2008 MERCEDES-BENZ G55AMG differential

176 Controls in detail
Differential locks
Rear axle differential lock
Press switch2.
The yellow engagement indicator
lamp 4 comes on first, followed by the
red function indicator lamp 5.
The rear axle differential lock is
switched on.
Front differential lock
Press switch 3.
The yellow engagement indicator
lamp 4 comes on first, followed by the
red function indicator lamp 5.
The front differential lock is switched
on. Switching differential locks off
There are two different methods to
disengage differential locks:

You can switch the differential locks off
in reverse order (
3, 2 , 1 ).

To switch off all differential locks at the
same time:
Press switch 1.
The yellow engagement indicator
lamps 4 go out first. The red
function indicator lamps 5 go out
when the switching process has
been carried out in the differential.
To activate the ESP
®, BAS, and ABS
systems, drive again for 3 seconds using a
constant driving style. All messages in the multifunction display
disappear. The ESP
® warning lamp
v
and the - indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster go out.
iIf the red function indicator lamps 5 do not
go out when the differential locks are disen-
gaged, bring vehicle to a stop and then continue
driving. Changing the vehicle load can help to
disengage locks.
Warning!G
Always remember to disengage the differen-
tial locks when returning to drive on paved
roads, see “A few words about differentials
and differential locks” (
page 174).
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244 Operation
In the “Operation” section you will find
detailed information on operating, main-
taining and caring for your vehicle.
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more satis-
fied you will be with its performance later
on.

Drive your vehicle during the first
1 000 miles (1 500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.

During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive
engine speeds (no more than
2/3 of
maximum rpm in each gear).

Shift gears in a timely manner.

Avoid accelerating by kick-down.

Do not attempt to slow the vehicle
down by shifting to a lower gear using
the gear selector lever.

Select gear ranges 3, 2 , or 1
(
page 167) only when driving at
moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) you may
gradually increase vehicle and engine
speeds to the permissible maximum. All of the above instructions, as may apply
to your vehicle type, also apply when
driving the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
after the engine, the transfer case, the
front differential or th
e rear differential has
been replaced.
!Additional instructions for AMG vehicles:

During the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km), do
not exceed a speed of 85 mph (140 km/h).

During this period, avoid engine speeds
above 4 500 rpm in each gear.
iG55AMG:
For better protection of the front and rear differ-
ential, the oil must be changed after a break-in
period of 1 900 miles (3 000 km).
Changing the oil in the front and rear differential
increases the service life and helps reduce noise
from the differential locks.
See Maintenance Booklet for additional infor-
mation and Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet (USA only) for information on the
approved service product required to perform
the front and rear axle oil change.
iAlways obey applicable speed limits.
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247
Operation
Driving instructions
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 89).
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 336).
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 substa ntially 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.
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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 87)

ESP® (page 91)

4-ETS (page 90)

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 so me maneuvers which
could result in an accident.
Drive slowly in unkn own 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.
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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 range 1 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 driving
Off-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-
tio n to an a rea whic h is a s afe d ista nc e fro m
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.
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324 Practical hints
What to do if …
Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If any of the following lamps in the instru-
ment cluster fails to come on during thebulb self-check when switching on ignition,
have the respective bulb checked and
replaced if necessary.
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
-The yellow ABS indicator lamp
comes on while driving.You have engaged the di
fferential locks. The
ABS, ESP®, BAS, EBB and 4-ETS are switched
off.
The driving systems will switch on
again after the differential locks have
been disengaged.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The ESP®, BAS, EBB and 4-ETS
are also switched off (see messages in multi-
function display).
The brake system is still functioning normally
but without the ABS available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning,
other systems such as the navigation system
or Rear Parking Assist * may also be malfunc-
tioning.
Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.
Read and observe messages in the
multifunction display (
page 336).
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330 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
vThe yellow ESP® warning lamp
comes on and remains on while
driving.You have engaged the di fferential locks. The
ABS, ESP®, BAS, EBB and 4-ETS are switched
off.
The driving systems will switch on
again after the differential locks have
been disengaged.
Read and observe messages in the
multifunction display (
page 336).
The ESP® has been switched off with the
ESP® switch or has switched off due to a
malfunction.
Risk of accident!
When the ESP
® is switched off, it will not
stabilize the vehicle if the system recognizes
that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.
The cruise control is deactivated and cannot
be switched on.
Switch the ESP® back on (page 94).
Exceptions: (
page 93).
If leaving the ESP® switched off, adapt
your speed and driving to the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
If the ESP
® cannot be switched on:
Read and observe messages in the
multifunction display (
page 336).
Continue driving with added caution.
Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road and weather condi-
tions.
Have the system checked at an
authorized Merc edes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.
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338 Practical hints
What to do if …
Text messages
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
ABSABS not
available
differential
lockedYou have engaged the differential locks.The ABS switches on again after the
differential locks have been disen-
gaged.
ABS, ESP
inoperative
See
Operator’s
ManualThe ABS has detected a malfunction and
has switched off.
The ESP
®, BAS, EBB and 4-ETS are also
deactivated.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ABS available.
Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.
Have the system checked at an
authorized Mercedes -Benz Light Truck
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of accident.
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