2018 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS brake

the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car
wash, the compressed-air brakes on a truck
or a pneumatic drill could cause PARKTRONIC
to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
Rswitch on the ignition
Rshift the transmission to position h,kor
i
Rrelease the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
Range of the sensors
PARKTRONIC does not take objects into con-
sideration that are:
Rbelow the detection range, e.g. people, ani-
mals or objects.
Rabove the detection range, e.g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
vehicles
:Example: sensors in the front bumper, right- hand side
:Approx. 24 in (approx. 60 cm) (corners)
;Approx. 32 in (approx. 80 cm) (corners)
=Approx. 35 in (approx. 90 cm) (center)
?Approx. 40 in (approx. 100 cm) (center)
The sensors must be free from dirt, ice or slush.
They can otherwise not function correctly. Clean
the sensors regularly, taking care not to scratch
or damage them (
Ypage 239).
Minimum distance
CenterApprox. 8 in (approx. 20 cm)
CornersApprox. 8 in (approx. 20 cm)
If there is an obstacle within this range, the rel-
evant warning displays light up and a warning
tone sounds. If the distance falls below the min-
imum, the distance may no longer be shown.
144Driving system s
Driving an d parking

XMake sure the ECO start/stop function is
switched off (Ypage 108).
XPress LOW RANGE button;.
Once the shifting procedure has been com-
pleted, the LOW RANGE
transfer case position
is shown in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :lights up.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
h.
Switching off the off-road gear ratio
GWARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is a
risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
!Proceed with the shifting process only
when:
Rthe engine is running
Rthe vehicle is rolling
Rthe automatic transmission is in selector
lever position i
Ryou are not driving faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h)
You could otherwise damage the transfer
case.
XPress button ;.
Once the shifting procedure has been com-
pleted, the HIGH
RANGEtransfer case position
is shown in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :goes out.
If the shifting procedure is unsuccessful, the
multifunction display may show the following
messages:
RTC Shift Conditions Not Fulfilled
You have not met one or more shift condi-
tions.
RTC NEUTRAL On
The transfer case has canceled the shifting
procedure and is in Neutral.
RTC Shift Canceled
The transfer case has canceled the gear
change process.
XCarry out the gear change process again.
Make sure to meet all conditions for changing
gears.
RTC Malfunction Visit Workshop
There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
XDo not shift the transfer case.
XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Shifting to neutral
GWARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is a
risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XApply the parking brake.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
i.
XPress and hold LOW RANGE button ;for
approximately ten seconds.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
multifunction display shows the TC
NEUTRALOnmessage for five seconds.
If the shifting procedure is unsuccessful, the
multifunction display may show the following
messages (
Ypage 183).
If the transfer case is in Neutral, the SmartKey
is in the ignition lock and you open the driver's
door, the TC NEUTRAL On
message appears in
the multifunction display. If you then release the
parking brake, a warning tone will sound.
150Off-road driving systems
Driving and parking

Disengaging thedifferential lock s
You can disengage th edifferential locks in th e
followin gorder :; ,? ,= .
XTo simultaneously disengage all differen-
tial locks: press switch =.
Yellow activation indicator lamp sA and red
function indicator lamp s: go out .
Afte rapproximately three seconds of normal
driving, ABS, 4ETS ,ES P
®and BA Sare activa-
ted.
The Differential Locks Active ABS
and ESP Not Availablemessag edisap-
pear sin th emultifunction display and th e
å!÷warning lamps in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
XShift the transfer case to the HIGH RANGE
on-road position (Ypage 149).
If red function indicator lamps :do not go out
when disengaging the differential locks, stop
the vehicle safely in accordance with the traffic
conditions and then drive on. The load change
can disengage the differential locks.
Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
GWARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in ques-
tion is longer or angled differently. This could
seriously impair the driving characteristics
and the trailer can come loose. There is a risk
of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch.
GWARNING
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.
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.
!If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the engine cooling system may be
necessary, depending on the vehicle type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis
frame.
The installation of a trailer tow hitch is only per-
missible if a towing weight is specified in your
vehicle documents. If this is not the case, then
the vehicle is not approved for the towing of a
trailer.
For more information, please contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-
able trailer coupling is used.
Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-
weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling may cause damage.
Damage may be caused to the following:
RTowing vehicle
RTrailer
RBall coupling
RTrailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could become
unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the mini-
mum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/
trailer combination could also become unstable.
Towing a trailer153
Driving and parking
Z

This also applies if you have activated cruise
control or the speed limiter.
XIf necessary, shift the transfer case toLOW
RANGE (Ypage 149).
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
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
permitted speed is. Observe the maximum per-
missible speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical data"
section to find out whether this applies to your
vehicle (
Ypage 291). In the event of increased
rear axle load, the car/trailer combination may
not exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the operat-
ing permit. This also applies in countries in
which the maximum permissible speed for car/ trailer combinations is greater than 60 mph
(100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
Driving tips
RMaintain a greater distance from the vehicle
in front than when driving without a trailer.
RAvoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
RThe 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.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
Assembling the ball coupling
GWARNING
The ball coupling can be damaged if the nut on
the ball coupling is tightened using the incor-
rect torque. As a result, the trailer may
detach. There is a risk of an accident.
Immediately after installing, have the tighten-
ing torque checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
!Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use ball couplings tested and approved for
use on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This helps to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions if you use a ball coupling other
than the one supplied.
XSlide ball coupling :through the hole in ball
coupling carrier bar ;to the stop.
XSlide lock washer ?onto the thread of ball
coupling =to the stop.
XScrew on nut Aas far as it will go.
Towing a trailer155
Driving and parking
Z

XSlide boltCinto the hole in the ball coupling
recess and the ball coupling to the stop.
XSecure the bolt using spring cotter D.
Correctly installed and secured ball couplingXCheck the ball coupling, bolt and spring cotter
for correct installation.
Coupling up a trailer
!
Do not connect the trailer's brake system (if
featured) to the hydraulic brake system of the
towing vehicle, as the latter is equipped with
an anti-lock brake system. Doing so will result
in a loss of function of the brake systems of
both the vehicle and the trailer. Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
XApply the vehicle's parking brake.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission is
set to position
P.
XPosition the trailer horizontally behind the
vehicle.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
XPush the combination switch upwards/down-
wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also
depends on this, for example:
RESP®
RPARKTRONIC
These restrictions apply to accessories that are
supplied with power via the trailer socket in your
vehicle, e.g. a rear bicycle rack.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law
:
RSafety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-wound
under the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible.
RA separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
RSafety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature brakes the
trailer.
Towing a trailer157
Driving and parking
Z

Towing a trailer
There are several legal requirements for towing
a trailer, e.g. the maximum permissible speed.
Make sure that your car/trailer combination
complies with the local regulations:
Rin your place of residence
Rat your destination
The police and local authorities can provide reli- able information.
In order to accumulate driving experience and
accustom yourself to the new handling charac-
teristics, practice the following at a location
where there is no traffic:
RCornering
RStopping
RBacking up
Before driving, check the following:
RTrailer tow hitch
RSafety switch for braked trailers
RSafety chains
RElectrical connections
RLighting system
RWheels and tires
RLoad-securing measures
Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an unob-
structed view of the rear section of the trailer.
Trailers with electronically controlled
brakes: pull away carefully in the vehicle/trailer
combination, brake manually using the brake
controller and check whether the brakes func-
tion correctly.
Check the load securing measures on a regular
basis.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a tra
iler.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning radius
Avoid sudden steering movements.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gently
at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly. When overtaking, pay particular attention to the
extended length of your vehicle/trailer combi-
nation.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer combi-
nation, you require additional road space when
overtaking before you can change back to the
original lane.
If the automatic transmission repeatedly shifts
between gears on uphill or downhill gradients,
shift to a lower gear.
Driving in a lower gear and at a reduced speed
decreases the risk of engine damage.
Avoid constant braking. Otherwise, the vehicle
brakes and possibly also the trailer brakes may
overheat.
When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear to
utilize the engine's braking effect.
If the coolant temperature increases dramati-
cally while the air-conditioni ng s
ystem is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning sys- tem.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by opening
the windows and switching the ventilation
blower and the interior temperature to the high-
est level.
Decoupling a trailer
GWARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
!Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun
brake.
XApply the parking brake.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission is
set to position P.
XSecure the vehicle and trailer against rolling
away.
XClose all doors, including the rear door.
XRemove the trailer cable.
XRemove the safety chains, if there are any.
XUncouple the trailer.
158Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

Safety systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
!÷
ABS, ESP DefectiveVisit Workshop
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESP®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) are temporarily not available.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunc-
tion.
In addition, the ÷and! warning lamps light up in the instru-
ment cluster.
Possible causes are:
Rself-diagnosis is not yet complete
Rthe on-board voltage may be insufficient
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.
XCarefully drive a suitable distance, making slight steering move-
ments at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned above are available again.
If the display message remains on show:
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
!÷
Currently Unavaila‐ble See Operator'sManual
ABS and ESP®are malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunc-
tion.
In addition, the ÷and! warning lamps light up in the instru-
ment cluster.
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.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Display messages175
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
÷
ESPDefectiveVisitWorkshop
ESP®is malfunctioning .
Other drivin gsystems and drivin gsafet ysystems may also malfunc -
tion .
The ÷ warning lamp also lights up in th einstrumen tcluster.
The self-diagnosis function might no tbe complete, for example.
GWARNIN G
The brak esystem continues to function normally, but without th e
function slisted above.
The braking distanc ein an emergenc ybraking situation can thus
increase.
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand an accident.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
!
÷J
ABS,ESP,EBDDefec‐tiveVisit Workshop
EB D(electronic brak eforce distribution), AB Sand ES P®are malfunc -
tioning .
Other drivin gsystems and drivin gsafet ysystems may also malfunc -
tion .
In addition ,th e÷, Jand! warning lamp sligh tup in th e
instrumen tcluste rand awarning tone sounds.
GWARNIN G
The brak esystem continues to function normally, but without th e
function slisted above. The fron tand rear wheels could therefor eloc k
if you brak ehard, for example.
The steerabilit yand braking characteristics may be severely affected.
The braking distanc ein an emergenc ybraking situation can increase.
If ES P
®is no toperational, ES P®is unable to stabiliz eth evehicle.
There is an increased ris kof skiddin gand an accident.
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
F(US Aonly)
J(Canada only)
Please
Releas ePark‐ing Brake
You are drivin gwit hth eparking brak eapplied. Awarning tone also
sounds.
XReleas eth eparking brake.
176Display messages
On-board computer and displays