engine MERCEDES-BENZ GL SUV 2009 Repair Manual

Running-in notes
............................... 172
Refuelling ........................................... 172
Engine compartment ........................174
Tyres and wheels .............................. 179
Winter driving ................................... 185
Driving tips ........................................ 186
Off-road driving ................................. 188
Driving abroad ................................... 193
Trailer towing* .................................. 193
Service ............................................... 199
Care .................................................... 201 171Operation
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Running-in notes
The first 1,500 km
G
Risk of accident
New brake pads/linings only have optimal
braking performance after several hundred
kilometres. Until then, compensate for this by
applying greater force to the brake pedal. This
also applies when brake pads/linings or
brake discs have been changed.
If you treat the engine with sufficient care
from the very start, you will be rewarded with
excellent performance for the remainder of
the engine's life.
R Therefore, you should drive at varying road
and engine speeds for the first 1,500 km.
R Avoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full throt-
tle, during this time. Do not exceed 2
/ 3 of
the maximum permissible engine speed for
each gear.
R Change gear in good time.
R Do not shift down a gear manually in order
to brake.
R try to avoid depressing the accelerator
pedal beyond the pressure point (kick-
down).
R only use ranges 3,2or 1for slow driving,
e.g. in mountainous terrain.
After 1,500 km, you may gradually bring the
vehicle up to full road and engine speeds.
i These running-in instructions must also
be observed if you have the engine, the dif-
ferenial gear or the front axle differential of
your vehicle replaced. Refuelling
Refuelling
G
Risk of explosion
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames
and smoking are therefore prohibited when
handling fuels.
Switch off the engine and the auxiliary heat-
ing* before refuelling. G
Risk of injury
Avoid any contact with fuels.
You can damage your health if your skin
comes into direct contact with fuel or if you
inhale fuel vapours. G
Risk of fire
Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a die-
sel engine. Never mix diesel with petrol. This
causes damage to the fuel system and engine
and could result in the vehicle catching fire.
! Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a petrol engine. Even a small
quantity of the wrong fuel will damage the
fuel system and engine. Damage resulting
from adding the wrong fuel is not covered
by the implied warranty.
! Do not start the engine if you accidentally
refuel with the wrong fuel. Otherwise, the
fuel could enter the fuel lines. This would
require draining of the fuel tank and fuel
lines. Notify a qualified specialist workshop
and have the fuel tank and fuel lines
drained completely.
When you open or close the vehicle with the
key or KEYLESS GO*, the fuel filler flap is
automatically unlocked or locked.
The position of the fuel filler cap is to the rear
on the right. The position of the fuel filler cap
is displayed in the instrument cluster 8.172
RefuellingOperation
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The arrow next to the filling pump indicates
the side of the vehicle.
:
To open the fuel filler flap
; To insert the fuel filler cap
= Fuel type
? Tyre pressure table
X To open: press the fuel filler flap in the
direction of arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.
X Open the fuel filler flap.
X Turn the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and
remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap ;.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
X To close: replace the fuel filler cap and turn
it clockwise. The fuel filler cap audibly
engages.
X Close the fuel filler flap. Petrol (EN 228)
! Refuel using only unleaded, sulphur-free
premium grade petrol with a minimum
octane number of 95 RON/85 MON con-
forming to European standard EN 228.
Otherwise, you could impair engine output
or damage the engine. i
As a temporary measure, only when the
recommended fuel is not available, you
may also use regular unleaded petrol,
91 RON/82.5 MON. This may reduce
engine performance and increase fuel con-
sumption. Avoid driving at full throttle.
In some countries, the quality of the avail-
able fuel may not be adequate and could
cause coking around the inlet valve. In such
cases, and in consultation with a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre, the petrol
may be mixed with the additive recommen-
ded by Mercedes-Benz (part no.
A000989254510). You must observe the
notes and mixing ratios specified on the
container.
Further information on "Fuel" (Y page 287). Diesel (EN 590, DIN 51628)
G
Risk of fire
Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a die-
sel engine. Never mix diesel with petrol. This
causes damage to the fuel system and engine
and could result in the vehicle catching fire.
! Refuel using only diesel which conforms
to European standard EN 590 or German
standard DIN 51628. Otherwise, you could
impair engine output or damage the engine.
! When refuelling vehicles with a diesel par-
ticulate filter in countries outside the EU,
only low-sulphur Euro diesel with less than
0.005 percent sulphur content by weight
(50 ppm) should be used.
! In countries in which diesel with a higher
sulphur content is available, the engine oil
should be renewed at more frequent inter-
vals. More information about intervals for
changing the engine oil can be obtained
from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
! Using fuel that does not comply with the
EN 590 European standard or the Refuelling
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DIN 51628 German standard can lead to
increased wear, engine damage and dam-
age to the exhaust system.
Do not use the following:
R marine diesel
R heating oil
R bio-diesel
R vegetable oil
R petrol
R paraffin
R kerosene
Do not add such fuels to diesel fuel and do
not use any special additives (exception:
flow improvers – see "Low outside temper-
atures").
Damage caused by the use of unapproved
fuels or additives is not covered by the
implied warranty.
Further information on "Fuel" (Y page 287).
Low outside temperatures The flow properties of diesel may be inade-
quate at low ambient temperatures.
Diesel fuel with improved cold flow qualities
is available during the winter months. In
Europe, various climate-dependent low-tem-
perature classes are defined in EN 590. Using
diesel fuels which meet the climatic require-
ments set out in EN 590 can help avoid oper-
ating problems. The flow properties of diesel
fuel may be inadequate at unusually low out-
side temperatures or when using fuel which
has not been adjusted to climatic conditions
(e.g. diesel fuels from Mediterranean
regions).
Flow improver
Flow improvers may be added to improve low-
temperature resistance. The effectiveness of
a flow improver is not guaranteed with every
fuel.
Correct dosage and mixing are decisive fac-
tors in ensuring improvement in low-temper- ature resistance. Under certain circumstan-
ces, an excessive dosage may actually
decrease low-temperature resistance, and
should therefore be avoided (follow the man-
ufacturer's dosing instructions).
Mix the additive with the diesel in good time,
before the flow properties of the diesel
become inadequate. Otherwise, malfunctions
can only be rectified by heating the entire fuel
system, e.g. by parking the vehicle in a heated
garage.
Observe the information provided by the man-
ufacturer when using a flow improver. Only
use flow improvers that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain
further information from any Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
Engine compartment
Bonnet
G
Risk of accident
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. If you do so, the bonnet may open
up and block your view.
Opening G
Risk of injury
There is a risk of injury if the bonnet is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Owner’s Manual
and observe the relevant safety notes. G
Risk of injury
The radiator fan between the radiator and the
engine can start automatically, even if the key
has been removed from the ignition lock. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. Otherwise, you could be
injured. 174
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Vehicles with a petrol engine:
The electronic ignition system uses high volt-
age. For this reason, you must never touch
ignition system components (ignition coil,
ignition cable, spark plug connector or test
socket) while:
R the engine is running.
R the engine is being started.
R the ignition is switched on and the engine
is being cranked by hand.
You could otherwise suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured.
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
The electronic injection control uses high volt-
age. For this reason, you must never touch
injection system components while:
R the engine is running.
R the engine is being started.
R the ignition is switched on.
You could otherwise suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured.
X Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off. G
Risk of injury
The windscreen wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the bonnet is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windscreen wiper is
switched off. Remove the key or make sure
that no ignition level has been selected on
KEYLESS GO *. Inthe instrument cluster, all of
the indicator lamps must be out. The bonnet release lever is located in the
driver's footwell. X
Pull bonnet release lever :.
The bonnet is released.
! Make sure that the windscreen wipers
are not folded away from the windscreen.
Otherwise, you could damage the wind-
screen wipers or the bonnet.
The handle for opening the bonnet is located
above the radiator grille. X
Reach into the gap, pull bonnet catch han-
dle ;up and lift the bonnet.
Closing G
Risk of injury
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you close the bonnet.
X Lower the bonnet and let it fall from a
height of approximately 20 cm.
X Check that the bonnet has engaged prop-
erly. Engine compartment
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i
If the bonnet can be raised slightly, it is
not properly engaged. Open it again and
close it with a little more force. Engine oil
Depending on driving style, the vehicle con-
sumes up to 0.8 l oil per 1,000 km. The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Checking the engine oil level Before checking the engine oil level the fol-
lowing conditions for the vehicle should be
met:
R the vehicle should be parked on level
ground.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least 30 minutes if the engine is not at
operating temperature (i.e. if you only start
the engine briefly).
Using the on-board computer*
i Only possible on the GL 450 CDI 4MATIC.
On all other models, a dipstick is used to
check the engine oil level (Y page 177).
X Make sure that the key is in position
2(Y page 63) in the ignition lock.
X Press the &or* button to select the
following message: The measurement takes a few seconds. You
will see one of the following messages in the
multi-function display:
R
Engine oil level OK
R Add 1.0 litre to reach max. oil
level
R Add 1.5 litres to reach max. oil
level
R Add 2.0 litres to reach max. oil
level
X Top up the oil if necessary (Y page 177).
Other messages in the multi-function dis-
play
If the engine is at normal operating tempera-
ture and there is too much oil, you will see the
following message:
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level
X Have excess oil siphoned off.
! There is a risk of damage to the engine or
the catalytic converter if there is excess oil
in the engine.
If the Turn on ignition to see engine
oil level message appears:
X Turn the key to position 2(Y page 63) in
the ignition lock.
You will see the following message if you have
not observed the required waiting period:
Observe waiting period
X Repeat the measurement after about five
minutes if the engine is at normal operating
temperature.
X Repeat the measurement after about
30 minutes if the engine is not at normal
operating temperature (if the engine was
only started briefly).
The following message appears if the engine
is running:
Engine oil level Not when engine on
X Switch off the engine and wait for five
minutes if the engine is at normal operating 176
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temperature, or for about 30 minutes if the
engine is not at normal operating temper-
ature (if you had started the engine only
briefly), before measuring.
i If you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the *or& button on the multi-
function steering wheel.
Using the oil dipstick Vehicles with a petrol/diesel engine (example)
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the oil dipstick
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Insert oil dipstick :into the oil dipstick
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
The oil level is correct if the level is between
the minimum mark =and maximum
mark ;.
X Top up the oil if necessary.
Topping up the engine oil H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill
any. Oil must not be allowed to escape into
the soil or waterways. You would otherwise be
damaging the environment. Cap (example)
X
Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove.
X Top up with the amount of oil required
(Y page 289).
i The difference in quantity between the
minimum mark and maximum mark is
approximately 2 litres.
! Do not add too much oil. If too much oil
is added and the oil level is above the max-
imum mark on the dipstick, the engine or
catalytic converter could be damaged.
Have excess oil siphoned off.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 289). Coolant
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
X Turn the key to position 2(Y page 63) in
the ignition lock.
X Check the coolant temperature gauge in
the multi-function display. G
Risk of injury
The cooling system is pressurised. Therefore,
only unscrew the cap once the engine has Engine compartment
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cooled down. The coolant temperature gauge
must display less than 70 †. Otherwise, you
could be scalded if hot coolant escapes.
The coolant expansion tank is located in the
engine compartment on the left when viewed
in the direction of travel. X
Slowly turn cap :half a turn anti-clock-
wise and allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap :further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
There is sufficient coolant in expansion
tank ;if the coolant is level with marker
bar =in the filler neck when cold or
approximately 1.5 cm higher when hot.
X Top up as necessary with coolant which has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
X Replace cap :and tighten all the way to
the stop.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 291). Windscreen washer system/head-
lamp cleaning system*
The washer fluid reservoir for the windscreen
washer system and headlamp cleaning sys-
tem* is located in the engine compartment on the left-hand side when viewed in the
direction of travel.
i
Add windscreen washer concentrate to
the washer fluid all year round. G
Risk of fire
Windscreen washer fluid is highly flammable.
Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibi-
ted when handling washer fluid concentrate.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
X Mix the windscreen washer fluid in a con-
tainer beforehand.
X At temperatures above freezing:
Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water and windscreen washer concentrate
(e.g. MB SummerFit).
X At temperatures below freezing:
Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water, antifreeze additive and windscreen
washer concentrate (e.g. MB WinterFit).
Adapt the mixing ratio to the outside tem-
peratures.
X To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Top up with the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages. 178
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mum permissible speed for the winter tyres
(Y page 128).
Once you have fitted the winter tyres:
X Check the tyre pressures (Y page 180).
X Restart the tyre pressure moni-
tor* (Y page 183). G
Risk of accident
If you fit the spare wheel* when driving with
winter tyres, bear in mind that driving stability
will be impaired owing to unstable cornering
characteristics caused by the different tyres.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
and drive carefully.
Have the spare wheel* replaced at the near-
est 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 par-
ticular, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems must be carried out at a quali-
fied specialist workshop. Snow chains
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use snow chains which
have been specially approved for your vehicle
by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a corresponding
standard of quality.
! Do not drive in ADS SPORTmode when
driving with snow chains fitted.
If you intend to fit snow chains, please bear
the following points in mind:
R you may not attach snow chains to all
wheel-tyre combinations; see the "Tyres and wheels" section in the "Technical data"
chapter.
R snow chains must not be fitted to emer-
gency spare wheels, e.g. a "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel.
R Fit snow chains only in pairs and only to the
rear wheels. Comply with the manufactur-
er's installation instructions.
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 km/h.
i You may wish to deactivate ESP ®
when
pulling away with snow chains fitted
(Y page 51). This way, you can allow the
wheels to spin in a controlled manner, ach-
ieving an increased driving force (cutting
action). Winter driving
G
Risk of accident
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid.
You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion, steering and braking manoeuvres.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the selector lever to N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control by
using corrective steering. Driving tips
Rolling with the engine switched off
G
Risk of accident
Never switch the engine off while the vehicle
is in motion.
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the service brake when the engine is not
running. 186
Driving tipsOperation
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You will require considerably more effort to
steer and brake and you could therefore lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Brakes
G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. G
Risk of accident
Make sure that other road users are not
endangered by your braking.
Downhill gradients On long and steep downhill gradients, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must select shift range 1,2or 3in good
time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic*.
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.
Heavy and light loads If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the air-
flow to cool the brakes more quickly. 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. If the brakes have been used only moderately,
you should occasionally test their effective-
ness. To do this, brake more firmly from a
higher speed. This improves the grip of the
brakes.
Wet roads If driving in heavy rain for a prolonged period
of time without braking, there may be a
delayed reaction from the brakes when brak-
ing for the first time. You must brake harder.
You must therefore maintain a greater dis-
tance from the vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet surface, brake firmly
while paying attention to the traffic condi-
tions. This way the brake discs will become
warm, drying more quickly, which will protect
them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salted
roads
G
Risk of accident
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly lon-
ger braking distance, which could lead to an
accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without put-
ting other road users at risk, when you are
driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake disc. Driving tips
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