2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE SUV trailer

Fold the ball coupling back in if you are not using
the trailer tow hitch. To fold the ball coupling in,
you have two options:
R use the switch in the driver's door (all vehicles
except PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles)
R use the switch in the tailgate
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 vehi-
cles):
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the trailer cables are disconnected.
X Place the protective covering on the ball cou-
pling.
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 visibly
swings in.
Until the ball coupling securely engages and
locks under the bumper:
R indicator lamp ;flashes
R the multifunction display shows the display
message Trailer coupling extend‐
Trailer coupling extend‐
ing... ing....
The ball coupling swivels back into the out-of-
use position when:
R you drive off before the Trailer
Trailer coupling
coupling
extending... extending... display message has disap-
peared from the multifunction display
R the ball coupling encounters an obstacle in
the swinging range Folding in using the switch in the tailgate:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the trailer cables are disconnected.
X Place the protective covering on the ball cou-
pling.
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 visibly
swings in.
Until the ball coupling securely engages and
locks under the bumper:
R indicator lamp ;flashes
R the multifunction display shows the display
message Trailer coupling extend‐
Trailer coupling extend‐
ing... ing....
The ball coupling swivels back into the out-of-
use position when:
R you drive off before the Trailer
Trailercoupling
coupling
extending...
extending... display message has disap-
peared 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 332)
R Problems when swivelling the ball coupling
(Y page 279) Trailer power supply
! You can connect accessories with a power
rating of up to 180 W to the permanent power supply and with a power rating of up to 180 Wto the power supply that is switched on via the
ignition lock. Towing a trailer
277Driving and parking Z

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 work-
shop.
X To switch the connected power supply on
or off: turn the key to position 2or 0respec-
tively (Y page 158). Failure check for LEDs
If LED lamps are fitted in the trailer, a malfunc-
tion message may appear in the multifunction
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.
To ensure reliable indication of the failure, each LED chain in the trailer lighting must be guaran-
teed a minimum current of 50 mA. Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes Trailer with 7-pin connector:
you can connect
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 adapter cable before folding in
the ball coupling. You could otherwise dam-
age 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 ;clockwise 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. 278
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 Check trailer hitch lock Check trailer hitch lock message appears in the multi-
function 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 posi- tion even after several attempts:
X Make sure that there is sufficient ground clearance before continu-
ing the journey.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
As long as the Check trailer hitch lock
Check trailer hitch lock display message 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 con-
nected
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
279Driving and parking Z

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Unlocking using the
button in the driver's
door (all vehicles
except PLUG-IN
HYBRID):
The ball coupling does
not swivel, even though:
R the vehicle is station-
ary
R no trailer cable is con-
nected The on-board voltage is too low.
X Engage park position P.
X Switch on the power supply.
or X Start the engine.
If the ball coupling still does not unlock: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The ball coupling does
not swivel. The indicator
lamp in the button is
flashing permanently.
The
Check trailer Check trailer
hitch lock
hitch lock message
appears in the multifunc- tion display. There is a malfunction in the release electronics.
X When the ball coupling is retracted: pull and hold the button in
the tailgate until the ball coupling engages into a securely engaged
and locked in a vertical position and then engages again under the
bumper.
X When the ball coupling is extended: pull and hold the button in
the tailgate until the ball coupling engages underneath the bumper.
If the ball coupling still does not unlock:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 280
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Safety systems
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions !÷
currently unavaila‐
currently unavaila‐
ble ble See
SeeOwner's
Owner's Man‐
Man‐
ual
ual ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), BAS (Brake Assist), ESP
®
(Electronic
Stability Program), ESP ®
trailer stabilisation, PRE ‑SAFE®
, the HOLD
function, hill start assist, Crosswind Assist, STEER CONTROL, Active
Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are temporarily
unavailable.
Adaptive brake lights, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, BAS
PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE‑SAFE ®
PLUS and PRE‑SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷,åand! warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
Possible causes:
R self-diagnosis is not yet complete
R the on-board voltage may be insufficient
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Carefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight steering
movements at a speed above 20 km/h.
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned above
are available again.
If the multifunction display still shows the display message: X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. !÷
inoperative inoperative See
See Own‐
Own‐
er's Manual
er's Manual ABS, BAS, ESP
®
, ESP ®
trailer stabilisation, PRE ‑SAFE®
, the HOLD
function, hill start assist, Crosswind Assist, STEER CONTROL, Active
Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are unavailable due to a malfunction.
Adaptive brake lights, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, BAS
PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE‑SAFE ®
PLUS and PRE‑SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the J,÷,åand! warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example. Display messages
301On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected.
The braking distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. ÷
currently unavaila‐ currently unavaila‐
ble ble
See
SeeOwner's
Owner's Man‐
Man‐
ual
ual ESP
®
, ESP ®
trailer stabilisation, BAS, PRE ‑SAFE®
, the HOLD function,
hill start assist, Crosswind Assist, STEER CONTROL, Active Lane
Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are unavailable due to a
malfunction.
Adaptive brake lights, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, BAS
PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE ‑SAFE®
PLUS and PRE ‑SAFE®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷andå warning lamps light up in the instru-
ment cluster.
The self-diagnosis function, for example, may not be complete.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
The braking distance may thus increase in an emergency braking sit-
uation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Carefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight steering
movements at a speed above 20 km/h.
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned above are available again.
If the multifunction display still shows the display message:
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 302
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ÷
inoperative inoperative
See
SeeOwn‐
Own‐
er's Manual
er's Manual ESP
®
, ESP ®
trailer stabilisation, BAS, PRE ‑SAFE®
, the HOLD function,
hill start assist, Crosswind Assist, STEER CONTROL, Active Lane
Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are unavailable due to a
malfunction.
The adaptive brake lights, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS,
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist and PRE‑SAFE ®
Brake may also
have failed.
In addition, the ÷andå warning lamps light up in the instru-
ment cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
The braking distance may thus increase in an emergency braking sit-
uation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. T!
÷
inoperative inoperative See
SeeOwn‐
Own‐
er's Manual
er's Manual EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ABS, ESP
®
, ESP ®
trailer sta-
bilisation, BAS, PRE ‑SAFE®
, the HOLD function, hill start assist, Cross-
wind Assist, STEER CONTROL, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active
Blind Spot Assist are unavailable due to a malfunction.
Adaptive brake lights, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, BAS
PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE‑ SAFE®
PLUS and PRE ‑SAFE®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷,åand! warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster and a warning tone sounds.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Display
messages
303On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Further information on the automatic front-passenger front airbag
deactivation feature (Y page 51).Lights
i Vehicles with LED light bulbs in the light clusters:
The display message for the corresponding lamp only appears when all the LEDs in the lamp have
failed. Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions b
Left cornering Left cornering
light light
orRight cor‐
Right cor‐
nering light
nering light The left or right-hand cornering light is faulty.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. b
Left dipped beam Left dipped beam
or
Right dipped beam
Right dipped beam The left or right-hand dipped-beam headlamp is faulty.
X Halogen headlamp: replace the bulb (Ypage 128).
X LED headlamps: consult a qualified specialist workshop. b
Trailer left tail Trailer left tail
lamp lamp
orTrailer
Trailer
right tail lamp
right tail lamp The left or right-hand trailer tail lamp is faulty.
X Consult the manufacturer's operating instructions. b
Trailer Trailer
left
leftindica‐
indica‐
tor
tor orTrailer
Trailer
right indicator right indicator The left or right-hand trailer turn signal lamp is faulty.
X
Consult the manufacturer's operating instructions. b
Trailer brake lamp Trailer brake lamp The trailer brake lamp is faulty.
X Consult the manufacturer's operating instructions. b
Rear Rear
left
leftindicator
indicator
or Rear right indi‐
Rear right indi‐
cator
cator The rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is faulty.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. b
Front left indica‐ Front left indica‐
tor tor
orFront right
Front right
indicator
indicator The front left-hand or front right-hand turn signal is faulty.
X Halogen headlamp: replace the bulb (Ypage 128).
X LED headlamps: consult a qualified specialist workshop. b
Left mirror indica‐ Left mirror indica‐
tor tor
orRight mirror
Right mirror
indicator
indicator The turn signal in the left-hand or right-hand exterior mirror is faulty.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Display
messages
313On-board computer and displays Z