2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class display

Control panel for 3-zone automatic climate control
Canada only
Front control panel:To set the temperature, left (Y page 141);To set climate control to automatic ( Y page 140)=To direct the airflow through the defroster vents, left ( Y page 142)?To defrost the windshield ( Y page 142)ATo increase the airflow ( Y page 142)BTo switch the rear window defroster on/off ( Y page 143)CTo direct the airflow through the defroster vents, right ( Y page 142)DTo operate the rear-compartment climate control via the front control panel
( Y page 138)ETo set the temperature, right ( Y page 141)FTo switch climate control on/off ( Y page 138)GTo direct the airflow to the footwells and side air vents, right ( Y page 142)HTo direct the airflow through the center and side air vents, right ( Y page 142)ITo activate/deactivate cooling with air dehumidification ( Y page 139)To activate/deactivate the residual heat function ( Y page 144)JDisplayKTo reduce the airflow ( Y page 142)LTo activate/deactivate air-recirculation mode ( Y page 144)MTo direct the airflow through the center and side air vents, left ( Y page 142)NTo direct the airflow to the footwells and side air vents, left ( Y page 142)OInterior temperature sensor136Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

PTo switch the MONO function on/off (Y page 142) Rear control panelQTo increase the airflow ( Y page 142)RTo set the temperature ( Y page 141)STo set the rear-compartment climate control to automatic ( Y page 140)TTo direct the airflow through the rear air vents ( Y page 142)UTo direct the airflow through the footwell vents( Y page 142)VTo switch rear-compartment climate control on/off ( Y page 138)WTo reduce the airflow ( Y page 142)
USA only
Front control panel:To set the temperature, left ( Y page 141);To set climate control to automatic ( Y page 140)=To defrost the windshield ( Y page 142)?To increase the airflow ( Y page 142)ATo direct the airflow through the defroster vents ( Y page 142)BTo activate/deactivate cooling with air dehumidification ( Y page 139)To activate/deactivate the residual heat function ( Y page 144)CTo set the temperature, right ( Y page 141)DTo switch rear-compartment climate control on/off ( Y page 138)ETo direct the airflow through the center and side air vents ( Y page 142)FTo direct the airflow to the footwells and side air vents ( Y page 142)GTo display the airflow levelOverview of climate control systems137Climate controlZ

Switching the front climate control on/
off using the front control panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XPress the ^ button.
The indicator lamp in the ^ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again.XTo switch off: press the ^ button.
The indicator lamp in the ^ button lights
up.
Switching the rear-compartment
climate control on/off using the front
control panel
2-zone automatic climate control
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on/off: press the ± button.
The indicator lamp in the ± button lights
up or goes out.
3-zone automatic climate control
USA only:
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on/off: press the ± button.
The indicator lamp in the ± button lights
up or goes out.
Canada only:
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press the Y button.
ON and MODE are shown in the automatic
climate control display behind the Y
symbol. The MODE display goes out after
three seconds. The display switches back
to the standard display.XTo switch off: press the Y button.
MODE is shown in the display behind the
Y symbol.XPress button ^.
OFF is shown in the display behind the
Y symbol.
Switching the rear-compartment
climate control on/off using the rear
control panel
3-zone automatic climate control
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XSwitch on automatic climate control using
the front control panel.XTo switch on: press the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up.XTo switch off: press the ^ button.
The indicator lamp in the ^ button lights
up.
Activating/deactivating cooling with
air dehumidification
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
Operating the climate control system139Climate controlZ

XTo deactivate: press the K or I
button.
Automatic airflow is deactivated and the
airflow is controlled according to the level
set. Automatic air distribution remains
activated.
or
XPress one of the M or O buttons.
Automatic air distribution is deactivated.
Air distribution is controlled according to
the position set. Automatic airflow remains
activated.
Setting the temperature
2-zone automatic climate control
Different temperatures can be set for the
driver's and front-passenger sides.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: turn controls : and
C clockwise or counter-clockwise
( Y page 135).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
3-zone automatic climate control
Automatic climate control climate zones
You can select different temperature settings
for the driver's and front-passenger sides as
well as for the rear compartment.
XTo increase/reduce the front-
compartment temperature using the
front control unit: turn the SmartKey in
the ignition lock to position 2.XTurn controls : and C15
/E 16
clockwise
or counter-clockwise ( Y page 136).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
USA only:
XTo increase/reduce the rear-
compartment temperature using the
front control unit: turn the SmartKey in
the ignition lock to position 2.XPress the ± button.XTurn control C clockwise or counter-
clockwise ( Y page 136).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
Canada only:
XTo increase/reduce the rear-
compartment temperature using the
front control unit: turn the SmartKey in
the ignition lock to position 2.XPress the Y button.
The display changes to rear-compartment
climate control.XTurn control E clockwise or counter-
clockwise ( Y page 136).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
i To return to the standard display, press
the Y button.
i The rear display changes to the standard
display automatically after three seconds.
XTo increase/reduce the temperature in
the rear compartment using the rear
control panel: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 2.XTurn control N15
/R 16
clockwise or
counter-clockwise ( Y page 136).15
USA only.
16 Canada only.Operating the climate control system141Climate controlZ

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 24).
Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, at the latest
when the tachometer needle is 2
/ 3 of the
way to the red area in the tachometer
display.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and bring the
vehicle up to full speed.
i You should also observe these notes on
running in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
restrictions.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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 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
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
148DrivingDriving and parking

Start/Stop button
=USA only?Canada onlyXPosition 0: if Start/Stop button : has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
SmartKey being removed from the ignition.XPosition 1: press Start/Stop button :.
You can now activate the windshield
wipers, for example.
i If you then open the driver's door when in
this position, the power supply is
deactivated.
XPosition 2 (ignition): press Start/Stop
button : twice.
i
If you press Start/Stop button : once
when in this position and the driver's door
is open, the power supply is deactivated
again.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after
the engine is started or if it lights up while the
vehicle is in motion, see ( Y page 259).
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
i Vehicles with a gasoline engine: the
catalytic converter is preheated for up to
30 seconds after a cold start. During this
time, the engine sound may be different.
Automatic transmissionXShift the transmission to position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
i
You can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
i To start the engine using the SmartKey
instead of KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/
Stop button out of the ignition lock.
XTo start a gasoline engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 3 in the ignition lock
( Y page 149) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.XTo start a diesel engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock
( Y page 149).
The % preglow indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.XWhen the % preglow indicator lamp
goes out, turn the SmartKey to position 3
( Y page 149) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
i You can start the engine without preglow
if the engine is warm.
150DrivingDriving and parking

Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engineGWARNING
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
i The Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle without inserting the
SmartKey into the ignition lock. The Start/
Stop button must be inserted into the
ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in
the vehicle.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XTo start a gasoline engine: press the
Start/Stop button ( Y page 149) once.
The engine starts.XTo start a diesel engine: press the Start/
Stop button ( Y page 149) once.
Preglow is activated and the engine starts.
i If the engine is warm, the preglow time is
shortened.
Pulling away
Automatic transmission
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
i It is only possible to shift the transmission
from position P to the desired position if
you depress the brake pedal. Only then is
the parking lock released. If you do not
depress the brake pedal, you can move the
DIRECT SELECT lever but the parking lock
remains engaged.XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XShift the transmission to position D or R.XRelease the parking brake ( Y page 167).XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
!
If a warning tone sounds and the
Release Park. Brake message appears
in the multifunction display, the parking
brake is still applied. Release the parking
brake.
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic
locking feature .
i Upshifts take place at higher engine
speeds after a cold start. This helps the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature more quickly.
Hill start assist
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient.
It holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake pedal.
This gives you enough time to move your foot
from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal
and depress it before the vehicle begins to
roll.
Driving151Driving and parkingZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsVehicles with a
gasoline engine:
The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical
component of the engine management system.XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡ (120 †).The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.XCheck the coolant level ( Y page 303). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
GWARNING
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
PPark position with parking lockRReverse gearNNeutralDDrive
i The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns
to its original position. The current
transmission position P, R , N or D appears
in the transmission position display
( Y page 155) in the multifunction display.
154Automatic transmissionDriving and parking