2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class ESP

Symbols
Registered trademarks:
R
BabySmart™ is a registered trademark of
Siemens Automotive Corporation.
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R ESP ®
is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R SIRIUS and associated brands are
registered trademarks
of SIRIUS XM Radio
Inc.
In this Operator's Manual, you will find the
following symbols: G
WARNING
Warning notes draw your attention to hazards
that endanger

your health or life, or the health
or life of others.
! These warning notes draw your attention
to hazards that could cause damage to your
vehicle.
i This symbol indicates useful instructions
or further information that could be helpful
to you.
X This symbol designates an
instruction you must follow.
X Several consecutive symbols
indicate
an

instruction with several
steps.
Y Page This symbol tells you where you
can find further information on a
topic.
YY This symbol indicates a warning or
an instruction that is continued on
the next page.
Display This font indicates a display
message in the multifunction
display/COMAND display.

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notices. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or model designation of your
vehicle may differ according to:
R
model
R order
R country variant
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
Therefore, you
cannot base any claims on the
illustrations or text content in this Operator's
Manual.
The following are integral components of the
vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Brief Instructions 1
R Maintenance Booklet
R Equipment-dependent supplements
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company
1 Canada only.
4635842872 É463584287 22ËÍ

Problems with "cooling with air
dehumidification"
...........................
107
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 109
Refrigerant ..................................... 275
Setting the air distribution .............107
Setting the airflow ......................... 108
Setting the air vents ......................110
Setting the temperature ................ 107
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 110
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off ............................ 109
Switching the residual heat
function on/off .............................. 110
Windshield defroster ......................108
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 24
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 162
Convenience closing feature ..............69
Convenience opening feature ............69
Coolant (engine) Checking the level ......................... 213
Display message ............................ 170
Notes ............................................. 276
Temperature gauge ........................ 152
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering lamps .................................. 92
Correct use .......................................... 21
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................140
Display message ............................ 174
Function/notes ............................. 139
Cup holders ........................................ 193
Customer Assistance Center
(CAC) ............................................... 21
Customer Relations Department .......21 D
Daytime running lamps Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 160
Defrosting the windshield ................108Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 160
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 161
Differential locks ............................... 148
Digital speedometer .........................156
Display (cleaning instructions) ........220
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer)
.....165
Driving systems ............................. 174
General notes ................................ 165
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 165
Safety systems .............................. 166
Service interval display .................. 215
Distance recorder ............................. 156
Door control panel Overview .......................................... 30
Doors
Automatic locking ............................ 66
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 161
Display message ............................ 177
Emergency locking ........................... 66
Emergency unlocking .......................66
Important safety notes .................... 65
Opening (from inside) ......................65
Drinking and driving .........................129
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Driving abroad ..................................... 88
Driving in mountainous terrain Approach/departure angle ............ 138
Driving downhill ............................. 139
Gradient-climbing capability
(maximum) ..................................... 139
Driving on flooded roads ..................133
Driving safety systems 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...56
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 54
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............54
Electronic brake force distribution ... 57
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 55
Important safety information ........... 53
Overview .......................................... 536
Index

Driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 139
Rear view camera .......................... 144
Driving tips
Automatic transmission
.................121
Brakes ........................................... 132
Downhill gradient ........................... 130
Driving on flooded roads ................133
Driving on sand .............................. 137
Driving on wet roads ...................... 132
Driving over obstacles ................... 137
General .......................................... 129
Gravel roads .................................. 137
Hydroplaning ................................. 132
Icy road surfaces ........................... 134
Off-road driving .............................. 135
Off-road fording ............................. 133
Tire ruts ......................................... 137
Wet road surface ........................... 131
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 157
DVD video (on-board computer) ......157 E
EASY-ENTRY feature ............................ 83
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 161
EASY-EXIT feature

............................... 83
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Function/notes ................................ 57
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction Support
see 4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 126
Vehicle ............................................. 66
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 47
Safety guidelines ............................. 33
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 17Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 184
Display message

............................ 170
Irregular running ............................ 118
Starting problems .......................... 118
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 116
Switching off .................................. 128
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................118
Engine number .................................. 272
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 213
Additives ........................................ 275
Checking the oil level ..................... 211
Display message ............................ 172
Notes about oil grades ................... 275
Viscosity ........................................ 275
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ................... 56
Display message ............................ 166
Important safety information ........... 55
Exhaust check ................................... 130
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 220
Exterior lighting Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 160
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 84
Dipping (automatic) .........................84
Out of position (troubleshooting) .....84
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 85
Storing the parking position ............. 85 F
First-aid kit ......................................... 224
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel

................................... 227
Preparing the vehicle .....................226
Raising the vehicle ......................... 227
Floormat ............................................. 207
Front fog lamp (display message) ...169 Index
7

Unladen weight (definition) ............
263
Wear indicator (definition) .............265
Wheel rim (definition)
....................263
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 51
Tow-away alarm .................................. 58
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........235
In the event of malfunctions ..........237
Towing eye
Front .............................................. 235
Rear ............................................... 235
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 256
Transfer case Display message ............................ 178
Shift ranges ................................... 145
Transmission position display .........120
Transmission positions ....................120
Transporting the vehicle .................. 236
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 139
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 162
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 156
Turn signal
Display message ............................ 168
Turn signals ......................................... 91
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 265
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Ultrasonic backing up aid Function/notes

............................. 142
Malfunction .................................... 144
Range of the sensors ..................... 142
Warning display ............................. 143
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking .......................66
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 65 V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 194
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 22
Emergency unlocking .......................66
Equipment

....................................... 17
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 158
Loading .......................................... 252
Lowering ........................................ 229
Maintenance .................................... 18
Parking for a long period ................ 128
Raising ........................................... 227
Reporting problems .........................21
Towing away .................................. 235
Tow-starting ................................... 235
Transporting .................................. 236
Vehicle dimensions
Technical data ............................... 277
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............271
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 224
Vehicle weights Technical data ............................... 277
Ventilation
Setting the air distribution .............107
Setting the airflow ......................... 108
Video (DVD) ........................................ 157
VIN ...................................................... 271 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS

................................................ 181
Brakes ........................................... 180
Check Engine ................................. 184
ESP ®
.............................................. 182
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 182
Fuel tank ........................................ 184
Overview .......................................... 26
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................ 37
Reserve fuel ................................... 184
Seat belt ........................................ 178 Index
15

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for your vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests
genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories that 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 your
vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts,
approved conversion parts and accessories
are available from any 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 Operator's Manual describes all models
and all 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-related 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
Your vehicle

is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont warranty on the
emission control system
R State warranty enforcement laws (lemon
laws) Introduction
17

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. G
WARNING
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. On-board diagnostics interface
G
WARNING
If you connect equipment to the on-board
diagnostics interface, it can affect the
operation of the vehicle systems. This can
impair the operating safety of your vehicle
while driving. There is a risk of accident. Do not connect any equipment to the on-
board diagnostics interface.
G
WARNING
Loose equipment or equipment cables which
are connected to the on-board diagnostics
interface can obstruct the area around the
pedals. The

equipment or the cables could get
between the pedals in the event of sudden
braking or acceleration. You may then no
longer be able to brake, operate the clutch or
accelerate as intended. There is a risk of
accident.
Do not attach any equipment or cables in the
driver footwell.
Connecting equipment to the on-board
diagnostics interface can lead to emissions
monitoring information being reset. This may
lead to the vehicle failing to meet the
requirements at the next special emissions
test or main inspection.
If the engine is switched off and equipment
which is connected to the on-board
diagnostics interface is used, the starter
battery may discharge.
The on-board diagnostics interface is only
intended for the connection of diagnostic
equipment at a qualified specialist workshop. Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work
required on

your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Always have the following work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work20
Introduction

Warning and indicator lamps
Function Page
:
Low-beam headlamps 89
;
ESP
®
OFF 182
=
ESP
® 182
?
Turn signal 91
A
ABS 181
B
Seat belt 178
C
SRS 183
D
Check Engine (Canada
only)
184 Function Page
E
Check Engine (USA only) 184
F
Reserve fuel 184
G
High-beam headlamps 91
H
Tire pressure monitor 185
I
Brakes (USA only) 180
J
Brakes (Canada only) 18026
Instrument clusterAt a glance