2002 MERCEDES-BENZ G500 ESP

3 Contents
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 ................................ 234
Brake assist system
(BAS) .......................................... 237Antilock 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
J_G463.book Seite 3 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

4 Contents
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................264
On-board diagnostic system .........265
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................265
Brake warning lamp ..................266
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................267
Fuel reserve warning .................268
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................269
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............270
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp .............................270
Malfunction and indicator lamp
in the center console ................ 271
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ..... 271Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display .............. 272
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ................. 273
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ....................... 273
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR ........274
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM .... 275
BRAKE ASSIST ............................276
BRAKE PAD WEAR .................... 277
BRAKE FLUID ............................ 277
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 278
SEAT BELT SYSTEM .................. 278
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) . 279
COOLANT
(coolant level) ............................. 280
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ............... 281
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 282LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................283
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................285
DOOR ...........................................285
TRUNK OPEN .............................286
HOOD ...........................................286
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION .......287
TELE AID .....................................287
WASHER FLUID .........................288
RESTRAINT SYSTEM .................289
KEY ...............................................289
FUEL RESERVE ..........................290
UNDERVOLTAGE ........................290
ELECTRONIC BRAKE BOOSTER
(EBB) ............................................ 291
ENGINE AIR FILTER .................. 291
TC SHIFT ....................................292
TC SHIFT CONDITIONS ............292
TC IN NEUTRAL .........................293
TRANSFER CASE .......................293
J_G463.book Seite 4 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

7 IntroductionProduct information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories
explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special
suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible
for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other
agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety,
performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.
Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on
permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.
J_G463.book Seite 7 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

10 Introduction
Roadside assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown.
Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number:
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Roadside assistance will be provided in accordance with standard program guidelines which include providing service
to the vehicle up to a reasonable distance from a paved roadway. We will make every effort to assist in a breakdown
situation, however, the accessibility of your vehicle will be determined by our authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center technician or the tow service provider on a case by case basis and may be a factor in our ability to respond.
Additional charges may be applicable for a breakdown location determined not to be a reasonably accessible roadside
location as determined by our authorized technician and tow service provider.
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.
J_G463.book Seite 10 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

35 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index When you lock the driver’s door with the mechanical
key, the door lock button should move down.
Each individual door must be locked with the respective
door lock button – the driver’s door can only be locked
when it is closed.
Notes:
The alarm sounds when unlocking the driver’s door
with the mechanical key. Cancel alarm by turning
electronic key in starter switch to position 1, or with the
remote control by pressing buttonŒ or ‹.
If the vehicle has previously been locked from the
outside, only the door being opened from the inside will
unlock, and the alarm will come on. The doors, the
tailgate and fuel filler flap remain locked.
In case of a malfunction in the central locking system
the doors can be locked and unlocked individually.To lock, push down lock buttons and turn mechanical
key in driver’s door lock to position 4. In addition lock
the tailgate.
To unlock the driver’s manually, see page 36.
Rear doors, previously centrally locked, can be opened
from inside by first unlocking the vehicle with the
central locking switch, see page 40, or by first pulling
up the door lock button.
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, see page 347.
J_G463.book Seite 35 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

45 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Front seat adjustment
To operate the front power seat adjustment switches,
turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1
or 2 (with respective front door open, the power seats
can also be operated with the electronic key removed or
in starter switch position 0).
Note:
If the passenger side seat backrest is set to a full upright
position and the passenger seat is moved fully forward,
the cup holder next to the armrest must be removed
(page 166) and the cup holder in the passenger footwell
(page 167) must be folded closed.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle.Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat back
reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position
can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat
belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt
would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or fatal injuries. The seat back
and seat belts provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in an upright position and belts are
properly positioned on the body.Never place hands under seat or near any moving
parts while a seat is being adjusted.
When leaving the vehicle always remove the
electronic key from the starter switch, and lock
your vehicle. The power seats can also be operated with the
driver’s or front passenger door open. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with access
to an unl ocked vehic l e. Uns upervi s ed us e of vehi cl e
equipment may cause serious personal injury.
J_G463.book Seite 45 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

79 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Inside rear view mirror
Manually adjust the mirror.
Automatic antiglare night position
With the key in starter switch position 2 and the
automatic antiglare function activated, the mirror
reflection brightness responds to changes in light
sensitivity.Notes:
With gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the
interior lamps (except cargo compartment lamp)
switched on, the mirror brightness does not respond to
changes in light sensitivity.
The automatic antiglare function does not react, if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the
mirror.
The antiglare function will not react for example, if the
cargo area is fully loaded.
Wa r n i n g !
In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may
escape the mirror housing when the mirror glass
breaks.Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the
liquid come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing,
or respiratory system. In cases it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek medical
help if necessary.
J_G463.book Seite 79 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08

85 Instrument cluster
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Knob for instrument cluster illumination,
seepage84
Reset knob for trip odometer, see page 88 and
individual settings, see page 108
2Tachometer
3Speedometer
4Left turn signal indicator lamp, see combination
switch on page 134
5Electronic stability program (ESP) warning lamp,
see page 270
6Right turn signal indicator lamp, see combination
switch on page 1347Multifunction display, see page 90
Malfunction and warning messages in the
multifunction display, see page 272
8Trip odometer, see page 88 and 94
9Main odometer, see page 94
10Display for transfer case program mode and gear
range indicators, page 210
11Malfunction/warning message memory,
seepage106
12Outside temperature indicator, see page 89
13Digital clock
To set the time, see individual settings on page 110
14Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp, see page 268
J_G463.book Seite 85 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08