2011 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS windshield wipers

If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always
use washer fluid when operating the
windshield wipers.
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
Combination switch
1III Continuous wipe, fast2II Continuous wipe, slow3I Intermittent wipe/rain sensor40 windshield wipers offAí Single wipe/ î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluidXTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the I position, the appropriate wiping
frequency is set automatically according to
the intensity of the rain.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted if you stop
and open a front door. This protects people
getting into and out of the vehicle from being
sprayed with water.
Intermittent wiping continues when all doors
are closed and:
R you shift the automatic transmission to
drive position D or reverse gear R
or
R you change the wipe setting on the
combination switch.
Switching the rear window wiper on/
off
:è Intermittent wipe;Indicator lamp=ô To wipe with washer fluid
The rear window wiper comes on
automatically if you shift the selector lever to
R while the windshield wipers are on.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on intermittent wiping: push
button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up.XTo switch off intermittent wiping: push
button : again.
Indicator lamp ; goes out.XTo wipe with washer fluid: push button
= and hold it there until the rear window
is clean.
The rear window is wiped for a further five
seconds after the button is released.102Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers
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Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notesGWarning!
For safety reasons, switch off the wipers and
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch
before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause
injury.
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper.
! Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the
windshield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windshield/
rear window.
Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release
the windshield wiper arm without a wiper
blade and it falls onto the windshield, the
windshield may be damaged by the force of
the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades replaced by a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Removing the wiper blade
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.XFold the wiper arm away from the
windshield until it engages.XPosition the wiper blade at right angles.XPress locking spring :.XSlide wiper blade = with hinge piece ?
from wiper arm ;.
Installing the wiper blade
:Locking spring;Wiper arm=Wiper blade?Hinge pieceXSlide new wiper blade = with the recess
onto wiper arm ;.XEngage locking spring : into the end of
the wiper arm.XMake sure that wiper blade = is seated
correctly.XFold wiper arm ; back onto the
windshield.Windshield wipers103Lights and windshield wipersZProCarManuals.com

Problems with the windshield wipers
The windshield wipers are obstructed
Leaves or snow, for example, may be
obstructing the windshield wiper movement.
The wiper motor has been deactivated.
XFor safety reasons, you should remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.XRemove the cause of the obstruction.XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.
The windshield wipers are inoperative
The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the
combination switch.XHave the windshield wipers checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.104Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers
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Setting the airflowXTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XPress the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button goes
out.XTo increase/reduce: turn
thumbwheel : clockwise or counter-
clockwise ( Y page 107).
i
The airflow from the rear-compartment
vents and the center vents is the same.
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
i You should only select the defrosting
function until the windshield is clear again.
i When you switch on the "defrosting"
function using the ¥7
or z 8
button,
you cannot adjust any of the other settings.
XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XTo switch on: press the ¥7
or z 8
button.
The indicator lamp in the ¥7
or z 8
button comes on.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow
R high temperature
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode off
i If necessary, also activate the windshield
defroster ( Y page 110).
XTo deactivate: press the ¥7
or z 8
button.
The indicator lamp in the ¥7
or z 8
button goes off. The previously selected
settings come into effect again.
or
XPress the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up. The indicator lamp in the z button
goes out. Airflow and air distribution are set
to automatic mode.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the "defrosting" function.XIf necessary, activate the windshield
defroster ( Y page 110).
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XSwitch on the windshield wipers.XClose the center air vents.
When automatic air distribution is switched
off:
XTurn the air distribution thumbwheel to the
O or P symbol.
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
XIf necessary, activate the windshield
defroster ( Y page 110).
Activating/deactivating windshield
heating
GWarning
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the windshield before driving.
7 USA only.
8 Canada only.110Operating the climate control systemClimate control
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Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
! Avoid high engine speeds when the
engine is cold. The engine's service life
could otherwise be significantly shortened.
Do not use the engine's full performance
until it has reached operating temperature.
SmartKey positions
gTo remove the SmartKey1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
i You can only remove the SmartKey if:
R the SmartKey is in position 0 in the
ignition lock.
R the automatic transmission selector
lever is in P.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after
the engine is started or if it lights up while the
vehicle is in motion, see ( Y page 183).
If the SmartKey is in position 0 in the ignition
lock for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the ignition lock. The
steering is then locked. To unlock, remove the
SmartKey and reinsert it into the ignition lock.
The steering is locked when you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.XRemove the SmartKey when the engine is
switched off.
The starter battery could otherwise be
discharged.
If you cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock, the starter battery may not be charged
sufficiently.
XCheck the starter battery and charge if
necessary ( Y page 236).
or
XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 238).
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
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.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
Starting procedure
XShift the automatic transmission to
position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.Driving117Driving and parkingZProCarManuals.com

Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
relevant systems and functions.
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood
GWarning
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
GWarning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWarning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage,
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system:
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.GWarning
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off and that the SmartKey has been
pulled out of the ignition lock before opening
the hood.
The release lever on the hood is in the footwell
on the left-hand side of the vehicle when
viewed in the direction of travel.
214Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
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XPull release lever : on the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XLift the hood slightly.XPush hood catch handle ; in the direction
of the arrow and lift the hood.
Closing the hood
GWarning
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force.
Engine oil
Notes on oil level
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qts.(0.8 l) of oil over
a distance of 600 miles (1000 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 oil level using the oil
dipstick
On the G 55 AMG, the oil level can be checked
using the on-board computer.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
Oil dipstick (example: G 550)
XPull oil dipstick : out of the dipstick guide
tube.XWipe off oil dipstick :.Engine compartment215Maintenance and careZProCarManuals.com

! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. This is the case approximately every
three to five months, depending on the
climate conditions and the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or the
paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to correct smaller areas of
paint damage quickly and provisionally.
Care and treatment of matte paintwork
If your vehicle has a clear matte finish,
observe the following instructions in order to
avoid damage to the paintwork due to
incorrect care.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
with a clear matte finish.
! Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to
shine.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or
polishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matte finish leads to considerable
surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs performed
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
i Use only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Cleaning the windowsGWarning
Switch off the windshield wipers and remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock before
cleaning the windshield or the wiper blades.
The windshield wipers could otherwise move
and injure you.
XClean the inside and outside of the
windows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
agent that is recommended and approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
! Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not touch the insides of the windows
with hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or
ring. There is otherwise a risk of damaging
the windows.
! Clean the water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals
and pollen may under certain
circumstances prevent water from draining
away. This can lead to corrosion damage
and damage to electronic components.
Cleaning the wiper blades
GWarning
Switch off the windshield wipers and remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock before
cleaning the windshield or the wiper blades.
The windshield wipers could otherwise move
and injure you.
! Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper blade could be damaged.
! Do not clean wiper blades too often and
do not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the
Care223Maintenance and careZProCarManuals.com