2007 MERCEDES-BENZ G500 ESP

238 Controls in detail
Useful features
Step 2:
If you have previously programmed a
signal transmitter button and wish to
retain its programming, proceed to
step 3.
If you are programming the integrated
remote control for the first time, press
and hold outer signal transmitter
buttons2 and4 and release them
only when indicator lamp1 begins to
flash after approximately 20 seconds
(do not hold the button for longer than
30 seconds). This procedure erases
any previous settings for all three
channels and initializes the memory.
If you later wish to program a second
and/or third hand-held transmitter to
the remaining two signal transmitter
buttons, do not repeat this step and
begin directly with step 3.Step 3:Hold end of hand-held remote
control5 of the device you wish to
train approximately 2 to 5 in
(5 to12 cm) away from signal trans-
mitter button (2, 3 or4) to be
programmed, while keeping indicator
lamp1 in view.
Step 4:
Using both hands, simultaneously
press hand-held remote control
button6 and the desired signal
transmitter button (2, 3, or4). Do
not release the buttons until step 5 is
completed.
Indicator lamp1 will flash, first slowly
and then rapidly.Step 5:
After indicator lamp1 changes from a
slow to a rapidly flashing light, release
the hand-held remote control button
and the signal transmitter button.
Step 6:
Press and hold the just-trained signal
transmitter button (2, 3, or4) and
observe indicator lamp1.
If indicator lamp1 stays on
constantly, programming is complete
and your device should activate when
the respective signal transmitter
button (2, 3, or4) is pressed and
released.
Step 7:
To program the remaining two signal
transmitter buttons, repeat the steps
above starting with step 3.
iIndicator lamp1 flashes immediately the
first time the signal transmitter button is
programmed. If this button has already been
programmed, the indicator lamp will only start
flashing after 20 seconds.
iIf indicator lamp1 flashes rapidly for about
2 seconds and then turns to a constant light,
continue with programming steps 8 through 12
as your garage door opener may be equipped
with the “rolling code” feature.


240 Controls in detail
Useful features
If you live in Canada or if you are having
difficulties programming a gate operator
(regardless of where you live) by using the
programming procedures, replace step 4
with the following:
Step 4:
Press and hold the signal transmitter
button (2,3, or4). Do not release
this button until it has been success-
fully trained.
While still holding down the signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or4),
“cycle” your hand-held remote control
button6 as follows: Press and hold
button6 for 2 seconds, then release
it for 2 seconds, and again press and
hold it for 2 seconds. Repeat this
sequence on the hand-held remote
control until the frequency signal has
been learned. Upon successful train-
ing, indicator lamp1 will flash slowly
and then rapidly after several seconds.
Proceed with programming step 5 and
step 6 to complete.Reprogramming a single signal
transmitter button
To program a device using a signal trans-
mitter button previously trained, follow
these steps:
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Press and hold the desired signal
transmitter button (2, 3, or4).
Do not release the button.
Indicator lamp1 will begin to flash
after 20 seconds. Without releasing the
signal transmitter button, proceed with
programming starting with step 3.Operation of integrated remote control
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Select and press the appropriate signal
transmitter button (2, 3, or4) to
activate the remote controlled device.
The integrated remote control
transmitter continues to send the
signal as long as the button is
pressed – up to 20seconds.
Erasing the integrated remote control
memory
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Simultaneously press and hold outer
signal transmitter buttons2 and4,
for approximately 20 seconds, until
indicator lamp1 blinks rapidly. Do not
hold for longer than 30 seconds.
The codes of all three channels are
erased.
iUpon completion of programming the
integrated remote control, make sure you retain
the hand-held remote control that came with the
garage door opener, gate operator or other
device. You may need it for use in other vehicles,
for future programming of an integrated remote
control, or simply for continued use as a
hand-held remote control to operate the
respective device in other situations.
iIf you sell your vehicle, erase the codes of all
three channels.

246 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
subjected to moderate loads, you should
occasionally 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.
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
vehicle.
Warning!G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through
water deep enough to wet brake compo-
nents or salty road conditions, the first brak-
ing action may be somewhat reduced and
increased 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.
!Operational or performance test must only
be conducted on a two-axle dynamometer. If
such tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake system or
the transfer case which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Because the ESP® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 or1)
when testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer and such testing should be no
longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP
® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.

247 Operation
Driving instructions
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 90).
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be too low if the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on although the
parking brake is released (
page 326).
Observe additional messages in the
multifunction display that may appear
(
page 338).
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.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so the air stream will cool down the
brakes faster.
Driving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the
operating temperature has been reached.
To ensure sufficient traction during
off-road driving, activate differential locks
as needed (
page 175).
Warning!G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
!When driving down long and steep grades,
relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a
lower gear to use the engine’s braking power.
This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.
!When driving off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an extended
period with the ESP
® switched off. Doing so may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brake reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.

253 Operation
Driving instructions
Off-road driving
Read this chapter carefully before you
begin off-road travel.
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
characteristics and gear changing before
you attempt any difficult terrain off-road
driving. We recommend that you start out
with easy off-road travel.Special driving features for off-road
driving
The following driving features are available
for specific kind of operation:

ABS (page 88)

ESP® (page 92)

4-ETS (page 91)

Differential lock (page 173)

Transfer case (page 170)
Off-road driving rules
Engage the transfer case in position
LOW before driving under off-road
conditions (
page 170).
If necessary activate differential locks
(
page 175).
The ABS, BAS and ESP
® are switched
off automatically when the differential
locks are activated.
Fasten items being carried as securely
as possible (
page 208).
Warning!G
Do not load items on the roof. It may cause
instability during some maneuvers which
could result in an accident.
Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will
make it easier to recognize unexpected
obstacles and avoid damage to the vehicle.
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never
turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehi-
cle cannot complete the attempted climb,
back it down in reverse gear.
Do not drive along the side of a slope. The
vehicle might otherwise rollover. If in doing
so the vehicle begins to show a tendency to
roll, immediately steer into a line of gravity
(straight up or downhill).
Never let the vehicle roll backwards in idle.
You may lose control of the vehicle if you
use only the brake. For information on
driving downhill, see “Driving downhill”
(
page 257).
Warning!G
Sand, dirt, mud and other material having
friction property can cause exceptional wear
and tear as well as brake failure.
Have the brakes checked for dirt build-up
and cleaned. There is otherwise a risk that
full braking power may not be available in an
emergency.

254 Operation
Driving instructions
Checklist before off-road driving
Engine oil level

Check the engine oil level with the
control system (
page 270). The
message
Engine oil level OK must
appear in the multifunction display.
Only then can the vehicle obtain a
trouble-free oil supply, even on steep
gradients.
!Observe the following during off-road
driving:

Keep doors, tailgate, windows, and
tilt/sliding sunroof closed.

Switch cruise control off.

Adjust vehicle speed to condition of terrain.
The more uneven, rutty, and steeper the
terrain, the lower the speed should be. Drive
through water slowly at an even speed,
avoiding a bow wave.

Be especially careful when driving in
unknown territory. It may be necessary to
get out of the vehicle and scout the path you
intend to take.

Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps, and ruts.

Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive at
moderate engine speeds (max. 3 000 rpm).

Before driving through water, determine its
depth.

Do not stop vehicle while immersed in water,
and do not shut off the engine.

In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
allowed by conditions. This helps overcome
the vehicle rolling resistance and reduces
the likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the
ground.

Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle. It
interrupts the forward momentum of the
vehicle.

Always drive on slopes with the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.

Inspect the vehicle for possible damage after
each off-road trip.
Warning!G
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure (
page 288) before continuing
your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.
!If a engine oil level warning message
(
page 351) appears in the multifunction
display while driving, stop the vehicle in a safe
location or as soon at is safe to do so. Check the
engine oil level (
page 270).
The engine oil level warning messages should
not be ignored. Extended driving with the
message displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

257 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving across a hilltop
Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not
select gear rangeN), to prevent the
vehicle from speeding up too much after
climbing a hill.
Use the momentum of the vehicle to drive
across the hilltop.
After climbing a hill, driving in this manner
prevents the vehicle from:

loosing ground contact when cresting
hills

loosing its forward momentum

speeding up too much after climbing
the hillDriving downhill

Select gear range1 on the automatic
transmission (
page 167).

Drive downhill observing the same
rules as driving uphill (
page 255).Driving through water
1Fording depth, 19.6 in (50 cm)

Before driving through water,
determine its depth.
!Only apply the service brake if the vehicle is
travelling straight downhill, i.e. in the line of
gravity.
iThe special LOW RANGE – ABS setting
allows for precise and brief (cyclical) blocking of
the front wheels, permitting them to dig into
loose ground.
Remember that, when stopped, the front wheels
slide across a surface and thus lose their ability
to steer the vehicle.
!The water depth must not exceed 19.6 in
(50 cm). The ground under the water might not
be firm which could result the water being
deeper than expected when driving the vehicle
through it. Please note that the water level is
correspondingly lower for flowing water.

258 Operation
Driving instructions

Comply with the warnings
(
page 253) and rules for off-road
driving (
page 253).

Switch off the exterior lamps as well as
the climate control.

Select gear range2 or1 on the auto-
matic transmission (
page 167).

Enter and leave the water only at a
shallow spot, driving at walking speed.

Drive through the water slowly and at a
constant speed.

Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
water, and do not shut off the engine.
There is a very high level of driving
resistance in water. The surface is
slippery and may not be firm, making
pulling away in water difficult and
dangerous.

Make sure that only small bow waves
are formed when driving the vehicle
through water.

Clean mud off the tire tread after
driving through water.

To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times after leaving
the water.Crossing obstacles
!Never accelerate before driving into the
water. The bow wave could force water into the
engine and auxiliary equipment, thus damaging
them.
!Do not open any of the vehicle’s doors while
driving through water. Water could otherwise en-
ter the vehicle interior and damage the vehicle’s
electronics, as well as the interior equipment.
!Obstacles can damage the vehicle
underbody or suspension components. If possi-
ble, use the assistance of a second person out-
side 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 distance away from the vehicle
and positioned so that he or she cannot get hurt
in case of any unexpected vehicle movement.
After off-road driving or crossing obstacles,
inspect vehicle for any damage, especially
vehicle underbody and suspension components.
Failure to do so can adversely affect the vehi-
cle’s future performance, including increased
chance of an accident.