2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-Class towing

X
Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your car/trailer
combination complies with the local
regulations:
R in your place of residence
R in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling
characteristics, you should practice the
following in a traffic-free location:
- cornering
- stopping
- backing up
R Before driving, check:
-the trailer tow hitch
- the safety switch for braked trailers
- the safety chains
- electrical connections
- the lights
- the wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R When you couple up a trailer, check at
regular intervals that the load is firmly
secured. If the trailer is equipped with trailer lights and brakes, check the trailer
to ensure that these are working.
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 repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
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 the vehicle/trailer
combination, you require additional road
space in relation to the vehicle you are
overtaking, before you can change back to
the original lane. Towing a trailer
215Driving and parking Z

Decoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
! 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 vehicle's parking brake.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Ypage 376).
Loading a trailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that
neither the permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry, pay attention to the respective lowest
values.
R The trailer drawbar load on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends a trailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's
permissible gross weight.
i The weight of other accessories,
passengers and loads reduces:
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible noseweight that your
vehicle can tow
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To ensure compliance of the weight of the
towing vehicle and the trailer with the
maximum permissible values, have the
vehicle/trailer combination (towing vehicle
including driver, passenger, load and fully
laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge.
R Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbar load. Removing the ball coupling
X Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
X Press the protective cap into the ball
coupling recess.
X Make sure that the protective cap is firmly
in place. 216
Towing a trailerDriving and pa
rking

Storing the ball coupling
G
WARNING
Do not carry the ball coupling in the vehicle
interior if it is not secured.
Otherwise, you and others could be injured by
the ball coupling being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
X Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Trailer power supply
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped
at the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 4.
! You can connect accessories with a
maximum power consumption of 240 Wto
the permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics. Towing a trailer
217Driving and parking Z

Roadside Assistance button
X
Press Roadside Assistance button 0043.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button 0043flashes while the call is active.
The multifunction display shows the
Connecting Call Connecting Call message. The audio
output is muted.
If a connection can be made, the Call
Call
Connected
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
If a mobile phone network and GPS reception
are available, the system transfers data to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center,
for example:
R Current location of the vehicle
R Vehicle identification number
i The audio system or COMAND display
indicates that a call is active. During the
call, you can change to the navigation menu
by pressing the NAVI button on COMAND,
for example.
Voice output is not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center and the vehicle occupants.
From the vehicle remote malfunction
diagnosis, the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center can ascertain the nature of
the problem (Y page 293).
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center either sends a qualified Mercedes- Benz technician or makes arrangements for
your vehicle to be transported to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
You may be charged for services such as
repair work and/or towing.
Further details are available in your mbrace
manual.
i
The system has not been able to initiate
a roadside assistance call, if:
R the indicator lamp for Roadside
Assistance call button 0043is flashing
continuously.
R no voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center was
established.
This can occur if the relevant mobile phone
network is not available, for example.
The Call Failed
Call Failed message appears in the
multifunction display.
X To end a call: press the0076button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
X Press the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the audio system or on
COMAND.
MB Info call button X
Press MB Info call button 0043.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in MB Info call
button 0043flashes while the connection is
being made. The multifunction display 290
FeaturesStowage and features

H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Exterior care
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
! 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
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts. !
Make sure that the automatic
transmission is in position Nwhen washing
your vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The
vehicle could be damaged if the
transmission is in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
R the ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed).
R the windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all
countries concerned.
X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork. 306
CareMaintenance and care

Useful information
............................314
Where will I find...? ...........................314
Flat tire .............................................. 314
Battery (vehicle) ................................ 316
Jump-starting .................................... 320
Towing and tow-starting ..................322
Fuses .................................................. 325 313Breakdown assistance

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...?
First-aid kit
X Open the tailgate. X
Remove first-aid kit 0043from the stowage
net.
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
The vehicle tool kit can be found in the
stowage well under the cargo compartment
floor.
X To remove the cargo compartment
stowage tray/cover: lift up the cargo
compartment floor (Y page 281). X
Remove stowage tray 0043in the direction of
the arrow.
X Remove cover 0044in the direction of the
arrow. 0087
Lug wrench
0085 Towing eye
0083 Jack
0084 Fuse allocation chart
006B Wheel bolts
006C One pair of gloves
006D Ratchet wrench
006E Tire inflation compressor
006F Valve extractor
0070 Folding wheel chock Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
R MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties) (Y page 315)314
Flat tireBreakdown assistance

X
First, remove the jumper cables from ground point 0083and negative terminal 0085, then from
positive clamp 0044and positive terminal 0087. Begin each time at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
X Close cover 0043of positive terminal 0044after 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
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar. 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.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 366).
! 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 !
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.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery
purposes as 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.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop
button. Turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock and shift the automatic
transmission to N. Then, turn the SmartKey
back to 0and leave it in the ignition lock.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
The automatic transmission must be in
position Nwhen the vehicle is being towed. 322
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance