2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class Tow-starting

Symmetrical low beam
..................128
Tire ruts ......................................... 199
Towing a trailer .............................. 264
Traveling uphill ............................... 200
Wet road surface ........................... 194
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message ............................ 312
Function/notes ............................. 256
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) .....278
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) .....279 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................285
Function/notes ............................. 121
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 122
Function/notes ............................. 121
Switching on/off ........................... 285
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 293
Function/notes ................................ 74
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 192
On-board computer .......................276
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 88
Vehicle ............................................. 88
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 439
Important safety notes ..................439
Removing ....................................... 440
Storage location ............................ 440
Technical data ............................... 441
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function .......................................... .59
Safety guideline s............................. 43
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 93
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ....24 Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 333
Display message ............................ 306
Engine number ...................... 444, 445
Irregular running ............................ 172
Jump-starting ................................. 395
Starting problems ..........................172
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 169
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............170
Switching off .................................. 189
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 400
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................172
Engine jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 372
Additives ........................................ 450
Checking the oil level ..................... 371
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 371
Display message ............................ 308
Filling capacity ............................... 449
Notes about oil grades ................... 449
Notes on oil level/consumption ....371
Temperature (on-board computer) .287
Viscosity ........................................ 450
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) 4ETS ................................................ 72
AMG menu (on-board computer) ...287
Characteristics ................................. 73
Deactivating/activating ...................73
Display message ............................ 291
Function/notes ................................ 72
General notes .................................. 72
Important safety information ...........72
Trailer stabilization ........................... 74
Warning lamp ................................. 329
Exhaust check ................................... 192
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instructions) 381
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 122
Dipping (automatic) .......................12310
Index

Important safety notes
..................263
Installing the ball coupling .............265
Mounting dimensions ....................456
Power supply ................................. 270
Pulling away with a trailer ..............170
Removing the ball coupling ............269
Storing the ball coupling ................269
Trailer drive program .....................255
Trailer loads ................................... 457
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......399
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............400
Important safety notes ..................397
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 269
Trailer towing Active Blind Spot Assist .................250
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............253
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 245
PARKTRONIC ................................. 225
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights .....................269
Transfer case ..................................... 182
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........173
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ......................173
Transporting the vehicle ..................399
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 200
Driving downhill ............................. 201
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 200
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .382
Trip computer (on-board computer) 275
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 275
Resetting (on-board computer) ......276
Trunk
see Tailgate Turn signals
Display message ............................ 303
Switching on/off ........................... 131
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 427
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................88
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 87 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........350
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 320
Equipment ....................................... 24
Individual settings ..........................282
Limited Warranty ............................. 29
Loading .......................................... 415
Locking (in an emergency) ...............88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 80
Lowering ........................................ 432
Maintenance .................................... 25
Parking for a long period ................ 191
Pulling away ................................... 170
Raising ........................................... 429
Reporting problems .........................28
Securing from rolling away ............428
Towing away .................................. 397
Transporting .................................. 399
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........88
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................80
Vehicle data ................................... 453
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 453
Vehicle data (off-road driving) Approach/departure angl e............ 455
Fording depth ................................ 454
Maximum gradient climbing ability 455
Vehicle dimensions ...........................453 Index
21

Useful information
............................386
Where will I find...? ...........................386
Flat tire .............................................. 387
Battery (vehicle) ................................ 391
Jump-starting .................................... 395
Towing and tow-starting ..................397
Fuses .................................................. 400 385Breakdown assistance

Position number
Bidentifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
X Slide cover :of positive terminal ;in the direction of the arrow.
X Connect positive terminal ;on your vehicle to positive terminal =of donor battery B
using the jumper cable, always begin with positive terminal ;on your own vehicle first.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal ?of donor battery Bto ground point Aof your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to battery of other vehicle Bfirst.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jumper cables from ground point Aand negative terminal ?, then from
positive clamp ;and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
X Close cover :of positive terminal ;after removing the jumper cables.
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
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. 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.
! 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 Towing and tow-starting
397Breakdown assistance Z

!
Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if
available. You could otherwise damage the
vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
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.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may shift to position Pwhen
the driver's or front-passenger door are
opened, which could lead to damage to the
transmission.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! Vehicles with differential locks: make
sure the differential locks are in automatic
mode. When towing, the differential locks
must not be switched on. The transmission
may otherwise be damaged.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
! If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of your
vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 444).
i Information on your vehicle's gross
vehicle weight rating can be found on the vehicle identification plate; see the printed
Operator's Manual.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission
damage, have it transported on a transporter
or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in
position Nwhen the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
R cannot release the electric parking brake
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Disarm the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Y page 284).
You could otherwise be locked out when
pushing or towing the vehicle. Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye Example: towing eye mounting covers
:
Front cover
; Back cover 398
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: if possible,
connect the towbar to the trailer tow hitch
(Y page 264).
The brackets for the screw-in towing eyes are
located in the bumpers. They are at the front
and at the rear, behind the covers.
X Remove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit (Y page 386).
X To open the cover at the front: press the
mark on cover :inwards in the direction
of the arrow.
X To open the cover at the rear: insert a
flat, blunt object into the cutout and lever
cover ;out of the bumper.
X Take cover :or; off the opening.
X Screw in and tighten the towing eye
clockwise to the stop.
Removing the towing eye X
Unscrew and remove the towing eye.
X Attach cover :or; to the bumper and
press until it engages.
X Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit. 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 397).
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to position Pwhen you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic
transmission stays in position Nwhen towing
the vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in
position 0.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y
page 167).
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Leave the SmartKey in position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 132).
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 indicator lamps for the direction of
travel flash. After resetting the
combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again. 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.
The towing eyes or trailer tow hitch can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or
transporter if you wish to transport it.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle. Towing and tow-starting
399Breakdown assistance Z

Information on 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
If the vehicle has transmission damage or
damage to the front or rear axle, have it
transported on a transporter or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system
If the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P. To
shift the automatic transmission to position
N, you must provide power to the vehicle's
electrical system in the same way as when
jump-starting (Y page 395).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer. 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 vehicle with a
trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission.
i You can find information on "Jump-
starting" under (Y page 395). Fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher
amperage, the electric cables could be
overloaded. This could result in a fire. There
is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
! For the fuse boxes in the engine
compartment and under the rear bench
seat, only use fuses with the suffix "S".
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.
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
Observe the important safety notes
(Y page 400)
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 188).
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it (Y page 167).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure
the ignition is switched off (Y page 167).
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off. 400
FusesBreakdown assistance