2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class power steering

High-performance brake system ....
132
Important safety notes
..................130
Maintenance .................................. 131
Parking brake ................................ 128
Warning lamp ................................. 180
Brush guard ....................................... 203
Bulbs Backup lamp .................................... 99
Brake lamp ...................................... 98
Cornering light function ...................96
Fog lamps ........................................ 96
Overview .......................................... 95
Rear fog lamp .................................. 99
Tail lamp .......................................... 98
Turn signal lamp .............................. 96C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ......... 21
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................18
Capacities
see Technical data


Care
Carpets .......................................... 222
Car wash ........................................ 217
Chrome parts ................................. 220
Display ........................................... 220
Gear or selector lever ....................221
Headlamps ..................................... 220
Matte finish ................................... 219
Notes ............................................. 216
Paint .............................................. 218
Plastic trim .................................... 221
Power washer ................................ 218
Rear view camera .......................... 220
Roof lining ...................................... 222
Seat belt ........................................ 222
Seat covers .................................... 221
Sensors ......................................... 220
Steering wheel ............................... 221
Tail pipes ....................................... 220
Trim strips ..................................... 221
Washing by hand ........................... 217
Wheels ........................................... 218
Windows ........................................ 219Wiper blades
.................................. 219
Wooden trim .................................. 221
Cargo compartment cover ...............192
Cargo compartment enlargement ...190
Cargo tie down rings .........................192
CD player/CD changer Operating (on-board computer) ..... 157
Center console
Overview .......................................... 28
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 161
SmartKey ......................................... 60
Changing bulbs
Headlamps .......................................

94
Changing gears .................................. 121
Checklist After driving off-road ...................... 136
Before driving off-road ................... 136
Child-proof locks
Rear doors ....................................... 52
Children
In the vehicle ................................... 47
Restraint systems ............................ 47
Child seat
Automatic recognition ..................... 37
Automatic recognition/air bag
deactivation, self-test ......................39
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 50
Special seat belt retractor ............... 49
Top Tether ....................................... 51
Troubleshooting ............................... 40
Chrome parts (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 220
Cigarette lighter ................................ 195
Climate control Activating/deactivating ................. 106
Controlling automatically ...............107
Cooling with air dehumidification ..106
Defrosting the windows ................. 108
Defrosting the windshield .............. 108
Dual-zone automatic climate
control ........................................... 105
Important safety notes .................. 104
Indicator lamp ................................ 107 Index
5

on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired
drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
! Avoid high engine speeds when the
engine is cold. The engine's service life
could otherwise be significantly shortened.
Do not use the engine's full performance
until it has reached operating temperature. SmartKey positions
g
To remove the SmartKey
1 Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers
2 Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3 To start the engine i
You can only remove the SmartKey if:
R the SmartKey is in position
0 in the
ignition lock.
R the automatic transmission selector
lever is in P.
As soon

as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after
the engine is started or if it lights up while the
vehicle is in motion, see ( Y page 180).
If the SmartKey is in position 0 in the ignition
lock for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the ignition lock. The
steering is then locked. To unlock, remove the
SmartKey and reinsert it into the ignition lock.
The steering is locked when you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Remove the SmartKey when the engine is
switched off.
The starter battery could otherwise be
discharged.
If you cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock, the starter battery may not be charged
sufficiently.
X Check the starter battery and charge if
necessary ( Y page 231).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 233). Starting the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Inhalation
of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not

run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these Driving
115
Driving and parking
Z

R
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.
R take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving. Switching off the engine
G
WARNING
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come

to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle. G
WARNING
Keep
in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will

shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
X Apply the parking brake firmly.
i The SmartKey

can only be removed if the
automatic transmission is in position P. Parking brake
G
WARNING
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in

motion can cause the rear wheels to 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. G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from

the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P, either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. X
To apply: pull parking brake ;
up firmly.
When the

engine is running, the $ (USA
only) or J (Canada only) indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
X To release: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
X Pull parking brake ; up firmly.
X Press release button : on parking
brake ;
and

move the parking brake down
to the stop.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the $ (USA only) or
J (Canada only) indicator lamp goes out
in the instrument cluster. Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you

leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharge. 128
Parking
Driving and parking

accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched off G
WARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the

brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust check G
WARNING
Inhalation
of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not

run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency
when they are maintained exactly in
accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications. For this reason, all work on the
engine must be carried out only by qualified
and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet. Brakes
Important safety notes G
WARNING
On
slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in

drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of control loss.
Do not engage the transfer case in position
LOW when driving on ice or packed snow. At
speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h) vehicle
steering is adversely affected by the Off-road
ABS.
Downhill gradients !
On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to

a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
Depressing
the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive

and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly. 130
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Winter driving
General notes G
WARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle,
resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 244).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Y
page 244).
Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point

do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. G
WARNING
On
slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in

drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of control loss.
Do not engage the transfer case in position
LOW when driving on ice or packed snow. At
speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h) vehicle steering
is adversely affected by the Off-road
ABS.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid

sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control using
corrective steering.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 245). G
WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes. Off-road driving
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Grains of sand, particles of dirt and other
abrasive materials can enter the brake
system. This can lead to excessive wear and
unpredictable braking efficiency.
After the brakes have been exposed to dirty
conditions, have them checked and cleaned
at a

qualified specialist workshop. Otherwise,
there is a risk that braking power may be
insufficient in the event of an emergency, or
that the braking effect may be unpredictable. G
WARNING
Do
not load items on the basic carrier bars. It
may cause

instability during some maneuvers
which could result in an accident.
Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will
make it easier to recognize unexpected
obstacles and avoid damage to the vehicle.
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never
turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehicle 134
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Possible causes of malfunction:
R
the on-board power supply is not within a
permissible voltage range.
R the temperature
of the DC/AC converter is
temporarily too high.
R some small electronic devices have a
constant nominal power of less than
150 W, but a very high switch-on current.
It is possible that these devices will not
function properly, as 115 V socket : is not
able to provide a high enough current.
If indicator lamp ; still does not light up,
contact a qualified specialist workshop. mbrace
12
Important safety notes !
You must have a license agreement to
activate the mbrace service. Ensure that
your system

is activated and ready for use,
and press the E MB Info call button to
register. If one of these steps is not carried
out, it may not be possible to activate the
system.
If you have questions about the activation,
contact one of the following telephone
hotlines:
R USA: Response Center at
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
Shortly after successfully registering with the
mbrace service, a user ID and password will
be sent to you by mail. You can use this
password to log in to the mbrace section
under "Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com 13
.
The mbrace system is available if:
R it has been activated and is operational.
Activation requires an available mobile phone network, a valid SIM card and a
subscription to a security service.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the corresponding mobile phone network
is available for transmitting data to the
Customer Center.
i Determining the

location of the vehicle on
a map is only possible if there is sufficient
GPS reception and the vehicle position can
be forwarded to the Customer Center.
The mbrace system The mbrace system provides three different
services:
R
automatic and manual emergency call
R Roadside Assistance call
R MB Info call
To adjust the volume during an mbrace call,
proceed as follows:
X Press the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
X Use the COMAND volume controller.
You can find information and a description of
all available features under "Owners Online"
at http://www.mbusa.com 14
.
System self-test After you have switched on the ignition, the
system carries out a self-diagnosis.
12 The system is called TELE AID in Canada.
13 USA only.
14 USA only.198
Features
Stowing and features

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all
wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
! You may only tow the vehicle a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be
exceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles
(50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a
transporter.
! Only secure the tow cable or tow bar to
the towing eyes. You could otherwise
damage the vehicle.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery
purposes as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged. !
Your vehicles is equipped with an
automatic transmission. Therefore, you
must not

have the vehicle tow-started. The
transmission may otherwise be damaged.
If the transfer case can be shifted into neutral
N, you can tow the vehicle.
If the transfer case cannot be shifted into
neutral N, you can tow the vehicle with one
axle raised. Please bear the following in mind:
R remove the propeller shaft between the
transfer case and the rolling axle.
R turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in
the ignition lock
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Deactivate the automatic locking feature
(Y page 161) You could otherwise be
locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle. Towing eyes
Towing eyes, front :
Towing eyes, front
Towing eye, rear The rear towing eye is located under the
bumper,
on

the left-hand side when viewed in
the direction of travel. Towing and tow-starting
235
Breakdown assistance Z

:
Towing eye, rear Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 235). G
WARNING
The power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will then need
much more effort to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your style of driving
accordingly.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 91).
i When towing with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination
switch as usual to signal a change of
direction. In
this case, only the turn signals
for the desired direction flash. When the
combination switch is reset, the hazard
warning lamps start flashing again.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
X Shift the transfer case to neutral position
N (Y page 145).
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N. X
Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake.
i The transmission can only change gear if
the battery has sufficient charge.
If you

cannot move the selector lever to N,
the propeller shafts to the driven axles
must be removed. Transporting the vehicle
Use the towing eyes to pull the vehicle if it
needs to be transported on a trailer or
transporter ( Y page 235).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X Move the selector lever to N.
X Shift the transfer case to neutral position
N (Y page 145).
X Secure the towing cable to the towing eyes.
X Make sure that the vehicle cannot roll
away.
X Release the parking brake.
X Load the vehicle onto the transporter.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle.
! Only lash

the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged. Recovering a vehicle that has become
stuck
! Pull away smoothly, slowly, and in a
straight line

when pulling out a vehicle that
has become stuck. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles. 236
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance