2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class heating

?Activates/deactivates air-recirculation mode (Ypage 143)
ASets the airflow (Ypage 140)
BSwitches cooling with air dehumidification on/off (Ypage 138)
CSwitches the rear window defroster on/off (Ypage 142)
Notes on using the air-conditioning
system
Air-conditioning system
Below, you can find a number of notes and
recommendations to help you use the air-
conditioning system optimally.
RSwitch on the air-conditioning system by
turning control knob Aclockwise to the
desired position (except position 0).
RSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
RRecommendation for avoiding misted
windows at low exterior temperatures
or in rain:switch on the ¿cooling with
dehumidification function (
Ypage 138).
Set air distribution to ¯and if possible
switch off PandO (
Ypage 140).
Deactivate air-recirculation mode e
(
Ypage 143).
Set airflow control Ato a setting between
3 and 6(
Ypage 140).
RRecommendation for rapid cooling or
heating of the vehicle interior: briefly set
airflow control Ato a setting between 3
and 6(
Ypage 140).
RRecommendation for a constant vehi-
cle interior temperature: set airflow con-
trol Ato a setting between 1and 3
(
Ypage 140).
RRecommendation for air distribution in winter: select the Oand¯ settings
(
Ypage 140).
Recommendation for air distribution in
summer: select the PorP and
¯ settings (
Ypage 140).
ROnly use the "Windshield defrosting" func-
tion briefly until the windshield is clear
again.
ROnly use air-recirculation mode briefly, e.g.
if there are unpleasant outsid e od
ors or
when in a tunnel. The windows could oth-
erwise fog up, since no fresh air is drawn
into the vehicle in air-recirculation mode.
RIf you change the settings of the climate
control system, the climate status display
appears for approximately three seconds
at the bottom of the screen in the Audio/
COMAND display (see separate operating
instructions). You will see the current set-
tings of the various climate control func-
tions.
DYNAMIC SELECT button (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
You can choose between various drive pro-
grams with the DYNAMIC SELECT button
(
Ypage 157).
If you have selected drive program E:
Rwhen heating, the electrical heater booster
is deactivated and in the warming-up phase
heat output is reduced
Rthe rear window defroster running time is
reduced
Depending on the configuration, the climate
settings can also be influenced in drive pro-
gram I.
If you have selected drive program Cor S, the
climate settings are not affected.
ECO start/stop function
During automatic engine switch-off, the cli-
mate control system only operates at a
reduced capacity. If you require the full cli-
mate control output, you can switch off the
ECO start/stop function by pressing the ECO
button (
Ypage 155).
134Overview of climate control systems
Climate control

RUse the residual heat function if you want to
heat or ventilate the vehicle interior when
the ignition is switched off. The residual
heat function can only be activated or deac-
tivated with the ignition switched off.
RIf you change the settings of the climate
control system, the climate status display
appears for approximately three seconds
at the bottom of the screen in the Audio/
COMAND display (see separate operating
instructions). You will see the current set-
tings of the various climate control func-
tions.
DYNAMIC SELECT button (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
You can choose between various drive pro-
grams with the DYNAMIC SELECT button
(
Ypage 157).
If you have selected drive program E:
Rwhen heating, the electrical heater booster
is deactivated and in the warming-up phase
heat output is reduced
Rthe rear window defroster running time is
reduced
Depending on the configuration, the climate
settings can also be influenced in drive pro-
gram I.
If you have selected drive program Cor S, the
climate settings are not affected.
ECO start/stop function
During automatic engine switch-off, the cli-
mate control system only operates at a
reduced capacity. If you require the full cli-
mate control output, you can switch off the
ECO start/stop function by pressing the ECO
button (
Ypage 155).
Operating the climate control sys-
tems
Activating/deactivating the climate
control
General notes
When the climate control is switched off, the
air supply and air circulation are also
switched off. The windows could fog up.
Therefore, switch off climate control only
briefly
Air-conditioning system
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 149).
XTo switch on: turn controlAclockwise to
the desired position (except position 0)
(
Ypage 133).
XTo switch off: turn controlAcounter-
clockwise to position 0(
Ypage 133).
Dual-zone automatic climate control
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 149).
XTo activate: press theÃbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbutton lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XPress the ^button.
The indicator lamp in the ^button goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored.
XTo deactivate: press the^button.
The indicator lamp in the ^button lights
up.
iDual-zone automatic climate control:
switch on climate control primarily using
the à button.
Operating the climate control systems137
Climate control

Problems with the rear window defroster
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The rear window
defroster has deactiva-
ted prematurely or can-
not be activated.The battery has not been sufficiently charged.
XSwitch 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.
The operation of air-recirculation mode is the
same for all control panels.
Switching on/off
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 149).
XTo activate: press theebutton.
The indicator lamp in the ebutton lights
up.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: air-
recirculation mode is activated automatically:
Rat high outside temperatures
Rat high levels of pollution
When air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically, the indicator lamp in the e
button is not lit. Outside air is added after
about 30 minutes.
XTo deactivate: press theebutton.
The indicator lamp in the ebutton goes
out.
iAir-recirculation mode deactivates auto-
matically:
Rafter approximately five minutes at out-
side temperatures below approximately
45 ‡ (7 †)
Rafter approximately five minutes if the
"Cooling with air dehumidification" func-
tion is deactivated
Rafter approximately 30 minutes at out-
side temperatures above approximately
45 ‡ (7 †) if the cooling with air dehu-
midification function is activated
Switching the residual heat on or off
General notes
The residual heat function is only available in
vehicles for Canada with dual-zone automatic
climate control.
It is possible to make use of the residual heat of the engine to continue heating the vehicle
for approximately 30 minutes after the engine
has been switched off. The heating time
depends on the set interior temperature.
iThe blower will run at a low speed regard-
less of the airflow setting.
iIf you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated. The blower runs at
medium speed.
iYou cannot use the ventilation to cool the
vehicle interior to a temperature lower than
the outside temperature.
Operating the climate control systems143
Climate control

Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer shifts into all of
the gears.
Reverse gear can no
longer be engaged.The transmission is in emergency mode.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to positionD.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before refueling.
GWARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
RWash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
RIf fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay.
RIf fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
GWARNING
Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and
ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening
the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. Any existing electrostatic buildup is
thereby discharged.
!Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the igni-
tion if you accidentally refuel with the
wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter
the fuel system. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel could result in damage to the
fuel system and the engine. Notify a quali-
fied specialist workshop and have the fuel
tank and fuel lines drained completely.
Refueling169
Driving and parking
Z

Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to
a lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of the engine's braking
effect. For this, you need to have selected
manual drive program M. This helps you to
avoid overheating the brakes and wearing
them out excessively.
When you take advantage of the engine's
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road sur-
face. This could cause damage to the drive
train. This type of damage is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal on
downhill gradients while the manual drive
program Mis temporarily activated: the auto-
matic transmission may switch to the last
active automatic drive program Eor S. The
automatic transmission may shift to a higher
gear. This can reduce the engine's braking
effect.
Heavy and light loads
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.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the air-
flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi-
cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm up
the brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
RIn order to prevent any salt build-up, apply
the brakes occasionally while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Driving tips177
Driving an d parking
Z

GDANGER
If th eexhaust pipe is blocke dor adequate
ventilation is no tpossible, poisonous gase s
suc has carbon monoxide (CO) may ente rth e
vehicle. This is th ecase, e.g. if th evehicl e
become strapped in snow. There is aris kof
fatal injury.
If you leav eth eengin eor th eauxiliary heating
running, mak esur eth eexhaust pipe and area
around th evehicl eare clear of snow. To
ensur ean adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on th eside of th evehicl ethat is no t
facing int oth ewind.
Hav eyour vehicl ewinter-proofe dat aquali-
fie dspecialist workshop at th eonset of win -
ter.
Drive particularly carefully on slipper yroad
surfaces. Avoid sudde nacceleration ,steering
and brakin gmaneuvers .Do no tuse th ecruise
control or DISTRONI CPLUS.
If th evehicl ethreaten sto skid or canno tbe
stoppe dwhen moving at low speed:
XShift th etransmission to position N.
XTry to bring th evehicl eunder control usin g
corrective steering .
The outside temperature indicator is no t
designed to serve as an ice-warnin gdevice
and is therefor eunsuitable for that purpose .
Changes in th eoutside temperature are dis-
played after ashort delay.
Indicate dtemperatures jus tabov eth efreez -
in g p
oin tdo no tguarantee that th eroad sur -
fac eis free of ice .The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges .
You should pay special attention to road con-
dition swhen temperatures are around freez -
in g point.
Fo rmor einformation on drivin gwit hsnow
chains, see (
Ypage 343).
Fo rmor einformation on drivin gwit hsummer
tires ,see (
Ypage 342).
Observ eth enote sin th e"Winte roperation "
section (
Ypage 342).
Off-road driving
Import ant safety notes
GWARNIN G
If you drive on asteep inclin eat an angle or
tur nwhen drivin gon an incline, th evehicl e
could slip sideways, ti pand rollover. There is a
ris kof an accident.
Always drive on asteep inclin ein th elin eof
fall (straight up or down )and do no ttur nth e
vehicle.
GWARNIN G
Flammabl ematerial suc has leaves, grass or
twigs may ignit eif they come int ocontact wit h
hot part sof th eexhaust system. There is aris k
of fire.
Whe ndrivin goff roa dor on unpaved roads,
chec kth evehicle's underside regularly. In
particular, remove part sof plants or other
flammabl ematerials whic hhav ebecome
trapped .In th ecas eof damage, contact a
qualified specialist workshop .
!There isaris kof damag eto th evehicl eif:
Rth evehicl ebecome sstuck ,e.g. on ahigh
cur bor an unpaved road
Ryou drive to ofas tove ran obstacle, e.g. a
cur bor ahole in th eroad
Raheav yobjec tstrikes th eundercarriage
or part sof th echassi s
In situation slik ethis, th ebody, th eunder-
carriage, chassi sparts, wheels or tires
could be damaged without th edamag e
bein gvisible. Components damaged in this
way can unexpectedly fail or, in th ecas eof
an accident, no longer withstand th estrain
they are designed to .
If th eunderbody panelin gis damaged,
combustible materials suc has leaves,
gras sor twigs can gather between th e
underbody and th eunderbody paneling. If
these materials come in contact wit hhot
part sof th eexhaust system, they can catch
fire.
180Driving tips
Driving and parking

RActivate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake
gently. When doing so, make sure that the
vehicle is facing in the direction of the line
of fall.
RCheck that the brakes are working normally
after a long downhill stretch.
Off-road ABS is activated when the off-road
program is selected.
At speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h), the front
wheels lock cyclically during braking. The dig-
ging-in effect achieved in the process reduces the stopping distance on off-road terrain. The
steerability of the vehicle is considerably
reduced if the wheels lock.
Driving systems
Cruise Control
General notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select a low gear in
good time. You need to have previously selec-
ted manual gearshifting M(
Ypage 166). By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
The speed indicated in the speedometer may
differ slightly from the speed stored.
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an acci-
dent nor override the laws of physics. Cruise
control cannot take into account the road,
traffic and weather conditions. Cruise control is only an aid. You are responsible for the dis-
tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed,
for braking in good time and for staying in
your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
:To activate or increase speed
;To activate or reduce speed
=To deactivate cruise control
?To activate at the current speed/last
stored speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the multifunction display
for five seconds.
Activation conditions
To activate cruise control, all of the following
activation conditions must be fulfilled:
Rthe electric parking brake must be
released.
RESP®must be active, but not intervening.
184Driving systems
Driving an d parking

trol Offmessage in the multifunction dis-
play for approximately five seconds.
iWhen you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared.
DISTRONIC PLUS
General notes
DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the dis-
tance to the vehicle detected in front. Vehi-
cles are detected with the aid of the radar
sensor system. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes
automatically to avoid exceeding the set
speed or to maintain the designated distance
from the vehicle in front.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is espe-
cially important if the vehicle is laden. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk
of a collision, you will be warned visually and
acoustically. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot pre-
vent a collision without your intervention. An
intermittent warning tone will then sound and the distance warning lamp will light up in the
instrument cluster. Brake immediately in
order to increase the distance to the vehicle
in front or take evasive action provided it is
safe to do so.
DISTRONIC PLUS operates in range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to:
Rpeople or animals
Rstationary obstacles on the road, e.g. stop- ped or parked vehicles
Roncoming and crossing traffic
As a result, DISTRONIC PLUS may neither give
warnings nor intervene in such situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit- uation and be ready to brake.
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly iden-
tify other road users and complex traffic sit-
uations.
In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rneither give a warning nor intervene
Raccelerate or brake unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS.
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up to 50% of the maximum possible deceleration.
If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC
PLUS warns you visually and audibly. There isa risk of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations.
186Driving systems
Driving and parking