warning MERCEDES-BENZ GLK SUV 2012 Owners Manual

Towing a trailer
If you attach a trailer, make sure that you have
correctly established the electrical connec-
tion. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting.
Off-road driving systems
4MATIC (permanent all-wheel drive)
G
WARNING
4MATIC cannot reduce the risk of an accident
if you drive too fast.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
R only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
R accelerate less when driving.
R adapt your driving style to suit road and
traffic conditions.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz implied warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are per-
manently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
ETS, it improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to insuffi-
cient grip.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tyres (M+S tyres), with snow
chains if necessary.
! When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of
ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the key to position
0 or 1in the ignition. Failure to do this can
cause damage to the drive train or the
brake system. !
A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a twin-axle dyna-
mometer. Before you operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified workshop. You could otherwise
damage the drive train or the brake system.
For information about "Driving off-road", see
(Y page 170). DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Important safety notes i
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) is only
available for vehicles with the Off-Road
Engineering package.
DSR is an aid to assist you when driving down-
hill. It keeps the speed of travel at the speed
selected on the on-board computer. The
steeper the downhill gradient, the greater the
DSR braking effect on the vehicle. When driv-
ing on flat stretches of road or on an uphill
gradient, the DSR braking effect is minimal or
non-existent. G
WARNING
DSR is only an aid designed to assist you when
driving downhill. You are responsible for keep-
ing control of the vehicle and for assessing
whether the downhill gradient can be man-
aged.
When activating DSR the vehicle may brake
suddenly due to DSR intervening. This is
dependent on the downhill gradient and the
difference between the current speed and the
speed set. DSR may not always be able to
keep to the set speed, depending on road sur-
face and tyre conditions. You could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Select a set speed suitable for the prevailing
conditions and when necessary, apply the
brakes manually.
DSR controls the vehicle’s speed when it is
activated and the transmission is in position
D, Ror N. By accelerating or braking, you can Off-road driving systems
213Driving and parking Z

always drive at a higher or a lower speed than
that set on the on-board computer. G
WARNING
If you depress the accelerator pedal with DSR
activated, then the set speed can be excee-
ded. Drive downhill with special care and
always keep in mind that DSR brakes the vehi-
cle as soon as you remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. The vehicle may brake sud-
denly due to DSR intervening, depending on
the downhill gradient and the difference
between the current speed and the set speed.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
For information about driving off-road, see
(Y page 170).
Activating/deactivating DSR Activating
You can only activate DSR when driving at
speeds below 30 km/h.
X
Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
Vehicles with the 4-button multifunction
steering wheel: a message appears in the
left-hand status indicator, e.g. DSR DSR
4 km/h
4 km/h.
Vehicles with the luxury multifunction steer-
ing wheel (12 buttons): the DSR display, for
example, may appear in the multifunction dis-
play: If the current vehicle speed is too high, the
DSR icon appears in the multifunction dis-
play. In addition, on vehicles with a multifunc-
tion steering wheel (4 button) the
Max. Max.
speed
speed 30 km/h
30 km/h message is displayed and in
vehicles with the luxury multifunction steer-
ing wheel (12 button) the Max. speed Max. speed
30 km/h
30 km/h message is displayed.
To deactivate
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out.
DSR symbol appears in the multifunction
display with the off offmessage.
DSR switches off automatically if you drive
faster than 35 km/h. The DSR symbol
appears in the multifunction display with the
off off message. You also hear a warning tone.
Changing the set speed while the vehi-
cle is in motion When DSR is activated, you can change the
set speed to a value between 4 km/h and
18 km/h while the vehicle is in motion.
X
To increase or reduce the set speed in
1 km/h increments: briefly press the
cruise control lever to the pressure point, 214
Off-road driving systemsDriving and parking

up
: for a higher or down ;for a lower
set speed.
On vehicles with a 4-button multifunction
steering wheel, the set value appears in the
left-hand status indicator. On vehicles with
a luxury multifunction steering wheel (12
buttons), the set value appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
X To increase or reduce the set speed by
2 km/h increments: briefly press the
cruise control lever beyond the pressure
point up :for a higher or down ;for a
lower set speed.
On vehicles with a 4-button multifunction
steering wheel, the set value appears in the
left-hand status indicator. On vehicles with
a luxury multifunction steering wheel (12
buttons), the set value appears in the mul-
tifunction display. Off-road drive program
i The off-road drive program is only availa-
ble on vehicles with the Off-Road Engineer-
ing package.
The off-road drive program assists you in driv-
ing off-road. The engine’s performance char-
acteristics and the gearshifting characteris-
tics of the automatic transmission are adap-
ted for this purpose. ABS, ESP ®
and ETS pro-
grams especially adapted to off-road driving
are also activated.
Do not use the off-road drive program on
roads that are snow-covered or icy or if you
have fitted your vehicle with snow chains.
For information about driving off-road, see
(Y page 170). X
To switch on: press the:button.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
On vehicles with a luxury multifunction steer-
ing wheel (12 buttons): in the multifunction
display you see the off-road symbol: X
To switch off: press button:.
Indicator lamp ;goes out. On vehicles
with a luxury multifunction steering wheel
(12 buttons), off-road symbol also goes off. Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave
your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There
is a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving. Towing a trailer
215Driving and parking Z

G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer
combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even overturn.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary. G
WARNING
If you exceed the permissible noseweight
while carrying a load, the carrier system could
detach from the vehicle and fall on the road.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always maintain the permissible noseweight
when carrying loads.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
You can use carrier systems, e.g. bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements, on the ball
coupling. The maximum noseweight of
75 kg applies when using carrier systems on
the ball coupling.
When using a detachable trailer coupling,
make sure you observe the trailer coupling
manufacturer's operating instructions.
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
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:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load R
the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the 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:
R in the vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch, the trailer and the vehicle
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech-
nical data".
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics. Adapt your style of driving accord-
ingly. Maintain a safe distance. Drive care-
fully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
General notes i
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 353).
You will find fitting dimensions and loads in
the "Technical data" section (Y page 373).216
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged, it
could detach while driving and fall on the road.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Engage the ball coupling as described. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always engage the ball coupling as described. G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing
out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that
the ball coupling engages when folding in.
The detachable ball coupling is located in the
stowage well under the luggage compartment
floor (Y page 303).
X Open the luggage compartment floor
(Y page 303). Vehicles without the ECO start/stop function Vehicles with the ECO start/stop function
X
Pull cover :of the ball coupling recess
upwards in the direction of the arrow and
remove it. Vehicles without the ECO start/stop function
Vehicles with the ECO start/stop function
X
Take ball coupling :with the key from ball
coupling stowage compartment ;.218
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Coupling up a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over-
run brake, you could trap your hand between
the vehicle and the trailer drawbar. This poses
a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electric connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working. Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
If you disconnect the trailer cable, the vehicle
is lowered. This can cause you or others to
become trapped between the vehicle body
and tyres, or underneath the vehicle. This
poses a risk of injury.
Make sure that no-one is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel arch or underneath the
vehicle when disconnecting the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Removing the ball coupling
X Pull the protective cap off the lock in the
handwheel.
X Use the key to unlock the lock in the hand-
wheel.
X Hold the ball coupling. Pull the handwheel
away from the ball coupling and turn it
clockwise until it engages.
The green area on the ball coupling is
aligned with the red mark on the hand-
wheel.
X Pull the ball coupling downwards to
remove.
X Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch can be found under (Y page 321). Storing the ball coupling
G
WARNING
Never transport an unsecured ball coupling in
the interior of the vehicle.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could be
injured by the ball coupling being thrown if
you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R have an accident
X Open the stowage well under the luggage
compartment floor.
X Remove the cover from the ball coupling
recess.
X Remove the protective cap from the ball
coupling recess.
X Press the protective cap into the ball cou-
pling recess until it engages.
X Make sure that the protective cap is firmly
in place.
X Store the ball coupling with the key inser-
ted in the ball coupling recess. 220
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Useful information
............................224
Important safety notes ....................224
Displays and operation (4-button
multifunction steering wheel) .........224
Displays and operation (12-button
multifunction steering wheel) .........227
Display messages ............................. 245
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................284 223On-board computer and displays

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos-
sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 27). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only use the on-board computer when road
and traffic conditions permit. You would oth-
erwise be distracted and unable to concen-
trate properly on driving, and could cause an
accident. G
WARNING
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction dis-
play is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see infor-
mation about your driving conditions, such as
speed, outside temperature, warning and indi-
cator lamps, display messages or system fail-
ures. Driving characteristics may be impaired.
Adjust your driving style and vehicle speed
accordingly.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. G
WARNING
The on-board computer only records and dis-
plays malfunctions and warnings from certain
systems. For this reason, you should always
make sure that your vehicle is safe to use. You
could otherwise cause an accident by driving
an unsafe vehicle. G
WARNING
The operating safety of your vehicle could be
impaired if maintenance work is carried out
incorrectly. This could cause you to lose con-
trol of your vehicle and cause an accident.
Moreover, the safety systems may no longer
be able to protect you or others as they are
designed to do.
Always have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Illustration of the instrument cluster
R 4-button multifunction steering wheel, see
(Y page 31)
R 12-button multifunction steering wheel,
see (Y page 33) Displays and operation (4-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel)
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle inte-
rior can be adjusted using the brightness con-
trol knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the
bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Y page 33).
X Turn the brightness control knob clockwise
or anti-clockwise.
If the light switch is set to Ã,Tor
L, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
i The light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated. Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the left-hand side. 224
Displays and operation (4-button multifunction steering wheel)On-board computer and displays

Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 120 †.
At high outside temperatures and when driv-
ing uphill, the coolant temperature may rise
to the end of the scale. Rev counter
The red band in the rev counter indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range.
Doing so will damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
The outside temperature display is in the
instrument cluster (Y page 31).G
WARNING
At temperatures just above freezing point, the
street may be icy, especially in wooded areas
or on bridges. If you do not adapt your driving
style to the conditions, the vehicle could skid.
For this reason, adapt your driving style and
speed to the weather conditions.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Operating the on-board computer
The on-board computer is activated as soon
as you turn the key to position 1in the ignition
lock. You can use the on-board computer to
call up information relating to your vehicle
and to make and adjust settings.
i You can have certain functions set at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Examples:
R
automatic door locking
R speed limit for winter tyres
You can obtain information about this at
any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel. :
Multifunction display
; W Increases the volume
= X Decreases the volume
? C Scrolls through lists/adjusts val-
ues/confirms display messages
A V Selects a menu
i If you press and hold the Vbutton, the
standard display appears.
i In the Day. driv. lights Day. driv. lights menu, you
can use the WorX button to switch
the function on
onoroff
off. You cannot adjust
the volume when in the Day. driv.
Day. driv.
lights:
lights: menu. Displays and operation (4-button multifunction steering wheel)
225On-board computer and displays Z

Multifunction display
To activate the multifunction display:
R switch on the ignition
R switch on the lights
R open the driver's door Values and settings as well as display mes-
sages are shown in multifunction display :.Menu overview
Operating the on-board computer
(Y page 225).
R Standard display (Y page 226)
R Trip computer (Y page 226)
R Range (Y page 226)
R Current fuel consumption
R Digital speedometer
R Message memory (Y page 245)
R Service (Y page 312)
R Tyre pressure loss warning system
(Y page 355)
R Daytime driving lights (Y page 227)
R Time (Y page 227) Standard display
X
Press and hold the Vbutton on the
steering wheel until the standard display
with trip meter :and total distance
recorder ;is shown.
X To reset the trip meter: press and hold
the V button until the standard display
appears.
X Press and hold the Cbutton until the
value has been reset. Trip computer
X Press the Vbutton on the steering
wheel repeatedly until the trip computer
appears. :
Distance
; Average speed
= Time
? Average fuel consumption
X To reset the trip computer: press and
hold the Cbutton on the steering wheel
until the values have been reset. Calling up the range
X Press the Vbutton on the steering
wheel repeatedly until the approximate
range appears. 226
Displays and operation (4-button multifunction steering wheel)On-board computer and displays