2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE heating

Adjusting the steering wheel elect ri -
cally
C
Adjusts th e steering whee l heightD
Adjusts th e steering whee l position (fore-
and-af t adjustment)
The steering whee l can also be adjusted when
th e SmartKey is remove d from th e ignition lock.
i Further relate d subjects :R
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature ( Y
page 101)R
Storing setting s ( Y
page 105) Steering wheel heating
Switching on/off X
Turn th e SmartKey to position 2 in th e ignition
loc k ( Y
page 132). X
To switch on/off: tur n th e lever in th e direc -
tion of arrow C or D .
Indicato r lamp

{
Reduces th e airflow ( Y
page 126)|
Switches th e seat heating on th e left-han d side on/off ( Y
page 98 )
Canad a only
Front control panelC
Sets th e temperature, lef t ( Y
page 125)D
Defrost s th e windshield ( Y
page 126)

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 vehicle will
then be recirculated.
If you switch on air-recirculation mode, the win-
dows can fog up more quickly, in particular at
low temperatures. Only use air-recirculation
mode briefly to prevent the windows from fog-
ging up.
Switching on/off X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock ( Y
page 132).X
To activate: press the

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
7G-TRONIC:
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
9G-TRONIC:
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only partly possible to engage the gears or the transmission is in
position N . X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Because ESP ®
is an automatic system, the
engine and ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 or Start/Stop
button in position 0 or 1 ) when the electric
parking brake is being tested on a brake dyna-
mometer (maximum 10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
seriously damage the brake system. ! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
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. Refueling 147
Driving and parking Z

This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking, a
drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g.
on a slippery road surface. This could cause
damage to the drive train. This type of damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz war-
ranty.
Do not depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. causing the
brakes to rub by constantly applying light pres-
sure to the pedal. This results in excessive and
premature wear to the brake pads.
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
to shift into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is especially
important if the vehicle is laden.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control, the speed limiter or Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC.
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.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
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 airflow 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 then 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 vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance. R
Brake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop in advance. You could oth-
erwise damage the drive train or the brake
system.
! Because ESP ®
is an automatic system, the
engine and ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 or Start/Stop
button in position 0 or 1 ) when the electricDriving tips 159
Driving and parking Z

Off-road fording
! Under no circumstances should you accel-
erate before entering the water. The bow
wave could cause water to enter and damage
the engine and other assemblies.
! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors while
fording. Otherwise, water could get into the
vehicle interior and damage the vehicle's
electronics and interior equipment. R
Establish how deep the water is and the char-
acteristics of the body of water before ford-
ing. R
Select the highest possible vehicle level. R
Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter. R
Avoid high engine speeds. R
Enter and exit the water at a flat place and at
a steady walking pace. R
Drive slowly and at an even speed through the
water. R
Ensure that a bow wave does not form as you
drive. R
Do not stop and do not switch off the engine.
Water offers a high degree of resistance, and
the ground is slippery and in some cases
unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and danger-
ous to pull away in the water. R
Clean any mud from the tire tread after ford-
ing. R
Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Always observe the fording depth values
( Y
page 382).
Winter driving
G WARNING
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.
G DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road sur-
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and
braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise control or
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed: X
Shift the transmission to position N .
When driving in snow with or without snow
chains, select driving program Slippery
( Y
page 139).
i Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, e.g. with a protective
cover. The measuring function of the on-
board diagnosis system may otherwise pro-
vide inaccurate values. Some of these values
are required by law and must therefore always
be accurate.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in
wooded areas or on bridges. You should pay
special attention to road conditions when tem-
peratures are around the freezing point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see ( Y
page 343).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see ( Y
page 343).
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section ( Y
page 361).Driving tips 161
Driving and parking Z

R
you activat e th e Offroad Plus progra m (vehi-
cle s wit h th e Off-Road Engineerin g package)R
you shift th e transmission to position N while
drivin g
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a
warnin g tone . You will see th e Cruise Con ‐
tro l Off message in th e multifunction display
for approximately fiv e seconds.
i Whe n you switch off th e engine, th e last
speed store d is cleared .
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
Gene ra l notesDistanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C regulates th e speed
and automatically help s you maintai n th e dis-
tance to th e vehicl e detecte d in front. Vehicles
are detecte d wit h th e aid of th e rada r sensor
system. Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C brakes auto-
matically so that th e set speed is no t exceeded .
You mus t select a lower gear in goo d time on
lon g and steep downhill gradients , especially if
th e vehicl e is laden or towin g a trailer . By doin g
so, you will mak e use of th e brakin g effec t of th e
engine. This relieves th e load on th e brak e sys-
te m and prevents th e brakes from overheating
and wearin g to o quickly.
If Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C detects that there is
a ris k of a collision , you will be warned visually
and acoustically. Without your intervention , Dis-
tance Pilo t DISTRONI C canno t preven t a colli-
sion . An intermittent warnin g tone will then
soun d and th e distanc e warnin g lamp will ligh t
up in th e instrumen t cluster. Brake immediately
in order to increase th e distanc e to th e vehicl e in
fron t or tak e evasive action provided it is saf e to
do so.
Fo r Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C to assist you
when driving, th e rada r sensor system mus t be
operational.
Dis tanc e P
ilo t DISTRONI C operate s in th e range
between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 12 0 mph
(20 0 km/h).
Do no t use Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C while driv-
in g on roads wit h steep gradients .
Since Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C transmit s rada r
waves, it can resemble th e rada r detectors of
th e responsibl e authorities. You can refer to th e
relevan t chapter in th e Operator' s Manual if
question s are asked about this. i US A only:
This device has been approve d by th e FCC as
a "Vehicular Radar System". The rada r sensor
is intended for use in an automotive rada r
system only. Removing, tamperin g with, or
altering th e device will voi d any warranties,
and is no t permitte d by th e FCC. Do no t tam -
per with, alter, or use in any non-approve d
way.
An y unauthorize d modification to this device
could voi d th e user’s authorit y to operate th e
equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies wit h
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subjec t to th e followin g tw o conditions:
1. This device may no t caus e harmful inter-
ference , and
2. This device mus t accept any interferenc e
received, includin g interferenc e that may
caus e undesired operation of th e device .
Removal, tampering, or altering of th e d evice
w
ill voi d any warranties, and is no t permitted.
Do no t tamper with, alter, or use in any non-
approve d way.
An y unauthorize d modification to this device
could voi d th e user's authorit y to operate th e
equipment.
Imp or tant safety notes
G WARNIN G
Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C does no t reac t to :R
people or animals R
stationary objects on th e road, e.g. stoppe d
or parked vehicles R
oncomin g vehicles and crossin g traffic
As a result , Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C may
neither giv e warnings no r interven e in suc h
situations. There is a ris k of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to th e traffic sit -
uation and be read y to brake.
G WARNIN G
Distanc e Pilo t DISTRONI C canno t always
clearly identify other roa d user s and complex
traffic situations.168
Driving systems
Driving and parking

R
Do not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle. R
If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-
imum load. You will find the values in the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle
( Y
page 359).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all: R
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC ( Y
page 184)R
Blind Spot Assist ( Y
page 201)R
Active Lane Keeping Assist ( Y
page 207)
On 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.
You will find installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" ( Y
page 384).
Driving tips Observe the information on ESP ®
trailer stabili-
zation ( Y
page 68) and on pulling away with a
trailer ( Y
page 135).
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. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
( Y
page 384). If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed
a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for
reasons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the permissi-
ble maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combi-
nations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer. Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
to shift into a lowe r g ear in good time on long
a
nd steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.
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, depress the brake pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side: X
Do not accelerate. X
Do not counter-steer. X
Brake if necessary. R
Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle
in front than when driving without a trailer. R
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly. R
The 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.
Installing the ball coupling
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it can come loose during the
journey and endanger other road users. There
is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
G WARNING
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.Towing a trailer 217
Driving an d parking Z