2016 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class brake

HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
Rwhen pulling away, especially on steep slopes
Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes
Rwhen waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
iDo not use the HOLD function when driving
off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients
or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD
function cannot hold the vehicle on such sur-
faces.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe engine is running or if it has been auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function
Rthe engine is running
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt is
fastened
Rthe transmission is in position D,R or N
RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
Activating the HOLD function
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the HOLD
function is activated. For this reason, deactivate
the HOLD function while in the car wash or while
towing.
XMake sure that the activation conditions are
met.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XQuickly depress the brake pedal further until
ë appears in the multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
iIf depressing the brake pedal the first time
does not activate the HOLD function, wait
briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away despite being braked by the HOLD function if:
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
Rthe HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
Rthe electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
The HOLD function is deactivated automatically if:
Ryou accelerate and the transmission is in
position Dor R.
Ryou shift the transmission to position P.
Ryou depress the brake pedal again with a cer-
tain amount of pressure untilëdisap-
pears from the multifunction display.
Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
On steep uphill or downhill gradients or if there
is a malfunction, the transmission may also be
automatically shifted into position P.
Permanent all-wheel drive
!
Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.
This may damage the transfer case. Damage
of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must
remain either on the ground or be fully raised.
Observe the instructions for towing the vehi-
cle with all wheels in full contact with the
ground.
!When testing the parking brake, operate the
vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of ten sec-
onds) on a brake test dynamometer. When
doing this, turn the SmartKey to position 0or
1 in the ignition. Failure to do this can cause
damage to the drive train or the brake system.
Driving systems157
Driving and parking
Z

!A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a two-axle dynamometer.
Before you operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
workshop. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
The all-wheel drive system ensures that all four
wheels are permanently driven. The all-wheel
drive system improves vehicle traction together
with ESP
®and 4ETS if a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
ROnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
RTake your foot off the accelerator, slowly,
while the vehicle is in motion.
The permanent all-wheel drive system can nei-
ther reduce the risk of accident nor override the
laws of physics if you fail to adapt your driving
style or if you are inattentive. The all-wheel drive
system cannot take into account road, weather
or traffic conditions. The all-wheel drive system
is only an aid. You are responsible for maintain-
ing a safe distance to the vehicle in front, for
vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in lane.
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow chains
(
Ypage 264). Only in this way can the maximum
effect of all-wheel drive be achieved.
For information on driving off-road, see
(
Ypage 137).
PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
!When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such as
flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARKTRONIC
does not detect such objects when they are in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car
wash, the compressed-air brakes on a truck
or a pneumatic drill could cause PARKTRONIC
to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain. PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and audi-
bly the distance between your vehicle and an
object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a replace-
ment for your attention to your immediate sur-
roundings. You are always responsible for safe
maneuvering, parking and exiting a parking
space. Ensure that the areas in front, behind and
to the side of the vehicle are safe before maneu-
vering, parking or pulling away. There must not
be any persons, animals or objects in the area in
which you are maneuvering.
PARKTRONIC does not take into account any
persons or objects located below or above the
detection range. As a result, PARKTRONIC can-
not warn you about objects in this area.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
Rswitch on the ignition
Rshift the transmission to position D,Ror N
Rrelease the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
Range of the sensors
General notes
:Example: sensors in the front bumper, right-
hand side
158Driving systems
Driving and parking

XTo activate:make sure that the SmartKey is
in position 2in the ignition lock.
XMake sure that the "rear view camera" func-
tion is selected in COMAND (see the separate
operating instructions for COMAND).
XEngage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display.
To deactivate: the rear view camera is deacti-
vated if you:
Rshift the transmission to position P
Rdrive forward ten meters
Rshift the transmission fromRto another posi-
tion after 15 seconds
Rdrive forwards at a speed of over 5 mph
(10 km/h)
Off-road driving systems
Transfer case
General notes
The vehicle has permanent all-wheel drive.
Power is always transmitted to both axles.
For further information on driving off-road, see
(
Ypage 137).
Shift ranges
GWARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is a
risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
Do not switch off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission to
another gear.
HIGH
RANGEPosition for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW RANGELow-range position for driving
off-road.
Also for use on steep uphill or
downhill gradients, especially
when towing a trailer.
The vehicle travels around
half the speed of on-road driv-
ing range HIGH RANGE . The
tractive power is correspond-
ingly higher.
Shifting the transfer case
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
Always wait for the gear change process from
HIGH RANGE toLOW RANGE and fromLOW
RANGE toHIGH RANGE to complete. Do not
switch off the engine while changing gear and do
not shift the automatic transmission to another
gear.
General notes
:Current shift range
162Off-road driving systems
Driving an d parking

:Indicator lamp
;LOW RANGE button
Switching on the off-road gear ratio
!Only carry out the gear selection if:
Rthe engine is running.
Rthe vehicle is rolling.
Rthe automatic transmission is in selector
lever positionN.
Ryou are driving no faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h).
You could otherwise damage the transfer
case.
XMake sure the ECO start/stop function is
switched off (Ypage 114).
XPress LOW RANGE button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
LOW RANGE
transfer case position appears in
the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :lights up.
XShift the transmission to position D.
Switching off the off-road gear ratio
GWARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
!Only carry out the gear selection if:
Rthe engine is running.
Rthe vehicle is rolling.
Rthe automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
Ryou are driving no faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h).
You could otherwise damage the transfer
case.
XPress button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
HIGH
RANGEtransfer case position appears in
the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :goes out.
If the gear change is not completed, the follow-
ing messages could appear in the display:
RTC Shift Conditions Not Fulfilled
You have not met one or more shift condi-
tions.
RTC NEUTRAL On
The transfer case has canceled the gear
change process and is in N. Transfer case
position N
appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
RTC Shift Canceled
The transfer case has canceled the gear
change process.
XCarry out the gear change process again.
Make sure to meet all conditions for changing gears.
RTC Malfunction Visit Workshop
There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
XDo not shift the transfer case.
XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Shifting to neutral
GWARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
Off-road driving systems163
Driving and parking
Z

is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and
on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 112).
XApply the parking brake.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XMove the selector lever to position N
(Ypage 119).
XPress and hold LOW RANGE button ;for
approximately ten seconds.
When the shift procedure is complete, the TC
In Neutralmessage appears in the multi-
function display for five seconds.
If the gear change is not completed, the follow-
ing messages could appear in the display
(
Ypage 195).
iIf the transfer case is in neutral, the key is in
the ignition lock and you open the driver's
door, the TC
InNeutralmessage appears in
the multifunction display. If you then release
the parking brake, a warning tone will sound.
Differential locks
General notes
GWARNING
When the differential locks are engaged, ABS, 4ETS, ESP
®and BAS are deactivated. As a
result, the wheels could lock when braking
and the braking distance is increased. There is
a risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm surfaces with good grip.
!In order to avoid damage to the transfer
case, you must operate the vehicle on a dyna-
mometer (1-axle dynamometer) only if:
Rthe axle not driven on is jacked up
or
Rthe corresponding propeller shaft is dis-
connected and the transfer case differen-
tial lock is engaged.
Otherwise, the transfer case can be damaged. Differential locks improve the traction of the
vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with a differential lock
each for:
Rthe transfer case: this controls the balance
between the front and rear axles.
Rthe rear axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the rear axle.
Rthe front axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the front axle.
Information on differential gear system
and differential lock
When the vehicle drives around a curve, the
wheels on the outside of the curve must cover a
greater distance. Therefore, the wheels turn
more rapidly than on the inside. The differential,
a gear system in the drive train, allows for dif-
fering rotational speeds and facilitates corner-
ing.
The disadvantage of a differential is that the
wheels that have the least grip, get the most
drive. An example: a wheel of a driven axle is on
a snow-covered surface and therefore does not
have any traction. The differential sends most of
the drive force to this wheel because the force
takes the route of the lowest resistance. The
opposite wheel on this axle, however, which
stands on firm ground and could therefore allow
propulsion, receives no driving power. 4ETS
compensates for this disadvantage. 4ETS pro-
vides good steerability by automatically braking
the spinning wheel. 4ETS provides the wheel on
the firm surface with more drive force, which in
turn provides propulsion.
ESP
®and 4ETS are traction systems that are
ideal for road driving and suitable for light off-
road driving. The LOW RANGEoff-road gear
also improves off-road capability.
More challenging off-road conditions require
additional measures such as locking one or
more differential. Your vehicle is equipped with
three differential locks:
Ra central differential lock for the transfer case
Ra differential lock for the front axle and
Ra differential lock for the rear axle
Each differential lock can be engaged with the
corresponding switch on the center console. If
the differential in the transfer case is locked, the
front and rear wheels rotate at the same speed.
If t

he differential for the rear axle is locked, both
164Off-road driving systems
Driving and parking

The vehicle's ability to steer is severely restric-
ted. Drive carefully and accelerate gently for
optimum traction.
iYou can now engage the differential lock for
rear axle ?and the differential lock for front
axle ;as required.
Differential lock for the rear axle
XTo engage: press switch ?.
Yellow activation indicator lamp Alights up
first, followed by red function indicator
lamp :of switch ?.
The differential lock for the rear axle is
engaged.
Differential lock for the front axle
XTo engage: press switch ;.
First, the yellow activation indicator lamp
lights up, followed by the red function indica-
tor lamp.
The differential lock for the front axle is
engaged.
Disengaging the differential locks
You can disengage the differential locks in the
following order: ;,?,=.
XTo simultaneously disengage all differen-
tial locks: press switch =.
Yellow activation indicator lamps Aand red
function indicator lamps :go out.
After approximately three seconds of normal
driving, ABS, 4ETS, ESP
®and BAS are activa-
ted.
The ABS not available differential
lockedmessage disappears in the multifunc-
tion display and the å,!and÷
warning lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.
XShift the transfer case to the HIGH RANGE
on-road position (Ypage 162).
iIf red function indicator lamps :do not go
out when disengaging the differential locks,
stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, in
accordance with the traffic conditions. Then,
continue driving and the load change can
release the differential lock.
Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
GWARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in ques-
tion is longer or angled differently. This could
seriously impair the driving characteristics
and the trailer can come loose. There is a risk
of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed
to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch.
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
166Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

The maximum noseweight of the trailer drawbar
on the ball coupling for up to 3 people is 562 lbs
(255 kg). The maximum permissible trailer draw-bar noseweight for more than 3 persons and the
maximum load in the trunk can be found in the
trailer drawbar noseweight table (
Ypage 298).
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch or trailer identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Ypage 158) and Blind Spot
Assist (Ypage 154) are only available with lim-
itations, or not at all.
iOn vehicles without level control, the height
of the ball coupling will alter according to the
load placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
Driving tips
XOn long and steep downhill gradients, select
shift range 1,2or 3(Ypage 123) in good
time.
iThis also applies if you have activated cruise
control or SPEEDTRONIC.
XIf necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE (Ypage 162).
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permissible speed is. Observe the legally pre-
scribed maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies to
your vehicle. If you utilize any of the added max- imum rear axle load when towing a trailer, the
vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed a
maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for rea-
sons concerning the operating permit. This also applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions is above 60 mph (100 km/h). When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you must
select shift range
1,2or 3in good time.
iThis also applies if you have activated cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depre ss the bra
ke pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
RMaintain a greater distance from the vehicle
in front than when driving without a trailer.
RAvoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen- tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
RThe values given for gradient-climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine and, conse-
quently, the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-
bility, decreases with increasing altitude.
Trailer power supply
!
You can connect accessories with a maxi-
mum power consumption of 180 W to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using the
power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped at
the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics.
168Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

Safety systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
!÷
ABS, ESP DefectiveVisit Workshop
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP®(Electronic Stability Program),
BAS (Brake Assist), the HOLD function, hill start assist and ESP®trailer
stabilization are temporarily unavailable.
BAS and the adaptive brake lights may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷and! warning lamps light up in the instru-
ment cluster.
Possible causes are:
Rself-diagnosis is not yet complete.
Rthe on-board voltage may be insufficient.
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.
XCarefully drive a suitable distance, making slight steering move-
ments at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
!÷
Currently Unavaila‐ble See Operator'sManual
ABS, ESP®, BAS, the HOLD function, hill start assist and ESP®trailer
stabilization are unavailable due to a malfunction.
BAS and the adaptive brake lights may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷and! warning lamps light up in the instru-
ment cluster.
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.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Display messages185
On-board computer and displays
Z