trailer MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 2017 Owner's Guide

When overtaking, pay particular attention to the
extended length of your vehicle/trailer combi-
nation.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer combi-
nation, you require additional road space when
overtaking before you can change back to the
original lane.
If the automatic transmission repeatedly shifts
between gears on uphill or downhill gradients,
shift to a lower gear.
Driving in a lower gear and at a reduced speed
decreases the risk of engine damage.
If the coolant temperature increases signifi-
cantly when climate control is switched on,
switch climate control off.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by opening
the windows and switching the ventilation
blower and the interior temperature to the high-
est level.
Decoupling a trailer
G WARNING
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.
G WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your
limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under-
neath 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. X
Apply the vehicle's parking brake manually. X
Shift the transmission to position ] . X
Close all doors and the tailgate. X
Switch off the engine. X
Secure the vehicle and trailer against rolling
away. X
Remove the trailer cable. X
Remove the safety chains, if there are any. X
Uncouple the trailer.
Removing the ball coupling X
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. X
Press the protective cap into the ball coupling
recess. X
Make sure that the protective cap is firmly in
place.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 278)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
( Y
page 278).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch ( Y
page 316).
Trailer power supply
! Accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W can be connected to 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.
Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight specifications
The gross trailer weight is calculated as the
weight of the trailer plus the weight of the load
and the trailer's equipment.206
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" ( Y
page 371).
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that nei-
ther the permissible gross trailer weight nor
the permissible gross vehicle weight are
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification plate
on the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehi-
cle.
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 atten-
tion to the respective lowest values. R
The 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 indi-
cated on the identification plate on the B-pil-
lar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer load
where the trailer drawbar noseweight accounts
for 8% to 15% of the permissible gross trailer
weight.
Additional accessories, passengers and load
reduce the permissible trailer load and nose-
weight that your vehicle can tow.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
Have the towing vehicle, including the driver,
passengers and load, and completely loaded
trailer weighed on a suitable weighing
machine. This will allow you to ensure that the
weights of the towing vehicle and trailer com-
ply with the maximum permissible values. R
Check the gross axle weight rating of the front
and rear axles, the gross weight of the trailer
and trailer drawbar load. Towing a trailer 207
Driving and parking Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Fo r further information about th e Occupant Classification System, see
( Y
page 51) .
Lights Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
I Check Lef t Low Bea m
(Example) The bulb in question is malfunctioning .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
or X
Chec k whether you are permitte d to replace th e bulb yourself
( Y
page 116).
i LE D ligh t sources: th e display message for th e correspondin g
lamp only appear s when all th e LEDs in th e lamp hav e failed.
I Active Headlamps
Inoperative The active ligh t function is malfunctioning .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
I Malfunction See
Operator’ s Manual The exterio r lighting is malfunctioning .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
Vehicles wit h trailer to w hitch : a fus e may hav e blown .X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 154).X
Chec k th e fuses ( Y
page 333).X
If necessary, replace th e blown fuse. Observ e th e warning notes.
If th e display message remain s on show:X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
I Aut o Lam p Function
Inoperative The ligh t sensor is malfunctioning .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
I Switch Off Lights You leav e th e vehicl e and th e lights are switched on . A warning tone
also sounds. X
Turn th e ligh t switch to th e X position .
I Switch On Headlamps You are drivin g wit h low-beam headlamp s switched off .X
Turn th e ligh t switch to th e X or X position .Display messages 23 9
On-board computer and displays Z

Cleaning the rear view camera and 360°
camera
! Do not clean the camera lens and the area
around the rear view camera or 360° camera
with a power washer.
X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary. X
Turn the SmartKey to position G or H in the
ignition lock ( Y
page 132).
or X
Press the Start/Stop button once or twice on
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEYLESS-
GO start function ( Y
page 133).X
Open the camera cover for cleaning via the
multimedia system (see Digital Operator's
Manual). X
To clean the camera: use clean water and a
soft cloth to clean camera lens C .
When you switch off the ignition, the camera
cover closes automatically.
Cleaning the exhaust pipes
G WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of injury.
Always be particularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipe and the tail pipe trim. Allow
these components to cool down before touch-
ing them.
! Do not clean the exhaust pipe with acid-
based cleaning agents, such as bathroom
cleaner or wheel cleaner.
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. X
Clean the exhaust pipe with a care product
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch
H Environmental note
Dispose of rags soaked in oil and grease in an
environmentally responsible manner.
! 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. X
Remove rust on the ball, e.g. with a wire
brush. X
Remove dirt with a clean, lint-free cloth or a
brush. X
After cleaning, lightly oil or grease the ball
coupling. X
Check that the vehicle's trailer tow hitch is
working properly.
You 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: R
alcohol-based thinner or gasoline R
abrasive cleaning agents R
commercially-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 dam-
age to the display.316
Care
Maintenance and care

! Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recovery
or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, have the vehicle recovered using a
crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
! Shift the automatic transmission to position
\\ and do not open the driver's or front pas-
senger's door during towing. The automatic
transmission may otherwise shift to position
] , which could damage the transmission.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
! 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.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage,
have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position
\\ when the vehicle is being towed. If the auto-
matic transmission cannot be shifted to position
\\ , have the vehicle transported on a trans-
porter or trailer.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you: R
cannot turn the SmartKey to position H in
the ignition lock R
cannot release the electric parking brake R
cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position \\
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the
vehicle is towed ( Y
page 84). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle. Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
G WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be very hot. There is
a risk of burns when removing the rear cover.
Do not touch the exhaust pipe. Take particular
care when removing the rear cover.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
All other vehicles
The brackets for the screw-in towing eye are
located in the bumpers. They are at the rear and
at the front, under covers C .Towing and tow-starting 331
Breakdown assistance Z

X
Remove th e towin g eye from th e retainer
( Y
page 320).X
Mercedes-AM G vehicles: use a suitable
object, e.g. a screwdriver, to pry off cover C
on th e fron t bumper from underneath. Tak e
th e cover from th e opening , but do no t
remove it .
Press th e mar k on cover C on th e rear
bumper inward and remove .X
All other vehicles: press th e mar k on
cover C inward and remove .X
Screw in th e towin g eye clockwise as far as it
will go and tighten it .
Vehicles wit h a trailer to w hitch do no t hav e a
bracke t for th e screw-in towin g eye at th e back.
Connect th e towbar to th e trailer to w hitch
( Y
page 204).
Removing the towing eye X
Unscrew and remove th e towin g eye.X
Attac h cover C to th e bumper and press until
it engages.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground The automatic transmission automatically shifts
to position ] when you open th e driver' s or
front-passenger door or when you remove th e
SmartKey from th e ignition lock. It is essential to
observ e th e followin g steps to ensur e that th e
automatic transmission remain s in position \\
during towing. X
Mak e sur e that th e vehicl e is stationary.X
Turn th e SmartKey to position H in th e igni-
tion lock. X
Depress and hold th e brak e pedal .X
Shift th e automatic transmission to position
\\ .X
Leav e th e SmartKey in position H in th e igni-
tion lock. X
Releas e th e brak e pedal .X
Releas e th e electric parking brake.X
Switc h on th e hazard warning lamp s
( Y
page 113).
In order to signal a chang e of direction when
towin g th e vehicl e wit h th e hazard warning
lamp s switched on , use th e combination switch
as usual. In this case, only th e indicator lamp s for th e direction of travel flash. Afte r resetting
th e combination switch , th e hazard warning
lamp start s flashin g again .
Transporting the vehicle
General notes
! When th e vehicl e is loade d for transport, th e
fron t and rear axles mus t be stationary and on
th e sam e transportation vehicle. Positioning
ove r th e connection poin t of th e transpor t
vehicl e is no t permitted. The driv e train may
otherwise be damaged.
! You may only secure th e vehicl e by th e
wheels, no t by part s of th e vehicl e suc h as
axl e or steering components. Otherwise, th e
vehicl e could be damaged.
The towin g eye or trailer to w hitch can be used
to pull th e vehicl e onto a trailer or transporte r if
you wish to transpor t it .X
Turn th e SmartKey to position H in th e igni-
tion lock. X
Shift th e automatic transmission to position
\\ .
As soon as th e vehicle ha s been loaded:X
Preven t th e vehicl e from rollin g away by
applyin g th e electric parking brake. X
Shift th e automatic transmission to position
] . X
Turn th e SmartKey to position

Notes on 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away
with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear axle is
damaged, have the vehicle transported on a
truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P . To shift
the automatic transmission to position N , you
must provide power to the vehicle's electrical
system in the same way as when jump-starting
( Y
page 328).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or
trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be tow-started. You could otherwise dam-
age the automatic transmission.
i You can find information on "Jump-starting"
under ( Y
page 328).
Fuses
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher amper-
age, the electric cables could be overloaded.
This could result in a fire. There is a risk of an
accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of the
same rating, which you can recognize by the
color and value. The fuse ratings are listed in the
fuse allocation chart.
The fuse allocation chart is on the fuse box in the
cargo compartment ( Y
page 334). If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified special-
ist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
! Only use fuses that have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which have the
correct fuse rating for the system concerned.
Otherwise, components or systems could be
damaged.
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it is
lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture seep-
ing i n or dirt could otherwise impair the oper-
a
tion of the fuses.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the compo-
nents on the circuit and their functions stop
operating.
Before changing a fuse Observe the important safety notes
( Y
page 333) X
Switch off the engine. X
Switch off all electrical consumers. X
Make sure that the ignition is switched off
( Y
page 133).
or X
When using the SmartKey, turn the SmartKey
to position

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use snow chains that have
been specially approved for your vehicle by
Mercedes-Benz, or are of a corresponding
standard of quality. For more information,
please contact a qualified specialist workshop.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please bear
the following points in mind: R
Snow chains may not be mounted on all
wheel/tire combinations. Observe the infor-
mation regarding permitted wheel/tire com-
binations ( Y
page 360).R
Only use snow chains when driving on roads
completely covered by snow. Remove the
snow chains as soon as possible when you
come to a road that is not snow-covered. R
Local regulations may restrict the use of snow
chains. Observe the appropriate regulations if
you wish to mount snow chains. R
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 31 mph (50 km/h). R
On vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL, you
must only drive at raised vehicle level if snow
chains have been installed ( Y
page 173).R
When snow chains are installed, never use
Active Parking Assist ( Y
page 178).
You may wish to deactivate ESP ®
when pulling
away with snow chains installed: R
All vehicles (except Mercedes ‑ AMG vehicles)
( Y
page 70) R
Mercedes ‑ AMG vehicles ( Y
page 71)
You can thereby allow the wheels to spin in a
controlled manner, achieving an increased driv-
ing force (cutting action). Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Underinflated or overinflated tires pose the
following risks: R
the tires may burst, especially as the load
and vehicle speed increase. R
the tires may wear excessively and/or
unevenly, which may greatly impair tire
traction. R
the driving characteristics, as well as steer-
ing and braking, may be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures
and check the pressure of all the tires includ-
ing the spare wheel: R
monthly, at least R
if the load changes R
before beginning a long journey R
under different operating conditions, e.g.
off-road driving
If necessary, correct the tire pressure.
The data on the Tire and Loading Information
placard and tire pressure table shown here are
examples. Tire pressure specifications are vehi-
cle-specific and may deviate from the data
shown here. The tire pressure specifications
that are valid for your vehicle can be found on
the Tire and Loading Information placard and
tire pressure table on the vehicle.
General notes The recommended tire pressures for the tires
mounted at the factory can be found on the
labels described here.
Operation with a trailer: the applicable value
for the rear axle is the maximum tire pressure
value stated in the table inside the fuel filler flap.
Further information on tire pressures can be
obtained at a qualified specialist workshop. Tire pressure 339
Wheels and tires Z

same time cannot be detected by the tire pres-
sure loss warning system.
The tire pressure monitor is not able to warn you
of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the tire is
penetrated by a foreign object. In the event of a
sudden loss of pressure, bring the vehicle to a
halt by braking carefully. Avoid abrupt steering
movements.
The function of the tire pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if: R
snow chains are mounted on your vehicle's
tires. R
road conditions are wintry. R
you are driving on sand or gravel. R
you adopt a very sporty driving style (corner-
ing at high speeds or driving with high rates of
acceleration). R
you are towing a very heavy or large trailer. R
you are driving with a heavy load (in the vehi-
cle or on the roof).
Restarting the tire pressure loss warn-
ing system Restart the tire pressure loss warning system if
you have: R
changed the tire pressure R
changed the wheels or tires R
mounted new wheels or tires X
Before restarting, make sure that the tire
pressures are set properly on all four tires for
the respective operating conditions.
The recommended tire pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the B-pillar. Additionally, a tire pressure
table is attached to the fuel filler flap. The tire
pressure loss warning system can only give
reliable warnings if you have set the correct
tire pressure. If an incorrect tire pressure is
set, these incorrect values will be monitored. X
Also observe the notes in the section on tire
pressures ( Y
page 339).X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position H
in the ignition lock ( Y
page 132).X
Press

Mercedes-AMG
GLC 43 4MATIC
Wheelbase
113.1 in (2873 mm)
Turning circle
39.7 ft (12.10 m)
Maximum roof load
165 lb (75 kg)
Maximum trunk
load
All other models
Vehicle length
183.3 in (4656 mm)
Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors 82.5 in (2096 mm)
Vehicle height
65.5 in (1664 mm)
Wheelbase
113.1 in (2873 mm)
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.80 m)
Maximum roof load
165 lb (75 kg)
Maximum trunk
load 220 lb (100 kg)
Trailer tow hitch
Trailer loads
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a
minimum gradient-climbing capability
of 12% from a standstill) Model
All models
3501 lb (1588 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight
! Use a drawbar noseweight as close as pos-
sible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not use a noseweight of less than
50 kg, otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
Towing a trailer is not possible with all models.
Further information ( Y
page 203).
The drawbar load reduces the permissible over-
all load and rear axle load. The drawbar load acts from above onto the ball
head on the trailer tow hitch.
The trailer drawbar noseweight is not included in
the towing weight.
Model Permissible nose-
weight
All models
280 lbs (127 kg)
The actual noseweight may not be higher than
the value which is given. The value can be found
on the trailer tow hitch or trailer identification
plates. The lowest weight applies.
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight is the maximum weight with which the
trailer drawbar can be loaded. The permissible
trailer drawbar noseweight is the limit for
Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer couplings.
Gross rear axle weight rating when
towing a trailer Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
Model Gross axle weight
rating
GLC 300 d 4MATIC
Mercedes-AMG
GLC 43 4MATIC 2822 lbs (1280 kg)
All other models
2755 lbs (1250 kg)
Ball position of the ball coupling Trailer tow hitch 371
Technical data Z