2016 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class maintenance

When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
Rthe engine should be switched off for at least
30 minutes if the engine is not at operating
temperature, e.g. if you only start the engine
briefly.
XPull oil dipstick :out of the dipstick guide
tube.
XWipe off oil dipstick :.
XSlowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide tube
to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and MAX
mark ;, the oil level is correct.
XAdd oil if necessary.
On all other models, the on-board computer
must be used to check the engine oil level.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer
!Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the engine
or to the catalytic converter. Have excess
engine oil siphoned off.
G 550: the oil level can only be checked using
the on-board computer.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position 2
in the ignition lock.
XPress the 9or: button on the steering
wheel to select the following message:
The measurement takes a few seconds. You will
see one of the following messages in the multi-
function display:
REngine Oil Level OK
RAdd1.0qt(Canada: 1.0liter)toreachmaximum oil level
RAdd 1.5 qts(Canada: 1.5 liters)toreach maximum oil level
RAdd 2.0 qts.(Canada: 2.0 liters)toreach maximum oil level
XAdd oil if necessary.
If the engine is at normal operating temperature and the Engine oil Reduce oil level
dis-
play appears, too much oil has been added.
XHave excess oil siphoned off.
If the Switch ignition on to check
engine oil levelmessage appears:
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 112).
If the Observe waiting time
message
appears:
XIf the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: repeat the measurement after
approximately five minutes.
XIf the engine is not at normal operating
temperature: e.g. if the engine was only star-
ted briefly, repeat the measurement after
approximately 30 minutes.
If the Engine oil level Not when engine
onmessage appears:
XSwitch off the engine.
XIf the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: wait about five minutes before car-
rying out the measurement.
XIf the engine is not at normal operating
temperature: e.g. if the engine was only star-
ted briefly, wait approximately 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
iIf you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the 9or: button on the multi-
function steering wheel.
Adding engine oil
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Engine compartment237
Maintenance and care
Z

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

Further information on windshield washer fluid/
antifreeze (Ypage 295).
Brake fluid level
!If you notice that the brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the MIN
mark or less, check the brake system imme-
diately for leaks. Also check the thickness of
the brake linings. Visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct
the error.
Only check the brake fluid level when the vehicle
is on a level surface.
If the brake fluid level is between MIN mark :
and MAX mark ;on the brake fluid reservoir, it
is correct.
Maintenance
Service interval display
Service messages
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance Book-
let).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The ASSYST service interval display informs you
of the next service due date.
If a service due date has been exceeded, you
also hear a warning tone.
The multifunction display shows a service mes-
sage for several seconds, e.g.:
Service A in 99999 Miles
Service A Due Now
Service A Exceeded By 99999 Miles
Maintaining the time-dependent service sched-
ule:
XBefore disconnecting the battery, note down
the service due date displayed.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract the
battery disconnection periods from the ser-
vice date shown on the display.
iThe service interval display should not be
confused with the 4engine oil level dis-
play.
The symbol and the letter indicate which type of
service is due:
¯ Minor service A
±
Major service B
The ASSYST service interval display does not
take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Hiding a service message
XTo hide the service message, press the %
back button on the multifunction steering
wheel (
Ypage 29)(Ypage 172).
Displaying service messages
Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
XSwitch on the ignition.
XPress =or; to select the standard
display menu on the steering wheel
(
Ypage 173).
XPress 9or: to select the service
interval display.
The ¯ or± service symbol and the ser-
vice due date are displayed.
Points to remember
The specified maintenance interval takes only
the normal operation of the vehicle into
account. Under arduous operating conditions or
increased load on the vehicle, maintenance
work must be carried out more frequently, for
example:
Rregular city driving with frequent intermediate
stops
Rif the vehicle is primarily used to travel short
distances
240Maintenance
Maintenance and care

Ruseinmountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
Rif the engine isoften left idling for long periods
Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must be
checked more often. Further information can be
obtained at a qualified specialist workshop,e.g.
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel/water separator
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of service products inan environ-
mentally responsible manner.
!Ifyou continue drivingwithout having the
fuel/water separator serviced, th iscould
cause damage to the engine. Any resulting
damage isnot covered bythe warranty.
If the fuel/water separator needs servicing, the
fol lowin g message appears inthe multifunction
displ ay:
Youwillalso hear a brief warning tone.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop as soon
as possible.
Care
General notes
GWAR NING
Many cleaning products can behazardous.
So me are poisonous, others are flammable.
Alwa ys follow the instructions on the particu-
lar container. Always open your veh icle's
doors or windows when cleaning the ins ide.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your veh icle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
!For cleaning your vehicle, donot use any of
the following:
Rdry, rough or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rsolvents
Rcleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective films
wit h hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice scraper.
You could otherwise scratch or damage the
surfaces and protective film.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after cleaning.
Braking heats the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then beparked.
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
Regular care of your vehicle isa condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Exterior care
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!Never clean your vehicle ina Touchless
Automat icCar Wash as these use special
Care241
Maintenance and care
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cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
!Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in the
exterior mirrors before the vehicle is washed.
The exterior mirrors could otherwise be dam-
aged.
!Make sure that the automatic transmission
is in position Nwhen washing your vehicle in
a tow-through car wash. The vehicle could be
damaged if the transmission is in another
position.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
Rthe blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (airflow control is turned to
position 0/the à andÁ buttons are
switched off).
Rthe windshield wiper switch is at position 0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax
from the windshield and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on the windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all countries
concerned.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, also clean the inside of the wheels.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlets.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the paint-
work.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
!Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about the
correct distance is available from the equip-
ment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around when
cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
Rtires
Rdoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
Relectrical components
Rbattery
Rconnectors
Rlights
Rseals
Rtrim
Rventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components can
lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels
!Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
242Care
Maintenance and care

increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after cleaning.
Braking heats the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then be parked.
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by corrosion and damage caused by inadequate
care cannot always be completely repaired. In
such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover and
rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse off
the treated areas afterwards.
XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin, oils,
fuels and greases by rubbing gently with a
cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter
fluid.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products recommen-
ded and approved by Mercedes-Benz. This is the
case approximately every three to five months,
depending on the climate conditions and the
care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if the
paint has become dull, the paint cleaner recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz
should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or on
the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB Touch-
Up Stick, to correct smaller areas of paint
damage quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polishing
products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax. These
products are only suitable for high-gloss sur-
faces. Their use on vehicles with matte finish
leads to considerable surface damage (shiny,
spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
!Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
If your vehicle has a clear matte finish, observe
the following instructions in order to avoid dam-
age to the paintwork due to incorrect care.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels with a clear matte finish.
iThe vehicle should preferably be washed by
hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo and
plenty of water.
iUse only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-
vents to clean the inside of the windows. Do
not touch the insides of the windows with
hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or ring. There
is otherwise a risk of damaging the windows.
!Clean the water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals and pollen may under certain circumstances pre-
vent water from draining away. This can lead
Care243
Maintenance and care
Z

to corrosion damage and damage to elec-
tronic components.
XClean the inside and outside of the windows
with a damp cloth and a cleaning product that
is recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Cleaning wiper blades
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper blade could be damaged.
!Do not clean wiper blades too often and do
not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the graph-
ite coating could be damaged. This could
cause wiper noise.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if the
wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away from the
windshield.
XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a damp
cloth.
XFold the windshield wiper arms back again
before switching on the ignition.
Cleaning the headlamps
XClean the headlamp lenses with a damp
sponge and a mild cleaning agent, e.g.
Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or cleaning
cloths.
Cleaning the sensors
!If you clean the sensors with a power
washer, make sure that you keep a distance
of at least 11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle
and the power washer nozzle. Information
about the correct distance is available from
the equipment manufacturer.
XClean sensors :of the driving systems with
water, car shampoo and a soft cloth.
Cleaning the rear view camera
!Do not clean the camera lens and the area
around the rear view camera with a power
washer.
XUse clear water and a soft cloth to clean cam- era lens :.
Cleaning chrome parts
!Do not clean the exhaust pipe with acid-
based cleaning agents such as sanitary
cleansers or wheel cleaners.
244Care
Maintenance and care