2003 MERCEDES-BENZ G500 ESP

247 Practical hints
What to do if …
On the pages that follow, you will find a
compilation of all the messages that may
appear in the display.
Warning!
G
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction dis-
play is inoperative. Systems that have a sig-
nificant influence on handling performance
may not be functioning.
Contact your nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
iTurning the key in starter switch to
position2 causes all lamps as well as
the multifunction display to come on.
Ensure that they are all in working or-
der before starting your journey.
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
Category
-
ABS SYSTEM
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The ABS has detected a malfunction
and has switched off. The ESP, BAS,
EBB and 4-ETS are also deactivated.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ABS avail-
able. Wheels will lock during hard
braking, reducing steering capabili-
ty.

Continue driving with added
caution.

Have the system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center as soon as
possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of accident.
2

256 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
Category
3
(Canada
only)
;
(USA only)
ELECTRIC BRAKE BOOSTER
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The EBB has detected a malfunction
and has switched off.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the EBB avail-
able.

Continue driving with added
caution.

Have the system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center as soon as
possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of accident.
2
ESP
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The ESP or the ESP display is mal-
functioning.

Continue driving with added
caution.

Have the system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center as soon as
possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of accident.
2

257 Practical hints
What to do if …
ESP
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
NOT AVAILABLE
The ESP is deactivated because of a
malfunction or interrupted power
supply. The ABS might not be opera-
tional.
The system must be resynchronized.

With vehicle stationary and the
engine running, turn the steer-
ing wheel completely to the
left and then to the right to
synchronize the ESP.
If the ESP message does not go
out:

Continue driving with added
caution.

Visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of accident.
2
The ESP is temporarily unavailable.
The self-diagnosis has not been
completed.
The display will clear itself after
driving a short distance at more
than 12 mph (20 km/h).
The charging voltage has fallen be-
low 10 volts and the ESP has
switched off.

When the voltage is above this
value again, the ESP is opera-
tional again.

If necessary, have the genera-
tor and battery checked.
2
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
Category

258 Practical hintsWhat to do if …ESP
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The ESP is switched off due to a mal-
function or an interruption in the
power supply.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP avail-
able.
If in addition the ABS is malfunction-
ing, only partial engine output will be
available.

Continue driving with added
caution.

Have the system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center as soon as
possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of accident.
2
ì
FUNCTION
NOT AVAILABLE!
This display appears if button
ì

or
í
on the multifunction steer-
ing wheel is pressed and the vehicle
is not equipped with a telephone.
3
Y
HOOD OPEN!
You are driving with the hood open.

Close the hood (
page 217).
2
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
Category

296 Practical hintsBatteryDisconnecting the battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.

Disconnect the battery negative lead.

Remove the cover from the positive ter-
minal.

Disconnect the battery positive lead.

Remove the breather hose from the
battery.
Reconnecting the battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.

Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover.

Connect the negative lead.

Install the breather hose.
!Never loosen or detach battery termi-
nal clamps while the engine is running
or the key is in the starter switch. Oth-
erwise the alternator and other elec-
tronic components could be severely
damaged.
iWith a disconnected battery

you will no longer be able to turn
the key in the starter switch


the selector lever will remain
locked in positionP
!Never invert the terminal connections.!The battery, its filler caps and the vent
tube must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation.
iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnec-
tion):

Set the clock (see COMAND opera-
tor’s manual).


Resynchronize the front seat head
restraints and seat adjustment fore,
aft (
page 93).


Resynchronize the ESP
(page 257).

299 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment. This method is pref-
erable to other types of towing.
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the ground only so far as necessary to have the
vehicle moved to a safe location where the
recommended towing methods can be em-
ployed.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment, with key in starter switch turned
to position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
To prevent damage during transport,
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts. Use the towing eyes.
Switch off the ESP (
page 76),
tow-away alarm (
page 80) and the
automatic central locking
(
page 128).
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the selector lever must
be in position N and the key m us t be in
starter switch position 2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the vehicle may be
towed only for distances up to 30 miles
(50 km) and at a speed not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h).
If the vehicle is towed with one axle
raised (observe instructions regarding
flexible drive shaft and propeller
shafts), the engine must be shut off
(key in starter switch position1). Oth-
erwise, the 4-ETS may become en-
gaged which may cause loss of towing
control.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.Warning!
G
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that the key is in
starter switch position2.
If the key is left in the starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock, re-
move key from starter switch and reinsert.
Always tow with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run


there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
as that will be necessary to adequately con-
trol the towed vehicle.

302 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleFront towing eye
In the front, the towing eye is located on
the driver’s side under the bumper.
1Towing eye
Rear towing eye
In the rear, the towing eye is located on the
driver’s side under the bumper.
1Towing eye
Freeing a stranded vehicle
Freeing a stranded vehicle, on which the
wheels are dug into sand or mud, should
be done with the greatest of care, especial-
ly if the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Avoid pulling the vehicle jerkily or diago-
nally, since it could result in damage to the
chassis alignment.
Never try to free a vehicle that is still cou-
pled to a trailer.
If possible, a vehicle equipped with trailer
hitch receiver should be pulled backward
in its own previously made tracks.

312 Technical dataEngine
Engine
G 500 (463.249
1)
1The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for the corresponding data of all special bodies and special
equipment.
G55AMG (463.246
1)
Engine
113
113
Mode of operation
4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
No. of cylinders
8
8
Bore
3.82 in (97.00 mm)
3.82 in (97.00 mm)
Stroke
3.31 in (84.00 mm)
3.60 in (92.00 mm)
Total piston displacement
303.0 cu.in. (4966 cm
3)
331.8 cu.in. (5439 cm
3)
Compression ratio
10:1
10.5:1
Output acc. to SAE J 1349
292 hp / 5500 rpm
(218 kW / 5500 rpm)
349 hp / 5500 rpm
(260 kW / 5500 rpm)
Maximum torque acc. to SAE J 1349
336ft.lb/2800rpm
(454 Nm / 2800 rpm)
387ft.lb/2600rpm
(525 Nm / 2600 rpm)
Maximum engine speed
6000 rpm
6000 rpm
Firing order
1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Poly-V-belt
7ft 10in (2390mm)
7ft 10in (2390mm)