2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV parking brake

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
DISTRONIC PLUS
currently unavail‐
able See Owner's
Manual DISTRONIC is deactivated and temporarily inoperative. Possible
causes:
R
the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grille is dirty.
R the function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R the rada rsensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio sta-
tions or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the transfer case is in the LOW RANGEtransmission position.
R the vehicle is on an uphill or downhill gradient of greater than
22%-25%.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
If the display message does no tdisappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Clean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator trim and the
bumper (Y page 298).
X Restar tthe engine.
If the system detects that the sensors are fully operational, the
display message disappears.
DISTRONIC is operational again. DISTRONIC PLUS
inoperative DISTRONIC PLUS is faulty.
BAS might also have failed.
Aw
arning tone also sounds.
X Visi taqualified specialist workshop. DISTRONIC PLUS
suspended You have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.
X
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS
--- km/h An activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.
X
Check the activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y page 182). DISTRONIC PLUS and
SPEEDTRONIC
inoperative DISTRONIC PLUS and SPEEDTRONIC are faulty. A warning tone
also sounds.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 244
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
h
Tyre pressure
Check tyre(s) The tyre pressure in one or more tyres has dropped significantly.
G WARNING
With tyre pressures which are too low, there is a ris kofthe fol-
lowing hazards:
R the tyres may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
R the tyres may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may
greatly impair tyre traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
manoeuvres. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do
so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 163).
X If there is a flat tyre, inspect the tyres (Y page 309).
X Check the tyre pressure (Y page 327).
X If necessary, correct the tyre pressure. h
Tyre pressure
Please correct The tyre pressure is too low in at least one of the tyres, or the tyre
pressure difference between the wheels is too great.
X
Check the tyre pressures at the next opportunity
(Y page 327).
X If necessary, correct the tyre pressure. Vehicle
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
To start the
engine, shift to
either P or N You have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position
Ror D.
X Shift the transmission to position Por N. Auxiliary battery
malfunction The auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no longer
being charged.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop at the next opportunity.
X Until then, set the automatic transmission to position Pbefore
you switch off the engine.
X Before leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake. 248
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
!
The yellow parking
brake warning lamp
comes on while the
vehicle is moving. A
warning tone also
sounds.
You are driving with the parking brake applied.
X
Release the parking brake.
The warning lamp goes out and the warning tone ceases. 6
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem).
G WARNING
The airbags or belt tensioners may either be triggered uninten-
tionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be triggered.
This poses an increased risk of injury.
X Drive on carefully.
X Have SRS checked at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
For further information about the Supplemental Restraint System,
see (Y page 39). Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
;
The yellow engine diag-
nostics warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running.
There may be a fault, for example:
R
in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system (for vehicles with petrol engines)
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may
be running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop. ;
The yellow engine diag-
nostics warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel tank has been run dry
(Y
page 159).
X Start the engine three to four times after refuelling.
If the yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp goes out, emer-
gency running mode is cancelled. The vehicle need not be
checked. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
259On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is run-
ning.
The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
Operation of the auxiliary heating is deactivated when the fuel level
drops into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest filling station. %
On diesel engine vehi-
cles, the preglow indi-
cator lamp does not
light up when the key is
in position
2(Y
page 143). The preglow system is malfunctioning.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the engine is running
and the coolant tem-
perature gauge is at the
start of the scale.
The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
faulty.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a
risk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 260
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning.
The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be mal-
functioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and top up the coolant, observing the
warning notes (Y page 293).
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine
cooling system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
below 120 †. The engine may otherwise be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-start driving. ?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning. A warning tone
also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 120 †. The airflow to the
engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may be too
low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Never drive with an overheated engine. Driving when your engine
is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which
can occur just by opening the bonnet.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 163).Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
261On-board computer and displays Z

Stowage compartment/ashtray
Stowage compartment/ashtray in the
centre console G
WARNING
Make sure that the engine has been switched
off and that the parking brake is applied so
that the vehicle cannot pull away unintention-
ally. :
Cover
; Insert
i On new vehicles, insert ;is stored in the
glove compartment. Fit the insert before
using the ashtray.
X To open: press cover :and then release
it.
The ashtray opens.
X To remove the insert: make sure that the
engine is switched off and that the parking
brake has been applied to secure the vehi-
cle against rolling away.
X Move the selector lever to N.
X Press down cover :.
Insert ;is released.
X Pull insert ;upwards and remove it.
X To fit the insert: fit insert;from above.
X Push insert ;down.
Insert ;audibly engages.
X To close: close cover :fully.
i The ashtray is lit up if the dipped-beam
headlamps are on. Ashtray in the rear compartment (G-
Class long-wheelbase version)
X
To open: fold cover ;out in the direction
of the arrow.
X To remove the insert: press retaining
lug :and pull insert =upwards and out.
X To fit the insert: fit insert=from above.
X To close: close cover ;fully. Cigarette lighter
G
WARNING
Only hold the hot cigarette lighter by its knob.
Otherwise, you might burn yourself.
Make sure that children travelling in the vehi-
cle are not able to injure themselves on the
hot cigarette lighter or cause a fire with it. X
Press in cigarette lighter :.
Cigarette lighter :will pop out automati-
cally when the heating element is red-hot. Features
277Stowing and features Z

X
Vehicles with stainless-steel spare
wheel cover: make sure when refitting
cove rpanel ?that retainer Aengages in
recess B(Ypage 308).
X Make sure that tab ;is below when refit-
ting cover ring :(Ypage 308).
X For safety reasons, regularly check to
ensure that the wheel is securely fastened. G-Class Cabriolet
i
Secure the spare wheel of the G-Class
Cabriolet on spare wheel bracket ;, so
that valve :is accessible for checking the
tyre pressure. Flat tyre
Preparing the vehicle
X Stop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid ,non-slippery and level
ground.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 109).
X Deactivate the automatic door locking
(Y page 223).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Move the selector lever to P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
The steering wheel lock stays active for as
long as the key is removed. X
All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed. Any-
one who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-
fic conditions when doing so.
X Close the driver's door.
X Place the warning triangle (Y page 304) or
warning lamps at a suitable distance.
Observe legal requirements. Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or instal-
ling, requires specialist knowledge and the
use of special tools. Therefore, always have
work on the battery carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can, for example, lead to a short circuit and
damage your vehicle's electronic system. This
can disrupt driving safety systems such as
ABS (anti-lock braking system) or ESP ®
(Elec-
tronic Stability Program).
R If ABS malfunctions, the wheels can lock
during braking. This limits the steerability
of the vehicle when braking and the braking
distance may increase. There is a risk of
accident.
R If ESP ®
malfunctions, the vehicle will not be
stabilised if it starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin. There is a risk of accident.
You should therefore have all work involving
the battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. Battery (vehicle)
309Breakdown assistance Z

Do not use a rapid charging device to start the vehicle.
Make sure the jump leads are not damaged.
Make sure the jump leads are not touching any other metal objects when they are connected
to the battery.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not ligh tup at temperatures around or below freezing point,
the discharged battery is likely to be frozen (a commonplace scenario). In this case, do not
jump-start the vehicle or recharge the battery.
Once the battery has thawed out, its service life may be dramatically reduced.
The starting characteristic scan be impaired, particularly at low temperatures.
It is recommended that you have the thawed out battery checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Do no tuse a rapid charging device to start the vehicle. If your vehicle's battery is discharged,
the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jump
leads. Observe the following points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,
jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or ajump-starting device.
R Vehicles with apetrol engine: only jump-star tthe vehicle when the engine and exhaust
system are cold.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
R Jump-starting may only be performed from batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
R Only use jump leads that have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the empty battery a little.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that:
R The jump leads are not damaged.
R Non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps do not come into contact with other metal parts
while the jump leads are connected to the battery.
R The jump leads cannot come into contact with parts such as the pulley or the fan. These
parts move when the engine is started and while it is running.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Move the selector lever to P.
X Switch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower, etc.).
X Open the bonnet (Y page 291).314
Jump-startingBreakdown assistance