2015 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS SUV Owners Manual

Deactivating the HOLD function
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll awaydespite being braked by the HOLD function if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R the HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
R the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
The HOLD function is deactivated automati-
cally if: R you accelerate and the transmission is in
position Dor R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you depress the brake pedal again with a
certain amount of pressure until ëdis-
appears from the multifunction display.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
On steep uphill or downhill gradients or if
there is a malfunction, the transmission may
also be automatically shifted into position P.
Permanent all-wheel drive
!
Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case. Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground or
be fully raised. Observe the instructions for
towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
!When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the SmartKey to posi-
tion 0or 1in the ignition. Failure to do this
can cause damage to the drive train or the brake system.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle dyna-
mometer. Before you operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified workshop. You could otherwise
damage the drive train or the brake system.
The all-wheel drive system ensures that all
four wheels are permanently driven. The all-
wheel drive system improves vehicle traction together with ESP ®
and 4ETS if a drive wheel
spins due to insufficient grip.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip: R Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
R Take your foot off the accelerator, slowly,
while the vehicle is in motion.
The permanent all-wheel drive system can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor over-
ride the laws of physics if you fail to adapt
your driving style or if you are inattentive. The
all-wheel drive system cannot take into
account road, weather or traffic conditions.
The all-wheel drive system is only an aid. You
are responsible for maintaining a safe dis-
tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in
lane.
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow
chains ( Ypage 232). Only in this way can the
maximum effect of all-wheel drive be ach-
ieved.
For information on driving off-road, see the
Digital Operator's Manual.
Driving syste ms127
Driving and parking
Z

PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
!When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on uneven terrain.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a replace-
ment for your attention to your immediate
surroundings. You are always responsible for
safe maneuvering, parking and exiting a park-
ing space. Ensure that the areas in front,
behind and to the side of the vehicle are safe
before maneuvering, parking or pulling away. There must not be any persons, animals or
objects in the area in which you are maneu-vering.
PARKTRONIC does not take into account any persons or objects located below or above
the detection range. As a result,
PARKTRONIC cannot warn you about objects
in this area.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition
R shift the transmission to position D,R or N
R release the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lowerspeeds. PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.Range of the sensors
General notes
:Example: sensors in the front bumper,
right-hand side
Side view
Top view
The sensors must be free from dirt, ice or
slush. Otherwise, they may not function cor-
rectly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them( Y page 211).
128Driving systems
Driving and parking

Front sensors
CenterApprox. 40 in (approx.
100 cm from the brush
guard)
CornersApprox. 24 in (approx.
60 cm)
Rear sensors
CenterApprox. 36 in (90 cm) from
the spare wheel
CornersApprox. 32 in (approx.
80 cm)
Minimum distance
CenterApprox. 8 in (approx.
20 cm)
CornersApprox. 8 in (approx.
20 cm)
If there is an obstacle within this range, the
relevant warning displays light up and a warn- ing tone sounds. If the distance falls below
the minimum, the distance may no longer be
shown.
Warning displays
Warning display for the front area :
Segments on the left-hand side of the
vehicle
;Segments on the right-hand side of the
vehicle
=Segments showing operational readiness The warning displays show the distance
between the sensors and the obstacle. The
warning display for the front area is located
on the dashboard above the center air vents.
The warning display for the rear area is loca-
ted on the headliner in the rear compartment.
The warning display for each side of the vehi-
cle is divided into five yellow and two red seg- ments. PARKTRONIC is operational if yellow
segments showing operational readiness =
light up.
The selected transmission position and the
direction in which the vehicle is rolling deter-
mine which warning display is active when the engine is running.
Transmission
positionWarning display
DFront area activated
R ,N or the vehicle
is rolling back- wardsRear and front areas
activated
PNo areas activated
One or more segments light up as the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, depending on the
vehicle's distance from the obstacle.
From the:
R sixth segment onwards, you will hear an
intermittent warning tone for approx-
imately two seconds.
R seventh segment onwards, you will hear a
warning tone for approximately two sec-
onds. This indicates that you have now
reached the minimum distance.
Driving systems129
Driving and pa rking
Z

Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC
:Indicator lamp
;To deactivate/activate PARKTRONIC
If indicator lamp :lights up, PARKTRONIC is
deactivated.
iPARKTRONIC is automatically activated
when you turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock.
Towing a trailer
PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area
when you establish an electrical connection
between your vehicle and a trailer.
130Driving syste ms
Driving and parking

Problems with PARKTRONIC
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is deacti-
vated after a few sec-
onds, and the indicator
lamp in the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up.PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.
X If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is deacti-
vated after a few sec-onds.The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference. X Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Ypage 211).
X Switch the ignition back on.
The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves. XSee if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.
Rear view camera
Important safety notes
The rear view camera is only an aid. It is not a replacement for your attention to your imme-
diate surroundings. You are always responsi-
ble for safe maneuvering and parking. When
maneuvering or parking, make sure that there are no persons, animals or objects in the area in which you are maneuvering.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
in a limited manner:
R the rear door is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent light or LED
lighting (the display may flicker) R
if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage inwinter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
event, have the camera position and setting checked at a qualified specialist workshop
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
this purpose
Driving systems131
Driving and parking
Z

Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera
:Rear view camera
XTo activate: make sure that the SmartKey
is in position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the rear view camera func-
tion is selected in COMAND (see the sepa-
rate operating instructions for COMAND).
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display.
To deactivate: the rear view camera is deac-
tivated if you:
R shift the transmission to position P
R drive forward ten meters
R shift the transmission from Rto another
position after 15 seconds
R drive forwards at a speed of over 5 mph
(10 km/h)
Off-road driving systems
Transfer case
General notes
The vehicle has permanent all-wheel drive.
Power is always transmitted to both axles.
For more information on driving off-road, see the Digital Operator's Manual.
Shift ranges
GWARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is a
risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
Do not switch off the engine while changing
gear and do not shift the automatic transmis-
sion to another gear.
HIGH
RANGEPosition for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW
RANGELow-range position for driv-
ing off-road.
Also for use on steep uphill
or downhill gradients, espe-
cially when towing a trailer.
The vehicle travels around
half the speed of on-road
driving range HIGH RANGE .
The tractive power is corre-
spondingly higher.
Shifting the transfer case
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
132Off-road driving systems
Driving and pa rking

is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, andon uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
Always wait for the gear change process from HIGH RANGE toLOW RANGE and from
LOW RANGE toHIGH RANGE to complete.
Do not switch off the engine while changing
gear and do not shift the automatic transmis-
sion to another gear.
General notes
:Current shift range
:Indicator lamp
;LOW RANGE button
Switching on the off-road gear ratio
!Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.
R the automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
R you are driving no faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h).
You could otherwise damage the transfercase.
iAMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop func-
tion is not available in transfer case posi- tion LOW RANGE (Y page 105).
X Press LOW RANGE button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
LOW RANGEtransfer case position appears
in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :lights up.
X Shift the transmission to position D.
Switching off the off-road gear ratio
GWARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
!Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.
R the automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
R you are driving no faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h).
You could otherwise damage the transfercase.
X Press button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
HIGHRANGEtransfer case position appears
in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :goes out.
If the gear change is not completed, the fol-
lowing messages could appear in the display: R
TC Shift Conditions Not Fulfilled
You have not met one or more shift condi-
tions.
R
TC NEUTRAL On
The transfer case has canceled the gear
change process and is in N. Transfer case
Off-road driving systems133
Driving and parking
Z

positionNappears in the multifunction dis-
play.
R
TC Shift Canceled
The transfer case has not performed the
gear change process.
X Carry out the gear change process again.
Make sure to meet all conditions for chang-
ing gears.
R
TC Malfunction Visit Workshop
There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
X Do not shift the transfer case.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible at a qualified specialist workshop.
Shifting to neutral
GWARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock ( Ypage 103).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the selector lever to position N
( Y page 106).
X Press and hold LOW RANGE button ;for
approximately ten seconds.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
TC neutral onmessage appears in the
multifunction display for five seconds.
If the gear change is not completed, the fol-
lowing messages could appear in the display( Y page 148).
iIf the transfer case is in neutral, the
SmartKey is in the ignition lock and you
open the driver's door, the
TCInNeutral
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play. If you then release the parking brake, a warning tone will sound.
Differential locks
General notes
GWARNING
When the differential locks are engaged, ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated. As a
result, the wheels could lock when braking
and the braking distance is increased. There is
a risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm surfaces with good grip.
!In order to avoid damage to the transfer
case, you must operate the vehicle on a
dynamometer (1-axle dynamometer) onlyif:
R the axle not driven on is jacked up or
R the corresponding propeller shaft is dis-
connected and the transfer case differ-
ential lock is engaged.
Otherwise, the transfer case can be dam-aged.
Differential locks improve the traction of the vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with a differential
lock each for: R the transfer case: this controls the balance
between the front and rear axles.
R the rear axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the rear axle.
R the front axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the front axle.
Information on differential gear system
and differential lock
When the vehicle drives around a curve, the
wheels on the outside of the curve must cover
a greater distance. Therefore, the wheels turn more rapidly than on the inside. The differen-
tial, a gear system in the drive train, allows for
differing rotational speeds and facilitates cor- nering.
134Off-road driving systems
Driving and parking