tow MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 2019 Service Manual

For more information, please contact a qualifiedspecialist workshop.
Please observe the manufacturer's operatinginstructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-able trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If youdo not couple the trailer to the towing vehiclecorrectly, the trailer could become detached.
Make sure that the following values are notexceeded:
Rthe permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towingvehicle
Rthe maximum permissible gross vehicleweight of both the towing vehicle and thetrailer
The applicable permissible values, which mustnot be exceeded, can be found:
Rin the vehicle documents
Ron the type plate for the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handlingcharacteristics will be different in comparisonwith when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speedto the current road and weather conditions. Donot exceed the maximum permissible speed foryour vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
RDo not exceed the maximum permissiblespeed for vehicle/trailer combinations in therelevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling onyour vehicle.
Further information on availability and oninstallation is available from any authorizedMercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitablefor installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or otherdetachable trailer couplings on the bumpersof your vehicle.
RIf you no longer need the ball coupling,remove it from the ball coupling recess. Thiswill reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-pling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure onthe rear axle of the towing vehicle for a maxi-mum load; see the tire pressure table in the fuelfiller flap (Ypage 348).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-lowing driving systems have limited availabilityor are not available at all:
RPARKTRONIC (Ypage 179)
RBlind Spot Assist (Ypage 193)
RActive Lane Keeping Assist (Ypage 200)
On vehicles without level control, the height ofthe ball coupling will alter according to the loadplaced on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailerwith a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find permissible trailer loads under"Technical data" (Ypage 364).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP®trailer stabili-zation (Ypage 71) and on pulling away with atrailer (Ypage 135).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on the type oftrailer. Before beginning the journey, check thetrailer's documents to see what the maximumpermitted speed is. Observe the maximum per-missible speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-mum permissible rear axle load is increasedwhen towing a trailer. See the "Technical data"section to find out whether this applies to yourvehicle (Ypage 365). In the event of increasedrear axle load, the vehicle/trailer combinationmay not exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the operat-ing permit. This also applies in countries in
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which the maximum permissible speed for vehi-cle/trailer combinations is above 60 mph(100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handlingcharacteristics will be different in comparison towhen driving without a trailer and it will con-sume more fuel.
Shift to a lower gear on long and steep downhillgradients.
This also applies to:
Ractivated DISTRONIC PLUS
Ractivated cruise control
This will use the braking effect of the engine, sothat less braking will be required to maintain thespeed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-tem and prevents the brakes from overheatingand wearing too quickly. If you need additionalbraking, depress the brake pedal repeatedlyrather 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 vehiclein front than when driving without a trailer.
RAvoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,increase the braking force rapidly.
RThe values given for gradient-climbing capa-bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.When driving in mountainous areas, note thatthe power output of the engine and, conse-quently, the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-bility, decreases with increasing altitude.
Installing the ball coupling
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.
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 descri-
bed in the ball coupling installation instruc-
tions. Make sure that the ball coupling is
installed and secured correctly before every
journey.
XPull protective capCin the direction of thearrow, out of the ball coupling recess.
XStow protective capCso that it cannot bethrown around.
XObserve the manufacturer's installationinstructions.
Observe the loading guidelines (Ypage 278)and the safety notes regarding stowagespaces (Ypage 278).
Coupling up a trailer
!Do not connect the trailer's brake system (iffeatured) to the hydraulic brake system of thetowing vehicle, as the latter is equipped withan anti-lock brake system. Doing so will resultin a loss of function of the brake systems ofboth the vehicle and the trailer.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brakemanually.
XStart the engine.
XShift the transmission to position].
XVehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL:selecttheComfortdrive program.
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XSwitch off the engine.
XClose the doors and tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish the electrical connection betweenthe vehicle and the trailer.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is work-ing.
XPush the combination switch upwards/down-wards and check whether the correspondingturn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized onlywhen the electrical connection is establishedcorrectly and when the lighting system is work-ing properly. The function of other systems alsodepends on this, for example:
RESP®
RPARKTRONIC
RActive Parking Assist
RActive Blind Spot Assist
RActive Lane Keeping Assist
Vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: if you coupleup a trailer, the vehicle always remains at high-way level. Observe the following note when cou-pling up a trailer:
RUnless highway level has been set manually,the vehicle is automatically lowered to high-way level. If a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) hasbeen reached, this may be the case.
These restrictions apply to accessories that aresupplied with power via the trailer socket in yourvehicle, e.g. a rear bicycle rack.
Observe the maximum permissible trailerdimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provincesrequire by law:
RSafety chains between the towing vehicle andthe trailer. The chains should be cross-woundunder the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not tothe bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tightcornering possible.
RA separate brake system for certain types oftrailer.
RSafety switch for braked trailers. Check thespecific legal requirements applicable to yourstate.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-ing vehicle, the safety feature applies thetrailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are several legal requirements for towinga trailer, e.g. the maximum permissible speed.Make sure that your car/trailer combinationcomplies with the local regulations:
Rin your place of residence
Rat your destination
The police and local authorities can provide reli-able information.
To accumulate driving experience and accustomyourself to the new handling characteristics,practice the following at a location where thereis no traffic:
RCornering
RStopping
RBacking up
Check the following before the journey:
RTrailer tow hitch
RSafety switch for braked trailers
RSafety chains
RElectrical connections
RLighting system
RWheels and tires
RLoad securing
Adjust the exterior mirrors so that you have aclear view of the rear section of the trailer.
If the trailer is equipped with electronically con-trolled brakes, pull away carefully in the car/trailer combination. Brake manually using thebrake controller and check whether the brakesfunction correctly.
Regularly check that the load is secure.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handlingcharacteristics will be different in comparisonwith when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning circle
Avoid sudden steering movements.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gentlyat first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,increase the braking force rapidly.
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When overtaking, pay particular attention to theextended length of your vehicle/trailer combi-nation.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer combi-nation, you require additional road space whenovertaking before you can change back to theoriginal lane.
If the automatic transmission repeatedly shiftsbetween gears on uphill or downhill gradients,shift to a lower gear.
Driving in a lower gear and at a reduced speeddecreases 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 openingthe windows and switching the ventilationblower and the interior temperature to the high-est level.
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 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 engagedoverrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle couldbe damaged by the rebounding of the overrunbrake.
XApply the vehicle's parking brake manually.
XShift the transmission to position].
XClose all doors and the tailgate.
XSwitch off the engine.
XSecure the vehicle and trailer against rollingaway.
XRemove the trailer cable.
XRemove the safety chains, if there are any.
XUncouple the trailer.
Removing the ball coupling
XObserve the manufacturer's installationinstructions.
XPress the protective cap into the ball couplingrecess.
XMake sure that the protective cap is firmly inplace.
Observe the loading guidelines (Ypage 278)and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces(Ypage 278).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailertow hitch (Ypage 310).
Trailer power supply
!Accessories with a maximum power con-sumption of 180 W can be connected to thepermanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using thepower supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped atthe factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied viatrailer socket pin 4.
The trailer's permanent power supply isswitched off in the event of low vehicle supplyvoltage and after six hours at the latest.
A qualified specialist workshop can providemore information about installing the trailerelectrics.
Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight specifications
The gross trailer weight is calculated as theweight of the trailer plus the weight of the loadand the trailer's equipment.
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You will find permissible trailer loads under"Technical data" (Ypage 364).
Loading a trailer
RWhen loading the trailer, make sure that nei-ther the permissible gross trailer weight northe permissible gross vehicle weight areexceeded. The permissible gross vehicleweight is indicated on the identification plateon the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehi-cle.
You can find the maximum permissible valueson the type plates of your vehicle and thetrailer. When calculating how much weightthe vehicle and trailer may carry, pay atten-tion to the respective lowest values.
RThe trailer drawbar load on the ball couplingmust be added to the rear axle load to avoidexceeding 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 loadwhere the trailer drawbar noseweight accountsfor 8% to 15% of the permissible gross trailerweight.
Additional accessories, passengers and loadreduce the permissible trailer load and nose-weight that your vehicle can tow.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RHave the towing vehicle, including the driver,passengers and load, and completely loadedtrailer weighed on a suitable weighingmachine. This will allow you to ensure that theweights of the towing vehicle and trailer com-ply with the maximum permissible values.
RCheck the gross axle weight rating of the frontand rear axles, the gross weight of the trailerand trailer drawbar load.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The yellow$warning lamp and the redI(USA only) or$(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 155).
If the electric parking brake still cannot be released:
XDo not drive on.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The redI(USA only) or$(Canada only) indicator lamp flashesand the yellow$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) or$(Canada only) indicator lamp con-tinues to flash:
XDo not drive on.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 351).
XShift the transmission to position].
XTurn the front wheels towards the curb.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Displaymessages231
On-b oard computer and displays
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
Further information about the Occupant Classification System(Ypage 51).
Lights
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
I
CheckCheckLeftLeftLowLowBeamBeam(Example)
The corresponding bulb is faulty.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
or
XCheck whether you are permitted to replace the bulb yourself(Ypage 114).
iLED light sources: the display message for the correspondinglamp only appears when all the LEDs in the lamp have failed.
I
Active HeadlampsActive HeadlampsInoperativeInoperative
The active light function is malfunctioning.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
Malfunction SeeMalfunction SeeOperator’s ManualOperator’s Manual
The exterior lighting is malfunctioning.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Vehicles with trailer tow hitch: a fuse may have blown.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, payingattention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 152).
XCheck the fuses (Ypage 327).
XIf necessary, replace the blown fuse. Observe the warning notes.
If the display message remains on show:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
Automatic HeadlampAutomatic HeadlampMode InoperativeMode Inoperative
The light sensor is malfunctioning.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
I
Switch Off LightsSwitch Off Lights
You leave the vehicle and the lights are switched on. A warning tonealso sounds.
XTurn the light switch to theXposition.
I
Switch On HeadlampsSwitch On Headlamps
You are driving with low-beam headlamps switched off.
XTurn the light switch to theXorXposition.
Displaymessages239
On-b oard computer and displays
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!If the SD card is no longer in use, you shouldtake it out and remove it from the vehicle.High temperatures can damage the card.
Inserting an SD card
The SD card slot is located in the stowage com-partment under the armrest.
XInsert the SD card into the SD card slot untilthe SD card engages. The side with the con-tacts must face down.
XSelect the media source (Ypage 276).
Removing an SD card
XPress the SD card.The SD card is ejected.
XRemove the memory card.
Connecting USB devices
USB ports, e.g. when equipped with a navigationsystem.
There are two USB ports in the stowage spaceunder the armrest.
XConnect the USB device to the USB port.
XSelect the media source (Ypage 276).
Operating system277
Multimedia system
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Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
GDANGER
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gases can enter the vehicle interior if the tail-
gate is open while the engine is running, espe-
cially if the vehicle is in motion. There is a risk
of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the tailgate. Never drive with the tailgate
open.
GWARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
GWARNING
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.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehicleare dependent on the distribution of the loadwithin the vehicle. For this reason, you shouldobserve the following notes when transporting aload:
RNever exceed the maximum permissiblegross vehicle mass or the gross axle weightrating for the vehicle (including occupants).The values are specified on the vehicle iden-
tification plate on the B-pillar of the driver'sdoor.
RThe cargo compartment is the preferred placeto carry objects.
RPosition heavy loads as far forward as possi-ble and as low down in the cargo compart-ment as possible.
RThe load must not protrude above the upperedge of the seat backrests.
RAlways place the load behind unoccupiedseats if possible.
RHook in the cargo net when loading.
RSecure the load with sufficiently strong andwear-resistant tie-downs. Pad sharp edges forprotection.
Stowage spaces
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you transport objects in the vehicle interior
and these are not adequately secured, they
could slip or be flung around and thereby
strike vehicle occupants. In addition, cup
holders, open stowage spaces and mobile
phone brackets may not always be able to
hold the objects placed in them in the event of
an accident. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sharp braking or sudden
changes of direction.
RAlways stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about in these or similar
situations.
RAlways make sure that objects do not pro-
trude out of the stowage spaces, luggage
nets or stowage nets.
REnsure that closable stowage spaces are
shut before beginning your journey.
RAlways stow and secure heavy, hard, poin-
ted, sharp-edged, fragile or large objects in
the cargo compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines (Ypage 278).
278Stowage areas
Stowage and features

Stowage compartments in the front
Glove compartment
XTo open:pull handleCand open glove boxflapD.
XTo close:fold glove box flapDup until itengages.
Objects in A4 format or an iPad®, for example,can be stored in the glove box. For vehicles witha perfume atomizer (Ypage 127) the storagespace of the glove box is restricted.
The glove box can only be locked and unlockedusing the mechanical key (Ypage 79).
XTo lock:insert the mechanical key into thelock and turn it 90° clockwise to positionH.
XTo unlock:insert the mechanical key into thelock and turn it 90° counter-clockwise topositionG.
Eyeglasses compartment
XTo open:press markingC.The eyeglasses compartment opens down.
Make sure that the eyeglasses compartment isalways closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Stowage compartment in the front center
console
XBriefly press trimDin the direction of thearrow.CoverCswings up.
Stowage compartment under the armrest
XTo open:press buttonCat front.The stowage space opens.
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Stowage and features
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