2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class heating

Setting the side air vents
0002
Side window defroster vent
0003 Side air vent
0021 Control for side air vent
X To open/close: turn thumbwheel 0021up or
down. Setting the glove box air vent
! Close the air vent when heating the
vehicle.
At high outside temperatures, open the air
vent and activate the "cooling with air
dehumidification" function. Otherwise,
temperature-sensitive items stored in the
glove box could be damaged. 0002
Air vent thumbwheel
0003 Air vent
When automatic climate control is activated,
the glove box can be ventilated, for instance
to cool its contents. The level of airflow
depends on the airflow and air distribution
settings. X
To open/close: turn thumbwheel 0002
clockwise or counter-clockwise. Setting the rear-compartment air
vents
Setting the center vents in the rear
compartment Example: center vents with rear control panel
0002
Rear-compartment air vent thumbwheel
0003 Rear-compartment air vent, right
0021 Rear control panel
0020 Rear-compartment air vent, left
X To open/close: turn thumbwheel 0002up or
down.
Setting the rear-compartment side air
vents 2nd row of seats
0002
B-pillar air vent
0003 Thumbwheel for B-pillar air vent Setting the air vents
159Climate control Z

Problems with the transmission
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into
secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. Transfer case
! Performance tests may only be carried
out on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake
system or transfer case could otherwise be
damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for a performance test.
! Because ESP ®
is an automatic system,
the engine and ignition must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0or 1or Start/
Stop button in position 0or 1) when the
electric parking brake is being tested on a
brake dynamometer (maximum
10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always
transmitted to both axles. Refueling
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, open 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. Refueling
177Driving and parking
Z

these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
withou tsufficient ventilation.
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 th eengine must be carried
ou tb y qualified and authorized Mercedes-
Benz technicians.
The engine settings mus tnot 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 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.
Downhill gradients !
On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Do not depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. causing the
brakes to rub by constantly applying light
pressure to the pedal. This results in
excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the
vehicle has been washed or driven through
deep water.
You then have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a greater distance from
the vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion. Driving tips
187Driving and parking Z

Fording
depth Off-road level 2 20 in
(50 cm) Off-road level 1 20 in
(50 cm) AMG vehicles
20 in
(50 cm) R
Establish how deep the wate ris and the
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
R Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select the highest possible vehicle level.
R Restrict the shift range to 1or 2.
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.
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
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
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.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
i Vehicles with adiesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, e.g. with a protective
cover. The measuring function of the
onboard diagnosis syste mmay otherwise
provide inaccurate values .Some of these
values are required by law and must
therefore always be accurate.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 402).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y
page 402).
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.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.190
Driving tipsDriving and parking

to lose tractio
nand the vehicle could then
skid
R when there is poor visibility, e.g .due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must
select shif trange 1,2or 3in good time. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine, which relieves the load
on the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
i Cruise control should no tbeactivated
during off-road driving.
Cruise control lever 0002
To activate or increase speed
0003 To activate or reduce speed
0021 To deactivate cruise control
0020 To activate at the current speed/last
stored speed
Whe nyou activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the multifunction display for five seconds. In the multifunction display,
the segments between the stored speed and
the maximum speed light up.
Activation conditions To activate cruise control, all of the following
activation conditions must be fulfilled:
R
the electric parking brake must be
released.
R you are driving faster than 20mph
(30 km/h).
R ESP ®
must be active, but not intervening.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R DSR must be deactivated.
R off-road program 2 must be deactivated
(vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package).
Storing, maintaining and calling up a
speed Storing and maintaining
aspeed X
Accelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
up 0002 or down 0003.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Cruise control is activated. The vehicle
automatically maintains the stored speed.
You can accept the current speed if you are
driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h).
i Cruise control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The 196
Driving systemsDriving and parking

front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in you
rlane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constan tspeed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
R on slippery road surfaces .Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other rada rsources
R strong radar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a
vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may
unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the
stored speed.
This speed may:
R be too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane
R be so high when driving in the right-hand
lane that you overtake vehicles in the left-
hand lane
R be so high when driving in the left-hand lane
that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand
lane
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
General notes DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the
distance to the vehicle detected in front. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.
On long and steep downhill gradients,
especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a
trailer, you must select shift range
1,2or 3
in good time. By doing so, you will make use
of the braking effect of the engine, This
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a slower-moving
vehicle in front, your vehicle is braked in order
to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle
in front.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk
of a collision, you will be warned visually and
acoustically. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot
prevent a collision without your intervention.
An intermittent warning tone will then sound
and the distance warning lamp will light up in
the instrument cluster. Brake immediately in
order to increase the distance to the vehicle
in front or take evasive action provided it is
safe to do so.
For DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be:
R activated (Y page 281)
R operational
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the speed range between 20 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) and120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of
you, it operates in the speed range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.
i USA only: Driving systems
199Driving and parking Z

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be differen tincomparison
with when driving without atrailer.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range 1,2or 3in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to
maintai nthe speed, This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly. If
you need additional braking, depress the
brake pedal repeatedly rather than
continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine
and, consequently, the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decreases with
increasing altitude. Installing the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly it can become detached while the
vehicle is in motion and fall onto the road.
There is a risk of accident and injury. Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or
not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling installation
instructions. Make sure that the ball coupling
is installed and secured correctly before every
journey. Cover cap
X
Pull protective cap 0002in the direction of the
arrow, out of the ball coupling recess.
X Place protective cap 0002in the ball coupling
recess. Towing
atrailer
259Driving an d parking Z

R
Always stow objects so tha tthey cannot be
thrown around in such situations.
R Always make sure that objects do not
protrude from stowage spaces, parcel nets
or stowage nets.
R Close the lockable stowage spaces while
driving.
R Stow and secure objects that are heavy,
hard, pointy, sharp-edged, fragile or too
large in the cargo compartment.
! Only use the cup holders for containers of
the right size and which have lids. The
drinks could otherwise spill.
The stowage compartments in the doors
provide space for bottles with a capacity of
up to 34 fl. oz. (1.0 liter).
The bottles are not secured or prevented from
tipping over. Therefore, do not place any open
drink containers in the stowage
compartments.
Cup holder in the front-compartment
center console 0002
Cup holder
0003 Cover
X To open: slide cover 0003to its foremost
position.
X To close: pull cover 0003back as far as it will
go.
You can remove the cup holder's rubber mat
for cleaning. Cleanw ith clear, lukewarm
water only. Temperature-controlled cup holder in
the front-compartment center console
0002
Cup holder
0003 Residual heat indicator lamp
0021 Switch
The temperature-controlled cup holder can
be used to keep cold drinks cool and warm
drinks warm.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on the cooling function: press
and hold button 0021until the blue indicator
lamp on the button lights up.
X To switch on the heating function: press
and hold button 0021until the red indicator
lamp on the button lights up.
X To switch off the function: press and hold
button 0021until the indicator lamp on the
button goes out.
When the heating function is used, the metal
insert of the cup holder is heated. Once a
certain temperature is reached, residual heat
indicator lamp 0003lights up. This means that
the metal insert of the cup holder is hot .For
this reason, you must not reach into the cup
holder metal insert.
Do not use hard or sharp objects to clean the
cup holder. Use only a soft cloth to clean it.
Cup holder in the rear seat armrest !
Do not sit on or support your body weight
on the rear seat armrest when it is folded
down, as you could otherwise damage it. Features
345Stowage and features Z