towing MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350 4MATIC 2010 X204 Owner's Manual

Automatic interior lighting control .... 92
Automatic locking when driving ...... 124
Automatic shift program .................. 106
Automatic transmission ................... 103
Automatic shift program ................106
Gear range indicator ......................106
Gear ranges ................................... 106
Gear selector lever ........................103
Hill-start assist system ..................171
Kickdown ....................................... 105
One-touch gearshifting ..................107
Program mode indicator ................107
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ..............106
Shifting procedure .........................104
Towing a trailer .............................. 106
Transmission position indicator .....104
Transmission positions ..................104
AUX socket ........................................ 154
Axle oils .............................................. 334
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system .............45
Self-test ........................................... 46
Back button ....................................... 129
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 283
Replacing bulbs ............................. 305
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 239
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 60
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................69
Replacing ....................................... 302
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 317
Charging ........................................ 319
Jump starting ................................. 319
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 281
Bead (tire) .......................................... 239
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Bluetooth ®
settings .......................... 135
Brake Assist System
see BAS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 217
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 273
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 254
Replacing bulbs ............................. 305
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 270
Brakes ................................................ 244
Parking brake ................................ 102
Warning lamp ................................. 289
Break-in period .................................. 212
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 22
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 20
Calls (phone) .............................. 117, 155
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 334
Cargo compartment
Cargo net ....................................... 191
Cargo volume, expanding ..............189
Cover blind .................................... 190
Fuse box ........................................ 326
Hooks ............................................ 189
Tie-down rings ............................... 188
Cargo compartment cover blind ...... 190
Cargo net ........................................... 191
Cargo tie-down rings ......................... 188
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 256
CD player ............................................ 146
Center console
Lower part ....................................... 31
Upper part ....................................... 31
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 70, 124
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 67
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Electronic Traction Systemsee ETS/4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 260
Flat tire .......................................... 312
Hazard warning flasher ....................90
Roadside Assistance ................ 20, 203
Towing the vehicle .........................321
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 201
Telephone ...................................... 161
Emergency operations
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 205
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......204
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 249
Information label ............................ 329
System warranties ...........................19
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............212
Cleaning ......................................... 253
Compartment ................................ 214
Malfunction indicator lamp ............295
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 279
Number .......................................... 329
Starting ............................................ 98
Turning off ..................................... 102
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 216
Additives ........................................ 336
Checking level ............................... 215
Consumption ................................. 215
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 282
Oil dipstick ..................................... 215
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 335
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 61
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 62Messages in the multifunction
display ........................... 271, 272, 274
Trailer stabilization ........................... 63
Warning lamp ................................. 293
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 51
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 62
Express operation
Panorama roof ............................... 185
Power windows ................................ 95
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 87
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 84
Fold-in function ................................ 86
Parking position ............................... 85
Power-folding ................................... 85
Switching fold-in function on or
off .................................................. 124
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 49
First aid kit ......................................... 260
Flat tire ............................................... 312
Lowering the vehicle ......................317
Mounting the spare wheel .............312
Preparing the vehicle .....................312
Spare wheel ........................... 312, 333
Floormats ........................................... 209
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid .........334
Brake fluid ..................................... 334
Capacities ...................................... 334
Engine coolant ............................... 334
Engine oil ....................................... 334
Power steering fluid .......................334
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 335
Fog lamps ............................................. 89
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 283, 285
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ........................................ 86
Four-wheel drive see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
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Speed rating .......................... 236, 241
Storing ........................................... 233
Temperature .......................... 220, 234
Terminology ................................... 239
Tire Identification Number .............241
Tire pressure loss warning system . 222
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................296
Traction ................................. 233, 241
Tread ............................................. 241
Tread depth ........................... 232, 241
Treadwear ...................................... 233
Treadwear indicators .............232, 241
Vehicle maximum load on ..............241
Wear pattern .................................. 234
Winter tires ............................ 241, 331
Tire speed rating ....................... 236, 241
Tongue Weight Rating see TWR
Top tether
see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 241
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 322
Trailer .................................... 106, 246
Vehicle ........................................... 321
Towing eye bolt ................................. 322
Traction ...................................... 233, 241
Trailer towing ............................ 106, 246
Coupling a trailer ........................... 247
Decoupling ..................................... 249
Electrical connections .................... 246
Towing ........................................... 248
Trailer hitch ................................... 246
Weights and ratings .......................247
Transfer case ..................................... 108
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 216
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 104
Traveling abroad ............................... 249
Tread (tires) ....................................... 241
Tread depth (tires) .................... 232, 241
Treadwear .......................................... 233
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 232, 241Trip menu ........................................... 113
Turning off the engine ...................... 102
Turn signals ......................................... 90
Cleaning lenses ............................. 254
Indicator lamps ................................ 28
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 287
Replacing bulbs ............................. 304
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) ........... 241
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 233, 241
Units
Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 120
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 336
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 67
Manually ........................................ 299
SmartKey ......................................... 66
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 257
Useful features .................................. 195
V
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 317
Care ............................................... 251
Control system .............................. 110
Identification Number (VIN) ...........328
Locking/unlocking ........................... 66
Lowering (wheel change) ...............317
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 22
Towing ........................................... 321
Unlocking/locking manually ..........299
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 328
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle lighting .................................... 87
Vehicle loading
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 188
Instructions .................................... 187
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Exterior view
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual.
FunctionPage:Tailgate71Power tailgate72Locking and unlocking66Unlocking and opening
manually300
;Rear window defroster184=Rear lamps303?Doors:Locking and unlocking66Unlocking/locking
manually299
AWipers93Wiper blades, replacing310Wiper blades, cleaning255BWindshield:FunctionPageWiping with washer fluid93Cleaning255CPanorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel184
DExterior rear view mirrors84EHood214FFront lamps303GHeadlamp cleaning system91HFront towing eye322ITires and wheels218Rims and tires331JFuel filler flap212KRear towing eye32226Exterior viewAt a glance
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of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESP ®
GObserve Safety notes, see page 60.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d 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 with 4MATIC:
Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when
R the parking brake is being tested on a
brake test dynamometer
R towing the vehicle with the front or rear
axle raised (not permissible for vehicles
with 4MATIC)
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
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Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP ®
switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Switching on the ESP ®XPress ESP
®
switch : until the ESP ®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode
with the ESP ®
switched on.
ESP ®
trailer stabilization
If the trailer you are towing should begin to
sway, the rig can only be stabilized by
immediately applying the brakes hard.
Steering during this maneuver will not help to
stabilize the rig.
The ESP ®
will assist you in such situations.
The ESP ®
recognizes when the trailer starts
swaying.It will apply the brakes and limit
engine output and thus allow the vehicle-
trailer combination to stabilize.
The ESP ®
trailer stabilization is functional at
vehicle speeds above approximately 40 mph
(65 km/h) when the ESP ®
is switched on.
GWarning!
The system will not be able to assist when the
trailer jackknifes
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
R on wet or icy roads
R on roads with slippery surface
R in sand or gravel
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip
over before the system recognizes swaying of
the trailer.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
Activating
XWith SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.XWith KEYLESS-GO: Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
Deactivating
XSwitch on the ignition.
i Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
R a door
R the tailgate
R the hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The alarm system will also be triggered when
R the vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
R a door is opened from the inside
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Working on the vehicleGWarning!
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.
Towing a trailer
XWhen you tow a trailer, shift into a lower
gear range manually if the automatic
transmission hunts between gears on
inclines.
A lower gear range and reduction of speed
reduces the potential to overload or to
overheat the engine.
For more information on trailer towing, see
“Trailer towing” (Y page 246).
Gear ranges
With the automatic transmission in drive
position D, you can limit or extend the gear
range, see “One-touch gearshifting”
(Y page 107).
The current gear range appears in the
multifunction display.
:Gear range indicator Effect=With this selection you can use the
braking effect of the engine.
5Allows the use of the engine’s
braking effect when driving
Ron steep downgrades
Rin mountainous regions
Runder extreme operating
conditions
4For maximum use of the engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.
Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch
C ComfortFor comfort drivingS SportFor sporty driving106Automatic transmissionControls in detail
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range indicator disappears from the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission will shift from
the current gear range directly into drive
position D.
Shifting into optimal gear range
XPress and hold the gear selector lever to
the left in the D- direction.
The automatic transmission will select the
gear range suited for optimal acceleration
and deceleration automatically. This will
involve shifting down one or more gears.
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode)
If vehicle acceleration becomes less
responsive or sluggish or the automatic
transmission no longer shifts, the automatic
transmission is most likely operating in limp-
home (emergency operation) mode. In this
mode only second gear and reverse gear R
can be selected.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.XTurn off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting.XRestart the engine.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D (for second gear) or reverse gear
R .XHave the automatic transmission checked
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Transfer case
This section applies to vehicles equipped with
all-wheel drive (4MATIC) only. Both the front
and rear axles are powered at all times when
the vehicle is being operated.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when
R the parking brake is being tested on a
brake test dynamometer
R towing the vehicle with the front or rear
axle raised (not permissible for vehicles
with 4MATIC)
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
( Y page 28).
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
108Instrument clusterControls in detail
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XBriefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow ?.
If no speed is stored, the current speed is
set and stored.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
Hill-start assist system
On uphill grades, the hill-start assist system
maintains the pressure in the brake system
for approximately 1 second after you have
released the brake pedal. Therefore, you can
start off smoothly without the vehicle moving
immediately after releasing the brake pedal.
GWarning!
The hill-start assist system is not designed to
function as a parking brake. It does not
prevent the vehicle from moving when parked
on an incline.
Always engage the parking brake in addition
to shifting the automatic transmission into
park position P.
XDepress the brake pedal.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The hill-start assist system is inactive
R when starting off on a level road or downhill
grades
R with the automatic transmission in neutral
position N
R with the parking brake engaged
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the
ESP ®
( Y page 61) and the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) ( Y page 62).GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While 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 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 241) or
snow chains as required.
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RFront area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red distance
segment illuminates and a constant
acoustic warning lasting a maximum of
2 seconds will sound for the second red
distance segment. The signal is canceled
when the automatic transmission is shifted
into park position P or the parking brake is
engaged.
RRear area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red distance
segment illuminates and a constant
acoustic warning lasting a maximum of
2 seconds will sound for the second red
distance segment. The signal is canceled
when the automatic transmission is shifted
into drive position D, or park position P, or
the parking brake is engaged.
Switching the Parktronic system on/
off
The Parktronic system switches on
automatically when the ignition is switched
on.
XSwitching off: Press Parktronic
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
XSwitching on: Press Parktronic switch :
again.
Trailer towing
The rear Parktronic sensors will be
deactivated when you have established the
electrical connection between your vehicle
and the trailer you are about to tow.
! The distance between the sensors in the
bumpers and an obstacle is referred to as
the minimum range of the Parktronic. A
trailer hitch will reduce the distance to an
obstacle. Keep this in mind to avoid any
damage.
Parktronic system malfunction
There is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system, if only the red distance segments
illuminate and an acoustic warning sounds.
The Parktronic system will switch off
automatically after 20 seconds and indicator
lamp ; in Parktronic switch : comes on.
XHave the Parktronic system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
If only the red distance segments illuminate
and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g. dirt,
ice, snow and slush). Another cause could be
interference from other radio or ultrasonic
signals (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers). The Parktronic system will
switch off automatically after 20 seconds and
indicator lamp ; in Parktronic switch :
comes on.
XSwitch off the ignition.XClean the Parktronic system sensors
(Y page 254).
XSwitch on the ignition.
or
XCheck the Parktronic system operation at
another location to rule out interference
from outside radio or ultrasonic signals.
Rear view camera
The rear view camera is an optical parking aid.
The area behind the vehicle appears in the
COMAND system display as a mirror image,
like in the rear view mirror.
174Driving systemsControls in detail
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