2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class transmission

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions©
TC
Shift
Procedure
Canceled The gear change process was not carried out.
X
Repeat the gearshift process. ©
TC Shift
Conditions Not
Fulfilled One or more conditions to shift the transfer case have not been
fulfilled.
X
Repeat the gearshift process. ©
TC In Neutral The transfer case is in the neutral position.
X
Shifting the transfer case into HIGH or LOW.©
Transfer Case
Service Required There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
X
Do not shift the transfer case.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If the transfer case is in Neutral,
the
park position P of the automatic transmission will not hold
the vehicle. The parking brake must be engaged to hold the vehicle in place. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Seat belts
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions7
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt
warning

lamp lights
up for six seconds. The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger
to fasten their seat belts.
X
Fasten your seat belt ( Y page 41).7
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt
warning

lamp lights
up. In addition, a
warning tone sounds
for up to six seconds. G
Risk of injury
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
X Fasten your seat belt ( Y page 41).
The warning tone ceases. 178
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions!
The
yellow
ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. G
Risk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is deactivated due to a malfunction.
Therefore, BAS

(Brake Assist), ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program),
EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and 4ETS are also
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 Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
If the ABS control unit is defective, other systems, such as the
navigation system or the automatic transmission, may also be
unavailable. !
The
yellow

ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. G
Risk of accident
The on-board voltage is too low. ABS has been deactivated due to
undervoltage.
ESP ®
, BAS, EBD and 4ETS are therefore also deactivated, for
example.
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 Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Switch off consumers that are not required, e.g. the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
ABS will be available again as soon as the vehicle's on-board
electrical system voltage increases.
If the warning lamp is still on:
X Have the battery and alternator checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. !
The
yellow

ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. You have engaged the differential locks. ABS, BAS, EBD, ESP
®
and
4ETS are deactivated.
X Disengage the differential locks.
Subsequently, ABS, BAS, EBD, ESP ®
and 4ETS are reactivated. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
181
On-board computer and displays Z

If indicator lamp : goes out after
approximately 20 seconds and has not
flashed rapidly:
X
Release transmitter buttons ;, = or ?
on the integrated remote control and
transmitter button B on the garage door
remote control.
X Repeat the procedure for the other
transmitter buttons. When doing so, vary
the distance between the garage door's
remote control
and the transmitter buttons
in the rear-view mirror.
i If the garage door system works with a
rolling code, you must synchronize the
remote control integrated into the rear-
view mirror with the garage door system
receiver after programming.
You will find further information in the
garage door opening system's operating
instructions, e.g. the sections on
"Synchronizing the transmitter" or
"Registering a new transmitter". You can
also call the hotline mentioned above.
Notes on programming the remote
control
Canadian radio frequency laws require a
"break" (or interruption) of the transmission
signals a few seconds after broadcasting.
Therefore, these signals may not last long
enough for the integrated remote control to
recognize the signal during programming.
Comparable with Canadian law, some U.S.
garage door openers also have a built-in
"interruption".
If you live in Canada or have difficulties
programming the garage door opener
(regardless of

where you live) when using the
programming steps (see above), proceed as
follows:
X Press transmitter button ( ;, = or ?
) and
hold it down during the following steps until the setup has been completed
successfully.
X At the same time, press transmitter button
B of the garage door remote control for
two seconds, then release it for two
seconds, then press it again for two
seconds.
X Repeat this sequence on transmitter
button B of the garage door remote
control until

the frequency signal has been
saved.
X If the setup procedure is successful,
indicator lamp : flashes once slowly and
goes out after a few seconds.
X Continue with the other programming
steps (see above).
Problems when programming
If you have problems when programming the
integrated remote control, please note the
following:
R check the transmitter frequency of garage
door remote control A (which can usually
be found

on the rear of the remote control).
The integrated remote control is
compatible with devices that operate at
frequencies between 280 and 390 MHz.
R replace the batteries in garage door remote
control A. This increases the likelihood of
garage door remote control A sending a
strong and precise signal to the integrated
remote control on the rear-view mirror.
R when programming, hold garage door
remote control A at varying distances and
angles from the transmitter button which
you are programming. Try different angles
at a distance between 2 and 12 inches (5
to 30 cm) or the same angle at varying
distances.
R if there is another garage door remote
control for the same device, perform the
programming steps again using that garage
door opener. Before performing these
steps, make sure that there are new206
Features
Stowing and features

batteries in the garage door remote
control.
R align the antenna cable of the garage door
opener unit. This can improve signal
reception/transmission.
Opening/closing the garage door Once programmed, the integrated remote
control
will
assume the function of the garage
door system's remote control. Please also
read the operating instructions for the garage
door system.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X Press transmitter button ;, = or ? on
the integrated remote control in the rear-
view mirror

that is programmed to operate
the garage door.
Garage door system with fixed code:
indicator lamp : lights up continuously.
Garage door system with rolling code:
indicator lamp : flashes briefly and then
lights up for approximately two seconds.
This is repeated for up to 20 seconds.
i The transmitter will transmit a signal for
as long as the transmitter button is being
pressed. The transmission will be halted
after a maximum of 20 seconds and
indicator lamp : will flash. Press the
transmitter button again, if necessary.
Clearing the remote control memory X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X Press and hold transmitter buttons ;
and ? for

approximately 20 seconds until
indicator lamp : flashes rapidly.
The memory is cleared.
i You should clear the remote control
memory before selling the vehicle. Floormat on the driver's side
G
WARNING
Whenever you are using a floormat, make sure
there is enough clearance and that the
floormat is securely fastened.
The floormat should always be securely
fastened using the fastening equipment.
Before driving off, check that the floormat is
securely in

place and adjust it if necessary. A
loose floormat could slip and hinder proper
functioning of the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of each
other as this may impair pedal movement. Features
207
Stowing and features Z

vehicle's doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock

away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
! 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. Exterior care
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle.

This could cause an accident. For
this reason, you must drive particularly
carefully after washing the vehicle until the
brakes have dried. You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
!
Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents.

These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. The exterior mirrors could
otherwise be damaged.
! Make sure that the automatic
transmission is in position N when washing
your vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The
vehicle could be damaged if the
transmission is in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (airflow control is turned to
position 0/the à and Á buttons
are switched off).
R the windshield wiper switch is at position
0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, also
clean the inside of the wheels.
X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean. Care
217
Maintenance and care Z

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

Before changing a fuse
X Park the vehicle and apply the parking
brake.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R main fuse box on the driver's side of the
dashboard
R fuse box in the front-passenger footwell
R fuse box in the transmission tunnel
R fuse box in the battery case
The fuse
allocation chart and the spare fuses
are in the main fuse box on the dashboard
(Y page 238).
You can find the fuse extractor in the vehicle
tool kit ( Y page 224). Dashboard fuse box
! Do not use a pointed object such as a
screwdriver to open the cover in the
dashboard. You could damage the
dashboard or the cover. X
Open the driver's door.
X To open:
pull cover
: outwards in the
direction of the arrow and remove it. Fuse box in the front-passenger
footwell
X
To open : remove screws :.
X Remove cover ; in the direction of the
arrow. X
Remove screws = .
X Remove cover ? in the direction of the
arrow.238
Fuses
Breakdown assistance