2008 MERCEDES-BENZ G55AMG warning

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 coul d 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.
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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 an
d 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 determ ined and corrected
immediately. If you mu st 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 346).
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 th e 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.
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264 Operation
At the gas station
RefuelingThe fuel filler flap is located on the
right-hand side of the vehicle towards the
rear.
Locking/unlocking the vehicle with the
SmartKey automatically locks/unlocks the
fuel filler flap.
1 Fuel filler flap
2 Fuel filler capTurn off the engine.
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Push on fuel filler flap 1 at the
position indicated by the arrow.
Fuel filler flap 1 springs open.
Turn fuel filler cap 2 to the left and
hold on to it until possible pressure is
released.
Take off fuel filler cap 2.
Set fuel filler cap 2 in the recess
(indicated by the arrow) on fuel filler
flap 1.
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.
Warning!G
Gasoline is highly flam mable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
injury.
Never allow sparks, flame or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin or clothing contact,
extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to
your health.
iIn case that the central locking system does
not release the fuel filler flap, or the opening
mechanism is clamping, you can open the fuel
filler flap using an emergency release in the
cargo compartment, see “Fuel filler flap”
(
page 370).
!The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel filler
neck. Do not drop the cap. It could damage the
vehicle paint finish.
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265
Operation
At the gas station
Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out –
do not top off or
overfill .
Replace fuel filler cap 2 by turning it
clockwise until it audibly engages.
Close fuel filler flap 1.
You should hear the latch close shut.
Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and require-
ments of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (
page 420).
Open the hood (page 267).
G 500
1 Coolant
2 Brake fluid
Warning!G
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create pres-
sure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge. This could cause the gas to spray
back out when removing the fuel pump noz-
zle, which could caus e personal injury.
!When refueling the vehicle, make certain
that no gasoline comes into contact with the rear
side marker to prevent damaging the lens.
iMake sure to close the fuel filler flap before
locking your vehicle as the flap locking pin
prevents closing after you have locked the
vehicle.
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel cap
open can cause the ? malfunction indicator
lamp (USA only) or the ± malfunction indica-
tor lamp (Canada only) comes on.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 328).
iOnly use premium unleaded gasoline with a
minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91 (average of
96 RON/86 MON). Information on gasoline
quality can normally be found on the fuel pump.
Please contact gas station personnel in case la-
bels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see “Premium
unleaded gasoline” (
page 424), refer to the
Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
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267
Operation
Engine compartment
 Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
Warning!G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose
and injure you and others.
Warning!G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature display indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call the fire department.
Warning!G
You could be injured when the hood is open
– even when the engi ne is switched off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool off com-
pletely before touching any components on
the vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
Warning!G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or even restart
after the engine has b een turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.
Warning!G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Becaus e of the high voltage,
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets,
diagnostic socket) of the ignition system

with the engine running

while starting the engine

if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually
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269
Operation
Engine compartment
ClosingLower hood and let it drop into lock
from a height of approximately 0.7 ft
(20 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.
Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the turn signals to the left and
right of the hood, then it is not properly
closed. Open it again and let it drop
with somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher
oil consumption can
occur when

the vehicle is new

the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
Warning!G
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fi ngers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure that the hood is securely
engaged before driving off. Do not continue
driving if the hood can no longer engage
after an accident, for example. The hood
could otherwise come loose while the
vehicle is in motion and endanger you and
others.
!Do not push the hood closed manually, as
this could damage it. !Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies.
Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
More information on this subject is available at
any Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
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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.
1 Cap
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.
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275
Operation
Engine compartment
Using a rag, turn cap
1 slowly approx-
imately one half turn counterclockwise
to release any excess pressure.
Continue turning cap 1 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 cap 1 on the filler neck.
Tighten cap 1 clockwise until you
hear it click three times.
For more information on coolant, see
“Coolants” (
page 425). Windshield/rear window washer
system and headlamp cleaning system
The windshield washer reservoir is located
on the passenger side of the engine
compartment.
1 Cap Fluid 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/antifreez e is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill wash er solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.
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