jonnyrt

Has anyone noticed any of the following concerns after a GLK is parked outside in the extreme cold for a period of time:

(1) Brakes squeal like crazy! Especially at low speeds (stop-and-go traffic)
(2) Harmon Kardon sound system sounds faded/distorted upon start up?
(3) Warping of the fuel door

Comments appreciated!

AMG11

One thing I am aware of is the steering. It feels so numb and heavy after parking outdoor for a day. We are going through another ice age in Calgary -.-...

whtclk

this calgary weather is killer! I dont have a glk but due to the cold weather my brakes and suspension are squealing like crazy until they warm up. Also my steering also feels like its stuck in concrete when im trying to get out of a parking spot

paulglk

Yup, my brakes squeal during the recent cold snap. Not "like crazy" but definitely some squeal

the stereo system screen display is faded, sound is a bit off

fuel door seems ok

my "check coolant level" light comes on when first starting the GLK. Goes out once vehicle warms up

gotta love the -30c temps

MBRedux

The sluggish steering is a direct result of the fluid viscosity of the power steering system in extreme conditions. It can be considered normal, but Mercedes appears to suffer more with this than any other brand. You may wish to have that checked and the fluids replaced. It could also be the steering pump check valve is malfunctioning. This is why Mercedes has decided to finally join the rest of the world in their next generation cars by installing electro-assisted steering systems, thus eliminating the need of the antiquated hydraulic steering pump.

ble2716

I noticed some similar symptoms.

1. Brake squealing at slow speed (slow down at stop light).
2. Steering wheel feels heavy when first started up.
3. Memory card (CF) is not reading until the car warms up.

venchka

OMG! The CF card doesn't work in the cold? Take it indoors overnight.
Don't you all have garages? Does M-B offer block heaters for the Great Frozen White Land?
Makes you wonder, hey? Buy a car tested in Sweden? Or buy a car GROWN in Sweden?

Wayne

ble2716

My GLK is parked in side the garage, but some days it still shows minus degrees, and that's when the CF card refuse to function.
Have switch back to regular CDs or radio stations , then 15 minutes later switch back to memory card and it's working again.

venchka

Note to self: Use film cameras in Upper Outer Canuckistan in the winter. Eh! LOL!
But seriously. Does the card live in the car? Can't you just take it with you inside?
It's amazing how folks survived back in the Land Before Time. Western Massachusettes. As cold as nearby Canada on occasion. We had a carport. No garage. Dad's car was a 1954 Ford flathead V-8. Electric dipstick & a shop light w/60 watt bulb in the engine valley. Snow tires on the rear. Yours truly was the live in snow removal device. He never missed an appointment with his B-52.
Ain't progress grand?

Wayne

jonnyrt

Thanks for all the replies, comforting to know I am not alone!

My GLK is parked in a garage at home and then under ground while I am downtown at work. I noticed all these issues for the first time picking up my vehicle from the dealer yesterday, it was parked outdoors in -27degC weather for hours. I must say, I am shocked at all this given my old GTI never had similar issues when outside for extended periods of time, ESPECIALLY this brake issue which appears to be common, MB must be using a certain ceramic brake material that is not ideal for cold climates!

shotgun_banjo

my fuel door is warping too! and it is not as cold as there. BTW...be careful in driving on snow and watch out for wreckless drivers as my GLK got rear ended yesterday and the AMG bumper is a OMG bumper now!

ble2716

I have a couple of CF cards and they always stay in the car.
I could take them with me but taking in and out too many times I might run into the risk of wear out the contacts, bend the pins which I try to avoid.
I have 6 CDs .... not a big deal.

venchka

Ah yes. An early GLK when 6 disc changers were plentiful. I miss the good old days.

Wayne