not turn off the engine or shift the automatic
transmission into another gear.
If you do not wait until the shifting procedure
has been entirely completed then it might not
be correctly performed. The transfer case
might be in neutral, thus interrupting the
transfer of power between the engine and the
drive axle.
The vehicle is then freely movable, even if a
gear has been selected, and could
unintentionally be set into motion –
particularly on up – or downhill grades. This
could lead to an accident and cause injury to
yourself and others.
Please observe related messages appearing
in the multifunction display.
From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE
! Only carry out the gear change process if:
R the engine is running
R the transmission is in position N
R you are not driving faster than
25 mph (40 km/h)
XPress LOW RANGE button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. LOW RANGE
indicator = appears in the multifunction
display.When the gear change is complete,
indicator lamp ; lights up.
While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button : again.
From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE
! Only carry out the gear change process if:
R the engine is running
R the transmission is in position N
R you are not driving faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h)
XPress LOW RANGE button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes.
If the gear change process has taken place,
indicator lamp ; and LOW RANGE
indicator = in the multifunction display go
out.
While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button : again.
Messages in the multifunction display
If a gear change process has not been
successful, the following messages may be
displayed in the multifunction display:
Drive max. 25 mph (Canada: 40 km/h): You
have driven faster than 25 mph (40 km/h).
Indicator lamp ; also flashes.
XDrive more slowly to carry out the gear
change process.
Briefly engage gear N : The transmission
is in position D and you are now driving below
25 mph (40 km/h).
XShift the transmission to N to complete the
gear change process.
Shifting process canceled
Reactivate : The shifting process has not
been completed.
XMaintain all gear change conditions and
carry out the gear change process again.
Stop vehicle Apply parking brake : A
warning tone is also heard. The gear change
Off-road driving systems207Driving and parkingZ
lost and steering would no longer be possible.
The differential locks must therefore only be
activated off-road and only if activating the
other driving systems (4ETS, ESP ®
and LOW
Range off-road gear) is no longer sufficient.
Engaging the differential locks
! Pull away slowly when the differential
locks are activated.
Function or performance tests may only be
performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you
wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
Automatic mode
Use automatic mode ; for all driving
situations, including driving off-road or when
fording.
In automatic mode, the differential locks are
engaged and disengaged according to driving
requirements. This guarantees sufficient
traction for most driving situations with
unrestricted vehicle steerability.
XStart the engine.
The differential locks are in automatic
mode. The indicator lamp in selector
wheel : lights up above symbol for
automatic mode ;.Engaging manuallyGWARNING
Never drive on a paved surface with the center
and rear axle differential locks manually
engaged. Ability to steer the vehicle is greatly
reduced when the differential locks are
manually engaged, increasing the risk of an
accident.
For safety reasons, the locks are
automatically released at a vehicle speed
above 31 mph (50 km/h). Nevertheless, you
should only manually lock the differential if
absolutely necessary because engaged locks
will restrict the vehicle drivetrain while
cornering and cause the vehicle to chatter.
This could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident.
! The differential locks must not be
activated when the vehicle is being towed
or while the wheels are spinning.
Only engage the differential locks manually if
traction in automatic mode is insufficient.
The differential locks can be activated
manually up to a speed of 19 mph
(30 km/h).
XStart the engine.XTurn selector wheel : to desired position
= or ?.
The indicator lamp in selector wheel :
lights up at the corresponding symbol.
The engaged differential appears in the
multifunction display:
AThe differential lock for the transfer case
is locked.
If you have not previously selected the off-
road menu ( Y page 222) in the on-board
Off-road driving systems209Driving and parkingZ
Safety systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!÷
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program), BAS (Brake Assist), PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and
ESP ®
trailer stabilization are temporarily not available.
In addition, the ÷, å and ! warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster.
The self-diagnosis function might not be complete, for example.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XCarefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GRisk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization are temporarily not available.
In addition, the ÷, å and ! warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster.
For example, the on-board voltage may be insufficient.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages233On-board computer and displaysZ
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!÷
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization are not available due to a malfunction.
The $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only), ÷, å and !
warning lamps in the instrument cluster also light up.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.÷
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
and BAS, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization are temporarily not available.
In addition, the ÷ and å warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
The self-diagnosis function might not be complete, for example.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
XCarefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight
steering movements, at a speed above 20 km/h.
If the display message disappears, ESP ®
is available again.
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
and BAS, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization are temporarily not available.
In addition, the ÷ and å warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
For example, the on-board voltage may be insufficient.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.234Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsIf the display message is shown while the vehicle is in motion and
the ÷ warning lamp flashes, the electronic traction system is
deactivated. Otherwise, the brakes on the drive wheels could
overheat.XLet the brakes cool down until the display message disappears
and the ÷ warning lamp goes out.
The electronic traction system is active again.÷
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
and BAS, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization are not available due to a malfunction.
In addition, the ÷ and å warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.T !
÷
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ABS, ESP ®
, BAS,
PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilization are not
available due to a malfunction.
In addition, the ÷, å and ! warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster and a warning tone sounds.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.#
Brake WearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages235On-board computer and displaysZ
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA
only) ! (Canada
only)
Release Parking
BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake applied. A warning tone also
sounds.XRelease the parking brake$ (USA
only) J (Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not correct the malfunction.GWARNING
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsG
Tele Aid
InoperativeUSA only: one or more of the main functions in the mbrace system
are malfunctioning.
Canada only: one or more of the main functions of the TELEAID
system are malfunctioning.XUSA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.XCanada only: have the TELEAID system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of injury
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.236Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
GWARNING
If the 42 indicator lamp remains lit with an adult occupant on the front-passenger
seat even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the front-
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Lights
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Cornering Lamp
Left or Cornering
Lamp RightThe left or right-hand cornering light is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 123).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Low Beam Left
or Low Beam RightThe left or right-hand low-beam headlamp is defective.b
Trailer Tail Lamp
Left or Trailer
Tail Lamp RightThe left or right-hand trailer tail lamp is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Trailer Turn
Signal Left or
Trailer Turn
Signal RightThe left or right-hand trailer turn signal lamp is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Trailer Brake LampThe trailer brake lamp is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself.
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Turn Signal Rear
Left or Turn Signal
Rear RightThe rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is defective.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 123).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages241On-board computer and displaysZ
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
AUTO Light
InoperativeThe light sensor is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
USA only:
XSwitch off the daytime running lamps in the on-board computer
( Y page 224).XSwitch the lights on and off using the light switch.b
Switch Off LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to $ or à .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press the light switch in to
the stop.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Top Up Coolant See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
( Y page 303).XIf the coolant needs to be refilled more often than usual, have
the engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.GWARNING
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.
244Display messagesOn-board computer and displays