2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class window

i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again. Switching the windshield defroster
on/off
G
WARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the windshield before driving.
Otherwise, your vision may be impaired,
which could endanger you or others. X
Turn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 139) in the ignition lock.
X To switch on: press button ;.
Indicator lamp : lights up.
X To switch off: press button ;.
Indicator lamp : goes out.
i At outside temperatures above
50 ‡(10 †),
the windshield heating cannot
be activated. Indicator lamp : lights up
briefly when you attempt to activate it and
then goes out again.
i The windshield defroster has a high
current draw. You should therefore switch
it off as soon as the windshield is clear. The
windshield heating otherwise switches
itself off automatically after 10 minutes.
i If you turn on the windshield heating for
the fourth consecutive time, the windshield
heating will automatically switch off after
5 minutes.
i If the vehicle's electrical system voltage
is too low because too many electrical consumers are switched on, indicator
lamp
: flashes. After approximately
30 seconds, the windshield heating turns
off automatically. Switching the rear window defroster
on/off
Activating/deactivating G
WARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed
from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
X Turn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 139) in the ignition lock.
X USA only: press the ª button.
The
indicator lamp in the ª button lights
up or goes out.
i The rear window defroster has a high
current draw. You should therefore switch
it off as soon as the rear window is clear.
as it only switches off automatically after
several minutes.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
Problems with the rear window
defroster If the indicator lamp in the
ª
rear window
defroster button flashes, the on-board
voltage is too low. The rear window defroster
has deactivated prematurely or cannot be
activated.
X Switch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically. Operating the climate control systems
133
Climate control Z

Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
G
WARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
X Turn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 139) in the ignition lock.
X To switch on: press the d button.
The indicator lamp in the d button lights
up.
i Air-recirculation mode is automatically
activated at high levels of pollution or at
high outside temperatures. When air-
recirculation mode is activated
automatically, the indicator lamp in the
d button is not lit.
Outside air is added after approximately
30 minutes.
X To deactivate: press the d button.
The
indicator lamp in the d button goes
out.
i Air-recirculation mode switches off
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below
approximately

41 ‡
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes at
outside temperatures above
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †) Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
The "residual heat" function is only available
in Canada.
It

is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the coolant temperature and
on the interior temperature that has been set.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
i If you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated.
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0(Y page 139) in the ignition lock or
remove it.
X To activate: press the Á button.
The
indicator lamp in the Á button lights
up.
X To deactivate: press the Á button.
The
indicator lamp in the Á button goes
out.
i Residual heat is deactivated
automatically:
R after approximately

30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops
R if the coolant temperature is too low Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold

(depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents. 134
Setting the air vents
Climate control

X
Remove the SmartKey when the engine is
switched off.
The starter battery could otherwise be
discharged.
If you cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock, the starter battery may not be charged
sufficiently.
X Check the starter battery and charge it if
necessary ( Y page 307).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 308).
i You can only remove the SmartKey if:
R the SmartKey is in position 0 in the
ignition lock.
R the automatic transmission selector
lever is in P.Starting the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these
exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation. G
WARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do

not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine. Starting procedure X
Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
i For further information about the
automatic transmission, see
(Y page 145).
i If

you depress the brake when starting the
engine, pedal travel is unusually long and
there is less pedal resistance.
X Make sure that the parking brake is
applied.
X Turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 3 (Y page 139) and release it as
soon as the engine is running.
i You
can also use the touch-start function.
To do this, turn the SmartKey to position 3
(Y page 139) and release it immediately.
The engine then starts automatically. Pulling away
Automatic transmission G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position D or
R,

the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There
is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position D or R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
! Only shift the automatic transmission to
reverse gear R or park position P when the
vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission could be damaged.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while depressing the brake pedal. This
impairs engine performance and results in
premature wear on the brake system and
drivetrain. 140
Driving
Driving and parking

Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
X
The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
X Remove unnecessary loads.
X Remove roof carriers when they are not
needed.
X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds.
X Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
X Have all maintenance work performed at
the service intervals specified in the
Service
Booklet or indicated by the service
interval indicator.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving G
WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident

are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient

clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats. Exhaust check G
WARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do

not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. For this
reason, all work on the engine should only be
carried out by qualified and authorized
Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be carried out at
regular intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet. Braking
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you activate the LOW off-road gear while
driving
on a slippery road surface, the wheels
may lose traction:
R if you remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal when driving
R if off road ABS intervenes when braking
If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no
longer be steered. There is an increased
danger of skidding and accidents. Driving tips
159
Driving and parking
Z

R
Switch off the air-conditioning system.
R
R Shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE(Y page 198).
R Engage the differential locks, if necessary
(Y page 201).
R Restrict the shift range to 1 or
2(Y page 150).
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Enter
and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
R Do not stop and do not switch off the
engine.
R Water offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
R Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
R Water offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
R Apply the brakes to dry them after fording. Winter driving
General notes G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such

as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If

you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind. G
WARNING
If snow chains are installed to the front
wheels, they may drag against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could
cause damage to the vehicle or the tires.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R never install snow chains to the front
wheels
R always install snow chains in pairs to the
rear wheels.
Have

your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 320).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Y page 320).
Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Driving tips
163
Driving and parking
Z

The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R
4ETS ( Y page 62)
R Transfer case (Y page 198)
R Differential locks ( Y page 201)
Observe the following notes:
R stop
your vehicle and, if necessary, shift the
transfer case to LOW
RANGE(Y page 199) before driving off-
road.
R AMG vehicles: to shift the transfer case to
LOW RANGE, deactivate the ECO start/
stop function (Y page 142).
R engage the differential locks, if necessary
(Y page 201)
i ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated
when the differential locks are activated.
This allows the front wheels to lock briefly,
so that these can dig into a loose surface.
However, please note that locked wheels
skid and can no longer steer.
R Check that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(Y page 267).
R To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
there is always sufficient ground clearance.
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
R Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a
walking pace.
R Ensure that the wheels are in contact with
the ground at all times.
R Drive with extreme care on unknown off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
R Check the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
R When fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine. R
Look out for obstacles such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
R Always keep the doors, rear door, side
windows and the sliding sunroof closed
while the vehicle is in motion.
R Switch off cruise control.
R Do not stray from marked routes or paths.
R Adapt your speed to the terrain. The
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
R On sand, drive quickly to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle
could dig itself into the sand.
R Do not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
R Avoid high engine speeds. Drive at
appropriate engine speeds (maximum
3,000 rpm).
R Do not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.
R Always check the vehicle for damage after
off-road driving.
i Information about retrofitting special all-
terrain tires is available from any qualified
specialist workshop.
i Do not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill
gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces.
The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle
on such surfaces.
Checklist before driving off-road !
If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle

in a safe place as soon as possible.
Check the engine oil level. The engine oil
warning lamp warning must not be ignored.
Continuing the journey while the symbol is
displayed could lead to engine damage. Driving tips
165
Driving and parking Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions6
Front Left
Malfunction
Service
RequiredorFront
Right Malfunction
Service Required SRS has malfunctioned at the front on the left or right. The
6
warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
G WARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be
triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not
be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 6
Rear Left
Malfunction
Service
RequiredorRear
Right Malfunction
Service Required SRS has malfunctioned at the rear on the left or right. The
6
warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
G WARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be
triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not
be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 6
Rear Center
Malfunction
Service Required SRS has malfunctioned at the rear center. The
6 warning lamp
also lights up in the instrument cluster.
G WARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be
triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not
be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 6
Left Side Curtain
Airbag

Malfunction
Service Required 
or Right Side
Curtain Airbag
Malfunction
Service Required There is a malfunction in the left-hand or right-hand window
curtain air bag. The
6 warning lamp also lights up in the
instrument cluster.
G WARNING
The left or right window curtain air bag may either be triggered
unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be
triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.230
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Cargo tie-down rings in the cargo
compartment
There are four cargo tie-down rings
:
mounted at the sides in the cargo
compartment. Cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes !
When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the cargo
compartment higher than the lower edge of
the side windows. Do not place heavy
objects on top of the cargo compartment
cover.
The cargo compartment cover is located
behind the rear bench seat backrest.
Opening and closing the cargo
compartment cover X
To open: pull cargo compartment
cover :

back and clip it into the retainers
on the left and right of the rear door.
X To close: unclip cargo compartment
cover : and guide it forwards until it is
completely rolled up.
Installing/removing the cargo
compartment cover X
To remove: make sure that cargo
compartment cover ; is rolled up.
X Slide catches :
on the left-hand and right-
hand sides of cargo compartment
cover ; towards the center of the vehicle.
X Swing cargo compartment cover ;
up and
out.
X To install: slide catches : towards the
center of the vehicle.
X Insert cargo compartment cover ; into
the recesses in the side trim.
X Push down the right-hand and left-hand
sides

of cargo compartment cover ; until
it engages.
X Slide catches :
in the direction of the side
trim. Roof carrier
G
WARNING
Do not load items on the roof. It may cause
instability during some maneuvers which
could result in an accident. Stowage areas
267
Stowage and features Z