2004 MERCEDES-BENZ G500 power steering

208 OperationDriving instructionsPower assistanceBrakesTo help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on and there is no audible warn-
ing (EBB), the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected immedi-
ately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by by quali-
fied technicians only. Contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle.Warning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components
or salty road conditions, the first braking ac-
tion may be somewhat reduced and in-
creased pedal pressure may be necessary to
obtain expected braking effect. Maintain a
safe distance from vehicles in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
!Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (
page 76).

263 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
ESP
ESP
NOT AVAILABLE
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts and the ESP has switched off.

When the voltage is above this value
again, the ESP is operational again.

If necessary, have the generator (alter-
nator) and battery checked.
The ESP is deactivated because of a mal-
function or interrupted power supply. The
ABS and BAS might not be operational.
The system must be resynchronized.

Synchronize the ESP. With vehicle sta-
tionary and the engine running, turn
the steering wheel completely to the
left and then to the right to synchro-
nize 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 possi-
ble.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of accident.
!When synchronizing the ESP, make
sure you can turn the steering wheel in
both directions as far as it will go with-
out the wheels hitting any objects, e.g.
a road curb.

315 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 SmartKey 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 79),
tow-away alarm (
page 83) and the
automatic central locking
(
page 133).
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever
must be in position N and the Smart-
Key must be in starter switch
position2.
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
(SmartKey in starter switch position1).
Otherwise, 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 SmartKey
is in starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey 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 SmartKey from starter switch and re-
insert.
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.

316 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleWarning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.iThe gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP and the SmartKey
will not turn in the starter switch if the
battery is disconnected or discharged.
See notes on the battery (
page 311)
or on jump starting (
page 313).
Manually unlocking transmission gear
selector lever (
page 290).
iTo signal turns while being towed with
hazard warning flasher in use, turn
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate combination
switch for left or right turn signal in usu-
al manner – only the selected turn sig-
nal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the haz-
ard warning flasher will operate again.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, the vehicle doors
lock if the wheels are turning at vehicle
speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more.
To prevent the vehicle doors from lock-
ing, deactivate the automatic central
locking (
page 133).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the towing eye. Never at-
tach tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to
vehicle chassis, frame or suspension
parts.

327 Technical data
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
For dimensions of the poly-V-belt, see
technical data (
page 328).
G500/G55AMG
1Automatic belt tensioner
2Power steering pump
3Air conditioning compressor
4Crankshaft
5Coolant pump
6Generator (alternator)
7Idler pulley

333 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match.Therefore use only brands tested and ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz.Please refer to the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filter
G500
G55AMG
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission
9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Oil
Transfer case
2.96 US qt (2.8 l)
MB part no. A 001 989 28 03 10
Differential lock mechanism
0.47 - 0.63 US qt
(0.45 - 0.6 l)
Brake fluid DOT 3+4, SAE J1703
Front axle
1.5 US qt (1.4 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90
Rear axle
1.9 US qt (1.8 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90
Power steering
approx. 1.06 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid, or
approved Dexron III ATF
Front wheel hubs
approx. 1.5 oz (43 g) each
High temperature roller bearing grease
Fuel tank
including a reserve of
25.4 US gal (96.0 l)
5.3 US gal (20.0 l)
Premium unleaded gasoline:
Posted Octane 91
(average of 96 RON / 86 MON)

358 IndexGear range 344
Automatic transmission 142
Limiting 142
Shifting into optimal 141
Transfer case 145
Gear range limit
Canceling 141
Gear selector lever
Cleaning 248
Position 142
Position (automatic
transmission) 140
Global
Locking 87
Unlocking 87
Global Positioning System (GPS) 345
Glove box 23, 183
Closing 183
Opening 183
Good visibility 152
GPS 345
GVW 344
GVWR 344H
Hard plastic trim items
Cleaning 248
Hazard warning flasher 108
Switching off 108
Switching on 108
Head restraints 95
Power seats 36
Synchronizing 95
Headlamp cleaning system 234
Headlamps
Automatic control 105
Cleaning 246
Cleaning system 153, 234
Switching off 52
Switching on 46
Washer fluid 339
Washer system 339Headlight switch-off delay see Delayed
switch-off, exterior lamps
Headliner
Cleaning 248
Heated seats 98
Heated steering wheel 203
Height adjustment
Head restraints 36
Seat belts 42
Steering wheel 37
High beam flasher 47, 108
High beam headlamps
Messages in display 275
Replacing bulbs 295, 297
Switching on 108
High mounted brake lamp 296
Hood 227
Closing 228
Messages in display 273
Opening 227
Hydroplaning 210

372 IndexU
Units
Setting speedometer units 128
Setting temperature units 127
Setting time units 127
Unlocking 32, 86
Driver’s door in an emergency 287
Fuel filler flap 224
Global 87
In an emergency 287
Selective settings 87
Separately the tailgate 91
Tailgate in an emergency 287
Transmission gear selector lever
manually 290
Vehicle in an emergency 197
With the SmartKey 32
Upgrade signals
Tele Aid 196Uphill driving
Cruise control 170
Upshifting 141
Useful features 183
Ashtrays 186
Cigarette lighter 188
Electrical outlet 188
Interior storage spaces 183
Tele Aid 190
Telephone* 189
V
Vehicle
Individual settings 123, 126
Locking 27
Locking in an emergency 288
Lowering 310
Service battery 311
Towing 315
Unlocking 27
Unlocking in an emergency 287Vehicle battery 311
Vehicle care 244
Cup holders 248
Engine cleaning 246
Gear selector lever 248
Hard plastic trim items 248
Headlamps 246
Instrument cluster 248
Leather upholstery 249
Light alloy wheels 248
MB Tex upholstery 249
Ornamental moldings 246
Paintwork 245
Plastic and rubber parts 249
Power-washer 245
Seat belts 248
Side markers 246
Steering wheel 248
Tail lamps 246
Tar stains 245