2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GL warning light

The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.GWARNING
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position à to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from à to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
Front fog lamps and rear fog lamp
Front fog lamps
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
"fog lamps" function.
GWARNING
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
GWARNING
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position à to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from à to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the SmartKey in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . If the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.XPull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the light switch in as far as it will go.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on (vehicles with front fog
lamps): turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock to position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . When
the light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the second stop.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.XTo switch on (vehicles without front fog
lamps): turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock to position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L. When the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XTurn the light switch to L. When the
light switch is set to c, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the stop.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XPull the light switch out to the stop.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.120Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 128). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Combination switch
Turn signals
:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High-beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.High-beam headlampsXTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.XPull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down severely from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and comes
to a halt.
Exterior lighting121Lights and windshield wipersZ

XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamps are deactivated
automatically if the vehicle returns to a speed
of over 6 mph(10 km/h) after a full
application of the brakes.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated
while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).If the level of moisture does not diminish:XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Overhead control panel
:p Switches the left-hand front reading
lamp on/off;v Switches the rear interior lighting
on/off=| Switches the automatic interior
lighting control on/off?c Switches the front interior lighting
on/offAp Switches the right-hand front
reading lamp on/offBFront interior lightingCFront reading lampsDFront interior lighting122Interior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Rear overhead control panel (second row of seats)
:Switches the reading lamp on/off
Rear overhead control panel (third row of seats)
:p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off;p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
When the automatic interior lighting
control is activated, the button is flush with
the overhead control panel.The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
( Y page 226).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the c button.XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the v button.XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.
Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interior lighting is activated automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
XTo switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
XLock and then unlock the vehicle using the
key.
Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
Replacing bulbs123Lights and windshield wipersZ

GDANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Y page 124). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when installing.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.GWARNING
Bulbs and lamps can be very hot. You should
therefore allow them to cool down before you
change them. Otherwise, you could be burned
if you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could damage the bulbs, for
example, and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may break or even explode and
injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurized and can
explode when you change them, particularly
if they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them.
Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
You can change the following bulbs. The bulb
type can be found in the legend.
Halogen headlamps
:Low-beam headlamp: H7 55 W;High-beam headlamp: H7 55 W=Parking lamp/standing lamp: W 5 W?Turn signal lamp: 3457AASide marker lamp: WY 5 W124Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

Adjusting the headlamps:V vertical axis;H (horizontal) height, measured from the
center
Setting the headlamps correctly is extremely
important. Setting the high-beam headlamps
also sets the low-beam headlamps. (The term
headlamps covers both high and low beam.)
To check and adapt the headlamp setting,
proceed as follows:
XPark the vehicle on level ground at a
distance of 25 feet (7.6 m) from a wall or
similar.XMake sure that the vehicle load is in the
normal range.XSwitch on the low-beam headlamps L.
If the light of the headlamps is not distributed
as shown in the illustration above, follow the
instructions below:
XOpen the hood ( Y page 300).
The adjustment screws are located under the
cover.
XInsert a suitable tool into the openings in
the cover. The directions of arrow =
and ? indicate the angle at which the tool
needs to be inserted in order to reach the
adjustment screws.XTurn both screws uniformly until the
vertical setting of the headlamp
corresponds to :. Turn the screws
clockwise to adjust the headlamp upwards
and counter-clockwise to adjust it
downwards.
Gradation:
R Screw at arrow =: 0.67˚ angle of
inclination
R Screw at arrow ?: 0.50˚ angle of
inclination
The left and right headlamps need to be
adjusted individually.
i If it is not possible to adjust the
headlamps accurately, have the
adjustment performed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
GWARNING
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windows will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windshield after the vehicle has been
128Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers

washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Clean the windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash.
Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Intermittent wipe, low 113Å
Intermittent wipe, high 124°
Continuous wipe, slow5¯ Continuous wipe, fastBí Single wipe/ î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluidXSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the Ä or Å position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the Å position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the Ä position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently.
Switching the rear window wiper on/
off
Combination switch
:è Switch2ô To wipe with washer fluid3I To switch on intermittent wiping40 To switch off intermittent wiping5ô To wipe with washer fluidXTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XTurn switch : on the combination switch
to the corresponding position.
When the rear window wiper is switched on,
the icon appears in the instrument cluster.
Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes
GWARNING
For safety reasons, switch off the windshield
wipers and remove the key from the ignition
lock before changing the wiper blades
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: make sure that
the on-board electronics are in state 0).
Otherwise, the wiper motor could be switched
on suddenly and cause injury.
11 Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.
12 Rain sensor set to high sensitivity.Windshield wipers129Lights and windshield wipersZ

HTo reduce the airflow (Y page 142)ITo switch the rear window defroster on/off ( Y page 143)JTo activate/deactivate air-recirculation mode ( Y page 144)KInterior temperature sensorLTo switch climate control on/off ( Y page 138) Rear control panelMTo increase the airflow ( Y page 142)NTo set the temperature ( Y page 141)OTo set the rear-compartment climate control to automatic ( Y page 140)PTo direct the airflow through the rear air vents ( Y page 142)QTo direct the airflow through the footwell vents ( Y page 142)RTo switch rear-compartment climate control on/off ( Y page 138)STo reduce the airflow ( Y page 142)Notes on using 3-zone automatic
climate control
The following contains instructions and
recommendations to enable you to get the
most out of your automatic climate control.
R Activate climate control using the à and
Á buttons. The indicator lamps in the
à and Á buttons light up.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odors
or when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode, no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the MONO function if you want to
adopt the temperature and air distribution
settings from the driver's side for all
climate zones. The indicator lamp in the
º button lights up.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off.Operating the climate control system
Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information
GWARNING
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the à button ( Y page 140).
138Operating the climate control systemClimate control