2011 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS coolant level

Demisting the windows .................. 110
Dual-zone automatic climate
control ........................................... 107
Important safety notes ..................106
Indicator lamp ................................ 109
Problems with "cooling with air
dehumidification" ........................... 109
Problems with the rear window
heating .......................................... 111
Refrigerant ..................................... 279
Setting the air distribution .............109
Setting the airflow .........................110
Setting the air vents ......................113
Setting the temperature ................109
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off ............................ 111
Switching the residual heat
function on/off .............................. 112
Windshield defroster ......................110
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 25
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 166
Convenience closing feature .............. 71
Convenience opening feature ............ 71
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................217
Display message ............................ 174
Notes ............................................. 280
Temperature gauge ........................ 156
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering lamps .................................. 94
Correct use .......................................... 20
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................147
Display message ............................ 178
Function/notes ............................. 147
Cup holders ........................................ 197
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ............................................... 20
Customer Relations Department ....... 20D
Daytime running lamps Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 164
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 164
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 165
Demisting the windshield ................. 110
Differential locks ............................... 129
Digital speedometer ......................... 160
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 224
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....169
Clearing (on-board computer) ........169
Driving systems ............................. 178
Safety systems .............................. 170
Service interval display ..................219
Distance recorder ............................. 160
Door Automatic locking ............................ 68
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 165
Display message ............................ 181
Emergency locking ........................... 68
Emergency unlocking .......................68
Opening (from inside) ......................67
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 31
Doors
Important safety notes ....................67
Drinking and driving ......................... 136
Drinks holder see Cup holders ............................. 197
Driving abroad ..................................... 90
Driving in mountainous terrain Approach/departure angle ............145
Driving downhill ............................. 146
Gradient-climbing capability
(maximum) ..................................... 146
Driving on flooded roads .................. 1406IndexProCarManuals.com

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical
component of the engine management system.XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡(120 †).
Additionally, a display
message may appear in
the multifunction
display and a warning
tone may sound.The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.XCheck the coolant level ( Y page 217). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWarning
It is dangerous to shift AUTOTRONIC out of
parking position P or neutral position N if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.
GWarning
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift AUTOTRONIC into neutral
position N automatically.
Always shift AUTOTRONIC into park position
P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
i Bear in mind that the power transmission
between the engine and the transmission
is interrupted when the engine is switched
off. Therefore, to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away, shift the automatic
transmission to position P and apply the
parking brake when the engine is switched
off and the vehicle is stationary.
Automatic transmission121Driving and parkingZProCarManuals.com

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Parking Lamp Front
Left Auxiliary
Bulb On
or
Parking Lamp Front
Right Auxiliary
Bulb OnThe front left-hand or front right-hand standing lamp is faulty.
Another lamp has taken over its function.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Reverse Lamp RightThe backup lamp is faulty.XReplace the bulb ( Y page 96).b
Tail Lamp Left
Auxiliary Bulb On
or
Tail Lamp Right
Auxiliary Bulb OnThe left or right-hand tail lamp is faulty. Another lamp has taken
over its function.XReplace the bulb ( Y page 100).
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions;Some electronic systems are unable to send information to the
on-board computer. The coolant temperature gauge and the
tachometer could be defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.+
Top Up Coolant See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, following the warning notes when doing so
( Y page 217).XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.GWarning
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
174Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Stop, Turn
Engine offThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked, e.g.
by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.The poly-V-belt may have torn.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Display messages175On-board computer and displaysZProCarManuals.com

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is defective.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.The battery voltage is too low.XSwitch off electrical consumers that are not required.XHave the battery and alternator checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.The battery has been charged or the vehicle has been jump-
started.XHave the battery and alternator checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.4
Check oil level at
next gas stationThe engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 215).XIf necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 216).XHave the engine checked for leaks if you need to add engine oil
more often than usual.You have added too much engine oil. There is a risk of damaging
the engine or catalytic converter.XSiphon off excess engine oil until it is at the specified level.
Observe the legal requirements.176Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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! Only use engine oils and oil filters which
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. A list of the engine oils and
oil filters that have been tested and
approved according to the Mercedes-Benz
specifications for service products can be
found on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). Further
information on tested and approved engine
oils and oil filters can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following causes engine failure or
damage to the exhaust system:
Rusing engine oils and oil filters that are
not specifically approved for the service
system
Rreplacing the engine oil and oil filter after
having exceeded the interval for
replacement prescribed by the
maintenance system
Rusing engine oil additives
Example: engine oil cap
Engine oil cap (G 55 AMG)
XTurn cap : counter-clockwise and remove
it.
XAdd the amount of oil required.
Observe the specifications in the on-board
computer when doing so or fill carefully to the
maximum mark on the oil dipstick.
iThe difference in quantity between the
MIN mark and the MAX mark on the
dipstick is approximately 2.1 US qts. (2 l).
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 279).
XReplace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
Checking and adding other service
products
Coolant level
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the key to position 2(Y page 117) in
the ignition lock.
XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
GWarning
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
Ruse extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
Engine compartment217Maintenance and careZProCarManuals.com

if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
The coolant expansion tank is located in the
engine compartment on the right when
viewed in the direction of travel.XSlowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.XTurn cap : further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.XReplace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
( Y page 280).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
GWarning
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! At temperatures below freezing, always
fill the washer fluid container with a mix of
windshield washer concentrate and
antifreeze additive. There is otherwise a
risk of damaging the windshield washer
system/headlamp cleaning system.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
! Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round.
218Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
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Engine number
G 550 (example)
:Plate with information on emissions
testing, including the confirmation of the
emission standards at U.S. Federal level
as well as for California;Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)
Service products and capacities
Important safety notes
Service products include the following:
R fuels
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windshield washer fluid
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. You should therefore
only use products that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
GWarning
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.276Service products and capacitiesTechnical data
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