automatic transmission MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 2016 Owner's Manual

R
you use th e DIRECT SELECT lever to switch
th e transmission position ( Y
page 154).R
use th e DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
chang e th e drive progra m ( Y
page 152).R
you activat e manual gearshiftin g
( Y
page 159).R
you leav e th e suitable speed range.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles Glidin g mod e is characterized by th e following:R
th e combustion engin e is disconnected from
th e drive train .R
th e engin e speed corresponds to th e idlin g
speed. R
in th e multifunction display, th e glidin g sym -
bol appears in th e drive progra m display.
Glidin g mod e can be activated under th e follow-
in g conditions: R
th e Comfor t drive progra m is activated or you
select th e "Comfort" setting for th e drive sys-
te m within th e Individua l drive program. You
can fin d information about this in th e Digital
Operator' s Manual.R
th e ECO start/sto p function is activated.R
you are drivin g carefully wit h low acceleration
of th e vehicle.R
th e engin e is at normal operating tempera-
ture. R
th e speed is within a suitable range.R
th e cours e of th e roa d is suitable, e.g. there
are no steep up or downhill gradients .R
you are no longer depressin g th e accelerato r
pedal .
Glidin g mod e is d eactivated under th e fo
llowin g
conditions: R
you hav e deactivated th e ECO start/sto p
function .R
you depress th e accelerato r pedal .R
you depress th e brak e pedal .R
you use th e DIRECT SELECT lever to switch
th e transmission position ( Y
page 154).R
use th e DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
chang e th e drive progra m ( Y
page 152).R
you activat e manual gearshiftin g
( Y
page 159).R
you leav e th e suitable speed range. Towing a trailer X
Drive in th e middle of th e engin e speed range
on uphil l gradients .X
Dependin g on th e uphil l or downhill gradient,
use left-han d steerin g whee l paddl e shifter
( Y
page 159) to select a lower gear , eve n if
cruise control or DISTRONI C PLU S are acti-
vated.
Drive programs
Slippery drive program The Slipper y drive progra m has th e followin g
characteristics : R
reduce d engin e and transmission setting s for
optimum propulsion on slipper y or snow-cov-
ere d roads. R
optimized ES P ®
stabilit y control on slipper y or
snow-covered roads. R
th e vehicl e has improved drivin g stabilit y on
slipper y or snow-covered roads, for example.
Comfort drive program The Comfor t drive progra m has th e followin g
characteristics : R
comfort-oriented engin e and transmission
settings. R
optimal fuel consumption resultin g from th e
automati c transmission shiftin g up sooner.R
th e vehicl e pullin g away mor e gentl y in
forward and revers e gears, unless th e accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully. R
th e automati c transmission shiftin g up
sooner. This result s in th e vehicl e bein g driven
at lower engin e speeds and th e wheels bein g
less likely to spin .
Sp or t drive program The Sport drive progra m has th e followin g char-
acteristics : R
sport y engin e and transmission settings. R
th e automati c transmission shiftin g up later.
th e fuel consumption possibl y bein g higher as
a result of th e later automati c transmission
shift points . R
th e suspension exhibits sport y dampin g (vehi-
cle s wit h AIRMATIC) .158
Automatic transmission
Driving an d parking

Drive program Spor t Plu s (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles )The Spor t Plu s drive program has th e followin g
characteristics :R
th e vehicle exhibits particularly sport y drivin g
characteristics .R
th e vehicle pulling away in first gear .R
th e automatic transmissio n shiftin g up later.
th e fue l consumption possibly bein g higher as
a result of th e later automatic transmissio n
shift points .R
th e suspensio n exhibits particularly fir m
springin g and dampin g setting s (vehicles wit h
AIRMATIC). R
th e EC O start/sto p function is deactivated, it
can , however, be activated again usin g th e
EC O butto n ( Y
page 151).
Individua l drive programIn th e Individua l drive program, th e followin g
properties of th e drive program can be selected:R
th e drive (engin e and transmissio n manage-
ment) R
th e transmissio nR
th e suspensio nR
all vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
th e steerin gR
all vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
availabilit y of th e EC O start/sto p function
To selec t th e gear s in th e Individua l drive pro -
gram permanentl y usin g th e steerin g whee l pad-
dle shifters , selec t th e permanen t manual gear -
shift program.
Information about configurin g th e Individua l
drive program wit h th e multimedia syste m can
be found in th e Digital Operator's Manual.
Manual gea r shifting
General notes
You can chang e gear yoursel f usin g th e steerin g
whee l paddle shifters . The transmissio n mus t be
in position D .
Dependin g on whic h paddle shifter is pulled, th e
automatic transmissio n immediately shift s into
th e next gear down or up, if permitted. To use manual shifting, you hav e tw o options:R
temporar y setting R
permanen t setting
If you activat e manual gearshifting, th e multi-
function display will sho w th e curren t gear
instead of transmissio n position D .
If manual gearshiftin g is deactivated, th e gear s
will be selecte d automatically.
Temporar y setting X
To activate : shift th e DIREC T SELECT lever to
position D . X
Pull steerin g whee l paddle shifter C or D .
Further information on activatin g manual gear -
shiftin g on PLUG-I N HYBRID vehicles
( Y
page 251).
Temporary setting will be active fo r a certain
amount of time. Under certain condition s th e
minimum amount of time is extended, e.g. in th e
cas e of latera l acceleration , durin g an overrun
phas e or when drivin g on steep terrain .X
To deactivate : pull steerin g whee l paddle
shifter D and hol d it in place.
or X
Use th e DIREC T SELECT lever to switch th e
transmissio n position .
or X
Use th e DYNAMI C SELECT controller to
chang e th e drive program.Automatic transmission 159
Driving and parking Z

Permanent setting (all vehicles except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) X
To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position D .X
Press button C .X
To deactivate: press button C .
or X
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
change the drive program.
Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
X
To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position D .X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.X
To deactivate: press button C .
or X
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
switch to the Individual drive program.
Indicator lamp D goes out. Shifting gears
! Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the automatic
transmission does not shift up automatically
even when the engine limiting speed for the
current gear is reached. When the engine lim-
iting speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to
prevent the engine from overrevving. Always
make sure that the engine speed does not
reach the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
X
To shift up: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter D .
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): if the maximum engine speed on the
currently engaged gear is reached and you
continue to accelerate, the automatic trans-
mission automatically shifts up in order to
prevent engine damage. X
To shift down: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter C .
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic down shifting occurs when coast-
ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage
by not shifting down.160
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display. X
Shift to recommended gear D according to
gearshift recommendation C when shown in
the multifunction display of the instrument
cluster.
Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
! The automatic transmission does not shift
up automatically even when the engine limit-
ing speed for the current gear is reached.
When the engine limiting speed is reached,
the fuel supply is cut to prevent the engine
from overrevving. Always make sure that the
engine speed does not reach the red area of
the tachometer. There is otherwise a risk of
engine damage.
C
Gear indicatorD
Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display. X
When the UP message appears in the multi-
function display, pull on the right-hand steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter.
Kickdown
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is only
possible in the temporary setting. X
For maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed. X
Shift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel paddle shifters.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
Automatic transmission 161
Driving and parking Z

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
7G-TRONIC:
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
9G-TRONIC:
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only partly possible to engage the gears or the transmission is in
position N . X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation ( Y
page 255).
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Because ESP ®
is an automatic system, the
engine and ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 or Start/Stop
button in position 0 or 1 ) when the electric
parking brake is being tested on a brake dyna-
mometer (maximum 10 seconds). Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
seriously damage the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.162
Refueling
Driving and parking

Every person who has access to the informa-
tion stated can use the functions of the online
access to the vehicle.
i Information when selling a vehicle or
buying a used vehicle: R
If you sell your vehicle, you are obliged to
delete the vehicle from your personal area
on the online access to the vehicle. R
If you have bought a used vehicle, it is pos-
sible that the previous owner still has
access to the online access to the vehicle.
Calling up functions The online access to the vehicle allows you
access to your vehicle's information and func-
tions using remote query and remote configu-
ration.
The following functions can be accessed: R
request the current condition of charge of the
high-voltage battery R
program the departure time ( Y
page 274)R
set or activate the "Pre-entry climate control
at departure time" function (see the separate
COMAND operating instructions)
Information on additional functions and operat-
ing instructions can be found within the online
access to the vehicle.
Connecting the vehicle to the Internet
i This function is not available in all countries
and requires activated access to the mbrace
emergency call system.
You can use the online access to the vehicle if
the vehicle has a connection to the Internet via a
mobile phone network. The necessary data is
transmitted by radio. The vehicle automatically
recognizes whether a connection to the Internet
is possible or not. No presets are necessary.
i Restrictions in reception are possible if the
vehicle is in an underground car park, for
example. Restrictions may also occur in areas
with poor mobile network coverage. Parking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields.
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
! Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its driv-
etrain could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally: R
the electric parking brake must be applied. R
the transmission must be in position P and the
SmartKey must be removed from the ignition
lock. R
the front wheels must be turned towards the
curb on steep uphill or downhill gradients. R
the empty vehicle must be secured at the
front axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients. R
a laden vehicle must also be secured at the
rear axle with a wheel chock or s imilar, for
e xample, on uphill or downhill gradients.178
Parking
Driving an d parking

Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P . Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
Using the SmartKey X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition
lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position R or D , the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically.
If you then open the driver's door or the front-
passenger door or remove the SmartKey from
the ignition, the automatic transmission shifts
to P automatically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N , e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system: X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Press the Start/Stop button ( Y
page 146)
The engine stops and all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out. If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position R or D , the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically.
If you then open the driver's or front-passenger
door, the automatic transmission shifts to P
automatically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N , e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system: X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
i The engine can be switched off in an emer-
gency while the vehicle is in motion by press-
ing and holding the Start/Stop button for
three seconds.
Electric parking brake
General notes
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P . R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. Parking 179
Driving and parking Z

The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or there is a malfunction in
the system, it may not be possible to apply the
released parking brake. X
If this is the case, only park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it to prevent it rolling
away. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
P .
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or
there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
i The electric parking brake performs a func-
tion test at regular intervals while the engine
is switched off. The sounds that can be heard
while this is occurring are normal.
Applying or releasing manually
X
To engage: push handle C .
When the electric parking brake is engaged,
the I (USA only) or $ (Canada only)
red indicator lamp lights up in the instrument
cluster.
i The electric parking brake can also be
applied when the SmartKey is removed. X
To release: pull handle C .
The red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
i The electric parking brake can only be
released: R
if the SmartKey is in position 1 in the igni-
tion lock ( Y
page 145) orR
if the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button To ensure that you do not roll backwards when
pulling away on an uphill slope, engage the elec-
tric parking brake ( Y
page 149).
Applying automatically The electric parking brake is automatically
applied when the transmission is in position P
and: R
the engine is switched off or R
the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened.
To prevent the electric parking brake from being
automatically applied, pull handle C .
The electric parking brake is also engaged auto-
matically if: R
DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a
standstill or R
the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle sta-
tionary R
Active Parking Assist is keeping the vehicle
stationary
In addition, at least one of the following condi-
tions must be fulfilled: R
the engine is switched off R
the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened R
there is a system malfunction R
the power supply is insufficient R
the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period
The red I (USA only) or $ (Canada only)
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up.
The electric parking brake is not automatically
engaged if the engine is switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
Releasing automatically The electric parking brake is released automat-
ically when all of the following conditions are
fulfilled: R
the engine is running. R
the transmission is in position D or R .R
the seat belt has been fastened. R
you depress the accelerator pedal.
If the transmission is in position R , the trunk lid
must be closed.180
Parking
Driving and parking

If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake: R
the driver's door is closed. R
you have shifted out of transmission position
P or you have previously driven faster than
2 mph (3 km/h).
i Ensure that you do not depress the accel-
erator pedal unintentionally. Otherwise the
parking brake will be released and the vehicle
will start to move.
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-
gency by using the electric parking brake. X
While driving, push handle C of the electric
parking brake.
The vehicle is braked for as long as the handle
of the electric parking brake is pressed. The
longer the electric parking brake handle is
depressed, the greater the braking force.
During braking: R
a warning tone sounds R
the Release Park. Brake message appearsR
the red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging. If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: observe the impor-
tant safety notes for the high-voltage battery
( Y
page 376).
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
G WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-
hibit the driver from using a mobile phone while
driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per sec-
ond. Driving tips 181
Driving and parking Z

ity of your brakes at regular intervals. To do so,
depress the brake pedal firmly when driving at a
high speed. This improves the grip of the brake
pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS)
on ( Y
page 67) or of BAS PLUS on ( Y
page 67).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only have
brake pads/linings installed on your vehicle
which have been approved for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles or which correspond to an equivalent
quality standard. Brake pads/linings which have
not been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles
or which are not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
High-performance brake system
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) The high-performance brake system is designed
for heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This will depend on: R
Speed R
Braking force R
Environmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake
system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An
aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.
You can obtain further information about this
from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several
hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the & brake
wear warning lamp in the instrument cluster and
note any brake status messages in the multi-
function display. Especially for high perform- ance driving, it is important to maintain and have
the brake system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing occurring, even if: R
you drive at low speeds. R
the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner: R
lower your speed. R
avoid ruts. R
avoid sudden steering movements. R
brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas. Check
the depth of any water before driving through
it. Drive slowly through standing water. Oth-
erwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or
the engine compartment. This can damage
the electronic components in the engine or
the automatic transmission. Water can also
be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles
and this can cause engine damage.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select the raised vehicle level before driving
through a body of water.
Off-road fording
! Under no circumstances should you accel-
erate before entering the water. The bow
wave could cause water to enter and damage
the engine and other assemblies.
! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors while
fording. Otherwise, water could get into the
vehicle interior and damage the vehicle's
electronics and interior equipment. R
Establish how deep the water is and the char-
acteristics of the body of water before ford-
ing. R
Select the highest possible vehicle level. Driving tips 185
Driving and parking Z