2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class SUV automatic transmission

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The yellow!warning lamp lights up. The red F(USAonly)
or ! (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about te nseconds
after th eelectric parking brak ehas been applie dor released. It then
goe sout or remain slit .
The electric parking brak eis malfunctioning .
XSwitchoff th eignition and tur nit bac kon .
XApply th eelectric parking brake.
If it is no tpossibl eto engage th eelectric parking brake:
XShift th etransmission to position P.
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
If it is no tpossibl eto release th eelectric parking brake:
XReleas eth eelectric parking brak eautomatically (Ypage 160).
If th eelectric parking brak estill canno tbe released:
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
The yellow!warning lamp lights up. If you manually apply or
release th eelectric parking brake, th ered F (USAonly) or !
(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes .
The electric parking brak eis malfunctioning .It is no tpossibl eto apply
th eelectric parking brak emanually.
XShift th etransmission to position P.
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
F(USA
only)
!( Canada
only)
Parkin gBrake Inop‐
erativ e
The yellow !warning lamp lights up. The red F(USAonly)
or ! (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about te nseconds
after th eelectric parking brak ehas been applie dor released. It then
goe sout or remain slit .
The electric parking brak eis malfunctioning ,e.g. because of over-
voltag eor undervoltage.
XRemove th ecaus efor th eovervoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging th ebattery or restarting th eengine.
XEngage or release th eelectric parking brake.
If it remain simpossible to apply or release th eelectric parking brake:
XSwitc hoff th eignition and tur nit bac kon .
XEngage or release th eelectric parking brake.
If th eelectric parking brak estill canno tbe released:
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
If th eelectric parking brak estill canno tbe applied:
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
Display messages249
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
8
Different.Loc kSys.Malfunction
The differential loc kis malfunctioning .
XDo notdrive at speeds abov e50 mph (80 km/h).
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
8
Different.Lockin gSys.Coolin gDow nPlease Wai t
The differential loc kis to ohot and has been disengaged .
XDrive on carefully.
XAllow thedifferential loc kto cool down .
The differential loc kre-engage sas soo nas it has cooled down .
LOW RANGE StopApply ParkingBrakeAgearshift process has been canceled. LOW RANGE is in th eneutral
position .There is no connection between th eengin eand th edrive
wheels.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XApply th eelectric parking brake. Do no tcontinu edrivin gunder any
circumstances.
XRepeat th egearshift process.
LOW RANGE Malfunc‐tio nToPark,ApplyBrake
LOW RANGE is malfunctioning .
XDo notdrive at speeds abov e50 mph (80 km/h).
XWhe nparking ,secure th evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 159).
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
LOW RANGE Max.Speed 25 mphYou haveexceeded th emaximum speed for th egearshift process.
XDrive mor eslowly.
The gear chang eis made .
LOW RANGE Max .Speed 40 mphYou haveexceeded th emaximum speed for th egearshift process.
XDrive mor eslowly.
The gear chang eis made .
LOW RANGE Shift ToPosition NBriefl yYou hav ereduce dth evehicl espeed, but th eautomatic transmission
is no tin position N.
XBriefly shift th eautomatic transmission to position N.
LOW RANGE ShiftingCanceled PleaseReactivat e
The gearshift process has been canceled.
XRepeat thegearshift process.
Ã
Inoperative
DS R(Downhill Speed Regulation )is deactivated due to amalfunction .
XHaveDS Rchecke dat aqualified specialist workshop .
Display messages263
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
TirePressure Moni‐tor Inoperative NoWheel Sensor s
The wheels mounte ddo no thav e a suitable tire pressur esensor .The
tire pressur emonitor is deactivated.
XMoun twheels wit hsuitable tire pressur esensors.
The tire pressur emonitor is activated automatically after drivin gfor
a few minutes.
Tir ePress.Monito rInoperativeThe tire pressur emonitor is faulty.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
Shiftto'P'or'N'to Start EngineYou haveattempte dto start th eengin ewit hth etransmission in posi-
tion Ror D.
XShift th etransmission to position Por N.
Apply Brake toShift fro m'P'You hav eattempte dto shift th etransmission to position D,Ror N
without depressing th ebrak epedal .
XDepress th ebrak epedal .
ToDeselectPorN,Depres sBrake andStart Engine
Wit hth eengin eswitched off ,you hav eattempte dto shift th etrans -
mission out of position Por Nint oanother transmission position .
XDepress thebrak epedal .
XStart th eengine.
TransmissionNotinP Ris kof Vehicl eRollingAwa y
The driver's door is open/not completely closed and th etransmission
is in position R,N or D.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNIN G
The vehicl emay rol laway.
There is aris kof an accident.
XShift th etransmission to position P.
XSecureth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 159).
XCloseth edriver's door completely.
Onl yShift to 'P'whe nVehicl eisSta‐tionar y
The vehicl eis moving .
XStop thevehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin gattention to roa d
and traffic conditions.
XShift th etransmission to position P.
270Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
ServiceRequiredDoNot Shift GearsVisit Dealer
You canno tchang eth etransmission position due to amalfunction .
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position Dis selected:
XDrive to aqualified specialist workshop without shifting th etrans -
mission from position D.
If transmission position R,N or Pis selected:
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 159).
XNotify aqualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
ReversingNotPossi‐bleServic eRequiredYou canno tshift int oth etransmission position Rdue to amalfunction .
The transmission position sP,N or Dcontinu eto be available.
A warning tone also sounds.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
Transmission Mal‐function StopAmalfunction has occurred in th emechanical transmission compo -
nents.
A warning tone also sounds. The gearbox automatically shift sto posi-
tion N.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XShift th etransmission to position P.
XSecureth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 159).
XNotify aqualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
Auxiliary Batter yMalfunctionThe auxiliary battery for th eautomatic transmission is no longer bein g
charged.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
XUntilthen ,set th eautomatic transmission to position Pbefore you
switch off th eengine.
XBefor eleaving th evehicle, apply th eelectric parking brake.
AThe tailgat eis open .
GWARNIN G
Whe nth eengin eis running, exhaust gase scan ente rth evehicl einte-
rio rif th etailgat eis open .
There is aris kof poisoning .
XCloseth etailgate.
Display messages27 1
On-board computer and displays
Z

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
!NThe yellow ABS warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is deactivated due to a malfunction.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunction.
In addition, the ÷andå warning lamps may light up in the instrument
cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
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.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other systems, such
as the navigation system or the automatic transmission, will not be available.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster277
On-board computer and displays
Z

!In car washes with a towing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission is
in transmission position N, otherwise the
vehicle could be damaged.
RVehicles with a SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the igni-
tion lock. Do not open the driver's door or
front-passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position Pauto-
matically and locks the wheels. You can
prevent this by shifting the automatic trans-
mission to Nbeforehand.
RVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position Pauto-
matically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N:
XMake sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 138).
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop
button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax
from the windshield and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on the windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all countries
concerned.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlets.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the paint-
work.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
!Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about the
correct distance is available from the equip-
ment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around when
cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
RTires
RDoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
RElectrical components
RBattery
RConnectors
RLamps
RSeals
RTrim
RVentilation slots
Care325
Maintenance and care
Z

iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere is a malfunction in the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (
Ypage 377).
!When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated,
the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if availa-
ble. You could otherwise damage the vehicle.
!Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
RSecure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
REnsure that the tow cable is not longer than legally permitted. Mark the tow cable in the
middle, e.g. with a white c
loth
(30x30 cm).
This will make other road users aware that
the vehicle is being towed.
ROnly secure the tow cable to the towing
eye.
RObserve the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance so that the tow rope does not sag.
RDo not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
!Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recovery
or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, have the vehicle recovered using a
crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight as
possible and not at an acute angle. Excessive
tractive power could damage the vehicles.
When towing, it is preferable to use a rigid tow- ing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid towing
bar helps to keep the tractive power low.
!When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop button.
Otherwise, the automatic transmission may
shift to position Pwhen the driver's or front-
passenger door are opened, which could lead
to damage to the transmission.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
!Vehicles with differential locks: make sure
the differential locks are in automatic mode.
Towing and tow-starting341
Breakdown assistance
Z

When towing, the differential locks must not
be switched on. The transmission may other-
wise be damaged.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage,
have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position N when the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock
Rcannot release the electric parking brake
Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the
vehicle is towed (
Ypage 239). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
The brackets for the screw-in towing eye are
located in the bumpers. They are at the front and
rear behind covers :;.
XRemove the towing eye from the vehicle tool
kit (Ypage 331).
XTo open the cover at the front: press the
mark on cover :inwards in the direction of
the arrow.
XTo open the cover at the rear: insert a flat,
blunt object into the cutout and lever
cover ;out of the bumper.
XTake cover :or; off the opening.
XScrew in the towing eye clockwise as far as it
will go and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye
XUnscrew and remove the towing eye.
XPosition cover :or; in the bumper and
press the cover on until it engages.
XPlace the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
The automatic transmission automatically shifts
to position Pwhen you open the driver's or front-
passenger door or when you remove the Smart-
Key from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion stays in position Nwhen towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
N .
XLeave the SmartKey in position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 114).
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination switch
as usual. In this case, only the indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. After resetting
342Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance