2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class transfer case

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ......................................
271
12 V socket ........................................ 271
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 62
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 193
4MATIC off-road system ................... 193A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message

............................ 226
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes .................... 61
Warning lamp ................................. 250
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 218
Display message ............................ 240
Function/information .................... 189
Trailer towing ................................. 192
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 64
Adaptive brake lamps .........................62
Additives (engine oil) ........................354
Air bags Display message ............................ 231
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 42
Important safety notes .................... 41
PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF- indicator lamp .......................... 44
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Window curtain air bag ....................44
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air vents
Important safety notes .................. 134
Rear ............................................... 136
Setting ........................................... 134
Setting the center air vents ...........135
Setting the side air vents ............... 135
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
All-wheel drive
Transfer case ................................. 198
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 222Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle ..............167
Ashtray ............................................... 269
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 218
ASSYST service interval display Service messages .......................... 293
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 65
Function ........................................... 65
Switching off the alarm .................... 65
Audio system
see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 234
see Lights
Automatic car wash .......................... 295
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 143
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 142
Automatic headlamp mode ..............100
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ............... 150
Display message ............................ 245
Drive position (ECO start/stop
function) ........................................ 147
Driving tips .................................... 149
Emergency running mode ..............153
Engaging drive position .................. 147
Engaging neutral ............................ 147
Engaging reverse gear ................... 146
Engaging the park position ............ 146
Important safety notes .................. 145
Kickdown ....................................... 149
Manual drive program ....................151
Neutral (ECO start/stop function) . 147
Overview ........................................ 145
Problem (malfunction) ...................153
Program selector button ................149
Pulling away ................................... 140
Selector lever ................................ 1454
Index

Trailer tow hitch
Ball position ................................... 359
Trailer towing
Active Blind Spot Assist
.................192
ESP ®
................................................ 64
PARKTRONIC ................................. 196
Transfer case
General notes ................................ 198
Shifting .......................................... 199
Shifting (general notes) .................. 199
Shifting (important safety notes) ... 199
Shifting to neutral ..........................200
Shift range ..................................... 198
Switching off the off-road gear
ratio ............................................... 200
Switching on the off-road gear
ratio ............................................... 199
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission positions ....................148
Transporting the vehicle .................. 312
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 168
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 213
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 212
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 214
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 111
Display message ............................ 232
Switching on/off ........................... 103
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 340
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................75
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 74 V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................
269
Variable SPEEDTRONIC
Function/notes ............................. 174
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 23
Data acquisition ............................... 24
Display message ............................ 245
Emergency locking ........................... 76
Emergency unlocking .......................75
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................218
Limited Warranty ............................. 24
Loading .......................................... 328
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 68
Lowering ........................................ 344
Maintenance .................................... 21
Parking for a long period ................ 158
Pulling away ................................... 140
Raising ........................................... 342
Reporting problems .........................24
Securing from rolling away ............341
Towing away .................................. 310
Tow-starting ................................... 310
Transporting .................................. 312
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................68
Vehicle data ................................... 357
Vehicle data ....................................... 357
Vehicle dimensions ...........................357
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............349
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 302
Ventilation Setting the airflow ......................... 131
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 216
VIN ...................................................... 349 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS

................................................ 250
Brakes ........................................... 249
Check Engine ................................. 256
Coolant .......................................... 25618
Index

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 60). G
WARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance. G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are

deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
Provided that the differential locks are not
active, ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even if you only brake gently.
The yellow ! ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Braking If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal. X
If ABS intervenes:
continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Off-road ABS If the
LOW RANGE
shift range is selected by
the transfer case, (Y page 199), an ABS
system specifically suited to off-road terrain
is automatically activated.
At speeds below 37 mph (60 km/h), the front
wheels lock cyclically during braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability. BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 60). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly,

BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. Driving safety systems
61
Safety Z

Transmission positions
B
Park position
Do not shift the transmission into
position
P (Y page
145) unless the
vehicle is stationary. The parking
lock should not be used as a brake
when parking. In addition to
engaging the parking lock, you
must always apply the parking
brake to secure the vehicle.
i The SmartKey can only be
removed if the transmission is in
position P. When there is no
SmartKey in the ignition lock, the
selector lever is locked in
position P.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop. C
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary. A
Neutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing

the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission could be
damaged.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
If you want to engage the transfer
case, shift briefly into N
(Y page 199).
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train. 7
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the position of the transfer case ( HIGH
RANGE or LOW RANGE)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed148
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

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

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

X
Engine oil level: check the engine oil level
and add oil if necessary.
Only then does the engine receive enough
oil when the vehicle is standing on a steep
incline.
X Tire-changing tool kit:
check that the jack
is working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
X Wheels and tires: check the tire tread
depth and tire pressure.
X Check for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires.
X Replace any missing valve caps.
X Replace dented or damaged wheels.
X Carry a sound spare wheel.
Checklist after driving off-road Driving over rough terrain places greater
demands on your vehicle than driving on
normal roads. After driving off-road, check
the

vehicle. This allows you to detect damage
promptly and reduce the risk of an accident
to yourself and other road users.
X Shift the transfer case to HIGH
RANGE(Y page 199).
X Disengage the differential locks
(Y page 201).
X Clean the headlamps and rear lights and
check for damage.
X Clean the front and rear license plates.
X Clean the wheels and tires with a water jet
and remove any foreign objects.
X Clean the wheels, tires, wheel housings and
the vehicle underside with a water jet;
check

for any foreign objects and damage.
X Check whether twigs or other parts of
plants have become trapped. These
increase the risk of fire and can damage
fuel pipes, brake hoses or the rubber
bellows of the axle joints and propeller
shafts. X
After the trip, examine without fail the
entire

undercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes,
bodywork structure, steering, chassis and
exhaust system for damage.
X After driving for extended periods across
sand,

mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty
conditions, have the brake discs, wheels,
brake pads/linings and axle joints checked
and cleaned.
X If you notice strong vibrations after off-road
driving, check for foreign objects in the
wheels and drive train and, if necessary,
remove them. Foreign objects can disturb
the balance and cause vibrations.
X Test the brakes.
Driving on sand Observe the following rules when driving on
sand:
R
Shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE(Y page 199).
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Limit the shift range of the automatic
transmission according to the off-road
conditions.
R Drive quickly to overcome the rolling
resistance.

Otherwise, the vehicle could dig
itself into the sand.
R Drive in the tracks of other vehicles if
possible. Make sure that the ruts are not
too deep, that the sand is firm enough and
that your vehicle has sufficient ground
clearance.
Tire ruts and gravel roads !
Check that the ruts are not too deep and
that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged
or bottom out and get stuck.
Observe the following rules when driving
along

ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with
loose gravel: 166
Driving tips
Driving and parking