2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV engine overheat

Displays and operation
Instrument cluster
Instrument cluster: miles
0043
Speedometer with segments (Y page 210)
0044 Multifunction display ( Y page 212)
0087 Tachometer (Y page 210)
0085 Coolant temperature ( Y page 209)
0083 Fuel gauge
0084 Instrument cluster lighting (Y page 209) Instrument lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle
interior can be adjusted
using the brightness
control knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the
bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Y page 209).
X Turn the brightness control knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
If the light switch is set to 0058, 0060 or
0058, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
i The light sensor
in

the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display. In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated.
Displaying the coolant temperature
G
WARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which

may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the Displays and operation
209
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00AC
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
0050 Solutions003D 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. 00B2
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). 00B2
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

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00AC
The red coolant
warning lamp comes
on
while the engine is
running. The coolant level is too low.
!
Avoid making long
journeys
with too little coolant in the engine
cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be
malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X 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 Apply the parking brake.
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 Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
below 248 ‡ (120

†). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-start driving. 00AC
The red coolant
warning lamp comes
on
while the engine is
running.

A warning tone
also sounds. The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The
airflow
to the
engine
radiator may be blocked or the coolant level
may be too low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
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. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
257
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).Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the

hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others. G
WARNING
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department. G
WARNING
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let
the

engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions. G
WARNING
To avoid injury, stay clear of moving parts
when the hood is open and the engine is
running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30seconds or may even

restart
after the engine has been switched off. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. G
WARNING
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage,
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system:
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually G
WARNING
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off and that

the SmartKey has been
pulled out of the ignition lock before opening
the hood.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. 288
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Adding engine oil
H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. You can
obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R replacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacement specified by
the service system has been exceeded
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil cap
X
Turn cap 0043 counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add the amount of oil required. Observe the specifications in the on-board
computer
when doing
so

or fill carefully to the
maximum mark on the oil dipstick.
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 353).
i The difference between the minimum
mark and the maximum mark on the oil
dipstick is approximately 2.1 US qt (2 l).
X Replace cap 0043 on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely. Additional service products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
In order to avoid potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of vapor or
coolant leaking from the

cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant tank if the coolant temperature is
above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant tank contains hot fluid and is under
pressure.
R using a cloth, slowly turn the cap
approximately 00C5 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If you open the cap immediately,
pressurized scalding hot fluid and vapor will
be blown out.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. Engine compartment
291
Maintenance and care Z

R
Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Windshield washer fluid
R Climate control system refrigerant
Components and service products must be
matched. You should therefore only use
products that have been
tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or on the Internet at http://
bevo.mercedes-benz.com .
You can recognize service products approved
by Mercedes-Benz by the following
inscription on the containers:
R MB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
R MB Approval (e.g. MB Approval 229.51)
Other designations or recommendations
indicate a level of quality or a specification in
accordance with an MB Sheet number (e.g.
MB 229.5). They have not necessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Fuel
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and
explosion.
You must avoid fire, naked flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the

auxiliary heating before
refueling. G
WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure

that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children. If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
R
Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
R If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance
without delay.
R If fuel is swallowed, seek medical
assistance without delay. Do not induce
vomiting.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
Tank capacity Total capacity
All models
25.4 US gal
(96.0 l) Of which reserve
All models
Approximate
ly 3.7 US gal (14.0 l) Gasoline (EN 228)
Fuel grade
!
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.
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire. Service products and filling capacities
351Technical data Z

http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. Or
contact a qualified specialist workshop.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where
high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs
the following tasks:
R corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down
to -35 ‡ (-37 †), the boiling point of the
coolant in the pressure system is
approximately 266 ‡ (130 †).
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the engine cooling system
should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 †).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -49 ‡ [-45 †]). Otherwise, heat
will not be dissipated as effectively.
If the vehicle has lost coolant, add equal
amounts of water and antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor. Mercedes-Benz recommends an
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor in accordance
with MB Specifications for Service Products
310.1.
The coolant is checked with every
maintenance interval at a qualified specialist
workshop.
i When the vehicle is first delivered, it is
filled with a coolant mixture that ensures
adequate antifreeze and corrosion
protection.
The engine cooling system is filled with
coolant at the factory; this coolant contains
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor that ensures protection down to approximately -35 ‡
(-37 †).
Your vehicle has a range of aluminum
components. Aluminum components in the
engine make it necessary to use antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor that has been specifically
formulated to protect the aluminum parts.
Using other antifreeze/corrosion inhibitors
without these characteristics affects the
service life.
The coolant must be
used throughout the year
in order to maintain the necessary corrosion
protection and to provide protection from
overheating. In the Maintenance Booklet, you
can find information on the intervals for
renewal.
The renewal interval is determined by the
coolant type and the engine cooling system
design. The renewal interval in the
Maintenance Booklet is only valid if the
coolant is renewed or added to with
Mercedes-Benz approved products.
Therefore, only use MB 326.0 antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor or another Mercedes-Benz
approved product of the same specification.
Information on other products with the same
specifications that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be obtained at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or on the
Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
If the coolant level is too low, MB 325.0
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor should be
added. Have the engine cooling system
checked for possible leaks. Service products and filling capacities
355
Technical data Z