2011 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS warning lights

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
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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
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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.
Occupant safety
Overview of occupant safety
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint system consists of:
R seat belts
R child restraint systems
R ISOFIX child seat securing system
Additional protection is provided by:
R SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
R NECK-PRO head restraints
R air bag system components with:
- 45 indicator lamp
- front-passenger seat with BabySmart™
automatic child recognition
The different air bag systems work
independently of each other. The protective
functions of the system work in conjunction
with each other. Not all air bags are deployed
in an accident.
GWarning
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See "Children in the vehicle"
( Y page 49) for further information on
infants and children traveling in the vehicle
as well as on child restraint systems.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction
SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming
into contact with the vehicle's interior in the
event of an accident. It can also reduce the
effect of the forces to which occupants are
subjected during an accident.
SRS consists of:
R the + SRS warning lamp
R air bags
R air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
R belt tensioners
R belt force limiters
SRS warning lamp
The SRS functions are checked regularly
when the SmartKey is in position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock. Therefore, malfunctions can be
detected in good time.
The + SRS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up:
R for approximately four seconds when you
turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock
This indicates that the restraint systems
are operational.
R permanently when you turn the SmartKey
to position 2 in the ignition lock
This indicates that the + SRS warning
lamp is operational.
34Occupant safetySafety
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Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front air
bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove
box.
They are deployed:
R in the event of certain frontal impacts
R if the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R if the seat belt is fastened
R independently of other air bags in the
vehicle
If the vehicle overturns, the front air bags are
generally not deployed unless the system
detects high vehicle deceleration in a
longitudinal direction.
Your vehicle has an adaptive, two-stage
driver's air bag. In the event of a collision, the
air bag control unit evaluates the vehicle
deceleration. When the first deployment
threshold is reached, the front air bag is filled
with enough propellant gas to reduce the risk
of injuries. The front air bag is fully deployed
if a second deployment threshold is exceeded
within a few milliseconds.
The front air bags will not deploy in impacts
with vehicle deceleration or acceleration
rates which do not exceed the system’s
preset deployment thresholds for vehicle
deceleration or acceleration. You will then be
protected by the fastened seat belt.
The front-passenger front air bag will only
deploy if:
R the front-passenger seat is occupied.
R the 45 indicator lamp in the center
console is not lit ( Y page 39).
R the impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold.
The front-passenger air bag is automatically
enabled and disabled. Both driver and
passenger should always check whether the
front-passenger air bag is enabled or
disabled.
The deployment of the driver's air bag does
not mean that the front-passenger air bag will
also deploy. If the system recognizes that the
front-passenger seat is empty, the front-
passenger air bag does not deploy even if the
impact fulfills the criteria and the driver's air
bag has deployed.
If the front-passenger seat is recognized as
occupied, the 45 indicator lamp lights
up for approximately six seconds if
R you turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in
the ignition lock.
R the engine is running and then you switch
it off.
This indicates the operational readiness of
the front-passenger air bag.
Note that objects placed on the front-
passenger seat may cause the system to
recognize the seat as occupied. This can
result in the deployment of the front-
passenger air bag if the impact fulfills the
specified criteria. If the 45 indicator
lamp is lit up, the front-passenger air bag is
disabled and will not deploy should the
situation arise. If indicator lamp 45 is
not lit up, the front-passenger air bag is
enabled and will deploy should the situation
arise.GWarning
Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology which disables the front-
38Occupant safetySafety
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Observe the manufacturer's instructions
when installing special child restraint
systems.
Special child restraint systems which are
compatible with BabySmart™ are necessary
for disabling the front-passenger air bag.
When the special BabySmart™-compatible
child restraint system is installed correctly
and is recognized by the sensor system in the
front-passenger seat, the front-passenger air
bag is disabled. In this case, 45
indicator lamp : lights up. If you have any
questions regarding the special BabySmart™-
compatible child restraint systems, consult
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the SmartKey has been removed from the
ignition lock or is in position 0, 45
indicator lamp : does not light up.
The system does not disable:
R the window curtain air bag
R the Emergency Tensioning Device
System self-test
The 45 indicator lamp lights up when
the SmartKey is turned to position 1 or 2 in
the ignition lock.
The 45 indicator lamp goes out after
approximately six seconds.
If the 45 indicator lamp does not light
up or is always lit, then the system is
malfunctioning. Have the BabySmart™
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center before transporting a child on
the front-passenger seat.
For further information, see "Problems with
air bag deactivation system" ( Y page 42).GWarning
Do not leave any switched on notebooks,
mobile phones, electronic tags (e.g. a ski
pass) or similar electronic devices on the
front-passenger seat. Signals emitted from
such devices can interfere with the
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system.
Such interference can lead to the 45
indicator lamp not lighting up during the self-
test.
If the + SRS warning lamp and the
4/ indicator lamp light up
simultaneously in the instrument cluster, the
system is malfunctioning. The front-
passenger air bag could deploy without cause,
or may fail to deploy in the event of an
accident.
Have the system checked as soon as possible
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Occupant safety41SafetyZProCarManuals.com

Releasing seat belts
Notes
! Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt.
Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill
their protective function and must be
replaced. Consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Three-point seat belt, front
XPress release button = and guide belt
tongue ; back towards belt sash guide ?
( Y page 46).
Three-point seat belt in the rear, center
XPress release button B on seat belt buckle
A (Y page 46).XOpen belt buckle ; with a screwdriver or
similar item ( Y page 46).XLet the seat belt roll up to the stop.XGuide both seat belt tongues ? and C
into bracket : one on top of the other.
( Y page 46).GWarning!
To help prevent the possibility of injury,
always store the rear center seat belt latch
plates in the attachment when the rear center
seat belt is not in use.
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger
The 7 seat belt warning lamp in the
instrument cluster is a reminder for all
occupants to fasten their seat belts.
Regardless of whether the driver and front-
passenger seat belts have already been
fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp will
always illuminate for six seconds each time
the engine is started. It then goes out if the
driver and the front passenger have fastened
their seat belts.
If the driver or front-passenger seat belt is not
fastened when the engine is started, an
additional warning tone will sound. This
warning tone ceases after a maximum of six
seconds or when the driver and front
passenger have fastened their seat belts.
If after six seconds, the driver or front
passenger have not fastened their seat belts
and the doors are closed:
R the 7 seat belt warning lamp remains
illuminated as long as either the driver's or
front-passenger seat belt is not fastened.
R the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up
if the vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph
( 25 km/h). Additionally, a warning tone will
sound with increasing intensity for a
maximum of 60 seconds or until the
driver's or front-passenger seat belt are
fastened.
If the driver or front passenger unfasten their
seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, the
7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and a
warning tone sounds again.
The warning tone ceases even if the driver or
front passenger have still not fastened their
seat belt after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt
warning lamp stops flashing but remains
illuminated.
After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the
warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat
belt warning lamp flashes again if the vehicle
speed again exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h) .
The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes
out if:
R both the driver and the front passenger
have fastened their seat belts.
or
R the vehicle is stationary and a door is open.
i For more information on the 7 seat
belt warning lamp, see "Indicator and
warning lamps in the instrument cluster,
seat belt" ( Y page 184).48Occupant safetySafety
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Emergency Tensioning Device, belt
force limiters
The front seat belts and the outer seat belts
in the rear are equipped with ETDs and belt
force limiters.
! If the front-passenger seat is not
occupied, do not engage the seat belt
tongue in the buckle on the front-
passenger seat. Otherwise, the Emergency
Tensioning Device could be triggered in the
event of an accident.
The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident,
pulling them close against the body.
The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat
positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back
towards the backrest.
Belt force limiters, when triggered, help to
reduce the peak force exerted by the seat belt
on the vehicle occupant.
The front belt force limiters are synchronized
with the front air bags, which take on a part
of the deceleration force. Thus, the force
exerted on the occupant is distributed over a
greater area.
The ETDs can only be activated when:
R the SmartKey is in position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.
R the restraint systems are operational; see
"SRS warning lamp" ( Y page 34).
R the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
each of the lap-shoulder belts in the front.
R the front-passenger seat is occupied and
the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
the front-passenger side.
The ETDs are triggered depending on the type
and severity of an accident:
R in the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision if the vehicle decelerates or
accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal
direction during the initial stages of the
impact
R in certain situations if the vehicle overturns
and the system determines that it can
provide additional protection
If the Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
are triggered, you will hear a bang, and a small
amount of smoke may also be released. Only
in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing.
The smoke that is released generally does not
constitute a health hazard. The + SRS
warning lamp lights up.GWarning
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
GWarning
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could:
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
Children in the vehicle49SafetyZProCarManuals.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.
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