2006 MERCEDES-BENZ G55AMG power steering

216 Controls in detail
Useful features
Switching on
Switch on the ignition (page 35).
All lamps in the instrument cluster
come on.
Turn switch at the tip of lever in direc-
tion of arrow1.
The steering wheel is heated. Indicator
lamp3 comes on.Switching off
Turn switch at the tip of lever in direc-
tion of arrow2.
The steering wheel heater is turned off.
Indicator lamp3 goes out.
i
The steering wheel heating is tempo-
rarily suspended while indicator
lamp3 remains on when

the temperature of the vehicle inte-
rior is above 86°F (30°C)

the temperature of the steering
wheel is above 95°F (35°C)
When these conditions do not apply
anymore, steering wheel heating con-
tinues.
i
Indicator lamp3 flashes or switches
off in case of

power surge or undervoltage

steering wheel heating malfunction
i
The steering wheel heating switches off
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch.

221 Operation
Driving instructions
Power assistance
BrakesTo 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
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
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 82).

273 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire ply material
1Plies in sidewall
2Plies under tread
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the sidewall
and under the tread.Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or
driven no more than one mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehi-
cle and may vary from data shown in
above illustration.

302 Practical hints
What to do if …
DisplayDisplay messagePossible causePossible solution
ESPESP
NOT AVAILABLEThe 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.

358 Practical hints
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 86),
tow-away alarm (
page 89) and the
automatic central locking
(
page 142).
!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever
must be in position N and the
SmartKey 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 sure 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.

359 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
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. Adapt your driving accordingly.
i
The 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.
For more information, see “Battery”
(
page 353) and “Jump starting”
(
page 356).
For information on manually unlocking
transmission gear selector lever, see
(
page 329).
i
To 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
usual manner – only the selected turn
signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the
hazard 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 142).
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.

369 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 370).
G500
1Automatic belt tensioner
2Power steering pump
3Air conditioning compressor
4Crankshaft
5Coolant pump
6Generator (alternator)
7Idler pulleyG55AMG
The G 55 AMG has two poly-V-belts
(belt one shown in purple/belt two shown
in black).
1Idler pulley
2Automatic belt tensioner
3Power steering pump
4Air conditioning compressor
5Crankshaft
6Coolant pump
7Generator (alternator)
8Idler pulley
9Automatic belt tensioner
aSupercharger

376 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match.Therefore use only products tested and ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz.Please refer to the Factory Approved
Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at
an Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filterG500
G55AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission9.0 US qt (8.5 l)MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer case2.96 US qt (2.8 l)MB part no. A 001 989 28 03 10
Differential lock mechanism0.47 - 0.63 US qt
(0.45 - 0.6 l)Brake fluid DOT 3+4, SAE J1703
Front axleG500
G55AMG1.5 US qt (1.4 l)
1.5 US qt (1.4 l)Hypoid gear oil SAE 85W-90
Hypoid gear oil Castrol SAF-XJ
Rear axleG500
G55AMG1.9 US qt (1.8 l)
1.9 US qt (1.8 l)Hypoid gear oil SAE 85W-90
Hypoid gear oil Castrol SAF-XJ
Power steeringapprox. 1.06 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering Fluid, or
approved Dexron III ATF
Front wheel hubsapprox. 1.5 oz (43 g) eachHigh temperature roller bearing grease
Fuel tank
including a reserve ofG500
G55AMG25.4 US gal (96.0 l)
25.1 US gal (95.0 l)
3.4 US gal (13.0 l)Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum Posted Octane 91
(average of 96 RON / 86 MON)