brakes MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-Class 2012 X204 Owner's Manual

Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 140
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 113
Display message ............................ 190
Bag hook ............................................ 216
Ball coupling Installing ........................................ 161
Removing ....................................... 164
Storing ........................................... 164
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
Basic settings see Settings
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 72
Important safety notes ....................72
Replacing ......................................... 72
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 260
Display message ............................ 193
Important safety notes ..................259
Jump starting ................................. 262
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 183
Notes ............................................. 306
Brake fluid level ................................ 242
Brake lamps Changing bulbs .............................. 113
Display message ............................ 189
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 62
Brake fluid (notes) .........................306
Display message ............................ 180
Driving tips .................................... 146
Important safety notes ..................146
Maintenance .................................. 147
Parking brake ........................ 144, 148
Warning lamp ................................. 201
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................21
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 249
Car wash ........................................ 244
Display ........................................... 248
Exterior lights ................................ 247
Gear or selector lever ....................248
Matte finish ................................... 245
Notes ............................................. 243
Paint .............................................. 245
Plastic trim .................................... 248
Power washer ................................ 244
Rear view camera .......................... 247
Roof lining ...................................... 249
Seat belt ........................................ 249
Seat cover ..................................... 249
Sensors ......................................... 247
Steering wheel ............................... 248
Tail pipes ....................................... 247
Trim pieces .................................... 248
Washing by hand ........................... 244
Wheels ........................................... 245
Windows ........................................ 246
Wiper blades .................................. 246
Wooden trim .................................. 248
Cargo compartment cover ............... 216
Cargo compartment enlargement ... 214
Cargo compartment floor Opening/closing ............................ 219
Stowage well (under) .....................219
Index5

Driving abroadMercedes-Benz Service .................243
Symmetrical low beam ..................102
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............150
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......62
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............62
Electronic brake force distribution ...64
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 62
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 63
Important safety information ...........61
Overview .......................................... 61
Driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 151
Display message ............................ 194
PARKTRONIC ................................. 154
Rear view camera .......................... 157
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................137
Brakes ........................................... 146
Break-in period .............................. 130
Downhill gradient ........................... 146
Drinking and driving .......................145
Driving abroad ............................... 102
Driving in winter ............................. 148
Driving on flooded roads ................148
Driving on sand .............................. 150
Driving on wet roads ......................148
Driving over obstacles ...................150
Exhaust check ............................... 146
Fuel ................................................ 145
General .......................................... 145
Hydroplaning ................................. 148
Icy road surfaces ........................... 149
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 147
Off-road driving .............................. 149
Pedals ............................................ 145
Snow chains .................................. 272
Symmetrical low beam ..................102
Tire ruts ......................................... 150
Towing a trailer .............................. 159Traveling uphill ............................... 150
Wet road surface ........................... 147
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 173
DVD-Video (on-board computer) ...... 173
E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................177
Function/notes ................................ 96
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ............................. 97
Function/notes ................................ 96
Switching on/off ........................... 177
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 182
Function/notes ................................ 64
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 77
Vehicle ............................................. 77
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 252
Stowing .......................................... 253
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 54
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 82
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....20
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 206
Display message ............................ 191
Emergency starting ........................266
Engine number ............................... 302
Irregular running ............................ 134
Starting problems ..........................134
8Index

W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 202
Brakes ........................................... 201
Check Engine ................................. 206
Coolant .......................................... 207
Cruise control ................................ 151
ESP ®
.............................................. 203
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 204
Fuel tank ........................................ 206
Overview .......................................... 30
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 44
Reserve fuel ................................... 206
Seat belt ........................................ 200
SRS ................................................ 205
Tire pressure monitor ....................209
Warranty ............................................ 301
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 198
see Windshield washer system
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 258
Wheel chock ...................................... 254
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 254
Checking ........................................ 271
Cleaning ......................................... 245
Important safety notes ..................270
Interchanging/changing ................294
Mounting a wheel .......................... 256
Removing a wheel ..........................256
Storing ........................................... 295
Tightening torque ........................... 258
Wheel size/tire size .......................295
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 185
Operation ......................................... 44
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 246
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 123
Windshield washer system .............. 241
Notes ............................................. 307
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................116
Rear window wiper ........................114Replacing the wiper blades ............114
Switching on/off ........................... 113
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................272
Slippery road surfaces ...................149
Snow chains .................................. 272
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 272
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 246
Important safety notes ..................114
Replacing (rear window) ................116
Replacing (windshield) ...................115
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 248Index19

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:High-beam headlamps105;ESP®
OFF203=Low-beam headlamps103?Turn signal105AESP ®203BTurn signal105CRear fog lamp104DTire pressure monitor (USA
only)
209
ESRS205FunctionPageFABS202GSeat belt200HFront fog lamps104ICoolant207JBrakes (USA only)201KBrakes (Canada only)201LCheck engine206MReserve fuel20630Instrument clusterAt a glance

iUSA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-Gen of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
Important safety notesGWARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible when there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section ( Y page 270).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
Driving safety systems61SafetyZ

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 61).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 61).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
i See the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 61).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ä ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
62Driving safety systemsSafety

GWARNING
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
ESP warning lamp ä flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the
ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you wish to
operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)GWARNING
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 61).
GWARNING
ESP ®
should not be deactivated during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not deactivate ESP ®
when the emergency
or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
GWARNING
Switch on ESP ®
immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
Driving safety systems63SafetyZ

The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down severely from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and comes
to a halt.XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamps are deactivated
automatically if the vehicle returns to a speed
of over 6 mph(10 km/h) after a full
application of the brakes.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated
while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Active: if you are driving at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signal or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.106Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

ANeutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.7Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program
E/S (Y page 137)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
Driving tips
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XVehicles for USA: fully depress the
accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.XVehicles for Canada: depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure
point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Working on the vehicle
GWARNING
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Trailer towing
XWhen towing a trailer and driving downhill,
shift to the lower gear if the automatic
transmission constantly shifts between
two gears.XEngaging a lower gear and reducing the
speed reduces the risk of the engine
overheating.
Program selector button
General information
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving
characteristics.
Automatic transmission137Driving and parkingZ

accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched offGWARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust check
GWARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency
when they are maintained exactly in
accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications. For this reason, all work on the
engine must be carried out only by qualified
and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Service Booklet.
Brakes
Important safety notesGWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
146Driving tipsDriving and parking