2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class Check engine

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

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

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsb
Check
Left Daytime
Running Light or 
Check Right
Daytime Running
Light The left or right-hand daytime running lamp is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Malfunction See
Operator's Manual The exterior lighting is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Auto

Lamp Function
Inoperative The light sensor is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. b
Switch Off Lights The lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.
X
Turn the light switch to Ã.Engine
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's Manual The coolant level is too low.
X
Add coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Y page 291).
X Have the coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop

if the coolant needs topping up more often than usual.? The fan motor is faulty.
X
At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡
(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-start traffic.234
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
Coolant Too Hot
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine Off The coolant is too hot.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 156).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the display message goes out
and the coolant temperature is below
248 ‡ (120 †).
Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant
level, the coolant temperature may rise to
248 ‡ (120 †).The poly-V-belt may have torn.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Check the poly-V-belt.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do

not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Wait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
235
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions# The battery is not being charged.
A warning tone also sounds.
Possible causes are:
R
a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Open the hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do
not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 4
Check Engine Oil
At Next Refueling The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.
X
Check the oil level when next refueling, at the latest
(Y page 289).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 291).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). 4
Engine Oil Level
Low Stop Vehicle
Turn Engine Off The engine oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Add engine oil ( Y page 291) and check the oil level
(Y page 289). 236
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions4
Check Engine Oil
Level
(Add 1 quart) AMG vehicles: the engine oil level is too low.
X
Check the oil level when next refueling, at the latest
(Y page 289).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 291).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). 4
Engine Oil Level
Cannot Be Measured The measuring system is malfunctioning.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 8
Fuel Level Low The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. C There is only a very small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station without fail. 8
Gas Cap Loose The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X
Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed:
X Close the fuel filler cap.
If the fuel filler cap is correctly closed:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
237
On-board computer and displays Z

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 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