2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class warning

display. If you then release the parking
brake, a warning tone will sound.
Differential locks
General notes G
WARNING
When differential locks are engaged on a firm,
high-grip surface, the vehicle's steerability is
greatly impaired. In particular, engaging the
differential locks when cornering could lead
to
you losing control of the vehicle. There is a
risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm, high-grip surfaces. G
WARNING
ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated
while the differential locks are engaged. As a
result, the wheels could lock when braking
and the braking distance is increased. There
is a risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm, high-grip surfaces.
! In order to avoid damage to the transfer
case, you must operate the vehicle on a
dynamometer (1-axle dynamometer) only
if:
R the axle not driven on is jacked up
or
R the corresponding propeller shaft is
disconnected and the transfer case
differential lock is activated.
Otherwise, the transfer case can be
damaged.
Differential locks improve the traction of the
vehicle. Your vehicle is equipped with a differential
lock for:
R
the

transfer case: this controls the balance
between the front and rear axles.
R the rear axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the rear axle.
R the front axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the front axle.
Information on differential and
differential locks When the vehicle drives around a curve, the
wheels

on the outside of the curve must cover
a greater distance. Therefore, the wheels turn
more rapidly than on the inside. The
differential, a transmission in the drive train,
compensates for these different rotational
speeds, making cornering possible.
The disadvantage of a differential is that more
power is transferred to the wheels that have
the least grip. An example: a wheel of a driven
axle is on a snow-covered surface and
therefore does not have any traction. The
differential causes this wheel to be subjected
to the strongest driving force, as the flow of
force takes the path of least resistance. The
opposite wheel on this axle, however, which
stands on firm ground and could therefore
allow propulsion, receives no driving power.
4ETS compensates for this disadvantage.
4ETS provides good steerability by
automatically braking the spinning wheel.
4ETS provides the wheel on the firm surface
with more drive force, which in turn provides
propulsion.
ESP® and 4ETS are traction systems that are
ideal for road driving and suitable for light off-
road driving. The LOW RANGE off-road gear
also improves off-road capability.
Moreover, the more difficult conditions in off-
road driving require further measures such as
locking one or several differentials. Your
vehicle is equipped with three differential
locks: Off-road driving systems
201
Driving and parking Z

R
a central differential lock for the transfer
case,
R a differential lock for the front axle and
R a differential lock for the rear axle.
Each
differential lock can be engaged with the
respective switch on the center console. If
the transfer case differential is disabled, the
front and rear wheels turn at the same speed.
If the differential for the rear axle is locked,
both rear wheels turn at the same speed,
regardless of their individual torques. Please
note that activating the differential locks
severely restricts the vehicle's steerability.
Please note that the functions of the
differential are absolutely necessary for
driving on paved roads. The differential locks
must never be engaged when driving on
paved roads. Otherwise, the vehicle may not
be steerable and you could lose control of the
vehicle. The differential locks must therefore
only be engaged when driving off-road. You
may only engage the differential locks if the
functions of the 4ETS and ESP ®
driving
systems and the LOW RANGE off-road gear
are insufficient.
i The differential locks are only available in
the LOW RANGE off-road gear.
Activating the differential lock Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When differential locks are engaged on a firm,
high-grip surface, the vehicle's steerability is
greatly impaired. In particular, engaging the
differential locks when cornering could lead
to

you losing control of the vehicle. There is a
risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm, high-grip surfaces. G
WARNING
ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated
while the differential locks are engaged. As a
result, the wheels could lock when braking and the braking distance is increased. There
is a risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm, high-grip surfaces.
! Only activate the differential locks when:
R you are driving at walking pace.
R the driven wheels are not spinning.
R you

are not driving on a firm road surface.
General notes
The switches are located on the center
console. :
Function indicator lamps (red)
; Differential lock for the front axle
= Differential lock for the transfer case
? Differential lock for the rear axle
A Activation indicator lamps (yellow)
Activate the differential locks:
R off-road
R to deactivate ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS
while off-road
R when fording
For further information on driving off-road,
see ( Y page 164).
i You

can only engage the differential locks
if the transfer case is in the LOW RANGE
off-road driving position (Y page 198).
i You can activate the differential locks in
the following order =, ?, ;.202
Off-road driving systems
Driving and parking

Differential lock for the transfer case
X
To engage: switch the transfer case to the
LOW RANGE off-road driving position
(Y page 199).
X Press switch =.
When the transfer case is in the LOW
RANGE

off-road driving position, the yellow
activation indicator lamp below switch =
lights up.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
panel lights up.
When the differential is locked, the red
function indicator lamp above switch =
lights up.
In the multifunction display you see the:
ABS not available Differential
Locked
The å!÷ warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up.
The differential lock for the transfer case is
engaged.
4ETS, ESP ®
, BAS and ABS are deactivated.
The vehicle's ability to steer is severely
restricted. Drive carefully and accelerate
gently for optimum traction.
i You can now engage the differential lock
for

rear axle ? and the differential lock for
front axle ; as required.
Differential lock for the rear axle X
To engage: press switch ?.
Yellow activation indicator lamp A lights
up first, followed by red function indicator
lamp : of switch ?.
The differential lock for the rear axle is
engaged.
Differential lock for the front axle X
To engage: press switch ;.
First, the yellow activation indicator lamp
lights up, followed by the red function
indicator lamp. The differential lock for the front axle is
engaged.
Deactivating the differential lock You can deactivate the differential locks in
this order: ;, ?, =.
X
To simultaneously deactivate all
differential locks: press switch =.
Yellow activation indicator lamps A and
red function indicator lamps : go out.
After approximately three seconds of
normal driving, ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS
are activated.
The ABS

not available Differential
Locked message disappears from the
multifunction display and the å, !
and ÷ warning lamps in the instrument
cluster go out.
X Shift the transfer case to the HIGH
RANGE on-road position (Y page 199).
i If red function indicator lamps : do not
go out after disengaging the differential
locks, bring the vehicle to a standstill in
accordance with the traffic conditions.
Then continue driving, as the load change
can release the differential locks. Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving,
the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time. Towing a trailer
203
Driving and parking Z

G
WARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The
vehicle/trailer combination could even
rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten
up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary. G
WARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the one
delivered
with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in
question is longer or angled differently. This
could seriously impair the driving
characteristics and the trailer can come
loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed
to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always

install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a
detachable trailer coupling is used.
You will find the applicable permissible
values, which must not be exceeded, in the
vehicle documents. You will find the values
approved by the manufacturer on the vehicle
identification plates and those for the towing
vehicle in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 349). Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R
the

permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling
characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your vehicle/trailer
combination.
General notes R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
R Only

install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. 204
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Useful information ............................
208
Important safety notes ....................208
Displays and operation .................... 209
Menus and submenus ...................... 212
Display messages ............................. 224
Warning
and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................247 207
On-board computer and displays

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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 23).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The driver's concentration must always be
directed primarily at road traffic.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver

when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) per
second. G
WARNING
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired. If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
G
WARNING
Malfunction and warning messages are only
displayed for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance services and safety checks
performed

on the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to
address the malfunction and warning
messages. G
WARNING
All categories of messages contain important
information which should be taken note of
and, where a malfunction is indicated,
addressed as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair the condition noted may
cause

damage not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty, or result in property
damage or personal injury.
For an illustration of the instrument cluster,
see ( Y page 209).208
Important safety notes
On-board computer and displays

Displays and operation
Instrument cluster
Instrument cluster: miles
:
Speedometer with segments (Y page 210)
; Multifunction display ( Y page 212)
= Tachometer (Y page 210)
? Coolant temperature ( Y page 209)
A Fuel gauge
B Instrument cluster lighting (Y page 209) Instrument lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle
interior
can be adjusted using the brightness
control knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the
bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Y page 209).
X Turn the brightness control knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
If the light switch is set to Ã, T or
L, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
i The
light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display. In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated.
Displaying the coolant temperature
G
WARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause
some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the Displays and operation
209
On-board computer and displays
Z

vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
! A
display message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
If the coolant temperature is over
248 ‡(120 †), do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged.
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side
(Y page 209).
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant
temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †). Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The

red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing

point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
The outside temperature display is in the
multifunction display ( Y page 212).
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay. Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R Cruise control activated ( Y page 169):
The segments light up from the stored
speed to the maximum speed.
R Variable SPEEDTRONIC activated
(Y page 174):
The

segments light up from the start of the
scale to the selected limit speed.
R DISTRONIC PLUS activated (Y page 179):
One or two segments in the set speed
range light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in front and the stored speed light
up. Operating the on-board computer
Overview :
Multifunction display
; To switch on the Voice Control System;
see the separate operating instructions
= Right control panel
? Left control panel
A Back button210
Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays