2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV Owners Manual

X
Chec kthe coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
70 †.
X Slowly turn cap :half a turn anti-clock-
wise to allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap :further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately
1.5 cm above marker bar =in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, top up with coolant that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 347).
Topping up the windscreen washer sys-
tem/headlampc leaning systemG
WARNING
Windscreen washer fluid is highly flammable.
Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibi-
ted when handling washer fluid concentrate. Example: washer fluid reservoir X
To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Top up with the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windscreen washer syste mand the headlamp
cleaning system.
Further informatio nonwindscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 347). Service
ASSYST service interval display
Service messages Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
The ASSYST service interval display informs
you of the nex tservice due date.
If a service due date has been exceeded, you
also hear a warning tone.
The multifunction display shows a service
message for a few seconds, e.g.:
Service A in 99999 km Service A due now
Service A 99999 km overdue
Maintaining the time-dependen
tservice
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
before disconnecting the battery.
Or:
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display.
The symbol and the letter indicate which type
of service is due:
¯ Minor service A ±
Major service B294
ServiceMaintenance and care

The ASSYST service interval display does not
take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Hiding aservice message X
To hide the service message, press the
% back button on the multifunction
steering wheel ( Ypage 31)( Ypage 214).
Displaying service messages Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
X Switch the ignitio non.
X Press VorU to select the standard
display menu on the steering wheel
(Y page 215).
X Press &or* to select the ASSYST
service interval display.
The ¯ or± service symbol and the
service due date are displayed.
Information about Service Arduous operating conditions or increased
loads on the vehicle will require some service
work to be performed more often than for a
vehicle in normal use. Such arduous condi-
tions include regular city driving with frequent
intermediate stops and use in mountainous
terrai noronp oor road surfaces.
For example, if the vehicle is used under ardu-
ous operating conditions, have air filters,
engine oil and oil filters changed frequently
and check the wheels often.F urther informa-
tion can be obtained at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Ben zService
Centre. Fuel/water separator
H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner. !
If you continue driving without having the
fuel/water separator serviced, this could
cause damage to the engine. Any resulting
damage is not covered by the warranty.
If the fuel/water separator needs servicing,
the following message appears in the multi-
function display: You will also hear a brief warning tone.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible. Care
General notes
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly Care
295Maintenance and care Z

after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosio
nofthe brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up. Care of the exterior
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, following a car wash, drive with
particular care until the brakes are dry.
! Preferably use car washes with adjustable
high-pressure jets for pre-washing. This
corresponds with the specifications for
cabriolet programmes. In car washes that
use high water pressures, there is a risk
that a small amount of water may leak into
the vehicle.
! Cabriolet: do not treat the vehicle with
hot wax under any circumstances.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. The exterior mirrors could other-
wise be damaged.
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (airflow control is turned to position
0/theÃandÁ buttons
are switched off).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at posi-
tion 0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehi-
cle in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
screen.
High-pressure cleaning equipment G
WARNING
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your
vehicle, in particular the tyres. You could oth-
erwise damage the tyres and cause an acci-
dent.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
30 cm between the vehicle and the high-
pressure cleaner nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tyres
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints etc.
R soft top (Cabriolet)
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures. 296
CareMaintenance and care

Cleaning the G-Class Cabriolet soft top
!
Never use any of the following to clean the
sof ttop:
R petrol
R thinner
R tar or stain remover
R other organic solvents
! Remove bird droppings immediately as
they are corrosive and, therefore, can make
the soft-top fabric leak. Do not use high-
pressure cleaning equipment to clean the
vehicle. Do not use sharp-edged equipment
to remove ice and snow.
X Light soiling: you can clean the soft top
while it is dry or rinse it with clear water.
X Normal to heavy soiling: clean the soft
top with a brush and clear water. Clean
stains and other heavy soiling with a brush
and suitable soft-top cleaning agents.
Always brush in the direction of the fabric,
from front to back.
Frequent cleaning reduces the soft top's
resistance to dirt.
To restore this resistance, clean your soft top
with Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet care products.
Incorrect cleaning and care, as well as ageing,
can cause the soft-top seams to leak. Have
the soft-top seams sealed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
i Cover the soft top appropriately if you
plan to leave the vehicle outside for a long
period of time.
Cleaning the wheels !
Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up.
Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by inade-
quate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
X Remove impurities immediately, where
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
Care and treatment of matt paintwork !
Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing makes the paintwork
shiny.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or pol-
ishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matt finish leads to considerable sur-
face damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop. Care
297Maintenance and care Z

!
Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
If your vehicle has a clear matt finish, observe
the following instructions in order to avoid
damage to the paintwork due to incorrect
care.
These notes also apply to light-alloy wheels
with a clear matt finish.
i The vehicle should preferably be washed
by hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo
and plenty of water.
i Use only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Cleaning the windows G
WARNING
Switch off the windscreen wipers and remove
the key from the ignition lock before cleaning
the windscreen or the wiper blades. The wind-
screen wipers could otherwise move and
injure you.
! Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-
vents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not touch the insides of the windows
with hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or
ring. There is otherwise a risk of damaging
the windows.
! Cleant he water drainage channels of the
windscreen and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals
and pollen may under certain circumstan-
ces prevent water from draining away.T his
can lead to corrosion damage and damage
to electronic components.
X Cleant he inside and outside of the win-
dows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
agent that is recommended and approved
by Mercedes-Benz. Cleaning the wiper blades G
WARNING
Switch off the windscreen wipers and remove
the key from the ignition lock before cleaning
the windscreen or the wiper blades. The wind-
screen wipers could otherwise move and
injure you.
! Do not pull on the wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper blade could be damaged.
! Do not clean wiper blades too often and
do not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the
graphite coating could be damaged. This
could cause wiper noise.
! Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windscreen could be damaged if
the wiper arm hits against it suddenly.
X Fold the wiper arms away from the wind-
screen.
X Carefully clean the wiper blades with a
damp cloth.
X Fold the windscreen wipers back again
before switching on the ignition.
Cleaning the headlamps !
Only use cleaning agents or cleaning
cloths which are suitable for plastic head-
lamp lenses. Unsuitable cleaning agents or
cleaning cloths could scratch or damage
the plastic headlamp lenses.
X Cleant he headlamp lenses with a damp
sponge and a mild cleaning agent, e.g.
Mercedes-Ben zcar shampoo or cleaning
cloths.
Cleaning the sensors !
If you clean the sensors with a high-pres-
sure cleaner, make sure that you keep a
distance of at least 30 cm between the
vehicle and the high-pressure cleane rnoz-
zle. Information about the correct distance
is available from the equipment manufac-
turer. 298
CareMaintenance and care

X
Clean sensors :of the driving systems
with water, car shampoo and a sof tcloth.
Cleaning the reversing camera !
Do not clean the camera lens and the area
around the reversing camera with a high-
pressure cleaner. X
Use clear water and a soft cloth to clean
camera lens :. Cleaning chrome parts !
Do not clean the exhaust pipe with acid-
based cleaning agents such as sanitary
cleansers or wheel cleaners.
Impurities combined with the effects of road
grit and corrosive environmental factors may
cause flash rust to form on the surface. You
can restore the original shine to the chrome
parts by cleaning the mregularly, especially in
winter and after washing.
X Clean the chrome parts with a chrome care
product tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Cleaning the trailer coupling H
Environmental note
Dispose of oily and greasy cloths in an envi-
ronmentally-responsible manner.
! Do not clean the ball coupling with a high-
pressure cleaner. Do not use solvents.
! Please note the care instructions in the
trailer coupling manufacturer's operating
instructions. Ball coupling
:must be cleaned if it
becomes dirty or corroded.
X After cleaning, lightly oil or grease ball cou-
pling :.
X Check that the vehicle's trailer tow hitch is
working properly.
i You can also have the maintenance work
on the ball coupling and the trailer tow hitch Care
299Maintenance and care Z

carried ou
tby a qualified specialist work-
shop. Interior care
Cleaning the display !
Forc leaning, do not use any of the fol-
lowing:
R alcohol-based thinner or petrol
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household clean-
ing agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not put pressure on the display surface
when cleaning. This could lead to irrepara-
ble damage to the display.
X Before cleaning the display, make sure that
it is switched off and has cooled down.
X Clean the display surface using a commer-
cially available microfibre cloth and TFT/
LCD display cleaner.
X Dry the display surface using a dry micro-
fibre cloth.
Cleaning the plastic trim G
WARNING
When cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard, do not use cockpit sprays or
cleaning agents containing solvents. Cleaning
agents containing solvents cause the surface
to become porous, and as aresult plastic
parts may break away and be thrown around
the interior when an airbag is deployed, which
may result in severe injuries.
! Do not affix the following to plastic surfa-
ces:
R stickers
R films
R scented oil bottles or similar items
You could otherwise damage the plastic. !
Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent
or sunscreen to come in contact with the
plastic trim .This maintains the high-quality
look of the surfaces.
X Wipe the plastic trim with a damp, lint-free
cloth, e.g. a microfibre cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
The surface may change colour tempora-
rily. Wait until the surface is dry again.
Cleaning real wood and trim strips !
Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
such as tar remover, wheel cleaners, pol-
ishes or waxes. There is otherwise a risk of
damaging the surface.
X Wipe the wooden trim and trim strips with
a damp, lint-free cloth, e.g. a microfibre
cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the seat covers !
Do not use microfibre cloths to clean gen-
uine leather or artificial leather covers, as
these are too aggressive and, if used often,
may damage the cover.
! Observe the following when cleaning:
R clean genuine leather covers carefully
with a damp cloth and then wipe the cov-
ers down with a dry cloth. Make sure that
the leather does not become soaked. It
may otherwise become rough and
cracked. Only use leather care agents
that have been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain these
from a qualified specialist workshop.
R clean artificial leather covers with a cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e.g. washing-up liquid).
R clean cloth covers with a microfibre cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1% 300
CareMaintenance and care

detergent (e.g. washing-up liquid). Rub
carefully and always wipe entire seat sec-
tions to avoid leaving visible lines. Leave
the seat to dry afterwards. Cleaning
results depend on the type of dirt and
how long it has been there.
i Note that regular care is essential to
make sure that the appearance and com-
fort of the covers are retained over time.
Cleaning the seat belts !
Do not clean the seat belts using chemical
cleaning agents. Do not dry the seat belts
at temperatures above 80 † or in direct
sunlight.
X Use clean, lukewarm water and soap solu-
tion. Care
301Maintenance and care Z