2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class transfer case

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

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

Multifunction display
:
Transmission position ( Y page 148)
; Drive program (Y page 149)
= Description field
? Menu bar
A Outside temperature or speed
(Y page 219)
B Time
C Transfer case position ( Y page 198)
X To show menu bar ?: press the =
or ; button on the steering wheel.
Menu bar ? disappears after a few seconds.
Text field = shows the selected menu or
submenu as well as display messages.
For further information on displaying the
transmission position, see ( Y page 146).
i You can set the time using the audio
system or COMAND, see the separate
operating instructions.
The following messages may appear in the
multifunction display:
Z Upshift indicator (Y page 151)
¯ Cruise control ( Y page 169)
LIM SPEEDTRONIC (
Y page 174)
¤ ECO start/stop function (AMG
vehicles) ( Y page 141) LOW
RANGE
LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Y page 199)
ë HOLD function ( Y page 192) Menus and submenus
Menu overview
Press the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to call up the menu bar and
select a menu.
Operating the on-board computer
(Y page 210).
Depending on the equipment installed in the
vehicle, you can call up the following menus:
R Trip menu (Y page 212)
R Navi menu (navigation instructions)
(Y page 214)
R Audio menu (Y page 215)
R Tel menu (telephone) ( Y page 216)
R DriveAssist menu (assistance)
(Y page 218)
R Serv. menu (Y page 218)
R Sett. menu (Y page 218)
R AMG menu in AMG vehicles ( Y page 222) Trip menu
Standard display X
Press and hold the % button on the
steering wheel until the Trip menu with
trip odometer : and odometer ; is
shown. 212
Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsTC Shift
Conditions Not
Fulfilled
Apply Brake/
Parking Brake The parking brake has not been applied and the brake pedal has
not been depressed. The transfer case has canceled the gear
change
process and is in Neutral. There is no connection between
the engine and the drive wheels.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Depress the brake pedal and apply the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N.
X Make sure all conditions for changing gears are met
(Y page 199).
X Repeat the gearshift process. TC Malfunction
Visit WorkshopTo
park, apply the
parking brake There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
X
Do not shift the transfer case.
X When parking, secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 156).
X Have the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop. TC Shift Canceled
Please Reactivate The transfer case has not performed the gear change process.
X
Repeat the gearshift process.
X Make sure all conditions for changing gears are met
(Y page 199). TC Shift Condition
Not Fulfilled
Drive at Max.
25 mph You have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.
X
Drive more slowly.
X Repeat the gearshift process. TC Shift Condition
Not Fulfilled
Shift to NEUTRAL You have not met one or more shift conditions.
X
Shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N.
X Repeat the gearshift process. TC shift condition
not fulfilled
Drive at Max.
40 mph You have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.
X
Drive more slowly.
X Repeat the gearshift process. LOW RANGE
On The transfer case is in the LOW RANGE off-road position.
HIGH RANGE
On The transfer case is in the HIGH RANGE on-road position.238
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsDifferential Locks
Available Only in
LOW RANGE The LOW RANGE button has been pressed. The transfer case is in
the LOW RANGE off-road driving position and a differential lock
is engaged.
X
Disengage the differential locks (Y page 201).
X Repeat the gearshift process. TC-NEUTRAL
On The transfer case is in the Neutral
neutral position.
A warning tone will also sound when the driver's door is opened
and the brake pedal is not depressed.
X Close the driver's door.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 156).
X Shift the transfer case according to driving conditions
(Y page 198). Differential Lock
Preselected
ESP Not Available A differential lock has been engaged. The differential gear has not
yet locked the respective differential. The activation indicator
lamp (yellow)
(Y page 201) of the switch lights up.
ESP is unavailable.
ABS is still available. Differential Locks
Active
ABS and ESP Not
Available A differential lock was engaged and the differential gear has
locked the respective differential. The activation indicator lamp
(yellow) and function indicator lamp (red)

(Y page 201) on the
switch light up.
ABS and ESP are unavailable. Display messages
239
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsDISTRONIC PLUS
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's Manual DISTRONIC is deactivated and temporarily inoperative. Possible
causes are:
R
the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator trim is dirty
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the transfer case is in the LOW RANGE transmission position.
R the vehicle is on an uphill or downhill gradient of greater than
22%-25%.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
A warning tone also sounds.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Clean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator trim and the
bumper ( Y page 297).
X Restart the engine.
If the system detects that the sensors are fully operational, the
display message disappears.
DISTRONIC is operational again. DISTRONIC PLUS
Inoperative DISTRONIC PLUS is defective.
BAS (Brake Assist) may also have failed.
A warning tone also sounds.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. DISTRONIC PLUS
Passive You have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.
X
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS
--- mph An activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.
X
Check the activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y page 177). DISTRONIC PLUS and
SPEEDTRONIC
Inoperative DISTRONIC PLUS and SPEEDTRONIC are faulty. A warning tone
also sounds.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
241On-board computer and displays Z

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