2012 Mercedes-benz G Class Owners Manual

Benz. G WARNING Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow the instructions on the particular container. Always open your

vehicle's doors or windows when cleaning the inside. Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed for cleaning your vehicle. Always lock away cleaning products and keep them out of reach of children.

! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any

of the following: Rdry, rough or hard cloths Rabrasive cleaning agents Rsolvents Rcleaning agents containing solvents Do not scrub. Do not touch the surfaces or protective films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice scraper. You could otherwise scratch or damage the surfaces and protective film. H Environmental note Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning cloths in an environmentally responsible manner.

! Do not park the vehicle for an extended period straight after cleaning it, particularly after having cleaned the wheels with wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause increased corrosion of the brake discs and brake pads/linings. For this reason, you should drive for a few minutes after cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and the brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The vehicle can then be parked.

Exterior care Automatic car wash G WARNING Braking efficiency is reduced after washing the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For this reason, you must drive particularly carefully after washing the vehicle until the brakes have dried.

Care 217

You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car wash from the very start. ! 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.

If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before cleaning it in an automatic car wash. ! Make sure that the automatic car wash is suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is washed. The exterior mirrors could otherwise be damaged.

! Make sure that the automatic

transmission is in position N when washing your vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehicle could be damaged if the transmission is in another position.

! Make sure that:

Rthe side windows and sliding sunroof are

closed completely.

Rthe blower for the ventilation/heating is switched off (airflow control is turned to position 0/the à and Á buttons are switched off).

Rthe windshield wiper switch is at position

0.

The vehicle could otherwise be damaged. 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 When using the vehicle in winter, remove all traces of road salt deposits carefully and as soon as possible. When washing the vehicle underbody, also clean the inside of the wheels. X Do not use hot water and do not wash the

vehicle in direct sunlight.

X Use a soft sponge to clean.

218 Care

X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.

X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a

gentle 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

paintwork.

Power washers G WARNING Do not use power washers with circular jet nozzles (concentrated-power jets) to clean your vehicle, especially for cleaning tires. You could otherwise damage the tires and cause an accident.

! Always maintain a distance of at least

11.8 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: Rtires Rdoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc. Relectrical components Rbattery Rconnectors Rlights Rseals Rtrim Rventilation slots Damaged seals or electrical components can lead to leaks or failures.

Cleaning the wheels ! Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products to remove brake dust. This could damage wheel bolts and brake components.

! Do not park the vehicle for an extended period straight after cleaning it, particularly after having cleaned the wheels with wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause increased corrosion of the brake discs and brake pads/linings. For this reason, you should drive for a few minutes after cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and the brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The vehicle can then be parked.

Cleaning the paintwork 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.

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.

X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin, oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter fluid.

X Use tar remover to remove tar stains. X Use silicone remover to remove wax. ! Do not affix:

Rstickers Rfilms Rmagnetic plates or similar items to painted surfaces. You could otherwise damage the paintwork.

If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint surface, use the paint care products recommended and approved by Mercedes- Benz. This is the case approximately every

three to five months, depending on the climate conditions and the care product used. If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if the paint has become dull, the paint cleaner recommended and approved by Mercedes- Benz should be used. Do not use these care products in the sun or on the hood while the hood is hot. X Use a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB

Touch-Up Stick, to correct smaller areas of paint damage quickly and provisionally.

Matte finish care If your vehicle has a clear matte finish, observe the following instructions in order to avoid damage to the paintwork due to incorrect care. These notes also apply to light alloy wheels with a clear matte finish. ! Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy

wheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.

! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or

polishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax. These products are only suitable for high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles with matte finish leads to considerable surface damage (shiny, spotted areas). Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax

treatment under any circumstances.

i Use only insect remover and car shampoo

from the range of recommended and approved Mercedes-Benz care products.

Cleaning the windows G WARNING Switch off the windshield wipers and remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock before cleaning the windshield or the wiper blades. The windshield wipers could otherwise move and injure you.

Care 219

X Clean the inside and outside of the

windows with a damp cloth and a cleaning agent that is recommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.

! Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,

solvents or cleaning agents containing solvents 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 prevent water from draining away. This can lead to corrosion damage and damage to electronic components.

Cleaning the wiper blades G WARNING Switch off the windshield wipers and remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock before cleaning the windshield or the wiper blades. The windshield wipers could otherwise move and injure you.

! 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 graphite coating could be damaged. This could cause wiper noise.

X Fold the wiper arms away from the

windshield.

X Carefully clean the wiper blades with a

damp cloth.

X Fold the windshield wipers back again

before switching on the ignition.

! Hold the wiper arm securely when folding back. The windshield could be damaged if the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.

220 Care

Cleaning the headlamps X Clean the headlamp lenses with a damp sponge and a mild cleaning agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or cleaning cloths.

! Only use cleaning agents or cleaning

cloths which are suitable for plastic headlamp lenses. Unsuitable cleaning agents or cleaning cloths could scratch or damage the plastic headlamp lenses.

Cleaning the sensors

X Clean sensors : of the driving systems with water, car shampoo and a soft cloth. ! When cleaning the sensors with a power washer, maintain a distance between the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer of at least 11.8 in (30 cm). Information about the correct distance is available from the equipment manufacturer.

Cleaning the rear view camera

X Use clear water and a soft cloth to clean

camera lens :.

! Do not clean the camera lens and the area around the rear view camera with a power washer.

Cleaning chrome parts 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 chrome parts by cleaning them regularly, especially in winter and after washing. ! Do not clean chrome parts e.g. the

exhaust tail pipes (G 55 AMG) or stainless- steel spare hub cap with alkaline-based cleaning agents such as wheel cleaner.

X Clean the chrome parts with a chrome care product tested and approved by Mercedes- Benz.

Interior care Cleaning the display X Before cleaning the display, make sure that

it is switched off and has cooled down.

X Clean the display surface using a

commercially available microfiber cloth and TFT/LCD display cleaner.

X Dry the display surface using a dry

microfiber cloth.

! For cleaning, do not use any of the

following: Ralcohol-based thinner or gasoline Rabrasive cleaning agents Rcommercially-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 damage to the display.

Cleaning the plastic trim G WARNING When cleaning the steering wheel boss and dashboard, do not use cockpit sprays or cleaning agents containing solvents. Cleaning agents containing solvents cause the surface to become porous, and as a result, plastic parts may break away and be thrown around the interior when an air bag is deployed, which may result in severe injuries.

! Do not affix the following to plastic

surfaces: Rstickers Rfilms Rscented oil bottles or similar items You can otherwise damage the plastic.

! Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent or sunscreen to come into contact with the plastic trim. This maintains the high-quality look of the surfaces.

X Wipe the plastic trim with a damp, lint-free

cloth, e.g. a microfiber cloth.

X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning products recommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. The surface may change color temporarily. Wait until the surface is dry again.

Cleaning the steering wheel and gear or selector lever X Thoroughly wipe with a damp cloth or use

leather care agents that have been recommended and approved by Mercedes- Benz.

Cleaning wooden trim and trim strips X Wipe the wooden trim and trim strips with

a damp, lint-free cloth, e.g. a microfiber cloth.

X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning products recommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Care 221

! Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents

such as tar remover, wheel cleaners, polishes or waxes. There is otherwise a risk of damaging the surface.

! Do not use chrome polish for trim strips. The trim strips have a chrome look but are mostly made of anodized aluminum and can lose their shine if chrome polish is used. Use a damp, lint-free cloth instead when cleaning the trim strips. If the chrome-plated trim strips are very dirty, you can use a chrome polish. If you are unsure as to whether the trim strips are chrome-plated or not, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Cleaning the seat covers ! Do not use microfiber cloths to clean

genuine leather or artificial leather covers, as these are too aggressive and, if used often, may damage the cover.

! Observe the following when cleaning: Rclean genuine leather covers carefully with a damp cloth and then wipe the covers down with a dry cloth. Make sure that the leather does not become soaked. It may otherwise become rough and cracked. Only use leather care agents that have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain these from a qualified specialist workshop.

Rclean artificial leather covers with a cloth moistened with a solution containing 1% detergent (e.g. dishwashing liquid).

Rclean cloth covers with a microfiber cloth moistened with a solution containing 1% detergent (e.g. dishwashing liquid). Rub carefully and always wipe entire seat sections to avoid leaving visible lines. Leave the seat to dry afterwards. Cleaning results depend on the type of dirt and how long it has been there.

222 Care

i Note that regular care is essential to

ensure that the appearance and comfort of the covers is retained over time.

Cleaning the seat belts X Use clean, lukewarm water and soap

solution.

! Do not clean the seat belts using chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the seat belts by warming them above 176 ‡ (80 †) or placing them in direct sunlight. G WARNING Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash, they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

Cleaning the headliner and carpets X Headliner: if it is very dirty, use a soft brush

or dry shampoo.

X Carpets: use the carpet and textile cleaning agents recommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Useful information ............................ 224
Where will I find...? ........................... 224
Flat tire .............................................. 226
Battery ............................................... 230
Jump-starting .................................... 233
Towing and tow-starting .................. 235
Fuses .................................................. 237

223

the vehicle. To obtain tools approved for your vehicle, contact a qualified specialist workshop.

The vehicle tool kit contains: Ra vehicle tool kit with:

- a fuse extractor - an Allen key, e.g. to operate the sliding

roof manually in an emergency

- a pump lever for the vehicle jack - a screwdriver - a lug wrench

Ra jack

Vehicle tool kit The vehicle tool kit is under the cover in the footwell in front of the rear bench seat.

X Fold cover : to the side. X Pull vehicle tool kit ; out by the tab.

Jack The jack is located under the rear bench seat on the right-hand side when viewed in the direction of travel.

224 Where will I find...?

Useful information

i This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety- related systems and functions.

i Please read the information on qualified

specialist workshops (Y page 20).

Where will I find...? First-aid kit i Check the expiration date on the first-aid

kit at least once a year. Replace the contents if necessary, and replace missing items.

The first-aid kit is located in the stowage compartment in the front-passenger door.

X Remove first-aid kit : from the stowage

space.

Vehicle tool kit General notes i Vehicles are not equipped with the tools needed to change a wheel when they leave the factory, e.g. a jack or lug wrench. Some tools for changing a wheel are specific to

Where will I find...?

225

Do not exceed a maximum speed of 50 mph(80 km/h).

The spare wheel is on the outer side of the rear door.

Removing the cover Stainless-steel spare hub cap

X Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle

tool kit (Y page 224).

X Open the lock on cover ring : with

screwdriver = or a similar tool.

X Fold tab ; down.

X Pull cover ring : apart and remove it. X Pull off cover panel ?.

X Fold the rear bench seat forward

(Y page 191). X Open cover :. X Pull bar = upwards and detach from

tab ?.

X Take out jack ;. ! Make sure that, while installing the

vehicle jack, there are no cables on the holder, in order to avoid them becoming trapped.

! Make sure that, while installing the

vehicle jack, there are no cables on the holder, in order to avoid them becoming trapped.

Exterior spare wheel bracket General notes G WARNING If the spare tire is more than 6 years old or is not the same model as the regular tires, have the spare tire replaced with a new tire at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center. Never operate the vehicle with more than one spare wheel mounted. G WARNING G 55 AMG: Rim and tire sizes are different for the spare wheel and the normal wheel. With the spare wheel mounted, handling is impaired.

226 Flat tire

i When refitting cover panel ?, make sure

that retainer B engages in recess A.

Removing the spare wheel G WARNING Make sure no one is injured when removing the spare wheel. Grip wheel from the sides. Keep hands from beneath the wheel.

X When refitting cover panel ?, make sure

that retainer B engages in recess A(Y page 225).

X Make sure that tab ; is below when refitting cover ring : (Y page 225). X For safety reasons, regularly check to

ensure that the wheel is securely fastened.

Flat tire Preparing the vehicle X Stop the vehicle as far away as possible

from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level ground.

X Switch on the hazard warning lamps. X Apply the parking brake. X Bring the front wheels into the straight-

ahead position.

X Move the selector lever to P. X Switch off the engine. X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition

lock.

X All occupants must get out of the vehicle. Make sure that they are not endangered as they do so.

X 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.

X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to

traffic conditions when doing so.

X Close the driver's door.

Changing a wheel and mounting the spare wheel Important safety notes G WARNING If the spare tire is more than 6 years old or is not the same model as the regular tires, have

X Remove wheel nuts :. X Remove the spare wheel.

Mounting the wheel After changing a wheel: X Repair or replace the damaged wheel as

soon as possible and secure the spare wheel in place again.

X Secure the damaged wheel on the spare wheel bracket with wheel nuts :. When doing so, make sure that the wheel cannot come loose.

the spare tire replaced with a new tire at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center. Never operate the vehicle with more than one spare wheel mounted. G WARNING G 55 AMG: Rim and tire sizes are different for the spare wheel and the normal wheel. With the spare wheel mounted, handling is impaired. Do not exceed a maximum speed of 50 mph(80 km/h).

Preparing the vehicle X Prepare the vehicle as described

(Y page 226). G WARNING You must remove the spare wheel from the spare wheel carrier before lifting the vehicle. Otherwise the vehicle could fall off the jack and injure you or others.

X Remove the vehicle tool kit and the jack

(Y page 224).

X Remove the spare wheel from the spare

wheel bracket (Y page 225).

i Vehicles without a spare wheel/

emergency spare wheel are not equipped with a tire-change tool kit at the factory. For more information on which tools are required to perform a wheel change on your vehicle e.g. lug wrench or jack, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Securing the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling

away. On level ground: place chocks or similar items under the front and rear of the wheel

Flat tire 227

that is diagonally opposite to the wheel you wish to change.

X On downhill gradients: place chocks or similar items behind both wheels of the other axle. G WARNING Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on slight inclines/declines. The vehicle could otherwise fall off the jack and injure you or others.

Raising the vehicle G WARNING When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack which has been specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle. The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the vehicle under the axle housing. Make sure the jack is positioned correctly under the axle housing. The jack must always be vertical when in use, especially on inclines or declines. The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for performing maintenance work under the vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel change. Never get beneath the vehicle while it is supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from the area under the lifted vehicle. Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before working under the vehicle. Always firmly engage the parking brake and block the wheels with wheel chocks or other sizeable objects before raising the vehicle with the jack. Do not disengage the parking brake while the vehicle is raised. Make sure that the ground on which the vehicle is standing and where you place the jack is solid, level and not slippery. If necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery

228 Flat tire

surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat. Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects to support the jack. Otherwise the jack may not be able to achieve its load-bearing capacity if it is not at its full height. Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. Also observe the notes on the jack.

X Using lug wrench :, loosen the bolts on the wheel you wish to change by about one full turn. Do not unscrew the wheel bolts completely.

X Turn pressure release screw = clockwise

as far as it will go using notch ; on the pump lever. Pressure release screw = is closed.

i Never turn pressure release screw = by

more than one to two revolutions. Otherwise, hydraulic fluid could escape.

! The jack is designed exclusively for

jacking up the vehicle at the jacking points. Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged.

; Notch on pump lever X Assemble the pump lever for the jack. It can

be found with the vehicle tool kit (Y page 224).

X Place the jack on solid ground. X Position the jack at the front or rear axle carrier tubes The jack must always stand vertically, even on slopes. Make sure that the jack is placed in the correct position beneath the axle carrier tube. The front or rear axle must fit into the support on the jack.

X Raise the vehicle by pumping (arrow) until the tire is a maximum of 1.2 inches (3 cm) above the ground.

Removing a wheel X Unscrew the wheel bolts. ! Do not place wheel bolts in sand or on a

dirty surface. The bolt and wheel hub threads could otherwise be damaged when you screw them in. X Remove the wheel.

Mounting a new wheel G WARNING Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or rusted. Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts. Damaged wheel hub threads should be repaired immediately. Do not continue to drive under these circumstances! Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call Roadside Assistance. Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tightened wheel bolts can cause the wheel to come off. This could cause an accident. Make sure to use the correct wheel bolts. G WARNING Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts. Other wheel bolts may come loose. Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the vehicle is raised. Otherwise, the vehicle could fall off the jack.

X Clean the wheel and wheel hub contact

surfaces.

! To prevent damage to the paintwork, hold the wheel securely against the wheel hub while screwing in the first wheel bolt.

X Place the wheel on the wheel hub and push

it on.

X Tighten the wheel bolts until they are

finger-tight.

Flat tire 229

Lowering the vehicle X Open the pressure release screw on the

jack using the pump lever (Y page 227) by approximately one turn.

X Lower the vehicle until it is once again

standing firmly on the ground.

X Place the jack to one side.

X Tighten the wheel bolts evenly in a crosswise pattern in the sequence indicated (: to A). The tightening torque must be 96 lb-ft (130 Nm). G WARNING Have the tightening torque checked after changing a wheel. The wheels could come loose if they are not tightened to a torque of 96 lb-ft (130 Nm).

X Disassemble the pump lever. X Push the jack piston back in and close the

drain plug.

X Use the bolts to secure the faulty wheel to

the spare wheel bracket (Y page 225).

X Cover the faulty wheel with the tire cover

provided.

X Put the jack and the rest of the vehicle tool

kit away.

X Check the tire pressure and correct it, if

necessary. A table with the tire pressures for your vehicle can be found on the B-pillar on the driver's side.

230 Battery

Battery Important safety notes In order for the battery to achieve the maximum possible service life, it must always be sufficiently charged. ! Have the battery checked regularly at a

qualified specialist workshop. Observe the service intervals in the Maintenance Booklet or contact a qualified specialist workshop for more information.

Have the battery charge checked more frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for short trips or if you leave it standing idle for a lengthy period. Only replace a battery with a battery that has been recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Consult a qualified specialist workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle parked for a long period of time. G WARNING Comply with safety precautions and take protective measures when handling batteries.

Risk of explosion

Wear eye protection.

Keep children away.

Observe this Operator's Manual.

H Environmental note

Batteries contain dangerous substances. It is against the law to dispose of them with the household rubbish. They must be collected separately and recycled to protect the environment. Dispose of batteries in an environmentally friendly manner. Return discharged batteries to a qualified specialist workshop or to a special collection point for used batteries.

Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibited when handling the battery. Avoid creating sparks. Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing. Wear suitable protective clothing, in particular gloves, an apron and a face mask. Immediately rinse acid splashes off with clean water. Consult a doctor if necessary.

G WARNING Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while connecting. You might get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek medical help if necessary. A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.

G WARNING Do not place any metal objects on the battery as this could result in a short circuit. Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk of acid burns in the event of an accident. Take care that you do not become statically charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you also should not pull or push the battery over carpets or other synthetic materials. Never touch the battery first. First, touch the outside body of the vehicle in order to release any possible electrostatic charges. Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The battery could explode if touched due to electrostatic charge or due to spark formation.

! Switch off the engine and remove the

SmartKey before you loosen or disconnect the terminal clamps. You may otherwise destroy electronic components such as the alternator.

! 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 specialist workshop for further information. The battery and the cover of the positive terminal clamp must be installed securely during operation.

i 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.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you do not carry out work on batteries yourself, e.g. removing or charging. Have this work performed at a qualified specialist workshop.

Battery

231

i If the power supply has been interrupted,

e.g. if the battery has been reconnected, you must carry out the following tasks: Rreset the head restraints on the front

seats (Y page 78).

Charging the battery G WARNING Never charge a battery still installed in the vehicle unless a battery charger unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is being used. Gases may escape during charging and cause explosions that may result in paint damage, corrosion or personal injury. A battery charger unit specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an accessory. It permits the charging of the battery in its installed position. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further information and availability. Charge the battery in accordance with the separate instructions for the battery charger. G WARNING There is a risk of acid burns during the charging process due to the gases which escape from the battery. Do not lean over the battery during the charging process. G WARNING Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.

! Only charge the installed battery with a battery charger which has been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz. These battery chargers allow the battery to be charged while still installed.

! Only use battery chargers with a

maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.

! Only charge the battery using the jump-

starting connection point.

232 Battery

The jump-starting connection point is in the engine compartment (Y page 233). X Open the hood (Y page 210). X Connect the battery charger to the positive terminal and earth point in the same order as when connecting the donor battery in the jump-starting procedure (Y page 233).

X Read the battery charger's operating

instructions before charging the battery.

Jump-starting 233

Jump-starting

G WARNING Failure to follow these directions will cause damage to the electronic components, and can lead to a battery explosion and severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump starting. You might get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if necessary. A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking, etc. Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing personal injury. Read all instructions before proceeding.

! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may

damage the catalytic converter and create a risk of fire. Do not use a rapid charging device to start the vehicle. Make sure the jumper cables are not damaged. Make sure the jumper cables are not touching any other metal objects when they are connected to the battery.

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: X The 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.

X You may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and catalytic converter are cold. X Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first. X Jump-starting may only be performed from batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V. X Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps. X Make sure that the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts, such as the pulley

or the fan. These parts move when the engine is started and while it is running.

X If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected

for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the empty battery a little.

i Jumper cables and further information about jump-starting can be obtained from any

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, for example. X Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch. X Apply the parking brake. X Move the selector lever to P. X Switch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower, etc.). X Open the hood (Y page 210).

234

Jump-starting

Position number B identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump- starting device. X Lift up cover : of positive terminal = in the direction of the arrow. X Connect positive terminal = on your vehicle to positive terminal ; of donor battery B

using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.

X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed. X Connect negative terminal ? of donor battery B to earth point A of your vehicle using

the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery B first.

X Start the engine. X First, remove the jumper cable from earth point A and negative terminal ?, then from

positive terminal = and positive terminal ;, each time disconnecting from the battery on your own vehicle first.

X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

Towing and tow-starting Important safety notes G WARNING If circumstances require towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, always tow with a tow bar if: Rthe engine will not run Rthere is a malfunction in the brake system Rthere is a malfunction in the power supply

or the vehicle's electrical system

This is necessary to adequately control the towed vehicle. Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in starter switch position 2. If the SmartKey is left in starter switch position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the steering is locked. To unlock, remove SmartKey from starter switch and reinsert.

It is better to have the vehicle transported than to have it towed. ! You may only tow the vehicle a maximum

distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded. For towing distances over 30 miles (50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a transporter.

! Only secure the tow cable or tow bar to

the towing eyes. You could otherwise damage the vehicle.

! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.

This could damage the vehicle.

! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery purposes as this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.

! When towing, pull away slowly and

smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the vehicles could be damaged.

Towing and tow-starting 235

! Your vehicles is equipped with an

automatic transmission. Therefore, you must not have the vehicle tow-started. The transmission may otherwise be damaged. If the transfer case can be shifted into neutral N, you can tow the vehicle. If the transfer case cannot be shifted into neutral N, you can tow the vehicle with one axle raised. Please bear the following in mind: Rremove the propeller shaft between the

transfer case and the rolling axle.

Rturn the SmartKey to position 1 in the

ignition lock.

The battery must be connected and charged. Otherwise, you: Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in

the ignition lock

Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to

position N

i Deactivate the automatic locking feature

(Y page 161) You could otherwise be locked out when pushing or towing the vehicle.

Towing eyes Towing eyes, front

: Towing eyes, front

Towing eye, rear The rear towing eye is located under the bumper, on the left-hand side when viewed in the direction of travel.

236 Towing and tow-starting

: Towing eye, rear

Towing a vehicle with both axles on the ground It is important that you observe the safety instructions when towing away your vehicle (Y page 235). G WARNING The power assistance for the steering and the brake force booster do not work when the engine is not running. You will then need much more effort to brake and steer the vehicle. Adapt your style of driving accordingly.

X Switch on the hazard warning lamps

(Y page 91).

i When towing with the hazard warning lamps switched on, use the combination switch as usual to signal a change of direction. In this case, only the turn signals for the desired direction flash. When the combination switch is reset, the hazard warning lamps start flashing again.

X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the

ignition lock.

X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the

brake pedal and keep it depressed.

X Shift the transfer case to neutral position

N (Y page 145).

position N.

X Shift the automatic transmission to

X Release the brake pedal. X Release the parking brake. i The transmission can only change gear if

the battery has sufficient charge. If you cannot move the selector lever to N, the propeller shafts to the driven axles must be removed.

Transporting the vehicle Use the towing eyes to pull the vehicle if it needs to be transported on a trailer or transporter (Y page 235). X Apply the parking brake. X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the

ignition lock.

X Move the selector lever to N. X Shift the transfer case to neutral position

N (Y page 145).

X Secure the towing cable to the towing eyes. X Make sure that the vehicle cannot roll

away.

X Release the parking brake. X Load the vehicle onto the transporter. X Apply the parking brake. X Shift the automatic transmission to

position P.

X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the

ignition lock and remove it.

X Secure the vehicle. ! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle such as axle or steering components. Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.

Recovering a vehicle that has become stuck ! Pull away smoothly, slowly, and in a

straight line when pulling out a vehicle that has become stuck. Excessive tractive power could damage the vehicles.

Fuses

237

If the drive wheels get trapped on loose or muddy ground, recover the vehicle with the utmost care, especially so if the vehicle is laden. Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a trailer attached. Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible, using the tracks it made when it became stuck.

Towing in the event of malfunctions General notes ! If you are removing the propeller shaft, use M10 nuts as spacers on the M8 bolts and secure them with M8 nuts. New self-locking nuts must be used when the propeller shafts are refitted.

X Observe the safety notes as you do so

(Y page 235).

i Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

Engine damage, gear damage or electrical malfunctions X Move the selector lever to N(Y page 120). X Shift the transfer case to neutral position

N (Y page 145).

In the event of damage to the transfer case Have the propeller shafts between the axles and the transfer case removed. Have the vehicle towed with the front axle raised.

In the event of damage to the front axle Have the propeller shaft between the rear axle and the transfer case removed. Have the vehicle towed with the front axle raised.

In the event of damage to the rear axle Have the propeller shaft between the front axle and the transfer case removed. Have the vehicle towed with the rear axle raised and with wheel rollers under the front axle.

Fuses Important safety notes G WARNING Only use fuses that have been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and that have the correct fuse rating for the systems concerned. Do not attempt to repair or bridge faulty fuses. Using fuses that have not been approved or attempting to repair or bridge faulty fuses could cause the fuse to be overloaded and result in a fire. Have the cause traced and rectified at a qualified specialist workshop.

! Only use fuses that have been approved

for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which have the correct fuse rating for the system concerned. Otherwise, components or systems could be damaged.

The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the components on the circuit and their functions stop operating. Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same rating, which you can recognize by the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed in the fuse allocation chart. i If a fuse has blown, contact a breakdown

service or an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the cause traced and rectified at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

238 Fuses

Before changing a fuse X Park the vehicle and apply the parking

brake.

X Switch off all electrical consumers. X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition

lock.

The fuses are located in various fuse boxes: Rmain fuse box on the driver's side of the

dashboard

Rfuse box in the front-passenger footwell Rfuse box in the transmission tunnel Rfuse box in the battery case The fuse allocation chart and the spare fuses are in the main fuse box on the dashboard (Y page 238). You can find the fuse extractor in the vehicle tool kit (Y page 224).

Dashboard fuse box ! Do not use a pointed object such as a

screwdriver to open the cover in the dashboard. You could damage the dashboard or the cover.

Fuse box in the front-passenger footwell

X To open: remove screws :. X Remove cover ; in the direction of the

arrow.

X Remove screws =. X Remove cover ? in the direction of the

arrow.

X Open the driver's door. X To open: pull cover : outwards in the

direction of the arrow and remove it.

To make it easier to change the fuse, you can fold fuse box A down slightly: X Remove screws B. X Fold fuse box A down.

Fuse box in the transmission tunnel In order to access the fuse box, you have to remove the stop clamps on the front- passenger seat. G WARNING Do not drive the vehicle when the front end stops are not correctly installed. Failure to reinstall stops as indicated may result in serious injury in certain frontal crashes. Adjust the front passenger seat as far as possible rearward from the dashboard when the seat is occupied. Comply with information on occupant safety section.

The stop clamps are at the front of the guide rails.

Stop clamp of the right guide rail, reverse image for the left : Stop clamp ; Spacing X To remove the stop clamps: remove both stop clamps : of the front-passenger seat guide rails using a screwdriver.

! When replacing the stop clamps, make

sure you maintain the correct spacing.

Fuses

239

X To open the fuse box: move the front- passenger seat to its foremost position.

X Remove screws :. X Remove cover ; in the direction of the

arrow.

Fuse box in the battery case The battery case is under a cover in the rear footwell. The fuses in the battery case do not usually need to be replaced. If a fuse change is necessary, consult a qualified specialist workshop. ! The cover must be positioned properly.

Moisture or dirt could otherwise impair the operation of the fuses.

240

Useful information ............................ 242
Important safety notes .................... 242
Operation ........................................... 242
Winter operation ............................... 244
Tire pressure ..................................... 245
Loading the vehicle .......................... 252
Maximum load rating ....................... 256
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards .......................................... 257
Tire labeling ....................................... 258
Definition of terms for tires and loading ............................................... 262
Changing a wheel ............................. 265
Wheel and tire combinations ........... 266

241

242 Operation

Useful information

i This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety- related systems and functions.

i Please read the information on qualified

specialist workshops (Y page 20).

Important safety notes

Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center if you require information on approved and recommended tires and wheels for summer and winter operation. Advice on purchasing and caring for tires is also available there. G WARNING Replace rims or tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part. For further information contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension components can be damaged. Also, the operating clearance of the wheels and the tires may no longer be correct. G WARNING Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if the tires have sustained damage, replace them. When replacing rims, only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the particular rim type. Failure to do so can result in the bolts loosening and possibly an accident. Retreaded tires are not tested or recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous damage cannot always be

recognized on retreads. The operating safety of the vehicle cannot be assured when such tires are used. G WARNING If you notice sudden significant vibrations or unusual handling performance or if you suspect that damage has occurred to the vehicle, you should activate the hazard warning lamps, gently reduce speed and carefully head for an area that is located at a safe distance from the road. Check the tires and the underside of the vehicle for damage. If the vehicle seems unsafe, have the vehicle towed away to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer to be repaired. G WARNING Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build- up and possibly a fire.

i Further information about wheels and

tires can be obtained from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Operation Notes on driving RIf the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the

tire pressures and correct them if necessary.

RWhen parking your vehicle, make sure that the tires do not get deformed by the curb or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over curbs, speed humps or similar elevations, try to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires, particularly the sidewalls, can get damaged.

Notes on regularly inspecting wheels and tires G WARNING Regularly check the tires for damage. Damaged tires can cause tire inflation pressure loss. As a result, you could lose control of your vehicle. Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if the tires have sustained damage, replace them.

RRegularly check the wheels and tires of

your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts, punctures, tears, bulges on tires and deformation or cracks or severe corrosion on wheels) at least once a month, as well as after driving off-road or on rough roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss of tire pressure.

RRegularly check the tire tread depth and

the condition of the tread across the whole width of the tire (Y page 243). If necessary, turn the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect the inner side of the tire surface.

RAll wheels must have a valve cap to protect the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not install anything onto the valve (such as tire pressure monitoring systems) other than the standard valve cap or other valve caps approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.

RYou should regularly check the pressure of

all your tires including the spare wheel, particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire pressure as necessary (Y page 245).

Tire tread G WARNING Although the applicable federal motor vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be worn when the tread wear indicators (TWI) become visible at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow your tires

Operation 243

to wear down to that level. As tread depth approaches 1/8 in (3 mm), the adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply reduced. Depending upon the weather and/or road surface (conditions), the tire traction varies widely.

Do not use tires that are excessively worn as the tire traction on wet road surfaces decreases significantly when the tread depth is less than 1/8 in (3 mm). Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. Six indicators are positioned over the tire tread. They are visible as soon as a tread depth of approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm) is reached. If this is the case, the tire is so worn that it must be replaced. The recommended tread depth for summer tires is at least 1/8 in (3 mm). The recommended tread depth for winter tires is at least 1/6 in (4 mm).

Indicator : for tread wear is integrated into the tire tread.

Notes on selecting, mounting and replacing tires ROnly mount tires and wheels of the same

type and make.

ROnly mount tires of the correct size onto

the wheels.

RAfter mounting new tires, run them in at

moderate speeds for the first 60 miles

244 Winter operation

(100 km) as they only reach their full performance after this distance.

RDo not use tires that are excessively worn

as the tire traction on wet road surfaces decreases significantly when the tread depth is less than 1/8 in (3 mm).

RReplace the tires after six years at the

latest, regardless of wear. This also applies