2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class warning light

Rear-compartment overhead control panel
:
p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
; p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off Interior lighting control
Important notes In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging,
the
interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
unless the SmartKey is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control X
To switch on: set rocker switch = to the
center position.
The interior lighting switches on
automatically when it is dark if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the

SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
(Y page 161).
When a front door is opened, the front interior
lighting comes on. When a rear door is
opened, the rear interior lighting comes on.
In addition, the courtesy lights come on. i
If a

door remains open and the SmartKey
is not in the ignition lock, the interior
lighting switches off after a short while.
X To switch off: press the z symbol on
rocker switch =.
The interior lighting remains switched off
even when it is dark if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the

SmartKey from the ignition lock
Manual control Front interior lighting
!
If the interior lighting has been switched
on manually, it will not be switched off
automatically.
This can cause the starter battery to
discharge.
Make sure that the interior lighting does
not remain switched on too long after the
engine has been switched off.
X To switch on: press the c symbol on
rocker switch =.
X To switch off: set rocker switch = to the
center position.
Reading lamps
X To switch on/off: press the p
button.
Cargo compartment lamp G
WARNING
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. G
WARNING
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death. Interior lighting
93
Lights and windshield wipers Z

!
Switch off
the cargo compartment lamp if
you wish to leave the rear door open for a
longer period. The battery may otherwise
discharge.
X To switch on/off: press the t button.
i If you open the rear door, the cargo
compartment lamp comes on. Then, you
cannot switch

it off using the t button.
Switch off the cargo compartment lamp if
you wish to leave the rear door open for a
longer period. This prevents the battery
from discharging. X
Open the rear door.
X To switch off with the rear door open:
press lock : down in the direction of the
arrow until it engages.
The cargo compartment lamp is switched
off.
! Do not close the rear door while lock :
is engaged at the bottom. Otherwise, you
could damage lock :.
X To switch on with the rear door open:
press lock cylinder ;.
The cargo compartment lamp resumes its
normal function.
Rear interior lighting
X To switch on/off: press the t button.
i The rear interior lighting switches on
when you open a rear door. Then, you
cannot switch

it off using the t button. Switch off the rear interior lighting if you
wish to leave the rear doors open for a
longer period. This prevents the battery
from discharging.
Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs G
DANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an

electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change the Xenon bulbs yourself, but
have them replaced at a qualified workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs G
WARNING
Bulbs and lamps can become very hot. For
this reason, allow them to cool down before
changing them. Otherwise, you could burn
yourself when you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could, for example, damage
the bulbs and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may explode and injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurized and could
explode when you change them, especially if
they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them.
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (

Y page 95). Have the bulbs that94
Replacing bulbs
Lights and windshield wipers

X
Turn the bulb counterclockwise, applying
slight pressure, and remove it from bulb
holder.
X Insert the new bulb into the bulb holder and
turn it clockwise until it engages.
! When installing the lens, make sure that
the seal is positioned correctly.
X Install lens ;.
X Replace and tighten screws :.
! Do not fasten the screws too tightly. You
could otherwise damage the lens.
X G 55 AMG: secure the protective grille
(Y page 98).
Backup lamp/rear fog lamp Example: rear fog lamp
X
Switch off the lights.
X Remove screws ;.
X Remove lens :. X
Turn bulb = counterclockwise, applying
slight pressure,
and remove it from the bulb
holder.
X Insert the new bulb into the bulb holder and
turn it clockwise until it engages.
X Install lens :.
X Replace and tighten screws ;.
! Do not fasten the screws too tightly. You
could otherwise damage the lens. Windshield wipers
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The windshield will not longer be wiped
properly if the wiper blades are worn. This
could prevent you from observing the traffic
conditions, thereby causing an accident.
Replace the

wiper blades twice a year, ideally
in spring and fall.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield/rear
window can scratch the glass if wiping
takes place when the windshield/rear
window is dry.
If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always
use washer fluid when operating the
windshield wipers.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windshield/rear window after the
vehicle has been washed in an automatic
car wash, this may be due to wax or other
residue. Clean the windshield/rear window
with washer fluid after an automatic car
wash. Windshield wipers
99
Lights and windshield wipers Z

Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
Combination switch
1
S Continuous wipe, fast
2 ¯ Continuous wipe, slow
3 ° Intermittent wipe/rain sensor
4 $ Windshield wipers off
A í Single wipe/ î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluid
X Turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2
in the
ignition lock.
X Turn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the ° position, the appropriate wiping
frequency is set automatically according to
the intensity of the rain.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted if you stop
and open a front door. This protects people
getting into

and out of the vehicle from being
sprayed with water.
Intermittent wiping continues when all doors
are closed and:
R you shift the automatic transmission to
drive position D or reverse gear Ror
R you change the wipe setting on the
combination switch. Switching
the rear window wiper on/
off The rear window wiper comes on
automatically
if

you shift the selector lever to
R while the windshield wipers are on.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2
in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on intermittent wiping: push
button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up.
X To switch off intermittent wiping: push
button : again.
Indicator lamp ; goes out.
X To wipe with washer fluid: push button
= and hold it there until the rear window
is clean.
The rear window is wiped for a further five
seconds after the button is released. Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes G
WARNING
For safety reasons, switch off the wipers and
remove the

SmartKey from the starter switch
before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause
injury. 100
Windshield wipers
Lights and windshield wipers

otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode,
no
fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off.
R At very low temperatures, the rear window
defroster is only switched on once the
vehicle interior has warmed up. Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information G
WARNING
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows could

fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the à button ( Y page 107).
Activating/deactivating X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on:
turn
control : clockwise to
the desired position (except position 0)
(Y page 105).
X The previously selected settings come into
effect again.
X To switch off: turn control : counter-
clockwise to position 0(Y page 105). Activating/deactivating the cooling
with air dehumidification function
Important information The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
G
WARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are

warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Activating/deactivating !
If the cooling with air dehumidification
does not switch on, it is possible that the
climate control system has lost coolant.
Have the cooling with air dehumidification
checked at

a qualified specialist workshop.
X To activate: press the Á button.
The indicator

lamp in the Á button lights
up.
X To switch off: press the Á button.
The indicator

lamp in the Á button goes
out. The cooling with air dehumidification
function has a delayed switch-off feature. 106
Operating the climate control system
Climate control

Problems with the cooling with air
dehumidification function
If the indicator lamp in the
Á button does
not go out or flashes when switched on, the
cooling with air dehumidification function is
switched off
due to a malfunction. You can no
longer switch on the cooling with air
dehumidification function.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Setting climate control to automatic
G
WARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are

warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X Set the desired temperature.
X To switch on: press the à button.
The indicator

lamp in the à button lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are activated.
X To switch off: press the à button.
The indicator

lamp in the à button goes
out. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are deactivated. Setting the temperature
Different temperatures can be set for the
driver's and front-passenger sides. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X To increase/reduce: turn controls ;
and
= clockwise or counterclockwise
(Y page 105).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
i If you

turn the temperature control on one
side of the vehicle fully clockwise or
counterclockwise, you will increase or
reduce the temperature on the other side
of the vehicle at the same time. Setting the air distribution
You can set the air distribution for the entire
vehicle.
The symbols for the air distribution have the
following meanings: Symbol Meaning
M
Directs the airflow through the
defroster vents to the
windshield and side windows
Q
Directs the airflow to the entire
vehicle interior
O
Directs the airflow through the
footwell and side air vents
P
Directs the airflow through the
center and side air vents
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X Press the à button.
The indicator

lamp in the à button goes
out.
X Turn control ?(Y page 105) to the
corresponding symbol. The control can
also be turned to the area between two
symbols. Operating the climate control system
107
Climate control Z

Setting the airflow
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X Press the à button.
The indicator

lamp in the à button goes
out.
X To increase/reduce: turn control :
clockwise or counterclockwise
(Y page 105).
i The airflow from the rear-compartment
vents and the center vents is the same. Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
i You should only select the defrosting
function until

the windshield is clear again.
i When you switch on the "defrosting"
function using the ¥5
or z 6
button,
you cannot adjust any of the other settings.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on: press the ¥ 5
or z 6
button.
The indicator lamp in the ¥5
or z 6
button comes on.
The climate

control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow
R high temperature
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode off
i If necessary,

also activate the windshield
defroster (Y page 108). X
To deactivate: press the ¥5
or z 6
button.
The indicator lamp in the ¥5
or z 6
button goes off. The previously selected
settings come into effect again.
or
X Press the à button.
The indicator

lamp in the à button lights
up. The indicator lamp in the z button
goes out. Airflow and air distribution are set
to automatic mode. Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside X
Activate the defrosting function.
X If necessary, activate the windshield
heating (
Y page 108).
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside X
Activate the windshield wipers.
X Close the center air vents.
When automatic air distribution is switched
off:
X Turn the air distribution thumbwheel to the
O or P symbol.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
X If necessary, activate the windshield
heating (Y page 108). Switching the windshield defroster
on/off
G
WARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the windshield before driving.
5 USA only.
6 Canada only.108
Operating the climate control system
Climate control

Otherwise, your vision may be impaired,
which could endanger you or others.
i
At outside temperatures over
50 ‡ (10 † ) the windshield defroster
cannot be switched on. Indicator lamp ;
lights up briefly when you attempt to
activate it and then goes out again.
i The windshield defroster has a high
current draw. You should therefore switch
it
off as soon as the windshield is clear. The
windshield defroster switches off
automatically after ten minutes.
i If you switch on the windshield defroster
four times in a row, it switches off
automatically after five minutes.
i If too many electrical consumers are
switched on simultaneously and the
battery voltage is too low, indicator
lamp ; flashes in windshield defroster
switch :. After about 30 seconds the
windshield defroster switches off.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X Press button : on the windshield
defroster.
Indicator lamp ; lights up or goes out. Switching the rear window defroster
on/off
Activating/deactivating G
WARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from

the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear. as it only
switches off automatically after several
minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on, press the ª 7
or £ 8
button.
The indicator lamp in the ª7
or £ 8
button goes off.
Problems with the rear window
defroster If the indicator lamp in the
ª
7
or £ 8
rear window

defroster button flashes, the on-
board voltage is too low. The rear window
defroster has deactivated prematurely or
cannot be activated.
X Switch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.
7 USA only.
8 Canada only. Operating the climate control system
109
Climate control Z