2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-CLASS SUV wheel

lose control of the vehicle. If the gradient is
too steep for your
vehicle,
drive back down in
reverse gear.
Maximum gradient-climbing capability i
If the load on the front axle is reduced
when pulling away on a steep uphill slope,
the front wheels have a tendency to spin.
4ETS recognizes this and brakes the
wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque
is increased, making it easier to drive off.
Hilltops When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly
reduce pressure on the accelerator
immediately before reaching the brow of the
hill.
Make
use of
the

vehicle's own impetus to
travel over the brow.
This style of driving prevents:
R the vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
brow of a hill
R the vehicle from traveling too quickly down
the other side
Driving downhill R
Drive slowly.
R Do not drive at an angle down steep
inclines. Steer into the line

of fall and drive
with the front wheels aligned straight.
Otherwise, the vehicle could slip sideways,
tip and rollover.
R Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
R Activate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake
gently. When doing so, make sure that the
vehicle is facing in the direction of the line
of fall.
R Check that the brakes are working normally
after a long downhill stretch. Driving systems
Cruise Control
Important safety 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 shift range 1, 2 or 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.
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).
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed 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
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
i Cruise control should not be activated
when driving off-road. Driving systems
169
Driving and parking Z

!
If DISTRONIC PLUS or the
HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed 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 radar sources
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.
For DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be:
R activated (Y page 229)
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) and 120 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:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, tampering
with, or altering the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment. 172
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Problems with PARKTRONIC
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 SolutionsOnly the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
You also
hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is
deactivated after
approximately five
seconds, and the
indicator lamp in the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up. PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.
X
If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is
deactivated after
approximately five
seconds. The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.
X
Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y page 307).
X Switch the ignition back on. The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves.
X
See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location. Active Parking Assist
Important safety notes Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to
measure the road on
both

sides of the vehicle.
A suitable parking space is indicated by the
parking symbol. Active steering intervention
can assist you during parking. You may also
use PARKTRONIC ( Y page 180). When
PARKTRONIC is switched off, Active Parking
Assist is also unavailable. G
WARNING
The vehicle swings out when parking and in
doing so could cross into the opposite lane.
This could result in a collision with another
road user. There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users when
parking. Stop the vehicle if necessary or cancel the Active Parking Assist parking
procedure.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at
a sharp angle. Otherwise, you

may damage
the wheels or tires.
Active Parking Assist is merely an aid. It is not
a replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exiting a parking space. When
maneuvering, parking or pulling out of a
parking space, make sure that there are no
persons, animals or objects in the area in
which you are maneuvering. 184
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces:
R
that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are on straight roads, not bends
R that are on the same
level as the road, e.g.
not on the pavement
Parking tips:
R On narrow roads, drive as close to the
parking space as possible.
R Parking spaces that are littered, overgrown
or partially occupied by trailer drawbars
might be identified incorrectly or not at all.
R Snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R Pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
(Y page 182) warning messages during the
parking procedure.
R You can intervene in the steering procedure
to correct it at any time. Active Parking
Assist will then be canceled.
R When transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist.
R when snow chains or an emergency spare
wheel are mounted, you should not use
Active Parking Assist here either.
R Make sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has a direct influence
on the parking characteristics of the
vehicle.
Detecting parking spaces Objects located above the height range of
Active Parking Assist will not be detected
when the parking space is measured. These
are not taken into account when the parking
procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or
loading

ramps of goods
vehicles. In some circumstances, Active
Parking Assist may therefore guide you into
the parking space too early. G
WARNING
If there are objects above the detection range,
Active Parking Assist may turn prematurely. You may cause a collision as a result. There is
a risk of an accident.
If there are objects
above

the detection range,
stop and deactivate Active Parking Assist.
Active Parking Assist is switched on
automatically when driving forwards. The
system is operational at speeds of up to
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h). While in
operation, the system independently locates
and measures parking spaces on both sides
of the vehicle. When driving at speeds below
19 mph (30 km/h), you will see the parking
symbol as a status indicator in the instrument
cluster. By default, Active Parking Assist only
displays parking spaces on the front-
passenger side. Parking spaces on the
driver's side are displayed as soon as the turn
signal on the driver's side is activated. To park
on the driver's side, you must leave the
driver's side turn signal switched on. This
must remain switched on until you
acknowledge the use of Active Parking Assist
by pressing the 0076 button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
When a parking space has been detected, an
arrow towards the right or the left also
appears. Example: detected parking space
0043
Detected parking space on the left
0044 Parking symbol
0087 Detected parking space on the right
Active Parking Assist will only detect parking
spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are at least 59 in (1.5 m) wide
R that are at least 51 in (1.3 m) longer than
your vehicle Driving systems
185
Driving and parking Z

A parking space is displayed while you are
driving past it, and until you are
approximately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.
Parking G
WARNING
Active Parking Assist merely aids you by
intervening actively in the steering. If you do
not brake there is a risk of an accident.
Always apply the brakes yourself when
maneuvering and parking.
i When PARKTRONIC detects obstacles,
Active Parking Assist brakes automatically
during the parking process. You are
responsible for braking in good time.
Active Parking Assist does not support you
with parking spaces parallel to the direction
of travel if:
R the parking space is on a curb
R the parking space is apparently blocked,
for example by foliage or grass paving
blocks
R the range of movement is too small
R the parking space is bordered by an
obstacle which is not clearly defined such
as a tree or a trailer
X Stop the vehicle when the parking space
symbol shows the desired parking
space in
the instrument cluster.
X Shift the transmission to position R.
The Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
0038 message appears in the

multifunction
display.
X To cancel the procedure: press the
0038 button on the multifunction steering
wheel or pull away.
or
X To park using Active Parking Assist:
press the 0076 button on

the multifunction
steering wheel.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings message appears in the multifunction
display.
X Let go of the multifunction steering wheel.
X Back up the vehicle, being ready to brake
at all times. When backing up, drive at a
speed below approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h). Otherwise

Active Parking Assist
will be canceled.
i In tight parking spaces, you will achieve
the best parking results by backing up as
far as possible. When doing so, also
observe the PARKTRONIC messages.
X Stop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
Maneuvering may be required in tight
parking spaces.
The Park Assist Active Select D
Observe Surroundings message appears

in
the multifunction display.
X Shift the transmission to position D while
the vehicle is stationary.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers

in
the other direction.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
i You will achieve the best results by
waiting for the steering procedure to
complete before pulling away.
X Drive forwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
X Stop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
The Park Assist Active Select R
Observe Surroundings
message
appears

in
the multifunction display.
X Further transmission shifts may be
necessary.
As soon as the parking procedure is
complete, the Park Assist Finished
message appears in the multifunction
display. PARKTRONIC continues to be
available. 186
Driving systems
Driving and parking

X
Maneuver if necessary.
X Always observe the warning messages
displayed by PARKTRONIC ( Y page 182).
Parking tips:
R The way your vehicle is positioned in the
parking space after parking is dependent
on various factors. These include the
position and shape of the vehicles parked
in front and
behind it
and the conditions of
the location. It may be the case that Active
Parking Assist guides you too far into a
parking space, or not far enough into it. In
some cases, it may also lead you across or
onto the curb. If necessary, you should
cancel the parking procedure with Active
Parking Assist.
R You can also engage forward gear
prematurely. The vehicle redirects and
does not drive as far into the parking space.
Should a gear be changed too early, the
parking procedure will be canceled. A
sensible parking position can no longer be
achieved from this position.
Exiting a parking space In order that Active Parking Assist can
support you when you
exit

the parking space:
R the border of the parking space must not
be too low.
R the border of the parking space must not
be too wide. The system maneuvers the
vehicle into a position at a maximum of 45°
to the starting position in the parking
space.
R a maneuvering distance of at least 24 in
(0.60 m) must be available.
Active Parking Assist can only assist you with
exiting a parking space if you have parked the
vehicle using Active Parking Assist.
X Start the engine.
X Switch on the turn signal on the side facing
the street. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R.
The Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
0038 message appears in the

multifunction
display.
X To cancel the procedure: press the
0038 button on the multifunction steering
wheel or pull away.
or
X To exit a parking space using Active
Parking Assist: press the 0076 button on
the multifunction steering wheel.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
X Let go of the multifunction steering wheel.
X Reverse the vehicle or drive forwards, being
ready to brake at all times. Do not exceed
a maximum speed of approximately
6 mph (10 km/h) when exiting a parking
space. Otherwise Active Parking

Assist will
be canceled.
X Stop when PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
X Shift the transmission to position D or R as
required while the vehicle is stationary.
Active Parking

Assist immediately steers in
the other direction. The Park Assist
Active Accelerate and Brake
Observe Surroundings message appears
in the multifunction display.
i You will achieve the best results by
waiting for the steering procedure to
complete before pulling away.
If you back up
after

activation, the steering
wheel is moved to the straight-ahead
position.
X Drive forwards or back up the vehicle, being
ready to brake at all times.
X Stop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
X Drive forwards and reverse as prompted by
the PARKTRONIC warning displays, several
times if necessary. Driving systems
187
Driving and parking Z

Once you have exited the parking space
completely, the steering wheel is moved to
the straight-ahead position. You hear a tone
and the Park Assist Finished message
appears in the multifunction
display.
You will
then have to steer and merge into traffic on
your own. PARKTRONIC is still available.
Canceling Active Parking Assist You can cancel Active Parking Assist at any
time.
X
Stop the movement of the multifunction
steering wheel or steer yourself.
Active Parking Assist will be canceled at
once. The Park Assist Canceled
message appears in the multifunction
display.
or
X Press the PARKTRONIC button on the
center console (Y page 182).
PARKTRONIC is switched off and Active
Parking Assist is immediately canceled.
The Park Assist Canceled

message
appears in the multifunction display.
Active Parking Assist is canceled
automatically if:
R you engage the electric parking brake
R parking using Active Parking Assist is no
longer possible
R you are driving faster than 6 mph
(10 km/h)
R a wheel spins, ESP®


intervenes or fails. The
00E5 warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster.
A warning tone sounds. The parking space
symbol disappears and the multifunction
display shows the Park Assist Canceled
message.
If Active Parking Assist is canceled, you must
steer again yourself.
If a system malfunction occurs, the vehicle is
braked to a standstill. To drive on, depress the
accelerator again. Towing a trailer For vehicles with a trailer tow hitch, the
minimum length for parking
spaces

is slightly
increased.
If you have attached a trailer to your vehicle,
you should not use Active Parking Assist.
Once the electrical connection is established
between your vehicle and the trailer, Active
Parking Assist is no longer available.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area. Rear view camera
Important safety notes The rear view camera is only an aid. It is not
a replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering and
parking.
When
maneuvering or
parking,

make
sure that there are no persons, animals or
objects in the area in which you are
maneuvering.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
in a limited manner:
R the tailgate is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent light or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In
this event, have the camera position and
setting checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.188
Driving systems
Driving and parking

0043
White guide line without turning the
steering wheel, vehicle width including
the exterior mirrors (static)
0044 Yellow guide line at a distance of
approximately 13 ft (4.0 m ) from the rear
of the vehicle
0087 Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, for current
steering wheel angle (dynamic)
0085 Yellow lane marking tires at current
steering wheel angle (dynamic) 0083
Yellow guide line at a distance of
approximately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear
of the vehicle
0084 Vehicle center axle (marker assistance)
006B Bumper
006C Red guide line at a distance of
approximately 12 in (0.30 m) from the
rear of the vehicle
The guide lines are shown when the
transmission is in position R
.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level. Additional messages for vehicles with
PARKTRONIC
0043
Front warning display
0044 Additional PARKTRONIC measurement
operational readiness indicator
0087 Rear warning display
Vehicles with PARKTRONIC: if
PARKTRONIC is operational ( Y
page 182), an
additional operational readiness indicator will
appear in COMAND display 0044. If the
PARKTRONIC warning displays are active or
light up, warning displays 0043 and 0087 are also
active or light up correspondingly in the
COMAND display.
"Reverse parking" function X
Make sure that the rear view camera is
activated and the "Reverse parking"
function is selected; see the separate
operating instructions for the audio
system/COMAND.
The lane and the guide lines are shown.190
Driving systems
Driving and parking