2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class brake

you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
! When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of
ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the key to position
0 or 1 in the ignition. Failure to do this can
cause damage to the drive train or 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.
PARKTRONIC
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition.
R shift the transmission to position D, R or
N .
R release the parking brake.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.:Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand
side (example)
Range of the sensors
The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and
slush; otherwise they may not function
correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them
( Y page 287).
Side view
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Top view
Front sensors
CenterApprox. 40 in (100 cm)CornersApprox. 24 in (60 cm)
Rear sensors
CenterApprox. 48 in (120 cm)CornersApprox. 32 in (80 cm)
! When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, a truck's compressed-air brakes
or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
Minimum distance
CenterApprox. 8 in (20 cm)CornersApprox. 6 in (15 cm)
If there is an obstacle within this range, all
warning displays light up and a warning tone
sounds. If the distance falls below the
minimum, the distance may no longer be
shown.
Warning displays
The warning displays show the distance
between the sensors and the obstacle. The
warning display for the front area is located
on the dashboard above the center air vents.
The warning display for the rear area is in the
roof lamp in the rear compartment.
Warning display for the front area
:Segments on the left-hand side of the
vehicle;Segments on the right-hand side of the
vehicle=Segments showing operational readiness
The warning display for each side of the
vehicle is divided into five yellow and two red
segments. PARKTRONIC is operational if
yellow segments showing operational
readiness = light up.
The selected transmission position
determines which warning display is active
when the engine is running.
Transmission
positionWarning displayDFront area activatedR or NRear and front areas
activatedPNo areas activated
One or more segments light up as the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, depending on the
vehicle's distance from the obstacle.
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Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your federal state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
i The vehicle's wiring harness features a
line to the brake indicator lamp.XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XStart the engine.XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level and set ADS to
AUTO or COMF .XSwitch off the engine.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XCouple up the trailer.XEstablish all electrical connections.i
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When
coupling up a trailer, please observe the
following:
R if highway level has not been set
manually, the vehicle will automatically
sink to highway level as soon as it
reaches a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h).
R high-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and reversing in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
- the trailer coupling
- the safety switch for braked trailers
- the safety chains
- the electrical connections
- the lights
- the wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer features electronically
controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/
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trailer combination carefully, manually
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
GWarning!
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: While you are
coupling or decoupling a trailer, make sure
nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/or
opens or closes doors or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XStart the engine.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XApply the trailer's parking brake.GWarning!
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: As soon as you
disconnect the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle, the vehicle will
lower. To help avoid personal injury, make
sure no one is near the wheel housing or
underneath the vehicle before the electrical
connection is disconnected.
When you decouple the trailer, the vehicle is
temporarily raised because the springs are
relieved of load. Be especially careful during
this process, as you could otherwise injure
yourself and/or others. Make sure that any
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Safety systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsESP
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) and therefore also PRE-
SAFE ®
are temporarily unavailable. The self-diagnosis function
might not be complete, for example. BAS (Brake Assist System)
has also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
XCarefully drive a short distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h)
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.ESP ®
and therefore also BAS and PRE-SAFE ®
are not available due
to undervoltage.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.If the display message is shown during the journey and the ä
warning lamp is flashing, then 4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
is deactivated. The brakes on the drive wheels could otherwise
overheat.XLet the brakes cool down until the display message disappears
and the ä warning lamp goes out.
4ETS is activated again.ESP
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ESP ®
and therefore also Brake Assist and PRE-SAFE ®
are not
available due to a malfunction. The d warning lamp also lights
up in the instrument cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.214Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront Passenger
Airbag Enabled
See Operator's
ManualThe front-passenger air bag is enabled during the journey,
although:
R there is a child, a small adult or an object weighing less than the
system's weight threshold is on the front-passenger seat.
R the front-passenger seat is unoccupied
The system may detect the additional weight of objects on the
seat or forces acting on the seat.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the front-passenger door.XRemove the child and the child restraint system from the front-
passenger seat.XIf necessary, secure the child in a child restraint system on a
suitable rear seat.XMake sure that no forces are acting on the seat, such as:
R trapped books, bags, etc. lying on, behind or beside the seat
R head restraints pressing against the headliner
The system may otherwise detect these forces and interpret the
seat occupant's weight as greater than it actually is.XMake sure that the seat is unoccupied and has no objects placed
on it, close the front-passenger door, and switch on the ignition.
Observe the 42 indicator lamps (Y page 42) and the
multifunction display and check the following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the 42 indicator lamp must light up and remain lit.
When the indicator lamp is on, OCS ( Y page 42) has disabled
the front-passenger air bag.
R the display messages Front Passenger Airbag Enabled
See Operator's Manual or Front Passenger Airbag
Disabled See Operator's Manual must not appear in the
multifunction display. Wait for a period of at least 60 seconds
until the necessary system checks have been completed and to
make sure that the display messages do not appear in the
multifunction display.
If these conditions are met, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the 42 indicator lamp
remains lit or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the
occupant.
If the conditions are not met, the system is not operating correctly.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront Passenger
Airbag Disabled
See Operator's
ManualThe front-passenger air bag is disabled during the journey even
though an adult or a person larger than a certain size is occupying
the front-passenger seat. If additional forces are applied to the
seat, the weight the system detects may be too low.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XHave the occupant get out of the vehicle.XSet the seat higher ( Y page 100).XMake sure that no objects are exerting force on the seat, e.g.
books, bags, etc. lying under, behind or beside the seat. These
forces may otherwise cause the system to detect too low a
weight and interpret the seat occupant's weight as less than it
actually is.XMake sure that the seat is unoccupied and has no objects placed
on it, close the front-passenger door, and switch on the ignition.
Observe the 42 (Y page 42) indicator lamps and the
multifunction display and check the following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the 42 indicator lamp must light up and remain lit.
When the indicator lamp is on, OCS ( Y page 42) has disabled
the front-passenger air bag.
R the display messages Front Passenger Airbag Enabled
See Operator's Manual or Front Passenger Airbag
Disabled See Operator's Manual cannot appear in the
multifunction display. Wait for a period of at least 60 seconds
until the necessary system checks have been completed and to
make sure that the display messages do not appear in the
multifunction display.
If these conditions are met, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the 42 indicator lamp
remains lit or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the
occupant.
If the conditions are not met, the system is not operating correctly.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWarning
If the 42 indicator lamp remains lit with an adult occupant on the front-passenger
seat even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the front-
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
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Apply the brakes.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsABS
ABS, ESP
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are temporarily
unavailable. The self-diagnosis function might not be complete,
for example.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XCarefully drive a short distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h)
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GRisk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are not available due to
undervoltage. BAS has also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.ABS
ABS, ESP
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
and therefore also PRE-SAFE ®
are not available due to
a malfunction. BAS has also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.Display messages219On-board computer and displaysBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 219Z