2013 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV Owners Manual

If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (
50km),
the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
! Only secure the tow cable or tow bar to
the towing eyes. You could otherwise
damage the vehicle.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery
purposes as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! Your vehicles is equipped with an
automatic transmission. Therefore, you
must not have the vehicle tow-started. The
transmission may otherwise be damaged. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could
rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the
permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate ( Y page 349).
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If the transfer case

can be shifted into neutral
N, you can tow the vehicle. If the transfer case cannot be shifted into
neutral N, you can tow the vehicle with one
axle raised. Please
bear

the following in mind:
R remove the propeller shaft between the
transfer case and the rolling axle.
R turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock to position 2(Y page 139)
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Deactivate the automatic locking feature
(Y page 75). You could otherwise be locked
out when pushing or towing the vehicle. Towing eyes
Towing eyes, front 0043
Towing eyes, front
Towing eye, rear Towing and tow-starting
311
Breakdown assistance Z

Rear towing eye
0043 is located under the
bumper, on the left-hand
side when viewed in
the direction of travel. Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 310).
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 104).
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the
combination switch as usual. In this case,
only the turn signals for the desired
direction flash. When you reset the
combination switch, the hazard warning
lamps start flashing again.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
X Shift the transfer case to
neutral (Y page 200).
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake ( Y page 157).
i The transmission can only change gear if
the battery has sufficient charge.
If you cannot move

the selector lever to N,
the propeller shafts to the driven axles
must be removed. Transporting the vehicle
! Only lash the vehicle

down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged. Use the towing eyes to pull the vehicle if it
needs to be transported on a trailer or
transporter (
Y page 311).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X Move the selector lever to N.
X Shift the transfer case to
neutral (Y page 200).
X Secure the towing cable to the towing eyes
(Y page 311).
X Make sure that the vehicle cannot roll
away.
X Release the parking brake.
X Load the vehicle onto the transporter.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
X Apply the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock (Y page 139) and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle. Recovering a vehicle that has become
stuck
! Pull away smoothly, slowly, and in a
straight line when pulling

out a vehicle that
has become stuck. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles.
If the drive wheels get trapped on loose or
muddy ground, recover the vehicle with the
utmost care, especially so if the vehicle is
laden.
Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a
trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible,
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. 312
Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

Towing in the event of malfunctions
General notes !
If you are removing the propeller shaft,
use M10 nuts as spacers on the M8 bolts
and secure them with M8 nuts.
New self-locking nuts must be used when
the propeller shafts are refitted.
X Observe the safety notes as you do so
(Y page 310).
i Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Engine damage, gear damage or
electrical malfunctions X
Move the selector lever to
position N(Y page 145).
X Shift the transfer case to
neutral (Y page 200).
In the event of damage to the transfer
case Have the propeller shafts between the axles
and the transfer case removed.
In the event
of
damage to the front axleHave the propeller shaft between the rear
axle and the transfer case removed.
Have the vehicle towed with the front axle
raised.
In the event of damage to the rear axle
Have the propeller shaft between the front
axle and the transfer case removed.
Have the vehicle towed with the rear axle
raised and with wheel rollers under the front
axle. Fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only use fuses that have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and that have the
correct fuse rating for the systems
concerned. Do not attempt

to repair or bridge
faulty fuses. Using fuses that have not been
approved or attempting to repair or bridge
faulty fuses could cause the fuse to be
overloaded and result in a fire. Have the cause
traced and rectified at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or
systems could be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
i If a fuse has blown, contact a breakdown
service or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Before changing a fuse
X Park the vehicle and apply the parking
brake.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
All indicator lamps in

the instrument cluster
must be off. Fuses
313
Breakdown assistance Z

The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R
Main fuse box on the driver's side of the
dashboard
R Fuse box in the front-passenger footwell
R Fuse box in the transmission tunnel
R Fuse box in the battery case
The fuse allocation chart
and the spare fuses
are in the main fuse box on the dashboard
(Y page 314).
You will find the fuse removal device in the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 302). Dashboard fuse box
! Do not use a pointed object such as a
screwdriver to open the cover in the
dashboard. You could damage the
dashboard or the cover.
! Make sure that no

moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. X
Open the driver's door.
X To open: pull cover 0043 outwards in the
direction of the arrow and remove it.
X To close: clip in cover 0043 on the front of
the dashboard.
X Fold cover 0043 inwards until it engages. Fuse box in the front-passenger
footwell
! Make sure that no

moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. X
Unscrew screws 0043.
X Lift up cover 0044 in the direction of the
arrow. 0087
Fuse box Fuse box in the transmission tunnel
! Make sure that no

moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. 314
Fuses
Breakdown assistance

X
Fold down the cup holder on the center
console (Y page 268).
X Adjust the front-passenger seat to its
foremost position (Y page 86).
X To open: remove screws 0043.
X Remove cover 0044 in the direction of the
arrow.
X To close: clip in cover 0044.
X Install cover 0044 with screws 0043. Fuse box in the battery case
The fuses in the battery case do not usually
need to be replaced. If a fuse change is
necessary, consult a qualified specialist
workshop. Fuses
315Breakdown assistance Z

316

Useful information ............................
318
Important safety notes ....................318
Operation ........................................... 319
Winter operation ............................... 320
Tire pressure ..................................... 322
Loading the vehicle ..........................328
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .......................................... 332
Tire labeling ....................................... 334
Changing a wheel ............................. 340
Wheel and tire combinations ...........344 317Wheels and tires

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).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type

as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct. G
WARNING
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure

to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used. G
WARNING
If you notice sudden significant vibrations or
unusual handling performance or if you
suspect that damage has occurred to the
vehicle, you should activate the hazard
warning lamps, gently reduce speed and
carefully head for an area that is located at a
safe distance from the road.
Check the tires and the underside of the
vehicle for damage. If the vehicle seems
unsafe, have the vehicle towed away to the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer
to be repaired. G
WARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat

tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire. G
Warning
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
do not drive with a flat tire. Immediately
replace the flat tire with your spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center
if you require information on approved and
recommended tires and wheels for summer
and winter operation. Advice on purchasing
and caring for tires is also available there.
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being
used correctly can impair the operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and ask about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations318
Important safety notes
Wheels and tires