2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class ECU

Safety systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
USA only:
the red
brake system warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds.
Canada only: the
yellow brake system
warning
lamp is lit while
the engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds. G
WARNING
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking
characteristics may be affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention

to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 156).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. $ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
USA only:
the red
brake system warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds.
Canada only: the
yellow brake system
warning

lamp is lit while
the engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds. There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention

to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 156).
X Do not add brake fluid. Topping up will not remedy the
malfunction.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
249
On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsX
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
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 Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Y page 291).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-start driving. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.
The distance to the vehicle in front is too small for the speed
selected.
X
Increase the distance. ·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.

A warning tone
also sounds. You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
X
Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 177).258
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Tires
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsh
USA only:
The
yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss) is lit. The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
G WARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a risk of the
following hazards:
R they may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
R they

may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers.

Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 156).
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires ( Y page 304).
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 325).
X If necessary, correct the tire pressure. h
USA only:
The

yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) flashes for
approximately one
minute and then
remains lit. The tire pressure monitor is faulty.
G WARNING
The system is possibly unable to recognize or register low tire
pressure.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
259
On-board computer and displays 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).Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening

materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death. The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. You should
therefore load your vehicle as shown in the
illustrations.
The

gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door ( Y page 349).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
(Y page 349).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Y page 328).
Observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
i Transport loads when possible in the
cargo compartment. You should only use
the cargo compartment enlargement if the
load does not fit in the cargo compartment.
R always place the load against the front or
rear seat backrests.262
Loading guidelines
Stowage and features

If the rear bench seat is not occupied:
X
Insert the belt tongue on the outer seat
belts into the buckle of opposite seat
belt :.
X Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie downs.
X Pad sharp edges for protection. Stowage areas
Stowage space
Important safety notes G
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front Glove box X
To open: pull handle : and open glove box
flap ;.
X To close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages. 1
Glove box unlocked
2 Glove box locked
X To lock:(Y page 70) insert the mechanical
key

into the lock and turn it 90° clockwise
to position 2.
X To unlock:(Y page 70) insert the
mechanical

key into the lock and turn it 90°
counter-clockwise to position 1.
i The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
Stowage compartment/telephone
compartment under the armrest/in the
center console :
Small stowage compartment
; Release button for the armrest Stowage areas
263
Stowage and features Z

Stowage compartment/telephone
compartment under the armrest
X
To open: press button ;.
X Fold up armrest.
i In the stowage compartment, there is a
stowage tray.
X To close: fold the armrest down.
The armrest engages audibly.
Stowage space in the rear Stowage pockets
G
WARNING
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking,
or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
The stowage pockets are located on the rear
side of the front seats. Stowage nets
G
WARNING
Stowage nets are only intended for
transporting light loads such as road maps,
mail, etc.
Do not use stowage nets to transport heavy,
bulky, sharp-edged or fragile objects. In an
accident, during hard braking or during a
change of direction, they could be thrown
around inside the vehicle and cause injury to
vehicle occupants.
Stowage

nets cannot protect the transported
loads in the event of an accident.
The stowage net is in the front-passenger
footwell. Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Always lock the seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
occupied,

or the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. G
WARNING
Failure to assure that the seat bench and seat
backrests are locked into place could result
in an increased chance of injury in an
accident.
Never place hands under seat or near any
moving parts while a seat is being adjusted.
For safety reasons, the rear seat bench must
only be adjusted when the vehicle is
stationary.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! Ensure that you remove all containers
from the cup holder in the rear before
folding the seat backrest and the seat
cushion of the rear bench seat forwards.
The rear bench seat is split symmetrically.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seats can
be folded down to increase the cargo
compartment capacity. The following
changes are possible:
R fold the seat backrests forward
R fold the rear bench seat back fully.264
Stowage areas
Stowage and features

Folding the rear bench seat forward
X
Fold rear seat backrest (Y page 265)
forwards.
X Pull catch : in the direction of the arrow.
The corresponding rear bench seat is
released.
X Fold rear bench seat ; forwards. ;
Rear bench seat folded forward
Folding the rear bench seat into an
upright position G
WARNING
Make sure that the rear bench seat and front
seat backrest are correctly engaged in
position.
If the seat backrests or rear bench seat are
not fully engaged and the following occurs:
R sharp braking
R a sudden change of direction
R an accident
the
seat backrests or rear bench seat may fold
forwards and instead of being restrained by
the seats as intended you could be injured by them. Occupants could then also be injured
in the event of an accident, e.g. by objects
being thrown forwards from the cargo
compartment.
X Fold the rear bench seat back.
The seat catch engages audibly.
X Fold the backrest backwards
(Y page 265).
X Install the head restraints (Y page 88). Securing cargo
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Distribute the load on the cargo tie down rings
evenly.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could be
injured

by objects being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Please observe the loading guidelines.
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R secure the load using the cargo tie-down
rings.
R do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route tie-downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
R only use tie downs that have been checked
in accordance with applicable standards,
e.g. lashing nets or lashing straps.
R fill the spaces between the load and the
cargo compartment walls and the wheel
mountings in a form-locking way. Only use
dimensionally stable transportation aids
for this, such as chocks, wooden fixings or
padding.266
Stowage areas
Stowage and features

Vanity mirror in the sun visor
:
Sun visor
; Bracket
= Mirror cover
? Mirror light
Mirror lights ? will only function if sun
visor : is clipped into bracket ;.
X Fold down sun visor :.
X Fold up mirror cover =.
Mirror lights ? are switched on
automatically.
Glare from the side :
Sun visor
; Bracket
= Mirror cover
? Mirror light
X Fold down sun visor :.
X Pull sun visor : from bracket ;.
X Swing sun visor : to the side. Stowage compartment/ashtray
Stowage compartment/ashtray in the
center console :
Cover
; Insert
i On new vehicles, insert ; is stored in the
glove box. Install the insert before using the
ashtray.
X To open: press cover : and then release
it.
The ashtray opens.
X To remove the insert:
make sure that the
engine is switched off and that the parking
brake has been applied to secure the
vehicle against rolling away.
X Move the selector lever to N.
X Press down cover :.
Insert ; is released.
X Pull insert ; upwards and remove it.
X To install the insert:
install insert ; from
above.
X Push insert ; down.
Insert ; audibly engages.
X To close: close cover : fully.
i The ashtray is lit up if the low-beam
headlamps are on. Features
269
Stowage and features Z