2018 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS check engine

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
DISTRONIC PLUS
Currently Unavaila‐ble See Operator' sManual
DISTRONICis deactivated and temporarily inoperative. Possibl ecau-
ses are:
RThe DISTRONI CPLU Scover in th eradiato rtrim is dirty
RFunction is impaire ddue to heav yrain or snow.
RThe sensor sin th ebumpers are dirty.
RThe radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagneti cradiation emitted by nearby TV or radi ostation sor
other source sof electromagneti cradiation .
RThe system is outside th eoperating temperature range.
RThe transfer cas eis in th eLOW RANGE transmission position .
RThe vehicleis on an uphil lor adownhill slop eof mor ethan
22 ‑25 %
RThe on-boar dvoltag eis to olow.
A warning tone also sounds.
If th edisplay message does no tdisappear :
XPull overand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XApply th eparking brake.
XClean th eDISTRONI CPLU Scover in th eradiato rtrim and th e
bumper (Ypage 239).
XRestart th eengine.
If th esystem detects that th esensor sare full yoperational, th edisplay
message disappears.
DISTRONI CPLU Sis operational again .
DISTRONIC PLUS
Inoperative
DISTRONICPLU Sis malfunctioning
BA S(anti-lock braking system) may also hav efailed.
A warning tone also sounds.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
DISTRONIC PLUS
Suspended
You havedepressed th eaccelerato rpedal .DISTRONI CPLU Sis no
longer controllin gth espeed of th evehicle.
XRemove your foo tfrom th eaccelerato rpedal .
DISTRONIC PLU S
- - -mph
An activation condition for DISTRONI CPLU Sis no tfulfilled .
XCheckth eactivation condition sfor DISTRONI CPLU S (Ypage 134).
Cruise Contro l
- - -mph
Acondition for activating cruise control has no tbeen fulfilled .
You hav etried to store aspeed belo w20 mph (30 km/ h), for example.
XIf conditions permit, drive faster than 20 mph (30 km/ h)and store
the speed.
XCheck the activation conditions for cruise control (Ypage 133).
186Display messages
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

Engine
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
;NThe yellow Check Engine warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
There may be a malfunction, for example:
Rin the engine management
Rin the fuel injection system
Rin the exhaust system
Rin the ignition system
Rin the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may be in emergency
mode.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
In some states, you must immediately visit a qualified specialist workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning lamp lights up. This is due to the legal require-
ments in effect in these states. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations
apply in the state in which you are currently driving.
8N The yellow reserve fuel warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
XRefuel at the nearest gas station.
8N The yellow reserve fuel warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion.
In addition, the ;Check Engine warning lamp may light up.
The fuel filler cap is not closed correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler cap.
XIf the fuel filler cap is closed:visit a qualified specialist workshop.
?NThe red coolant warning lamp lights up while the engine is running and the
coolant temperature gauge is at the start of the scale.
The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is malfunctioning.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a risk of engine
damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 122).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster199
On-board computer and displays
Z

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
?NThe red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running.
The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator may be blocked or
the electric engine radiator fan may be defective.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 122).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning notes
(Ypage 234).
XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by snow,
slush or ice.
XDo not start the engine again until the coolant temperature gauge is below the H
marking (Ypage 161). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain
and stop-and-go traffic.
?N The red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running.
The coolant temperature gauge has exceeded the Hmarking (
Ypage 161). The
airflow to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may be too low.
GWARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some fluids which
may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 122).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine has
cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning notes
(Ypage 234).
XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by snow,
slush or ice.
200Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

The hood release lever is located in the footwell
on the left-hand side of the vehicle when viewedin the direction of travel.
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
XPull release lever :on the hood.
The hood is released.
XLift the hood slightly.
XPush the handle of hood catch ;in the direc-
tion of the arrow and lift the hood.
The hood is opened and held open automati-
cally by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the hood
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height of
approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close it
with a little more force.
Radiator
Do not cover up the radiator, such as with a
thermal mat or insect protection cover. Other-
wise, the values of the European on-board diag- nostics may be affected. Some of these read-
ings are required by law and must be accurate at
all times.
Engine oil
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment:
Rswitch off the ignition
Rnever reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
Rremove jewelry and watches
Rkeep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts
GWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next to
the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and
thoroughly clean the engine oil off the com-
ponents before starting the engine.
Engine compartment231
Maintenance and care
Z

GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
Notes on the oil level
Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per
600 mile s(1000 km). The oil consumption may
be higher than this when the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at high engine speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may be
in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface
Rthe engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature
Rif the engine is not at normal operating tem-
perature, e.g. if the engine was only started
briefly, wait approximately 30 minutes before
carrying out the measurement
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
Example: engine compartment
On the G 63 AMG, the oil level can be checked
using the oil dipstick.
XPull oil dipstick :out of the dipstick guide
tube.
XWipe off oil dipstick :.
XSlowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide tube
to the stop and take it out again after approx-
imately three seconds.
If the level is between MIN mark =and MAX
mark ;, the oil level is correct.
XIf the oil level has dropped to MIN mark =or
below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)of engine oil.
On all other models, the on-board computer
must be used to check the engine oil level.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer
G 550: the oil level can only be checked using
the on-board computer.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position 2
in the ignition lock.
XPress 9or: on the steering wheel to
select the following message: Measuring
EngineOilLevelAccurateOnlyWhenVehicle Is Level
The measurement takes a few seconds. You will
see one of the following messages in the multi-
function display:
REngine Oil Level OK
RAdd1.1litersEng.OilatNextRefu‐eling
XAdd oil if necessary.
If the engine is at normal operating temperature and the Reduce Engine Oil Level
display
appears, too much oil has been added.
XHave excess oil siphoned off.
If the For Engine Oil Level Ignition
Must Be Onmessage appears:
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 105).
If the Need More Time to Check Engine
Oil Levelmessage appears:
XIf the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: repeat the measurement after
approximately five minutes.
XIf the engine is not at normal operating
temperature: e.g. if the engine was only star-
ted briefly, repeat the measurement after
approximately 30 minutes.
232Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment:
Rswitch off the ignition
Rnever reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
Rremove jewelry and watches
Rkeep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts
GWARNING
The cooling system is pressurized, particularly
when the motor is warm. If you open the cap,
you could be scalded if hot coolant sprays out.
There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before you open the
cap. Wear gloves and eye protection. Slowly
open the cap to relieve pressure.
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
Checking coolant level
Checking the coolant level (example)
XPark the vehicle on a level surface. Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 105).
XCheck the coolant temperature display in the
instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
XSlowly turn cap :half a turn counter-clock-
wise and allow excess pressure to escape.
XTurn cap :further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar =
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough
coolant in coolant expansion tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar =in the filler neck
when warm, there is enough coolant in cool-
ant expansion tank ;.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace cap:and turn it clockwise as far as
it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(
Ypage 286).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlamp cleaning
system
GWARNING
Windshield washer concentrate could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents or the exhaust system. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
234Engine compartment
Maintenance and care