2016 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class engine coolant

Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
+
Check CoolantLevel. See Opera‐tor's Manual
The coolant level is too low.
XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Ypage 238).
XHave the coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop
if the coolant needs topping up more often than usual.
?The fan motor is faulty.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the nearest
qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain and stop-start traffic.
?
Coolant Too HotStopVehicleSwitchEngine Off
The coolant is too hot.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch
fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns which
can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, pay- ing attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 130).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked,
e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
XDo not start the engine again until the display message goes out and
the coolant temperature is below 248 ‡ (120 †). Otherwise, the
engine could be damaged.
XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.
XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant
level, the coolant temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
192Display messages
On-board computer and displays

!ABS (Ypage 206)
÷ ESP®(Ypage 207)
å ESP®OFF (Ypage 207)
6 Restraint system (
Ypage 209)
; Check Engine (
Ypage 210)
8 Reserve fuel (
Ypage 210)
? Coolant (
Ypage 210)
· Distance warning signal
(
Ypage 212)
h Tire pressure monitor (
Ypage 213)
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster203
On-board computer and displays
Z

Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
;
The yellow Check Engine
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is run-
ning.There may be a malfunction, for example:
Rin the engine management
Rin the fuel injection system
Rin the exhaust system
Rin the ignition system
Rin the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may be in
emergency mode.
XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
iIn some states, you must immediately visit a qualified specialist
workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning lamp lights
up. This is due to the legal requirements in effect in these states. If
in doubt, check whether such legal regulations apply in the state in
which you are currently driving.
8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is run-
ning.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
XRefuel at the nearest gas station.
8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the ;
Check Engine warning
lamp may light up.The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.
XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist workshop.
?
The red coolant warning
lamp lights up while the
engine is running and the
coolant temperature
gage is at the start of the
scale.The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gage is defective.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a risk
of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, pay-
ing attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
XApply the parking brake.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
210Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?
The red coolant warning
lamp comes on while the
engine is running.The coolant level is too low.
!Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine
cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled suffi-
ciently.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, pay-ing attention to road and traffic conditions.
XApply the parking brake.
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (Ypage 238).
XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the engine
coolant system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked,e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
XDo not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is below
248 ‡ (120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-start driving.
?
The red coolant warning
lamp comes on while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds.The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡(120 †). The airflow to
the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may be too
low.
GWARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch
fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns which
can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, pay- ing attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 130).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (Ypage 238).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster211
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the engine
coolant system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked,
e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the nearest
qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-start driving.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
·
The red distance warning
lamp lights up while the
vehicle is in motion.The distance to the vehicle in front is too small for the speed selected.
XIncrease the distance.
·
The red distance warning
lamp lights up while the
vehicle is in motion. A
warning tone also
sounds.You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line of
travel at too high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.
XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to brake
or take evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS (
Ypage 147).
212Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down andtouch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
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.
HEnvironmental 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 service sys-
tem. You can obtain a list of the engine oils
and oil filters tested and approved in accord- ance 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:
Rusing engine oils and oil filters that have notbeen specifically approved for the service
system
Rreplacing engine oil and oil filters after the
interval for replacement specified by the
service system has been exceeded
Rusing 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
XTurn cap :counter-clockwise and remove it.
XAdd the amount of oil required.
Observe the specifications in the on-board com-
puter when doing so or fill carefully to the max-
imum mark on the oil dipstick.
Further information on engine oil (
Ypage 292).
iThe difference between the minimum mark
and the maximum mark on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt (2 l).
XReplace cap :on the filler neck and tighten
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place securely.
Additional service products
Checking coolant level
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
The cooling system is pressurized, particularly
when the motor is warm. If you open the cap,
you could be scalded if hot coolant sprays out.
There is a risk of injury.
238Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Let the engine cool down before you open the
cap. Wear gloves and eye protection. Slowly
open the cap to relieve pressure.
XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehicleis on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2(Ypage 112)
in the ignition lock.
XCheck the coolant temperature display in the
instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
XSlowly turn cap :half a turn counter-clock-
wise and allow excess pressure to escape.
XTurn 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 cool-
ant expansion tank ;.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace cap:and turn it clockwise as far as
it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(
Ypage 294).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlamp cleaning
system
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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.
Example: washer fluid reservoir
XTo open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
On vehicles with the headlamp cleaning system,
the recommended minimum washer fluid level is
0.92 US gal (3.5 liters). On vehicles without the
headlamp cleaning system, the recommended
minimum washer fluid level is 0.26 US gal
(1 liter). If the washer fluid level drops below the
recommended minimum fluid level of
0.26 US gal (1 liter), a message appears in the
multifunction display prompting you to add
washer fluid (
Ypage 202).
Engine compartment239
Maintenance and care
Z

:VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)
The VIN can be found in the following locations:
Ron the vehicle identification plate
(Ypage 288)
Rstamped into the chassis on the right-hand
side (when viewed in the direction of travel)
Ron the lower edge of the windshield
Engine number
Example: G 550
:
Emissions control information plate, includ-
ing the certification of both federal and Cali-
fornian emissions standards
;Engine number (stamped into the crank-
case)
Service products and filling capaci-
ties
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the labels
of the respective original containers. Always
store service products sealed in their original
containers. Always keep service products out
of the reach of children.
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally responsible manner.
Service products include the following:
RFuels
RLubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
RCoolant
RBrake fluid
RWindshield washer fluid
RClimate control system refrigerant
Components and service products must be
matched. Only use products recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Damage which is caused by the
use of products which have not been recom-
mended is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
warranty or goodwill gestures. They are listed in
this Mercedes-Benz Operator's Manual in the
appropriate section.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or on the Internet at http://
bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
You can recognize service products approved by
Mercedes-Benz by the following inscription on
the containers:
RMB-Freigabe (e. g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
RMB Approval (e. g. MB Approval 229.51)
Other designations or recommendations indi-
cate a level of quality or a specification in
accordance with an MB Sheet number (e.g. MB
229.5). They have not necessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Other identifications, for example:
R0 W-30
R5 W-30
R5 W-40
Service products and filling capacities289
Technical data
Z