient cable
play so that the cable cannot become
detached when cornering. Service
ASSYST PLUS service interval display
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
The service due date is shown in the multi-
function display, for example:
Service A in .. days
Service A in .. km
Service A due now
The letter indicates how much time the work-
shop will require to carry out the service work. Service
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Care
Care and cleaning products
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use only care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
and do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces and protective
films with hard objects, e.g. rings or ice
scrapers. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging, cleaning cloths
and polishing wads in an environmentally
responsible manner.
! Do not park the vehicle for a long period
of time directly after cleaning, especially if
the wheels have just been cleaned with a
wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
rapid corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. After cleaning, park
the vehicle when it is at normal operating
temperature. Exterior care
Automatic car wash G
Risk of accident
The efficiency of the brakes is reduced after
using an automatic car wash. This could cause
an accident. For this reason, following a car
wash, drive with particular care until the
brakes are dry. You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the beginning.
!
Do not wash vehicles with an exterior
spare wheel bracket* in an automatic car
wash.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. There is otherwise a risk of dam-
age to the exterior mirrors.
! When washing your vehicle in a tow-
through car wash, make sure that the auto-
matic transmission is in position N, other-
wise the vehicle could be damaged.
R Vehicles with a key:
Do not remove the key from the ignition
lock. Do not open the driver's or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off, as this automatically shifts
the automatic transmission to park posi-
tion Pand locks the wheels, unless you
have previously shifted the automatic
transmission to N.
R Vehicles with KEYLESS GO*:
Do not open the driver's or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off, as this shifts the automatic
transmission to park position Pand locks
the wheels.
! Make sure that the side windows are com-
pletely closed, that the ventilation/heater
blower is fully turned off and that the wind-
screen wiper switch is set to 0. Otherwise,
the rain/light sensor may be activated, trig-
gering unintended wiper movements. This
could cause damage to the vehicle.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax and drying agents from the windscreen
and the wiper blades. This will prevent smears
and reduce wiping noises caused by residue
on the windscreen. Care
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!
Do not clean the ball coupling with a high-
pressure cleaner. Do not use solvents. :
Ball neck head
; Locking balls
= Guide pin
? Guide faces
A Release lever
B Protective cap
X After cleaning, lightly oil or grease posi-
tions :toB and the ball coupling recess
of the vehicle.
X Treat the lock under protective cap Bwith
an acid and resin-free oil.
X Check that the vehicle's trailer coupling is
working properly.
! Observe the note on care provided by the
trailer manufacturer.
i Maintenance of the ball coupling and
trailer coupling can also be performed by
any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. H
Environmental note
Dispose of oily and greasy cloths in an envi-
ronmentally-responsible manner. Interior care
Cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard G
Risk of injury
When cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard, do not use cockpit sprays or
cleaning agents containing solvents. Cleaning
agents containing solvents cause the surface
to become porous, and as a result plastic
parts may break away and be thrown around
the interior when an airbag is deployed which
may result in severe injuries.
X Wipe the dashboard and steering wheel
boss with a damp, lint-free cloth (e.g. a
microfibre cloth) and cleaning agent.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the COMAND display X
Before cleaning the display, make sure that
it is switched off and has cooled down.
X Clean the display surface using a commer-
cially-available microfibre cloth and TFT/
LCD display cleaner.
X Dry the display surface using a dry micro-
fibre cloth.
! For cleaning, do not use any of the fol-
lowing:
R alcohol-based solvents or petrol
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household clean-
ing agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not exert pressure when cleaning the dis-
play surface as this may lead to irreversible
damage.
Cleaning the seat covers !
Do not use microfibre cloths to clean gen-
uine leather, artificial leather or 204
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A
Velcro fastener
B Jack
C Wheel bolts
D Folding wheel chock
E Fuse allocation chart
F Stowage well
G Warning triangle
Removing the "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel* X
Remove the warning triangle and jack.
X Turn emergency spare wheel retainer :
anti-clockwise and remove it.
X Remove the insert.
X Remove the "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel. Display messages
Notes
G
Risk of accident
The on-board computer only records and dis-
plays malfunctions and warnings from certain
systems. For this reason, you should always
make sure that your vehicle is safe to use. You
could otherwise cause an accident by driving
an unsafe vehicle.
Certain display messages are accompanied
by a warning tone or a continuous tone.
The multi-function display shows high-priority
display messages in red. Please respond in accordance with the dis-
play messages and follow the additional
notes in this Owner's Manual. G
Risk of accident
No further messages can be displayed if the
instrument cluster and/or the multi-function
display fails.
This means that you will not see information
about the driving situation, such as the speed,
outside temperature, warning/indicator
lamps, display messages or system failures.
The vehicle's handling characteristics may be
affected. Adjust your driving style and speed
accordingly.
Immediately consult a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that
you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for
this purpose. In particular, work relevant to
safety or on safety-related systems must be
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Calling up display messages The on-board computer saves certain display
messages, which you can call up.
X
Press VorU on the steering wheel
repeatedly, until either the original menu or
the message memory menu is shown.
If there are display messages, the multi-
function display shows, e.g. 2 messages.
X Using &or* scroll through the dis-
play messages.
Hiding display messages You cannot hide display messages of the
highest priority. The multi-function display
shows these messages continuously until
their causes have been remedied.
Use the buttons on the multi-function steer-
ing wheel.
X
Use the V,U,&or* button
on the steering wheel to select another dis-
play. Display messages
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The following tables contain all the display
messages. Text messages
G
Risk of accident and injury
The operating safety of your vehicle could be compromised if service work is carried out improp-
erly. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. Safety systems may also not
be able to protect you or others as intended.
Always have maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. The workshop must
have the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the work required. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose. In particular,
work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions 120 km/h Maximum
speed
exceeded
The maximum speed has been exceeded
32
.
X Drive more slowly. ABS ABS, ESP
unavaila‐
ble See
Owner's
Manual
G
Risk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are temporarily
unavailable. The self diagnosis function might not be com-
plete, for example.
BAS (Brake Assist) is also deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
the functions listed above.
X Carefully drive a short, gently winding stretch of road at a
speed above 20 km/h.
If the display message disappears, ABS and ESP ®
are avail-
able again. G
Risk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are unavailable due
to undervoltage. BAS has also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
the functions listed above.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 32
Only for certain countries. 212
Display messagesPractical advice
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions ABS ABS, ESP
inopera‐
tive See
Owner's
Manual
G
Risk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are unavailable due
to a malfunction. BAS has also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
the functions listed above.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Refill
AdBlue at
workshop See Own‐
er's Man‐
ual
The AdBlue
®
level has fallen below the reserve range. A warn-
ing tone also sounds.
X Have the AdBlue ®
reservoir filled as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop. Refill
AdBlue at
workshop No start
in: XXXX
km
The AdBlue
®
level is only sufficient for the indicated route. A
warning tone also sounds.
X Have the AdBlue ®
reservoir filled as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop. Refill
AdBlue at
workshop Engine
start not
possible
The AdBlue
®
tank is empty. A warning tone also sounds. You
can no longer start the engine.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Check
AdBlue See Own‐
er's Man‐
ual
The AdBlue
®
system is malfunctioning. A warning tone also
sounds.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. AdBlue No start
in: XXXX
km
The AdBlue
®
system is malfunctioning. A warning tone also
sounds.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. AdBlue Engine
start not
possible
The AdBlue
®
system is malfunctioning. A warning tone also
sounds. You can no longer start the engine.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Auxiliary
battery Malfunc‐
tion The auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no lon-
ger being charged.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop at the next opportunity.
X Until then, set the automatic transmission to position P
before you switch off the engine.
X Before leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake. Display
messages
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions DISTRONIC - - - km/h
An activation condition for Distronic* is not fulfilled.
X
If conditions permit, drive faster than 30 km/h and store
the speed (Y page 119).
or
X Check the activation conditions for Dis-
tronic* (Y page 119). DISTRONIC Override
Distronic* is no longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.
X
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC inopera‐
tive
Distronic* is faulty or the display has failed.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. DISTRONIC currently
unavaila‐
ble See
Owner's
Manual
Distronic* is deactivated and is temporarily inoperative if:
R
the Distronic* cover in the radiator grille is dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the 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.
R the radar sensor system has not detected any vehicles or
stationary objects, e.g. traffic signs, for a long time.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
Distronic* becomes available again and the display message
disappears when:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while you are driving.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available
again.
R the system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be shown:
X Clean the Distronic* cover in the radiator grille
(Y page 203).
X Restart the engine. 214
Display
messagesPractical advice
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions ESP unavaila‐
ble See
Owner's
Manual
G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are temporarily unavail-
able. The self diagnosis function might not be complete, for
example. BAS has also been deactivated.
X Carefully drive a short, gently winding stretch of road at a
speed above 20 km/h.
If the display message disappears, ESP ®
is available again. G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
and therefore also BAS and PRE-SAFE ®
are unavailable
due to undervoltage.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
the functions listed above.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. If the display message is shown during the journey and the
d
warning lamp is flashing, then 4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) is deactivated. Otherwise, the brakes on the drive
wheels could overheat.
X Let the brakes cool down until the display message disap-
pears and the dwarning lamp goes out.
4ETS is activated again. ESP inopera‐
tive See
Owner's
Manual
G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
and therefore also Brake Assist and PRE-SAFE ®
are
unavailable due to a malfunction. The dwarning lamp also
lights up in the instrument cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
the functions listed above.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Select
position P only when
vehicle
is at a
standstill The vehicle is moving.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely, paying attention to
road and traffic conditions.
X Move the selector lever to P.Vehicle not in
position P The driver's door is open and the automatic transmission is
in position R,Nor D.
X Move the selector lever to P.
X Engage the parking brake. Display
messages
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions Child
seat in
wrong
position See Own‐
er's Man‐
ual
G
Risk of injury
Vehicles with automatic child seat recognition *on the front-
passenger seat: the child seat is incorrectly positioned.
X Fit the child seat in the correct position. G
Risk of injury
Vehicles with automatic child seat recognition* on the front-
passenger seat: the child seat recognition sensor is faulty.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Compass unavaila‐
ble
The compass* is malfunctioning.
X
Have the compass* checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop. Compass - - -
The compass* is not calibrated.
X
Calibrate the compass* (Y page 167).Compass - - -
The compass* is malfunctioning because of exterior interfer-
ence.
As soon as the source of the interference has been removed:
X
Turn the key to position 0in the ignition lock and remove
it.
X Wait until the total distance recorder has disappeared from
the multi-function display.
X Calibrate the compass* (Y page 167).No Service Your vehicle is outside the network provider transmitter/
receiver range.
X
Wait until the operational readiness symbol appears in the
multi-function display (Y page 111).Drive to
workshop without
changing
gear You cannot change the transmission position due to a mal-
function.
If transmission position
Dis selected:
X Drive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the
transmission from position D.
If transmission position R,Nor Pis selected:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 216
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