2009 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class brakes

Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
GObserve Safety notes, see page 50.
The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System) is a component of the ESP®. The
4-ETS improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. In addition, more power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
The 4-ETS function is available between
vehicle speeds of 0 mph (km/h) and 37 mph
(60 km/h).
When you switch off the ESP®, the 4-ETS is
still enabled.
Switching off the ESP®
GWarning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP® in driving situations in which it
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
Rwhen driving off-road
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking
Rthe 4-ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel at vehicle speeds up to
approximately 37 mph (60 km/h)
Rthe cruise control cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control switches off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP® will
then not stabilize the vehicle.
iWhen the ESP® is switched off, it will be
switched on again automatically when
exceeding a vehicle speed of 37 mph (60
km/h) or exceeding a severity threshold of
side acceleration.
XWith the engine running, press ESP®
switch : until the ESP® warning lamp
d in the instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP® is switched off.
GWarning!
When the ESP® warning lamp d is
illuminated continuously, the ESP® is
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EffectANeutral position
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive axle. When the
brakes are released, the vehicle can
be moved freely (pushed or towed).
To avoid damage to the
transmission, never shift the
automatic transmission into neutral
position N while driving.
Exceptions:
RIf the ESP® is deactivated or
malfunctioning, shift the
automatic transmission into
neutral position N if the vehicle is
in danger of skidding.
RShift the automatic transmission
into neutral position N if you have
to shift the transfer case.
! Coasting the vehicle, or driving
for any other reason with the
automatic transmission in neutral
position N can result in
transmission damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
7Drive position
The automatic transmission shifts
automatically. All forward gears are
available.
Driving tips
Kickdown
Use the kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
XDepress the accelerator pedal past the
point of resistance.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
gear.
Working on the vehicleGWarning!
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Gear ranges
With the automatic transmission in drive
position D, you can limit or extend the gear
range, see “One-touch gearshifting”
(Y page 90).
The current gear range appears in the
multifunction display.
:Gear range indicator
! If the transfer case is in off-road position
LOW, the automatic transmission will not
shift up automatically, even when the
engine has reached the speed limit for that
gear. There is a risk of damaging the
engine.
It is very important to make sure the
permissible engine speed is not exceeded.
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such objects at close range and damage to
your vehicle or the object may result.
! Ultrasonic signals from outside sources
(e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers) may impair the operation of
the Rear Parking Assist system.
Range of the sensors
Sensors
Centerapprox. 59 in (150 cm)Cornersapprox. 40 in (100 cm)
Minimum distance
Centerapprox. 8 in (20 cm)Cornersapprox. 8 in (20 cm)
If the Rear Parking Assist system detects an
obstacle in this range, all the distance
warning segments illuminate and you hear a
warning signal. If the obstacle is closer than
the minimum distance, the actual distance
may no longer be indicated by the Rear
Parking Assist system.
Warning indicators
Visual signals indicate to the driver the
relative distance between the sensors and an
obstacle.
The warning indicator is divided into four
yellow and two red distance segments :.
The Rear Parking Assist system is ready to
measure when you hear a signal and
readiness indicator ; is illuminated.
As your vehicle approaches an object, one or
more distance segments : will illuminate,
depending on the distance. When the sixth
distance segment illuminates, you have
reached the minimum distance.
An intermittent acoustic warning will sound
when the fourth yellow distance segment
illuminates. This signal quickens with each
additional distance segment lit. When the
sixth distance segment illuminates, the
acoustic warning becomes a constant signal.
The signal is canceled when the automatic
transmission is shifted into drive position D,
or park position P.
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Tire type code
Tire type code ? may, at the option of the
manufacturer, be used as a descriptive code
for identifying significant characteristics of
the tire.
Date of manufacture
The date of manufacture A identifies the
week and year of manufacture.
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first full
week of the calendar year. The second two
figures represent the year.
For example, “3202” represents the 32nd
week of 2002.
Tire ply material
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
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 bar.
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 standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped,
air conditioning and additional optional
equipment, but without passengers and
cargo.
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Only with a proper oil level can the vehicle
obtain a trouble-free oil supply, even on
steep gradients.
! If an engine oil level warning message
appears in the multifunction display while
driving, stop the vehicle in a safe location
or as soon at is safe to do so. Check the
engine oil level.
The engine oil level warning messages
should not be ignored. Extended driving
with the message displayed could result in
serious engine damage that is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Tires
RCheck the tread depth and maintain
specified tire inflation pressure. A placard
with the recommended tire inflation
pressures is located on the driver’s door B-
pillar (Y page 161).
RCheck tires for possible damage and
remove foreign objects.
RReplace missing valve caps.
Rims
RDented or bent rims can cause tire inflation
pressure loss and damage the tire beads.
For this reason, check and, if necessary,
change rims before driving off-road.
Vehicle tool kit
RCheck if the jack (Y page 195) is
functional.
RAlways take the vehicle tool kit, a strong
tow rope, a shovel and a small plank (to put
under the jack on sandy soil) with you.
Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle
:Overhang angle, front;Overhang angle, rear:;G 55037°31°G 55 AMG23°26°
RComply with the warnings (Y page 179) and
rules for off-road driving (Y page 180).
RDriving on embankments, slopes and other
steep inclines should only be done straight
up or downhill, i. e. in the line of gravity.
Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
80% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of approximately 38°. Keep in mind
that the climbing ability of the vehicle
depends on terrain conditions.
RShift automatic transmission into gear
range 2 or 1 (Y page 89).
RDrive slowly.
RUtilize the engine’s braking power when
descending a slope, observe the engine
speed (do not overrev the engine). Apply
the service brake as needed.
iFor maximum engine speed, see
“Tachometer” (Y page 96) and see vehicle
specification for your vehicle
(Y page 248).
RCheck the brakes after a lengthy
downgrade drive.
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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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