2002 MERCEDES-BENZ G500 fuel

147 Climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Climate control - OFF/ON
To switch the climate control off, set the air volume
control switch to position 0.
The fresh air supply to the vehicle interior is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only temporarily,
otherwise the windshield could fog up.
To switch the climate control on again, set air volume
control switch to any speed.Economy mode
The function of this setting corresponds to the
automatic mode. However, because the air conditioning
compressor will not engage (fuel savings), it is not
possible to air condition in this setting.
Press AC
OFF
button to activate. The indicator lamp in the
button illuminates.
Press AC
OFF
button once again to return to the previous
setting. The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
Important!
In the AC
OFF
mode the windows could fog up on the
inside. Switch off AC
OFF
mode.
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189 Contents - Driving
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of radio
transmitters ............................... 190
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 191
Maintenance ................................... 191
Tele Aid ........................................... 192
Catalytic converter ........................202
Emission control ............................203
Starter switch .................................204
Starting and turning off
the engine ..................................206
Automatic transmission ...............207
Parking brake ................................. 215Driving instructions ....................... 216
Drive sensibly – save fuel ......... 216
Drinking and driving ................. 216
Pedals ........................................... 216
Power assistance .........................217
Brakes ...........................................217
Driving off ....................................218
Parking ......................................... 219
Tires .............................................. 219
Snow chains ............................... 222
Winter driving instructions ..... 222
Deep water .................................. 224
Passenger compartment ........... 225
Traveling abroad ........................ 225
Off-Road driving ............................ 226
Cruise control ................................ 234Brake assist system
(BAS) ...........................................237
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ...........................................239
Four-wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS) ............ 241
Electronic Brake Booster
(EBB) ...........................................242
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ...........................................243
Transfer case ..................................247
Switching transfer case .............248
A few words about differentials
and differential locks ............... 251
Differential locks ............................253
What you should know at
the gas station ...........................258
Check regularly and before a long
trip ............................................... 261
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196 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Roadside Assistance button 
Located below the center armrest cover is the Roadside
Assistance button. Pressing and holding the
button (for longer than 2 seconds) will initiate a call to a
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher. The
button will flash while the call is in progress. The
message “ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE – CONNECTING
CALL” will appear in the multifunction display. When
the connection is established, the message “ROADSIDE
ASSISTANCE – CALL CONNECTED” appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system will transmit
data generating the vehicle identification number,
model, color and location (subject to availability of
cellular and GPS signals).A voice connection between the Roadside Assistance
dispatcher and the occupants of the vehicle will be
established. When a voice connection is established the
audio system mutes and the message “TELE AID -
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALL ACTIVE” appears in the
multifunction display. The nature of the need for
assistance can then be described. The Mercedes-Benz
Roadside assistance dispatcher will either dispatch a
qualified Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to tow
your vehicle to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center. For
ser vic es s uch as labor an d / or towing charges m ay ap ply.
Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for more
information.
These programs are only available in the USA:
•S ign an d Drive s erv ices : Ser vices such as jump start,
a few gallons of fuel or the replacement of a flat tire
with the vehicle spare tire are obtainable,
•Remote Vehicle Diagnostics: This function permits
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher
to download malfunction codes and actual vehicle
data.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, vehicle in
a dangerous road location), please do not wait for
voice contact after you have pressed the emergency
button. Carefully leave the vehicle and move to a
safe location. The Response Center will
automatically contact local emergency officials
with the vehicle’s approximate location if they
rec eive a n a utom at ic “SO S” si gna l a nd ca nn ot ma ke
voice contact with the vehicle occupants.
J_G463.book Seite 196 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

202 Catalytic converter
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with monolithic type
catalytic converters, an important element in
conjunction with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our recommended maintenance
instructions as outlined in your Service Booklet.Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use only
premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation should
be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned
fuel may reach the catalytic converter causing it to
overheat, which could start a fire.
Wa r n i n g !
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate
this vehicle in areas where combustible materials
such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system, as these materials
could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
J_G463.book Seite 202 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

216 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving
habits and operating conditions.
To save fuel you should:
•keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures,
•remove unnecessary loads,
•allow engine to warm up under low load use,
•avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration,
•have all maintenance work performed at regular
intervals by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold
weat her, in stop -and -go traf f ic, on short trip s an d in hilly
country.Drinking and driving
Ped al s
Wa r n i n g !
Drinking or taking drugs and driving can be a very
dangerous combination. Even a small amount of
alcohol or drugs can affect your reflexes,
perceptions and judgement.The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is
sharply increased when you drink or take drugs
and drive.Please do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive after drinking or taking drugs.Wa r n i n g !
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Objects
stored in this area may impair pedal movement.
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227 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Be especially careful when driving in unknown
territory. It is good practice to get out of the vehicle and
scout the path you intend to take.
Continuous and speedy driving in sandy soil overcomes
the vehicle rolling resistance, and helps to prevent the
vehicle from sinking into the ground. Switch on the
differential locks, see page 253.
Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle. It interrupts the
forward momentum of the vehicle.
Always drive on slopes with the engine running and the
vehicle in gear.
Sand, dirt, mud and other material having friction
property, can cause exceptional wear and tear as well as
failure of the brakes.
In this case the brakes may be less effective or even fail
when you most need them. Always clean and check the
brakes following each off-road trip.Checklist before off-road driving
• Engine oil level: Check the engine oil level, see
page 127 and page 304. The display “ENGINE OIL
LEVEL – O.K.” must appear in the multifunction
display.
Only then is a trouble free oil supply obtained even
on steep gradients with the vehicle.
•Tires: Check t he tr ead de pt h an d main tain s pec if ied
tire pressure (see tire pressure label inside the fuel
filler flap). Check tires for possible damage and
remove foreign objects. The valve caps must be
mounted.
•Rims: Dented or bent rims can cause tire pressure
loss and damage the tire beads. For this reason,
check and, if necessary, change rims before driving
off-road.
• Vehicle tool kit: Check if the vehicle jack is
functional. In all cases take the vehicle tool kit, a
strong tow rope, a shovel and a small plank (to put
under the vehicle jack on sandy soil) with you.
J_G463.book Seite 227 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

233 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Returning from off-road driving
Off-road driving increases strain on the vehicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehicle for possible
damage after each off-road trip. Recognizing any
damage and a subsequent timely repair reduces the
chance of a possible breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:
•Disengage the differential locks, see page 253.
•Engage the transfer case in position HIGH, see
page 247.
•Remove excessive dirt from tires, wheels, wheel
housings, and underbody. For instance, after driving
in mud, clean the radiator, chassis, engine, brakes,
and wheels from extreme dirt, using a strong jet of
water.
•Inspect frame, oil pan, brake hoses, etc., as well as
vehicle underbody for possible damage.
•Check tires for possible damage, clean all exterior
lamps, and conduct a brake test.•Check for brush or branches caught in the
undercarriage. They could increase the possibility of
a fire, as well as cut fuel and / or brake lines,
puncture rubber bellows of the axles or drive shafts.
Wa r n i n g !
Never drive on pavement with activated differential
locks. Engaged front axle differential locks limits
ability to move around curves. If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride
disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to
your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the
hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the roadway.Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible
damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have
it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center or tire dealer for repairs.
J_G463.book Seite 233 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

258 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
What you should know at the gas station
Fuel supplyOpen flap by pushing at rear (arrow). Turn fuel cap to
the left and hold on to it until possible pressure in tank
has been released, then remove cap. Failure to remove
slowly could result in personal injury.
The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel filler neck. Do
not drop the cap. It could damage the vehicle paint
finish.
Manual release of fuel filler flap, see page 347.
Important!
When refueling vehicle make certain that no gasoline
comes into contact with plastic taillamp, to prevent
damaging the lens.
Fuel
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping into open air, fully
insert filler nozzle unit.
Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzle unit cuts out –
do not top up or overfill.
Wa r n i n g !
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous. It
burns violently and can cause serious injury.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid inhaling
fumes and skin contact, extinguish all smoking
materials. Never allow sparks, flame or smoking
materials near gasoline!
J_G463.book Seite 258 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08