2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class ABS

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 197
12 V socket
........................................ 196
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 56
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 141A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 166
Function/notes

................................ 54
Warning lamp ................................. 181
Active service system
see Service interval display
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 275
Adjusting the seat ............................... 76
Air bags Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 35
Important safety notes .................... 34
PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF- indicator lamp .......................... 37
Safety guidelines ............................. 33
Window curtain air bag ....................37
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents ............................................. 111
Important safety notes .................. 110
Rear ............................................... 111
Setting ........................................... 110
Setting the center air vents ...........111
Setting the side air vents ............... 111
Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Approach/departure angle ..............138
Ashtray ............................................... 195ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating

...................57
Function ........................................... 57
Switching off the alarm .................... 57
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 168
Automatic car wash .......................... 217
Automatic transmission Driving tips .................................... 121
Emergency running mode ..............124
Important safety notes .................. 119
Kickdown ....................................... 121
Malfunction .................................... 124
Pulling away ................................... 116
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 124
Selector lever ................................ 120
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 124 B
Backup lamp Display message
............................ 170
BAS (Brake Assist System)

.................54
Battery Charging ........................................ 231
Checking (SmartKey) ....................... 62
Display message ............................ 172
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 62
Important safety notes .................. 230
Jump-starting ................................. 233
Replacing (SmartKey) ...................... 62
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 166
Notes ............................................. 275
Brake fluid level ................................ 215
Brake lamps (display message) .......168
Brakes ABS .................................................. 54
BAS .................................................. 54
Brake fluid (notes) .........................275
Display messages ..........................1664
Index

Problems with "cooling with air
dehumidification"
...........................
107
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 109
Refrigerant ..................................... 275
Setting the air distribution .............107
Setting the airflow ......................... 108
Setting the air vents ......................110
Setting the temperature ................ 107
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 110
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off ............................ 109
Switching the residual heat
function on/off .............................. 110
Windshield defroster ......................108
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 24
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 162
Convenience closing feature ..............69
Convenience opening feature ............69
Coolant (engine) Checking the level ......................... 213
Display message ............................ 170
Notes ............................................. 276
Temperature gauge ........................ 152
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering lamps .................................. 92
Correct use .......................................... 21
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................140
Display message ............................ 174
Function/notes ............................. 139
Cup holders ........................................ 193
Customer Assistance Center
(CAC) ............................................... 21
Customer Relations Department .......21 D
Daytime running lamps Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 160
Defrosting the windshield ................108Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 160
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 161
Differential locks ............................... 148
Digital speedometer .........................156
Display (cleaning instructions) ........220
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer)
.....165
Driving systems ............................. 174
General notes ................................ 165
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 165
Safety systems .............................. 166
Service interval display .................. 215
Distance recorder ............................. 156
Door control panel Overview .......................................... 30
Doors
Automatic locking ............................ 66
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 161
Display message ............................ 177
Emergency locking ........................... 66
Emergency unlocking .......................66
Important safety notes .................... 65
Opening (from inside) ......................65
Drinking and driving .........................129
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Driving abroad ..................................... 88
Driving in mountainous terrain Approach/departure angle ............ 138
Driving downhill ............................. 139
Gradient-climbing capability
(maximum) ..................................... 139
Driving on flooded roads ..................133
Driving safety systems 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...56
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 54
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............54
Electronic brake force distribution ... 57
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 55
Important safety information ........... 53
Overview .......................................... 536
Index

System ..........................................
198
Vehicle remote unlocking .............. 202
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................
61
Loss ................................................. 64
Memory card
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 157
see separate operating instructions
Memory function ................................. 85
Menu (on-board computer) Audio ............................................. 156
DVD ............................................... 157
Message memory .......................... 165
Navigation ..................................... 158
Overview of menus ........................ 155
Resetting to factory settings .......... 158
Settings ......................................... 158
Standard display ............................ 156
Telephone ...................................... 163
Trip computer ................................ 162
Messages
see Display messages
Mirrors
Sun visor ........................................ 194
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 163
MP3
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 157
see separate operating instructions
Multicontour seat ................................ 79
Multifunction display ........................ 154
Multifunction steering wheel Operating the on-board computer . 153
Overview .......................................... 27N
Navigation On-board computer ....................... 158
see separate operating instructions


NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 40
Resetting after being triggered ........ 41
Notes on breaking-in a new
vehicle ................................................ 114 O
Occupant safety Children in the vehicle .....................47
System overview .............................. 32
Octane number (fuel) ........................274
Odometer ........................................... 156
Off-road 4MATIC .......................................... 141
Differential locks ............................ 148
Off-road ABS

.................................... 54
Off-road driving
Checklist ........................................ 136
Driving on sand .............................. 137
Important safety notes .................. 134
Off-road fording ................................. 133
Oil see Engine oil
On-board computer
Audio menu ................................... 156
Convenience submenu .................. 161
Display messages ..........................165
Factory settings ............................. 158
Important safety notes .................. 152
Message memory menu ................. 165
Navigation menu ............................ 158
Operation ....................................... 153
Overview of menus ........................ 155
Settings menu ............................... 158
Standard display menu ..................156
Status bar ...................................... 159
Telephone menu ............................ 163
Trip computer menu ...................... 162
Vehicle submenu ........................... 161
Video DVD operation ..................... 157
On-board computer language ..........159
On-board diagnostics interface .......... 20
Operating safety Important safety notes .................... 19
On-board diagnostics interface ........ 20
Operating system
see On-board computer
Outside temperature
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 156
Display ........................................... 153
Overhead control panel
Overview .......................................... 2910
Index

Unladen weight (definition) ............
263
Wear indicator (definition) .............265
Wheel rim (definition)
....................263
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 51
Tow-away alarm .................................. 58
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........235
In the event of malfunctions ..........237
Towing eye
Front .............................................. 235
Rear ............................................... 235
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 256
Transfer case Display message ............................ 178
Shift ranges ................................... 145
Transmission position display .........120
Transmission positions ....................120
Transporting the vehicle .................. 236
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 139
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 162
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 156
Turn signal
Display message ............................ 168
Turn signals ......................................... 91
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 265
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Ultrasonic backing up aid Function/notes

............................. 142
Malfunction .................................... 144
Range of the sensors ..................... 142
Warning display ............................. 143
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking .......................66
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 65 V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 194
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 22
Emergency unlocking .......................66
Equipment

....................................... 17
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 158
Loading .......................................... 252
Lowering ........................................ 229
Maintenance .................................... 18
Parking for a long period ................ 128
Raising ........................................... 227
Reporting problems .........................21
Towing away .................................. 235
Tow-starting ................................... 235
Transporting .................................. 236
Vehicle dimensions
Technical data ............................... 277
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............271
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 224
Vehicle weights Technical data ............................... 277
Ventilation
Setting the air distribution .............107
Setting the airflow ......................... 108
Video (DVD) ........................................ 157
VIN ...................................................... 271 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS

................................................ 181
Brakes ........................................... 180
Check Engine ................................. 184
ESP ®
.............................................. 182
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 182
Fuel tank ........................................ 184
Overview .......................................... 26
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................ 37
Reserve fuel ................................... 184
Seat belt ........................................ 178 Index
15

Warning and indicator lamps
Function Page
:
Low-beam headlamps 89
;
ESP
®
OFF 182
=
ESP
® 182
?
Turn signal 91
A
ABS 181
B
Seat belt 178
C
SRS 183
D
Check Engine (Canada
only)
184 Function Page
E
Check Engine (USA only) 184
F
Reserve fuel 184
G
High-beam headlamps 91
H
Tire pressure monitor 185
I
Brakes (USA only) 180
J
Brakes (Canada only) 18026
Instrument clusterAt a glance

X
To activate: press ! button : for at
least one second.
An alarm sounds and the indicator lamp
flashes.
X To deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2.
this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210
regulations of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment. Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this

section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System) R
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( electronic brake force distribution) Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural

laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear. G
WARNING
The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
switch off
when the differential locks are switched on.
When the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
are
switched off
R wheels may lock during hard braking
R steering capabilities are reduced Driving safety systems
53Safety
Z

R
braking distance is increased
R vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is increased
Make sure
the differential locks are switched
on at all times except when driving off-road
for example. Switch on the differential locks
immediately when returning from off-road
driving.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible if there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths, etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section (Y page 242).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Observe "Important safety notes"
(
Y page 53).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS operates above a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) regardless of road-surface
conditions, provided

the differential locks are
not active. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even when you only brake gently. G
WARNING
If
the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as

the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If
the

ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
X
If
ABS intervenes:
continue
to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving. G
WARNING
Do
not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
Off-road ABS If the LOW shift range (
Y page 145) is
selected on
the transfer case, an ABS system
specifically suited to off-road terrain is
activated.
At speeds below 37 mph(60 km/h), the front
wheels lock periodically when braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability. BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y
page 53).54
Driving safety systems
Safety

BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly,
BAS
automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. G
WARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the

braking distance may increase.ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Observe "Important safety notes"
(Y page 53).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction.
Traction is the power transmission between
the tires and the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If

necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster. G
WARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your

speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Switch the ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front
or rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
i If differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch themselves off
automatically. Driving safety systems
55
Safety Z