2012 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK SUV ESP

Towing a trailer
If you attach a trailer, make sure that you have
correctly established the electrical connec-
tion. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting.
Off-road driving systems
4MATIC (permanent all-wheel drive)
G
WARNING
4MATIC cannot reduce the risk of an accident
if you drive too fast.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
R only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
R accelerate less when driving.
R adapt your driving style to suit road and
traffic conditions.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz implied warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are per-
manently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
ETS, it improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to insuffi-
cient grip.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tyres (M+S tyres), with snow
chains if necessary.
! When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of
ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the key to position
0 or 1in the ignition. Failure to do this can
cause damage to the drive train or the
brake system. !
A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a twin-axle dyna-
mometer. Before you operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified workshop. You could otherwise
damage the drive train or the brake system.
For information about "Driving off-road", see
(Y page 170). DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Important safety notes i
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) is only
available for vehicles with the Off-Road
Engineering package.
DSR is an aid to assist you when driving down-
hill. It keeps the speed of travel at the speed
selected on the on-board computer. The
steeper the downhill gradient, the greater the
DSR braking effect on the vehicle. When driv-
ing on flat stretches of road or on an uphill
gradient, the DSR braking effect is minimal or
non-existent. G
WARNING
DSR is only an aid designed to assist you when
driving downhill. You are responsible for keep-
ing control of the vehicle and for assessing
whether the downhill gradient can be man-
aged.
When activating DSR the vehicle may brake
suddenly due to DSR intervening. This is
dependent on the downhill gradient and the
difference between the current speed and the
speed set. DSR may not always be able to
keep to the set speed, depending on road sur-
face and tyre conditions. You could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Select a set speed suitable for the prevailing
conditions and when necessary, apply the
brakes manually.
DSR controls the vehicle’s speed when it is
activated and the transmission is in position
D, Ror N. By accelerating or braking, you can Off-road driving systems
213Driving and parking Z

up
: for a higher or down ;for a lower
set speed.
On vehicles with a 4-button multifunction
steering wheel, the set value appears in the
left-hand status indicator. On vehicles with
a luxury multifunction steering wheel (12
buttons), the set value appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
X To increase or reduce the set speed by
2 km/h increments: briefly press the
cruise control lever beyond the pressure
point up :for a higher or down ;for a
lower set speed.
On vehicles with a 4-button multifunction
steering wheel, the set value appears in the
left-hand status indicator. On vehicles with
a luxury multifunction steering wheel (12
buttons), the set value appears in the mul-
tifunction display. Off-road drive program
i The off-road drive program is only availa-
ble on vehicles with the Off-Road Engineer-
ing package.
The off-road drive program assists you in driv-
ing off-road. The engine’s performance char-
acteristics and the gearshifting characteris-
tics of the automatic transmission are adap-
ted for this purpose. ABS, ESP ®
and ETS pro-
grams especially adapted to off-road driving
are also activated.
Do not use the off-road drive program on
roads that are snow-covered or icy or if you
have fitted your vehicle with snow chains.
For information about driving off-road, see
(Y page 170). X
To switch on: press the:button.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
On vehicles with a luxury multifunction steer-
ing wheel (12 buttons): in the multifunction
display you see the off-road symbol: X
To switch off: press button:.
Indicator lamp ;goes out. On vehicles
with a luxury multifunction steering wheel
(12 buttons), off-road symbol also goes off. Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave
your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There
is a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving. Towing a trailer
215Driving and parking Z

The maximum noseweight of the trailer draw-
bar on the ball coupling is 80 kg. However,
the actual noseweight may not be higher than
the value which is given on the trailer tow
hitch or trailer identification plates. The low-
est weight applies.
! Use a drawbar noseweight as close as
possible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not use a noseweight of less
than 50kg, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
i The height of the ball coupling changes
with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable draw-
bar.
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 69).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max-
imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer, and it will
consume more fuel. Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. On vehicles
with automatic transmission, you have to
select shift range
1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to prevent the
vehicle from gaining speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously.
Driving tips R
Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary. Fitting the ball coupling
X Make a note of the ball coupling key num-
ber.
i You can use this number to obtain a
replacement key from a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre. Towing a trailer
217Driving and parking Z

X
Replace the cover of the ball coupling
recess and engage it.
X Fold the trailer power socket upwards. Trailer power supply
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's
trailer socket is equipped with a permanent
power supply and a power supply that is
switched on via the ignition lock.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
The power supply that is switched on via the
ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket pin
10.
! You can connect accessories with a
power rating of up to 240 W to the perma-
nent power supply and with a power rating
of up to 180 W to the power supply that is
switched on via the ignition lock.
The trailer battery may not be charged from
the power supply.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
You can find more information about fitting
the trailer electrics at a qualified specialist
workshop.
X To switch the connected power supply
on or off: turn the key in the ignition lock
to position 2or 0respectively. Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes Trailer with 7-pin connector:
you can con-
nect to the 13-pin socket on the ball coupling
using an adapter or, if necessary, an adapter
cable. Both can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop. Fitting the adapter
X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the plug connector with lug :into
groove ;on the socket. Turn the connec-
tor clockwise as far as possible.
X Let the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties.
! Make sure that there is sufficient cable
play so that the cable cannot become
detached when cornering. Towing a trailer
221Driving and parking Z

Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 120 †.
At high outside temperatures and when driv-
ing uphill, the coolant temperature may rise
to the end of the scale. Rev counter
The red band in the rev counter indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range.
Doing so will damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
The outside temperature display is in the
instrument cluster (Y page 31).G
WARNING
At temperatures just above freezing point, the
street may be icy, especially in wooded areas
or on bridges. If you do not adapt your driving
style to the conditions, the vehicle could skid.
For this reason, adapt your driving style and
speed to the weather conditions.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Operating the on-board computer
The on-board computer is activated as soon
as you turn the key to position 1in the ignition
lock. You can use the on-board computer to
call up information relating to your vehicle
and to make and adjust settings.
i You can have certain functions set at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Examples:
R
automatic door locking
R speed limit for winter tyres
You can obtain information about this at
any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel. :
Multifunction display
; W Increases the volume
= X Decreases the volume
? C Scrolls through lists/adjusts val-
ues/confirms display messages
A V Selects a menu
i If you press and hold the Vbutton, the
standard display appears.
i In the Day. driv. lights Day. driv. lights menu, you
can use the WorX button to switch
the function on
onoroff
off. You cannot adjust
the volume when in the Day. driv.
Day. driv.
lights:
lights: menu. Displays and operation (4-button multifunction steering wheel)
225On-board computer and displays Z

The approximate range which can be covered
depends on the fuel level and your current
driving style. If there is only a small amount
of fuel left in the fuel tank, the display shows
a vehicle being refuelled Cinstead of the
range. Switching the daytime driving lights
on/off
If you have activated the Day. driv.
Day. driv.
lights: lights: function and the light switch is in the
à position, the daytime driving lights are
switched on automatically when the engine is
running. When it is dark, the side lamps and
the dipped-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically.
On vehicles with daytime driving lamps, the
factory setting is on
on.
If you want to change the setting for the Day. Day.
driv. lights:
driv. lights: function, you have to turn
the key in the ignition lock to position 1.
X Press the Vbutton on the steering
wheel repeatedly until the Day. driv.
Day. driv.
lights:
lights: menu appears.
You will see the selected setting: on
onor
off
off.
X Press the WorX button to change
the setting. Time/date
i Depending on your vehicle's equipment,
the time can be set using the on-board
computer or the audio system/COMAND,
see the separate operating instructions.
X Press the Vbutton on the steering
wheel repeatedly until the "Time/date"
menu appears.
X To set: use the Cbutton to select the
display you want to change: hour, minutes,
day, month, year. X
Press WorX to set the selected dis-
play.
X To save: press the Cbutton.
The next display is selected. Displays and operation (12-button
multifunction steering wheel)
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the left-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 120 †.
At high outside temperatures and when driv-
ing uphill, the coolant temperature may rise
to the end of the scale. Rev counter
The red band in the rev counter indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range.
Doing so will damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
The outside temperature display is in the mul-
tifunction display (Y page 229). G
WARNING
At temperatures just above freezing point, the
street may be icy, especially in wooded areas
or on bridges. If you do not adapt your driving
style to the conditions, the vehicle could skid.
For this reason, adapt your driving style and
speed to the weather conditions.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Displays and operation (12-button multifunction steering wheel)
227On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
General notes
Display messages appear in the multifunction display.
Display messages with graphic symbols are simplified in the Owner's Manual and may differ
from the symbols in the multifunction display.
Please respond in accordance with the display messages and follow the additional notes in
this Owner's Manual.
Certain display messages are accompanied by an audible warning tone or a continuous tone.
When the ignition is switched off, all display messages are deleted apart from some high-
priority display messages. Once the causes of the high-priority display messages have been
rectified, the corresponding display messages are also deleted.
When you stop and park the vehicle, please observe the notes on the HOLD function
(Y page 186) and parking ( Ypage 164). Hiding display messages
X Vehicles with a 4-button multifunction steering wheel: pressCon the steering
wheel to clear the display message.
The display message is cleared.
X Vehicles with a 12-button multifunction steering wheel: pressaor% on the
steering wheel to clear the display message.
The display message is cleared.
The multifunction display shows high-priority display messages in red. Some high-priority dis-
play messages cannot be hidden.
The multifunction display shows these messages continuously until the causes for the mes-
sages have been remedied. Message memory
Vehicles with a 4-button multifunction steering wheel The on-board computer saves certain display messages. You can call up these display mes-
sages in the message memory .
X Press the Vbutton on the steering wheel repeatedly until the message memoryis
shown.
If there are no display messages, you will see No messages
No messages . If there are display messages,
the multifunction display shows, 2 messages 2 messages, for example.
X Using the Cbutton, scroll through the display messages.
For some display messages, the +symbol appears in the multifunction display. You will
find detailed information about these display messages in the section which follows. Display
messages
245On-board computer and displays Z

Safety systems (4-button multifunction steering wheel)
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ABS
ABS
curr. unavail. curr. unavail.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram), BAS (Brake Assist), PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilisation are temporarily not available.
The adaptive brake lights may also have failed.
In addition, the ä,åand! warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster.
Possible causes:
R self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
R the on-board voltage may be insufficient.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affec-
ted. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
The danger of skidding and having an accident increases.
X Carefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight steer-
ing movements at a speed above 20 km/h.
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. If the display message is shown and the
äwarning lamp flashes
at the same time, the electronic traction system is deactivated.
Otherwise, the brakes on the drive wheels could overheat.
X Let the brakes cool down until the display message disappears
and the äwarning lamp goes out.
The electronic traction system is active again. Display messages
247On-board computer and displays Z