tow MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 2019 User Guide

Display message ............................ 268
Distribution of the vehicle occu-
pants (definition) ............................ 372
DOT (Department of Transporta-
tion) (definition) ............................. 370
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 370
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) .................................... .371
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) (defi-
nition) ............................................ 371
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) (def-
inition) .......................................... .371
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) (definition) .............................. 371
Important safety notes .................. 352
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 371
Information on driving .................... 352
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 371
Labeling (overview )........................ 367
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 372
Load index ..................................... 369
Load index (definition) ................... 371
M+S tire s....................................... 354
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 371
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 371
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 371
Maximum tire load ......................... 369
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 371
MOExtended tire s.......................... 353
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 372
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ........................................... 372
Replacing ....................................... 372
Service life ..................................... 353
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 372
Snow chains .................................. 354
Speed rating (definition) ................ 371
Storing ........................................... 373
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 370
Summer tires in winter .................. 354
Temperature .................................. 366 TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 372
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 372
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 372
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 371
Tire size (data) ............................... 377
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 367
Tire tread ....................................... 353
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 372
Total load limit (definition) ............. 372
Traction ......................................... 366
Traction (definition) ....................... 372
Tread wear ..................................... 366
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 372
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 366
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 370
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 372
Wheel and tire combination ........... 377
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 371
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 63
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 349
Important safety notes .................. 346
Towing
Permitted towing methods ............ 347
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissibl e.................... 392
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 331
Coupling up a traile r...................... 224
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 226
Driving tip s.................................... 222
Important safety notes .................. 221
Installing the ball coupling ............. 223
Lights display message .................. 257
Mounting dimensions .................... 392
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC .......... 189
Power supply ................................. 227
Pulling away with a traile r.............. 143
Removing the ball coupling ............ 226
Trailer load s................................... 392 22
Index

Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 346
Installing the towing eye ................ 347
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 349
Removing the towing eye ............... 347
Transporting the vehicle ................ 348
With both axles on the ground ....... 347
Towing eye ......................................... 335
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 287
Traffic Sign Assist
Activating/deactivating the warn-ing function .................................... 238
Display message ............................ 264
Function/note s............................. 206
Important safety notes .................. 206
Instrument cluster display ............. 206
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 226
Trailer towing
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 212
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 215
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 208
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 226
Transfer case ..................................... 155
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 149
Transporting the vehicle .................. 348
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 170
Driving downhill ............................. 170
Maximum gradient-climbing capa-
bility ............................................... 170
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 332
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 233
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 233
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 234
Trunk
see Tailgate Turn signals
Display message ............................ 257
Replacing bulbs (front) ................... 122
Switching on/of f........................... 116
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 382
Installation ..................................... 382
Transmission output (maximum) .... 382
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 372
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking ....................... 84
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 83
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ....... 242
USB devices
Connecting to the Media Inter-
face ............................................... 294 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 305
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 31
Data acquisition ............................... 32
Display message ............................ 270
Equipment ....................................... 28
Individual settings .......................... 240
Limited Warranty ............................. 32
Loading .......................................... 362
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 84
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 77
Lowering ........................................ 377
Maintenance .................................... 29
Operating safety .............................. 30
Parking .......................................... 158
Parking for a long period ................ 160
Pulling away ................................... 143
Raising ........................................... 374
REACH Regulation ........................... 31
Reporting problems ......................... 32
Securing from rolling away ............ 374 Index
23

Towing away ..................................3
46
Transporting .................................. 348
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 84
Unlocking (SmartKey) ..................... .77
Vehicle data ................................... 389
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 389
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 391
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 392
Maximum water depth ................... 390
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 389
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 84
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 383
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 187
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 261
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 335
Video
Operating the DVD .........................2 36
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ................................................. .287
VIN ...................................................... 383
Seat ............................................... 384
Type plate ...................................... 383 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 277
Brakes .......................................... .276
Coolant .......................................... 283
Distance warning ........................... 285
Engine diagnostics ......................... 282
ESP ®
.............................................. 279
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 280
Fuel tank ........................................ 282
Overview .......................................... 37
Parking brake ................................ 282
PASSENGER AIR BAG ..................... .45
Reserve fuel .................................. .282
Restraint system ............................ 282
Seat belt ........................................ 275
Tire pressure monitor .................... 286 Warranty
.............................................. 28
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 273
Weather display (COMAND)
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual.................................................. 287
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 377
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 377
Wheel chock ...................................... 374
Wheels
Changing a whee l.......................... 372
Checking ........................................ 352
Cleaning ......................................... 329
Emergency spare wheel ................. 378
Important safety notes .................. 352
Information on driving .................... 352
Interchanging/changing ................ 372
Mounting a new whee l................... 376
Mounting a whee l.......................... 373
Overview ........................................ 352
Removing a whee l.......................... 375
Snow chains .................................. 354
Storing ........................................... 373
Tightening torque ........................... 377
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 377
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 254
Operation ......................................... 51
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 133
Infrared reflective .......................... 320
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 324
Important safety notes .................. 388
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ................... 124
Rear window wipe r........................ 123
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 123
Switching on/of f........................... 122
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 165
Winter operation
Overview ........................................ 354 24
Index

These devices may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and 2) These devices must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation. Changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment."
Canada: "The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Industry Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) These devices may
not cause interference, and (2) These devices
must accept any interference, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired operation of
the device." Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended for
the connection of diagnostic equipment at a
qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If you connect equipment to a diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it may affect the
operation of vehicle systems. As a result, the operating safety of the vehicle could be affec-
ted. There is a risk of an accident.
Only connect equipment to a diagnostics con-
nection in the vehicle, which is approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz. G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle is
jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another.
! If the engine is switched off and equipment
on the diagnostics connection is used, the
starter battery may discharge.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics con-
nection can lead to emissions monitoring infor- mation being reset, for example. This may lead
to the vehicle failing to meet the requirements of
the next emissions test during the main inspec-
tion. Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a quali-
fied specialist workshop. It has the necessary
specialist knowledge, tools and qualifications to correctly carry out the work required on your
vehicle. This is especially the case for work rel-
evant to safety.
Always have the following work carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
R alterations, installation work and modifica-
tions
R work on electronic components Correct use
If you remove any warning stickers, you or oth-
ers could fail to recognize certain dangers.
Leave warning stickers in position.
Observe the following information when driving your vehicle:
R the safety notes in this manual
R the vehicle technical data
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to motor
vehicles Information about the REACH decree
The REACH regulation (Regulation (EC) no.
1907/2006, Article 33) lays down an informa-
tion obligation for substances of very high con-
cern (SVHC).
Daimler AG acts in good faith to avoid using
these SVHCs and to allow the customer to han- dle these substances safely. In accordance with
supplier information and internal product infor-
mation from Daimler AG, SVHCs that account
for more than 0.1 percent by weight of individual products in this vehicle are known. Operating safety
31Introduction Z

Center console, lower section
i
Vehicles with the Off-Road Engineering
package Function Page
0043
Stowage compartment 297
Cup holder 303
Ashtray 306
Cigarette lighter 307
Socket 307
0044
Selector wheel for level con-
trol
180
0087
00C6
DSR (Downhill Speed
Regulation) 215
0085
008D
Manual gearshifting
(permanent setting) 152
0083
DYNAMIC SELECT controller 147
0084
Stowage compartment with
Media Interface
296 Function Page
006B
Touchpad; see Digital Opera-
tor's Manual 006C
0038
Back button (see the
Digital Operator's Manual) 006D
Multimedia system control-
ler; see Digital Operator's
Manual 006E
007D
Switches to the favor-
ites button (see the Digital
Operator's Manual) 006F
Switches to the vehicle set-
tings display (see the Digital
Operator's Manual)
0070
002E
LOW RANGE off-road
gear 21840
Center consoleAt a glance

i
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package and
Mercedes-AMG vehicles Function Page
0043
Stowage compartment 297
Cup holder 303
Ashtray 306
Cigarette lighter 307
Socket 307
0044
00C6
DSR (Downhill Speed
Regulation) 215
0087
008D
Manual gearshifting
(permanent setting) 152
0085
DYNAMIC SELECT controller 147
0083
Stowage compartment with
Media Interface
296
0084
Touchpad; see Digital Opera-
tor's Manual Function Page
006B
0038
Back button (see the
Digital Operator's Manual) 006C
Multimedia system control-
ler; see Digital Operator's
Manual
006D
007D
Switches to the favor-
ites button (see the Digital
Operator's Manual) 006E
Switches to the vehicle set-
tings display (see the Digital
Operator's Manual)
AMG adaptive sport suspen-
sion system (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
188
006F
00C4
Level control 187Center console
41At a glance

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
lights up and remains lit,
even though the front-
passenger seat is occu-
pied by an adult or a per-
son of a stature corre-
sponding to that of an
adult. The classification of the person on the front-passenger seat is incor-
rect.
X Make sure the conditions for a correct classification of the person
on the front-passenger seat are met (Y page 52).
X If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, the front-
passenger seat may not be used.
X Have OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
does not light up and/or
does not stay on.
The front-passenger seatis:
R unoccupied
R occupied by the
weight of a child up to
twelve months old in achild restraint system OCS is malfunctioning.
X Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the child
seat.
X Make sure that the entire base of the child restraint system rests on
the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat. The backrest of the
forward-facing child restraint system must lie as flat as possible
against the backrest of the front passenger seat. If necessary,
adjust the position of the front-passenger seat.
X When installing the child restraint system, make sure that the seat
belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight using the front-passenger
seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt and the child
restraint system being pulled too tightly.
X Check for correct installation of the child restraint system.
Make sure that the head restraint does not apply a load to the child restraint system. If necessary, adjust the head restraint accord-
ingly.
X Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto the
seat.
X If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains off and/or
the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp lights up, do not install a child restraint system on the front-passenger seat. It is recom-
mended that you install the child restraint system on a suitable rear
seat.
X Have OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. Deployment of Emergency Tensioning
Devices and air bags
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The air bag parts are hot after an air bag has
been deployed. There is a risk of injury.
Do not touch the air bag parts. Have a
deployed air bag replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible. G
WARNING
A deployed air bag no longer offers any pro-
tection and cannot provide the intended pro-
tection in an accident. There is an increased
risk of injury.
Have the vehicle towed to a qualified special- ist workshop in order to have a deployed air
bag replaced.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags 56
Occupant safetySafety

Activating the special seat belt retractor:
X Pull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat belt retractor is enabled.
X Push the child restraint system down so that
the seat belt is tight and does not loosen.
Removing the child restraint system and deac-
tivating the special seat belt retractor:
X Make sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
X Press the release button of the seat belt
buckle and guide the seat belt tongue back
towards the belt sash guide.
The special seat belt retractor is deactivated. child restraint system
The use of seat belts and child restraint systems
is required by law in:
R all 50 states
R the U.S. territories
R the District of Columbia
R all Canadian provinces
If you install a rearward-facing child restraint
system on the center rear seat, the rear arm rest must be folded back as far as possible.
You can obtain further information about the
correct child restraint system from any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor- rectly on a suitable seat, it cannot protect as
intended. The child cannot then be restrained in the event of an accident, heavy braking or
sudden changes of direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and the notes on use. Please ensure,
that the base of the child restraint system is
always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under or behind the child restraint system. Only use
child restraint systems with the original cover designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor- rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik- ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage or loads under "Loading guide-
lines" (Y page 295). G
WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.
The securing systems of child restraint systems
are:
R the seat belt system
R the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings
R the Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessary to carry a child on
the front passenger seat, be sure to observe the information on the "Occupant Classification
System (OCS)" (Y page 51). There you will also
find information on disabling the front
passenger front air bag. Children in the vehicle
61Safety Z

Automatic locking feature
X
To deactivate: press and hold button 0043for
about five seconds until a tone sounds.
X To activate: press and hold button 0044for
about five seconds until a tone sounds.
If you press one of the two buttons and do not
hear a tone, the relevant setting has already
been selected.
The vehicle is locked automatically when the
ignition is switched on and the wheels are turn-
ing.
You could therefore be locked out if:
R the vehicle is being pushed.
R the vehicle is being towed.
R the vehicle is on a roller dynamometer.
You can also switch the automatic locking func-
tion on and off using the on-board computer
(Y page 241). Power closing
Power closing pulls the doors and tailgate into
their locks automatically even if they are not
completely closed.
X To power close a door: push the door into
the lock up to the first detent position.
Power closing will pull the door fully closed.
X To power close the tailgate: lightly press
the tailgate downwards.
Power closing will pull the tailgate fully
closed. Unlocking/locking the driver's door
using the mechanical key
i If you want to centrally lock the vehicle using
the mechanical key, begin by pressing the
locking button for the interior locking mech-
anism while the driver's door is open. Then
proceed to lock the driver's door using the
mechanical key. X
Insert the mechanical key into the lock of the
driver's door as far as it will go.
X To unlock: turn the mechanical key counter-
clockwise to position 0047.
X To lock: turn the mechanical key clockwise as
far as it will go to position 0047.
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door, the anti-theft alarm sys- tem will be triggered. Switch off the alarm
(Y page 75).
If you lock the vehicle as described above, the
fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-theft alarm
system is not armed. Cargo compartment
Important safety notes
G
DANGER
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gases can enter the vehicle interior if the tail- gate is open while the engine is running, espe-cially if the vehicle is in motion. There is a risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the tailgate. Never drive with the tailgate
open. 84
Cargo compartmentOpening and closing

The daytime running lamps improve the visibility
of your vehicle during the day. To do this, the
daytime running lamps function must be
switched on using the on-board computer
(Y page 240).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to 0060or0058, the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Low-beam headlamps
Even if the light sensor does not detect that it is dark, the parking lamps and low-beam head-
lamps switch on when the ignition is switched on and the light switch is set to the 0058position.
This is a particularly useful function in the event
of rain and fog.
X To switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey to position
0048in the igni-
tion lock or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 0058.
The green 0058indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Rear fog lamp
The rear fog lamp improves visibility of your
vehicle for the traffic behind in the event of thick fog. Please take note of the country-specific
regulations for the use of rear fog lamps.
X To switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
SmartKey to position 0048in the ignition lock or
start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 0058or0071.
X Press the 005Ebutton.
The yellow 005Eindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
X To switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
005E button.
The yellow 005Eindicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Parking lamps ! If the battery charge is very low, the parking
lamps or standing lamps are automatically
switched off to enable the next engine start.
Always park your vehicle safely and in a well lit area, in accordance with the relevant legal
stipulations. Avoid using the 0060parking
lamps over a period of several hours. If pos-
sible, switch on the right-hand 0064or left-
hand 0063 standing lamps. X
To switch on: turn the light switch to 0060.
The green 0060indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Standing lamps Switching on the standing lamps ensures the
corresponding side of the vehicle is illuminated.X To switch on the standing lamps: the
SmartKey should not be in the ignition lock or in key position 0092in the ignition lock.
X Turn the light switch to 0063(left-hand side of
the vehicle) or 0064(right-hand side of the
vehicle).
Vehicles towing a trailer: both the right-hand
and left-hand standing lamps (tail lamps) are
always illuminated on the trailer. Combination switch
0043
High-beam headlamps
0044 Turn signal, right
0087 High-beam flasher
0085 Turn signal, left
X To indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow 0044or0085.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction of
arrow 0044or0085.
X To switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the light switch to 0058or0058.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow 0043.
In the 0058position, the high-beam head-
lamps are only switched on when it is dark and
the engine is running. 116
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers