2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class transmission

Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the
automatic transmission shifts gear:
R
little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The
automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and
forth between transmission positions
D and
R can help to free a vehicle that has become
stuck in mud or snow. The vehicle's engine
management restricts repeated shifting
between transmission positions D and R up
to a maximum speed of up to

5 mph
(9 km/h). To shift back and forth between
transmission positions D and R, move the
selector lever forwards and backwards past
the point of resistance.
Towing a trailer X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed
range on uphill gradients.
X Limit shift range to 3
or 2 depending on the
uphill or downhill gradient ( Y page 150),
even if cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC is
activated.
X Shift the transfer case into low-range
driving position LOW RANGE on extreme
uphill

gradients or steep downhill gradients
(Y page 199). Program selector button
General notes The program selector button allows you to
choose between drive programs with
different driving characteristics.
i
In

AMG vehicles, drive program E is called
drive program C.
Drive programs E Economy
C Controlled
Efficiency Comfortable, economical
driving
S Sport Sporty driving style
M Manual Manual gear shifting
i
When
the engine is started, the automatic
transmission always switches to automatic
drive program E (drive program C in AMG
vehicles).
i For further information on the automatic
drive program, see ( Y page 150).
i Only change from automatic drive
program E or S to manual drive program
M when the vehicle is stationary.
Selecting the drive program Example: program selector button
X
Press program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired Automatic transmission
149
Driving and parking Z

gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
i Only change from automatic drive
program E or S to manual drive program
M when the vehicle is stationary. Steering wheel paddle shifters
In the automatic drive program, you can
restrict or derestrict the shift range by using
steering wheel paddle shifters
: and ;
(Y page 150).
In the manual drive program you can change
gears manually using steering wheel paddle
shifters : and ;(Y page 151).
i You can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in position D. Automatic drive program
Drive program E (drive program C on AMG
vehicles) is characterized by the following:
R comfort-oriented engine and transmission
settings
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully R
increased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
Drive program S is characterized by the
following:
R sporty engine and transmission settings
R the vehicle pulling away in first gear
R the automatic transmission shifting up
later
R the fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points Shift ranges
Introduction When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range.
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission

shifts only as far as the selected
gear.
Driving situations =
You can use the engine's braking
effect.
5
The braking effect of the engine can
be utilized on downhill gradients or
when driving:
R
on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions 4
The braking effect of the engine can
be utilized on extremely steep
downhill gradients and long
downhill stretches.150
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Restricting the shift range
X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 150).
The automatic transmission shifts down
one
gear and restricts the shift range to the
relevant gear.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
i If

the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up in order to prevent the engine
from overrevving, even if the shift range is
restricted.
Derestricting the shift range X
Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 150).
The automatic transmission shifts up one
gear and restricts the shift range to the
relevant gear.
Clearing the shift range restriction X
Pull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle

shifter (Y page 150) until D is shown
again in the multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter

(Y page 150) and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows optimum acceleration
and deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears.
i The automatic transmission cannot shift
down beyond second gear. To shift to first
gear, you have to pull the left steering
wheel paddle shifter. Manual drive program
Introduction In drive program M, you can change gear
manually using the steering wheel paddle
shifters.

For this, the transmission must be in
position D. The gear currently selected and
engaged is shown in the multifunction
display.
Manual drive program M differs from drive
programs E and S with regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes.
Switching on the manual drive program X
Press the program selector button
(Y

page 149) repeatedly until M appears in
the multifunction display.
Upshifting (except AMG vehicles) X
Pull the right-hand paddle ( Y page 150).
The
automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Shifting up (AMG vehicles) !
In
manual drive program M, the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
X Pull the right-hand paddle ( Y page 150).
The
automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the
multifunction display.
X If the color in the speedometer
multifunction display changes to red and Automatic transmission
151
Driving and parking Z

the UP display message is shown, shift up
a gear.
Downshifting X
Pull the left-hand paddle ( Y page 150).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If you slow down or stop without shifting
down, the automatic transmission
automatically shifts down.
Selecting the optimal gear for
maximum acceleration X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter until the transmission selects the
optimum gear for the current speed.
Kickdown You can also use kickdown for maximum
acceleration in manual drive program
M.
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Shift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
i Vehicles with an AMG engine: it is not
possible to use kickdown in manual drive
program M.
i Vehicles

without an AMG engine: if you
apply full throttle, the automatic
transmission shifts up to the next gear
when the maximum engine speed is
reached. This prevents the engine from
overrevving.
Switching off the manual drive program X
Press the program selector button
(Y page 149) repeatedly until E (C in AMG
vehicles) or S appears in the multifunction
display. 152
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Problems with the automatic transmission
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second
gear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock.
X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position D or R.
If D
is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. You hear a warning
tone. You have:
R
switched off the engine
R opened the driver's door
R not moved the selector lever to position P
X Move the selector lever to position P. Refueling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation

of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel result in damage to the fuel
system and engine. !
Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise,

the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
If you overfill the fuel tank, pressure may build
up in the fuel tank. This could cause fuel to
spray out when the fuel pump nozzle is
removed. There is a risk of injury. The fuel
tank is full when the fuel pump nozzle first
switches off. End the refueling process. Refueling
153
Driving and parking Z

Problems with the fuel and fuel tank
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.
G
Risk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0(Y page 139) in the ignition lock
immediately and remove it.
X Do not restart the engine under any circumstances.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The fuel filler flap
cannot be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The SmartKey batteries are discharged.
X
Unlock the vehicle (Y page 68).
or
X Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y page 70).
X Open the rear door.
X Manually unlock the fuel filler flap using the emergency release
(Y page 155). The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.
X
Manually unlock the fuel filler flap using the emergency release
(Y page 155).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Parking
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
the parking position P
R starting the engine.
They could also operate the vehicle's
equipment.

There is a risk of an accident and
injury. When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey

with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. G
WARNING
If flammable materials such as leaves, grass
or
twigs are exposed to prolonged contact to
parts of the exhaust system that heat up, they
could ignite. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable
materials come into contact with parts of the
vehicle which are hot. Take particular care not
to park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields. 156
Parking
Driving and parking

G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with
limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. Switching off the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with

limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to
neutral position N when you switch off the
engine. The vehicle may roll away. There is a
risk of an accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked
vehicle from rolling away by applying the
parking brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission X
Shift the transmission to position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock ( Y page 139) and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
X Apply the parking brake firmly.
X Turn the steering wheel until the steering
wheel lock engages.
i If you turn off the engine with the
SmartKey and then remove it from the ignition lock or open a front door, the
automatic transmission shifts to
P
automatically.
i The

SmartKey can only be removed if the
automatic transmission is in position P. Parking brake
G
WARNING
If you must brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the braking distance is considerably
longer

and the wheels could lock. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Only use the parking brake to brake the
vehicle when the service brake is faulty. Do
not apply the parking brake too firmly. If the
wheels lock, release the parking brake until
the wheels begin turning again. G
WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
the parking position P
R starting the engine.
They could also operate the vehicle's
equipment.

There is a risk of an accident and
injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. Parking
157
Driving and parking Z

If you brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the brake lamps will not light up.
If you drive on wet roads or dirt-covered
surfaces,
road salt and/or dirt could get into
the parking brake.
In order to prevent corrosion and a reduction
in the braking power of the parking brake,
observe the following:
R pull the parking brake upwards with the
release button depressed from time to time
before beginning the journey
(Y page 157).
R drive for approximately 110 yds (100 m) at
a maximum speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R
you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
R lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
R brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads !
Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check

the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage. If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R
the maximum permissible fording depth in
still water is

24 in (60 cm)
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace.
Off-road fording !
The water depth may not exceed a
maximum of 24 in (60 cm). Note that the
possible fording depth is less in flowing
water.
! Under no circumstances should you
accelerate before entering the water. The
bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and other assemblies.
! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle's electronics and interior
equipment. :
Fording depth: 24 in (60 cm)
The fording depth must not exceed 24 in
(60
cm) when the vehicle is loaded and ready
to drive.
i You may only drive through fresh water.
R Observe the safety notes (Y page 164) and
the general notes (Y page 164) on off-road
driving.
R Establish how deep the water is and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.162
Driving tips
Driving and parking