2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GL lights

Activating/deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 167).
XTo activate:press theXbutton.
The indicator lamp in theXbutton lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XPress thexbutton.
The indicator lamp in thexbutton goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored.
XTo deactivate:press thexbutton.
The indicator lamp in thexbutton lights
up.
Activating/deactivating cooling with
air dehumidification
General notes
If you deactivate the "Cooling with air-
dehumidification" function, the air inside the
vehicle will not be cooled. The air inside the
vehicle will also not be dehumidified. The
windows can fog up more quickly. Therefore,
only deactivate the "Cooling with air-
dehumidification" function briefly.
The "Cooling with air dehumidification"
function is only available when the engine is
running. The air inside the vehicle is cooled
and dehumidified according to the
temperature selected.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
Activating/deactivating
Example:Zbutton
XTo activate:press theZ/Vbutton.
The indicator lamp in theZ/V
button lights up.
XTo deactivate:press theZ/V
button.
The indicator lamp in theZ/V
button goes out. The "Cooling with air
dehumidification" function has a delayed
switch-off feature.
Operating the climate control systems155
Climate cont rol

Problems with the "Cooling with air dehumidification" function
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The indicator lamp in
theZ/Vbutton
flashes three times or
remains off. The
"Cooling with air
dehumidification"
function cannot be
switched on.
Cooling with air dehumidification has been deactivated due to a
malfunction.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
General notes
If you deactivate the "Cooling with air-
dehumidification" function, the air inside the
vehicle will not be cooled. The air inside the
vehicle will also not be dehumidified. The
windows can fog up more quickly. Therefore,
only deactivate the "Cooling with air-
dehumidification" function briefly.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If necessary, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
In the rear compartment, you can also switch
climate control for the rear seats to automatic
mode using theXbutton.
Activating/switching
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 167).
XSet the desired temperature.
XTo activate:press theXbutton.
The indicator lamp in theXbutton lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are activated.
XTo switch to manual mode:press the

the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the set interior temperature.
Switching on/off
XTo activate:press theK/Vbutton.
The indicator lamp in theK/V
button lights up.
iThe blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
iIf you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated. The blower runs at
medium speed.
XTo deactivate:press theK/V
button.
The indicator lamp in theK/V
button goes out.
Residual heat is deactivated automatically:
Rafter approximately 30 minutes
Rwhen the ignition is switched on
Rif the battery voltage drops
Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air
vents. This could result in burns or frostbite in
the immediate vicinity of the air vents. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that all vehicle occupants always
maintain a sufficient distance to the air
outlets. If necessary, redirect the airflow to
another area of the vehicle interior.
In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
Rkeep the air inlet grille on the hood and in
the engine compartment on the front-
passenger side free of blockages, such as
ice, snow or leaves.
Rnever cover the air vents or air intake grilles
in the vehicle interior.
iFor virtually draft-free ventilation, adjust
the sliders of the air vents to the center
position.
Setting the center air vents
CCenter air vent, left
DCenter air vent, right

GO function and a detachable Start/Stop
button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the SmartKey with the
integrated KEYLESS-GO function must be in
the vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
The Start/Stop button can be removed from
the ignition lock. Then, you can insert the
SmartKey into the ignition lock.
iYou do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. You should, however,
always take the SmartKey with you when
leaving the vehicle. As long as the
SmartKey is in the vehicle:
Rthe vehicle can be started using the
Start/Stop button and
Relectrically powered equipment can be
operated.
iThe engine can be turned off while the
vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding
the Start/Stop button for approximately
three seconds.
Key positions with KEYLESS-GO
If Start/Stop buttonChas not yet been
pressed, this corresponds to the SmartKey
being removed from the ignition.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after
starting the engine or lights up while driving,
see (Ypage 326).
XInsert Start/Stop buttonCinto ignition
lockD.
iWhen you insert Start/Stop buttonC
into ignition lockD, the system needs
approximately two seconds recognition
time. You can then use Start/Stop
buttonC.
XTo switch on the power supply:press
Start/Stop buttonConce.
The power supply is switched on. You can
now activate the windshield wipers, for
example.
iThe power supply is switched off again if:
Rthe driver's door is opened and
Ryou press Start/Stop buttonCtwice
when in this position.
XTo switch on the ignition:press Start/
Stop buttonCtwice.
The ignition is switched on.
iThe power supply is switched off again if:
Rthe driver's door is opened and
Ryou press Start/Stop buttonConce
when in this position.
168Driving
Driving and pa rking

The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or there is a malfunction
in the system, it may not be possible to apply
the released parking brake.
XIf this is the case, only park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it to prevent it
rolling away.
XShift the automatic transmission to
positionP.
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake, if the on-board voltage is low
or there is a malfunction in the system.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
iThe electric parking brake performs a
function test at regular intervals while the
engine is switched off. The sounds that can
be heard while this is occurring are normal.
Applying/releasing manually
XTo engage:push handleC.
When the electric parking brake is
engaged, theI(USA only) or$
(Canada only) red indicator lamp lights up
in the instrument cluster.
iThe electric parking brake can also be
applied when the SmartKey is removed.
XTo release:pull handleC.
The redI(USA only) or$(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
iThe electric parking brake can only be
released:
Rif the SmartKey is in position1in the
ignition lock or
Rif the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button.
To ensure that you do not roll backwards
when pulling away on an uphill slope, engage
the electric parking brake (Ypage 170).
Applying automatically
The electric parking brake is applied
automatically:
Rif DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a
standstill or
Rif the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle
stationary
In addition, at least one of the following
conditions must be fulfilled:
Rthe engine is switched off.
Rthe driver's door is open and the seat belt
is not fastened.
Rthe vehicle is stationary for a lengthy
period.
The redI(USA only) or$(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up.
Releasing automatically
The electric parking brake is released
automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
Rthe engine is running.
Rthe transmission is in positionDorR.
Rthe seat belt has been fastened.
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal.
If the transmission is in positionR, the trunk
lid must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
Rthe driver's door is closed.
Ryou have shifted out of transmission
positionPor you have previously driven
faster than 2 mph (3 km/h).
190Parking
Driving and parking

increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the
vehicle has been washed or driven through
deep water.
You then have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a greater distance from
the vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
RBrake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a 2-axle
dynamometer. If you are planning to have
the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain further information first.
Otherwise, you could damage the drive
train or the brake system.
!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.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop to arrange this.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake
pedal when driving at a high speed. This
improves the grip of the brake pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on (Ypage 68) or of BAS PLUS on
(Ypage 68).
194Driving tips
Driving and parking

RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR (Ypage 256).
RAlways keep the doors, tailgate, windows
and sliding sunroof closed while driving.
RAdapt your speed to the terrain. The
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
RDrive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
RDrive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
RLook out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and furrows.
RCheck the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
RWhen fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine.
ROn sand, drive quickly to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's
wheels could become stuck in loose
ground.
RDo not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
RDo not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission positionN.
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.
Checklist before driving off-road
!If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible.
Check the engine oil level. The engine oil
warning lamp warning must not be ignored.
Continuing the journey while the symbol is
displayed could lead to engine damage.
XEngine oil level:check the engine oil level
and add oil if necessary.
When driving on steep gradients, the
engine oil level must be sufficiently high to
ensure a correct oil supply in the vehicle.
XDEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles):check the
level and top up if necessary (Ypage 186).
XTire-changing tool kit:check that the jack
is working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
XWheels and tires:check the tire tread
depth and tire pressure.
XCheck for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires.
XReplace any missing valve caps.
XReplace dented or damaged wheels.
XRims:dented or bent rims can result in a
loss of tire pressure and damage the tire
bead. Therefore, check your rims before
driving off-road and replace them as
required.
Checklist after driving off-road
!If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
XVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package:activate the on-road program
(Ypage 258).
XDeactivate the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(Ypage 259).
XDeactivate DSR (Ypage 256).
XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
lower the vehicle to a ride height suitable
for the road conditions, e.g. to the
highway/high-speed level.
XClean the headlamps and rear lights and
check for damage.
XClean the front and rear license plates.
XClean the wheels/tires with a water jet and
remove any foreign objects.
198Driving tips
Driving an d parking

because of its narrow width. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short.
Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for
obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for
example, the detected vehicle turns a corner
and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle,
DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect
vehicles that are crossing your lane.
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights
with crossing traffic, for example, could cause
your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
Level control (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package)
Important safety notes
Level control adapts the vehicle level
automatically to the current operating and
driving situation. This results in reduced fuel
consumption and improved handling.
Make changes to the vehicle level while the
vehicle is in motion. This enables the vehicle
to adjust to the new level as quickly as
possible.
The vehicle level may change visibly if you
park the vehicle and the outside temperature
changes. If the temperature drops, the
vehicle level is lower; with an increase in
temperature, the vehicle level rises.
If you unlock the vehicle or open a door, the
vehicle begins to compensate for load
discrepancies while still parked. However, for
significant level changes, such as after the
vehicle has been stationary for a long period,
the engine must be on. For safety reasons,
the vehicle is only lowered when the doors are
closed. Lowering is interrupted if a door is
opened, and it continues once the door has
been closed.
For information about driving off-road, see
(Ypage 197).
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
When you drive with the vehicle raised, the
driving characteristics could be impaired by
the vehicle's raised center of gravity. The
vehicle could rollover more easily, for
example on a bend. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always select as low a vehicle level as
possible and adjust your driving style.
GWARNING
When you drive with the chassis lowered or
raised, the vehicle's braking and driving
characteristics can be significantly impaired.
You could also exceed the permissible vehicle
212Driving systems
Driving and parking