2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA SUV ECU

Example: engine oil cap
XTurn cap:counter-clockwise and remove it.
XAdd engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on
the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of
engine oil.
XReplace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place securely.
XCheck the oil level again with the oil dipstick
(Ypage 270).
Further information on engine oil (
Ypage 330).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking coolant level
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.
!The coolant may only be checked and cor-
rected when the engine is cool (coolant tem-
perature below 104 ‡ (40 †). Checking the
coolant when the coolant temperature is
above 104 ‡ (40 †) may result in damage to
the engine or to the engine cooling system.
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 124).
XCheck the coolant temperature display in the
instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
104 ‡ (40 †).
XTurn the SmartKey to position g
(Ypage 124) in the ignition lock .
XSlowly turn cap :counter-clockwise and to
relieve excess pressure.
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 ;.
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 331).
Windshield washer system
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.
272Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Cleaning wiper blades
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Only fold the windshield wipers away from
the windshield when vertical. Otherwise, you
will damage the hood.
!Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper blade could be damaged.
!Do not clean wiper blades too often and do
not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the graph-
ite coating could be damaged. This could
cause wiper noise.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if the
wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away from the
windshield.
XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a damp
cloth.
XFold the windshield wiper arms back again
before switching on the ignition.
Cleaning the exterior lighting
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
which are suitable for plastic light lenses.
Unsuitable cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
could scratch or damage the plastic light len- ses.
XClean the plastic lenses of the exterior lights
with a wet sponge and a mild cleaning agent,
e.g. Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or cleaning
cloths.
Cleaning the mirror turn signals
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
that are suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
cleaning agents or cleaning cloths could
scratch or damage the plastic lenses of the
mirror turn signals.
XClean the plastic lenses of the mirror turn sig-
nals in the exterior mirror housing using a wet
sponge and mild cleaning agent, e.g.
Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or cleaning
cloths.
Cleaning the sensors
!If you clean the sensors with a power
washer, make sure that you keep a distance
of at least 11.8 in (30 cm)betwee nthe vehicl e
and the power washer nozzle. Information
about the correct distance is available from
the equipment manufacturer.
XClean sensors :of the driving systems with
water, car shampoo and a soft cloth.
Cleaning the rear view camera
!Do not clean the camera lens and the area
around the rear view camera with a power
washer.
278Care
Maintenance and care

Warning triangle
Removing/replacing the warning trian-
gle
XTo remove: open the tailgate.
XLift the cargo compartment floor upwards
(Ypage 253).
XTo release warning triangle :, push back the
retainers on the bracket.
XRemove warning triangle :from the bracket.
XTo replace: place warning triangle :back
into the bracket and push down to secure.
XFold the cargo compartment floor down.
XClose the tailgate.
Setting up the warning triangle
XFold feet =out to the side.
XPull side reflectors ;upwards to form a tri-
angle and lock them at the top using upper
press-stud :.
First-aid kit
XOpen the tailgate.
XLift the trunk floor up.
XRemove the first-aid kit :.
Check the expiration date on the first-aid kit at
least once a year. Replace the contents if nec-
essary, and replace missing items.
Vehicle tool kit
General notes
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit: the TIREFIT kit is
located in the stowage well under the cargo
compartment floor.
Vehicles with a tire-change tool kit: the tire-
change tool kit is in the stowage well under the
cargo compartment floor.
Apart from certain country-specific variations,
the vehicles are not equipped with a tire-change
tool kit. Some tools for changing a wheel are
specific to the vehicle. For more information on
which tire changing tools are required and
approved to perform a wheel change on your
vehicle, consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tools required for changing a wheel may
include, for example:
RJack
RWheel chock
RLug wrench
RAlignment bolt
Where will I find...?283
Breakdown assistance

Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit
:Tire inflation compressor
;Tire sealant filler bottle
=Towing eye
XOpen the tailgate.
XLift the cargo compartment floor up
(Ypage 253).
XUse the TIREFIT kit (Ypage 285)or remove it.
Towing eye =is located under tire inflation
compressor :.
iExample: equipment and country-specific
variations possible.
Vehicles with a tire-change tool kit
XOpen the tailgate.
XLift the cargo compartment floor up
(Ypage 253).
XRemove the tire-change tool kit.
The tire-change tool kit contains:
RJack
RLug wrench
RPair of gloves
RFolding wheel chock
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
RMOExtended tires (tires with run-flat proper-
ties) (Ypage 284)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on vehi-
cles with MOExtended tires
Ra TIREFIT kit (Ypage 283) Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires are
not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It
is therefore recommended that you additionally
equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you mount
tires that do not feature run-flat properties, e.g.
winter tires. A TIREFIT kit may be obtained from
a qualified specialist workshop.
Information on changing and mounting wheels
(
Ypage 319).
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 143).
XIf possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
XSwitch off the engine.
XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO:
remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function
or KEYLESS-GO: open the driver's door.
The vehicle electronics are now in position
g. This is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function
or KEYLESS-GO: remove the Start/Stop but-
ton from the ignition lock (
Ypage 124).
XMake sure that the engine cannot be started
via your smartphone (Ypage 143).
XMake sure that the passengers are not endan-
gered as they do so. Make sure that no one is
near the danger area while a wheel is being
changed. Anyone who is not directly assisting
in the wheel change should, for example,
stand behind the barrier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traffic
conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat char-
acteristics), you can continue to drive your vehi-
cle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one
or more tires. The affected tire must not show
any clearly visible damage.
284Flat tire
Breakdown assistance

Observe the service intervals in the Mainte-
nance Booklet or contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information.
!You should have all work involving the bat-
tery carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop. In the exceptional case that it is neces-
sary for you to disconnect the battery your-
self, make sure that:
Rswitch off the engine and remove the
SmartKey. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
make sure that the ignition is switched off.
Check that all the indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster are off. Otherwise, elec-
tronic components, such as the alternator,
may be damaged.
Ryou first remove the negative terminal
clamp and then the positive terminal
clamp. Never swap the terminal clamps.
Otherwise, the vehicle's electronic system
may be damaged.
Rin vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is locked in position j
after the battery is disconnected. The vehi-
cle is secured against rolling away. You can
then no longer move the vehicle.
The battery and the cover of the positive ter-
minal clamp must be installed securely during
operation.
Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries.
Risk of explosion.
Fire, open flames and smoking are
prohibited when handling the bat-
tery. Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective clothing,
especially gloves, apron and face-
guard.
Rinse any acid spills immediately
with clear water. Contact a physician
if necessary.
Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Operator's Manual.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use batteries which have
been tested and approved for your vehicle by
Mercedes-Benz. These batteries provide
increased impact protection to prevent vehicle
occupants from suffering acid burns should the
battery be damaged in the event of an accident.
In order for the battery to achieve the maximum
possible service life, it must always be suffi-
ciently charged.
Like other batteries, the vehicle battery may
discharge over time if you do not use the vehicle.
In this case, have the battery disconnected at a
qualified specialist workshop. You can also
charge the battery with a charger recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Contact a qualified special-
ist workshop for further information.
Have the battery condition of charge checked
more frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for a
lengthy period. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle
parked for a long period of time.
Only replace a battery with a battery that has
been recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Remove the SmartKey if you park the vehicle
and do not require any electrical consumers.
The vehicle will then use very little energy, thus conserving battery power.
If the power supply has been interrupted, e.g. if
you reconnect the battery, you will have to:
Rset the clock using the multimedia system
(see the Digital Operator's Manual)
Rreset the function for folding the exterior mir-
rors in/out automatically, by folding the mir-
rors out once (
Ypage 98)
Charging the battery
GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
290Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a battery.
RIt is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion. Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could be
damaged by the non-combusted fuel.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up in the instrument cluster at low temperatures, it is very
likely that the discharged battery has frozen. In this case you may neither jump-start the vehicle nor
charge the battery. Let the battery thaw first. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter.
The starting characteristics can be impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have the thawed-out
battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the
engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points:
RThe battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible, jump-
start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.
RYou may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust system are cold.
RDo not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
ROnly jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating.
ROnly use jumper cables that are not damaged and have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
RMake sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that:
RThe jumper cables are not damaged.
RNon-insulated parts of the terminal clamps do not come into contact with other metal parts while
the jumper cables are connected to the battery.
RThe jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts that can move when the engine is running,
such as the V-belt pulley or the fan.
XSecure the vehicle by applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XTurn the SmartKey to positiongin the ignition lock and remove it.
292Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance

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
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
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 327).
!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. Otherwise, the vehicle could be
damaged.
!Do not use the towing eyes for recovery pur-
poses as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recove
r the vehicle with a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph (50km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the front axle must be raised
or the entire vehicle raised and transported.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
!When towing away vehicles with KEYLESS-
GO, use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. The automatic transmission may oth-
erwise shift to position jwhen you open the
driver's or front-passenger door, which could
damage the transmission.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be started by tow-starting. This could oth-
erwise damage the transmission.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle can no longer be driven because of
an accident or breakdown, you have the follow-
ing options:
RTransporting the vehicle.
As a rule, you should have the vehicle trans-
ported.
RTowing the vehicle with a tow rope or tow bar.
Only tow the vehicle in e
xceptional cases.
294Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

XShift the automatic transmission to position
j.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the automatic locking
(Ypage 196).
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 103).
XTurn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to posi-
tion gand leave the SmartKey in the ignition
lock.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(
Ypage 294).
XOn vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEY-
LESS-GO start function: you must use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(
Ypage 125).
The automatic transmission automatically shifts
to position jwhen you open the driver's or
front-passenger door or when you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. In order to
ensure that the automatic transmission stays in
position iwhen towing away the vehicle, you
must observe the following points:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
i.
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 103).
iIn 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 the combination switch, the hazard
warning lamp starts fla shing a
gain.
Transporting the vehicle
Vehicles with automatic transmission
!When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport
vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged.
All vehicles
!You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 124).
XShift the transmission to position i.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XTurn the SmartKey to positiongin the igni-
tion lock and remove it.
XSecure the vehicle.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur- poses.
Notes on 4MATIC vehicles
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
296Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance