transmission MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 2017 Workshop Manual

! A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a two-axle dynamometer.
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.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if you
use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow chains
if necessary.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
( Y
page 168).
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) General notes 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 brak-
ing effect on the vehicle. When driving on flat
stretches of road or on an uphill gradient, the
DSR braking effect is minimal or nonexistent.
DSR controls the vehicle’s speed when it is acti-
vated and the transmission is in position D , R or
N . You can drive at a higher or a lower speed
than that set on the on-board computer at any
time by accelerating or braking.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If the speed driven and the set speed deviate
and you activate DSR on a slippery road sur-
face, the wheels may lose traction. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Before switching DSR on, please take into
consideration the road surface and the differ-
ence between driving speed and the set
speed.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DSR can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor override
the laws of physics. DSR cannot take account of
road, weather and traffic conditions. DSR is only
an aid. You are responsible for the distance to
the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for brak-
ing in good time and for staying in your lane.
You are always responsible for keeping control
of the vehicle and for assessing whether the
downhill gradient can be managed. DSR may not
always be able to keep to the set speed, depend- ing on road surface and tire conditions. Select a
set speed suitable for the prevailing conditions
and when necessary, apply the brakes manually.
Activating DSR X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.
The

R
The Offroad Plus program is selected and
the vehicle is raised by +1.2 in (30 mm)
compared with the Offroad drive program.R
DSR is switched on. R
The differential lock is closed.
You can select the Offroad Plus drive program at
speeds below 25 mph (40 km/ h) .
The Offroad Plus drive program automatically
switches to the Offroad drive program if you
drive faster than 30 mph (45 km/ h) . The Drive
more slowly message appears in the multi-
function display.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
( Y
page 168).
LOW RANGE offroad gear (vehicles with
the Offroad Engineering package) Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you select the LOW RANGE off-road gear on
a slippery road surface, the wheels could lose
traction: R
if you remove your foot from the accelera-
tor pedal when driving R
if off road ABS intervenes when braking
If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no
longer be steered. There is an increased dan-
ger of skidding and accidents.
Never select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
when driving on slippery road surfaces.
G WARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The
power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is a
risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
Do not turn off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission to
another position. General notes
C
LOW RANGE offroad gear button D
LOW RANGE offroad gear indicator lamp
HIGH RANGE
Position for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW RANGE
Offroad position for driving
off-road and fording
The transmission ratio
between the engine and
wheels is only approx-
imately one third of that in
the HIGH RANGE road posi-
tion. Drive torque is thus
proportionately higher.
Do not use LOW RANGE: R
on slippery road surfaces,
e.g. in the case of slush R
on snow or ice-covered
roads R
if you have mounted snow
chains to your vehicle
The LOW RANGE offroad gear assists you in
driving off-road and when fording. When LOW
RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting character-
istics of the automatic transmission are adapted
for this purpose.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
( Y
page 168). You will find information about
driving safety systems in conjunction with
LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section ( Y
page 63).Driving systems 219
Driving and parking Z

From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE
! On ly change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if: R
the engine is running.R
the transmission is in position NR
you are driv ing at a speed below 40 km /hX
Press LOW RANGE button C .
Indic ator lamp D flashes.
When the gear change is co mple te, indicator
lamp D lights up. LOW RANGE indicator
appears in the multifunction displ ay and in the
status indicator.
While indicator lamp D is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button C again.
i You cannot activate LOW RANGE if the
SPORT driv e program is activated. The LOW
RANGE Not in Drive Program "Sport"
message then appears in the multifunction
displ ay.
From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE
! On ly change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if: R
the engine is running.R
the transmission is in position NR
you are driv ing at a speed below 70 km /h X
Press LOW RAN GE button C .
In dicator lamp D flashes.
When the gear change is co mple te, indicator
lamp D goes out. In the multifunction dis-
play, the LOW RANGE Off message appears
and the status indicator goes out.
While indicator lamp D is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button C again.
Messages in the multifunction display If a gear change process has not been successful, the following messages may be displayed in the
multifunction displ ay:
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutio ns
LOW RANGE Max.
Speed 24 mph You have been driv ing faster than 24 mph (40 km/h). Additionally, the
indicator lamp on the button in the center console is flashing.X
Drive more slowly to carry out the gear change process.
LOW RANGE Shift to
Position N Briefly The transmission is in position D and you are driving at below
40 km/h. X
Sh ift the transmission to N to complete the gear change process.220
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Towing a trailer There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-
tions. Make sure that your car/trailer combina-
tion complies with the local regulations: R
in your place of residence R
in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide reli-
able information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer: R
To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling characteris-
tics, you should practice the following in a
traffic-free location: -
cornering -
stopping -
backing up R
Before driving, check: -
trailer tow hitch -
safety switch for braked trailers -
safety chains -
electrical connections -
lights -
wheels R
Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer. R
If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check whether
the brakes function correctly. R
Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is in
motion. R
When you couple up a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is firmly secured. If the
tra i ler is equipped with trailer lights and
brakes, check the trailer to ensure that these
are working. R
Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments. R
The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering. R
If possible, do not brake suddenly, but instead
depress the brake pedal moderately at first so
that the trailer can activate its brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal. R
If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill gra-
dients, shift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the risk
of engine failure. R
When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear to
utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if instal-
led, the trailer brakes. R
If the coolant temperature increases dramat-
i cally while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by open-
ing the windows and switching the ventilation
blower and the interior temperature to the
highest level. R
When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer com-
bination, you require additional road space in
relation to the vehicle you are overtaking
before you can change back to the original
lane.
Decoupling a trailer
G WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
G WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your
limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under-226
Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun
brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake. X
Start the engine. X
Close the doors and tailgate. X
Apply the trailer's parking brake. X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. X
Switch off the engine.
Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications
Maximum allowable gross mass The gross vehicle weight of the trailer is calcu-
lated by adding the weight of the trailer to the
weight of the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 387).
Permissible noseweight
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 387).
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that nei-
ther the permissible gross weight of the trailer
nor the gross vehicle weight are exceeded.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate located on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible values
on the type plates of your vehicle and the
trailer. When calculating how much weight the vehicle and trailer may carry, pay atten-
tion to the respective lowest values. R
The trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle weight.
The permissible gross vehicle weight is indi-
cated on the identification plate located on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer load
where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8 % to 15 % of the trailer's per-
missible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories, pas-
sengers, and cargo reduces the permissible
trailer load and drawbar load for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To check that the weights of the towing vehi-
cle and the trailer comply with the maximum
permissible values, have the vehicle/trailer
combination (including the driver, passen-
gers, and cargo with a fully laden trailer)
weighed on a calibrated weighbridge. R
Check the gross axle weight rating of the front
and rear axles, the gross weight of the trailer
and the trailer drawbar noseweight.
Removing the ball coupling X
Remove the spring cotter. X
Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess. X
Remove the ball coupling from the ball cou-
pling recess. X
Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty. X
Stow the ball coupling so that it cannot be
thrown around.
Observe the loading guidelines ( Y
page 294)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
( Y
page 294).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch ( Y
page 329).
Trailer power supply
! Accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W can be connected to the
permanent power supply.Towing a trailer 227
Driving an d parking Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The yellow $ warning lamp and th e red I (US A only) or $
(Canada only) indicator lamp ligh t up.
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning .
To release: X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Releas e th e electric parking brak e manually.
or X
Releas e th e electric parking brak e automatically ( Y
page 160).
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be released:X
Do no t drive on .X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .
The red I (US A only) or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes
and th e yellow $ warning lamp lights up.
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning .
To release: X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Releas e th e electric parking brak e manually.
To apply : X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Apply th e electric parking brak e manually.
If th e red I (US A only) or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp con-
tinue s to flash: X
Do no t drive on .X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 367).X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Turn th e fron t wheels toward s th e curb.X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .248
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The yellow $ warning lamp lights up. The red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about te n seconds
after th e electric parking brak e has been applie d or released. It then
goe s out or remain s lit .
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning .X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Apply th e electric parking brake.
If it is no t possibl e to engage th e electric parking brake:X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
If it is no t possibl e to release th e electric parking brake:X
Releas e th e electric parking brak e automatically ( Y
page 160).
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be released:X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .
The yellow $ warning lamp lights up. If you manually apply or
release th e electric parking brake, th e red I (US A only) or $
(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes .
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning . It is no t possibl e to apply
th e electric parking brak e manually.X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
I (USA
only)
$ ( Canada
only)
Parkin g Brake Inop‐
erativ e The yellow $ warning lamp lights up. The red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about te n seconds
after th e electric parking brak e has been applie d or released. It then
goe s out or remain s lit .
The electric parking brak e is malfunctioning , e.g. because of over-
voltag e or undervoltage. X
Remove th e caus e for th e overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging th e battery or restarting th e engine.X
Engage or release th e electric parking brake.
If it remain s impossible to apply or release th e electric parking brake:X
Switc h off th e ignition and tur n it bac k on .X
Engage or release th e electric parking brake.
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be released:X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .
If th e electric parking brak e still canno t be applied:X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .Display messages 24 9
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The yellow $ warning lamp lights up and th e red I (US A only)
or $ (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes .
It is no t possibl e to apply th e electric parking brak e manually.X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
' (USA
only)
M ( Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level There is no t enough brak e flui d in th e brak e flui d reservoir . In addition ,
th e ' (US A only) or M (Canada only) warning lamp lights up in
th e instrumen t cluste r and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNIN G
The braking effec t may be impaired.
There is a ris k of an accident.X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions. Do no t continu e drivin g
under any circumstances. X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 159).X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop .X
Do no t add brak e fluid . This does no t correc t th e malfunction .
& Check Brake Pad Wea r The brak e pads/linings hav e reached their wear limit.
US A only: th e ' red brak e system warning lamp is lit while th e
engin e is running. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
S Inoperative On e or mor e main features of th e mbrace system are malfunctioning .X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
Active Brake Assist
Functions Currently
Limite d See Opera‐
tor's Manual Active Brake Assis t wit h cross-traffic function is temporarily inopera-
tive.
Possibl e causes are: R
th e radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to elec -
tromagneti c radiation emitted by nearby TV or radi o station s or
other source s of electromagneti c radiationR
th e system is outside th e operating temperature rangeR
th e on-boar d voltag e is to o low.
Whe n th e causes state d abov e no longer apply, th e display message
disappears.
Active Brake Assis t wit h cross-traffic function or PRE ‑ S AF E ®
PLU S is
functional again .
If th e display message does no t disappear :X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 159).X
Restart th e engine.250
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
; Different . Loc k
Sys . Malfunction The differential loc k is malfunctioning .X
Do no t drive at speeds abov e 50 mph (80 km/h).X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
; Different . Lockin g
Sys . Coolin g Dow n
Please Wai t The differential loc k is to o hot and has been disengaged .X
Drive on carefully. X
Allow th e differential loc k to cool down .
The differential loc k re-engage s as soo n as it has cooled down .
LOW RANGE Sto p
Apply Parkin g Brake A gearshift process has been canceled. LOW RANGE is in th e neutral
position . There is no connection between th e engin e and th e drive
wheels. X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Apply th e electric parking brake. Do no t continu e drivin g under any
circumstances. X
Repeat th e gearshift process.
LOW RANGE Malfunc‐
tio n To Park, Apply
Brake LOW RANGE is malfunctioning .X
Do no t drive at speeds abov e 50 mph (80 km/h).X
Whe n parking , secure th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 159).X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
LOW RANGE Max .
Speed 25 mph You hav e exceeded th e maximum speed for th e gearshift process.X
Drive mor e slowly.
The gear chang e is made .
LOW RANGE Max .
Speed 40 mph You hav e exceeded th e maximum speed for th e gearshift process.X
Drive mor e slowly.
The gear chang e is made .
LOW RANGE Shift To
Position N Briefl y You hav e reduce d th e vehicl e speed, but th e automatic transmission
is no t in position N .X
Briefly shift th e automatic transmission to position N .
LOW RANGE Shifting
Canceled Please
Reactivat e The gearshift process has been canceled. X
Repeat th e gearshift process.

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Tir e Pressure Moni‐
tor Inoperative No
Wheel Sensor s The wheels mounte d do no t hav e a suitable tire pressur e sensor . The
tire pressur e monitor is deactivated.X
Moun t wheels wit h suitable tire pressur e sensors.
The tire pressur e monitor is activated automatically after drivin g for
a few minutes.
Tir e Press. Monito r
Inoperative The tire pressur e monitor is faulty.X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
Vehicle Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Shift to 'P' or 'N'
to Start Engine You hav e attempte d to start th e engin e wit h th e transmission in posi-
tion R or D . X
Shift th e transmission to position P or N .
Apply Brake to
Shift fro m 'P' You hav e attempte d to shift th e transmission to position D , R or N
without depressing th e brak e pedal .X
Depress th e brak e pedal .
To Deselect P or N,
Depres s Brake and
Start Engine Wit h th e engin e switched off , you hav e attempte d to shift th e trans -
mission out of position P or N int o another transmission position .X
Depress th e brak e pedal .X
Start th e engine.
Transmission Not in
P Ris k of Vehicl e
Rollin g Awa y The driver's door is open/not completely closed and th e transmission
is in position R , N or D .
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNIN G
The vehicl e may rol l away.
There is a ris k of an accident.X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 159).X
Clos e th e driver's door completely.
Onl y Shift to 'P'
whe n Vehicl e is Sta ‐
tionar y The vehicl e is moving .X
Stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g attention to roa d
and traffic conditions. X
Shift th e transmission to position P .270
Display messages
On-board computer and displays