2015 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class maintenance

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment 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 special-
ist workshops: (Y page 24). Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment may be very hot, e.g. the drive system
and radiator. Working in the engine compart-
ment poses a risk of injury.
If possible, let the drive system cool down and only touch the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department. G
WARNING
The ignition system and the fuel injection sys- tem work under high voltage. If you touch
components which are under voltage, you
could get an electric shock. There is a risk of
injury.
Never touch components of the ignition sys-
tem or fuel injection system when the ignition is switched on. G
WARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment:
R switch off the ignition
R never reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
R remove jewelry and watches
R keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts G
WARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
Do not touch the following when the ignition
is switched on: R ignition coils
R spark plug connectors
R test socket 274
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Opening the hood
The release lever on the hood is in the footwell
on the left-hand side of the vehicle when
viewed in the direction of travel.
X Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.
X Pull release lever :on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Lift the hood slightly.
X Push the handle of hood catch ;in the
direction of the arrow and lift the hood.
Closing the hood G
WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. X
Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).
X Check that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Engine oil
Notes on the oil level Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per
600 miles (1000 km). The oil consumption
may be higher than this when the vehicle is
new or if you frequently drive at high engine
speeds.
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following. Example: oil dipstick Engine compartment
275Maintenance and care Z

When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least 30 minutes if the engine is not at
operating temperature, e.g. if you only start the engine briefly.
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the dipstick guide
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X Add oil if necessary.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer !
Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off.
G 65 AMG: the oil level can be checked using
the on-board computer only.
On all other models, the oil dipstick must be
used to check the engine oil level.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X Press the 9or: button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the following message: The measurement takes a few seconds. You
will see one of the following messages in the
multifunction display:
R Engine Oil Level OK Engine Oil Level OK
R Add 1.0 qt
Add 1.0 qt (Canada:1.0 liter
1.0 liter) to
to
reach maximum oil level
reach maximum oil level
R Add 1.5 qts
Add 1.5 qts (Canada:1.5 liters
1.5 liters) to
to
reach maximum oil level
reach maximum oil level
R Add
Add 2.0 qts.
2.0 qts. (Canada:2.0 liters
2.0 liters )to
to
reach maximum oil level reach maximum oil level
X Add oil if necessary.
If the engine is at normal operating tempera- ture and the Engine oil Reduce oil Engine oil Reduce oil
level
level display appears, too much oil has been
added.
X Have excess oil siphoned off.
If the Switch ignition on to check
Switch ignition on to check
engine oil level
engine oil level message appears:
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Y page 133).
If the Observe waiting time
Observe waiting time message
appears:
X If the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: repeat the measurement after
about five minutes.
X If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature: e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, repeat the measurement
after approximately 30 minutes.
If the Engine oil level Not when Engine oil level Not when
engine on
engine on message appears:276
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
Switch off the engine.
X If the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: wait about five minutes before
carrying out the measurement.
X If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature: e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, wait approximately
30 minutes before carrying out the meas-
urement.
i If you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the 9or: button on the mul-
tifunction steering wheel.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next to
the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and
thoroughly clean the engine oil off the com-
ponents before starting the engine. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a ser-
vice system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R replacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacement specified by
the service system has been exceeded
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic con-
verter. Have excess oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil cap
X Turn cap :counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add the amount of oil required.
Observe the specifications in the on-board
computer when doing so or fill carefully to the maximum mark on the oil dipstick.
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 340).
i The difference between the minimum
mark and the maximum mark on the oil
dipstick is approximately 2.1 US qt (2 l).
X Replac e cap:on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely. Engine compartment
277Maintenance and care Z

Additional service products
Checking coolant level G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized, par- ticularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hotcoolant spraying out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape. X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehi-
cle is on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position
2(Y page 133) in the ignition lock.
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †). X
Slowly turn cap :half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap :further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar =
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough
coolant in coolant expansion tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar =in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been tes-
ted and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 342).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlamp cleaning
system G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
Windshield washer concentrate could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents or the exhaust system. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck. 278
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Example: washer fluid reservoir
X
To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
On vehicles with the headlamp cleaning sys-
tem, the recommended minimum washer
fluid level is 0.92 US ga l(3.5 liters). On vehi-
cles without the headlamp cleaning system,
the recommended minimum washer fluid
level is 0.26 US gal (1liter). If the washer fluid
level drops below the recommended mini-
mum fluid level of 0.26 US gal (1 liter), a mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display
prompting you to add washer fluid
(Y page 234).
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 343).
Brake fluid level !
If you notice that the brake fluid level in
the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
MIN mark or less, check the brake system
immediately for leaks. Also check the thick-
ness of the brake linings. Visit a qualified
specialist workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not cor-
rect the error. Only check the brake fluid level when the
vehicle is on a level surface.
If the brake fluid level is between MIN
mark
:and MAX mark ;on the brake fluid
reservoir, it is correct. Maintenance
Service interval display
Service messages Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The ASSYST service interval display informs
you of the next service due date.
If a service due date has been exceeded, you also hear a warning tone.
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
Service A in 99999 Miles Service A in 99999 Miles
Service A Due Now Service A Due Now
Service A Exceeded By 99999 Miles Service A Exceeded By 99999 Miles Maintenance
279Maintenance and care Z

Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Before disconnecting the battery, note
down the service due date displayed.
or: X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display.
i The service interval display should not be
confused with the 4engine oil level dis-
play.
The symbol and the letter indicate which type
of service is due:
¯ Minor service A A
± Major service B
B
The ASSYST service interval display does not
take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Hiding a service message X
To hide the service message, press the
% back button on the multifunction
steering wheel (Y page 33)(Ypage 199).
Displaying service messages Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Press =or; to select the standard
display menu on the steering wheel
(Y page 200).
X Press 9or: to select the service
interval display.
The ¯ or± service symbol and the
service due date are displayed. Points to remember The specified maintenance interval takes only
the normal operation of the vehicle into
account. Under arduous operating conditions
or increased load on the vehicle, mainte-
nance work must be carried out more fre-
quently, for example:
R regular city driving with frequent intermedi-
ate stops
R if the vehicle is primarily used to travel
short distances
R use in mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
R if the engine is often left idling for long peri-
ods
Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must
be checked more often. Further information
can be obtained at a qualified specialist work- shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter. Fuel/water separator
H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally responsible manner.
! If you continue driving without having the
fuel/water separator serviced, this could
cause damage to the engine. Any resulting
damage is not covered by the warranty.
If the fuel/water separator needs servicing,
the following message appears in the multi-
function display: You will also hear a brief warning tone.280
MaintenanceMaintenance and care

X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible. Care
General notes
G
WARNING
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the particu- lar container. Always open your vehicle's
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
! 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 clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner. Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended 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.
! 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 car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. The exterior mirrors could other-
wise be damaged.
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (airflow control is turned to
position 0/theÃandÁ buttons
are switched off).
R the windshield wiper switch is at position
0.
The vehicle could otherwise 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. Care
281Maintenance and care Z