Shifting the transfer case
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral
position, power transmission to the driven
wheels is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle
could roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
Always wait for the gear change process from
HIGH RANGE toLOW RANGE and from
LOW RANGE toHIGH RANGE to complete.
Do not turn off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission
to another gear.
General notes :
Current shift range :
Indicator lamp
; LOW RANGE button
Switching on the off-road gear ratio
! Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling. R
the automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
R you are driving no faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h).
You could otherwise damage the transfer
case.
i AMG vehicles: to shift the transfer case
to LOW RANGE, deactivate the ECO start/
stop function (Y page 99).
X Press LOW RANGE button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
LOW RANGE LOW RANGE transfer case position appears
in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :lights up.
X Shift the transmission to position D.
Switching off the off-road gear ratio G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral
position, power transmission to the driven
wheels is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle
could roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
! Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.
R the automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
R you are driving no faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h).
You could otherwise damage the transfer
case.
X Press button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
HIGH
HIGH RANGE RANGE transfer case position appears
in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :goes out. 130
Off-road driving systemsDriving and parking
If the gear change is not completed, the
following messages could appear in the
display:
R TC shift Conditions Not Fulfilled TC shift Conditions Not Fulfilled
You have not met one or more shift
conditions.
R TC NEUTRAL On
TC NEUTRAL On
The transfer case has canceled the gear
change process and is in N. Transfer case
position N
N appears in the multifunction
display.
R TC shift Canceled TC shift Canceled
The transfer case has not performed the
gear change process.
X Carry out the gear change process again.
Make sure to meet all conditions for
changing gears.
R TC Malfunction Visit Workshop
TC Malfunction Visit Workshop
There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
X Do not shift the transfer case.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
Shifting to neutral G
WARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral
position, power transmission to the driven
wheels is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle
could roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 97).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the selector lever to position
N(Y page 100).
X Press and hold LOW RANGE button ;for
approximately 10 seconds.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
TC In Neutral TC In Neutral message appears in the
multifunction display for 5 seconds. If the gear change is not completed, the
following messages could appear in the
display (Y
page 144).
i If the transfer case is in Neutral, the
SmartKey is in the ignition lock and you
open the driver's door, the TC In TC In
Neutral Neutral message appears in the
multifunction display. If you then release
the parking brake, a warning tone will
sound. Differential locks
General notes G
WARNING
When the differential locks are engaged, ABS,
4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated. As a
result, the wheels could lock when braking
and the braking distance is increased. There
is a risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm surfaces with good grip.
! In order to avoid damage to the transfer
case, you must operate the vehicle on a
dynamometer (1-axle dynamometer) only
if:
R the axle not driven on is jacked up
or
R the corresponding propeller shaft is
disconnected and the transfer case
differential lock is engaged.
Otherwise, the transfer case can be
damaged.
Differential locks improve the traction of the
vehicle. Off-road driving systems
131Driving and parking Z
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and backing up in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
-Trailer tow hitch
- Safety switch for braked trailers
- Safety chains
- Electrical connections
- Lights
- Wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer features electronically
controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/
trailer combination carefully, manually
brake using the brake controller, and check
the brakes for correct function.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering. R
If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2,or1.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane. Decoupling a trailer
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Start the engine. Towing a trailer
139Driving and parking Z
Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions TC Shift
TC Shift
Conditions Not Conditions Not
Fulfilled Fulfilled
Apply Brake/ Apply Brake/
Parking Brake Parking Brake The parking brake has not been applied and the brake pedal has
not been depressed. The transfer case has canceled the gear
change process and is in
Neutral. There is no connection between
the engine and the drive wheels.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Depress the brake pedal and apply the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N.
X Make sure all conditions for changing gears are met
(Y page 130).
X Repeat the gearshift process. TC Malfunction TC Malfunction
Visit WorkshopTo Visit WorkshopTo
park, apply the park, apply the
parking brake parking brake There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
X
Do not shift the transfer case.
X When parking, secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 104).
X Have the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop. TC Shift Canceled TC Shift Canceled
Please Reactivate Please Reactivate The transfer case has not performed the gear change process.
X
Repeat the gearshift process.
X Make sure all conditions for changing gears are met
(Y page 130). TC TC
Shift
Shift Condition
Condition
Not Fulfilled
Not Fulfilled
Drive at Max. Drive at Max.
25 mph 25 mph You have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.
X
Drive more slowly.
X Repeat the gearshift process. TC TC
Shift
Shift Condition
Condition
Not Fulfilled
Not Fulfilled
Shift to NEUTRAL Shift to NEUTRAL You have not met one or more shift conditions.
X
Shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N.
X Repeat the gearshift process. TC TC
shift
shift condition
condition
not fulfilled
not fulfilled
Drive at Max. Drive at Max.
40 mph 40 mph You have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.
X
Drive more slowly.
X Repeat the gearshift process. LOW RANGE LOW RANGE
On On The transfer case is in the
LOW RANGEoff-road position. HIGH RANGE
HIGH RANGE
On On The transfer case is in the
HIGH RANGEon-road position. Display
messages
153On-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 27).Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death. Driving, braking and steering characteristics
change depending on:
R
type of load
R weight
R the center of gravity of the load
You should therefore load your vehicle as
shown in the illustrations.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door (Y page 258).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
(Y page 258).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Ypage 237).
Observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R Position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
i Transport loads when possible in the
cargo compartment. You should only use
the cargo compartment enlargement if the
load does not fit in the cargo compartment.
R Always place the load against the front or
rear seat backrests. 184
Loading guidelinesStowage and features
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
Service A in 99999 Miles
Service A in 99999 Miles
Service A Due Now Service A Due Now
Service A Exceeded By 99999 Miles Service A Exceeded By 99999 Miles
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Before disconnecting the battery, note
down the service due date displayed.
or:
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display.
i The service interval display should not be
confused with the 4engine oil level
display.
The symbol and the letter indicate which type
of service is due:
¯ Minor service A
A
± Major service B B
The ASSYST service interval display does not
take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Hiding a service message X
To hide the service message, press the
% back button on the multifunction
steering wheel (Y page 33).
Displaying service messages Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Press VorU to select the standard
display menu on the steering wheel
(Y page 144).
X Select &or* to select the service
interval display.
The ¯ or± service symbol and the
service due date are displayed. Points to remember The specified maintenance interval takes only
the normal operation of the vehicle into
account. Under arduous operating conditions
or increased load on the vehicle,
maintenance work must be carried out more
frequently, for example:
R
regular city driving with frequent
intermediate stops
R if the vehicle is primarily used to travel
short distances
R use in mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
R if the engine is often left idling for long
periods
Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must
be checked more often. Further information
can be obtained at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Fuel/water separator
H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an
environmentally responsible manner.
! If you continue driving without having the
fuel/water separator serviced, this could
cause damage to the engine. Any resulting
damage is not covered by the warranty.
If the fuel/water separator needs servicing,
the following message appears in the
multifunction display: You will also hear a brief warning tone. Maintenance
205Maintenance and care 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 27).Where will I find...?
Warning triangle
Setting up the warning triangle X
Fold feet =down and out to the side.
X Pull side reflectors ;up to form a triangle
and lock them at the top using press-
stud :. First-aid kit
i Check the expiration date on the first-aid
kit at least once a year. Replace the
contents if necessary, and replace missing
items. Vehicle tool kit
General notes i
When they leave the factory, vehicles are
not equipped with the tools needed to
change a wheel, such as a jack or lug
wrench. Some tools for changing a wheel
are specific to the vehicle. To obtain tools
approved for your vehicle, contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
The vehicle tool kit contains:
R Vehicle tool kit bag with:
-a fuse extractor
- an Allen key, e.g. to operate the sliding
roof manually in an emergency
- a pump lever for the vehicle jack
- a screwdriver
- Lug wrench
R Jack
Vehicle tool kit The vehicle tool kit is under the cover in the
footwell in front of the rear bench seat.
X
Fold cover :to the side.
X Pull vehicle tool kit ;out by the tab.
Jack !
Make sure that, while installing the
vehicle jack, there are no cables on the
holder, in order to avoid them becoming
trapped. 212
Where will I find...?Breakdown assistance
X
Pull cover ring :apart and remove it.
X Pull off cover panel ?.i
When re-installing cover panel ?, make
sure that retainer Aengages in recess
B.
Removing the spare wheel The spare wheel is heavy. Take particular note
of this when removing the spare wheel. X
Remove wheel nuts :.
X Remove the spare wheel. Mounting the wheel After changing a wheel:
X
Repair or replace the damaged wheel as
soon as possible and secure the spare
wheel in place again.
X Secure the damaged wheel on the spare
wheel bracket with wheel nuts :. When
doing so, make sure that the wheel cannot
come loose.
X When re-installing cover panel ?, make
sure that retainer Bengages in recess
A(Y page 213).
X Make sure that tab ;is below when re-
installing cover ring :(Ypage 213).
X For safety reasons, regularly check to
ensure that the wheel is securely fastened. Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
X Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 82).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Move the selector lever to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
The steering wheel lock stays active for as
long as the SmartKey is removed.
X All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier. 214
Flat tireBreakdown assistance