2016 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class Owner's Manual

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds.EBD is malfunctioning. Therefore, ABS, BAS, ESP®, the HOLD function,
hill start assist, adaptive brake lights and ESP®trailer stabilization, for
example, are also unavailable.
GWARNING
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 in an emergency braking situation can increase.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.You have engaged the differential locks. ABS is deactivated.
XDisengage the differential locks.
Subsequently ABS is reactivated.
$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
÷!
The yellow brake warn-
ing lamp, the yellow
ESP
®warning lamp and
the yellow ABS warning
lamp are lit while the
engine is running.
ABS and ESP®are malfunctioning. BAS, EBD, the HOLD function, hill
start assist, the adaptive brake lights and ESP®trailer stabilization, for
example, are therefore unavailable.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore lock
if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can increase.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster207
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
÷
The yellow ESP®warning
lamp flashes while the
vehicle is in motion.
ESP®or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
XWhen pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.
XEase off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
XDo not deactivate ESP®.
For exceptions, see: (
Ypage 57).
å
The yellow ESP®OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.
ESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
If ESP
®is switched off, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XReactivate ESP®.
For exceptions, see: (
Ypage 57).
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP
®cannot be activated:
XHave ESP®checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
֌
The yellow ESP®and
ESP®OFF warning lamps
are lit while the engine is
running.
ESP®, BAS, the HOLD function, hill start assist, the adaptive brake
lights and ESP®trailer stabilization are unavailable due to a malfunc-
tion.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
208Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
֌
The yellow ESP®and
ESP®OFF warning lamps
are lit while the engine is
running.
ESP®, BAS, the HOLD function, hill start assist and ESP®trailer sta-
bilization are temporarily unavailable.
BAS and the adaptive brake lights may also have failed.
Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XCarefully drive a suitable distance, making slight steering move-
ments at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h) .
The functions mentioned above are available again when the warn-
ing lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
å
The yellow ESP®OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.
The differential lock is engaged. ABS, ESP®, 4ETS and BAS have been
deactivated.
XDisengage the differential lock.
ESP®, 4ETS and BAS are subsequently reactivated.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play.
(Canada only)
(USA only)
The red parking brake
warning lamp comes on
while the vehicle is mov-
ing. A warning tone also
sounds.You are driving with the parking brake applied.
XRelease the parking brake.
The warning lamp goes out and the warning tone ceases.
6
The red restraint system
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.The restraint system is faulty.
GWARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be triggered
unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
XDrive on carefully.
XHave the restraint system checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately.
For further information about the restraint system, see (
Ypage 34).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster209
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

Tires
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
h
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/malfunc-
tion) is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss) is lit.The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at least
one of the tires.
GWARNING
Tire pressures that are too low pose the following hazards:
Rthey may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed increase.
Rthey may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
Rthe driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may be
greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 130).
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play.
XIf there is a flat tire, inspect the tires (Ypage 250).
XCheck the tire pressure (Ypage 268).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
h
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/malfunc-
tion) flashes for approx-
imately one minute and
then remains lit.The tire pressure monitor is faulty.
GWARNING
The system is possibly unable to recognize or register low tire pres-
sure.
There is a risk of an accident.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster213
On-board computer and displays
Z

Useful information
i
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific 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.
iRead the information on qualified specialist
workshops: (Ypage 23).
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
GWARNING
If you distribute the load unevenly in the vehi- cle, the handling as well as the steering and
braking characteristics are severely affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
Distribute the load evenly in the vehicle.
Secure the load to prevent it from slipping.
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of injury.
Always be particularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipe and the tail pipe trim. Allow
these components to cool down before touch-
ing them.
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the rear
door is open when the engine is running, par-
ticularly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust
fumes could enter the passenger compart-
ment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the rear
door. Never drive with the rear door open.
Driving, braking and steering characteristics
change depending on:
Rtype of load
Rweight
Rthe center of gravity of the load
You should therefore load your vehicle as shown
in the illustrations.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, accessories installed, vehicle occupants
and luggage/load.
Do not exceed the load limit or permitted gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle.
The gross load limit and the GVWR are specified
on the vehicle identification plate on the B-pillar
of the driver's door (
Ypage 288).
Furthermore, the load must be distributed in
such a way that the weight on each axle never
exceeds the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) for
the front and rear axles. The specifications for
GVWR and GAWR are on the vehicle identifica-
tion plate on the B-pillar of the driver's door
(
Ypage 288).
Further information can be found in the "Loading
the vehicle" section (
Ypage 271).
214Loading guidelines
Stowage and features