2008 MERCEDES-BENZ G55AMG automatic transmission

257
Operation
Driving instructions
Driving across a hilltop
Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not
select gear range
N), 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 hill Driving downhill

Select gear range
1 on the automatic
transmission (
page 167).

Drive downhill observing the same
rules as driving uphill (
page 255). Driving through water
1 Fording depth, 19.6 in (50 cm)

Before driving through water,
determine its depth.
!Only apply the service brake if the vehicle is
travelling straight downhi ll, 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.
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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 range 1 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
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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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273
Operation
Engine compartment
Adding engine oil
G500
1
Filler cap
G55AMG
1Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap 1 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 cap 1 back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 421) and
(
page 423).
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.
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292 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire inflation pressure warnings
If the system detects a significant loss of
tire inflation pressure in one or more than
one tire, a message appears in the multi-
function display.
Example illustration
The respective tire is indicated by a red
rectangle. In addition, a warning signal
sounds.Restarting Advanced TPMS
The TPMS usually recognizes new refer-
ence values automatically, for example
when you have

adjusted the tire inflation pressure

changed wheels or tires

mounted new wheels or tires
USA only: When the malf
unction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended.
USA only: Advanced TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including
the installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the Advanced TPMS from functioning prop-
erly. Always check the Advanced TPMS mal-
function telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the Advanc ed TPMS to contin-
ue to function properly.
iOperating radio transmission equipment
(e.g. wireless headsets, two-way radios) in or
near the vehicle could cause the Advanced
TPMS to malfunction.
Warning!G
It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate
the TPMS on the recommended cold infla-
tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the
ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might lose control over the vehicle.

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304 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire ply material1 Plies in sidewall
2 Plies under tread
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the sidewall
and under the tread.Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage. Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for
at least 3 hours or
driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment incl uding the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary
from data shown in above illustration.
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421
Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filterG500
G55AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission9.0 US qt (8.5 l)MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer case2.96 US qt (2.8 l)MB part no. A 001 989 28 03 10
Differential lock mechanism0.47-0.63USqt (0.45-0.6l)Brake fluid DOT 3+4, SAE J 1703
Front axleG500
G55AMG1.5 US qt (1.4 l)
1.5 US qt (1.4 l)Hypoid gear oil SAE 85W-90
Hypoid gear oil Castrol SAF-XJ
Rear axleG500
G55AMG1.9 US qt (1.8 l)
1.9 US qt (1.8 l)Hypoid gear oil SAE 85W-90
Hypoid gear oil Castrol SAF-XJ
Power steeringapprox. 1.06 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering Fluid, or
approved Dexron III ATF
Front wheel hubsapprox. 1.5oz (43g) eachHigh temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system0.86 US qt (0.81 l)MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
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429
Index
A
ABS 27, 87
Indicator lamp 324–325, 327
LOW RANGE mode 89
Messages in display 338
Accelerator position (Automatic transmission) 166
Accessory weight 304
Accident In case of 61
Activating Air conditioning (cooling) 190
Air recirculation mode 188
Anti-theft alarm system 96
Central locking (control system) 155
Defrost 187
Easy-entry/exit feature 156
ESP
®94
Exterior headlamps 56
Exterior lamps 118
Exterior rear view mirror parking posi- tion (Canada only) 178 Headlamps 56
Immobilizer 95
Rear window defroster 181
Windshield defroster 181
Windshield wipers 58
Adding Coolant 275
Engine oil 273
Additional turn signals 376
Adjusting 41 Air distribution 186
Air volume 186
Exterior rear view mirrors 46
Head restraint fore and aft adjustment 43
Head restraint height 43
Head restraint height, rear seats 110
Instrument cluster illumination 130
Interior rear view mirror 46
Mirrors 46
Multicontour seat* 109 Seat backrest tilt 43
Seat cushion depth 109
Seat cushion tilt 43
Seat fore and aft adjustment 43
Seat height 43
Seats 41
Steering column in/out 45
Steering column up/down 45
Steering wheel 44
Advanced TPMS Messages in display 340–341, 359–360
Air bags 70 BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system 80
Front 73
Safety guidelines 72
Window curtain air bags 74
Air conditioning 189
Air conditioning refrigerant 423
Air distribution Adjusting 186
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