2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class flat tire

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

X
Connect a trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop.
If you
leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice. Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Always remember that you must concentrate
primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's
concentration must always be directed
primarily at road traffic. For your own safety
and that of others, we recommend that you
stop the vehicle at a safe place and in
accordance with

the traffic conditions before
making or accepting a phone call.
Comply with all legal requirements if you use
the telephone while driving. Use the hands-
free system and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In
some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only operate COMAND (Cockpit Management
and Data System) in compliance with all legal
requirements and when the road, weather and
traffic conditions permit. You may otherwise
not be able to observe the traffic conditions,
endangering yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) a second
when it is traveling at only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h). Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel:
X
The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
X Remove unnecessary loads.
X Remove roof carriers when they are not
needed.
X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds.
X Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
X Have all maintenance work performed at
the service intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet or indicated by the
service interval indicator.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in

cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving G
WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are

greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals G
WARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or Driving tips
129
Driving and parking
Z

For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
R
lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
R brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads !
Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the
depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R the maximum permissible still water depth
is 50 cm.
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace.
Off-road fording :
Fording depth, 20 in (50 cm)
The fording depth must not exceed 20 in
(50 cm)

when the vehicle is loaded and ready
to drive. !
The water depth must not exceed 20 in
(50 cm). Note that the possible fording
depth is less in flowing water.
i You may only drive through freshwater.
R Observe the

safety notes (Y page 134) and
the general notes (Y page 135) on off-road
driving.
R Establish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
R Switch off the auxiliary heating and the air-
conditioning system.
R Shift the transfer case to
LOW (Y page 145).
R Engage the differential locks, if necessary
(Y page 148).
R Restrict the shift range to 1 or 2
(Y page 121).
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Enter and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
! Under no circumstances should you
accelerate before entering the water. The
bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and other assemblies.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
R Do not stop and do not switch off the
engine.
! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle's electronics and interior
equipment.
R Water offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
R Apply the brakes to dry them after fording. Driving tips
133
Driving and parking Z

cannot complete the attempted climb, back it
down in reverse gear.
Do not drive along the side of a slope. The
vehicle might

otherwise rollover. If in doing so
the vehicle begins to show a tendency to roll,
immediately steer into a line of gravity
(straight up or downhill).
Never let the vehicle roll backwards in idle.
You may lose control of the vehicle if you use
only the service brake. For information on
driving downhill, see "Driving downhill". G
WARNING
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced

tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
General notes Read
this section carefully before driving your
vehicle off-road.

Practice by driving over more
gentle off-road terrain first.
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics
of your vehicle and the gear shift operation
before driving through difficult terrain.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R 4ETS ( Y page 56)
R transfer case (Y page 145)
R differential locks (Y page 148)
Observe the following notes:
R stop your vehicle and, if necessary, shift the
transfer case to LOW (Y page 145) before
driving off-road.
R engage the differential locks, if necessary
(Y page 148).
i ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated
when the differential locks are activated.
This allows the front wheels to lock briefly,
so that these can dig into a loose surface. However, please note that locked wheels
skid and can no longer steer.
R Check that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(Y page 192).
R Make sure

there is always sufficient ground
clearance to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
R Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a
walking pace.
R Ensure that the wheels are in contact with
the ground at all times.
R Drive with extreme care on unknown off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
R Check the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
R When fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine.
R Look out for obstacles such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
R Always keep the doors, rear door, side
windows and the sliding sunroof closed
while the vehicle is in motion.
R Switch off cruise control.
R Do not stray from marked routes or paths.
R Adapt your speed to the terrain. The
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
R On sand, drive quickly to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle
could dig itself into the sand.
R Do not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion. Driving tips
135
Driving and parking Z

X
After driving for extended periods across
sand, mud,
gravel, water or in similarly dirty
conditions, have the brake discs, wheels,
brake pads/linings and axle joints checked
and cleaned.
X If you notice strong vibrations after off-road
driving, check for foreign objects in the
wheels and drive train and, if necessary,
remove them. Foreign objects can disturb
the balance and cause vibrations.
X Test the brakes.
Driving on sand G
WARNING
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced

tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
Observe the following rules when driving on
sand:
R shift the transfer case to
LOW (Y page 145).
R avoid high engine speeds.
R limit the shift range of the automatic
transmission according to the off-road
conditions.
R drive quickly to overcome the rolling
resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle could dig
itself into the sand.
R drive in the tracks of other vehicles if
possible. Make sure that the ruts are not
too deep, that the sand is firm enough and
that your vehicle has sufficient ground
clearance.
Tire ruts and gravel roads Observe the following rules when driving
along
ruts

in off-road terrain or on roads with
loose gravel: !
Check that the ruts are not too deep and
that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged
or bottom out and get stuck.
R shift the transfer case to
LOW (Y page 145).
R avoid high engine speeds.
R observe the

safety notes (Y page 134) and
the general notes (Y page 135) on off-road
driving.
R restrict the shift range of the automatic
transmission to 1 (Y page 121).
R drive slowly.
R where ruts are too deep, drive with the
wheels of one side on the center grassy
area, if possible.
Driving over obstacles !
Obstacles could damage the floor of the
vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask
passengers for

guidance when driving over
large obstacles. The passenger should
always keep a safe distance from the
vehicle when doing so in order to avoid
injury as a result of unexpected vehicle
movements. After driving off-road or over
obstacles, check the vehicle for possible
damage, especially to the underbody and
the components of the chassis.
Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other
obstacles: Driving tips
137
Driving and parking Z

Tires
G
WARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire. G
WARNING
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not
underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
Solutions
Tire pressure
displayed only
after driving for
a few minutes The tire pressure monitor is measuring the tire pressure.
X
Drive on.
The tire

pressures appear in the multifunction display after you
have been driving for a few minutes. Tire Pres.
Check Tires
G
Risk of accident
The
tire pressure monitor has detected a significant pressure loss.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay

attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Check the tires.
X Check the tire pressure and correct it if necessary
(Y page 242).
X Repair or change the faulty wheel as necessary ( Y page 226).
X Then restart the tire pressure monitor when the tire pressure is
correct (

Y page 249). Tire Pres. Monitor
Inoperative The tire pressure monitor is deactivated due to a malfunction.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Tire Pres. Monitor
Inoperative No
Wheel Sensors The wheels mounted do not have a suitable tire pressure sensor.
The tire pressure monitor is deactivated.
X
Mount wheels with suitable tire pressure sensors.
The tire

pressure monitor is activated automatically after driving
for a few minutes. Display messages
175
On-board computer and displays Z

Tires
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
h
USA only:
The
yellow

tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss) is lit. G
Risk of accident
The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
X Stop
the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay

attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Check the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
(Y page 249).
X If necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 265).h
USA only:
The
yellow

tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) flashes for
60 seconds and then
remains lit. The tire pressure monitor is defective.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked at least every two weeks when
cold and inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver's door B-pillar or, if available, the tire pressure label
on

the inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard or the tire pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are
significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately
1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will be repeated every time Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
185
On-board computer and displays
Z