2009 MERCEDES-BENZ GL SUV check engine light

X
Start the engine.
X Use W orX on the multi-function
steering wheel to select the Vehiclesub-
menu.
X Keep pressing &or* until the Com‐
pass calibration message appears.
The selection marker highlights switched
off . X
Use W orX to select Start.
In the multi-function display, you will see
the Compass calibration active
Please drive a full circle message.
X Drive the vehicle a full circle at approx-
imately 5 – 10 km/h.
When calibration is completed, you will see
the following message in the multi-function
display: Compass calibration Comple‐
ted successfully
If you do not see the Compass calibration
Completed successfully message in the
multi-function display, drive another full cir-
cle. If calibration is not successful within
three minutes of it starting, the Compass
calibration message will appear in the
multi-function display again. This means that
compass calibration is impossible because of
external interference. Repeat calibration at
another location. Floormat* on the driver's side
G
Risk of accident
Make sure that there is sufficient clearance
around the pedals when floormats are used,
and that the floormats are properly secured.
The floormats must be correctly secured at all
times using retainers and press-studs. Before you drive off, check the floormats and
secure if necessary. A floormat which is not
properly secured can slip and, thereby, inter-
fere with the movement of the pedals.
Do not place floormats on top of one another.
X
Slide seat backwards.
X To fit: place the floormat in position.
X Press studs :onto retainers ;.
X To remove: pull floormat off retainers ;.
X Remove the floormat. Infrared reflecting windscreen*
The infrared reflecting glass prevents the
vehicle interior from becoming too hot. It also
blocks radio waves up into the gigahertz
range. In order to operate radio-controlled equip-
ment (e.g. toll recording systems), areas :
on the windscreen are transparent to radio
waves. You can install radio-controlled sys-
tems here. These areas can best be seen from 168
FeaturesControls
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i
If the bonnet can be raised slightly, it is
not properly engaged. Open it again and
close it with a little more force. Engine oil
Depending on driving style, the vehicle con-
sumes up to 0.8 l oil per 1,000 km. The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Checking the engine oil level Before checking the engine oil level the fol-
lowing conditions for the vehicle should be
met:
R the vehicle should be parked on level
ground.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least 30 minutes if the engine is not at
operating temperature (i.e. if you only start
the engine briefly).
Using the on-board computer*
i Only possible on the GL 450 CDI 4MATIC.
On all other models, a dipstick is used to
check the engine oil level (Y page 177).
X Make sure that the key is in position
2(Y page 63) in the ignition lock.
X Press the &or* button to select the
following message: The measurement takes a few seconds. You
will see one of the following messages in the
multi-function display:
R
Engine oil level OK
R Add 1.0 litre to reach max. oil
level
R Add 1.5 litres to reach max. oil
level
R Add 2.0 litres to reach max. oil
level
X Top up the oil if necessary (Y page 177).
Other messages in the multi-function dis-
play
If the engine is at normal operating tempera-
ture and there is too much oil, you will see the
following message:
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level
X Have excess oil siphoned off.
! There is a risk of damage to the engine or
the catalytic converter if there is excess oil
in the engine.
If the Turn on ignition to see engine
oil level message appears:
X Turn the key to position 2(Y page 63) in
the ignition lock.
You will see the following message if you have
not observed the required waiting period:
Observe waiting period
X Repeat the measurement after about five
minutes if the engine is at normal operating
temperature.
X Repeat the measurement after about
30 minutes if the engine is not at normal
operating temperature (if the engine was
only started briefly).
The following message appears if the engine
is running:
Engine oil level Not when engine on
X Switch off the engine and wait for five
minutes if the engine is at normal operating 176
Engine compartmentOperation
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R
Accelerate gently and make sure that the
wheels are gripping.
R Avoid high engine speeds, except when
driving on sandy and muddy routes with
high driving resistance.
R Select a shift range appropriate to the gra-
dient.
R Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
i The vehicle will not roll backwards when
stopping on an uphill gradient if:
R the automatic transmission is in position
D.
R you have selected the LOW RANGE off-
road gear.
Depress the brake pedal when stopping on
steep uphill gradients. Hill start assist will
aid you when you pull away again
(Y page 90).
Maximum gradient-climbing capability On good road surfaces and with the LOW
RANGE off-road gear selected, the full gradi-
ent-climbing capability is available.
i
If the load on the front axle is reduced
when pulling away on a steep uphill slope,
the front wheels have a tendency to spin.
4ETS recognises this and brakes the
wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque
is increased and it is easier to pull away.
Brow of hill When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly
reduce pressure on the accelerator immedi-
ately before reaching the brow of the hill.
Make use of the vehicle’s own impetus to
travel over the brow.
This style of driving prevents: R
the vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
brow of a hill
R loss of traction
R the vehicle from travelling too quickly down
the other side
Driving downhill R
Drive slowly.
R Do not drive at an angle down steep
inclines. Steer into the line of fall and drive
with the front wheels aligned straight. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle could slip sideways, tip
and overturn.
R Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
R Activate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake
gently. When doing so, make sure that the
vehicle is facing in the direction of the line
of fall.
R Check that the brakes are working normally
after a long downhill stretch.
i Off-road ABS is activated when the
LOW RANGE off-road gear is selected.
At speeds below 30 km/h, the front wheels
lock cyclically during braking. The digging-
in effect achieved in the process reduces
the stopping distance when driving off-
road. The steerability of the vehicle is con-
siderably reduced when the wheels lock. Driving over obstacles
Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other obsta-
cles:
R Select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Y page 114).
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Select shift range 1. Off-road driving
191Operation
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You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 297).
The maximum drawbar load of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 140 kg. How-
ever, the actual noseweight must not exceed
the value given on the trailer coupling or
trailer identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do
not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
When towing a trailer, where possible set the
tyre pressures for the permissible gross
weight which you find in the table on the
inside of your vehicle's fuel filler flap (higher
values).
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 51).
In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on
the type of trailer and is either 80 km/h or
100 km/h. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. G
Risk of accident
Always observe the maximum speed permit-
ted in Germany for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions, even in countries where higher speeds
are permitted. This lowers the risk of an acci-
dent. 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 consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1,2or 3in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Distronic* or Speedtronic.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely.
Driving tips
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient- Trailer towing*
197Operation
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions 4 Engine
oil level
Stop car,
turn
engine off The oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely, paying attention to
road and traffic conditions.
X Switch off the engine.
X Top up the engine oil and check the level (Y page 176).4 Engine
oil level
Reduce
oil level
You have added too much engine oil
33
. There is a risk of dam-
age to the engine or to the catalytic converter.
X Siphon off excess engine oil until it is at the specified level.
Observe the legal requirements. 4 Engine
oil level
Consult
workshop The engine oil level has dropped to a critical level or the
measuring system is malfunctioning.
33
X Check the engine oil level ( Ypage 176).
If the engine oil level is OK:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
If the engine oil level is not OK:
X Top up the engine oil.
X If the warning message disappears: consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
X If the warning message does not disappear: keep the vehi-
cle at a standstill and notify a qualified specialist workshop. 4 Engine
oil level
cannot be
measured
The measuring system is malfunctioning
33
.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. h Tyre pres‐
sure Cau‐
tion,
tyre
defect
G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure in one or more tyres has dropped suddenly.
The affected wheel is highlighted in the tyre pressure display
of the tyre pressure monitor*.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or
braking manoeuvres. Pay attention to traffic conditions as
you do so.
X Repair the faulty tyre or replace the wheel ( Ypage 262). 33
Only for certain countries. Display
messages
229Practical advice
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Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions J
The red brake
system warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running. A
warning tone
also sounds. G
Risk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the fluid reservoir.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional messages in the multi-function display
(Y page 211).
Do not top up the brake fluid. This will not rectify the fault. ;
The yellow
engine diagnos-
tics warning
lamp lights up
while the engine
is running. Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel tank has been run dry.
X
Start the engine three to four times after refuelling.
Emergency running mode is cancelled. The vehicle need not be
checked. ;
The yellow
engine diagnos-
tics warning
lamp lights up
while the engine
is running. There may be a fault, for example:
R
in the engine management
R in the ignition system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system (for vehicles with petrol engines)
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine can
run in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop. h
The yellow tyre
pressure moni-
tor* warning
lamp is on. G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure monitor* has detected a sudden or significant
pressure loss in at least one of the tyres.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
manoeuvres. Pay attention to traffic conditions as you do so.
X Observe the additional messages in the multi-function display
(Y page 211).
The warning light will go out after the flat tyre has been changed
and you have been driving for a few minutes. Troubleshooting
237Practical advice
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Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions Vehicles with a petrol
engine:
The engine is not run-
ning smoothly and is
misfiring. There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical
component of the engine control unit.
X
Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic con-
verter and damage it. The coolant tempera-
ture gauge shows a
value above 120 †.
You also hear a warning
tone. The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X
Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.
X Check the coolant level (Y page 177). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and top up the coolant if necessary. If the coolant level is correct, the radiator fan may be faulty. The
coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled suffi-
ciently.
X
If the coolant temperature is less than 120 †, you can continue
driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving on
mountain roads and stop/start driving. The engine does not
switch off. The ignition lock is faulty.
X
Open the fuse box in the engine compartment (Y page 281).
X Remove fuse 120 using the fuse extractor.
The engine stops.
If you wish to start the engine again:
X Replace the fuse. Troubleshooting
243Practical advice
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Automatic transmission
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X XSolutions The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into
secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Turn the key in the ignition to position 0(Y page 63) or press
the Start/Stop button* repeatedly until all indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
X Wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. PARKTRONIC*
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X XSolutions Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning display are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is deacti-
vated after approx-
imately 20 seconds and
the indicator lamp in
the PARKTRONIC but-
ton lights up. PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched itself off.
X
If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning display are lit.
PARKTRONIC is deacti-
vated after approx-
imately 20 seconds. The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.
X
Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors (Y page 203).
X Switch the ignition back on. 244
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