2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class brake fluid

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 197
12 V socket
........................................ 196
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 56
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 141A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 166
Function/notes

................................ 54
Warning lamp ................................. 181
Active service system
see Service interval display
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 275
Adjusting the seat ............................... 76
Air bags Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 35
Important safety notes .................... 34
PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF- indicator lamp .......................... 37
Safety guidelines ............................. 33
Window curtain air bag ....................37
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents ............................................. 111
Important safety notes .................. 110
Rear ............................................... 111
Setting ........................................... 110
Setting the center air vents ...........111
Setting the side air vents ............... 111
Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Approach/departure angle ..............138
Ashtray ............................................... 195ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating

...................57
Function ........................................... 57
Switching off the alarm .................... 57
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 168
Automatic car wash .......................... 217
Automatic transmission Driving tips .................................... 121
Emergency running mode ..............124
Important safety notes .................. 119
Kickdown ....................................... 121
Malfunction .................................... 124
Pulling away ................................... 116
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 124
Selector lever ................................ 120
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 124 B
Backup lamp Display message
............................ 170
BAS (Brake Assist System)

.................54
Battery Charging ........................................ 231
Checking (SmartKey) ....................... 62
Display message ............................ 172
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 62
Important safety notes .................. 230
Jump-starting ................................. 233
Replacing (SmartKey) ...................... 62
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 166
Notes ............................................. 275
Brake fluid level ................................ 215
Brake lamps (display message) .......168
Brakes ABS .................................................. 54
BAS .................................................. 54
Brake fluid (notes) .........................275
Display messages ..........................1664
Index

Fuel
Additives ........................................ 274
Important safety notes
..................273
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline . 273
Refueling ........................................ 124
Specifications ................................ 274
Troubleshooting ............................. 127
Fuel/water separator
Service ........................................... 216
Fuel consumption
Notes ............................................. 129
Fuel filler cap (display message) .....174
Fuel filler flap Emergency release ........................ 126
Opening/closing ............................ 125
Fuel filter
Display message ............................ 174
Fuel level
Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 163
Fuse allocation chart ........................238
Fuse box Battery case ................................... 239
Dashboard ..................................... 238
Front-passenger footwell ...............238
Transmission tunnel ....................... 239
Fuse extractor ................................... 238
Fuses Dashboard fuse box ....................... 238
Fuse allocation chart ..................... 238
Fuse box in the front-passenger
footwell .......................................... 238
Fuse box in the transmission
tunnel ............................................ 239
In the battery case ......................... 239
Notes ............................................. 237G
Garage door opener Clearing the memory

.....................207
Notes ............................................. 204
Opening/closing the garage door ..207
Programming the remote control ... 205
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 221
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 270Genuine wood trim and trim strips
(cleaning instructions)
......................221
Glove box ........................................... 189
Gradient-climbing capability
(maximum) ......................................... 139
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ......................................... 263 H
Handbrake see Parking brake


Hazard warning lamps ........................91
Headlamp delayed switch-off see Exterior lighting delayed switch-off
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....214
Cleaning ......................................... 220
Cleaning system (function) .............. 91
Fogging up ....................................... 92
Protective grille ................................ 98
Headlamps (automatic) ......................89
Head restraints Adjusting (angle) .............................. 77
Adjusting (rear) ................................ 78
Installing/removing (rear) ................ 78
Luxury .............................................. 79
Resetting (front) ............................... 78
see NECK-PRO head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
Heating, windshield
see Windshield heating
High beam flasher ............................... 91
High-beam headlamps (display
message) ............................................ 169
High-mounted brake lamp Display message ............................ 168
Hill start assist .................................. 117
Hood Closing ........................................... 211
Display message ............................ 177
Opening ......................................... 210
Hydroplaning ..................................... 1328
Index

S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................47
Child restraint systems ....................47
Overview of occupant safety
systems ...........................................
32
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems


Seat backrest
Folding back .................................. 191
Folding forwards ............................ 191
Seat belts
Adjusting the height ......................... 45
Belt force limiters ............................ 47
Cleaning ......................................... 222
Correct usage .................................. 42
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 47
Fastening ................................... 43, 44
Fastening, front ............................... 44
Fastening in the rear, center ............44
Important safety guidelines .............41
Releasing ......................................... 46
Safety guidelines ............................. 33
Special seat belt retractor ............... 49
Warning lamp ................................. 178
Warning lamp (function) ................... 46
Seat heating
Indicator lamp (malfunction) ............ 81
Seats
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 79
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 77
Cleaning the cover ......................... 221
Correct driver's seat position ........... 74
Important safety notes .................... 75
Multicontour seat ............................ 79
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 85
Switching seat heating on/off ......... 80
Switching seat ventilation on/off ....81
Seat ventilation
Indicator lamp (malfunction) ............ 81
Sensors (cleaning instructions) .......220
Service indicator see Service interval display Service interval display
....................215
Displaying a
service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 216
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 275
Capacities ...................................... 273
Coolant (engine) ............................ 276
Engine oil ....................................... 275
Fuel ................................................ 273
Important safety notes .................. 272
Notes ............................................. 272
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 275
Washer fluid ................................... 277
Settings
Calling up a stored setting ............... 86
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 158
On-board computer ....................... 158
Setting the unit (on-board
computer)
Speedometer ................................. 159
Shift ranges ....................................... 121
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 169
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............ 69
Convenience opening feature .......... 69
Important safety information ........... 68
Opening/closing .............................. 68
Troubleshooting ............................... 69
Ski rack .............................................. 193
Sliding sunroof Important safety notes .................... 70
Opening/closing .............................. 70
Operating manually ..........................71
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 62
Changing the programming ............. 61
Checking the battery ....................... 62
Convenience closing feature ............ 69
Convenience opening feature .......... 69
Important safety notes .................... 60
Loss ................................................. 64
Malfunction ...................................... 64
Starting the engine ........................ 116
Snow chains ...................................... 24512
Index

Wet roads
G
WARNING
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying
the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion. G
WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads G
WARNING
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip,

so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs. Servicing the brakes G
WARNING
If brake pads or brake fluid other than those
recommended are used, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be degraded to
an extent that safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an accident. G
WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
! If the

brake warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster and you hear a warning
tone even though the parking brake has
been released, the brake fluid level may be
too low. Observe additional warning
messages in the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. Have this work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a 2-axle
dynamometer. If you are planning to have
the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain further information first.
Otherwise, you could damage the drive
train or the brake system.
! As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (the SmartKey must
be in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock) if
the parking brake is tested on a brake
dynamometer (for a maximum of ten
seconds).
Braking applications triggered
automatically by ESP ®
may otherwise
seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Driving tips
131
Driving and parking Z

Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If your brake system is subject only to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals
by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal
at high speeds. This improves the grip of the
brake pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 54).
High-performance brake system for
AMG vehicles The high-performance brake system is
installed only on the G 55 AMG.
G
WARNING
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum

braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is
designed for heavy loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
R speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions. For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all
circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will
lead

to high wear. You can obtain further
information about this from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Parking brake G
WARNING
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.
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 pull the parking brake upwards with the
release button depressed from time to time
before beginning the journey
(Y page 128).
R Drive a distance of approximately 110 yds
(100 m) with a maximum speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h). 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.132
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Safety systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
ESP
Inoperative See
Operator's Manual
G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) is not available due to a
malfunction.
ABS (Anti-lock

Brake System), BAS (Brake Assist), EBD (electronic
brake force distribution), 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
the tire pressure monitor have also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ABS
ABS not available
Differential
Locked You have engaged the differential locks.
X
Disengage the differential locks.
Subsequently ABS is reactivated. ABS
Inoperative See
Oper. Manual
G
Risk of accident
ABS and ESP ®
are not available due to a malfunction.
BAS, EBD and 4ETS have 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.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. $
(USA only)
!(Canada only)
Release Parking
Brake You are driving with the parking brake applied.
X
Release the parking brake. $ (USA only)
J(Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level G
Risk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
X Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.166
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

G
WARNING
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. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
Solutions
#
Brake Wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X
Have the brake pads/linings replaced as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop. G
Tele Aid
Inoperative USA only: one or more main functions of the mbrace system are
malfunctioning.
Canada only: one or more main functions of the TELEAID system
are malfunctioning.
X
USA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Canada only: have the TELEAID system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. +
Restraint System
Malfunction
Service Required G
Risk of injury
The restraint systems are malfunctioning.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. G
WARNING
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to

have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury. Display messages
167
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsh
Tire
Pres.
Caution
Tire Defect G
Risk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay

attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X If necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 226).h
Tire Pres. Check
Tires G
Risk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay

attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X If necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 226).
X Check the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
(Y page 248). Vehicle
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions: The rear door is open.
X
Close the rear door. M G
Risk of accident
Vehicles with anti-theft alarm system:
The hood is open. A warning tone also sounds.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Close the hood. ¡ At least one door is open.
X
Close all the doors. ~
Bluetooth Ready The Bluetooth
®
connection between your mobile phone and
COMAND is not activated.
X If desired, activate the Bluetooth ®
connection between your
mobile phone and COMAND (see the separate Operator's
Manual). ¥
Top
Up

Washer Fluid The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below the minimum.
X
Add washer fluid ( Y page 214). Display messages
177
On-board computer and displays Z