Page 272 of 457

271 Operation
Engine compartment
If necessary, add engine oil
(
page 273).
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 423) and
(
page 425).
Other display messages
If the SmartKey is not turned to position2
in the starter switch, the following
message will appear:
Switch
ignition on to
check engine
oil level
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
If you see the message:
Observe
waiting time
If the engine is at operating
temperature, wait 5 minutes before
repeating check procedure.
If the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, wait 30 minutes
before repeating check procedure.
If you see the message:
Engine oil
level
Not with
engine on
Turn off the engine.
If the engine is at operating
temperature, wait 5 minutes before
checking oil.
If the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait
30 minutes before checking oil.
If there is excess engine oil with the engine
at operating temperature, the following
message will appear:
Engine oil
level
Reduce oil
level
Have excess oil siphoned or drained
off. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
For more information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine
oil, see the “Practical hints” section
(
page 351).
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off.
It could cause damage to the engine and/or
catalytic converter not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
iG 500 only:
Perform the engine oil level check with the oil
dipstick if it cannot be completed with the
control system (
page 272).
In this case we recommend that you have the
system checked at a Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Page 273 of 457

272 Operation
Engine compartment
Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick (G 500 only)
When checking the oil level
the vehicle must be parked on level
ground
with the engine at operating
temperature, the vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 5 minutes
with the engine turned off
with the engine not at operating
temperature yet, the vehicle also must
have been stationary for at least
5 minutes with the engine turned off
Open the hood (page 267).1Oil dipstick
2Upper mark
3Lower mark
Pull out oil dipstick1.
Wipe oil dipstick1 clean.
Fully insert oil dipstick1 into the
dipstick guide tube.
Pull out oil dipstick1 again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is
between lower mark3 (min.) and
upper mark2 (max.) of the oil
dipstick.
If necessary, add engine oil
(
page 273).
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 423) and
(
page 425).
For more information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine
oil, see the “Practical hints” section
(
page 351).
iThe filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is approximately
2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
Page 274 of 457

273 Operation
Engine compartment
Adding engine oil
G500
1Filler cap
G55AMG
1Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.
Add engine oil as required. Never over-
fill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 423) and
(
page 425).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center check the automatic trans-
mission.
!Only use approved engine oils and oil filters
required for vehicles with Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles). For a
listing of approved engine oils and oil filters,
refer to the Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet (USA only) in your vehicle literature
portfolio, or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of specification
other than those expressly required for the
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS
(Canada vehicles), or changing of oil and oil filter
at change intervals longer than those called for
by the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada vehicles) will result in engine or
emission control system damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off.
It could cause damage to the engine and/or
catalytic converter not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Page 275 of 457

274 Operation
Engine compartment
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level,
the vehicle must be parked on level
ground
the coolant temperature must be be-
low 158°F (70°C)The coolant expansion tank is located on
the passenger side of the engine compart-
ment.
1Cap
Warning!G
In order to avoid any potentially serious
burns:
Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature display
indicates that the coolant is overheated.
Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.
Using a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scald-
ing hot fluid and steam will be blown out
under pressure.
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene
glycol which may burn if it comes into
contact with hot engine parts.
Page 276 of 457

275 Operation
Engine compartment
Using a rag, turn cap1 slowly approx-
imately one half turn counterclockwise
to release any excess pressure.
Continue turning cap1 counterclock-
wise and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
for cold coolant: reaches the top of
the mark (plastic bridge) visible
through the filling opening
for warm coolant: is approximately
0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher
Add coolant as required.
Replace cap1 on the filler neck.
Tighten cap1 clockwise until you
hear it click three times.
For more information on coolant, see
“Coolants” (
page 427).Windshield/rear window washer
system and headlamp cleaning system
The windshield washer reservoir is located
on the passenger side of the engine
compartment.
1CapFluid for the windshield/rear window
washer system and the headlamp cleaning
system is supplied from the windshield
washer reservoir. It has a capacity of
7.9 US qt (7.5 l).
During all seasons, add MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” to
water. Premix the windshield washer fluid
in a suitable container.
Warning!G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.
Page 277 of 457
276 Operation
Engine compartment
Use the tab to pull cap1 upwards.
Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”
and water (or commercially available
premixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze, depending on
ambient temperatures).
Press cap1 on the filler neck until it
has completely engaged.
For more information on filling up the
washer reservoir, see “Windshield/rear
window washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” (
page 430).
!Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below freezing
point. Failure to do so could result in damage to
the washer system/reservoir.
!Only use washer fluid which is suitable for
plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can
damage the plastic lenses of the headlamps.
Page 310 of 457

309 Operation
Winter driving
Winter driving
Before the onset of winter, have your
vehicle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. This
service includes:
Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.
Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“MB SummerFit” to a premixed wind-
shield washer solvent/antifreeze
which is formulated for below freezing
temperatures (
page 430).
Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to make
sure that the engine can be started,
even at low ambient temperatures.
Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately
1/6in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the
winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated
tires provide special winter performance.
Make sure the tires you use show M+S and
the mountain/snowflake marking. on
the tire sidewall. These tires meet specific
snow traction performance requirements
of the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of
Canada (RAC) and have been designed
specifically for use in snow conditions.
Using winter tires is the only way to
achieve the maximum effectiveness of the
ABS, ESP
® and 4-ETS in winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your
vehicle, you must place a notice to this
effect where it will be seen by the driver.
Such notices are available from your tire
dealer or from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Warning!G
Winter tires with a tread depth of less than 1/6in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
Page 311 of 457

310 Operation
Winter driving
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block
heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:
Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(
page 417).
Snow chains should only be used on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer’s mounting instructions.
Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
C e n t e r w i l l b e g l a d t o a d v i s e y o u o n t h i s
subject.
Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
Warning!G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you may
wish to deactivate the ESP® (page 92) before
setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve
the vehicle’s traction.