2018 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS brake

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
$J
÷!N$ (USA only): the red brake system warning lamp and the yellow ESP®and
ABS warning lamps are on while the engine is running.
J (Canada only): the yellow brake system, ESP
®and ABS warning lamps are on
while the engine is running.
ABS and ESP
®are malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunction.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed
above. The front and rear wheels could therefore lock if you brake hard, for exam-
ple.
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.
÷N The yellow ESP®warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP®or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of skidding or at
least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
XWhen pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary.
XEase off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
XDo not deactivate ESP®.
In rare cases (
Ypage 59), it may be best to deactivate ESP®.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP®(Ypage 59).
196Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
åNThe yellow ESP®OFF warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
ESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
If ESP
®is switched off, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
Further driving systems or driving safety systems are thus restricted.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XReactivate ESP®.
In rare cases (
Ypage 59), it may be best to deactivate ESP®.
Observe the important safety notes on ESP®(Ypage 59).
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP
®cannot be activated:
XDrive on carefully.
XHave ESP®checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
÷åN The yellow ESP®and ESP®OFF warning lamps are lit while the engine is running.
ESP®is malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunction.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed
above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus 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.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster197
On-board computer and displays
Z

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
÷åNThe yellow ESP®and ESP®OFF warning lamps are lit while the engine is running.
ESP®is temporarily unavailable.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be unavailable.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed
above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus increase.
If ESP
®is not operational, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XCarefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making gentle steering movements
at speeds of above 12 mph (20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the warning lamp goes
out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
åN The yellow ESP®OFF warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
The differential lock is engaged. ABS, ESP®, 4ETS and BAS have been deactivated.
XDisengage the differential lock.
ESP®, 4ETS and BAS are subsequently reactivated.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
6N The red restraint system warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
The restraint system is malfunctioning.
GWARNING
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices may either be triggered uninten-
tionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be triggered.
There is an increased risk of injury.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XDrive on carefully.
XContact a qualified specialist workshop and have the restraint system checked.
For further information about the restraint system, see (
Ypage 38).
198Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
XIf the coolant temperature gauge is below the Hmarking (Ypage 161), drive on
to the next qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain
and stop-and-go traffic.
Driving systems
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
·NThe red distance warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is in motion. A warning
tone also sounds.
You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line of travel at too high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.
XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to brake or take
evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS (
Ypage 134).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster201
On-board computer and displays
Z

Vanity mirror in the sun visor
:Sun visor
;Retainer
=Mirror cover
?Mirror light
Mirror lights ?will only function if sun visor :
is clipped into bracket ;.
XFold down sun visor:.
XFold up mirror cover =.
Mirror lights ?are switched on automati-
cally.
Glare from the side
:Sun visor
;Retainer
=Mirror cover
?Mirror light
XFold down sun visor :.
XPull sun visor:from bracket ;.
XSwing sun visor :to the side.
Stowage compartment/ashtray
Stowage compartment/ashtray in the
center console
GWARNING
If you engage transmission position Dwhen
removing the ashtray insert, the vehicle can
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the engine first and safe-
guard the vehicle against rolling away by
applying the parking brake.
:Cover
;Insert
On new vehicles, insert ;is stored in the glove
box. Install the insert before using the ashtray.
XTo open: press cover :and then release it.
The ashtray opens.
XTo remove the insert: make sure that the
engine is switched off and that the parking
brake has been applied to secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
XMove the selector lever to i.
XPress down cover:.
Insert ;is released.
XPull insert ;up and remove it.
XTo install the insert: install insert;from
above.
XPush insert ;down.
Insert ;audibly engages.
XTo close: close cover :fully.
The ashtray is lit up if the low-beam headlamps
are on.
216Features
Stowag ean d features

Example: adding liquid to the windshield
washer system
XTo open:pull cap:upwards by the tab and
open.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
If the washer fluid level drops below the recom-
mended minimum of 3.7 US qt (3.5 l), a message
appears in the multifunction display prompting
you to add washer fluid (
Ypage 191).
Further information on washer fluid
(
Ypage 287).
Brake fluid level
!If you notice that the brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the MIN
mark or less, check the brake system imme-
diately for leaks. Also check the thickness of
the brake linings. Visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct
the error.
Only check the brake fluid level when the vehicle
is stationary and on a level surface. The brake
fluid level is correct if the level is between MAX
mark :and MIN mark ;on the brake fluid
reservoir.
Maintenance
Service interval display
Service messages
You can obtain up-to-date information concern-
ing the servicing of your vehicle from a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The ASSYST service interval display informs you
of the next service due date.
If a service due date has been exceeded, you
also hear a warning tone.
The multifunction display shows a service mes-
sage for several seconds, e.g.:
Service A In 999,999 km
Service A in .. Days
Service A Due
Service A Exceeded 999,999 km
Service A Exceeded .. Days
Maintaining the time-dependent service sched-
ule:
XBefore disconnecting the battery, note down
the service due date displayed.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract the
battery disconnection periods from the ser-
vice date shown on the display.
The service interval display should not be con-
fused with the 4engine oil level display.
The symbol and the letter indicate which type of
service is due:
¯ Minor service A
±
Major service B
The ASSYST service interval display does not
take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Maintenance235
Maintenance and care
Z

Hiding a service message
XTo hide the service message, press the%
back button on the multifunction steering
wheel (
Ypage 161).
Displaying service messages
Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
XSwitch on the ignition.
XPress =or; to select the standard
display menu on the steering wheel
(
Ypage 163).
XPress 9or: to select the service
interval display.
The ¯ or± service symbol and the ser-
vice due date are displayed.
Points to remember
The specified maintenance interval takes only
the normal operation of the vehicle into
account. Under arduous operating conditions or
increased load on the vehicle, maintenance
work must be carried out more frequently, for
example:
Rregular city driving with frequent intermediate
stops
Rif the vehicle is primarily used to travel short
distances
Ruse in mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
Rif the engine is often left idling for long periods
Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must be
checked more often. Further information can be obtained at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g.
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Care
General notes
!
For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any of
the following:
Rdry, rough or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rsolvents
Rcleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective films
with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice scraper.
You could otherwise scratch or damage the
surfaces and protective film.
!Do not park your vehicle for a long period of
time directly after cleaning, particularly after
cleaning the wheel rim with wheel cleaner.
Wheel cleaner can lead to the increased cor-
rosion of the brake discs and pads. Therefore,
drive for a few minutes after cleaning. By
heating up the brakes, the brake discs and
pads dry. The vehicle can then be parked for a
long period of time.
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!When DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD func-
tion is activated, the vehicle brakes automat-
ically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
236Care
Maintenance and care

Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by
corrosion and damage caused by inadequate
care cannot always be completely repaired. In
such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover and
rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse off
the treated areas afterwards.
XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin, oils,
fuels and greases by rubbing gently with a
cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter
fluid.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products recommen-
ded and approved by Mercedes-Benz. This is the
case approximately every three to five months,
depending on the climate conditions and the
care product used.
The cleaning product Paint Cleaner, which has
been recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz, should be used when dirt has
penetrated the paint surface.
Also use Paint Cleaner on paint that has become
dull.
Do not use these care products in the sun or on
the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB Touch-
Up Stick, to repair slight damage to the paint-
work quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.
!The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
Rstrong rubbing of the paintwork with
unsuitable materials
Rfrequent use of automatic car washes
Rwashing the vehicle in direct sunlight
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polishing
products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax. These
products are only suitable for high-gloss sur-
faces. Their use on vehicles with matte finish
leads to considerable surface damage (shiny,
spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a clear
matte finish. This will help you to avoid damage
to the paintwork due to incorrect treatment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels with a clear matte finish.
The vehicle should ideally be washed by hand
using a soft sponge, car shampoo and plenty of
water.
Use only insect remover and car shampoo from
the range of approved Mercedes-Benz care
products.
Cleaning the vehicle parts
Cleaning the wheels
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.
!Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
238Care
Maintenance and care