2009 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class warning

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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a chrome cleaner. If in doubt whether an
ornamental molding is chrome-plated,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Headlamps, brake lamps, tail lamps,
side markers, turn signal lenses
XUse a mild vehicle wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.
! Only use window cleaning solutions that
are suitable for plastic lamp lenses.
Window cleaning solutions which are not
suitable may damage the plastic lamp
lenses of the headlamps. Therefore, do not
use abrasives, solvents or cleaners that
contain solvents.
Cleaning the Rear Parking Assist
system sensors
Rear Parking Assist system sensors are
located in the rear bumper.
XOnly clean Rear Parking Assist system
sensors : by hand.
XUse a mild vehicle wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water and a soft, non-
scratching cloth to clean Rear Parking
Assist system sensors : on the bumper.
! Applying strong pressure may damage
the sensor covers.
Cleaning the rear view camera lensXOnly use clean water and a soft, non-
scratching cloth to clean rear view camera
lens :.
Be careful not to apply wax to rear view
camera lens : when waxing the vehicle. If
necessary, remove the wax using the
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo with
plenty of water.
! Do not clean the camera and the area
around the camera
Rwith a high-pressure cleaner
Rwith a dry cloth and strong pressure
Rwith aggressive cleaning agents
You could otherwise damage the camera.
Cleaning the windows and the wiper
blades
GWarning!
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and
remove SmartKey from starter switch before
cleaning the windshield and/or the wiper
blades. Otherwise, the wiper motor could
suddenly turn on and cause injury.
! Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts.
They could tear.
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Jack GWarning!
Only use the jack supplied with your vehicle
to lift the vehicle briefly for wheel changes. If
you use the jack for any other purpose, you or
others could be injured, as the jack is
designed only for the purpose of changing a
wheel.
When using the jack, observe the safety notes
in the “Mounting the spare wheel” section and
the notes on the jack.
XTake the pump handle (three pieces) and
jack from the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 194).
Pump handle
XAssemble the pump handle.
Jack
XSet indent : of the pump handle onto
release bolt ; of the jack.
XUsing the pump handle, turn release
bolt ; clockwise until its stop.
Release bolt ; is closed.
XRemove the pump handle from release
bolt ;.
XSet the pump handle into the pump lever
as indicated by the arrow.
Before placing the pump handle and the jack
back into the vehicle tool kit:
XPress the jack piston in again and close the
release bolt by using the pump handle.
XDisassemble the pump handle.
Spare wheel
GObserve Safety notes, see page 232.
The spare wheel is located under a cover on
the outside of the vehicle’s tailgate.
XRemoving: Take the screwdriver from the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 194).
XOpen lock : using the screwdriver.
iYou can also use a coin to open the lock.
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XPull cover ring = slightly outwards in
direction of arrows and remove.
XPull cover plate ? towards you.XRemove cover plate ?.XUnscrew mounting screws C.XRemove the spare wheel.GWarning!
Make sure no one is injured when removing
the spare wheel.
Grip wheel from the sides.
Keep hands from beneath the wheel.
After mounting the spare wheel:
XTransport the damaged wheel on the spare
wheel carrier, see “Storing the spare wheel
after use” for instructions.
XRepair or replace the damaged tire as soon
as possible and return the spare tire as
original spare.
For information on mounting the spare wheel,
see “Flat tire” (Y page 232).
Storing the spare wheel after use
XSecure the spare wheel with mounting
screws C on the spare wheel carrier
(Y page 196). Make sure the spare wheel
cannot come loose.
XMake sure catch B engages in recess A
when mounting cover plate 4
(Y page 196).
XMake sure tab ; (Y page 195) faces
downwards when mounting cover ring =
(Y page 196).
XFor safety reasons, check regularly that the
spare wheel is securely fastened.
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display
Notes
Warning and malfunction messages appear in
the multifunction display located in the
instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messages
are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in this
Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the Vehicle status message
memory menu in the control system
(Y page 102) displays both cleared and
uncleared messages.
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Unlocking/locking manually
Unlocking the vehicle
If you cannot unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey, unlock the driver’s door and the
tailgate using the mechanical key.
iUnlocking and opening the driver’s door
or the tailgate with the mechanical key will
trigger the anti-theft alarm system.
To cancel the alarm, insert the SmartKey in
the starter switch.
Removing the mechanical key
XMove locking tab : in direction of arrow.XSlide mechanical key ; out of the housing.
Unlocking the driver’s door
XInsert mechanical key ; into the lock
cylinder.
XTurn mechanical key ; counterclockwise
to position 1 until the locking knob moves
up.
The driver’s door is unlocked.
XRemove mechanical key ;.XPress lock cylinder and pull on door handle
to open the driver’s door.
Unlocking the tailgate
GWarning!
The tailgate swings open to one side. Always
make sure there is sufficient clearance for the
tailgate.
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
XInsert mechanical key = into the lock
cylinder.
XTurn mechanical key = counterclockwise
to position 2.
XRemove mechanical key =.XPress lock cylinder and pull on door
handle : to open the tailgate.
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Fuel filler flapGWarning!
Avoid contact with the vehicle walls as they
may contain sharp edges. Otherwise, you
could injure yourself while releasing the fuel
filler flap.
In case the central locking system does not
release the fuel filler flap, you can open it
manually.
The fuel filler flap release is located on the
passenger side in the cargo compartment
behind the side trim panel.
XOpen the tailgate (Y page 61).XRemove edge protection : in direction of
arrow ;.
iBefore removing side trim panel =
completely, the electrical connectors must
be disconnected.
XPull off side trim panel = in direction of
arrow ? so the electrical connectors are
accessible.
XDisconnect the electrical connectors.XRemove side trim panel = completely.XPull fuel filler flap release A upwards in
direction of arrow.
XOpen the fuel filler flap (Y page 146).XConnect the electrical connectors.XReinstall side trim panel = (Y page 224).XReinstall edge protection :.XClose the tailgate.
Opening/closing manually
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
You can open or close the power tilt/sliding
sunroof manually should an electrical
malfunction occur.
The power tilt/sliding sunroof drive is located
on the driver’s side in the cargo compartment
behind the side trim panel.
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XRemove edge protection : in direction of
arrow ;.
iBefore removing side trim panel =
completely, the electrical connectors must
be disconnected.
XPull off side trim panel = in direction of
arrow ? so the electrical connectors are
accessible.
XDisconnect electrical connectors.XRemove side trim panel = completely.ASocket wrenchXTake the tool bag out of its storage
compartment (Y page 194).
XTake socket wrench A out of the tool bag.XClosing/raising: Turn socket wrench A
clockwise.
XOpening/lowering: Turn socket wrench
A counterclockwise.
XConnect electrical connectors.XReinstall side trim panel =.
Shackles B in side trim panel = must be
hooked in side wall C.
XReinstall edge protection :.XClose the tailgate.XStore the tool bag with the vehicle tools in
the designated storage compartment.
Brush guard
GWarning!
The brush guard is designed solely to enhance
the appearance of the vehicle and help
protect grille and headlights from minor
mishaps, either on- or off road.
Since the safety characteristics are limited in
the event of an accident, brush guard are not
intended to prevent injury or damage in the
event of an accident. Also check state and
local regulations on installation and use.
Raise and lower brush guard in an open space
with plenty of room.
iOnly lower brush guard to clean
headlamps.
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