2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV ignition

Problems with the engine
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions 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 0in 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 149). Avoid excessively long
and frequent attempts to start the engine, as this will drain the
battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard. The
reserve fuel warning
lamp is lit and the fuel
gauge display shows
0. The fuel tank is empty.
X Refuel the vehicle. 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 354).
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. Vehicles with a petrol
engine:
The engine is not running
smoothly and is misfir-
ing. There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter
and damage it.
X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop. 154
DrivingDriving and parking

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The coolant temperature
display is showing more
than 120 †. The coolant warning lamp may also
be on and a warning tone
may sound. The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no
longer being cooled sufficiently.
X Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down.
X Check the coolant level (Y page 335). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and top up the coolant if necessary. If the coolant level is correct, the radiator fan may be faulty. The cool-
ant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X If the coolant temperature is below 120 †, you can continue driving
to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain and stop-start traffic. DYNAMIC SELECT controller
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to change the drive program. Depending on the drive pro-
gram selected, the following vehicle character-
istics will change:
R the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
R the transmission
R the suspension
R the steering
R the availability of the ECO start/stop function
If the ignition is switched off for less than four
hours, the previously selected drive program is
activated when the engine is next started. If the
ignition is switched off for more than four hours,
the Comfort drive program is activated when
the engine is next started. X
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles):
turn DYNAMIC SELECT controller :as many times as necessary until the desired
drive program is selected.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display. After five seconds the
display goes out.
In addition, the current drive program settings
are displayed in the multimedia system dis-
play.
Drive programs available (all vehicles
except Mercedes-AMG vehicles): Individual
Individual settings
Sport
Sporty driving characteris-
tics
Comfort
Comfortable and economi-
cal driving characteristics
Slippery
Optimal driving characteris-
tics on slippery or snow-
covered roads Off-road
Optimal driving characteris-
tics for easily negotiable off-
road terrain Offroad Plus
(vehicles with
Off-Road Engi-
neering pack-
age)
Optimal driving characteris-
tics for rough terrain DYNAMIC SELECT controller
155Driving and parking Z

X
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direction
of arrow P.
Engaging park position P automatically Park position
Pis automatically engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the key and
remove the key
R you switch off the engine using the key or
using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door or front-passenger door
R you open the driver's door when the vehicle is
stationary or when driving at a very low speed
while the transmission is in position Dor R
Under certain conditions, the automatic trans-
mission shifts automatically to transmission
position Pif the HOLD function or Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC is activated. Observe the informa-
tion on the HOLD function (Y page 196) and on
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC (Y page 188).
Engaging reverse gear R !
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary.
X If the transmission is in position Dor N: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first
point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first point of resistance.
Shifting to neutral N G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they can:
R open doors and endanger other persons or
road users
R climb out and be injured by the traffic
R operate vehicle equipment and, for exam-
ple, trap themselves.
Children could also set the vehicle in motion, for example by:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R starting the engine. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle. Always
keep the key out of reach of children.
X If the transmission is in position Dor R: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the
first point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position Ror D, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to Nautomatically.
With the key: if you then open the driver's door
or the front-passenger door or remove the key
from the ignition, the automatic transmission
shifts to Pautomatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to Pautomat-
ically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system:
With the key:
X Switch the ignition on.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the
ignition lock.
With the Start/Stop button:
X Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
X Switch the ignition on.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal. Automatic transmission
157Driving and parking Z

X
Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the
ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
If the transmission is in position Ror N: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first
point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first point of resistance. Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display
The current transmission position and drive pro-
gram appear in the multifunction display. :
Transmission position
; Gear
= Drive program
The arrows in the transmission position display
show how and into which transmission positions
you can shift using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
If the transmission position display in the mul-
tifunction display is not working, you should pull away carefully to check whether the desired
transmission position is engaged. Ideally, you
should select transmission position Dand, on
Mercedes-AMG vehicles, drive program Cor S. Transmission positions
B Park position
This prevents the vehicle from rolling
away when stopped. Only shift the
transmission into position Pwhen
the vehicle is stationary
(Y page 201).
Park position Pis automatically
engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the
key and remove the key
R you switch off the engine using the
key or using the Start/Stop button
and open the driver's door or front- passenger door
R you open the driver's door when
the vehicle is stationary or driving
at very low speed and the trans-
mission is in position Dor R C Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission into posi-
tion Rwhen the vehicle is stationary. A Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you to
move the vehicle freely, e.g. to push
it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty: shift
the transmission to position Nif the
vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.
on icy roads.
If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position Ror D, the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
! Rolling in neutral
Ncan lead to
damage to the transmission. 7 Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear automatically. All forward gears
are available. 158
Automatic transmissionDriving and pa
rking

G
WARNING
Electrostatic charge can cause sparks and
thereby ignite fuel vapours. 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. This discharges any electrostatic
charge that may have built up. G
WARNING
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
If you mix diesel fuel with petrol, the flash
point of this fuel mixture is lower than that of pure diesel fuel. When the engine is running,
components in the exhaust system may over-
heat unnoticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with petrol. Never add petrol to
diesel fuel.
! Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Do not switch on the ignition if you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, fuel can enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. The repair costs are high. Notify a
qualified specialist workshop and have the
fuel tank and fuel lines drained completely.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
petrol engine. Do not switch on the ignition if you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel can
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. Notify a qualified specialist workshop
and have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when adding fuel from a fuel can.
The fuel lines and/or the fuel injection system could otherwise be blocked by particles fromthe fuel can. Do not get back into the vehicle during the refu-
elling process, Otherwise, electrostatic charge
could build up again.
If you overfill the fuel tank, some fuel may spray out when you remove the fuel pump nozzle.
Further information on fuel and fuel quality
(Y page 382). Refuelling
General information Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Y
page 163).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked auto-
matically when you unlock or lock the vehicle
with the key or using KEYLESS-GO.
The position of the 8fuel filler cap is dis-
played in the instrument cluster. The arrow next
to the filling pump indicates the side of the vehi- cle.
Opening the fuel filler flap :
To open the fuel filler flap
; To insert the fuel filler cap
= Instruction label on the fuel type to be refu-
elled
? Tyre pressure table
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS‑ GO:
X Open the driver's door.
The vehicle electronics now have status 0.
This is the same as the key having been
removed.
The driver's door can be closed again. 164
RefuellingDriving and parking

X
Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap swings open.
X Turn the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and
remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder on the
inside of fuel filler flap ;.
X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place and refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
Do not add any more fuel after the pump stops
filling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel may leak out. Vehicles with a diesel engine: the filler neck is
designed for refuelling at diesel filling pumps.
Closing the fuel filler flap X
Replace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
X Close the fuel filler flap.
Close the fuel filler flap before locking the vehi-
cle. Problems with the fuel and fuel tank
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle.
G
WARNING
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
There is a risk of fire or explosion. X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the key 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
key 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 completely
dry.
X Refuel the vehicle with at least 5 litres of diesel.
X Turn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds (Y page 148).
X Start the engine continuously for a maximum of ten seconds until it
runs smoothly.
If the engine does not start: X Turn the ignition on again for a maximum of ten seconds
(Y page 148).
X Start the engine again continuously for a maximum of ten seconds
until it runs smoothly.
If the engine does not start after three attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Refuelling
165Driving and parking Z

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The fuel filler flap cannot
be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
X Unlock the vehicle (Y page 81). The key battery is weak or discharged.
X Unlock the vehicle using the emergency key element (Y page 83).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. AdBlue
®
(BlueTEC vehicles only)
General notes To function properly, BlueTEC exhaust gas after-
treatment must be operated with the reducing
agent AdBlue ®
. Topping up AdBlue ®
is part of
the maintenance work. Under normal operating
conditions, a full tank of AdBlue ®
should last
until the next service due date.
When the supply of AdBlue ®
is down to approx-
imately 3.8 l, the Refill AdBlue See Own‐ Refill AdBlue See Own‐
er's Manual er's Manual message is shown in the multi-
function display.
X Add at least 3.8 lof AdBlue ®
.
X Switch on the ignition for at least 60 seconds.
X Start the engine.
i You can also have the AdBlue ®
tank refilled
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Before driving your vehicle outside Europe, have
the AdBlue ®
supply checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment and about AdBlue ®
can
be obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre.
Important safety notes AdBlue
®
is a water-soluble fluid for the exhaust
gas aftertreatment of diesel engines. It is:
R non-toxic
R colourless and odourless
R non-flammable
If you open the AdBlue ®
tank, small amounts of
ammonia vapour may be released. Ammonia vapours have a pungent odour and are
particularly irritating to the skin, mucous mem-
branes and eyes. You may experience a burning sensation in your eyes, nose and throat. You
may also experience coughing and watery eyes.
Do not inhale any ammonia vapours that may be
released. Only fill the AdBlue ®
tank in well-ven-
tilated areas.
Do not swallow AdBlue ®
or let it come into con-
tact with skin, eyes or clothing. Keep AdBlue ®
away from children.
If you or others come into contact with AdBlue ®
,
observe the following:
R immediately rinse AdBlue ®
off your skin with
soap and water.
R if AdBlue ®
comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean water. Seek medical attention immediately.
R if AdBlue ®
is swallowed, immediately rinse
your mouth out thoroughly. Drink plenty of
water. Seek medical attention immediately.
R change immediately out of clothing that has
come into contact with AdBlue ®
.
! Only use AdBlue ®
in accordance with
ISO 22241. Do not mix any additives with
AdBlue ®
, and do not dilute AdBlue ®
with
water. This may destroy the BlueTEC exhaust
gas aftertreatment system.
! In order to fill the AdBlue ®
tank, the vehicle
must be parked on a level surface. The
AdBlue ®
tank can only be filled as intended
with the vehicle parked on a level surface.
Fluctuations in capacity will thus be avoided.
Filling a vehicle standing on an uneven sur-
face is not permitted. There is a danger of
overfilling, which can cause damage to Blue-
TEC exhaust gas aftertreatment components. 166
RefuellingDriving and parking

!
Surfaces which have come into contact with
AdBlue ®
while refilling should be rinsed
immediately with water, or remove AdBlue ®
with a moist cloth and cold water. If AdBlue ®
has already crystallised, use a sponge and
cold water to clean the area. AdBlue ®
residue
crystallises after a certain amount of time and soils the affected surfaces.
! AdBlue ®
is not a fuel additive and must not
be added to the fuel tank. If AdBlue ®
is added
to the fuel tank, this can lead to engine dam-
age.
Have the AdBlue ®
tank refilled at a qualified
specialist workshop. However, you can also top
up the AdBlue ®
tank:
R at a filling station with an AdBlue ®
filling pump
R with AdBlue ®
refill bottles
R with an AdBlue ®
refill canister
When the pump nozzle switches off automati-
cally during filling at a filling pump, the AdBlue ®
tank has been completely filled. Do not fill the
AdBlue ®
tank any further. AdBlue ®
may leak
out.
To avoid transporting already opened refill con-
tainers in the vehicle, completely empty refill
bottles or canisters when filling the AdBlue ®
tank, if possible.
Further information on AdBlue ®
(Y page 384).
Opening/closing the AdBlue ®
filler cap The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked auto-
matically when you open or close the vehicle
with the key or using KEYLESS-GO.
X To open:switch the ignition off.
X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap swings open. X
Turn blue AdBlue ®
fuel filler cap ;anti-clock-
wise and remove it.
AdBlue ®
filler cap ;is secured with a plastic
strip.
X To close: fit AdBlue®
filler cap ;on the filler
neck and turn it clockwise.
X To close the fuel filler flap, press it in the
direction of arrow :.
X Drive faster than 15 km/h.
The Refill AdBlue See Owner's Manual Refill AdBlue See Owner's Manual
message goes out after approximately one
minute.
i If the
Refill AdBlue See Owner's Man‐ Refill AdBlue See Owner's Man‐
ual
ual message continues to be shown in the
multifunction display, you must top up with
more AdBlue ®
.
AdBlue ®
refill canisters !
Do not tighten the disposable hose too
firmly. The disposable hose could otherwise
be damaged and AdBlue ®
may leak out. X
Unscrew the cap from the opening on top of
AdBlue ®
refill canister ;.
X Place disposable hose :on the opening of
AdBlue ®
refill canister ;and screw it on
clockwise until hand-tight.
Disposable hose :remains closed until you
fasten disposable hose :to the AdBlue ®
filler neck of the vehicle. Refuelling
167Driving and parking Z