2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class battery

Make sure any children traveling with you do
not injure themselves or start a fire with the
hot cigarette lighter.
! The 12 V socket in the cigarette lighter
can be used for accessories (up to a
maximum of 180 W), as long as they have
the standard socket type for cigarette
lighters. Note that the socket in the
cigarette lighter can be damaged when
connecting accessories, for example by
frequent insertion and removal or by
sockets that
do not fit correctly. A damaged
socket can cause the cigarette lighter to
stop working. X
Press cover
; and then release it.
The ashtray and cigarette lighter : fold
out.
X Press in cigarette lighter :.
Cigarette lighter : will pop out
automatically when the heating element is
red-hot. 12 V sockets
Points to observe before use !
If you are simultaneously using all three
sockets in the vehicle, make sure that you
do not exceed the maximum current draw
of 45 A. Otherwise, you will overload the
fuses.
The sockets

can be used for accessories with
a maximum power consumption of 180 W (15
A), e.g. lamps or chargers for mobile phones. If you use the sockets for long periods when
the engine is switched off, the battery may
discharge.
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Socket in the front-passenger footwell X
Lift up the cover of the socket.
The
cigarette lighter socket can be also used
(Y page 195). This is the case even if the
SmartKey has

been removed from the ignition
lock.
Socket in the rear compartment The socket is located on the center console
in the rear compartment.
X
Lift up the cover of the socket.
Socket in the cargo compartment The socket is located in the cargo
compartment on the left-hand side, when
viewed in the direction of travel, next to the
rear door.196
Features
Stowing and features

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

!
Do not
add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round. Example: washer fluid reservoir
X
Mix the windshield washer fluid in a
container beforehand.
X At temperatures above freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB SummerFit).
X At temperatures below freezing: fill the
washer fluid container with a mix of water
and MB SummerFit windshield washer
concentrate. For

information on the mixing
ratio, see (Y page 277) or use the premixed
windshield washer solution with antifreeze
available in specialist stores.
X To open: pull cap : upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close:
press cap :
onto the filler neck
until it engages.
Brake fluid level !
If you notice that the brake fluid level in
the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
MIN mark or less, check the brake system
immediately for leaks. Also check the
thickness of the brake linings. Visit a
qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not
correct the error. Only check the brake fluid level when the
vehicle is stationary and on a level surface.
The brake fluid level is correct if it is between
MIN
marking ;

and MAX marking : on the
brake fluid reservoir. Maintenance
Service interval display
Service messages Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The service interval message informs you of
the next service due date.
If
a

service due date has been exceeded, you
also hear a warning tone.
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
Service A In 99999 Miles
Service A Due Now
Service A Exceeded By 99999 Miles
The symbol and the letter indicate which type
of service is due:
¯ Minor service A
± Major service B
The service interval display does not take into
account any

periods of time during which the
battery is disconnected. Maintenance
215
Maintenance and care Z

Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X
Before disconnecting the battery, note
down the service due date displayed.
or:
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery
disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display.
i The service

interval display should not be
confused with the 4 engine oil level
display.
Hiding a service message X
Press the reset button on the left of the
instrument cluster (

Y page 25).
Displaying service messages Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
X
Switch on the ignition.
X Press the V or U button on the
steering wheel to select the standard
display menu (Y page 156).
X With & or * select the service
interval display.
The ¯ or ± service symbol and the
service due date are displayed.
Please bear the following in mind A qualified specialist workshop will reset the
service interval display after the necessary
service work has been carried out.
Further information, on maintenance for
example, can be obtained at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
!
If the service interval display has been
reset unintentionally, have the setting
corrected at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have service

work carried out as described
in the Maintenance Booklet. This may
otherwise lead to increased wear and damage to the major assemblies or the
vehicle.
Fuel/water separator
If the fuel/water separator needs servicing,
the following message appears in the
multifunction display: You will also hear a brief warning tone.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
! If you

continue driving without having the
fuel/water separator serviced, this could
cause damage to the engine. Any resulting
damage is not covered by the warranty. H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an
environmentally responsible manner. Care
Notes on care
Regular care

of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. G
WARNING
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your 216
Care
Maintenance and care

X
Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlets.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
Power washers G
WARNING
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles (concentrated-power jets) to clean
your vehicle,
especially for cleaning tires. You
could otherwise damage the tires and cause
an accident.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures. Cleaning the wheels !
Do not

use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Cleaning the paintwork Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate
care

cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Remove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
If water

no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. This is the case approximately every 218
Care
Maintenance and care

Useful information ............................
224
Where will I find...? ........................... 224
Flat tire .............................................. 226
Battery ............................................... 230
Jump-starting .................................... 233
Towing and tow-starting .................. 235
Fuses .................................................. 237 223Breakdown assistance

Battery
Important safety notes
In order for the battery to achieve the
maximum possible
service life, it must always
be sufficiently charged.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or contact a qualified
specialist workshop for more information.
Have the battery charge checked more
frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for
a lengthy period.
Only replace a battery with a battery that has
been recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop if you
wish to leave your vehicle parked for a long
period of time. G
WARNING
Comply with safety precautions and take
protective measures

when handling batteries. Risk of explosion
Fire, naked flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling the battery.
Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic.
Avoid
contact

with the skin,
eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, in particular
gloves, an apron and a face
mask.
Immediately rinse acid
splashes off with clean
water. Consult a doctor if
necessary. Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Operator's
Manual.
H
Environmental note Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must
be

collected separately
and recycled to protect the
environment. Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Return discharged
batteries to a qualified
specialist workshop or to a
special collection point for
used batteries.
G
WARNING
Failure
to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting.
You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc. 230
Battery
Breakdown assistance

G
WARNING
Do not place any metal objects on the battery
as this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof

batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First, touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! Switch off the engine and remove the
SmartKey before you loosen or disconnect
the terminal clamps. You may otherwise
destroy electronic components such as the
alternator.
! Like other batteries, the vehicle battery
may discharge over time if you do not use
the vehicle. In this case, have the battery
disconnected at a qualified specialist
workshop. You can also charge the battery
with a charger recommended by Mercedes-
Benz. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for further information.
The battery and the cover of the positive
terminal clamp must be installed securely
during operation.
i Remove the SmartKey if you park the
vehicle and do not require any electrical
consumers. The vehicle will then use very
little energy, thus conserving battery
power.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you do not
carry out work on batteries yourself, e.g.
removing or charging. Have this work
performed at a qualified specialist workshop. i
If the power supply has been interrupted,
e.g. if the battery has been reconnected,
you must carry out the following tasks:
R reset the head restraints on the front
seats (

Y page 78). Charging the battery
G
WARNING
Never charge a battery still installed in the
vehicle unless

a battery charger unit approved
by Mercedes-Benz is being used. Gases may
escape during charging and cause explosions
that may result in paint damage, corrosion or
personal injury.
A battery charger unit specially adapted for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an
accessory. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information and availability.
Charge the battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the battery charger. G
WARNING
There is a risk of acid burns during the
charging process due to the gases which
escape from

the battery. Do not lean over the
battery during the charging process. G
WARNING
Battery
acid is caustic. Avoid contact with the
skin, eyes or clothing.
! Only charge the installed battery with a
battery charger

which has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. These battery
chargers allow the battery to be charged
while still installed.
! Only use battery chargers with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
! Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point. Battery
231
Breakdown assistance Z