2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV warning

Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. Before
every trip, ensure that the hood is locked. G
WARNING
When opening and closing the hood, it may
suddenly fall into the closed position. There is a risk of injury to persons within range of
movement of the hood.
Open and close the hood only when no one is
within its range of movement. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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:
R switch off the ignition
R never reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area R
remove jewelry and watches
R keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts G
WARNING
The ignition system and the fuel injection sys- tem work under high voltage. If you touch
components which are under voltage, you
could get an electric shock. There is a risk of
injury.
Never touch components of the ignition sys-
tem or fuel injection system when the ignition is switched on.
Electrically live components include ignition
coils, spark plug connectors and the test socket. To ensure the flow of fresh air through the air
vents into the vehicle interior, please observe
the following notes (Y page 136):
Opening the hood G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield wip-
ers or the hood. Engine compartment
321Maintenance and care Z

X
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
X Pull release lever 0043on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap, pull hood catch handle 0044
up and lift the hood.
If you lift the hood by approximately 15 in
(40 cm), the hood is opened and held open
automatically by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the hood X
Lower the hood and let it fall from a height of
approximately 8 in (20 cm).
X Check 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 G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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.
General notes Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per
600 miles (1,000 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. 322
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

When checking the oil level:
R
park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating tem-
perature, e.g. if the engine was only started
briefly, wait about 30 minutes before carrying
out the measurement.
Checking the engine oil level using the
oil dipstick Example: vehicles with a gasoline engine
X Pull out oil dipstick 0043.
X Wipe off oil dipstick 0043.
X Slide oil dipstick 0043into the dipstick guide
tube as far as it will go and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark 0087and MAX
mark 0044, the engine oil level is correct.
X If the engine oil level has dropped to MIN mark
0087 or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of engine
oil.
Adding engine oil H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful to the environment.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that are
approved for vehicles with a service system. A list of the engine oils and oil filters that have
been tested and approved in accordance with
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products is available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. The following cause engine failure or damage
to the exhaust system:
R Use of engine oils and oil filters that have
not been expressly approved for the service
system
R Replacement of engine oil and oil filter after
the replacement interval specified by the
service system has expired
R Use of engine oil additives
! Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the engine or to the catalytic converter. Have excess
engine oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil cap
X Turn cap 0043counter-clockwise and remove it.
X Add 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.
X Replace cap 0043on the filler neck and tighten
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil dipstick
(Y page 323).
Further information on engine oil (Y page 386). Additional service products
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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. Engine compartment
323Maintenance and care
Z

Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
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 protective gloves and protective
eyewear when opening. Open the cap slowly
to release pressure.
The coolant level may only be checked and cool- ant refilled when the engine and engine coolingsystem have cooled down. G
WARNING
Windshield washer concentrate is highly flam- mable. If windshield washer concentrate getsonto hot components of the engine or the
exhaust system, it can ignite. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that windshield washer concen-
trate is not spilled in the vicinity of the filler
neck.
Checking coolant level X
Park 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.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0048in the igni-
tion lock (Y page 140).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 142).X
Check the coolant temperature gauge in the
multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position in the ignition
lock 0092(Ypage 140).
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button (Y page 142).
X Press the Start/Stop button (Y page 142).
X Slowly turn cap 0043half a turn counter-clock-
wise and allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap 0043further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar 0087
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough
coolant in coolant expansion tank 0044.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar 0087in the filler neck
when warm, there is enough coolant in expan- sion tank 0044.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap 0043and turn it clockwise as far as
it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 387).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system Example: washer fluid reservoir
X To open: pull cap0043upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap 0043onto the filler neck
until it engages.
If the washer fluid level drops below the recom- mended minimum of 1 liter, a message appears in the multifunction display prompting you to
add washer fluid (Y page 273).324
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network is
also available in other countries. You can obtain further information from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Care
General notes
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man- ner.
! When cleaning your car, do not use:
R dry, coarse or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces and films with hard
objects, e.g. rings or ice scrapers. Otherwise,
you may scratch or damage the surfaces and films.
! 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.
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 G
WARNING
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.
! Before driving into an automatic car wash,
make sure that it is suitable for the dimen-
sions of the vehicle. In particular, make sure
that:
R there is enough ground clearance between
the vehicle underbody and the guide rails of the automatic car wash.
R the clearance width of the automatic car
wash is sufficient, particularly the width of
the guide rails.
R you enter the automatic car wash straight
and in the center of the guide rails in order
to avoid damaging the tires or wheel rims.
Fold in the exterior mirrors before the vehicle
is washed. The exterior mirrors could other-
wise be damaged.
! When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC or
the HOLD function is activated, the vehicle
brakes automatically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and the
HOLD function in the following or similar sit-
uations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
R that the blower of the ventilation/heating
system is switched off (OFF button has
been pressed).
R the windshield wiper switch is at position
005A.
The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
! In car washes with a towing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission is
in transmission position 005C; otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
R Vehicles with a SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the igni-
tion lock. Do not open the driver's door or 326
CareMaintenance and care

front-passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position
005Dauto-
matically and locks the wheels. You can
prevent this by shifting the automatic trans- mission to 005Cbeforehand.
R Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position 005Dauto-
matically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position 005C:
X Make sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.
X Turn the SmartKey to position in the ignition
lock 0048(Ypage 140).
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop
button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to position
005C.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax from the windshield and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on the windshield.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all countries
concerned.
X Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlets. X
Use plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the paint-
work.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers G
WARNING
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.
! Always maintain a distance of at least 12 in
(30 cm) between the vehicle and the power
washer nozzle. Information about the correct
distance is available from the equipment
manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around when
cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R Tires
R Door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
R Electrical components
R Battery
R Plug-type couplings
R Light bulbs
R Seals
R Trim elements
R Ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components can
lead to leaks or failures.
! Vehicles with decorative film: parts of your
vehicle are covered with decorative film.
Maintain a distance of at least 27.5 in (70 cm)
between the film-covered parts of the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer.
Information about the correct distance is
available from the equipment manufacturer. Care
327Maintenance and care Z

e.g. a car shampoo approved for Mercedes-
Benz.
X Dry vehicles covered with film using a soft,
absorbent cloth after every wash.
Water marks could otherwise form.
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.
X Remove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
The decorative film may be irreparably dam-
aged.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover and
rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse off
the treated areas afterwards.
The Paint Cleaner cleaning product, which has
been approved and recommended for
Mercedes-Benz, should be used when dirt has
penetrated the decorative film surface or the
decorative film has become dull.
The manufacturer can provide you with infor-
mation on special care and cleaning products.
Surfaces covered with a decorative film may,
once a decorative film has been removed, show visual differences from the surfaces that were
not protected by a decorative film.
i Have work or repairs on decorative film car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. Cleaning the vehicle parts
Cleaning the wheels G
WARNING
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.
! 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.
Cleaning the windows G
WARNING
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.
! Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-
vents to clean the inside of the windows. Do
not touch the insides of the windows with
hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or ring. There is otherwise a risk of damaging the windows.
! Clean the water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals and pollen may under certain circumstances pre-
vent water from draining away. This can lead
to corrosion damage and damage to elec-
tronic components.
X Clean the inside and outside of the windows
with a damp cloth and a cleaning product that
is recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Cleaning wiper blades G
WARNING
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. Care
329Maintenance and care
Z

X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the SmartKey is in position 0048in the ignition
lock.
X Open the camera cover for cleaning via the
multimedia system (see Digital Operator's
Manual).
X To clean the camera: use clean water and a
soft cloth to clean the camera lens 0043.
360° camera: if you drive at speeds above
20 mph (30 km/h) or with the SmartKey in posi- tion 0092or0047 in the ignition lock, the cover of
the 360° camera closes.
Cleaning the exhaust pipe G
WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of burns.
Always be particularly careful and supervise
children closely around the exhaust pipe and
the exhaust pipe trims. Allow these compo-
nents to cool down before touching them.
! Vehicles with black exhaust pipes: black
chromed screens should not be polished with a chrome polish. They will otherwise lose their
black shine. For optimal care, the screens
should be rubbed with a lightly oiled cloth
after every car wash. Commercially available
engine and care oils are suitable for this.
For heavier soiling, you can apply a fine paint- work polish with a microfiber cloth. Remove
the excess polish residue after polishing.
Impurities combined with the effects of road grit
and corrosive environmental factors may cause flash rust to form on the surface. You can
restore the original shine of the exhaust pipe by
cleaning it regularly, especially in winter and
after washing.
X Clean the exhaust pipe with a chrome care
product tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch H
Environmental note
Dispose of rags soaked in oil and grease in an environmentally responsible manner. !
Do not clean the ball coupling with a power
washer. Do not use solvents.
! Please note the care instructions in the
trailer coupling manufacturer's operating
instructions. The ball coupling must be cleaned if it becomes
dirty or corroded.
X Remove rust on the ball of the ball coupling,
e.g. with a wire brush.
X Remove dirt with a clean, lint-free cloth or a
brush.
X After cleaning, lightly oil or grease ball cou-
pling 0043.
X Check that the vehicle's trailer tow hitch is
working properly.
i You can also have the maintenance work on
the ball coupling and the trailer tow hitch car-
ried out by a qualified specialist workshop. Interior care
Cleaning the display !
For cleaning, do not use any of the following:
R alcohol-based thinner or gasoline
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household cleaning
agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not put pressure on the display surface when
cleaning. This could lead to irreparable dam-
age to the display. Care
331Maintenance and care Z