2015 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class maintenance

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
We urge you to read this Operator's Manual
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving. For your own safety
and a longer vehicle life, follow the instruc-
tions and warning notices in this manual.
Ignoring them could result in damage to the
vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow
instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
R model
R order
R country specification
R availability
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
The equipment in your vehicle may therefore
differ from that shown in the descriptions and illustrations.
The following are integral components of the vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Maintenance Booklet
R Equipment-dependent supplements
Keep printed copies of the documents in the
vehicle at all times. If you sell the vehicle,
always pass the documents on to the new
owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company
4635845901É4635845901mËÍ

Index
....................................................... 4Introduction
......................................... 20 At a glance
........................................... 29 Safety
................................................... 39 Opening and closing
...........................67 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
....83 Lights and windshield wipers
............97 Climate control
................................. 117 Driving and parking
..........................131 On-board computer and displays
....195 Stowage and features
......................247 Maintenance and care
......................273 Roadside Assistance
........................289 Wheels and tires
............................... 305 Technical data
................................... 335 Contents
3

Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing)
...................................................... 347 B
BabySmart™ Air bag deactivation system ............ .56
Backup lamp
Changing bulb s.............................. 113
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
Battery
Checking (SmartKey) ....................... 70
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 70
Replacing (SmartKey) ...................... 70
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 295
Display message ............................ 223
Important safety notes .................. 292
Jump starting ................................. 296
Overview ........................................ 292
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 205
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Display message ............................ 227
Notes/function .............................. 178
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 216
Notes ............................................. 342
Brake fluid level ................................ 279
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 63
Display message ............................ 219
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 62
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 342
Display message ............................ 213
High-performance brake system .... 155
Important safety notes .................. 153
Maintenance .................................. 154
Parking brake ................................ 151
Riding tips ...................................... 153
Warning lamp ................................. 236
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting)
................................... 31
Brush guard ....................................... 266
Bulbs
Backup lamp .................................. 113
Brake lamp .................................... 113
Cornering light function ................. 110
Fog lamps ...................................... 110
Rear fog lamp ................................ 113
Tail lamp ........................................ 113
see Replacing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Care
Car wash ........................................ 281
Carpets .......................................... 287
Chrome parts ................................. 285
Display ........................................... 285
Gear or selector lever .................... 286
Headlamps ..................................... 284
Interior ........................................... 285
Matte finish ................................... 283
Note s............................................. 281
Paint .............................................. 282
Plastic trim .................................... 286
Power washer ................................ 282
Rear view camera .......................... 284
Roof lining ...................................... 287
Seat belt ........................................ 287
Seat covers .................................... 286
Sensors ......................................... 284
Steering wheel ............................... 286
Tail pipe s....................................... 285
Trailer coupling .............................. 285
Trim strips ..................................... 286
Washing by hand ........................... 282
Wheels ........................................... 282
Windows ........................................ 283
Wiper blades .................................. 284
Wooden trim .................................. 286
Cargo compartment cover
Installing/removing ....................... 253 Index
5

Trailer
7-pin connector ............................. 193
Power supply ................................. 193
Trailer coupling (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 285
Trailer loads
Technical data ............................... 347
Trailer tow hitch
Ball position ................................... 347
Trailer towing
ESP® .............................................. .65
PARKTRONIC ................................. 184
Transfer case
General notes ................................ 186
Shift range .....................................1 86
Shifting .......................................... 186
Shifting (general notes) .................. 187
Shifting (important safety notes) ... 186
Shifting to neutra l.......................... 188
Switching off the off-road gear
ratio ............................................... 187
Switching on the off-road gear
ratio ............................................... 187
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission positions .................... 142
Transporting the vehicle .................. 300
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 162
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 200
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 200
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 201
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 111
Display message ............................ 219
Switching on/of f........................... 103
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 327
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking ....................... 75 From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 74 V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 255
Variable SPEEDTRONIC
Function/note s............................. 166
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 25
Data acquisition ............................... 26
Display message ............................ 232
Emergency locking ........................... 75
Emergency unlocking ....................... 75
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings .......................... 206
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 316
Locking (SmartKey ).......................... 68
Lowering ........................................ 330
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 152
Pulling away ................................... 134
Raising ........................................... 328
Reporting problems ......................... 25
Securing from rolling away ............ 328
Tow-starting ................................... 298
Towing away .................................. 298
Transporting .................................. 300
Unlocking (SmartKey )...................... 68
Vehicle data ................................... 344
Vehicle data ....................................... 344
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 346
Fording depth ................................ 345
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 346
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 344
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 336
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 290
Ventilation
Setting the airflow ......................... 124
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 203
VIN ...................................................... 336 18
Index

You could jeopardize the operating safety of
your vehicle if you use parts, tires and wheels as well as accessories relevant to safety
which have not been approved by Mercedes.
This could lead to malfunctions in safety-rel-
evant systems, e.g. the brake system. Use
only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of
equal quality. Only use tires, wheels and
accessories that have been specifically
approved for your vehicle.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subject to
strict quality control. Every part has been spe- cifically developed, manufactured or selected
for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts should
therefore be used.
More than 300,000 different genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts are available for
Mercedes-Benz models.
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers main-
tain a supply of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for necessary service and repair work. In addi-
tion, strategically located parts delivery cen-
ters provide quick and reliable parts service.
Always specify the vehicle identification num- ber (VIN) when ordering genuine Mercedes-
Benz parts (Y page 336). Operator's Manual
Vehicle equipment
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of going to
print. Country-specific differences are possi-
ble. Bear in mind that your vehicle may not
feature all functions described here. This also applies to safety-relevant systems and func-
tions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations.
The original purchase agreement lists all sys-tems installed in your vehicle.
Should you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The Operator's Manual and the Maintenance
Booklet are important documents and should
be kept in the vehicle. Service and vehicle operation
Warranty
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the warranties printed in the Service and War-
ranty Information booklet.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
replace and repair all factory-installed parts in
accordance with the following warranty terms and conditions:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachu-
setts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island and Vermont Emission Control Sys-
tem Warranty
R State warranty enforcement laws (Lemon
Laws)
Replacement parts and accessories are cov-
ered by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and Acces-
sories warranties. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i If you lose the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation booklet, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to arrange a
replacement. It will be mailed to you. Introduction
21 Z

Information for customers in Califor-
nia
In California, you have the right to exchange a
vehicle or receive a refund of the purchase or leasing price if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
and/or an authorized workshop or mainte-
nance facility cannot, after several authorizedrepairs, rectify considerable damage to or
malfunctions of the vehicle that are covered
by the contractual warranty. During the
period of 18 months from original delivery of
the vehicle or the accumulation of 18,000
miles (approximately 29,000 km) on the
odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs
first, a reasonable number of repair attempts
is presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one
or more of the following occurs:
(1) the serious defect or damage can result in deadly or serious injury to the vehicle
occupants while driving AND this defect
has already been repaired at least twice
AND Mercedes-Benz, LLC has been
informed in writing of the necessity of a
repair.
(2) the defect or damage, though less seri- ous than (1) above, has already been
repaired at least four times AND
Mercedes-Benz has been informed in
writing of the necessity of a repair.
(3) the vehicle cannot be used for longer than 30 calendar days because of repair
work resulting from this or other serious
defects or damage.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350 Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals. Always have the Service and Warranty Book-
let with you when you bring the vehicle to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The ser-
vice advisor will record every service for you
in the Service and Warranty Booklet. Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance Hotline are answered by our
agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro-
gram brochure (USA) or the "Roadside Assis-
tance" section in the Service and Warranty
booklet (Canada). You will find both in your
vehicle literature portfolio. Change of address or change of own-
ership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Notification of Address Change" in the Service and Guarantee booklet or sim-
ply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assis-
tance Center (USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372 )or
Customer Service Center (Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in con-
tacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
If you have purchased a used car, please send us the "Notification of Used Car Purchase" inthe Service and Guarantee booklet or simply
call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or22
Introduction

Customer Service (Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R unleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic con-
verter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe through our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to
one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9 Sports Utility Vehicle
G
WARNING
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.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher roll-
over 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.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is sig- nificantly more likely to die than a person
wearing a seat belt.
You and all vehicle occupants should always
wear your seat belts. Operating safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or any required repairs
carried out, this can result in malfunctions or system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as any required repairs
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk of fire.
When driving off road or on unpaved roads,
check the vehicle's underside regularly. In
particular, remove parts of plants or other
flammable materials which have become
trapped. In the case of damage, contact a
qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Modifications to electronic components, their software as well as wiring can impair their
function and/or the function of other net-
worked components. In particular, systems
relevant to safety could also be affected. As a Introduction
23 Z

result, these may no longer function as inten-
ded and/or jeopardize the operating safety of
the vehicle. There is an increased risk of an
accident and injury.
Never tamper with the wiring as well as elec-
tronic components or their software. You
should have all work to electrical and elec-
tronic equipment carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
If you make any changes to the vehicle elec-
tronics, the general operating permit is ren-
dered invalid.
! There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
R the vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a high
curb or an unpaved road
R you drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb or a hole in the road
R a heavy object strikes the undercarriage
or parts of the chassis
In situations like this, the body, the under-
carriage, chassis parts, wheels or tires
could be damaged without the damage
being visible. Components damaged in this
way can unexpectedly fail or, in the case of
an accident, no longer withstand the strain
they are designed to.
If the underbody paneling is damaged,
combustible materials such as leaves,
grass or twigs can gather between the
underbody and the underbody paneling. If
these materials come in contact with hot
parts of the exhaust system, they can catch fire.
In such situations, have the vehicle
checked and repaired immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop. If on con-
tinuing your journey you notice that driving
safety is impaired, pull over and stop the
vehicle immediately, paying attention to
road and traffic conditions. In such cases,
visit a qualified specialist workshop. Declarations of conformity
Vehicle components which receive
and/or transmit radio waves USA:
"The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Oper-
ation is subject to the following two condi-
tions: 1) These devices may not cause harm-
ful interference, and 2) These devices must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired oper-
ation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for com-
pliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment."
Canada: "The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) These devices
may not cause interference, and (2) These
devices must accept any interference, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device." Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the nec-
essary specialist knowledge, tools and quali-
fications to correctly carry out the work
required on your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the Maintenance Book-
let.
Always have the following work carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
R alterations, installation work and modifica-
tions
R work on electronic components 24
Introduction