2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class brakes

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

Driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 139
Rear view camera .......................... 144
Driving tips
Automatic transmission
.................121
Brakes ........................................... 132
Downhill gradient ........................... 130
Driving on flooded roads ................133
Driving on sand .............................. 137
Driving on wet roads ...................... 132
Driving over obstacles ................... 137
General .......................................... 129
Gravel roads .................................. 137
Hydroplaning ................................. 132
Icy road surfaces ........................... 134
Off-road driving .............................. 135
Off-road fording ............................. 133
Tire ruts ......................................... 137
Wet road surface ........................... 131
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 157
DVD video (on-board computer) ......157 E
EASY-ENTRY feature ............................ 83
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 161
EASY-EXIT feature

............................... 83
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Function/notes ................................ 57
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction Support
see 4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 126
Vehicle ............................................. 66
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 47
Safety guidelines ............................. 33
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 17Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 184
Display message

............................ 170
Irregular running ............................ 118
Starting problems .......................... 118
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 116
Switching off .................................. 128
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................118
Engine number .................................. 272
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 213
Additives ........................................ 275
Checking the oil level ..................... 211
Display message ............................ 172
Notes about oil grades ................... 275
Viscosity ........................................ 275
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ................... 56
Display message ............................ 166
Important safety information ........... 55
Exhaust check ................................... 130
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 220
Exterior lighting Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 160
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 84
Dipping (automatic) .........................84
Out of position (troubleshooting) .....84
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 85
Storing the parking position ............. 85 F
First-aid kit ......................................... 224
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel

................................... 227
Preparing the vehicle .....................226
Raising the vehicle ......................... 227
Floormat ............................................. 207
Front fog lamp (display message) ...169 Index
7

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

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

4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
G
WARNING
Observe "Important safety notes"
(Y page 53).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away
and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Traction control is no longer active at speeds
above approximately 37 mph (60 km/h).
Deactivating/activating ESP ®G
WARNING
The ESP ®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel G
WARNING
Switch on ESP ®
immediately if one of the
previously stated

conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R and drive over 37 mph (60 km/h), ESP ®
intervenes when

the grip limit of a wheel is
reached, even if it is deactivated.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you have deactivated ESP ®
, it is
automatically reactivated if you exceed a
speed of 37 mph (60 km/h) or a certain
lateral acceleration. X
To deactivate: press button : until the
å warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster. G
WARNING
When the å ESP®
OFF
warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp and the
å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
. 56
Driving safety systems
Safety

A
Neutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing
the
brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission could be
damaged.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
If you want to engage the transfer
case, shift briefly into N
(Y page 145).
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train. 7
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the position of the transfer case ( HIGH or
LOW)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the
automatic transmission shifts gear:
R
little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic

transmission shifts back up.
Working on the vehicle G
WARNING
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the vehicle

could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury. Shift ranges
Introduction When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range
(

Y page 121). Automatic transmission
121
Driving and parking Z