2016 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class battery

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

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

iWhen re-installing trim panel?, make sure
that retainer Aengages in recess B.
Removing the spare wheel
The spare wheel is heavy. Take particular note of
this when removing the spare wheel.
XRemove wheel nuts :.
XRemove the spare wheel.
Mounting the wheel
After changing a wheel:
XRepair or replace the damaged wheel as soon
as possible and secure the spare wheel in
place again.
XSecure the damaged wheel on the spare
wheel bracket with wheel nuts :. When
doing so, make sure that the wheel cannot
come loose.
XWhen re-installing trim panel ?, make sure
that retainer Bengages in recess A
(
Ypage 249).
XMake sure that tab ;is below when re-
installing cover ring :(Ypage 249).
XFor safety reasons, regularly check to ensure
that the wheel is securely fastened.
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 89).
XApply the parking brake.
XBring the front wheels into the straight-ahead
position.
XMove the selector lever to position P.
XSwitch off the engine.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
The steering wheel lock stays active for as
long as the SmartKey is removed.
XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
XMake sure that no one is near the danger area
while a wheel is being changed. Anyone who
is not directly assisting in the wheel change
should, for example, stand behind the barrier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traffic
conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Special tools and expert knowledge are required
when working on the battery, e.g. removal and
installation. You should therefore have all work
involving the battery carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
GWARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can
lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g the lighting sys-
tem, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) or the
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program). The oper-
ating safety of your vehicle may be restricted.
You could lose control of the vehicle, for
example:
Rwhen braking
Rin the event of abrupt steering maneuvers
and/or when the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a short circuit or a similar inci-
dent, contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Do not drive any further. You
250Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

should have all work involving the battery car-ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
If ABS malfunctions, the wheels can lock during braking. This limits the steerability of the vehicle
when braking and may increase the braking dis-
tance.
If ESP
®malfunctions, the vehicle will not be sta-
bilized if it starts to skid or a wheel starts to spin.
iFor further information about ABS and
ESP®, see (Ypage 55) and (Ypage 57).
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con- tact with vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
RIt is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle
body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The highly flammable gas mixture forms when
charging the battery as well as when jump-start-
ing. Always make sure that neither you nor the bat-
tery is electrostatically charged. A build-up of
electrostatic charge can be caused, for exam-
ple:
Rby wearing clothing made from synthetic
fibers
Rdue to friction between clothing and seats
Rif you push or pull the battery across the car-
pet or other synthetic materials
Rif you wipe the battery with a cloth
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
!Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the Mainte-
nance Booklet or contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information.
!You should have all work involving the bat-
tery carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop. In the exceptional case that it is neces-
sary for you to disconnect the battery your-
self, make sure that:
Ryou switch off the engine and remove the
SmartKey. Check that all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster are off.
Otherwise, electronic components, such as
the alternator, may be damaged.
Ryou first remove the negative terminal
clamp and then the positive terminal
clamp. Never swap the terminal clamps.
Otherwise, the vehicle's electronic system
may be damaged.
Ron vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. The vehicle
is secured against rolling away. You can
then no longer move the vehicle.
The battery and the cover of the positive ter-
minal clamp must be installed securely during
operation.
Battery (vehicle)251
Breakdown assistance
Z

HEnvironmental note
Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separatelyand recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
In order for the battery to achieve the maximum
possible service life, it must always be suffi-
ciently charged.
Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries.
Risk of explosion.
Fire, open flames and smoking are
prohibited when handling the bat-
tery. Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or
clothing.
Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Operator's Manual.
The vehicle battery, like other batteries, can dis-
charge over time if you do not use the vehicle. In
this case, have the battery disconnected at a
qualified specialist workshop. You can also
charge the battery with a charger recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Contact a qualified special-
ist workshop for further information.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use batteries which have
been tested and approved for your vehicle by
Mercedes-Benz. These batteries provide
increased impact protection to prevent vehicle
occupants from suffering acid burns should the
battery be damaged in the event of an accident.
Have the battery condition of charge checked
more frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for a
lengthy period. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle
parked for a long period of time.
iRemove the SmartKey if you park the vehi-
cle and do not require any electrical consum-
ers. The vehicle will then use very little energy,
thus conserving battery power.
iIf the power supply has been interrupted,
e.g. due to a discharged battery, you will have
to:
Rset the clock. Information on setting the
clock can be found in the separate operat-
ing instructions.
On vehicles with COMAND and a navigation
system, the clock is set automatically.
Rreset the head restraints on the front seats
(Ypage 75)
Rreset the function for folding the exterior
mirrors in/out automatically, by folding the
mirrors out once (
Ypage 81).
Charging the battery
GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
252Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately withplenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of
an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
!Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
!Only use battery chargers with a maximum
charging voltage of 14.8 V.
!Onlycharge the installed battery with a bat-
tery charger which has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. These battery
chargers allow the battery to be charged while
still installed in the vehicle.
If, at low temperatures, the indicator lamps/
warning lamps in the instrument cluster do not
light up, it is highly likely that the discharged
battery has frozen. In this case you may neither
jump-start the vehicle nor charge the battery.
The service life of a thawed-out battery may be
shorter. The starting characteristics can be
impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have
the thawed-out battery checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
A battery charger unit specially adapted for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an
accessory. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for information and availability.
Charge the battery in accord
ance with the oper-
ating instructions for the battery charger.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment (
Ypage 254).
XRead the operating instructions for the bat-
tery charger.
XOpen the hood (Ypage 236).
XConnect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground point in the same order
as when connecting the donor battery in the
jump-starting procedure (
Ypage 254).
Battery (vehicle)253
Breakdown assistance
Z

Jump-starting
For the jump-starting procedure, use only the jump-starting connection point, consisting of a pos-
itive terminal and a ground point, in the engine compartment.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over the
battery. Keep children away from batteries. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of
clean water and seek medical attention.
GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient ven-
tilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery.
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a battery.
RIt is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion. Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
!Vehicles with a gasoline engine: avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the
catalytic converter could be damaged by non-combusted fuel.
If, at low temperatures, the indicator lamps/warning lamps in the instrument cluster do not light up,
it is highly likely that the discharged battery has frozen. In this case you may neither jump-start the
vehicle nor charge the battery.
Once the battery has thawed out, its service life may be dramatically reduced.
The starting characteristics can be impaired, particularly at low temperatures.
Have the thawed-out battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
254Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance

Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the
engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points:
RThe battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible, jump-
start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.
RVehicles with a gasoline engine: only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust
system are cold.
RDo not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
RJump-starting may only be performed from batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
ROnly use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
RIf the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected for
a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly.
RMake sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that:
Rthe jumper cables are not damaged.
Rwhen the jumper cables are connected to the battery, uninsulated sections of the terminal clamp
do not come into contact with other metal sections.
Rthe jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts such as the pulley or the fan. These parts
move when the engine is started and while it is running.
XApply the parking brake.
XMove the selector lever to position P.
XSwitch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower, etc.).
XOpen the hood (Ypage 236).
Position number Bidentifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-starting
device.
The jump-starting connection point consists of poles ;and =.
Jump-starting255
Breakdown assistance
Z