2007 MERCEDES-BENZ G55AMG Owner's Manual

256 Operation
Driving instructions

Driving on embankments, slopes and
other steep inclines should only be
done straight uphill or downhill, i.e. in
the line of gravity. Maximum vehicle
climbing ability is a 80% grade which is
equivalent to a slope angle of approxi-
mately 38 degrees. Keep in mind that
the climbing ability of the vehicle
depends on terrain conditions.

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

Drive slowly.

Utilize the engine’s braking power
when descending a slope, observe the
engine speed (do not overrev the
engine). Apply the service brake as
needed.

Check the brakes after a lengthy
downgrade drive.Traction in steep terrain
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for
continuous wheel traction when driving
uphill.
iFor maximum engine speed, see “Instru-
ment cluster” (
page 26) and see “Engine”
(
page 415).
Warning!G
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted
climb, back it down in reverse gear.
iThe 4-ETS helps greatly when starting out on
a steep incline when the front wheels have then
the tendency to slip due to the weight shifting
away from the front axle.
The 4-ETS recognizes the situation and limits the
torque for the front wheels by braking them.
Simultaneously the torque for the rear wheels is
provided.

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.

259 Operation
Driving instructions
When driving over tree stumps, big rocks
and other obstacles, observe the following
rules:

Check the vehicle clearance before
crossing obstacles.

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

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

Cross obstacles very slowly by aiming
one of the front wheels at the center of
the obstacle, and repeat same with the
rear wheel.Driving on sand
When driving on sand, observe the
following rules:

Avoid high engine speeds.

Shift automatic transmission into a
gear range that is appropriate for the
terrain.

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

Drive in tracks of other vehicles if they
are not too deep and you have suffi-
cient clearance.
Ruts
A number of off-road tracks or other
byways have deep ruts which can cause
the underbody to come in contact with the
ground.
!Special attention is needed when you cross
obstacles on a steep incline.
The vehicle could slide sideways as a result of its
possible slanted position which in turn may
result in the vehicle tipping or rolling over.
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.
!Check that the ruts are not too deep and
your vehicle’s clearance is sufficient. Otherwise:

your vehicle may be damaged

the underbody of the vehicle may come in
contact with the ground and you may get
stuck

260 Operation
Driving instructions

Check the vehicle clearance before
driving in ruts.

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

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

Drive slowly next to the ruts rather than
through them if at all possible.

If the ruts are too deep to drive in, drive
with one side of the vehicle on the
grassy center strip if the route permits.Returning from off-road drivingOff-road driving increases strain on the
vehicle.
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 170).

Switch differential locks off
(
page 176).

Clean all exterior lamps and check
them for possible damage.

Clean the front and rear license plate.

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.
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.
Warning!G
Never drive on pavement with activated
differential locks. Engaged front axle differ-
ential 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
appear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
Damage to the vehicle may influence driving
comfort and poses the risk of accident to
you and other drivers.

261 Operation
Driving instructions

Check tires for possible damage.

Inspect frame, oil pan, brake hoses,
etc., as well as vehicle underbody for
possible damage.

Check for brush or branches caught in
the underbody.

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.
Driving 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 a
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
directory, you should request pertinent
information from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.Control and operation of radio
transmitters
COMAND, radio and telephone*
!Brush or branches could increase the possi-
bility of a fire, as well as cut fuel and/or brake
lines, puncture rubber bellows of the axles or
drive shafts.
Warning!G
Do not forget that your primary responsi-
bility is to drive the vehicle safely. Only
operate the COMAND system, radio or
telephone
1 if road, weather and traffic
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.

262 Operation
Driving instructions
Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable
telephone or citizens band unit should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are
connected to an antenna that is installed
on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended maintenance instructions
as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
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,
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic convert-
ers, use only premium unleaded gasoline in this
vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation
should be repaired promptly. Otherwise, exces-
sive unburned fuel may reach the catalytic
converter, causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning!G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or
operate this vehicle in areas where combus-
tible 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.

263 Operation
Driving instructions
Emission control
Certain engine systems serve to keep the
toxic components of the exhaust gases
within permissible limits required by law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly
according to factory specifications. Any
adjustments 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. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing
requirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.
Coolant temperature
During severe operating conditions,
e.g. stop-and-go traffic, the coolant tem-
perature may rise close to approximately
248°F (120°C).The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature above 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious
engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible 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
window fully open at all times.
iExcessive coolant temperatures trigger a
warning message in the multifunction display
(
page 348).
Warning!G

Driving when your engine is overheated
can cause some fluids, which may have
leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire. You could be seriously
burned.

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