2011 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS differential

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

mbraceCall priority .................................... 206
Display message ............................ 170
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 206
Emergency call .............................. 203
Important safety notes ..................202
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............207
MB info call button ........................205
Roadside Assistance button ..........204
Self-test ......................................... 202
System .......................................... 202
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............206
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 63
Loss ................................................. 66
Memory card
Operating (on-board computer) .....161
see separate operating instructions
Memory function ................................. 88
Menu (on-board computer) Audio ............................................. 160
DVD ............................................... 161
Message memory .......................... 169
Navigation ..................................... 162
Overview of menus ........................159
Resetting to factory settings ..........162
Settings ......................................... 162
Standard display ............................ 160
Telephone ...................................... 167
Trip computer ................................ 166
Messages
see Display messages
Mirrors
Sun visor ........................................ 198
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............167
MP3
Operating (on-board computer) .....161
see separate operating instructions
Multicontour seat ................................ 81
Multifunction display ........................ 158
Multifunction steering wheel ............. 28
Operating the on-board computer . 157N
Navigation On-board computer .......................162
see separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 42
Resetting after being triggered ........43
Notes on breaking-in a new
vehicle ................................................ 116
Notes on driving Gravel roads .................................. 144
O
Occupant safety Children in the vehicle .....................49
System overview .............................. 34
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 278
Odometer ........................................... 160
Off-road 4MATIC .......................................... 149
Differential locks ............................ 129
Off-road ABS .................................... 56
Off-road driving ................................. 142
Checklist ........................................ 143
Driving on sand .............................. 144
Important safety notes ..................142
Off-road fording ................................. 140
Oil see Engine oil
On-board computer
Audio menu ................................... 160
Convenience submenu ..................165
Display messages ..........................169
Factory settings ............................. 162
Important safety notes ..................156
Message memory menu ................. 169
Navigation menu ............................ 162
Operating video DVD .....................161
Operation ....................................... 157
Overview of menus ........................159
Settings menu ............................... 162
Standard display menu ..................160
Telephone menu ............................ 167
Trip computer menu ......................166
Vehicle submenu ........................... 165
On-board computer language .......... 163
10IndexProCarManuals.com

Center consoleFunctionPage:Seat heating81;Windshield heating110=Rear window wiper102?ESP®
OFF57AEngages the differential
locks
129
BLocks/unlocks centrally67CAnti-theft Alarm System
(ATA)
60
Tow-away alarm60DSeat ventilation82EHazard warning lamps93FPASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp
39
FunctionPageGCOMAND; see separate
operating instructionsHDual-zone automatic
climate control
107
IAshtray198Cigarette lighter199JStowage trayKAutomatic transmission
selector lever
122
LTransfer case switch126MParking brake135Center console29At a glanceProCarManuals.com

X To activate: press ! button : for at
least one second.
An alarm sounds and the indicator lamp
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button : again.
or
XInsert the key into the ignition lock.
i
USA only:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC regulations. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand 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
regulations of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand 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.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R
ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
Important safety notes
GWarning
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.
GWarning!
The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
switch off
when the differential locks are switched on.
When the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
are
switched off
R wheels may lock during hard braking
R steering capabilities are reduced
Driving safety systems55SafetyZProCarManuals.com

Rbraking distance is increased
R vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is increased
Make sure the differential locks are switched
on at all times except when driving off-road
for example. Switch on the differential locks
immediately when returning from off-road
driving.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
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.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS operates above a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) regardless of road-surface
conditions, provided the differential locks are
not active. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving 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.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
Off-road ABS
If the LOW shift range ( Y page 126) is
selected on the transfer case, an ABS system
specifically suited to off-road terrain is
activated.
At speeds below 37 mph(60 km/h) , the front
wheels lock periodically when braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
56Driving safety systemsSafety
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XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is 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.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction.
Traction is the power transmission between
the tires and the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWarning
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Switch the ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
i If differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch themselves off
automatically.
Driving safety systems57SafetyZProCarManuals.com

Differential locks
General notes
Differential locks improve the traction of the
vehicle.
GWarning!
Never drive on firm road surfaces with
differential locks engaged. Never drive on
narrow bends with front-axle differential locks
engaged. With differential locks engaged, the
vehicle's ability to steer is severely restricted
and the danger of accidents is therefore
higher.
Do not engage or disengage differential locks
while driving on a bend. The vehicle may
otherwise make a jerking movement. You
could thus lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
If you select a differential lock, ABS, 4ETS,
ESP ®
and BAS will be deactivated.
Your vehicle is equipped with a differential
lock for:
R the transfer case: this controls the balance
between the front and rear axles.
R the rear axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the rear axle.
R the front axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the front axle.
! In order to avoid damage to the transfer
case, you must operate the vehicle on a
dynamometer (1-axle dynamometer) only
if:
R the axle not driven on is jacked up
or
R the corresponding propeller shaft is
disconnected
and
R the differential lock of the transfer case
is engaged.
Otherwise, the transfer case could be
damaged.
Information about differentials and
differential locks
When the vehicle is driving through a bend,
the wheels on the outside of the bend must
travel a longer distance and must thus turn
more quickly than the wheels on the inside.
The differential, a transmission in the
drivetrain, balances out the different
rotational speeds and therefore enables
driving through bends.
The disadvantage of differentials: the wheels
with the least road grip are driven the hardest.
Example: a wheel on a driven axle stands on
snow-covered ground and thus has no
traction. This wheel receives the strongest
driving power from the differential, as the
force progression takes the path of least
resistance. The opposite wheel on this axle,
however, which stands on firm ground and
could therefore allow traction, receives no
driving power. 4ETS eliminates this
disadvantage and provides good steerability
by automatically braking the spinning wheel,
thus directing more driving power to the
wheel standing on firm ground, which is
therefore able to provide traction.
ESP® and 4ETS are traction systems that are
ideal for road driving and suitable for light off-
road driving. Off-road gear LOW likewise
improves off-road capabilities.
Moreover, the more difficult conditions in off-
road driving require further measures such as
locking one or several differentials. Your
vehicle is equipped with three differential
locks: a central differential lock for the
transfer case, a differential lock for the front
axle, and a differential lock for the rear axle.
Each differential lock can be engaged with the
respective switch on the center console.
When the central differential lock for the
transfer case is locked, the speed of the front
wheels is equal to that of the rear wheels.
When the differential for the rear axle is
locked, both rear wheels turn equally fast,
independent of their respective torques.
Keep in mind that by engaging the differential
Automatic transmission129Driving and parkingZProCarManuals.com

locks, vehicle steerability is severely
restricted.
For your own safety, the safety of others, and
in order to avoid damage to the vehicle, the
differential locks must not be engaged when
driving on a firm road surface. Keep in mind
that when driving on firm road surfaces, the
unimpeded function of the differential is
necessary and must never be locked on firm
road surfaces. Vehicle steerability may
otherwise be lost and you may no longer be
able to steer the vehicle. For this reason, the
differential locks must be engaged
exclusively during off-road driving, and only
when activating the other driving systems
(4ETS, ESP ®
and off-road gear LOW) is no
longer sufficient.
Activating the differential lock
General notes
GWarning!
Never drive on firm road surfaces with
differential locks engaged. Never drive on
narrow bends with front-axle differential locks
engaged. With differential locks engaged, the
vehicle's ability to steer is severely restricted
and the danger of accidents is therefore
higher.
Do not engage or disengage differential locks
while driving on a bend. The vehicle may
otherwise make a jerking movement. You
could thus lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
If you select a differential lock, ABS, 4ETS,
ESP ®
and BAS will be deactivated.
Activate the differential locks:
R off-road
R to deactivate ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS
while off-road
R when fording
R on snow-covered, icy or dirty road surfaces
For further information on driving off-road,
see ( Y page 142).
The switches are located on the center
console.:Function indicator lamps (red);Differential lock for the front axle=Differential lock for the transfer case?Differential lock for the rear axleAActivation indicator lamps (yellow)
! Only activate the differential locks when:
R you are driving at walking pace.
R the driven wheels are not spinning.
R you are not driving on a firm road surface.
i You can only engage the differential locks
when the transfer case is in off-road gear
LOW (Y page 126).
i You can activate the differential locks in
the following order =, ? , ; .
Differential lock for the transfer case
XTo engage: switch the transfer case to off-
road gear LOW(Y page 126).XPress switch =.
The yellow activation indicator lamp under
switch = lights up when the transfer case
is in off-road gear LOW.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
panel lights up.
The red function indicator lamp above
switch = lights up when the differential is
locked.
In the multifunction display you see the:130Automatic transmissionDriving and parking
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