2005 MERCEDES-BENZ G55AMG engine

228 OperationDriving instructions

Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
water, and do not shut off the engine.
There is a very high level of driving re-
sistance in water. The surface is slip-
pery and may not be firm, making
pulling away in water difficult and dan-
gerous.


Clean mud off the tire tread after driv-
ing through water.


To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times after leaving
the water.Crossing obstacles
!If possible, use the assistance of a sec-
ond person outside the vehicle to scout
the path you intend to take and check
for adequate ground clearance when
you cross obstacles with your vehicle.
The person assisting you outside the
vehicle should always be a safe dis-
tance away from the vehicle and posi-
tioned so that he or she cannot get hurt
in case of any unexpected vehicle
movement.
After off-road driving or crossing obsta-
cles, inspect vehicle for any damage,
especially vehicle underbody and sus-
pension components. Failure to do so
can adversely affect the vehicle’s fu-
ture performance, including increased
chance of an accident.

230 OperationDriving instructionsReturning from off-road drivingOff-road driving increases strain on the ve-
hicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehi-
cle for possible damage after each off-road
trip. Recognizing any damage and a subse-
quent timely repair reduces the chance of
a possible breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:


Switch the transfer case in position
HIGH (
page 154).


Disengage differential locks
(page 159).


Remove excessive dirt from tires,
wheels, wheel housings, and under-
body.
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 and
remove foreign objects. Clean all exte-
rior lamps and conduct a brake test.
Warning!
G
Never drive on pavement with activated dif-
ferential locks. Engaged front axle differen-
tial locks limits ability to move around
curves.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possi-
ble damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with cau-
tion 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 ap-
pear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
Damage to the vehicle negatively influences
driving comfort and poses the risk of acci-
dent to you and other drivers.

231 Operation
Driving instructions


Clean all exterior lamps and check
them for possible damage.


Check for brush or branches caught in
the underbody.
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.


After continued operation in mud,
sand, water or other dirty conditions,
clean the brake discs, wheels, brake
pads and check and clean axle joints.


Conduct a brake test.Control and operation of radio trans-
mitters
COMAND, radio and telephone*Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or citizens band unit should only be
used inside the vehicle if they are connect-
ed to an antenna that is installed on the
outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation in-
structions regarding use of an external an-
tenna.Warning!
G
Do not forget that your primary responsibili-
ty is to drive the vehicle safely. Only operate
the COMAND, radio or telephone
1 if road,
traffic and weather conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km / h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.
1Observe all legal requirements.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.

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.

233 Operation
Driving instructions
Emission control
Certain engine systems serve to keep the
toxic components of the exhaust gases
within permissible legal limits.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly ac-
cording to factory specifications. Any ad-
justments on the engine should, therefore,
be carried out only by qualified
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center autho-
rized technicians. Engine adjustments
should not be altered in any way. More-
over, the specified service jobs must be
carried out regularly according to
Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements.
For details refer to the Maintenance
Booklet.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble 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.
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one win-
dow fully open at all times.

234 OperationDriving instructionsCoolant temperature
During severe operating conditions, e.g.
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to approx. 248°F
(120°C).
The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature above 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious en-
gine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
iExcessive coolant temperatures trigger
a warning message in the multifunction
display (
page 306).
Warning!
G


Driving when your engine is badly over-
heated can cause some fluids which
may have leaked into the engine com-
partment to catch fire. You could be se-
riously burned.


Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the hood. Stay away from
the engine if you see or hear steam com-
ing from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.

235 Operation
At the gas station
At the gas station
Refueling
The fuel filler flap is located on the
right-hand side of the vehicle towards the
rear.
Locking/unlocking the vehicle with the re-
mote control automatically locks/unlocks
the fuel filler flap.1Fuel filler flap (including a placard on
the inner side with supplemental tire
inflation pressure information)
2Fuel cap

Turn off the engine.

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.

Open fuel filler flap1 by pushing at
the point indicated by the arrow.

Turn fuel cap2 to the left and hold on
to it until possible pressure is released.

Take off fuel cap2 and set it in the re-
cess on fuel filler flap1.

To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.

Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out – do not top up or over-
fill.

Replace fuel cap2 by turning it to the
right.
You should hear the fuel filler cap en-
gage.

Close fuel filler flap1.
Warning!
G
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious inju-
ry. Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin contact, extinguish
all smoking materials. Never allow sparks,
flame or smoking materials near gasoline!
Failure to remove the fuel cap slowly could
result in personal injury.
Warning!
G
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create pres-
sure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge. This could cause the gas to spray
back out when removing the fuel pump noz-
zle, which could cause personal injury.


236 OperationAt the gas station
Check regularly and before a long tripG5001Coolant
2Brake fluid
!The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel
filler neck. Do not drop the cap. It could
damage the vehicle paint finish.
When refueling the vehicle, make cer-
tain that no gasoline comes into con-
tact with plastic tail lamp to prevent
damaging the lens.iUse only premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating
of 91 (average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.
More information on gasoline can be
found in the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet.
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
cap open can cause the ? malfunc-
tion indicator lamp (USA only) or the
± malfunction indicator lamp
(Canada only) to illuminate.
See also “Practical hints” section
(page 292).