2005 MERCEDES-BENZ G500 sensor

53 Getting started
Driving
Windshield wipers
The combination switch is located on the
left of the steering column.Combination switch1Single wipe
2Switching on windshield wipers 
Switch on the ignition (
page 35).Switching on windshield wipers

Turn the combination switch to the de-
sired position depending on the inten-
sity of the rain.
0Windshield wipers off
IIntermittent wiping
IINormal wiper speed
IIIFast wiper speediIntermittent wiping interval is depen-
dent on wetness of windshield. After
the initial wipe, pauses between wipes
are automatically controlled by the rain
sensor.
!Do not leave windshield wipers in inter-
mittent setting when the vehicle is tak-
en to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Wipers will oper-
ate in the presence of water sprayed on
the windshield, and wipers may be
damaged as a result.
The switch should not be left in inter-
mittent setting as the wipers will wipe
the windshield once every time the en-
gine is started. Dust that accumulates
on the windshield might scratch the
glass and / or damage the wiper blades
when wiping occurs on a dry wind-
shield.

122 Controls in detailInstrument clusterOutside temperature indicator
The outside temperature is displayed in
the multifunction display (
page 123).
For information on how to select the unit of
the displayed temperature, i.e. degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F),
see “Selecting temperature display mode”
(
page 135).The temperature sensor is located in the
front bumper area. Due to its location, the
sensor can be affected by road or engine
heat during idling or slow driving. This
means that the accuracy of the displayed
temperature can only be verified by com-
parison to a thermometer placed next to
the sensor, not by comparison to external
displays (e.g. bank signs, etc.).When moving the vehicle into colder ambi-
ent temperatures (e.g. when leaving your
garage), you will notice a delay before the
lower temperature is displayed.
A delay also occurs when ambient temper-
atures rise. This prevents inaccurate tem-
perature indications caused by heat
radiated from the engine during idling or
slow driving.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
signed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.

160 Controls in detailGood visibilityFor information on windshield wipers, see
“Windshield wipers” (
page 53) and for
setting the exterior rear view mirrors, see
“Mirrors” (
page 41).
Rear view mirror
Auto-dimming mirrors
The reflection brightness of the exterior
rear view mirrors and the interior rear view
mirror will respond automatically to glare
when

ignition is switched on, and


incoming light from headlamps falls on
the sensor in the interior rear view
mirror
The interior rear view mirror will not react if


reverse gear is engaged


the interior lighting is turned on
Warning!
G
The auto-dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sen-
sors in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirrors do not react, for example,
if the cargo compartment is fully loaded.
Glare can endanger you and others.
Warning!
G
In the case of an accident, liquid electrolyte
may escape from the mirror housing if the
mirror glass breaks.
Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al-
low the liquid to come into contact with
eyes, skin, clothing, or the respiratory sys-
tem. In case it does, immediately flush af-
fected area with water, and seek medical
help if necessary.!Electrolyte drops coming into contact
with the vehicle paint finish can be
completely removed only while in the
liquid state by applying plenty of water.

179 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Rear Parking Assist*
The Rear Parking Assist system is an elec-
tronic aid designed to assist the driver dur-
ing parking maneuvers. It visually and
audibly indicates the relative distance be-
tween the rear of the vehicle and an obsta-
cle.
The Rear Parking Assist system is auto-
matically activated when you switch on the
ignition and shift the gear selector lever to
positionR.The Rear Parking Assist system monitors
the rear area of your vehicle by means of
four sensors in the rear bumper.
1SensorsWarning!
G
Rear Parking Assist (rear Parktronic) is a
supplemental system. It is not intended to,
nor does it replace, the need for extreme
care. The responsibility during parking and
other critical maneuvers always rests with
the driver.
Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or
street curbs). Such objects may not be de-
tected by the system and can damage the
vehicle.
The operational function of the Rear Parking
Assist can be affected by dirty sensors, es-
pecially at times of snow and ice. See
“Cleaning the Rear Parking Assist sensors”
(page 283).
Interference caused by other ultrasonic sig-
nals (e.g. working jackhammers or the air
brakes of trucks) can cause the system to
send erratic indications, and should be tak-
en into consideration.Warning!
G
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in which you are maneuvering. You
could otherwise injure them.

180 Controls in detailDriving systemsRange of the sensors
To function properly, the sensors must be
free of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean the
sensors regularly, being careful not to
scratch or damage them.Minimum distance
The minimum distance between the sen-
sors and an obstacle is approximately
20 in (50 cm). If you encounter an obstacle
in this range, all the warning lamps come
on and you hear a warning signal. If the ob-
stacle is closer than the minimum dis-
tance, the actual distance may no longer
be indicated by the system.
Center
approx. 59.1 in (150 cm)
Corners
approx. 40 in (100 cm)
!During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or
below the height of the sensors (e.g.
planters or trailer hitches). The Rear
Parking Assist system will not detect
such objects at close range and dam-
age to your vehicle or the object may
result.
Ultrasonic signals from outside sourc-
es (e.g. truck air brakes or jackham-
mers) may impair the operation of the
Rear Parking Assist system.

181 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Warning indicator
Visual signals indicate to the driver the rel-
ative distance between the sensors and an
obstacle. The warning indicator is located
next to the tailgate.Warning indicatorAs your vehicle approaches an object, one
or more segments will come on, depending
on the distance. When the sixth segment
lights, you have reached the minimum dis-
tance.An intermittent acoustic warning will
sound when the first yellow segment
comes on. This signal quickens with each
additional segment lit. When all segments
illuminate, the acoustic warning becomes
a constant signal. The signal is canceled
when the gear selector lever is placed in
position D or P.
Rear Parking Assist malfunction
There is a malfunction in the Rear Parking
Assist system if:


a low warning tone sounds while the
vehicle is reversing
The Rear Parking Assist sensors are
dirty or malfunctioning.
Clean the Rear Parking Assist sys-
tem sensors (
page 283).

Switch on the ignition again.


no segments come on and no warning
sounds
The Rear Parking Assist is malfunction-
ing.
Have the Rear Parking Assist sys-
tem checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
as soon as possible.
Malfunction may also be caused by inter-
ference from other radio or ultrasonic sig-
nals.

Check the Rear Parking Assist opera-
tion at another location to rule out in-
terference from outside radio or
ultrasonic signals.

232 OperationDriving instructionsDriving abroad
Abroad, there is an extensive
Mercedes-Benz service network at your
disposal. If you plan to drive into areas
which are not listed in the index of an
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center directo-
ry, you should request pertinent informa-
tion from an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, 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 and potentially
start a fire.

281 Operation
Vehicle care
We have selected car-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and
which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved
car-care products at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or
damage due to negligent or incorrect care
cannot always be removed or repaired with
the car-care products recommended here.
In such cases it is best to seek aid at an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references
to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.Power washer
When using a power washer for cleaning
the vehicle, always observe manufactur-
er’s operating instructions.
Tar stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry
and become more difficult to remove. A tar
remover is recommended.Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care
should be applied when water drops on the
paint surface do not “bead up”, normally
every three to five months, depending on
climate and washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface
shows signs of dirt embedding (i.e. loss of
gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax
if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the
hood is still hot.

Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up
Stick for quick and provisional repairs
of minor paint damage (i.e. chips from
stones, vehicle doors, etc.).
!Never use a round nozzle to
power-wash tires. The intense jet of
water can result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving
across the surface. Do not aim directly
at electrical parts, electrical connec-
tors, sensors, seals, or other rubber
parts.