2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class warning

If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up at temperatures around or below freezing point,
the discharged battery is likely to be frozen (a commonplace scenario). In this case, do not
jump-start the vehicle or recharge the battery.
Once the battery has thawed out, its service life may be dramatically reduced.
The starting characteristics can be impaired, particularly at low temperatures.
It is recommended that you have the thawed out battery checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Do
not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged,
the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper
cables. Observe the following points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,
jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.
R Vehicles with a gasoline engine: only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust
system are cold.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
R Jump-starting may only be performed from batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
R Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the empty battery a little.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that:
R the jumper leads are not damaged.
R when the jumper cables are connected to the battery, uninsulated sections of the terminal
clamp do not come into contact with other metal sections.
R The jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts such as the pulley or the fan. These
parts move when the engine is started and while it is running.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Move the selector lever to position P.
X Switch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower, etc.).
X Open the hood (Y page 289). Jump-starting
309
Breakdown assistance Z

Position number
B identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
The jump-start terminal point consists of terminals ; and ?.
X Lift up cover : of positive terminal ; in the direction of the arrow.
X Connect positive terminal ; on your vehicle to positive terminal ? of donor battery B
using the jumper cable. beginning with your own battery.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal A
of donor battery B to ground point = of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery B first.
X Start the engine.
X First, remove the jumper cable from ground point = and negative terminal A, then from
positive

terminal ; and positive terminal ?, each time disconnecting from the battery on
your own vehicle first.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore, deactivate HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the
vehicle is to be towed.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h

) must not be exceeded.310
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30
miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
! Only secure the tow cable or tow bar to
the towing eyes. You could otherwise
damage the vehicle.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery
purposes as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! Your vehicles is equipped with an
automatic transmission. Therefore, you
must not have the vehicle tow-started. The
transmission may otherwise be damaged. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could
rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the
permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate ( Y page 349).
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If

the transfer case can be shifted into neutral
N, you can tow the vehicle. If the transfer case cannot be shifted into
neutral N, you can tow the vehicle with one
axle

raised. Please bear the following in mind:
R remove the propeller shaft between the
transfer case and the rolling axle.
R turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock ( Y page 139).
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock to position 2(Y page 139)
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Deactivate the automatic locking feature
(Y page 75). You could otherwise be locked
out when pushing or towing the vehicle. Towing eyes
Towing eyes, front :
Towing eyes, front
Towing eye, rear Towing and tow-starting
311
Breakdown assistance Z

Rear towing eye
: is located under the
bumper, on the left-hand side when viewed in
the direction of travel. Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 310).
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 104).
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the
combination switch as usual. In this case,
only the turn signals for the desired
direction flash. When you reset the
combination switch, the hazard warning
lamps start flashing again.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock ( Y page 139).
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
X Shift the transfer case to
neutral (Y page 200).
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake ( Y page 157).
i The transmission can only change gear if
the battery has sufficient charge.
If

you cannot move the selector lever to N,
the propeller shafts to the driven axles
must be removed. Transporting the vehicle
! Only

lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged. Use the towing eyes to pull the vehicle if it
needs to be transported on a trailer or
transporter (
Y page 311).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock ( Y page 139).
X Move the selector lever to N.
X Shift the transfer case to
neutral (Y page 200).
X Secure the towing cable to the towing eyes
(Y page 311).
X Make sure that the vehicle cannot roll
away.
X Release the parking brake.
X Load the vehicle onto the transporter.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
X Apply the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock ( Y page 139) and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle. Recovering a vehicle that has become
stuck
! Pull away smoothly, slowly, and in a
straight

line when pulling out a vehicle that
has become stuck. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles.
If the drive wheels get trapped on loose or
muddy ground, recover the vehicle with the
utmost care, especially so if the vehicle is
laden.
Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a
trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible,
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. 312
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

Towing in the event of malfunctions
General notes !
If you are removing the propeller shaft,
use M10 nuts as spacers on the M8 bolts
and secure them with M8 nuts.
New self-locking nuts must be used when
the propeller shafts are refitted.
X Observe the safety notes as you do so
(Y page 310).
i Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Engine damage, gear damage or
electrical malfunctions X
Move the selector lever to
position N(Y page 145).
X Shift the transfer case to
neutral (Y page 200).
In the event of damage to the transfer
case Have the propeller shafts between the axles
and the transfer case removed.
In
the event of damage to the front axle Have the propeller shaft between the rear
axle and the transfer case removed.
Have the vehicle towed with the front axle
raised.
In the event of damage to the rear axle
Have the propeller shaft between the front
axle and the transfer case removed.
Have the vehicle towed with the rear axle
raised and with wheel rollers under the front
axle. Fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only use fuses that have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and that have the
correct fuse rating for the systems
concerned.

Do not attempt to repair or bridge
faulty fuses. Using fuses that have not been
approved or attempting to repair or bridge
faulty fuses could cause the fuse to be
overloaded and result in a fire. Have the cause
traced and rectified at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or
systems could be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
i If a fuse has blown, contact a breakdown
service or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Before changing a fuse
X Park the vehicle and apply the parking
brake.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
All

indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off. Fuses
313
Breakdown assistance Z

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
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation,
manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct. G
WARNING
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular

rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used. G
WARNING
If you notice sudden significant vibrations or
unusual handling performance or if you
suspect that damage has occurred to the
vehicle, you should activate the hazard
warning lamps, gently reduce speed and
carefully head for an area that is located at a
safe distance from the road.
Check the tires and the underside of the
vehicle for damage. If the vehicle seems
unsafe, have the vehicle towed away to the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer
to be repaired. G
WARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving

with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire. G
Warning
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
do not drive with a flat tire. Immediately
replace the flat tire with your spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Consult

an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you require information on approved and
recommended tires and wheels for summer
and winter operation. Advice on purchasing
and caring for tires is also available there.
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being
used correctly can impair the operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and ask about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations318
Important safety notes
Wheels and tires

Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels
and tires for your vehicle can be found
in the "Wheel/tire combinations" section
(Y page 344).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap
R in the "Tire pressure" section
i Further information on wheels and tires
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop. Operation
Notes on driving
If
the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb or
other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over
curbs, speed humps or similar elevations, try
to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle.
Otherwise, the tires, particularly the
sidewalls, may be damaged. Regular checking of wheels and tires
G
WARNING
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn,

old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
R Regularly check the wheels and tires of
your vehicle for damage at least once a
month, as well as after driving off-road or
on rough roads. Damage includes bulges
and deformation on tires, cuts, punctures,
cracks or severe corrosion on wheels, for example. Damaged wheels can cause a
loss of tire pressure.
R Regularly check the tire tread depth and
the

condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tire (Y page 319). In order to
inspect the inner side of the tire surface,
turn the steering wheel to full lock.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
install anything onto the valve other than
the standard valve cap or a valve cap
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle.
Do not install anything onto the valve, such
as tire pressure monitoring systems.
R You should regularly check the pressure of
all your tires including the spare wheel,
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the
tire pressure as necessary ( Y page 327).
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors:
R Driving style
R Tire pressure
R Distance covered Tire tread
G
WARNING
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the

treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible
at approximately á inches (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches â inches (3 mm) the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely. Operation
319
Wheels and tires Z

Mark
: is a visual warning on the tread wear
indicators (TWI). The arrow indicates the
placement of the tire tread.
Do not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth. tire traction on wet road surfaces
decreases significantly when the tread depth
is less than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned over the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth
is approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced.
The recommended tread depth for summer
tires is at least 1
/ 8 in (3 mm). The
recommended tread depth for winter tires is
at least 1
/ 6 in (4 mm). Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount approved tires of the correct
size onto the wheels.
R Tires are supplied with a protective layer
from the factory. Break in new tires at
moderate speeds for the first 60 miles
(100 km). They only reach their full
performance after this distance. R
Do
not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth. as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
R Replace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of wear. This also applies
to the spare wheel. Winter operation
General notes
Have
your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section ( Y page 340). Driving with summer tires
At
temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity significantly, and
therefore traction and braking power as well.
Change the tires on your vehicle to
M+S tires. Using summer tires at very cold
temperatures could cause cracks to form,
thereby damaging the tires permanently.
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility
for this type of damage. M+S tires
G
WARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
ã
in (4 mm) are not suitable for use in winter
and do not provide sufficient traction. There
is a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than ã
in (4 mm) must be replaced immediately. G
WARNING
The spare wheel and M+S tires have different
tire characteristics. Driving characteristics
can

be severely impaired when you mount the
spare wheel. There is a risk of an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
and drive carefully. Have the spare wheel 320
Winter operation
Wheels and tires