2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV check engine

light up continuously. The hazard warning
lamps switch off automatically if you travel
faster than 10 km/h
.You can also switch off
the hazard warning lamps using the hazard
warning switch button (Y page 109).ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 60). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilise the vehicle. In addition, other driving
safety systems are switched off. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake dynamometer.
Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on atwin-axle dyna-
mometer. Before you operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified workshop .You could otherwise
damage the drive train or the brake system.
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction.
Traction is the transmission of power from the
tyres to the road surface.
ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up continu-
ously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 256) and any display messages that
appear in the instrument cluster
(Y page 229). If ESP
®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilise 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 slip-
pery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilise the vehi-
cle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any circum-
stances.
X When pulling away, only depress the accel-
erator pedal as far as is necessary.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tyre sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
i If differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch off automatically.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Traction control remains active if you deacti-
vate ESP
®
.
X If appropriate for the driving conditions,
engage the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Y page 202).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually 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 trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you deacti-
vate ESP ®
.
Traction control is no longer active above a
speed of about 60 km/h. 62
Driving safety systemsSafety

by braking and limiting the engine output until
the vehicle/trailer combination has stabi-
lised.
Trailer stabilisation is active above speeds of
about 60 km/h.
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 60). G
WARNING
If EBDh as malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g .unde rfull braking .This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 254) as well as dis-
play messages (Y page 231).
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE provides increased braking
safety. In addition to the braking function,
ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has the HOLD function
(Y page 196) and hill start assist
(Y page 145). Anti-theft systems
Immobiliser
X To activate: remove the key from the igni-
tion lock.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
The immobiliser prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key. i
The immobiliser is always deactivated
when you start the engine. ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
X
To prime: lock the vehicle with the key.
Indicator lamp :flashes. The alarm sys-
tem is primed after approximately
15 seconds.
X To deactivate: unlock the vehicle with the
key.
i If you then do not open a door or the rear
door, the alarm system switches back on
again after approximately 40 seconds.
X To stop the alarm: insert the key into the
ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off.
or
X Press the %or& button on the key.
The alarm is switched off.
Av isual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is primed and you open:
R a door
R a door using the emergency key element
R the rear door/tailgate
R the bonnet
The alarm is also triggered if:
R the position of the vehicle is changed
R a window is smashed
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it,
for example. 64
Anti-theft systemsSafety

Problems with the key
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
You cannot lock or
unlock the vehicle
using the key. The key battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
X
Point the tip of the key at the driver's door handle from a dis-
tance of approximately 50 cm and try to unlock or lock the
vehicle again.
If this does not work:
X Check the key battery (Y page 71) and replace it if necessary
(Y page 71).
X Lock (Y page 74) or unlock (Y page 75) the vehicle using
the emergency key element. The key is faulty.
X
Lock or unlock the vehicle using the emergency key element
(Y page 74).
X Have the key checked at a qualified specialist workshop. You have lost a key. X
Have the key deactivated at a qualified specialist workshop.
X Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the locks replaced as well. You have lost the emer-
gency key element. X
Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the locks replaced as well. Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
The engine cannot be
started using the key. The key has been in position
0(Ypage 143) for a considerable
time.
X Remove the key and reinsert it into the ignition lock.
X Start the engine. The on-board voltage is too low.
X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to turn the key again.
If this does not work:
X Check the battery and charge it if necessary (Y page 311).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 313).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 72
KeyOpening and closing

X
Turn the emergency key element back and
remove it.
X Insert the emergency key element into the
key. Locking the vehicle
If the vehicle can no longer be centrally
locked with the key, use the emergency key
element.
X Close the front-passenger door, the rear
compartment doors and the rear door or
tailgate (G-Class Cabriolet).
X Press the locking button (Y page 73).
X Make sure that the lockin gknobs on the
doors are still visible .Press downt he lock-
ing knobs by hand, if necessary.
X Close the driver's door from the outside. X
Take the emergency key element out of the
key (Y page 70).
X Insert the emergency key element into the
lock of the driver's door as far as it will go.
X Turn the emergency key element clockwise
as far as it will go to position 1.
i On right-hand-drive vehicles, turn the
emergency key element anti-clockwise.
X Turn the emergency key element back and
remove it.
X Check if the doors, including the rear door
or tailgate (G-Class Cabriolet), are locked.
X Insert the emergency key element into the
key. Rear door (G-Class long-wheelbase
version)
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tail-
gate/rear door is open when the engine is
running, particularly if the vehicle is moving,
exhaust fumes could enter the passenger
compartment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate/rear door. Never drive off with the tail-
gate/rear door open.
! The tailgate swings out to the side when
opened. Therefore, make sure that there is
sufficient clearance.
i Do not leave the key in the luggage com-
partment.Y ou may otherwise be inadver-
tently locked out. Opening
You can only open the rear door after unlock-
ing it first.
X Press the %button on the key. X
Press release button :and pull door han-
dle ;.
X Open the rear door. Rear door (G-Class long-wheelbase version)
75Opening and closing Z

Courtesy lighting in the front doors
The courtesy light is switched on to help you
see bette rwhen it is dark.
X To switch on: activate the interior lighting
automatic control.
X Open the door.
X To switch off: close the door. 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 con-
tacts 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.
If your vehicle is equipped with xenon bulbs,
you can recognise this by the following: the
cone of light from the xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
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.
LED lamps You can neither replace xenon bulbs nor LED
bulbs. Have LED bulbs changed at a qualified
specialist 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 be very hot. You should
therefore allow them to cool down before you
change them. Otherwise, you could be burned
if you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children. Oth-
erwise, they could damage the bulbs, for
example, and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may break or even explode and
injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurised and can
explode when you change them, particularly
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 115). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance replacing bulbs, con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when fitting.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
a qualified specialist 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. 114
Replacing bulbsLights and windscreen wipers

Problems with the auxiliary heating/ventilation
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
$
FAIL The signal transmission between the transmitter and the vehicle
is faulty.
X
Change your position in relation to the vehicle, moving closer if
necessary.
X Make another attempt to switch the auxiliary heating on or off
using the remote control. FAIL
© This display message will only appear if you attempt to activate
the auxiliary heating.
there is not enough fuel in the fuel tank, or the auxiliary heating is
faulty.
X
Refuel at the nearest filling station.
X Make another attempt to switch on the auxiliary heating using
the remote control.
X Have the auxiliary heating checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. FAIL This display message may appear if you attempt to activate the
auxiliary heating or during a status query.
If the auxiliary heating does not switch on or has switched off while
running, this has occurred due to one of the following reasons:
R
the auxiliary heating was started more than twice when the
engine was switched off.
R the starter battery is not sufficiently charged.
R there is too little fuel in the fuel tank.
R the auxiliary heating is faulty.
If the auxiliary heating was switched on more than twice:
X Switch on the engine and let it run for more than 10 seconds.
X Make another attempt to switch on the auxiliary heating using
the remote control.
If the starter battery is not sufficiently charged:
X Charge the starter battery.
X Make another attempt to switch on the auxiliary heating using
the remote control.
If there is not enough fuel:
X Refuel at the nearest filling station.
X Make another attempt to switch on the auxiliary heating using
the remote control. 138
Operating the climate control systemClimate control

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
The coolant tempera-
ture display is showing
more than 120 †. A
display message may
also appearint
he mul-
tifunction display and a
warning tone may
sound. The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.
X Check the coolant level (Y page 293). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and top up the coolant if necessary. If the coolant level is correct, the radiator fan may be faulty. The
coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled suffi-
ciently.
X
If the coolant temperature is below 120 †, you can continue
driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-start traffic. Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor
R, the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There
is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
i Bear in mind that the power transmission
between the engine and the transmission
is interrupted when the engine is switched
off. Therefore, to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away, shift the automatic transmis-
sion to position Pand apply the parking
brake when the engine is switched off and
the vehicle is stationary. Selector lever
Overview of transmission positions !
If the engine speed is too high or if the
vehicle is rolling, do not shift the transmis- sion directly from
Dto R, from Rto Dor
directly to P.
Do not open the driver's door while the
vehicle is in motion. At low speeds in trans-
mission position Dor R, park position Pis
otherwise engaged automatically.
The transmission could be damaged. Selector lever
j
Park position
k Reverse gear
i Neutral
h Drive
When you select a transmission position, the
selector lever subsequently returns to its
original position. Automatic transmission
149Driving and parking Z

Staying in neutral (N)
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
R start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children or animals unattended in the vehicle.
Always keep the key out of reach of children.
X Make sure the ignition is switched on.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
X Select neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X If the parking brake is applied, release it.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in
the ignition lock.
Shifting to transmission position D X
When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
X Push the selector lever back past the first
point of resistance.
Transmission position Dis engaged.
i For AMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop
function switches the engine off automati-
cally if the vehicle is braked to a standstill
when in transmission position Dand the
brake is still depressed (Y page 145). Transmission positions
B
Park position
This prevents the vehicle from roll-
ing away when stopped. Do not
shift the transmission into position
P(Y
page 149) unless the vehicle is
stationary.
i The key can only be removed if
the transmission is in position P.
When there is no key in the igni-
tion lock, the selector lever is
locked in position P.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop. C
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary. 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 auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to posi-
tion Nif 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 202).
! Rolling in neutral Ncan lead to
damage to the transmission. 7
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available. Automatic transmission
151Driving and parking Z