2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 cruise control

When you use the cruise control lever to
decelerate, the brake system will brake the
vehicle automatically if the engine’s braking
power does not brake the vehicle sufficiently.
Adjustment in 1 mph (Canada:
1 km/h) increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
cruise control lever up or down to the
resistance point.XIncreasing: Briefly lift the cruise control
lever up to the resistance point in direction
of arrow : (Y page 150).XDecreasing: Briefly press the cruise
control lever down to the resistance point
in direction of arrow ; (Y page 150).XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate.
Adjustment in 5 mph (Canada:
10 km/h) increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
cruise control lever up or down past the
resistance point.
XIncreasing: Briefly lift the cruise control
lever up past the resistance point in
direction of arrow : (Y page 150).XDecreasing: Briefly press the cruise
control lever down past the resistance
point in direction of arrow ;
( Y page 150).XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate. Keep in mind that
it may take a brief moment until the vehicle
has reached the set speed.Setting stored speed (Resume function)GWarning!
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow ? (Y page 151).
If no speed is stored, the current speed is
set and stored.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Deactivating Distronic
XDepress the brake pedal.
or
XBriefly push the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow = (Y page 151).
The cruise control speed segments in the
speedometer dial will go out and the
following message appears briefly in the
multifunction display: DISTRONIC Off
The last set speed is stored for later use.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
The Distronic switches off automatically
when you depress the brake pedal or you
engage the parking brake. In this case, the
cruise control speed segments in the
speedometer dial will go out.
The Distronic also switches off automatically
when
R the vehicle speed falls below 20 mph
(30 km/h)
R the ESP ®
is in operation
R the ESP ®
is switched off with the ESP ®
switch
152Driving systemsControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 152

Rthe ESP® has switched off due to a
malfunction
Ryou shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N while driving
The cruise control speed segments in the
speedometer dial goes out and an acoustic
warning will sound. Observe additional
messages in the multifunction display that
may appear.
GWarning!
Distronic switches off and releases the brakes
when the vehicle decelerates below the
minimum speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) by
operation of the system. At that time the
driver must apply the brakes in order to
reduce vehicle speed further or bring it to a
stop.
Depressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the Distronic. After a brief
acceleration (e.g. for passing), the Distronic
will resume the last set speed.
Setting the following distance in
Distronic
You can set the specified following distance
for Distronic by varying the time setting
between 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Using this time
setting and the current speed of your vehicle,
Distronic calculates and sets the required
following distance to the preceding vehicle.
The set distance will be shown in the
multifunction display.
GWarning!
It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to
select the appropriate setting given road
conditions, traffic, driver’s preferred driving
style and applicable laws and driving
recommendations for safe following distance.
XIncreasing distance: Turn distance
setting switch : in direction of arrow =.
Increasing the distance setting tells
Distronic to maintain a greater following
distance to the preceding vehicle.
XDecreasing distance: Turn distance
setting switch : in direction of arrow ;.
Decreasing the distance setting tells
Distronic to maintain a shorter following
distance to the preceding vehicle.
Driving with Distronic
This section describes a number of driving
situations where special precaution is
required on the part of the driver. Be prepared
to brake in such situations. Braking will
deactivate the Distronic system.
GWarning!
The Distronic works to maintain the speed
selected by the driver unless a moving
obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the
same travel direction is detected (e.g.
following another vehicle ahead of you at your
set distance).
This means that:
RYour vehicle can pass another vehicle after
you have changed lanes.
RWhile in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, the Distronic
could lose sight of the preceding vehicle.
Your vehicle could then accelerate to the
previously selected speed.
Driving systems153Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 153Z

The DSR is an aid for driving downhill. The
DSR regulates your vehicle’s speed when
driving downhill to the value set in the control
system (Y page 141). The steeper the
downhill gradient is, the greater the brake
application. On flat road surfaces, the DSR
brakes only slightly or not at all.
GWarning!
The Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) is a
convenience system designed to assist the
driver during vehicle operation. The system
must be set to be appropriate for the
topographical and weather conditions
encountered which can change quickly. The
driver is and must remain at all times
responsible for the vehicle speed and for safe
brake operation.
Depending on the programmed speed, actual
vehicle speed and gradient, switching on the
DSR while driving can cause the vehicle to
slow down rapidly and you may hear a sound
which is caused by the activation of the
vehicle’s brake system through the DSR.
Sudden and unexpected deceleration can
result in loss of vehicle control, causing an
accident and/or serious personal injury to
you and others. Do not switch on the DSR in
a circumstance where rapid deceleration
could result in a loss of vehicle control.
The DSR regulates the vehicle’s speed in
automatic transmission positions D, or R.
iIn addition, make use of the engine’s
braking effect by shifting the automatic
transmission into a lower gear.
You can drive slower or faster than the set
speed at any time by braking the vehicle or
depressing the accelerator pedal.
iWhenever the DSR is switched on, the
DSR will use the programmed default
speed to regulate the vehicle’s speed. The
default speed programmed at the factory is
4 mph (Canada: 6 km/h). The default speed
can be reprogrammed using the control
system (Y page 141). The next time the
DSR is switched on, the DSR will use the
newly programmed default speed to
regulate the vehicle’s speed.
Once the DSR is switched on, you can
adjust the set speed using the cruise
control lever (Y page 145). Keep in mind
that adjusting the set speed using the
cruise control lever with the DSR switched
on will not change the programmed default
speed. If the DSR is switched off and then
switched on again, the DSR will use the
programmed default speed.
Depending on the road surface and level of
downhill grade, the DSR may not be able to
maintain the set speed. To maintain the set
speed, apply the brakes if necessary.
Switching the DSR on/off
Vehicles without enhanced off-road package
Vehicles with enhanced off-road package
156Driving systemsControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 156

GWarning!
If the accelerator pedal is depressed while the
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) is activated,
the vehicle can drive faster than the
programmed set speed. You should therefore
drive downhill with particular caution as it
could otherwise lead to an accident and/or
serious injury to you or others. Keep in mind
that as soon as you remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal with the DSR switched on,
the DSR will start regulating the vehicle’s
speed including use of brakes if required.
Depending on the programmed set speed,
actual vehicle speed and gradient, the DSR
can cause the vehicle to slow down rapidly.
Sudden and unexpected deceleration can
result in loss of vehicle control, causing an
accident and/or serious personal injury to
you and others.
Switching on the DSR
The DSR can only be switched on if the vehicle
speed is below 20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h).
XPress DSR switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
The message DSR and the set speed appear
in the multifunction display.
iIf the DSR is switched on at a speed above
20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h), the message
DSR Max. Speed 20 MPH (Canada:
30 km/h) appears in the multifunction
display.
For information on how to program the set
speed while driving, see “Adjusting the DSR
speed” (Y page 157).
Switching off the DSRXPress DSR switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out.
The message DSR Off appears in the
multifunction display.
iAt a speed above approximately 21 mph
(Canada approximately: 35 km/h), the DSR
is automatically switched off. The message
DSR Off appears in the multifunction
display and an acoustic signal sounds. For
information on how to switch the DSR on
again, see “Switching on the DSR”
(Y page 157).
Adjusting the DSR speed
With the DSR switched on (Y page 157), the
speed setting can be changed using the
cruise control lever.
Cruise control lever
You can change the set speed between
3-10 mph (Canada: 4-18 km/h).
You can increase or reduce the set speed in
two ways.
Adjustment in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
increments
iThe set value is increased or decreased in
1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments each
time you lift or depress the cruise control
lever to the resistance point.
Driving systems157Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 157Z

Increase set speed:XBriefly lift the cruise control lever up to the
resistance point in direction of arrow :.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed increases in increments
of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h).
Reduce set speed:
XBriefly press the cruise control lever down
to the resistance point in direction of
arrow ;.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed decreases in increments
of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h).
Each time the set speed is changed, DSR
will appear in the multifunction display and
the changed set speed is shown.
The set speed is canceled when the DSR is
switched off. If the DSR is switched on again,
the DSR will use the programmed default
speed (Y page 141).
Adjustment in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h)
increments
iThe set value is increased or decreased in
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments each
time you lift or depress the cruise control
lever past the resistance point.
Increase set speed:
XBriefly lift the cruise control lever up past
the resistance point in direction of
arrow :.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed increases in increments
of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
Reduce set speed:
XBriefly press the cruise control lever down
past the resistance point in direction of
arrow ;.
XRelease the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed decreases in increments
of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
Each time the set speed is changed, DSR
will appear in the multifunction display and
the changed set speed is shown.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate. Keep in mind that
it may take a brief moment until the vehicle
has reached the new set speed.
The set speed is canceled when the DSR is
switched off. If the DSR is switched on again,
the DSR will use the programmed default
speed (Y page 141).
Off-road driving program (Vehicles
without enhanced off-road package)
The off-road driving program is designed to
assist the driver when driving off-road in
terrain and crossing water. The off-road
driving program adjusts the engine power and
shifting of the automatic transmission to be
more suitable for the off-road use of the
vehicle. In addition, the ABS, ESP®, and 4-ETS
designed for off-road use are automatically
activated.
In the following situations you should switch
to the off-road driving program:
Rduring off-road driving
Rwhen crossing water (Y page 266)
Rwhen towing up or down on steep gradients
XSwitching on: Press switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The symbol
Ç appears in the lower multifunction
display.
158Driving systemsControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 158

maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 258).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can
bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency
back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on
salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency
should be tested as soon as possible after
driving is resumed.GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel you should:
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Remove carriers when not in use.
R Remove the crossbars when not in use.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance system. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning!
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Power assistance
GWarning!
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Driving instructions259OperationX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 259Z

GWarning!
If the 42 indicator lamp remains illuminated with an adult occupant on the front
passenger seat even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use
the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCruise
ControlInoperativ
eThe cruise control is malfunctioning.XHave the cruise control checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Cruise
Control- - - MPHOne of the activation conditions for cruise control has not
been fulfilled. You may have attempted to set a speed below
20 mph (30 km/h).XDrive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) if the situation allows
and set the speed.XCheck the activation conditions for cruise control
( Y page 145).DISTRONIC- - - Km/h
(Canada
only)One of the activation conditions for Distronic has not been
fulfilled. You may have attempted to set a speed below
20 mph (30 km/h).XDrive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) if the situation allows
and set the speed.XCheck the activation conditions for Distronic
( Y page 151).DISTRONICInoperativ
eThe Distronic or the display are malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.DISTRONICOverrideYou have accelerated. The Distronic has switched off.XStop accelerating.DISTRONICAvailable
AgainDistronic had been deactivated and is available again.XActivate Distronic ( Y page 151).294Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 294

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsdThe yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.The ESP ®
or the 4-ETS has come into operation because of
detected traction loss in at least one tire.
The cruise control is deactivated.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not deactivate the ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 64).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
At least one wheel is spinning and the 4-ETS has switched off to
prevent overheating of the drive wheel brakes.XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.
As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the 4-ETS switches on
again.
The message in the multifunction display disappears and the
ESP ®
warning lamp d goes out.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·The red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving.You are too close to the vehicle in front of you to maintain selected
speed.XApply the brakes immediately to increase the following
distance.·The red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving and an
acoustic
warning sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle ahead of you or the
distance warning system has recognized a stationary obstacle on
your probable line of travel.XApply the brakes immediately.XCarefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake
or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.What to do if …319Practical hintsX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 319Z