2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL automatic transmission

Program selector button
General notes
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package
XBriefly press program selector buttonC.
The letterMappears in the multifunction
display. The manual drive programMis
activated.
AMG vehiclesXPress program selector buttonC
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving
characteristics.
iThe permanent drive programMis
available on the following vehicles:
RVehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package
RAMG vehicles
Further information about permanent drive
programM(Ypage 179).
As well as this permanent drive program
M, you can also activate temporary drive
programM(Ypage 178).
iAMG vehicles:the automatic
transmission switches to automatic drive
programCeach time the engine is started.
iDrive programMis not saved after the
engine has been switched off. If required,
you must select the drive program again
after starting the engine.
Drive program on vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package
MManualPermanent manual
gearshifting
Drive programs on AMG vehicles
CControlled
Efficiency
Comfortable, economical
driving
SSportSporty driving style
MManualPermanent manual
gearshifting
iFor further information on the automatic
drive program, see (Ypage 178).
Steering wheel paddle shifters
In the manual drive program, you can change
gears manually using steering wheel paddle
shiftersCandD.
Automatic transmission177
Driving and parking
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Further information about permanent drive
programM(Ypage 179).
Further information about temporary drive
programM(Ypage 178).
iYou can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in positionD.
Automatic drive program (AMG
vehicles)
Automatic drive programs C and S
Drive programCis characterized by the
following:
Rcomfort-oriented engine and transmission
settings
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner
Rthe vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
Rincreased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
Drive programSis characterized by the
following:
Rsporty engine and transmission settings
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up
later
Rthe fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points
Manual drive program M
General notes
In this drive program, you can briefly change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel
paddle shifters. The transmission must be in
positionD.
All vehicles (except AMG vehicles and
vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package):you can activate
manual drive programMusing the steering
wheel paddle shifters.
AMG vehicles:you can activate manual drive
programMin automatic drive programsCand
S.
Vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package:if manual drive
programMis deactivated using the program
selector button, you can activate manual
drive programMusing the steering wheel
paddle shifters.
iAs well as temporary drive programM,
you can also activate permanent drive
programM(Ypage 177).
Further information about permanent drive
programM(Ypage 179).
Activating
XShift the transmission to positionD.
XPull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 177).
Manual drive programMis temporarily
activated. The selected gear andMappear
in the multifunction display.
Shifting gears
If you pull on the left or right steering wheel
paddle shifter, the automatic transmission
switches to manual drive programMfor a
limited amount of time. Depending on which
paddle shifter is pulled, the automatic
transmission immediately shifts into the next
gear down or up, if permitted.
XTo shift up:pull the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (Ypage 177).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
iIf the maximum engine speed on the
currently engaged gear is reached and you
continue to accelerate, the automatic
178Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

transmission automatically shifts up in
order to prevent engine damage.
XTo shift down:pull on the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter
(Ypage 177).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
iIf the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
iAutomatic down shifting occurs when
coasting.
Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The
recommended gear is shown in the
multifunction display.
XShift to recommended gearDaccording
to gearshift recommendationCwhen
shown in the multifunction display of the
instrument cluster.
Deactivating
If you have activated manual drive program
M, it will remain active for a certain amount
of time. Under certain conditions the
minimum amount of time is extended, e.g. in
the case of lateral acceleration, during an
overrun phase or when driving on steep
terrain.
If manual drive programMhas been
deactivated, the automatic transmission
shifts into the automatic drive program that
was last selected.
You can also deactivate manual drive
programMyourself:
XPull on the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter and hold it in place
(Ypage 177).
or
XUse the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or
XAMG vehicles:use the program selector
button to change the drive program
(Ypage 177).
Manual drive programMis deactivated.
The automatic transmission switches into
the automatic drive program that was last
selected, i.e.EorS.
or
XVehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package:use the selector
wheel to switch to the on-road program
(Ypage 253) or the off-road program
(Ypage 258).
Manual drive program
General information
In this drive program, you can permanently
change gear yourself by using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must
be in positionD.
iAs well as this permanent drive program
M, you can also activate temporary drive
programM(Ypage 178).
Switching on the manual drive program
In manual drive programM, you can change
gear using the steering wheel paddle shifters
if the transmission is in positionD. You can
see the currently selected drive program and
which gear is engaged in the multifunction
display.
Automatic transmission179
Driving and pa rking
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XAMG vehicles:press the program selector
button (Ypage 177) untilMappears in the
multifunction display.
XVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package:press the program selector
button (Ypage 177).
The letterMappears in the multifunction
display.
Shifting up (all vehicles except AMG
vehicles)
XIf corresponding gearshift
recommendationCappears in the
multifunction display on the instrument
cluster, pull on the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (Ypage 177).
The automatic transmission shifts to
recommended gearD.
Shifting up (AMG vehicles)
!In manual drive programM, the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
CGear indicator
DUpshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the
multifunction display.
XIf the color in the speedometer
multifunction display changes to red and
theUPUPdisplay message is shown, shift up
a gear.
Downshifting
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 177).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Maximum acceleration
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter until the transmission selects the
optimum gear according to the speed.
iIf you slow down or stop without shifting
down, the automatic transmission
automatically shifts down.
Kickdown
You can also use kickdown for maximum
acceleration in manual drive programM.
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
XShift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
iAll vehicles (except AMG vehicles):if
you apply full throttle, the automatic
transmission shifts up to the next gear
when the maximum engine speed is
180Automatic transmission
Driving and pa rking

reached. This prevents the engine from
overrevving.
iAMG vehicles:it is not possible to use
kickdown in manual drive programM.
Switching off the manual drive program
XVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package:press the program selector
button (Ypage 177).
TheMmessage in the multifunction display
goes out.
XAMG vehicles:press the program selector
button (Ypage 177) repeatedly untilCor
Sappears in the multifunction display.
Automatic transmission181
Driving and parking
Z

Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.
The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear.
The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift intosecondgear and reverse gear.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to positionDorR.
IfDis selected, the transmission shifts intosecondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Transfer case
!Performance tests may only be carried
out on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake
system or transfer case could otherwise be
damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for a performance test.
!Because ESP®is an automatic system,
the engine and ignition must be switched
off (SmartKey in position0or1or Start/
Stop button in position0or1) when the
electric parking brake is being tested on a
brake dynamometer (maximum
10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP®
may seriously damage the brake system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always
transmitted to both axles.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and
explosion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
GWARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
182Refueling
Driving and parking

XPress DEF refill bottleCtowards the filler
neck.
The DEF tank is filled. This may take up to
one minute.
iWhen DEF refill bottleCis no longer
pressed, filling stops and the bottle may be
taken off again after being only partially
emptied.
XRelease DEF refill bottleC.
XTurn DEF refill bottleCcounter-clockwise
and remove it.
XScrew the protective cap onto DEF refill
bottleCagain.
DEF refill bottles can be obtained at many gas
stations or at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Refill bottles without a threaded cap
do not provide overfill protection. DEF may
leak if overfilled. Mercedes Benz offers
special refill bottles with a threaded seal.
These are available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Closing the DEF filler cap
XMount DEF filler capDon the filler neck
and turn it clockwise.
XTo close the fuel filler flap, press it in the
direction of arrowC.
XDrive faster than 10 mph (16 km/h).
TheCheck Additive See Operator'sCheck Additive See Operator's
ManualManualmessage goes out after
approximately one minute.
iIf theCheck Additive SeeCheck Additive See
Operator's ManualOperator's Manualmessage continues
to be shown in the multifunction display,
you must add more DEF.
Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable
materials come into contact with parts of the
vehicle which are hot. Take particular care not
to park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields.
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking positionP.
Rstart the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle
equipment and become trapped. There is a
risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
!Always secure the vehicle correctly
against rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle
or its drivetrain could be damaged.
188Parking
Driving and parking

To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
Rthe electric parking brake must be applied.
Rthe transmission must be in positionPand
the SmartKey must be removed from the
ignition lock.
Rthe front wheels must be turned towards
the curb on steep uphill or downhill
gradients.
Rthe empty vehicle must be secured at the
front axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients.
Ra laden vehicle must also be secured at the
rear axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to
neutral positionNwhen you switch off the
engine. The vehicle may roll away. There is a
risk of an accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking positionP. Prevent the parked
vehicle from rolling away by applying the
parking brake.
Using the SmartKey
XApply the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
XTurn the SmartKey to position0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
iIf you turn off the engine with the
SmartKey and then remove it from the
ignition lock or open a front door, the
automatic transmission shifts toP
automatically.
If you shift the automatic transmission to
Nbefore switching off the engine, the
automatic transmission remains inNeven
if a door is opened.
Using KEYLESS-GO
XApply the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
XPress the Start/Stop button (Ypage 167).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
iIf you turn off the engine with the Start/
Stop button, the automatic transmission
shifts toN. If you then open one of the front
doors, the automatic transmission shifts to
P.
iIn the event of an emergency, the engine
can be turned off while the vehicle is in
motion by pressing and holding the Start/
Stop button for three seconds.
Electric parking brake
General notes
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking positionP.
Rstart the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle
equipment and become trapped. There is a
risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
Parking189
Driving and parking
Z