2014 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class towing

Driving tips
X
On long and steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1,2or 3(Y page 150) in
good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
X If necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE( Ypage 194).
This will use the braking effect of the
engine, so that less braking will be required
to maintain the 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.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. Refer to the
"Technical data" section to find out whether
this applies to your vehicle. If you utilize any
of the added maximum rear axle load when
towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer
combination may not exceed a maximum
speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for reasons
concerning the operating permit. This also
applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
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
maintain the 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, decrease with
increasing altitude. Trailer power supply
! You can connect accessories with a
maximum power consumption of 180 W to
the permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics. 200
Towing a trailerDriving and pa
rking

Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes You can make a connection to the 13-pin
socket on the ball coupling using an adapter
or, if necessary, an adapter cable. Both can
be obtained in a qualified specialist
workshop.
Installing the adapter !
Make sure that there is enough slack in
the cable for cornering so that the cable
cannot become detached. X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the connector with lug 0043into
groove 0044on the socket and turn the
connector clockwise to the stop.
X Make the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties.
i When the socket is connected, the
ultrasonic backing up aid is deactivated. Towing a trailer
201Driving and parking Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions Blind Spot Assist
Blind Spot Assist
Currently Currently
Unavailable See Unavailable See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual
or
Active Blind Spot
Active Blind Spot
Assist Currently Assist Currently
Unavailable See Unavailable See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is temporarily
inoperative. Possible causes are:
R
you have established the electrical connection between the
trailer and your vehicle.
R the sensors are dirty.
R function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
The yellow 0063indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
X When towing a trailer, confirm the display message with 0076.
If you are driving without a trailer and the display message does
not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Clean the sensors (Y page 291).
X Restart the engine.
If the system detects that the sensors are fully operational, the
display message disappears.
Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is operational again. Blind Spot Assist Blind Spot Assist
Inoperative Inoperativeor
Active Blind Spot Active Blind Spot
Assist Inoperative Assist Inoperative Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is defective.
The yellow
0063indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. DISTRONIC PLUS DISTRONIC PLUS
Off Off DISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated (Y
page 176).
If it was deactivated automatically, a warning tone also sounds. DISTRONIC PLUS
DISTRONIC PLUS
Now Available Now Available DISTRONIC PLUS is operational again after having been
temporarily unavailable. You can now reactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y
page 176). Display
messages
235On-board computer and displays Z

X
To initiate an emergency call
manually: press cover 0043briefly to open.
X Press SOS button 0044briefly.
The indicator lamp in SOS button 0044
flashes until the emergency call is
concluded.
X Wait for the voice connection with the
Response Center.
X After the emergency call, close cover 0043.
Roadside Assistance button X
Open the stowage compartment under the
armrest (Y page 258).
X Press Roadside Assistance button 0043for
more than two seconds.
A call to a Mercedes-Benz Roadside
Assistance Representative is initiated.
Indicator lamp 0044in Roadside Assistance
button 0043flashes while the call is active.
The Connecting Connecting Call
Callmessage appears in
the multifunction display and the COMAND
system is muted.
If a connection can be made, the Call
Call
Connected
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
If a mobile phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Response
Center, for example:
R Current location of the vehicle
R Vehicle identification number R
Vehicle model
R Vehicle color
i The COMAND display shows that an
mbrace call is active. You can switch to the
navigation menu during the call by pressing
the NAVI button on COMAND. Voice output
is not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Representative and the vehicle occupants.
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Representative either sends a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or makes
arrangements for your vehicle to be
transported to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You may be charged
for services such as repair work and/or
towing. Further details are available in your
mbrace manual.
X Describe the type of assistance needed.
i If the indicator lamp in Roadside
Assistance button 0043is flashing
continuously and no voice connection with
the Response center has been established,
then the mbrace system has not been able
to initiate a Roadside Assistance call (e.g.
the relevant mobile phone network is not
available). The Call Failed Call Failedmessage
appears in the multifunction display.
X To end a call: press the0076button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
X Press the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on COMAND.
i Sign and drive services 1
: you are not
charged for services such as jump-starting,
providing a few gallons of fuel for a fuel tank
that has been run dry or changing a faulty
tire with the vehicle's own spare wheel.
1 USA only. Features
269Stowage an d features Z

Useful information
............................296
Where will I find...? ...........................296
Flat tire .............................................. 298
Battery (vehicle) ................................ 299
Jump-starting .................................... 303
Towing and tow-starting ..................305
Fuses .................................................. 308 295Breakdown assistance

Position number
0084identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
The jump-start terminal point consists of terminals 0044and 0085.
X Lift up cover 0043of positive terminal 0044in the direction of the arrow.
X Connect positive terminal 0044on your vehicle to positive terminal 0085of donor battery 0084
using the jumper cable. beginning with your own battery.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal 0083of donor battery 0084to ground point 0087of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery 0084first.
X Start the engine.
X First, remove the jumper cable from ground point 0087and negative terminal 0083, then from
positive terminal 0044and positive terminal 0085, each time disconnecting from the battery on
your own vehicle first.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore, deactivate HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the
vehicle is to be towed.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded. Towing and tow-starting
305Breakdown assistance Z

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 342).
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 1in 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(Ypage 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 306
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

Rear towing eye
0043is 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 305).
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 2in 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 195).
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
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, 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 306).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X Move the selector lever to N.
X Shift the transfer case to neutral
(Y page 195).
X Secure the towing cable to the towing eyes
(Y page 306).
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 has been loaded:
X Apply the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock (Y page 139) and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle. Recovering a vehicle that has become
stuck
! When recovering a vehicle that has
become stuck, pull it as smoothly and
evenly as possible. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles.
If the drive wheels have become stuck in
loose or muddy ground, pull the vehicle out
with extreme caution, especially so if the
vehicle is loaded.
Never attempt to recover a stuck vehicle with
a trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. Towing and tow-starting
307Breakdown assistance Z