2008 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 maintenance

529 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 534) and the lateral plug (page 534)
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 536).
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 528).
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.
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555 Technical data
Rims and tires
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 394)
or for vehicle loads less than the maximum
loaded vehicle condition (
page 394). 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.
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564 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. Any
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.
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567 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.
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575 Index
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps* 147
Messages in the multifunction
display 478
Replacing bulbs 510
Crossbars* 295
Crossing obstacles 361
Cruise control 255
Activating 257
Messages in the multifunction
display 452
Cup holders 320
Cleaning 321
Front center console 321
Front center console,
Removing/Installing 321
Rear armrest 320
Curb weight 416
D
Date display, Setting 174
Daytime running lamp mode 145
Setting 175
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging windshield 221, 235
Defrosting, Front 221, 235
Defrosting, Rear 212Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 176
Interior lighting 177
Department of Transportation see DOT
Diesel engine
Preglow indicator lamp 29
Differential locks* 204
A few words about 204
Messages in the multifunction
display 488
Switching 205
Difficulties
While driving 65
While starting 59
Digital clock see Clock
Digital speedometer 155, 163
Dimensions, Vehicle 560
Direction of rotation (tires) 387
Displays
Digital speedometer 155, 163
Distronic* 263
Maintenance service indicator 422
Messages in the multifunction
display 449
Multifunction display 155Outside temperature 155, 163
Selecting 173
Symbol messages 466
Text messages 451
Vehicle status message 168, 449
Vehicle system settings, Control
system 159, 161, 168
Distance to empty (range), Trip
Computer 184
Distronic* 260
Activating 266
Cleaning system sensor 430
Control system 264
Deactivating 268
Distance warning function* 272
Distance warning function*
activating/deactivating 183
Driving hints 270
Messages in the multifunction
display 453
Sensor cover 430
Warning and indicator lamps 263
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583 Index
Lighter see Cigarette lighter (Depending
on vehicle configuration)
Lighting, Exterior and interior 143
Limp-Home Mode 200, 439, 440
Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting 146, 176
Lock buttons, KEYLESS-GO*
Outside door handle 71
Locking the vehicle see Key
Loss of keys, Mechanical key 120
Loss of keys, SmartKey 120
Loss of keys, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 120
Loss of Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 549
Low beam headlamps
Messages in the multifunction
display 479
Replacing bulbs 505
Switching on 61, 143
LOW RANGE mode* 201
Messages in the multifunction
display 488
Lubricants 562
Lumbar support 137M
Main dimensions 560
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)* 237
Maximum load rating, Tires 417
Maximum loaded vehicle weight,
Tires 417
MB Tex upholstery, Cleaning and
care of 434
Mechanical key 496Memory 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 51
Auto-dimming rear view
mirrors* 208
Exterior rear view mirror 51
Interior rear view mirror 51, 208
MON 375, 565
Multicontour seat* 138
Multifunction display 155
Changing settings see Control system
menus and Control system sub-
menus
Displaying current gear range 197
Selecting display 173
Selecting language 172
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585 Index
Off-road - 4-ETS 108
Off-road - ABS 102
Off-road - ESP
®106
Off-road driving
Checklist 357, 363
Crossing obstacles 361
Driving instructions for off-road
driving 355
Driving through water 360
Returning 363
Rules 356
Special driving features 356
Steep terrain 358
Off-road driving program (Vehicles without
enhanced off-road package*) 277
Oil level see Engine oil, Checking level
One-touch gearshifting 199
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) 371P
Paintwork code 550
Paintwork, Cleaning 426
Panic alarm 100
Panorama roof, Rear 212
Parcel net
Front passenger footwell 319
Front seat backrests 319
Parking 67, 350
On hills 67
Over things that burn, Potential
consequences 67, 371
Parking brake 59, 67
Lamps, Indicator and warning 437
Messages in the multifunction
display 468
Releasing 59
Parking lamps 505
Messages in the multifunction
display 480
Replacing bulbs 509
Parking position*
Exterior rear view mirrors 182, 209Parktronic* 31, 32, 288
Cleaning system sensors 430
Minimum distance 290
Range 289
Switching on/off 291
System malfunction 292
System sensors 289
System sensors, Cleaning 430
Warning indicators 25, 290
Parts service 548
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
Passenger compartment 370
Fuse box 545
Interior lighting 149
Interior rear view mirror 34
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 319
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals 347
Phone see Telephone*
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588 Index
Seat belts 86
Children in the vehicle 91
Cleaning 433
Fastening 53
Height adjustment 55
Messages in the multifunction
display 443
Proper use of 55, 88
Safety guidelines 78
Telltale 29, 86, 442
Warning lamp 442, 443
Seat cushion depth see Seats
Seat heating* see Seats
Seat ventilation* see Seats
Seating capacity 389
Seats 45, 130
Adjusting 45
Cushion depth, Multicontour
seat* 138
Easy entry/exit feature for
third-row seats 130
Emergency exit for
third-row seats 132
Heating* 138
Lumbar support 137Memory function* 141
Multicontour seat* 138
Second-row, Folding 306
Third-row, Folding electrically 305,
308
Ventilation* 140
Securing cargo 302
Cargo tie-down rings 302
Hooks 304
Selector lever see Gear selector lever
Self-test
Lamps in the instrument cluster 436
OCS* 86
Tele Aid 332
Vehicle battery 528
Service and warranty information 10
Service intervals see Maintenance, Service
indicator
Service life
Tires 385
Service see Maintenance
Service system see Maintenance System
Service, Parts 548Settings
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* 278
Air suspension 278
Clock 174
Comfort functions* 181
Control system menus 158, 160
Control system submenus 159, 161,
171
Date 161, 171, 174
Daytime running lamp mode 175
Factory, SmartKey 114
Factory, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 118
Individual, Vehicle 168
Instrument cluster 172
Language, multifunction display 172,
173
Lighting 175
Memory function* 141
Resetting all, Control system 169
Selective, SmartKey 114
Selective, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 119
Time 174
Vehicle configuration 182
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