2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GL battery

running lamps or the parking lamps and the
low-beam headlamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light. X
To switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to X .
G WARNING
When the light switch is set to X , the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
X .
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
Only for Canada:
The daytime running lamps improve the visi-
bility of your vehicle during the day. The day-
time running lamps function is required by law
in Canada. It cannot therefore be deactivated.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P , the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in bright ambient light: if you
turn the light switch to ` , the daytime
running lamps and parking lamps switch on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to X , the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
USA only:
The daytime running lamps improve the visi-
bility of your vehicle during the day. To do this,
the daytime running lamps function must be
switched on using the on-board computer
( Y
page 284).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to ` or X , the manual settings take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Low-beam headlamps
Even if the light sensor does not detect that it
is dark, the parking lamps and low-beam
headlamps switch on when the ignition is
switched on and the light switch is set to the
X position. This is a particularly useful
fu nction in the event of rain and fog. X
To switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine. X
Turn the light switch to X .
The green X indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Rear fog lamp
The rear fog lamp improves visibility of your
vehicle for the traffic behind in the event of
thick fog. Please take note of the country-
specific regulations for the use of rear fog
lamps. X
To switch on the rear fog lamps: turn the
SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock
or start the engine. X
Turn the light switch to X or X .X
Press the ^ button.
The yellow ^ indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up. X
To switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
^ button.
The yellow ^ indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Parking lamps
! If the battery has been excessively dis-
charged, the parking lamps or standing
lamps are automatically switched off to
enable the next engine start. Always park
your vehicle safely and sufficiently lit
according to legal standards. Avoid the
continuous use of the ` parking lamps
for several hours. If possible, switch on the
d right or the c left standing lamp.Exterior lighting 131
Lights and windshield wipers Z

Problems with the rear window defroster Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The rear window
defroster has deactiva-
ted prematurely or can-
not be activated. The battery has not been sufficiently charged. X
Switch off any consumers that are not required, e.g. reading
lamps, interior lighting or the seat heating.
When the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear window
defroster can be activated again.
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off
General notes You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the vehi-
cle will then be recirculated.
If you switch on air-recirculation mode, the
windows can fog up more quickly, in particu-
lar at low temperatures. Only use air-recircu-
lation mode briefly to prevent the windows
from fogging up.
Activating or deactivating
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the igni-
tion lock ( Y
page 165).X
To activate: press the

Activating or deactivatingX
To act iva te: press th e K or V but -
ton.
The indicator lamp in th e K or V
butto n lights up.
i The blowe r will run at a low spee d regard-
less of th e airflow setting .
i If you activat e th e residual heat function
at high temperatures , only th e ventilation
will be activated. The blowe r run s at
medium speed. X
To deacti va te: press th e K or V
button.
The indicator lamp in th e K or V
butto n goes out .
Residual heat is deactivated automatically: R
after approximately 30 minute sR
when th e ignition is switched onR
if th e battery voltag e drops
Setting the air vents
Import ant safety notes
G WARNIN G
Ver y hot or ver y cold air can flo w from th e air
vents . This could result in burn s or frostbit e in
th e immediat e vicinity of th e air vents . There
is a ris k of injury.
Mak e sur e that all vehicl e occupant s always
maintai n a sufficien t distanc e to th e air out -
lets. If necessary, redirect th e airflow to
another area of th e vehicl e interior. In order to en sure th e direct flo w of fr esh air
throug h th e air vents int o th e vehicl e interior,
pleas e observ e th e followin g notes:R
keep th e air inlet grille on th e hoo d and in
th e engin e compartmen t on th e front-
passenger side free of blockag es, suc h as
ice , sn ow or leav es. R
never cover th e air vents or air intake grilles
in th e vehicl e interior.
i Fo r virtually draft-free ventilation , adjust
th e sliders of th e air vents to th e center
position .
Setting the center air vents
C
Cente r air vent, lef tD
Cente r air vent, right

The HOLD function can also be activated if the
engine has been switched off automatically. It
is then not necessary to continue applying the
brakes during the automatic stop phase.
When you depress the accelerator pedal, the
engine starts automatically and the braking
effect of the HOLD function is deactivated.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): automatic engine switch-off can take
place a maximum of four times in a row (initial
stop, then three subsequent stops).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the number of
consecutive automatic engine switch-offs is
unlimited.
Automatic engine start The engine starts automatically if: R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button R
in transmission position D or N the brake
pedal is released and the HOLD function is
not active R
you depress the accelerator pedal R
you engage reverse gear RR
you move the transmission out of position
P R
you switch to drive program S or M
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) R
you switch to an off-road program (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) R
you unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver's door R
the vehicle starts to roll R
the brake system requires this R
the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range R
the system detects moisture on the wind-
shield when the air-conditioning system is
switched on R
the battery's condition of charge is too low
Shifting the transmission to position P does
not start the engine. Deactivating or activating the ECO
start/stop function All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles) X
To deactivate: press ECO button C .
Indicator lamp D goes out. X
To activate: press ECO button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.
If the indicator lamp on the ECO button is off,
the ECO start/stop function has been deac-
tivated manually or as the result of a mal-
function.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
X
To deactivate: in drive program C , press
ECO button C .
or X
Switch to drive program S or M
( Y
page 177).
Indicator lamp D goes out.170
Driving
Driving and parking

Problems with the engine Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard. R
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics. R
There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
Before attempting to start the engine again: X
Turn the key back to position 0 in the ignition lock.
or X
Press the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster go out. X
Try to start the engine again ( Y
page 167). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor. The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak or
discharged. X
Jump-start the vehicle ( Y
page 395).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high. X
Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two
minutes. X
Try to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.172
Driving
Driving and parking

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle.
G WARNING
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
Risk of explosion or fire. X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the engine. X
Remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS ‑ GO:X
Open the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0 . This is the same as
the SmartKey having been removed. X
Do not restart the engine under any circumstances. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start. The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run com-
pletely dry. X
Refuel the vehicle with at least 5.3 US qt (5 liters) of diesel. X
Turn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds
( Y
page 165). X
Start the engine continuously for up to ten seconds until it runs
smoothly.
If the engine does not start: X
Turn the ignition on again for approximately ten seconds
( Y
page 165). X
Start the engine again continuously for up to ten seconds until it
runs smoothly.
If the engine does not start after three attempts: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The fuel filler flap can-
not be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked. X
Unlock the vehicle ( Y
page 82).
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged. X
Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y
page 84).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jam-
med. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Refueling 185
Driving and parking Z

If the transmission is in position R , the trunk
lid must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake: R
the driver's door is closed. R
you have shifted out of transmission posi-
tion P or you have previously driven faster
than 2 mph (3 km/h).
i Ensure that you do not depress the accel-
erator pedal unintentionally. Otherwise the
parking brake will be released and the vehi-
cle will start to move.
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency by using the electric parking
brake. X
While driving, push handle C of the electric
parking brake.
The vehicle is braked for as long as the
handle of the electric parking brake is
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking: R
a warning tone sounds R
the Release Park. Brake message
appears R
the red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter flashes When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
G WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the coun-
try in which you are driving. Some jurisdic-
tions prohibit the driver from using a mobile
phone while driving a vehicle.192
Driving tips
Driving and parking

However, the vehicle is only accelerated up to
the speed you have stored.
If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary.
Changing lanes
If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC
PLUS supports you when: R
you are driving faster than 40 mph
(60 km/h) R
DISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the dis-
tance to a vehicle in front R
you switch on the appropriate turn signal R
DISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger
of collision
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle is
accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted
if changing lanes takes too long or if the dis-
tance between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front becomes too small.
i When you change lanes, DISTRONIC
PLUS monitors the left lane on left-hand-
drive vehicles or the right lane on right-
hand-drive vehicles.
Stopping
G WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked
only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if: R
there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply. R
DISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated
with the cruise control lever, e.g. by a vehi-
cle occupant or from outside the vehicle. R
the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with. R
the battery is disconnected. R
the accelerator pedal has been depressed,
e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle
against rolling away. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in
front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it
is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains
stationary and you do not need to depress the
brake.
After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
Depending on the specified minimum dis-
tance, your vehicle will come to a standstill at
a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in
front. The specified minimum distance is set
using the control on the cruise control lever.
The electric parking brake automatically
secures the vehicle if DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated and: R
the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened. R
the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/
stop function. R
a system malfunction occurs. R
the power supply is not sufficient.
On stee p uphill or downhill inclines or if there
is a malfunction, the transmission may also
automatically be shifted into position P .
Setting a speed
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to
the speed set. Driving systems 209
Driving and parking Z