2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-Class check engine

Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should regularly test
your brake system's function by forcefully
depressing the brake pedal when driving at
high speed. This will give the brake pads
better grip.GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 62).
Parking brake
If you drive on wet roads or dirt-covered
surfaces, road salt and/or dirt could get into
the parking brake.
In order to prevent corrosion and a reduction
in the braking power of the parking brake,
observe the following:
R gently depress the parking brake from time
to time before beginning the journey.
R drive approximately 110 yd (100 m)
without exceeding a speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h).
GWarning!
While performing this procedure please
assure that the vehicle is stopped before
applying the parking brake. Otherwise the
rear wheels could lock up. You could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
In addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not
light up when the parking brake is engaged.
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when you engage the parking brake.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds
R the tires have adequate tread depth
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur
you must drive in the following manner:
R Lower your speed
R Avoid ruts
R Brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or AUTOTRONIC.
Water can also be drawn in by the engine's
air suction nozzles and this can cause
engine damage.
Prevent water from entering the vehicle
interior or engine compartment. If you have
to drive through standing water, please note
that:
R the maximum permissible still water depth
is 12 in. (30 cm).
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace.
Winter driving
Important safety notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, at the onset of
winter.
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brake using the brake controller, and check
the brakes for correct function.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2, or 1.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting theblower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.
Decoupling a trailer
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XApply the trailer's parking brake.XDetach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.XDetach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
Permissible trailer load and drawbar
noseweight
Weight specifications
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the
combined weight of the trailer together with
the cargo and equipment loaded on the
trailer. Permissible gross weight: 3500 lb
(1588 kg).
The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight
Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight
permitted on the trailer drawbar: 280 lb
(127 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved
trailer couplings.
Loading a trailer
R When loading a trailer, please note that
neither the permissible gross trailer weight
nor the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) may be exceeded. The
permissible Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
158Towing a trailerDriving and parking
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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. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Important safety notes
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
( Y page 26).
GWarning
A driver's attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.GWarning
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
Displays and operation
Coolant temperature gauge
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.
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant
temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
! If the coolant temperature is too high a
display message is shown.
162Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
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GWarning
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Lights
i Display messages concerning LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Left
Corner'g Lite
or
Right Corner'g LiteThe left or right-hand cornering light is faulty. XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 107).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Low Beam
or
Check Right Low
BeamThe left or right-hand low-beam headlamp is faulty. XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 107).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Chk. Trailer Lt
Tail Lamp
or
Chk. Trailer Rt
Tail LampThe left or right-hand trailer tail light is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Trailer Lt.
Turn Sig.
or
Chk. Trailer Rt
Turn Sig.The left or right-hand trailer turn signal lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Chk. Trailer Brake
LampThe trailer brake lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages183On-board computer and displaysBA 204.9 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 6, en-USd2mwentsVersion: 3.0.3.62010-06-15T08:58:39+02:00 - Seite 183Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Rear Lt.
Sidemarker
or
Chk. Rear Rt
SidemarkerThe rear left or right side marker lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 107).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Chk. Lt. Day
Running Lite
or
Chk. Rt. Day
Running LiteThe left or right-hand daytime running lamp is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 107).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Active Headlamps
InoperativeThe active light function is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Malfunction See
Operator's ManualThe exterior lighting is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
AUTO Lamps
InoperativeThe light sensor is faulty. The low-beam headlamps are switched
on.XUSA only: switch off the daytime driving lights in the on-board
computer ( Y page 172).XSwitch the lights on and off using the light switch.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Switch Off LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to c.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
( Y page 234).XIf coolant needs adding more often than usual, have the engine
coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.186Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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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.
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 Level Low
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, 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. There is otherwise 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 as soon as possible, 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. There is otherwise 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.
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! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is faulty.XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), continue driving
to the next qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-start driving.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a faulty 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.4
Check Engine Oil
At Next
Refueling Check
Engine Oil at Next
RefuelingThe engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
A warning tone also sounds.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 233).XIf necessary, add the engine oil ( Y page 234).XHave the engine checked for leaks if engine oil has to be added
more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
Check Tire PressureGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 280).XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 271).h
Correct Tire
PressureThe tire pressure is insufficient in at least one of the tires or the
tire pressure difference between the wheels is too great.XCheck the tire pressures at the next opportunity. If necessary,
correct the tire pressure ( Y page 271).
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsShift to 'P' or 'N'
to Start EngineYou have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position R or D. XShift the transmission to position P or N.P
Shift to 'P'You turned off the engine with the Start/Stop button and opened
the driver's door while the transmission was in position N.
or
You have attempted to turn off the engine with the Start/Stop
button while the transmission was in position R or D.XShift the transmission to position P.AThe tailgate is open. XClose the tailgate.?GRisk of accident
The hood is open.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XClose the hood.CAt least one door is open. XClose all doors.192Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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