tow MERCEDES-BENZ GLC SUV 2018 Workshop Manual

For more information, please contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-
able trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you
do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle
correctly, the trailer could become detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
Rthe permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which must
not 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 handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with 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 speed
to the current road and wea
ther conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
RDo not exceed the maximum permissible
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country. This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle.
RIf you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a maxi-
mum load; see the tire pressure table in the fuel
filler flap (
Ypage 367).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all:
RPARKTRONIC (Ypage 191)
RBlind Spot Assist (Ypage 205)
RActive Lane Keeping Assist (Ypage 212)
On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (
Ypage 384).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP®trailer stabili-
zation (Ypage 72) and on pulling away with a
trailer (Ypage 140).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permitted 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 increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical data"
section to find out whether this applies to your
vehicle (
Ypage 384). In the event of increased
rear axle load, the vehicle/trailer combination
may not exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the operat-
ing permit. This also applies in countries in
Towing a trailer215
Driving and parking
Z

which the maximum permissible speed for vehi-
cle/trailer combinations is above 60 mph
(100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics 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 downhill
gradients.
This also applies to:
Ractivated DISTRONIC PLUS
Ractivated cruise control
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem 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 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 that
the 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 cap :in the direction of the
arrow, out of the ball coupling recess.
XStow protective cap :so that it cannot be
thrown around.
XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 290)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (
Ypage 290).
Coupling up a trailer
!
Do not connect the trailer's brake system (if
featured) to the hydraulic brake system 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.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake
manually.
XStart the engine.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XVehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: select
the Comfort drive program.
216Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

XSwitch off the engine.
XClose the doors and tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
XPush the combination switch upwards/down-wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also
depends on this, for example:
RESP®
RPARKTRONIC
RActive Parking Assist
RActive Blind Spot Assist
RActive Lane Keeping Assist
Vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: if you couple
up 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) has
been reached, this may be the case.
These restrictions apply to accessories that are
supplied with power via the trailer socket in your
vehicle, e.g. a rear bicycle rack.
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 fas-
tened 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.
RSafety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are several legal requirements for towing
a trailer, e.g. the maximum permissible speed.
Make sure that your car/trailer combination
complies 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 accustom
yourself to the new handling characteristics,
practice the following at a location where there
is 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 a
clear 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 the
brake controller and check whether the brakes
function correctly.
Regularly check that the load is secure.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with 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 gently
at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
Towing a trailer217
Driving and parking
Z

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
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 engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun
brake.
XApply the vehicle's parking brake manually.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XClose all doors and the tailgate.
XSwitch off the engine.
XSecure the vehicle and trailer against rolling
away.
XRemove the trailer cable.
XRemove the safety chains, if there are any.
XUncouple the trailer.
Removing the ball coupling
XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
XPress the protective cap into the ball coupling
recess.
XMake sure that the protective cap is firmly in
place.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 290)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
(
Ypage 290).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch (
Ypage 329).
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.
218Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (Ypage 384).
Loading a trailer
RWhen 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 valueson 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.
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 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
RHave 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.
RCheck the gross axle weight rating of the front
and rear axles, the gross weight of the trailer
and trailer drawbar load.
Towing a trailer219
Driving and parking
Z

Change of direction announced with a
lane recommendation
:Target of the change of direction
;Distance to the change of direction
=Change-of-direction symbol
?Recommended lane and new lane during a
change of direction (white)
APossible lane
BLane not recommended (dark gray)
On multilane roads, new lane recommendations can be displayed for the next change of direction
if the digital map supports this data. During the
change of direction, new lanes may be added.
Lane not recommended B: you will not be able
to complete the next change of direction if you
stay in this lane.
Possible lane A: you will only be able to com-
plete the next change of direction in this lane.
Recommended lane ?: in this lane you will be
able to complete the next change of direction
and the one after that.
Change of direction without lane recom-
mendation
:Road into which the change of direction
leads
;Distance to change of direction and visual
distance display
=Change-of-direction symbol
When a change of direction is to be made, you
will see symbol =for the change of direction
and distance graphic ;. The distance indicator
shortens towards the top of the display as you
approach the point of the announced change of
direction. The change of direction starts once
the distance display reaches zero.
Change of direction with lane recommen-
dation
:Road into which the change of direction
leads
;Distance to change of direction and visual
distance display
=Change-of-direction symbol
?Lane recommendation
Menus and submenus227
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The yellow!warning lamp and th ered F (USAonly) or !
(Canada only) indicator lamp ligh tup.
The electric parking brak eis malfunctioning .
To release:
XSwitc hoff th eignition and tur nit bac kon .
XReleas eth eelectric parking brak emanually.
or
XReleas eth eelectric parking brak eautomatically (Ypage 160).
If th eelectric parking brak estill canno tbe released:
XDo no tdrive on .
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
The redF(USAonly) or !(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes
and th eyellow !warning lamp lights up.
The electric parking brak eis malfunctioning .
To release:
XSwitc hoff th eignition and tur nit bac kon .
XReleas eth eelectric parking brak emanually.
To apply :
XSwitchoff th eignition and tur nit bac kon .
XApply th eelectric parking brak emanually.
If th ered F (USAonly) or !(Canada only) indicator lamp con-
tinue sto flash:
XDo no tdrive on .
XSecureth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 370).
XShift th etransmission to position j.
XTurn thefron twheels toward sth ecurb.
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
Display messages243
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Á
Drive MoreSlowly
You canno tchang eth evehicl elevel. Possibl ecauses are:
RYou are drivin gto ofas tfor th eselected vehicl elevel
RYou are drivin gto ofas twit h a trailer or th etrailer-coupling socke tis
bein gused ,e.g. for abicycle rac k
XDrive moreslowly and then select th edesire dvehicl elevel again
(Ypage 185).
XObserv eth enote son towin g atrailer (Ypage 215).
Á
Compresso rIs Cool‐ing
You hav eselected ahigher vehicl elevel. The compressor first needs
to cool down because of frequen tlevel changes.
XDrive in amanne rappropriat efor th ecurren tvehicl elevel.
XMak esur ethat there is sufficien tground clearance .
XAllow thecompressor to cool down .
Whe nth ecompressor has cooled down ,th edisplay message dis-
appears. The vehicl ethen continues rising to th eselected level.
à
Malfunction
AI R BODY CONTROL is malfunctioning .The vehicle's handlin gchar-
acteristics may be affected.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: th eAM Gsport ssuspension base don AI R
BODY CONTROL is malfunctioning .The vehicle's handlin gcharacter-
istics may be affected.
XDrive as appropriat efor th ecurren tvehicl elevel, but do no texceed
50 mph (80 km/h).
XMak esur ethat there is sufficien tground clearance .
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
LaneKeepin gAssistCurrently Unavaila‐ble See Operator' sManualorActiveLan eKeepin gAssistCurrently Unavaila‐ble See Operator' sManual
LaneKeepin gAssis tor Active Lan eKeepin gAssis tis deactivated and
temporarily inoperative.
Possibl ecauses are:
Rth ewindshield in th ecamera' sfield of vision is dirty
Rvisibilit yis impaire ddue to heav yrain ,snow or fog
Rthere hav ebeen no lan emarking sfor an extended period
Rth elan emarking sare wor naway, dark or covered up, e.g. by dir tor
snow
Whe nth ecauses state dabov eno longer apply, th edisplay message
disappears.
Lan eKeepin gAssis tor Active Lan eKeepin gAssis tis operational
again .
If th edisplay message does no tdisappear :
XPull overand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 158).
XClean th ewindshield.
Display messages25 7
On-board computer and displays
Z

Safety
Seat belts
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
üNAfter starting the engine, the red seat belt warning lamp lights up for six sec-
onds.
The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their
seat belts.
XFasten your seat belt (Ypage 48).
üN After starting the engine, the red seat belt warning lamp lights up. In addition, a
warning tone sounds for up to six seconds.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
XFasten your seat belt (Ypage 48).
The warning tone ceases.
üN The red seat belt warning lamp lights up after the engine starts, as soon as the
driver's or the front-passenger door is closed.
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
XFasten your seat belt (Ypage 48).
The warning lamp goes out.
There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow them in a secure
place.
The warning lamp goes out.
üN The red seat belt warning lamp flashes and an intermittent audible warning
sounds.
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. The vehicle is being
driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or has briefly been driven faster than 15 mph
(25 km/h).
XFasten your seat belt (Ypage 48).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone ceases.
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. The vehicle is being driven faster
than 15 mph (25 km/h) or has briefly been driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow them in a secure
place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone ceases.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster269
On-board computer and displays
Z

Inserting and removing an SD card
Important safety notes
GWARNIN G
SD cards are small parts. They can be swal-
lowed and caus echoking .This poses an
increased ris kof injury or eve nfatal injury.
Kee pth eSD car dout of th ereac hof children .
If aSD car dis swallowed, seek medical atten -
tion immediately.
!If you are no longer usin gth eSD card, you
should remove it and store it outside th evehi-
cle .Hig htemperatures can damag eth ecard.
Inserting an SD card
The SD car dslot is locate din th estowage com-
partmen tunder th earmrest.
XInser tth eSD car dint oth eSD car dslot until
th eSD car dengages. The side wit hth econ-
tacts must fac edown .
XSelec tth emedia source (Ypage 288).
Removing an SD card
XPress theSD card.
The SD car dis ejected.
XRemove th ememory card.
Connecting USB devices
US Bports ,e.g. when equipped wit h anavigation
system.
Ther eare two US Bports in th estowage spac e
under th earmrest.
XConnect th eUS Bdevice to th eUS Bport.
XSelec tth emedia source (Ypage 288).
Operating system289
Multimedia system
Z