2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA manual transmission

Holding the vehicle stationary on
uphill gradients
GWARNING
If the clutch overheats, the electronic man-
agement system is automatically deactiva-
ted. This interrupts the power transmission.
The vehicle may, for example, roll back-
wards on gradients. There is a risk of an
accident.
Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator.
The clutch may overheat if you hold the vehi-cle stationary on uphill gradients by depress-ing the accelerator pedal. If the clutch over-heats, a warning tone sounds.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles):theStop Vehicle Shift to 'P'Stop Vehicle Shift to 'P'
Leave Engine RunningLeave Engine Runningdisplay messageappears in the multifunction display. You willonly be able to continue your journey once theclutch has cooled down and the display mes-sage in the multifunction display has disap-peared.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:theTrans. OilTrans. Oil
Overheated Drive on with CareOverheated Drive on with Caredisplaymessage appears in the multifunction display.
Do not hold the vehicle stationary on uphillgradients by depressing the accelerator pedal.Instead, only ever hold the vehicle stationaryon uphill gradients by:
Rdepressing the brake pedal
Ractivating the HOLD function
Rengaging the electric parking brake
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond thepressure point.The automatic transmission shifts to a lowergear depending on the engine speed.
XEase off the accelerator pedal once thedesired speed is reached.The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:it is only possibleto use kickdown in the automatic drive pro-gram and the temporary manual drive programM. When manual drive programMis perma-nently activated, kickdown is not possible.
For further information on kickdown in manualdrive programM(Ypage 142).
Rocking the vehicle free
Shifting back and forth between transmissionpositions[and^can help to free up thevehicle if it gets stuck in mud or snow. Thevehicle's engine management system limitsthe speed to a maximum of 5 mph (9 km/h)when shifting back and forth. To shift repeat-edly between transmission positions[and^, move the DIRECT SELECT lever up anddown past the point of resistance.
Drive programs
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive programCis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rthe vehicle delivers comfortable, economicalhandling characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulls away more gently inforward and reverse gears, unless the accel-erator pedal is depressed fully.
Rthe vehicle has improved driving stability,for example on slippery road surfaces.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from theautomatic transmission shifting up sooner.The vehicle is driven in the low engine speedrange and the wheels are less likely to spin.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive programSis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rsporty engine settings.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.The fuel consumption possibly being higheras a result of the later automatic transmis-sion shift points.
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive programIthe following properties ofthe drive program can be selected:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-ment)
Rthe steering
138Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Rthe availability of the ECO start/stop func-tion
Rthe climate control
Information about configuring drive programIwith the multimedia system can be found inthe Digital Operator's Manual.
iTo permanently select the gears in driveprogramIusing the steering wheel paddleshifters, select theM(manual) setting forthe drive.
Offroad drive program
TheOff-roaddrive program is characterizedby the following:
Rthe vehicle exhibits optimal driving charac-teristics on easily negotiable off-road ter-rain.
Drive program E (Economy)
Drive programEis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rcomfort-oriented engine settings.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from theautomatic transmission shifting up sooner.
Rthe vehicle pulls away more gently inforward and reverse gears, unless the accel-erator pedal is depressed fully.
Rthe vehicle has improved driving stability,for example on slippery road surfaces.
Rthe automatic transmission shifting upsooner. This results in the vehicle beingdriven at lower engine speeds and thewheels being less likely to spin.
Rgliding mode is activated automaticallywhen engine-internal conditions are fulfilledand the accelerator is not depressed. At thesame time the transmission’s clutch opensand the vehicle rolls freely using its kineticenergy. As a result great distances can becompleted without the engine brake andfuel consumption reduced.
iThe availability of gliding mode depends onvarious factors, including the following:
Rthe engine and transmission temperature
Rthe downhill gradient
Rthe vehicle speed
Rperforming regular adaptation functions
When you depress the brake pedal, glidingmode is deactivated, depending on pedalpressure.
When you activate cruise control or ActiveDistance Assist DISTRONIC, gliding mode isnot available.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive programIthe following properties ofthe drive program can be selected:
Rthe drive (engine management)
Rthe transmission management
Rthe suspension (vehicles with AMG adaptivesport suspension system)
RESP®
Information about configuring drive programIwith the multimedia system can be found inthe Digital Operator's Manual.
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive programCis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rthe vehicle delivers comfortable, economicalhandling characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulls away more gently inforward and reverse gears, unless the accel-erator pedal is depressed fully.
Rthe vehicle has improved driving stability,for example on slippery road surfaces.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from theautomatic transmission shifting up sooner.The vehicle is driven in the low engine speedrange and the wheels are less likely to spin.
Rgliding mode is available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is available.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive programSis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-istics.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.The fuel consumption possibly being higheras a result of the later automatic transmis-sion shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits stiff springing anddamping settings (vehicles with AIR adaptivesport suspension system).
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is not available.
Automatic transmission139
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Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive programS+is characterized by the fol-lowing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driv-ing characteristics.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.
Rthe fuel consumption possibly being higheras a result of the later automatic transmis-sion shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits particularly stiffspringing and damping settings (vehicleswith AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-tem).
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program RACE (vehicles with AMG
adaptive sport suspension system)
iThe RACE drive program may not be usedon normal roads. RACE must only be activa-ted and used on dedicated race circuits, noton public roads.
TheRACEdrive program is characterized bythe following:
Rthe vehicle exhibits driving characteristicssuitable for the racetrack.
Rall vehicle systems are set for maximumsportiness.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.
Rthe fuel consumption possibly being higheras a result of the later automatic transmis-sion shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits particularly stiffspringing and damping settings.
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is not available.
Manual gearshifting
General notes
You can change gear yourself using the steer-ing wheel paddle shifters. The transmissionmust be in position[to do this.
Depending on which steering wheel paddleshifter is pulled, the automatic transmissionimmediately shifts into the next gear down orup, if permitted.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:to use manual shift-ing, you have two options:
Rtemporary setting
Rpermanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-function display will show the current gearinstead of transmission position[.
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gearswill be selected automatically.
Temporary setting
XTo activate:shift the DIRECT SELECT leverto position[.
XPull steering wheel paddle shifterCorD.
Temporary setting will be active for a certainamount of time. Under certain conditions theminimum amount of time is extended, e.g. inthe case of lateral acceleration, during anoverrun phase or when driving on steep ter-rain.
XTo deactivate:pull steering wheel paddleshifterDand hold it in place.
or
XUse the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch thetransmission position.
or
XAll vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-cles): use the DYNAMIC SELECT button tochange the drive program.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: use the DYNAMICSELECT controller to change the drive pro-gram.
140Automatic transmission
Driving and pa rking

Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
XTo activate:shift the selector lever to[.
XPress buttonC.
XTo deactivate:press buttonC.
or
XIf position D (automatic transmission) isselected for the transmission in drive pro-gramI: shift to drive programIwith theDYNAMIC SELECT controller.
Shifting gears
!Mercedes-AMG vehicles:the automatictransmission does not shift up automaticallyeven when the engine limiting speed for thecurrent gear is reached. When the enginelimiting speed is reached, the fuel supply iscut to prevent the engine from overrevving.Always make sure that the engine speeddoes not reach the red area of the tachome-ter. There is otherwise a risk of engine dam-age.
XTo shift up:pull steering wheel paddleshifterD.The automatic transmission shifts up to thenext gear.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-cles):if the maximum engine speed on thecurrently engaged gear is reached and youcontinue to accelerate, the automatic trans-mission automatically shifts up in order toprevent engine damage.
XTo shift down:pull steering wheel paddleshifterC.The automatic transmission shifts down tothe next gear.
Automatic down shifting occurs when coast-ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum enginespeed when shifting down, the automatictransmission protects against engine dam-age by not shifting down.
Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you inadopting an economical driving style. The rec-ommended gear is shown in the multifunctiondisplay.
XShift to recommended gearDaccording togearshift recommendationCwhen shownin the multifunction display.
Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
!In manual mode, the automatic transmis-sion does not shift up automatically evenwhen the engine limiting speed for the cur-rent gear is reached. When the engine limit-ing speed is reached, the fuel supply is cutto prevent the engine from overrevving.Always make sure that the engine speeddoes not reach the red area of the tachome-ter. There is otherwise a risk of engine dam-age.
Automatic transmission141
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Z

Before the engine speed reaches the red area,an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-function display.
XShift to recommended gearCwhen mes-sageDis shown in the multifunction dis-play.
Kickdown
XFor maximum acceleration, depress theaccelerator pedal beyond the pressurepoint.The automatic transmission shifts to a lowergear depending on the engine speed.
XShift back up once the desired speed isreached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears usingthe steering wheel paddle shifters.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-mission shifts up to the next gear when themaximum engine speed is reached. This pre-vents the engine from overrevving.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:it is only possibleto use kickdown in temporary manual driveprogramM. When manual drive programMispermanently activated, kickdown is not possi-ble.
Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The transmission hasproblems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshopimmediately.
The acceleration abilityis deteriorating.
The transmission nolonger shifts into all ofthe gears.
Reverse gear can nolonger be engaged.
The transmission is in emergency mode.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to position].
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to position[.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshopimmediately.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. Risk of fire and
explosion by improper handling of fuel.
You must avoid fire, open flames, smoking
and creating sparks. Switch off the ignition
before refueling and, if present, switch off
the auxiliary heating.
142Refueling
Driving and parking

Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake
Rshift the automatic transmission out of
park position]
Rstart the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended
in the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. This
also applies for the Digital Vehicle Key if the
"Digital Vehicle Key" function is activated via
Mercedes me connect.
The function of the electric parking brake isdependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-board voltage is low or there is a malfunctionin the system, it may not be possible to applythe released parking brake.
XIf this is the case, only park the vehicle onlevel ground and secure it to prevent it roll-ing away.
XShift the automatic transmission to position].
It may not be possible to release an appliedparking brake if the on-board voltage is low orthere is a malfunction in the system. Contact aqualified specialist workshop.
The electric parking brake performs a functiontest at regular intervals while the engine isswitched off. The sounds that can be heardwhile this is occurring are normal.
Applying or releasing manually
XTo apply:push handleC.When the electric parking brake is applied,the redI(USA only) or$(Canadaonly) indicator lamp lights up in the instru-ment cluster.
The electric parking brake can also beapplied when the SmartKey is removed.
XTo release:pull handleC.The redI(USA only) or$(Canadaonly) indicator lamp in the instrument clus-ter goes out.
The electric parking brake can only bereleased:
Rif the SmartKey is in positionGorHinthe ignition lock (Ypage 125) or
Rif the ignition was switched on using theStart/Stop button
Applying automatically
The electric parking brake is automaticallyapplied when the transmission is in position]and:
Rthe engine is switched off or
Rthe driver is not wearing a seat belt and thedriver's door is opened
To prevent the electric parking brake frombeing automatically applied, pull handleC.
The electric parking brake is also applied auto-matically if:
RActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC bringsthe vehicle to a standstill or
RThe HOLD function is keeping the vehiclestationary
RActive Parking Assist is keeping the vehiclestationary
In addition, at least one of the following condi-tions must be fulfilled:
RThe engine is switched off
RThe driver is not wearing a seat belt and thedriver's door is opened
RThere is a system malfunction
RThe power supply is insufficient
RThe vehicle is stationary for a long period oftime
The redI(USA only) or$(Canadaonly) indicator lamp in the instrument clustergoes out.
Parking147
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take advantage of engine braking. For thisyou must first activate manual gearshifting.This helps you to avoid overheating thebrakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking,it is possible that a drive wheel will notrotate for some time, e.g. on a slippery roadsurface. This could cause damage to thedrive train. This type of damage is not cov-ered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal ondownhill gradients while the manual drive pro-gramMis temporarily activated: the automatictransmission may switch to the last activeautomatic drive programEorS. The automatictransmission may shift to a higher gear. Thiscan reduce the engine's braking effect.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving, the braking system can over-
heat. This increases the stopping distance
and can even cause the braking system to
fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.
Never depress the brake pedal and the
accelerator pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantlyresults in excessive and premature wear tothe brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavyload, do not stop the vehicle immediately.Drive on for a short while. This allows the air-flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rainwithout braking, there may be a delayed reac-tion from the brakes when braking for the firsttime. This may also occur after the vehicle hasbeen washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal morefirmly. Maintain a greater distance from thevehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi-cle washed, brake firmly while paying attentionto the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quicklyand protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-due may form on the brake discs and brakepads. This can result in a significantly longerbraking distance.
RIn order to prevent any salt build-up, applythe brakes occasionally while paying atten-tion to the traffic conditions.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and thebeginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicleahead.
Servicing the brakes
!The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
Rif the red brake warning lamp lights up inthe instrument cluster and
Ryou hear a warning tone while the engineis running
Observe additional warning messages in themultifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due tobrake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immedi-ately. Consult a qualified specialist work-shop to arrange this.
!A function or performance test should onlybe carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. Ifyou wish to operate the vehicle on such adynamometer, please consult a qualifiedspecialist workshop in advance. You couldotherwise damage the drive train or thebrake system.
!As the ESP®system operates automati-cally, the engine and the ignition must beswitched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-tion

Selecting the drive program
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC supports asporty driving style when you select theS+drive program (Ypage 138) or the manualdrive program (Ypage 140). Accelerationbehind the vehicle in front or to the set speedis then noticeably more dynamic. If you haveselected theE(Mercedes-AMG vehicles:C)drive program, the vehicle accelerates moregently. This setting is recommended in stop-and-start traffic.
Changing lanes
If you want to change to the overtaking laneon multi-lane roads, Active Distance AssistDISTRONIC supports you if:
Ryou are driving faster than 45 mph(70 km/h)
RActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC is main-taining the distance to a vehicle in front
Ryou switch on the appropriate turn signal
RActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC does notcurrently detect a danger of collision
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle isaccelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted ifchanging lanes takes too long or if the dis-tance between your vehicle and the vehicle infront becomes too small.
Stopping
If Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC detectsthat the vehicle in front is stopping, it brakesyour vehicle until it is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains sta-tionary and you do not need to depress thebrake.
iAfter a time, the electric parking brakesecures the vehicle and relieves the servicebrake.
iDepending on the specified minimum dis-tance, your vehicle will come to a standstillat a sufficient distance behind the vehicle infront. The specified minimum distance is setusing the control on the cruise control lever.
When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC isactivated, the transmission is shifted automati-cally to position]if:
Rthe driver's seat belt is not fastened and thedriver's door is open.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is auto-matically switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
The electric parking brake is applied automati-cally if Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC isactive when the vehicle is stationary and:
Ra system malfunction occurs.
Rthe power supply is insufficient.
If a malfunction occurs, the transmission mayalso shift to position]automatically.
Setting a speed
Keep in mind that it may take a brief momentuntil the vehicle has accelerated or braked tothe speed set.
XPress the cruise control lever upCfor ahigher speed or downDfor a lower speed.
XTo adjust the set speed in 1 mph incre-ments (1 km/h increments):briefly pushthe cruise control lever upCor downDtothe pressure point.The last stored speed increases or decrea-ses in 1 mph (1 km/h) increments.
XTo adjust the set speed in 5 mph incre-ments (10 km/h increments):briefly pushthe cruise control lever upCor downDbeyond the pressure point.The last stored speed increases or decrea-ses in 5 mph (10 km/h) increments.
iActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC is notdeactivated if you depress the acceleratorpedal. If you accelerate to overtake, ActiveDistance Assist DISTRONIC adjusts the vehi-cle's speed to the last speed stored, afteryou have finished overtaking.
Setting a specified minimum distance
You can set the specified minimum distancefor Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC by vary-ing the time span between one and two sec-onds. This determines the distance that ActiveDistance Assist DISTRONIC is to maintain fromthe vehicle in front, depending on the roadspeed. You can see this distance in the multi-function display (Ypage 164).
162Driving systems
Driving and parking