2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 service

100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends on
terrain conditions.
R Shift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 118).
R Drive slowly.
R Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive with
moderate engine speeds (max. 3 000 rpm).
R Utilize the engine’s braking power when
descending a slope, observe the engine
speed (do not overrev the engine). Apply
the service brake as needed.
i For maximum engine speed, see
“Tachometer” (Y page 125) and see vehicle
specification for your vehicle
( Y page 362).
R Check the brakes after a lengthy
downgrade drive.GWarning!
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb,
back it down in reverse gear.
i The hill-start assist system supports you
when driving uphill.
For more information, see “Hill-start assist
system” ( Y page 155).
Traction in steep terrain
The maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the climbing
ability of the vehicle depends on terrain
conditions.
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for
continuous wheel traction when driving in
steep terrain.
i The 4-ETS helps greatly when starting out
on a steep incline when the front wheels
have then the tendency to slip due to the
weight shifting towards the rear axle.
The 4-ETS recognizes the situation and
limits the torque for the front wheels by
braking them.
Simultaneously the torque for the rear
wheels is increased.
i Vehicles with enhanced off-road package
are equipped with automatic locks for the
center and rear axle differential to improve
vehicle traction.
Driving across a hilltop
Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not shift
automatic transmission into neutral position
N ), to prevent the vehicle from speeding up
too much after climbing a hill.
Use the momentum of the vehicle to drive
across the hilltop.
After climbing a hill, driving in this manner
prevents the vehicle from:
R losing ground contact when cresting hills
R losing its forward momentum
R speeding up too much after climbing the hill
Driving downhill
R Drive slowly.
R Do not drive at an angle to the incline. Steer
into the line of gravity and drive with the
front wheels pointing straight downhill.
Otherwise, the vehicle may slide sideways
off the path and roll over.
R Shift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 118).
R On steep inclines, use the Downhill Speed
Regulation ( Y page 155).
R Utilize the engine’s braking power to
reduce vehicle speed.
If this is insufficient, apply the brakes
gently. Make sure the vehicle is moving in
the line of gravity.
R Check the brakes after a lengthy
downgrade drive.
Driving instructions265OperationX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 265Z

Engine adjustments should not be altered in
any way. Moreover, the specified service
procedures must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing
requirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.
GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Maintenance
Notes
The Maintenance System in your vehicle
tracks the distance driven and the time
elapsed since the last maintenance service.
It calculates other maintenance service work
required, and calls for the next maintenance
service accordingly.
We strongly recommend that you have your
vehicle serviced at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. Have it serviced in accordance
with the Maintenance Booklet at the times
called for by the maintenance service
indicator.
iFailure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet
and maintenance service indicator at the
designated times/mileage will result in
vehicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Maintenance service indicator
message
Information on maintenance work and
maintenance intervals are specified in the
Maintenance Booklet. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, or visit
www.mbusa.com (USA only) for additional
information.
The maintenance service indicator message
will notify you when the next maintenance
service is required.
Starting approximately 1 month before the
next maintenance service is required, one of
the following messages will appear in the
multifunction display. The messages will
appear while you are driving or when you
switch on the ignition (example service A):
Service A In XXXXX Miles (km)
Service A In XX Days
Service A In X Day
Service A Due Now
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for a listing of
maintenance services and intervals they need
to be performed at.
Clearing the maintenance service
indicator message
The maintenance service indicator message
is cleared automatically
Rafter approximately 10 seconds when you
switch on the ignition
Rafter approximately 10 seconds when
reaching the service threshold while driving
Rafter approximately 30 seconds, once the
suggested maintenance service term has
passed
Maintenance273OperationX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 273Z

XClearing the maintenance service
indicator message manually: Press reset
button : on the instrument cluster.
The standard display appears in the
multifunction display.
Maintenance service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested
maintenance service term, you will see the
following message in the multifunction
display:
Service A Exceeded By XXXXX Miles
(Km)
Service A Exceeded By XXX Days
Service A Exceeded By X Day
In addition, a signal sounds when the
message appears.
Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
reset the maintenance service indicator
following a completed maintenance service.
Calling up the maintenance service
indicator display
iThe menu overview can be found on
(Y page 127).
You can call up the maintenance service
indicator display at any time to check when
the next maintenance service is required.
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button V or U on the
multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the standard display (Y page 128)
appears in the multifunction display.
XPress button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel until the
maintenance service indicator display with
the service symbol ¯ and the
maintenance service deadline appears in
the multifunction display.
iIf the battery was disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in the
count shown by the maintenance service
indicator. To arrive at the true maintenance
service deadline, you will need to subtract
these days from the days shown in the
maintenance service indicator message or
maintenance service indicator display.
Do not confuse the maintenance service
indicator with the engine oil level indicator
4.
Resetting the maintenance service
indicator
In the event that the maintenance service on
your vehicle is not carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can have the
maintenance service indicator reset.
The automotive maintenance facility carrying
out the maintenance service will find the
information for resetting the maintenance
service indicator in the maintenance-relevant
literature for your vehicle.
Such literature is available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
! If the maintenance service indicator was
reset inadvertently, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset the maintenance service
indicator if the proper maintenance service
has been performed. Not following the
proper maintenance service as described
in the Maintenance Booklet will result in
engine damage and/or other vehicle
274MaintenanceOperation
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 274

Safety systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsGTele Aid
Inoperativ
eOne or more main functions of the Tele Aid system are
malfunctioning.XHave the Tele Aid system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.+Restraint
Sys.
Malfunctio
n
Service
RequiredThe system is malfunctioning.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center and have the system checked
immediately.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not
be operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it
might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily
which could also result in injury.
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÁLevel
Selection
Not
PermittedThe selected vehicle level cannot be adjusted, because
R you are driving too fast for the desired vehicle level
R you are towing a trailer
R you are using accessories that are connected to the trailer
power socket, e.g. a bicycle rackXReduce vehicle speed and set the desired vehicle level
again ( Y page 159).XObserve the notes on trailer towing ( Y page 269).ÁMalfunctio
nThe air suspension is malfunctioning.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display301Practical hintsX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 301Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÁCompressor
Cooling
DownYou have selected a higher vehicle level. Due to frequent level
changes within a short period, the compressor must cool
down first.
! When the message Compressor Cooling Down appears
in the multifunction display, driving is still possible. Keep in
mind that the ride height of the vehicle is not yet reached,
so you can damage the underbody of the vehicle.XLet the compressor cool down until the message
disappears.
The selected level will be set once the compressor has
cooled down.ÁRising
Max. 12
MPHThe vehicle is adjusting to off-road level 3.XDo not drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h).ÁMax. 12
MPHYou are driving while using off-road level 3. The message
reminds you of the maximum speed at which you may drive
with off-road level 3.XDo not drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h).ÆBeing
lowered
Max. 12
MPHThe vehicle is being lowered from off-road level 3 to off-road
level 2.XDo not drive faster than 12 mph
(20 km/h) until the off-road level 2 is reached.ÆReduce
speed to
under
12 MPHYou are driving too fast for the set vehicle level.GWarning!
Adapt your driving style to the modified driving conditions.
Avoid extreme, quick steering maneuvers. Please keep in
mind that the driving characteristics of the vehicle have been
modified. You should therefore drive in off-road level 3 with
particular caution as it could otherwise lead to an accident
and/or serious injury to you or others.
XDo not drive faster than 12 mph
(20 km/h) until the off-road level 2 is reached.8Locking
System
Inoperativ
e Service
RequiredThe differential locks are malfunctioning.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XHave the vehicle checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.302Vehicle 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 302

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8Diff.
Lock
System
Overheated
- Wait
briefly.The differential locks are too hot and have been deactivated
as a result.XContinue driving with added caution. The lock function is
unavailable.XWait for the lock system to cool down.
The differential locks will be reactivated as soon as they
have cooled down.8Stop
vehicle,
engage
parking
brake.A shifting procedure could not be completed. LOW RANGE is
in neutral position. There is no connection between the engine
and the drive wheels.XDo not attempt to continue driving. You could otherwise
damage the vehicle’s drivetrain.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XPerform the shifting procedure again ( Y page 120).ÅService
Required
If parked
engage
pk. brake.The LOW RANGE system is malfunctioning.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XEngage the parking brake if parked.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.ÅMax.
Speed
25 MPHSpeed too high for shifting procedure.XContinue driving more slowly.
The shifting procedure will be performed.ÅMax.
Speed
40 MPHSpeed too high for shifting procedure.XContinue driving more slowly.
The shifting procedure will be performed.ÅShift
briefly
into N.You have reduced engine speed, but the automatic
transmission is not in neutral position N.XBriefly shift automatic transmission to neutral position N.ÅShifting
Process
Canceled
ReactivateThe shifting procedure was not carried out.XRepeat the shifting procedure if desired.ÃInoperativ
eDownhill Speed Regulation is malfunctioning.XHave the Downhill Speed Regulation checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display303Practical hintsX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 303Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
R alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronic systemXStop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so and check the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XIf it is intact: Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent
with reduced braking responsiveness.#Battery/
Alternator
Stop
VehicleThe battery is defective.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XDo not continue to drive.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.4Check
engine
oil level
at next
refueling.The engine oil level is too low.XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 230) and add engine oil
as required ( Y page 231).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.If the message Check engine oil level
at next refueling. appears while the
engine is running and at operating
temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle
status message memory after you have
cleared it from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no
obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest service
station to refill your engine oil to the required
level.For information on approved engine oils
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.308Vehicle 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 308

GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
XFully collapse the jack to storage position,
see ( Y page 286).XStore the jack and the other vehicle tools
in the designated storage space.
For information on storing the spare wheel
after it has been replaced by a regular road
wheel, see ( Y page 286).
i The damaged road wheel cannot be
stored in the spare wheel well under the
cargo compartment floor. It should be
transported in the cargo compartment
wrapped in a protective wrap.
i USA only:
Do not restart the tire inflation pressure
monitor until a full size wheel/tire with
functioning sensor has been placed back
into service on the vehicle.
MOExtended system
The MOExtended system allows you to
continue driving your vehicle even if there is
a total loss of pressure in one or more tires.
You may only use the MOExtended system in
conjunction with the tire pressure loss
warning system ( Y page 237) or the
Advanced TPMS ( Y page 239).
The maximum distance in emergency mode
depends on the vehicle’s load. It is 50 miles
(80 km) if the vehicle is partially loaded and
18 miles (30 km) if the vehicle is fully loaded.
The point at which the maximum driving
distance in emergency mode begins is when
the warning message appears in the
multifunction display indicating that there is
a loss of tire inflation pressure.
XDo not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).GWarning!
In emergency mode, your vehicle’s driving
characteristics are diminished in such
situations as:
R driving around curves
R while braking
R while accelerating rapidly
Therefore, your driving style must be adapted
accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering and driving
maneuvers, as well as driving over obstacles
(road curbs, potholes, or off-road areas). This
is especially important if the vehicle is heavily
loaded.
The emergency driving distance that can be
achieved greatly depends on the demands
placed on the vehicle. Depending on speed,
load, driving maneuvers, road conditions,
outside temperature, etc., the distance can be
significantly shorter or, if the vehicle is driven
cautiously, somewhat longer.
Do not continue driving in emergency mode if
R you notice knocking sounds
R the vehicle starts to shake
R smoke develops and you smell rubber
R ESP ®
is intervening continuously
R you notice tears on the tire sidewalls
After driving in emergency mode, you must
have the rims inspected by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to check if they are
suitable for further use. The failed tire must
be replaced in any case.
When replacing individual or all tires on the
vehicle, make sure only tires marked with
“MOExtended” are mounted in the size
specified for your vehicle ( Y page 365).
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine only)
Driving the vehicle until the fuel tank is empty
is not recommended. Otherwise, air may be
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel engine only)345Practical hintsX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 345Z