2009 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class ESP

GWarning!
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb,
back it down in reverse gear.
Traction in steep terrain
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for
continuous wheel traction when driving in
steep terrain.
iThe 4-ETS helps greatly when starting out
on a steep incline when the front wheels
have then the tendency to slip due to the
weight shifting away from the front axle.
The 4-ETS recognizes the situation and
limits the torque for the front wheels by
braking them.
Simultaneously the torque for the rear
wheels is increased.
Driving across a hilltop
Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not shift
automatic transmission into neutral position
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:
Rlosing ground contact when cresting hills
Rlosing its forward momentum
Rspeeding up too much after climbing the hill
Driving downhill
RShift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 89).
RDrive downhill observing the same rules as
driving uphill (Y page 181).
iThe special LOW RANGE – ABS
(Y page 51) 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.
Driving through water
:Fording depth, 20 in (50 cm)
RBefore driving through water, determine its
depth.
! The water depth must not exceed 20 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.
RComply with the warnings (Y page 179) and
rules for off-road driving (Y page 180).
RSwitch off the exterior lamps as well as the
climate control.
RShift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 or 2 (Y page 89).
RAvoid high engine speeds.
REnter and leave the water only at a shallow
spot, driving at walking speed.
! Never accelerate before driving into the
water. The bow wave could force water into
the engine and auxiliary equipment, thus
damaging them.
RDrive through the water slowly and at a
constant speed.
RDo not stop vehicle while immersed in
water, and do not shut off the engine.
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! Do not open any of the vehicle’s doors
while driving through water. Water could
otherwise enter the vehicle interior and
damage the vehicle’s electronics, as well as
the interior equipment.
RThere is a very high level of driving
resistance in water. The surface is slippery
and may not be firm, making pulling away
in water difficult and dangerous.
RMake sure that only small bow waves are
formed when driving the vehicle through
water.
RClean mud off the tire tread after driving
through water.
RTo dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times while driving
after leaving the water.
Crossing obstacles
! Obstacles can damage the vehicle
underbody or suspension components. If
possible use the assistance of a second
person outside the vehicle to scout the
path you intend to take and check for
adequate ground clearance when you cross
obstacles with your vehicle. The person
assisting you outside the vehicle should
always be a safe distance away from the
vehicle and positioned so that he or she
cannot get hurt in case of any unexpected
vehicle movement.
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 vehicle’s future performance,
including increased chance of an accident.
When driving over tree stumps, big rocks and
other obstacles, observe the following rules:
RComply with the warnings (Y page 179) and
rules for off-road driving (Y page 180).
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 89).
RCheck the vehicle clearance before
crossing obstacles.
RCross obstacles (e. g. tree stumps or big
rocks) very slowly by aiming one of the front
wheels at the center of the obstacle, and
repeat same with the rear wheel.
! 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.
Driving on sand
GWarning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
When driving on sand, observe the following
rules:RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift automatic transmission into a gear
range that is appropriate for the terrain.
RIn sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
conditions permit. This helps overcome the
vehicle rolling resistance and reduce the
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XInsert the bulb socket back into side
marker lamp housing ;.
XReinstall dust cover =.XReinstall side marker lamp housing ;.XInstall and tighten securing screws :.
iDo not overtighten securing screws :.
Otherwise side marker lamp housing ;
could be damaged.
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a rear
lamp, do the following:
XSwitch off the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$.
Removing/installing rear lamp guard
(G 55 AMG only)
XRemove screws ;.XSwivel rear lamp guard : outward. Make
sure the guard does not strike painted
surfaces.
XSwivel rear lamp guard : back after
replacing bulbs and fasten it with
screws ;.
Tail lamp unit
XG 55 AMG only: Remove the rear lamp
guard.
Example illustration: Left tail lamp lens (right taillamp lens laterally reversed)
XLoosen and remove securing screws :.XRemove tail lamp lens ;.
Example illustration: Left tail lamp unit (right taillamp unit laterally reversed)
=Turn signal lamp bulb?Brake, tail, parking and standing lamp
bulb
ATail, parking and standing lamp bulbXGently press onto respective bulb =, ?,
or A and turn counterclockwise out of its
bulb socket.
XGently press the new bulb into the bulb
socket and turn clockwise until it engages.
XReinstall tail lamp lens ;.XInstall and tighten securing screws :.230Replacing bulbsPractical hints
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Battery
Safety notes
A battery should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve its rated service
life. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for battery
maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for short-
distance trips, you will need to have the
battery charge checked more frequently.
When replacing a battery, always use a
battery approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.
GWarning!
Observe all safety instructions and
precautions when handling automotive
batteries.
Risk of explosion.Fire, open flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling batteries.
Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Do
not allow it to come into
contact with skin, eyes or
clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, especially gloves,
apron and faceguard.
Wear eye protection.
Rinse any acid spills
immediately with clear
water. Contact a physician
if necessary.
Keep children away.Follow the instructions in
this Operator’s Manual.
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment if disposed of improperly. Large
12-volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method
of disposal. Many states (USA only) or
provinces (Canada only) require sellers of
batteries to accept old batteries for recycling.
GWarning!
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
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.
GWarning!
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
236BatteryPractical hints
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XOpen the front passenger door.XRemove both front end stops : of the
front passenger seat tracks using a
screwdriver.
XMove front passenger seat fully forward.
! When reinstalling front passenger seat
track stops, place end stops in correct
position. For your safety, maintain proper
spacing.
Opening fuse box
XUnscrew mounting screws :.XRemove cover ; in direction of the arrow.
Fuse box in battery box
The battery box is located under a cover in
the rear footwell.
Replacement of fuses can only be performed
at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
244FusesPractical hints
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