2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class Owner's Manual

HIGH
RANGE
Position for all normal on-
road driving conditions.
LOW
RANGE
Low-range position for
driving off-road.
Also for use on steep uphill
or downhill gradients,
especially when towing a
trailer.
The vehicle travels around
half the speed of on-road
driving
range HIGH RANGE.
The tractive power is
correspondingly higher. Shifting the transfer case
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral
position, power transmission to the driven
wheels

is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle
could roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock. G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral
position, power transmission to the driven
wheels

is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle
could roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
Always wait for the gear change process from
HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE and from
LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE to complete.
Do not turn off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission
to another gear. General notes
:
Current shift range :
Indicator lamp
; LOW RANGE button
Switching on the off-road gear ratio
! Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.
R the

automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
R you are driving no faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h).
You could otherwise damage the transfer
case. Off-road driving systems
199
Driving and parking Z

i
AMG vehicles: to shift the transfer case
to LOW
RANGE, deactivate the ECO start/
stop function (Y page 142).
X Press LOW RANGE button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
LOW RANGE transfer case position appears
in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp : lights up.
X Shift the transmission to position D.
Switching off the off-road gear ratio G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral
position, power transmission to the driven
wheels

is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle
could roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
! Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.
R the automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
R you are driving no faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h).
You could otherwise damage the transfer
case.
X Press button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
HIGH

RANGE transfer case position appears
in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp : goes out.
If the gear change is not completed, the
following messages could appear in the
display:
R TC Shift Conditions Not Fulfilled
You have not met one or more shift
conditions.
R TC NEUTRAL On
The transfer case has canceled the gear
change process and is in N. The N transfer case position appears in the multifunction
display.
R TC Shift Canceled
The transfer case has not performed the
gear change process.
X Carry out the gear change process again.
Make sure to meet all conditions for
changing gears.
R TC Malfunction Visit Workshop
There

is a malfunction in the transfer case.
X Do not shift the transfer case.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible

at a qualified specialist workshop.
Shifting to neutral G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral
position, power transmission to the driven
wheels

is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle
could roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
X Turn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 139) in the ignition lock.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the selector lever to position
N(Y page 145).
X Press and hold LOW RANGE button ; for
approximately

10 seconds.
Once the gear change procedure is
complete, TC Neutral On message
appears in the multifunction display for
approximately 5 seconds.
If the gear change is not completed, the
following messages could appear in the
display

(Y page 238).
i If the transfer case is in Neutral, the
SmartKey is in the ignition lock and you
open the driver's door, the TC Neutral
On message appears in the multifunction 200
Off-road driving systems
Driving and parking

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

R
The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R If
you do not need the ball coupling, remove
the ball coupling from the ball coupling
recess. This reduces the risk of damage to
the ball coupling.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y page 322).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the technical data (Y page 358).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling for up to 3
persons is 562 lbs (255 kg). The maximum
permissible trailer drawbar noseweight for
more than 3 persons and the maximum load
in the trunk can be found in the trailer
drawbar noseweight table ( Y page 358).
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch
or trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing
vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y page 322).
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC ( Y page 194) and Blind Spot
Assist (Y page 186) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter
according to the load placed on the vehicle.
If necessary, use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar. Driving tips X
On long and steep downhill gradients,
select

shift range 1, 2 or 3 (Y page 150) in
good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
X If necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE(Y page 199).
This will use the braking effect of the
engine,

so that less braking will be required
to maintain the speed. which 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.
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
maximum permitted speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the
maximum 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 utilize any
of the added maximum rear axle load when
towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer
combination may not exceed a maximum
speed of 60 mph (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 60 mph (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.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS. Towing a trailer
205
Driving and parking Z

This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to
maintain the speed. which 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 If the trailer swings from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle

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
increasing altitude. Trailer power supply
! You can connect accessories with a
maximum

power consumption of 180 W to
the permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics. Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes You can make a connection to the 13-pin
socket on the ball coupling using an adapter
or, if necessary, an adapter cable. Both can
be obtained in a qualified specialist
workshop.
Installing the adapter
!
Make sure that there is enough slack in
the cable for cornering so that the cable
cannot become detached. X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the connector with lug : into
groove ; on the socket and turn the
connector clockwise to the stop.
X Make the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties.
i When the socket is connected, the
ultrasonic backing up aid is deactivated. 206
Towing a trailer
Driving and parking