2007 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 maintenance

531 Practical hints
Battery
!The battery is a valve-regulated lead acid
(VRLA) battery, also referred to as “fleece” bat-
tery. Such batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. VRLA batteries therefore do
not have cell caps and the battery cover is
non-removable. Do not attempt to open the bat-
tery as otherwise the battery will be damaged.
Even though VRLA batteries do not require top-
ping-up of the electrolyte level and cannot be
opened to check the electrolyte level, the bat-
tery condition must be checked periodically by
performing a battery conductance test. Refer to
Maintenance Booklet for battery condition test-
ing intervals.
As with any other battery, the battery may dis-
charge if the vehicle is not operated for an ex-
tended period of time. You can connect a battery
maintenance charge unit tested and approved
for use on your vehicle model or disconnect the
battery to prevent battery discharge. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
for more information.!The factory-equipped VRLA battery is
leak-proofed. Only use a battery as replacement
that has the same security features and is of
identical size, voltage, and capacity as the
factory-equipped battery.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
(
page 536) and the lateral plug (page 536)
must always be securely installed when the
vehicle is in operation.
Warning!G
Jump starting must only be done using the
jump-start contacts located in the engine
compartment (
page 538).
Warning!G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(
page 530).
Never lean over batteries while connecting,
you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.

554 Technical data
Rims and tires
!Only use tires which have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Tires approved by
Mercedes-Benz are developed to provide best
possible performance in conjunction with the
driving safety systems on your vehicle such as
ABS or ESP
®. Tires specially developed for your
vehicle and tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be identified by finding the
following on the tire’s sidewall:

MO = Mercedes-Benz Original equipment
tires
Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz may result in damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz can have detrimental effects,
such as

poor handling characteristics

increased noise

increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may, under load, exhibit dimen-
sional variations and different tire deformation
characteristics that could cause them to come
into contact with the vehicle body or axle parts.
Damage to the tires or the vehicle may be the
result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center. A placard with the recommended
tire inflation pressure is located on the driver’s
door B-pillar (
page 550). Some vehicles may
have supplemental tire inflation pressure infor-
mation for driving at high speeds (
page 395)
or for vehicle loads less than the maximum
loaded vehicle condition (
page 395). If such
information is provided, it can be found on the
placard located on the inside of the fuel filler
flap.The tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly and should only be adjusted on cold
tires. Follow tire manufacturer’s maintenance
recommendation included with vehicle.
iThe following pages also list the approved
wheel rim and tire sizes for equipping your
vehicles with winter tires. Winter tires are not
available as standard or optional factory equip-
ment, but can be purchased from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Depending on vehicle model and the standard or
optional factory-equipped wheel rim/tire
configuration on your vehicle (Appearance
Package, etc.), equipping your vehicle with win-
ter tires approved for your vehicle model may
also require the purchase of two or four wheel
rims of the recommended size for use with these
winter tires. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center for more information.

562 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters
required for vehicles with Maintenance
System. For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.Engine oil additives
Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air
conditioning system.
Brake fluid
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will provide you with additional
information.
!Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or chang-
ing of oil and oil filter at change intervals longer
than those called for by the Maintenance System
will result in engine or emission control system
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System recommen-
dations for scheduled oil changes. Failure to do
so will result in engine or emission control
system damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from blending
oil additives are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the system
will occur.
Warning!G
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere. Under extremely strenuous
operating conditions, this moisture content
can lead to the formation of bubbles in the
system, thus reducing the system’s
efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s
Maintenance Booklet for replacement inter-
val.

565 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which
provides:

Corrosion protection

Freeze protection

Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -35°F (-37°C) and corro-
sion protection.If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-35°F (-37°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).
The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protec-
tion. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
replacement interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification are used to
renew the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approximately -35°F
[-37°C]). If you use a solution that is more
than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze
protection to approximately -49°F
[-45°C]), the engine temperature will
increase due to the lower heat transfer
capability of the solution. Therefore, do not
use more than this amount of anticorro-
sion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage). Please make sure the
mixture is in accordance with label instruc-
tions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
!Add premixed coolant solution only. Adding
water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
separately from each other, could cause engine
damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

573 Index
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps* 150
Messages in the
multifunction display 481
Replacing bulbs 514
Crossing obstacles 363
Cruise control 257
Activating 259
Messages in the
multifunction display 454
Cup holders 321
Cleaning 322
Front center console 322
Front center console,
Removing/Installing 322
Rear armrest 321
Curb weight 416
D
Date display, Setting 176, 177
Daytime running lamp mode 147
Setting 178
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging windshield 223, 237
Defrosting, Front 223, 237
Defrosting, Rear 215Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 179
Interior lighting 180
Department of Transportation see DOT
Diesel engine
Preglow indicator lamp 29
Differential locks* 206
A few words about 206
Messages in the
multifunction display 493
Switching 207
Difficulties
While driving 66
While starting 60
Digital clock see Clock
Digital speedometer 157, 165
Dimensions, Vehicle 558
Direction of rotation (tires) 388
Displays
Digital speedometer 157, 165
Distronic* 265
Maintenance service indicator 422
Messages in the
multifunction display 451
Multifunction display 157Outside temperature 157, 165
Selecting 175
Symbol messages 469
Text messages 453
Vehicle status message 170, 451
Vehicle system settings, Control
system 161, 163, 170
Distance to empty (range), Trip
Computer 187
Distronic* 262
Activating 268
Cleaning system sensor 430
Control system 266
Deactivating 270
Distance warning function* 274
Distance warning function*
activating/deactivating 186
Driving hints 272
Messages in the
multifunction display 455
Sensor cover 430
Warning and indicator lamps 265

581 Index
Lighting, Exterior and interior 145
Limp-Home Mode 202, 439, 440
Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting 148, 179
Lock buttons, KEYLESS-GO*
Outside door handle 72
Locking the vehicle see Key
Loss of keys, Mechanical key 122
Loss of keys, SmartKey 122
Loss of keys, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 122
Loss of Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 549
Low beam headlamps
Messages in the
multifunction display 483
Replacing bulbs 509
Switching on 62, 145
LOW RANGE mode* 203
Messages in the
multifunction display 493, 494
Lubricants 560
Lumbar support 139M
Main dimensions 558
Maintenance 12, 422
Calling up service indicator
display 424
Clearing service indicator
message 423
Maintenance System 422
Resetting service indicator 424
Service indicator message 422
Service term exceeded 423
Maintenance System 422
Manual headlamp mode see Headlamps
Maximum cooling, MAXCOOL* see
Automatic climate control
(3-zone)* 239
Maximum load rating, Tires 417
Maximum loaded vehicle weight,
Tires 417
MB Tex upholstery, Cleaning and
care of 434
Mechanical key 500Memory function* see Seats
Menus see Control system menus
Messages in display see Multifunction
display messages
Microphone, Hands-free 34
Minispare wheel see Spare wheel
Mirrors
Adjusting 52
Auto-dimming rear view
mirrors* 211
Exterior rear view mirror 52
Interior rear view mirror 52, 210
MON 376, 563
Multicontour seat* 140
Multifunction display 157
Changing settings see Control system
menus and Control system sub-
menus
Displaying current gear range 200
Selecting display 175
Selecting language 174

583 Index
Off-road - 4-ETS 110
Off-road - ABS 104
Off-road - ESP® 108
Off-road driving
Checklist 359, 365
Crossing obstacles 363
Driving instructions for off-road
driving 357
Driving through water 362
Returning 365
Rules 358
Special driving features 358
Steep terrain 360
Off-road driving program (Vehicles without
enhanced off-road package*) 279
Oil level see Engine oil, Checking level
One-touch gearshifting 202
Operating safety 17
Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings, Cleaning 429
Outside temperature see Displays
Overdue maintenance service term 423
Overhead control panel 34
Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) 373P
Paintwork code 550
Paintwork, Cleaning 426
Panic alarm 102
Panorama roof, Rear 214
Parcel net
Front passenger footwell 320
Front seat backrests 320
Parking 68, 352
On hills 68
Over things that burn, Potential
consequences 68, 373
Parking brake 60, 68
Lamps, Indicator and warning 437
Messages in the
multifunction display 471
Releasing 61
Parking lamps 509
Messages in the
multifunction display 482
Replacing bulbs 513
Parking position*
Exterior rear view mirrors 185, 211Parktronic* 31, 32, 290
Cleaning system sensors 430
Minimum distance 292
Range 291
Switching on/off 293
System malfunction 294
System sensors 291
System sensors, Cleaning 430
Warning indicators 25, 292
Parts service 548
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
Passenger compartment 371
Fuse box 546
Interior lighting 151
Interior rear view mirror 34
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 320
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals 349
Phone see Telephone*

586 Index
Seat belts 88
Children in the vehicle 93
Cleaning 433
Fastening 54
Height adjustment 56
Messages in the
multifunction display 443, 444
Proper use of 56, 90
Safety guidelines 78
Telltale 29, 88, 443
Warning lamp 444
Seat cushion depth see Seats
Seat heating* see Seats
Seat ventilation* see Seats
Seating capacity 390
Seats 45, 132
Adjusting 45
Cushion depth, Multicontour
seat* 140
Easy entry/exit feature for
third-row seats 132
Emergency exit for
third-row seats 134
Heating* 140
Lumbar support 139Memory function* 143
Multicontour seat* 140
Second-row, Folding 308
Third-row, Folding electrically 307,
310
Ventilation* 142
Securing cargo 304
Cargo tie-down rings 304
Hooks 306
Selector lever see Gear selector lever
Self-test
BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system 87
Lamps in the instrument cluster 436
OCS* 86
Tele Aid 333
Vehicle battery 530
Service and warranty information 10
Service intervals see Maintenance, Service
indicator
Service life
Tires 386
Service see Maintenance
Service system see Maintenance System
Service, Parts 548Settings
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* 280
Air suspension 280
Clock 176
Comfort functions* 184
Control system menus 160, 162
Control system submenus 161, 163,
173
Date 163, 173, 176
Daytime running lamp mode 178
Factory, SmartKey 116
Factory, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 120
Individual, Vehicle 170
Instrument cluster 174
Language, multifunction display 174,
175
Lighting 178
Memory function* 144
Resetting all, Control system 171
Selective, SmartKey 116
Selective, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 121
Time 176
Vehicle configuration 185