Mercedes-Benz 2016 GLC, Operator'S Manual

Page: 234 / 418

cleaned, remove the ball coupling. The trailer
tow hitch must then not be used to tow a
trailer, as safe operation cannot be guaran-
teed.
Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Coupling up a trailer
!
Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip-
ped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing
so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer.
X
Shift the transmission to position P.
X
Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X
Start the engine.
X
Vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL:
select Comfort driving program or Trailer
off-road program.
X
Switch off the engine.
X
Close the doors and tailgate.
X
Couple up the trailer.
X
Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
X
Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
X
Push the combination switch upwards/
downwards and check whether the corre-
sponding turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is
working properly. The function of other sys-
tems also depends on this, for example:
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ESP
®
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PARKTRONIC
R
Active Parking Assist
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Active Blind Spot Assist
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Active Lane Keeping Assist
i
Vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always
remains at highway level. When coupling up
a trailer, please observe the following:
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Unless highway level has been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically low-
ered to highway level. This is the case if a
speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
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Safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer cou-
pling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
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A separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
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Safety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to
your state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the
towing vehicle, the safety switch applies
the trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your car/trailer
combination complies with the local regula-
tions:
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in your place of residence
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in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
232
Towing a trailer
Drivi
ng
and
parki
ng