2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL warning

GWARNING
Never leave the vehicle when it is held by hill
start assist. After approximately one second,
hill start assist will no longer brake your
vehicle and it could roll away.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal.
i Once you have taken your foot off the
brake pedal, the vehicle is held for around
one second.
XPull away.
Hill start assist will not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
R the transmission is in position N.
R the parking brake is applied.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning.
152DrivingDriving and parking

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

Engaging park position PXPush the DIRECT SELECT lever in the
direction of arrow P.
i
The automatic transmission shifts
automatically into park position P if you
open the driver's door when the vehicle is
stationary or driving at very low speed, and
the transmission is in position D or R.
! If the engine speed is too high or the
vehicle is moving, do not shift the
automatic transmission directly from D to
R , from R to D or directly to P. The
automatic transmission could otherwise be
damaged.
Engaging reverse gear R
! Only shift the automatic transmission to
R when the vehicle is stationary.
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Shifting to neutral N
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the
automatic transmission automatically
switches to N.
Remaining in neutral N
If the automatic transmission is to remain in
neutral N, e.g. for washing the vehicle in car
washes with a towing device, please observe
the following instructions:
GWARNING
When leaving the SmartKey in the starter
switch, do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch
on the ignition which could result in
unsupervised use of vehicle equipment.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Using the SmartKey:
R make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if applied, release the parking brake.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
R make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R engage park position P.
R release the brake pedal.
R remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
R insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
R switch on the ignition.
R depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if applied, release the parking brake.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Shifting to transmission position DXWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance.
Transmission position display
The current transmission position is shown in
the multifunction display.
Automatic transmission155Driving and parkingZ

Driving tips
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XVehicles for USA: fully depress the
accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.XVehicles for Canada: depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure
point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Rocking the vehicle free
Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and
forth between transmission positions D and
R can help to free a vehicle that has become
stuck in mud or snow. The engine
management system of the vehicle limits
shifting back and forth between transmission
positions D and R to a maximum speed of
5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and forth
between transmission positions D and R,
move the selector lever up and down beyond
the pressure point.
Working on the vehicle
GWARNING
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Trailer towing
XWhen towing a trailer and driving downhill,
shift to the lower gear if the automatic
transmission constantly shifts between
two gears.XEngaging a lower gear and reducing the
speed reduces the risk of the engine
overheating.Steering wheel paddle shifters:Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter;Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
You can restrict or derestrict the shift range
by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
Shift ranges
Introduction
When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range ( Y page 157).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear.
Driving situations=You can use the engine's braking
effect.5To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
R on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions4To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretchesAutomatic transmission157Driving and parkingZ

Problems with the transmissionProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.XStop the vehicle.XShift the transmission to position P.XSwitch off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.XShift the transmission to position D or R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.Transfer case
The vehicle has permanent 4-wheel drive
(4MATIC). Power is always transmitted to
both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried
out on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake
system or transfer case could otherwise be
damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for a performance test.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
this purpose.
! If the parking brake is being tested on a
brake dynamometer, the ignition must be
switched off (SmartKey or Start/Stop
button in position 0 or 1), as ESP ®
will
otherwise automatically intervene. The test
must last a maximum of 10 seconds. The
brake system could otherwise be damaged.Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flammable
and poisonous. They burn violently and can
cause serious injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline or diesel fuel!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel
fuel, avoid inhaling fumes and any skin or
clothing contact. Extinguish all smoking
materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
GWARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
Refueling159Driving and parkingZ

to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.GWARNING
Do not fill diesel tanks with gasoline. Do not
mix diesel fuel with gasoline. Otherwise the
fuel system and engine could be damaged. In
addition, the vehicle could catch fire.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a gasoline engine. Even a
small quantity of the wrong fuel will
damage the fuel system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
Gasoline
Fuel grade
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
i Only refuel with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline with a specified minimum octane
number of 91 (average value of 96 RON/
86 MON).
Usually, you will find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find
the label on the gasoline pump, ask the gas
station staff.
You can find more information under “Fuel”
( Y page 372), or by contacting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center
or visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Diesel
Fuel grade
! Only refuel with ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15 ppm SULFUR
MAXIMUM). Using other diesel fuels could
result in increased wear and damage to the
engine and/or exhaust system.
Never refuel with marine diesel or heating
oil.
Do not mix these fuels with diesel fuels and
do not use any special additives, as this
may result in damage.
! Use a filter when adding fuel from a fuel
can. Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or the
fuel injection system could be blocked by
particles from the fuel can.
i Usually, you will find information about
the fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot
find the label on the gasoline pump, ask the
gas station staff.
You can find more information under “Fuel”
( Y page 372), or by contacting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center
or visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Low outside temperatures
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Never mix diesel with
gasoline or kerosene, as this may result in
damage to the engine or fuel system.
Diesel fuel with improved cold flow properties
is available during the winter months. Further
information on fuel properties can be
160RefuelingDriving and parking

obtained from oil companies, e.g. at gas
stations.
Refueling
Fuel filler flap
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or using KEYLESS-
GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
in the instrument cluster 8. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
:To open the fuel filler flap;To insert the fuel filler cap=Fuel type?Tire pressure table
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
KEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door. This
switches the ignition to position 0, which
corresponds to having removed the
SmartKey. The driver’s door can be closed
again.XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.XOpen the fuel filler flap.XTurn the fuel filler cap counter-clockwise
and remove it.XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap ;.XCompletely insert the pump nozzle into the
filler neck and refuel.XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
Closing
XReplace the fuel filler cap and turn it
clockwise. The fuel filler cap audibly
engages.XClose the fuel filler flap.
i If you drive with the fuel filler cap open,
the reserve fuel warning lamp flashes. In
addition, the ! (USA only) or ;
(Canada only) Check Engine warning lamp
may light up. A message appears in the
multifunction display ( Y page 247).
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see ( Y page 264).
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. A locking pin otherwise prevents
the fuel filler flap from closing after the
vehicle has been locked.
Fuel filler flap emergency release
GWARNING
Avoid contact with the vehicle walls as they
may contain sharp edges. Otherwise, you
could injure yourself while releasing the fuel
filler flap.
The emergency release is located in the cargo
compartment behind the side trim on the
right-hand side, when viewed in the direction
of travel.
Refueling161Driving and parkingZ

DEF
Important notes on use
To function properly, BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment must be operated with the
reducing agent DEF. Adding DEF is one of the
tasks performed during maintenance. Under
normal operating conditions, a tank of DEF
lasts until the next service due date.
When the DEF supply has almost run out, the
Check Additive See Operator's
Manual message is shown in the
multifunction display.
When the DEF supply sinks to a minimum
level, the Remaining Starts: 16 message
is shown in the multifunction display.
When the Remaining Starts: 16 message
is shown in the multifunction display, you can
start the engine 16 more times. If DEF is not
added, it is then not possible to start the
engine again. Fill the DEF tank with about
1 gal (3.8 l) DEF or have the DEF tank refilled
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Use the special DEF refill bottle when filling
between maintenance intervals. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center with any
questions or, if necessary, contact Roadside
Assistance ( Y page 22).
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust
gas aftertreatment and DEF is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Adding DEF
GWARNING
Make sure
R DEF does not come into contact with skin,
eyes, or clothing
R to keep DEF out of the reach of children
If you and/or others have come into contact
with DEF:
R If DEF has gotten into contact with eyes,
flush with plenty of water immediately and
seek medical help.
R Clean affected skin immediately with plenty
of water.
R If DEF was swallowed, rinse mouth
immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Consult a physician.GWARNING
If you open the DEF tank cap at high
temperatures, ammonia vapors can be
released.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating to:
R skin
R mucous membranes
R eyes
You may experience a burning sensation in
your eyes, nose and throat, as well as
coughing and watering of the eyes.
Do not inhale any ammonia vapors that may
be released. Only refill the DEF tank in well
ventilated areas.
! Only use DEF that complies with
ISO 22241. Do not add any special
additives to DEF and do not thin DEF with
water. This could destroy the BlueTEC
exhaust gas aftertreatment.
If the outside temperature is lower than
Ò 11 †, damage may occur when topping up.
If DEF is frozen and there is an active warning
indicator, topping up may not be possible.
Park the vehicle in a warmer place, e.g. in a
garage, until DEF has become fluid again.
Filling is then possible again. Alternatively,
have the DEF tank refilled at a qualified
specialist workshop.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into
contact with DEF immediately with water or
remove DEF using a damp cloth and cold
water. If the DEF has already crystallized,
164RefuelingDriving and parking