2010 MERCEDES-BENZ GL550 lock

achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notesGWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
62Driving safety systemsSafety and security
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 62

If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
Off-road ABS
With the off-road driving program switched
on, or with the transmission in LOW RANGE
mode, the ABS designed for off-road driving
is activated automatically.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking
distance (dig-in effect). This will restrict
steering the vehicle.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESP ®
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
Driving safety systems63Safety and securityX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 63Z

allows the vehicle-trailer combination to
stabilize.
The ESP ®
trailer stabilization is functional at
vehicle speeds above approximately 40 mph
(65 km/h) when the ESP ®
is switched on.GWarning!
The system will not be able to assist when the
trailer jackknifes
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
R on wet or icy roads
R on roads with slippery surface
R in sand or gravel
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip
over before the system recognizes swaying of
the trailer.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
Activating
XWith SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.XWith KEYLESS-GO: Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
Deactivating
XSwitch on the ignition.
i Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
R a door
R the tailgate
R the hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The alarm system will also be triggered when
R the vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
R a door is opened from the inside
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
( Y page 67).
i If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Tele Aid system initiates a
call to the Response Center automatically.
The Tele Aid system will initiate the call
provided that
R you have subscribed to the Tele Aid
service
R the Tele Aid service has been activated
properly
R the necessary mobile phone, power
supply and GPS coverage are available
66Anti-theft systemsSafety and security
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 66

XArming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
iIf the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times, a door or the tailgate may not be
properly closed.
Close the respective element.
XDisarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash once to indicate
that the alarm system is disarmed.
iUnless you open a door or the tailgate
within approximately 40 seconds after
unlocking the vehicle:
RThe vehicle will be locked again.
RThe anti-theft alarm system will be
rearmed.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm, do one of the following:
XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.XPress button % or & on the
SmartKey.
In vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
XGrasp an outside door handle.The SmartKey must be within 3 ft (1 m) of
the vehicle.
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be inside the vehicle.
Anti-theft systems67Safety and securityX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 67Z

Vehicle equipment ..............................70
Locking and unlocking .......................70
Starter switch positions .....................80
Seats ....................................................82
Multifunction steering wheel .............91
Mirrors .................................................93
Memory function .................................96
Lighting ................................................97
Wipers ................................................103
Power windows .................................105
Driving and parking ..........................108
Automatic transmission ...................114
Transfer case ....................................119
Differential locks ..............................121
Instrument cluster ............................124
Control system ..................................125
Driving systems ................................144
Overview of climate control sys-
tem functions and air vents .............172
Climate control .................................175
3-zone automatic climate control ...181
Rear window defroster .....................191
Power tilt/sliding sunroof ...............192
Loading and storing ..........................194
Useful features .................................209
69Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 69

Vehicle equipment
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Locking and unlocking
Notes
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.
When unlocking the vehicle, all turn signal
lamps flash once. The locking knobs in the
doors move up. The anti-theft alarm system
is disarmed.
When locking the vehicle, all turn signal lamps
flash three times. The locking knobs in the
doors move down. The anti-theft alarm
system is armed.
All doors and the tailgate must be closed.
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, the batteries in the SmartKey
are discharged, the SmartKey is
malfunctioning, or the vehicle battery is
drained.
XCheck the batteries in the SmartKey
(Y page 73) and replace them if
necessary.
XUse the mechanical key to unlock the
driver’s door (Y page 323).
XUse the mechanical key to lock the vehicle
(Y page 324).
XHave the vehicle battery and the vehicle
battery connections checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the SmartKey is malfunctioning, contact
Roadside Assistance or an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
SmartKey
Your vehicle comes supplied with two
SmartKeys, each with remote control and a
removable mechanical key.
The SmartKey centrally locks and unlocks:
Rthe doors
Rthe tailgate
Rthe fuel filler flap
Example illustration: SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
: &Lock button; FUnlock button for tailgate= %Unlock button
iUSA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
70Locking and unlockingControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 70

iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Factory setting XGlobal unlocking: Press button %.
Unless you open a door or the tailgate within
approximately 40 seconds after unlocking
the vehicle:
R The vehicle will be locked again.
R The antitheft alarm system will be rearmed.
XGlobal locking: Press button &.
Selective setting
If you frequently travel alone, you may wish
to reprogramm the SmartKey. Pressing
button % will then only unlock the driver’s
door and the fuel filler flap.
XSwitching on/off: Press and hold buttons
% and & simultaneously for
approximately 6 seconds until the battery
check lamp ( Y page 73) flashes twice.
The SmartKey will then function as follows:
XUnlocking driver’s door and fuel filler
flap: Press button % once.XGlobal unlocking: Press button %
twice.XGlobal locking: Press button &.KEYLESS-GO
Vehicles equipped with KEYLESS-GO come
with two SmartKeys with KEYLESS-GO, each
with remote control and a removable
mechanical key.
The KEYLESS-GO function is integrated into
the SmartKey. The validity of the SmartKey is
checked every time you grasp an outside door
handle.
When the SmartKey is valid, your vehicle
unlocks
R the doors
R the fuel filler flap
R the tailgate
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.Locking and unlocking71Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 71Z

Important notes on using KEYLESS-GO
RYou can also use the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO like a normal SmartKey
( Y page 70).
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with normal SmartKey functions (e.g.
unlocking with KEYLESS-GO and locking
with button &).
R Always carry the SmartKey with you.
R Never store the SmartKey together with:
- Electronic items such as a mobile phone
or another SmartKey
- Metallic objects such as coins or metal
foil
Doing so could impair the function of the
KEYLESS-GO system.
R To lock or unlock the vehicle, the SmartKey
must be located outside the vehicle within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of a door or the
tailgate.
R When the vehicle has been parked for more
than 72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull an outside door handle
and switch on the ignition once to activate
the KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the SmartKey is positioned farther away
from the vehicle, the system may no longer
recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
cannot be locked or the engine started via
the KEYLESS-GO system.
R If the SmartKey is removed from the vehicle
(e.g. if a passenger exits the vehicle with
the SmartKey)
- when pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button or trying to lock the vehicle
with the lock button on an outside door
handle the message Key Not
Detected appears in the multifunction
display
- with the engine running, the red message
Key Not Detected appears in the
multifunction display while driving off
Find the SmartKey or change its present
location immediately (e.g. place it on the
front passenger seat or insert it in shirt
pocket).
R If you have started the engine with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, you can
turn it off again by
- pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button
- inserting the SmartKey into the starter
switch when the vehicle is at a standstill
and the automatic transmission is in park
position P
R The vehicle could be inadvertently
unlocked if the SmartKey is within 3 ft (1 m)
of the vehicle and
- an outside door handle is splashed with
water
or
- you attempt to clean an outside door
handle
R Remember that the engine can be started
by anyone with a SmartKey that is left
inside the vehicle.
Possibility 1 (One SmartKey in the vehicle,
one SmartKey outside the vehicle):
If you leave the SmartKey behind when
exiting and locking the vehicle, no message
appears in the multifunction display.
Possibility 2 (One SmartKey in the vehicle,
no SmartKey outside the vehicle):
When exiting and trying to lock the vehicle,
the message Key Detected In Vehicle
appears in the multifunction display. The
vehicle will not be locked.
Factory setting XGlobal unlocking: Grasp an outside door
handle.72Locking and unlockingControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 72