2011 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS maintenance

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 17At a glance ........................................... 23Safety ................................................... 33Opening and closing ...........................61Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....75Lights and windshield wipers ............89Climate control ................................. 105Driving and parking ..........................115On-board computer and displays ....155Loading, stowing and features ........191Maintenance and care ......................213Roadside Assistance ........................227Wheels and tires ............................... 245Technical data ................................... 273
Contents3ProCarManuals.com

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 201
12 V socket ........................................ 200
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 58
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 149
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) Display message ............................ 171
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Function/notes ................................ 56
Warning lamp ................................. 185
Accident (notes) ................................ 229
Active service system see Service interval display
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 279
Adjusting the seat ............................... 78
Air bag PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF- indicator lamp .......................... 39
Air bags
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 37
Important safety notes ....................36
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Window curtain air bag ....................39
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air pressure
see Tire pressure ........................... 249
Air vents ............................................. 113
Important safety notes ..................112
Rear ............................................... 113
Setting the center air vents ...........113
Setting the side air vents ...............113
see Air outlets
Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........59
Tow-away alarm ............................... 60
Ashtray ............................................... 198
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................59
Function ........................................... 59
Switching off the alarm ....................59
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 172
Automatic car wash .......................... 221
Automatic transmission Driving tips .................................... 123
Emergency running mode ..............126
Important safety notes ..................121
Kickdown ....................................... 123
Malfunction .................................... 126
Pulling away ................................... 118
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 126
Selector lever ................................ 122
B
backup lamp Display message ............................ 174
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 56
Battery Charging ........................................ 236
Checking (SmartKey) .......................64
Display message ............................ 176
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 64
Jump-starting ................................. 238
Maintenance (vehicle) .................... 235
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................64
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes ..................235
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 171
Notes ............................................. 280
Brake fluid level ................................ 219
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 172
Brakes ABS .................................................. 56
BAS .................................................. 56
4IndexProCarManuals.com

Brake fluid (notes) .........................280
Display messages ..........................171
High-performance brake system ....139
Important safety notes ..................137
Maintenance .................................. 138
Parking brake ........................ 135, 139
Warning lamp ................................. 183
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
Brush guard ....................................... 207
Bulbs Backup lamp .................................. 101
Brake lamp .................................... 100
Cornering light function ...................98
fog lamps ......................................... 98
Overview .......................................... 97
rear fog lamp ................................. 101
Tail lamp ........................................ 100
Turn signal lamp .............................. 99
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........20
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................18
Capacities
see Technical data
Care
Carpets .......................................... 226
Car wash ........................................ 221
Chrome parts ................................. 224
Display ........................................... 224
Gear or selector lever ....................225
Headlamps ..................................... 224
Matte finish ................................... 223
Notes ............................................. 220
Paint .............................................. 222
Plastic trim .................................... 225
Power washer ................................ 222
Rear view camera .......................... 224
Roof lining ...................................... 226
Seat belt ........................................ 226
Seat covers .................................... 225
Sensors ......................................... 224
Steering wheel ............................... 225
Tail pipes ....................................... 224
Trim strips ..................................... 225
Washing by hand ........................... 222
Wheels ........................................... 222
Windows ........................................ 223
Wiper blades .................................. 223
Wooden trim .................................. 225
Cargo compartment enlargement ... 194
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 196
CD player/CD changer Operating (on-board computer) .....161
Center console
Overview .......................................... 29
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 165
SmartKey ......................................... 62
Changing bulbs
Headlamps ....................................... 96
Changing gears .................................. 123
Checklist After driving off-road ...................... 143
Before driving off-road ...................143
Checklist (off-road driving) .............. 143
Child-proof locks Rear doors ....................................... 54
Children
In the vehicle ................................... 49
Restraint systems ............................ 50
Child seat
Automatic recognition .....................39
Automatic recognition/air bag
deactivation, self-test ......................41
LATCH-type (ISOFIX ) child seat
anchors ............................................ 52
Special seat belt retractor ...............51
Top Tether ....................................... 53
Troubleshooting ............................... 42
Chrome parts (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 224
Cigarette lighter ................................ 199
Climate control Activating/deactivating .................108
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode .........................111
Controlling automatically ...............109
Cooling with air dehumidification ..108
Defrosting the windshield ..............110Index5ProCarManuals.com

Hydroplaning ..................................... 140
I
Immobilizer .......................................... 59
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 26
Selecting the language (on-board
computer) ...................................... 163
Instrument cluster lighting .............. 163
Interior lighting Adjusting ......................................... 94
Automatic control ............................ 95
Cargo compartment lamp ................95
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 165
Manual control ................................. 95
Reading lamp ................................... 95
Rear interior lighting ........................96
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 229
Using ............................................. 233
Jump-starting ..................................... 238
K
Key positions SmartKey ....................................... 117
Kickdown ........................................... 123
L
Lamps Display message ............................ 172
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 52
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 173
Lighting see Lights ........................................ 90
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off
(on-board computer) ......................165
Cornering light function ...................94
Daytime running lamps ....................91
Display message ............................ 172
Driving abroad ................................. 90
Fog lamps ........................................ 92
Hazard warning lamps .....................93
High-beam headlamps .....................93
Light switch ..................................... 90
Low-beam headlamps ......................91
Rear fog lamp .................................. 92
Turn signals ..................................... 93
Limited Warranty ................................ 21
Load anchorage ................................. 196
Loading guidelines ............................ 192
Locking Automatic ........................................ 68
Emergency locking ........................... 68
From inside the vehicle (central
locking button) ................................. 67
Low-beam headlamp (display
message) ............................................ 172
Low-beam headlamps Automatic headlamps ......................91
Driving abroad ................................. 90
Lubricant additives
see Additives
Luggage compartment
Cover ............................................. 196
Luggage net ....................................... 194
Lumbar support 4-way lumbar support ......................81
Luxury head restraints ....................... 80
M
M+S tires ............................................ 248
Main-beam headlamps (display
message) ............................................ 173
Maintenance Battery ........................................... 235
Malfunction messages
see Display messages
Malfunctions
see Display messages
Malfunctions relevant to safety
Reporting ......................................... 20
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 223
Index9ProCarManuals.com

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................267
Unladen weight (definition) ............268
Wear indicator (definition) .............269
Wheel rim (definition) ....................267
Top Tether ............................................ 53
Tow-away alarm .................................. 60
Towing ................................................ 242
Important safety guidelines ...........240
Towing eye
Front .............................................. 240
Rear ............................................... 240
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 260
Transfer case Display message ............................ 182
Shift ranges ................................... 126
Transmission position display ......... 122
Transmission positions .................... 122
Transporting the vehicle .................. 241
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 146
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 166
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 160
Turn signal
Display message ............................ 172
Turn signals ......................................... 93
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................... 269
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Ultrasonic backing up aid Function/notes ............................. 149
Malfunction .................................... 152
Range of the sensors .....................150
Warning display ............................. 150
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking .......................68
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 67
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 198
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 21
Emergency unlocking .......................68
Equipment ....................................... 17
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 162
Loading .......................................... 256
Lowering ........................................ 234
Maintenance .................................... 18
Parking up ..................................... 135
Raising ........................................... 233
Reporting problems .........................20
Towing away .................................. 240
Tow-starting ................................... 240
Transporting .................................. 241
Vehicle dimensions
Technical data ............................... 281
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification number
(VIN) ................................................... 275
Vehicle identification plate .............. 275
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 229
Vehicle weights Technical data ............................... 281
Ventilation
Setting the air distribution .............109
Setting the airflow .........................110
Video (DVD) ........................................ 161
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 161
VIN ...................................................... 275
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 185
Brakes ........................................... 183
Check Engine ................................. 188
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 186
Fuel tank ........................................ 188
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................39
Reserve fuel ................................... 188
Seat belt ........................................ 184
Index15ProCarManuals.com

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
Before you first drive off, read this Operator's
Manual carefully and familiarize yourself with
your vehicle.
For your own safety and a longer vehicle life,
follow the instructions and warning notices in
this manual. Disregarding them may lead to
damage to the vehicle or personal injury.
Vehicle damage resulting from the disregard
of the instructions is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This manual describes all the standard and
optional equipment of your vehicle available
at the time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. 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. The equipment in your vehicle
may therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operator's Manual and the Maintenance
Booklet are important documents and should
be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
The Limited Warranty for your vehicle applies
in accordance with the warranty terms and
conditions in the Service and Guarantee
Booklet. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will replace and repair all factory-
installed parts in accordance with the
following warranty terms and conditions:
R new vehicle limited warranty
R warranty on the exhaust system
R warranty on the emission values
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont warranty on the
emission control system
R extended consumer protection laws which
vary by state ("Lemon Laws")
Introduction17ProCarManuals.com

Information for customers in
California
In California, you have the right to exchange
a vehicle or receive a refund of the purchase
or leasing price if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
and/or an authorized workshop or
maintenance facility cannot, after several
authorized repairs, rectify considerable
damage to or malfunctions of the vehicle that
are covered by the contractual warranty.
Customers who purchase or lease a vehicle
may have their vehicles repaired within 18
months from delivery or up until an odometer
reading of 29,000 km (i.e. 18,000 miles),
whichever comes first, if:(1)the serious defect or damage can result
in deadly or serious injury to the vehicle
occupants while driving AND this defect
has already been repaired at least twice
AND Mercedes-Benz, LLC has been
informed in writing of the necessity of a
repair.(2)the defect or damage, though less
serious than (1) above, has already been
repaired at least four times AND
Mercedes-Benz has been informed in
writing of the necessity of a repair.(3)the vehicle cannot be used for longer
than 30 calendar days because of repair
work resulting from this or other serious
defects or damage.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Guarantee Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always bring the Service and Guarantee
Booklet with you when bringing the vehicle to
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The
customer service advisor will record every
service for you in the Service and Guarantee
Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the case of a
breakdown. Your calls to the toll-free
Roadside Assistance Hotline are answered by
our agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
You can find further information in the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in the vehicle document wallet.
In accordance with standard program
guidelines, Roadside Assistance is prepared
to provide vehicle service up until a
reasonable distance from the next paved
roadway. We will make every effort to assist
in a breakdown situation. However, the
accessibility of your vehicle will be
determined by our authorized Mercedes-Benz
Service technician or the tow service provider
on a case-by-case basis.
Additional charges may be applicable for a
breakdown location determined not to be a
reasonably accessible roadside location as
determined by our authorized technician and
tow service provider.
Change of address or ownership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Notification of Address Change"
in the Service and Guarantee Booklet or
simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center (USA) at the hotline
number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (Canada) at
18IntroductionProCarManuals.com

produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.GWarning
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Correct use
Observe the following information when using
your vehicle:
R the safety notes in this manual
R the "Technical data" section in this manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
GWarning!
There are various warning stickers affixed to
your vehicle. Their purpose is to alert you and
others to various dangers. Therefore, do not
remove any warning stickers unless the
sticker clearly states that you may do so.
If you remove any warning stickers, you or
others could fail to recognize certain dangers
and be injured.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem cannot be
rectified to your satisfaction there, consult
another authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
write to one of the following addresses.
In the USA:
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Reporting safety-related
malfunctions
Only for the USA:
The following text is reproduced as required
of all manufacturers according to Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.
Reporting safety defects:
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
20IntroductionProCarManuals.com