2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class Owner's Manual

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

Lights
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
b
Low-Beam Left
 or 
Low-Beam Right The left or right-hand low-beam headlamp is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
AUTO-Light
Inoperative The light sensor is defective. The low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
X
USA only: set the lights to manual operation in the on-board
computer ( Y page 160).
X Switch the lights on and off using the light switch.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Turn signal rear
left Back-up bulb
on
  or  

Turn signal
rear right Back-up
bulb on The rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is defective.
Another lamp has taken over its function.
X
Replace the bulb
(
Y page 94). b
Turn signal left
mirror
  or  Turn
signal right

mirror The turn signal in the left-hand or right-hand exterior mirror is
defective.
These
messages will only appear if all of the turn signal's
LEDs have failed.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Turn signal front
left Back-up bulb
on

  or
 

Turn signal
front right Back-
up bulb on The front left-hand or front right-hand turn signal is defective.
Another lamp has taken over its function.
X
Replace the bulb
(
Y page 94). b
Brake lamp left
  or
 Brake lamp right The left or right-hand brake lamp is defective.
X
Replace the bulb (
Y page 94). b
High-mounted
brake
lamp The high-mounted brake lamp is faulty. This message will only
appear if all of the brake lamp's LEDs have failed.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.168
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsb
High-beam left or 
High-beam right The left or right-hand high beam is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
License Plate
Lamp, Left or 
License Plate
Lamp, Right There is a short circuit in the LED lamps. The LEDs have been
switched off.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
i Individual segments of the LED lamps may fail without a display
message being shown in the multifunction display. Regularly
check the license plate lamp. If necessary, visit a qualified
specialist workshop. b
Switch off lights
or remove key You have left the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
X
Remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. b
Switch Off Lights The lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle.
X
Turn the light switch to $ or Ã(Y page 88). b
Fog lamp left or 
fog lamp right The left-hand or right-hand front fog lamp is defective.
X
Replace the bulb ( Y page 94).b
Front Left Side
Marker Lamp or 
Front Right Side
Marker Lamp The left or right front side marker lamp is defective.
X
Replace the bulb ( Y page 94).b
Rear
fog

lamp Back-
up bulb on The rear fog lamp is defective. Another lamp has taken over its
function.
X
Replace the bulb ( Y page 94).b
Standing lamp
front
left

Back-up
bulb on or 
standing lamp
front right Back-
up bulb on The front left-hand or front right-hand standing lamp is faulty.
Another lamp has taken over its function.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
169
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsb
Reversing lamp
right The backup lamp is faulty.
X
Replace the bulb ( Y page 94).b
Tail lamp left
Back-up bulb on
 or 
Tail lamp right
Back-up bulb on The left or right-hand tail lamp is faulty. Another lamp has taken
over its function.
X
Replace the bulb ( Y page 98).Engine
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions; Some electronic systems are unable to send information to the
on-board computer. The coolant temperature gauge and the
tachometer could be malfunctioning.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. +
Top
Up
Coolant See
Operator's Manual The coolant level is too low.
X
Add coolant, following the warning notes when doing so
(Y page 213).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
WARNING
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. 170
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
Coolant
Stop,
Turn
Engine Off The coolant is too hot.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Make sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked, e.g.
by snow, slush or ice.
X Wait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. The poly-V-belt may have torn.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Open the hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not

continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Wait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
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.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged. Display messages
171
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions? The engine fan is defective.
X
At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 † ), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. # The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R
a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Open the hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not

continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. The battery voltage is too low.
X
Switch off electrical consumers that are not required.
X Have the battery and alternator checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. The battery has been charged or the vehicle has been jump-
started.
X
Have the battery and alternator checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. 4
Check
oil

level at
next gas station. The engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
X
Check the oil level (Y page 211).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 213).
X Have the engine checked for leaks if the engine oil needs to be
refilled more often than usual. You have added too much engine oil. There is a risk of damaging
the engine or catalytic converter.
X
Siphon off excess engine oil until it is at the specified level.
Observe the legal requirements.172
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThere is water in the engine oil.
X
Have the engine oil examined at a qualified specialist workshop. The measuring system is malfunctioning.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Engine Oil Level
Service Required The engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
X
Check the oil level (Y page 211).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 213).
X Have the engine checked for leaks if the engine oil needs to be
refilled more often than usual. You have added too much engine oil. There is a risk of damaging
the engine or catalytic converter.
X
Siphon off excess engine oil until it is at the specified level.
Observe the legal requirements. There is water in the engine oil.
X
Have the engine oil checked. 4
At next gas
station add
1.0
qt.
engine oil.
(USA only)At next
gas station add
1.0 liter engine
oil.(Canada only) The engine oil level is too low.
X
Check the oil level (Y page 211).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 213).
X Have the engine checked for leaks if the engine oil needs to be
refilled more often than usual. Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com

.
! 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. Display messages
173
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions4
Engine Oil Level
Stop, Turn Engine
Off The engine oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Switch off the engine.
X Add engine oil ( Y page 213) and check the oil level
(Y page 211). 8
Reserve Fuel The fuel level has fallen below the reserve range. The fuel gauge's
needle does not move any further down. The operation of the
auxiliary heating can no longer be guaranteed.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 8
Gas cap is open. The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X
Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
X If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed:
close the fuel filler
cap.
X If the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop. ´
Clean Fuel Filter There is water in the fuel filter. The water must be drained off.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsAAS
Service Required
G
Risk of accident
AAS is not available due to a malfunction. The vehicle may roll
back on a gradient as soon as you remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Cruise Cont.
Inoperative Cruise control is inoperative.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop.174
Display messages
On-board computer and displays