2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL warning

height if the chassis is raised. There is a risk
of an accident.
Adjust the vehicle level before pulling away.
GWARNING
Due to the high center of gravity, the vehicle
may start to skid and roll over in the event of
an abrupt steering maneuver and/or when
the vehicle's speed is not adapted to the road
conditions. There is a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to
the vehicle's driving characteristics and to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
!When driving on extremely rough terrain,
select a high vehicle level in good time.
Make sure there is always sufficient ground
clearance. You will otherwise damage the
vehicle.
RUtility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle safely may
result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.
RIn a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt.
You and all vehicle occupants should
always wear your seat belts.
Basic settings
The extent to which the vehicle is raised or
lowered depends on the basic setting
selected.
Select:
Rhighway/high-speed level for driving on
normal roads
Roff-road level 1 for driving on easily
negotiable off-road terrain
Roff-road level 2 for driving on normal off-
road terrain
Roff-road level 3 for freeing the vehicle in
particularly rough terrain at low speeds
only
The individual vehicle levels differ from
highway level as follows:
Rhighway level: +/–0 in (+/–0 mm)
Rhigh-speed level: –0.6 in (–15 mm)
Roff-road level 1: + 1.2 in (+ 30 mm)
Roff-road level 2: + 2.3 in (+ 60 mm)
Roff-road level 3: + 3.6 in (+ 90 mm)
Highway/high-speed level
!Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being
lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground,
damaging the underbody.
CSelector wheel
DTo raise the level

While the adjustment from off-road level 2 to
off-road level 3 is taking place, you will see a
message such as the following in the
multifunction display:Vehicle RisingVehicle Rising
Max. Speed 12 mph (20 km/h)Max. Speed 12 mph (20 km/h).
TheMax. Speed 12 mph (20 km/h)Max. Speed 12 mph (20 km/h)
message draws your attention to the
maximum speed permitted for off-road
level 3.
Once off-road level 3 has been reached, you
will see a message shown in white in the
multifunction display, for example:Max.Max.
Speed 12 mph (20 km/h)Speed 12 mph (20 km/h).
If you drive above 20 km/hat off-road level 3,
you will see the following message shown in
red in the multifunction display:VehicleVehicle
Lowering Max. Speed 12 mphLowering Max. Speed 12 mph
(20 km/h)(20 km/h).
iYou cannot clear these messages.
You also hear a warning. The vehicle is
lowered and off-road level 3 is canceled.
If you continue to increase your speed, the
red message continues to be shown in the
multifunction display. The newly set level is
not displayed until the vehicle has been set
to a level suitable for the current speed.
Lowering the vehicle
If you maintain or reduce your speed, you will
see a message in white in the display while
the vehicle is being lowered, such as the
following:Lowering Max. Speed 12 mphLowering Max. Speed 12 mph
(20 km/h)(20 km/h).
The vehicle is lowered to off-road level 2.
If you select an off-road level when driving at
too high a speed, theDrive More SlowlyDrive More Slowly
message appears in the multifunction
display .
You can select from the following:
ROff-road level 1 at speeds up to 60 mph
(100 km/h)
ROff-road level 2 at speeds up to 40 mph
(65 km/h)
ROff-road level 3 at speeds up to 12 mph
(20 km/h)
If you are driving above 50 mph (80 km/h) or
drive between 40 mph (65 km/h) and
50 mph (80 km/h) for longer than
20 seconds,off-road level 2 will be canceled.
The vehicle is lowered to off-road level 1.
You will see a message in the multifunction
display, for example:LoweringLowering.
If you are driving above 70 mph (115 km/h)
or drive between 62 mph (100 km/h) and
70 mph (115 km/h) for longer than
20 seconds, off-road level 1 will be canceled.
Depending on the vehicle's speed and the
ADS mode selected (Ypage 217), the vehicle
is automatically lowered to highway or high-
speed level.
Driving systems215
Driving and parking
Z

You will see a message in the multifunction
display, for example:LoweringLowering.
HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
Rwhen pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes
Rwhen waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
iDo not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill
gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces.
The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle
on such surfaces.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away
despite being braked by the HOLD function if:
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
Rthe HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
!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:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
Deactivating the HOLD function
(Ypage 217).
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe engine is running
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened
Rthe electric parking brake is released
Rthe transmission is in positionD,RorN
RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
Activating the HOLD function
XMake sure that the activation conditions
are met.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XQuickly depress the brake pedal further
untilCappears in the multifunction
display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
iIf depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
216Driving systems
Driving and parking

The vehicle automatically adjusts to highway
level when you:
Rdrive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).
Rdrive between 40 mph (64 km/h) and
50 mph (80 km/h) for approximately
20 seconds.
Depending on the ADS mode selected
(Ypage 217), the vehicle is lowered to high-
speed level at high speeds.
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle
or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel
arches when the vehicle is being lowered.
GWARNING
The vehicle is lowered if:
Ryou have selected the Comfort or Sport
suspension tuning and
Rlock the vehicle after switching off the
engine
Persons in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the
underbody may thus become trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
wheel arch or the underbody when you switch
off the engine.
!The vehicle is lowered by approximately
10 mm if:
Ryou have selected the Sport or Comfort
suspension tuning and
Ryou switch off the engine and then
Rlock the vehicle
When parking, position your vehicle so that
it does not make contact with the curb as
the vehicle is lowered. Your vehicle could
otherwise be damaged.
Vehicle level
Level control adapts the vehicle level
automatically to the current operating and
driving situation. Level control ensures the
best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle.
This improves driving safety and fuel
consumption.
The AIRMATIC package and ACTIVE CURVE
SYSTEM are always components of AMG
adaptive suspension system (Ypage 217).
Due to the sportier suspension settings
compared to standard vehicles, the levels and
speed thresholds for sinking and raising the
vehicle are different.
In Comfort and Sport driving modes, after
locking the vehicle it lowers to the Sport+
level. When locking the vehicle at the raised
level, the vehicle does not lower.
The settings will remain stored after you
switch off the engine. When starting the
engine, the selected setting, e.g. AMG
adaptive suspension system Comfort, is
restored.
iThe vehicle level may change visibly if you
park the vehicle and the outside
temperature changes. If the temperature
drops, the vehicle level lowers; with an
increase in temperature, the vehicle level
rises.
Suspension tuning
General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
Driving systems221
Driving and parking
Z

Rear sensors
CenterApprox. 48 in (approx.
120 cm)
CornersApprox. 32 in (approx.
80 cm)
Minimum distance
CenterApprox. 8 in (approx.
20 cm)
CornersApprox. 6 in (approx.
15 cm)
If there is an obstacle within this range, the
relevant warning displays light up and a
warning tone sounds. If the distance falls
below the minimum, the distance may no
longer be shown.
Warning displays
Warning display for the front area
CSegments on the left-hand side of the
vehicle
DSegments on the right-hand side of the
vehicle

Problems with PARKTRONIC
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
Only 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.
XIf 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.
XClean the PARKTRONIC sensors (Ypage 380).
XSwitch the ignition back on.
The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves.
XSee if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.
Active Parking Assist
General notes
Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. It measures the road on
both sides of the vehicle. A parking symbol
indicates a suitable parking space. Active
steering intervention can assist you during
parking.
You may also use PARKTRONIC
(Ypage 222).
Important safety notes
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.
When PARKTRONIC is switched off, Active
Parking Assist is also unavailable.
GWARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
result in a collision with another road user.
There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users. 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.
226Driving systems
Driving and parking

Active Parking Assist may possibly indicate
parking spaces which are not suitable for
parking, for example:
Rwhere parking or stopping is prohibited
Rin front of driveways or entrances and exits
Ron unsuitable surfaces
Parking tips:
ROn narrow roads, drive as close to the
parking space as possible.
RParking spaces that are littered or
overgrown might be identified or measured
incorrectly.
RParking spaces that are partially occupied
by trailer drawbars might not be identified
as such or be measured incorrectly.
RSnowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
RPay attention to the PARKTRONIC
(Ypage 224) warning messages during the
parking procedure.
RAt any time, you can intervene in the
steering procedure to correct it. Active
Parking Assist will then be canceled.
RWhen transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist.
RNever use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed.
RMake sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has a direct influence
on the parking characteristics of the
vehicle.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces:
Rthat are parallel to the direction of travel
Rthat are on straight roads, not bends
Rthat are on the same level as the road, e.g.
not on the pavement
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.
GWARNING
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.
For further information on the detection
range (Ypage 223).
Active Parking Assist does not support you
with parking spaces parallel to the direction
of travel if:
Rthe parking space is on a curb
Rthe system reads the parking space as
being blocked, for example by foliage or
grass paving blocks
Rthe area is too small for the vehicle to
maneuver into
Rthe parking space is bordered by an
obstacle, e.g. a tree, a post or a trailer
CDetected parking space on the left
DParking symbol

Active Parking Assist will only detect parking
spaces:
Rthat are parallel to the direction of travel
Rthat are at least 59 in (1.5 m) wide
Rthat are at least 51 in (1.3 m) longer than
your vehicle
When driving at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h), you will see parking symbol as a
status indicator in the instrument cluster.
When a parking space has been detected, an
arrow towards the right or the left also
appears. 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. When
parking on the driver's side, this must remain
switched on until you acknowledge the use of
Active Parking Assist by pressing thev
button on the multifunction steering wheel.
A parking space is displayed while you are
driving past it, and until you are
approximately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.
Parking
GWARNING
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.
XStop the vehicle when the parking space
symbol shows the desired parking space in
the instrument cluster.
XShift the transmission to positionR.
TheStart Park Assist? Yes: OK No:Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
8message appears in the multifunction
display.
XTo cancel the procedure:press the
8button on the multifunction steering
wheel or pull away.
or
XTo park using Active Parking Assist:
press thevbutton on the multifunction
steering wheel.
ThePark Assist Active AcceleratePark Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundingsand Brake Observe Surroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
XLet go of the multifunction steering wheel.
XBack 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.
iIn 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.
XStop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
Maneuvering may be required in tight
parking spaces.
ThePark Assist active Select DPark Assist active Select D
ObserveObservesurroundingssurroundingsmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XShift the transmission to positionDwhile
the vehicle is stationary.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction.
ThePark Assist active AcceleratePark Assist active Accelerate
and brake Observe surroundingsand brake Observe surroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
iYou will achieve the best results by
waiting for the steering procedure to
complete before pulling away.
XDrive forwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
XStop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
228Driving systems
Driving an d parking