2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC SUV Owners Manual

Hybrid drive system
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically. You have been in an accident.
The hybrid drive system remains switched off if:
R the internal combustion engine cannot be restarted after a few
seconds.
R the red 6restraint system warning lamp in the instrument
cluster is lit.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically. The mul-
tifunction display also
shows a display mes-
sage. An electrical short circuit has occurred in the hybrid drive system
or an electrical connection has been disconnected.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display (Y page 335).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer
combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even overturn.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary. G
WARNING
If the maximum the permissible load for a car- rier system is exceeded, the carrier could
come loose from the vehicle and endanger
other road users. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never exceed the permissible noseweight
when using a carrier. Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-
weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball cou-
pling may cause damage to the following:
R your vehicle
R the trailer
R the ball coupling
R trailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could
become unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the min- imum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/
trailer combination could also become unsta- ble.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R make sure to check the noseweight before
each journey
R use a drawbar noseweight as close as pos-
sible to the maximum noseweight
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight
R do not use a noseweight lower than the
minimum noseweight 302
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle under "Tech- nical data" (Y page 491). G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that the ball coupling engages when folding in.
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability R
has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics. Adapt your driving style accord-
ingly. Maintain a safe distance. Drive care-
fully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion. Notes on towing a trailer
General notes When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the
maximum load. Further information on the
tyre pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y page 458).
On vehicles without level control, the height
of the ball coupling will alter according to the load placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find fitting dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 490).
Driving tips Observe the notes on ESP
®
trailer stabilisa-
tion (Y page 86).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max- imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies to your vehicle (Y page 491). If you utilise any Towing a trailer
303Driving and parking Z

of the added maximum rear axle load when
towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion may not exceed a maximum speed of
100 km/h for reasons concerning the oper-
ating permit. This also applies in countries in
which the permissible maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations is above
100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if cruise control, DISTRONIC PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC are activated.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front than when driving without a trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude. Swinging out the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not engaged, the trailer
may come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that the ball coupling is securely
engaged and locked in position.
! Do not attempt to speed the up the swing-
out procedure by applying additional pres-
sure with your foot. The system could oth-
erwise be mechanically damaged.
In order to tow a trailer with your vehicle, you
must swing out the ball coupling using the
switch in the driver's door or in the tailgate.
The trailer power socket is integrated in the
ball coupling and swivels out with it.
Only release the ball coupling when its range of movement is unobstructed. Folding out using the switch in the driv-
er's door (all vehicles except plug-in
hybrid vehicles):
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch the ignition on.
X Pull switch :briefly.
After a short time the ball coupling swings
out from under the rear bumper. It can take
up to seven seconds before the ball cou-
pling visibly swings out.
X Remove the protective covering from the
ball coupling and store it in a safe place. 304
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Until the ball coupling securely engages and
locks in a vertical position:
R indicator lamp ;flashes
R the Trailer
Trailer coupling
coupling extending…
extending… mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
The ball coupling swivels back into the out-of- use position when:
R switch :is pulled again briefly during
swivelling
R you drive off before the Trailer cou‐
Trailer cou‐
pling extending…
pling extending… display message has
disappeared from the multifunction display
R the ball coupling encounters an obstacle in
the swinging range Swinging out using the switch in the tail-
gate:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Open the tailgate.
X Pull switch :briefly.
After a short time the ball coupling swings
out from under the rear bumper. It can take
up to seven seconds before the ball cou-
pling visibly swings out.
X Remove the protective covering from the
ball coupling and store it in a safe place.
Until the ball coupling securely engages and
locks in a vertical position:
R indicator lamp ;flashes
R the Trailer
Trailer coupling coupling extending…
extending… mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display. The ball coupling swivels back into the out-of-
use position when:
R switch :is pulled again briefly during
swivelling
R you drive off before the Trailer cou‐
Trailer cou‐
pling extending…
pling extending… display message has
disappeared from the multifunction display
R the ball coupling encounters an obstacle in
the swinging range
Further information:
R Display messages when towing a trailer
(Y page 369)
R Problems when swivelling the ball coupling
(Y page 309)
R Problems when swivelling the ball coupling;
see the "Problems when towing a trailer"
section in the Digital Owner's Manual Coupling up a trailer
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Position the trailer horizontally behind the
vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electric connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
X Push the combination switch upwards/
downwards and check whether the corre-
sponding turn signal on the trailer is flash-
ing.
A connected trailer is only recognised when
the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is
working properly. The functioning of other
systems, e.g. ESP ®
, PARKTRONIC, Active
Parking Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist or
Lane Keeping Assist also depends on this. Towing a trailer
305Driving and parking Z

Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over- run brake, you could trap your hand between
the vehicle and the trailer drawbar. This poses a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
If you disconnect the trailer cable, the vehicle is lowered. This can cause you or others to
become trapped between the vehicle body
and tyres, or underneath the vehicle. This
poses a risk of injury.
Make sure that no-one is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel arch or underneath the
vehicle when disconnecting the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
! Remove the installed adapter cable
before folding in the ball coupling. Other-
wise, damage may occur to the rear
bumper and the adapter cable.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Swinging the ball coupling in
! Do not attempt to speed the up the swing-
out procedure by applying additional pres-
sure with your foot. The system could oth-
erwise be mechanically damaged.
Swing the ball coupling back in using the
switch on the driver's door or tailgate, if you
are not using the trailer tow hitch. Only release the ball coupling when its range
of movement is unobstructed. Folding in using the switch in the driver's
door (all vehicles except plug-in hybrid
vehicles):
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the trailer cables are disconnected.
X Place the protective covering on the ball
coupling.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch the ignition on.
X Pull switch :briefly.
After a short time the ball coupling swings
in under the rear bumper. It can take up to seven seconds before the ball coupling visi-bly swings in.
Until the ball coupling securely engages and
locks under the bumper:
R indicator lamp ;flashes.
R the Trailer
Trailer coupling coupling extending…
extending… mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display
The ball coupling swivels back into the out-of-
use position when:
R switch :is pulled again briefly during
swivelling
R you drive off before the Trailer cou‐
Trailer cou‐
pling extending…
pling extending… display message has
disappeared from the multifunction display
R the ball coupling encounters an obstacle in
the swinging range 306
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Swinging in using the switch in the tail-
gate:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the trailer cables are disconnected.
X Place the protective covering on the ball
coupling.
X Open the tailgate.
X Pull switch :briefly.
After a short time the ball coupling swings
in under the rear bumper. It can take up to
seven seconds before the ball coupling visi- bly swings in.
Until the ball coupling securely engages and
locks under the bumper:
R indicator lamp ;flashes.
R the Trailer coupling extending…
Trailer coupling extending… mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
The ball coupling swivels back into the out-of- use position when:
R switch :is pulled again briefly during
swivelling
R you drive off before the Trailer cou‐ Trailer cou‐
pling extending…
pling extending… display message has
disappeared from the multifunction display
R the ball coupling encounters an obstacle in
the swinging range Further information:
R Display messages when towing a trailer
(Y page 369)
R Problems when swivelling the ball coupling
(Y page 309)
R Problems when swivelling the ball coupling;
see the "Problems when towing a trailer"
section in the Digital Owner's Manual Trailer power supply
! Accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W can be connected to the
permanent power supply.
The trailer battery may not be charged from the power supply.
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's
trailer socket is equipped with a permanent
power supply and a power supply that is
switched on via the ignition lock.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
The power supply that is switched on via the
ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket pin
10.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
You can find more information about fitting
the trailer electrics at a qualified specialist
workshop.
X To switch the connected power supply
on or off: turn the key to position 2or 0
respectively (Y page 187). Failure check for LEDs
If LED lamps are fitted in the trailer, a mal-
function message may appear in the multi-
function display even if there is no fault. The
reason for the error message may be that the
current has fallen below the minimum of
50 mA. Towing a trailer
307Driving and parking Z

To ensure reliable operation of the failure
indicator, each LED chain in the trailer lighting
must be guaranteed a minimum current of
50 mA. Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes Trailer with 7-pin connector:
you can con-
nect to the 13-pin socket on the ball coupling
using an adapter or, if necessary, an adapter
cable. Both can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Fitting the adapter !
Make sure that there is sufficient cable
play so that the cable cannot become
detached when cornering.
! Remove the installed adapter cable
before folding in the ball coupling. Other-
wise, damage may occur to the rear
bumper and the adapter cable. X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the plug connector with lug :into
groove =on the socket.
X Turn bayonet connection ;around clock-
wise to the stop.
X Let the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure
the cable to the trailer with cable ties. 308
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Problems with trailer towing
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The displaced ball cou-
pling does not reach
the securely locked
position. R
The indicator lamp in the button flashes.
R The Trailer coupling Check lock Trailer coupling Check lock message appears in the
multifunction display.
X Initiate a new swivelling procedure.
If the ball coupling does not reach the safely engaged position as
a result:
X Start the engine
or
X Pull and hold the button during the whole swivelling procedure.
If the unlocked ball coupling does not reach the safely engaged
position even after several attempts:
X Make sure that there is sufficient ground clearance before con-
tinuing the journey.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
As long as the display message Trailer
Trailercoupling
coupling Check
Checklock
lock
is shown in the multifunction display, no trailer should be attached. Unlocking using the
button in the tailgate:
The ball coupling does
not swivel, even
though:
R the vehicle is station-
ary
R no trailer cable is
connected
R the button was
briefly pulled. The on-board voltage is too low.
X Start the engine.
If the ball coupling still does not unlock:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Towing a trailer
309Driving and parking Z