2010 MERCEDES-BENZ G550 brake

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
!
The red brake warning
lamp and the yellow
ABS indicator lamp
comes on while driving
and an acoustic
warning sounds for
approximately 5
seconds.The EBB switched off due to a malfunction.XContinue driving with added caution.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving and an acoustic
warning sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running.There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 203).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp
illuminated can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and
the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.What to do if …221Practical hints463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 221Z

Manually unlocking the gear selector
lever
If the vehicle’s electrical system is
malfunctioning, the gear selector lever could
remain locked in park position P. In this case
the gear selector lever can be unlocked
manually, e.g. to tow the vehicle.
XEngage the parking brake.XInsert suitable tool : (e.g. a ball point pen)
into the covered opening.
XSimultaneously push tool : downward
and move the gear selector lever out of
park position P.
XRemove tool :.
The gear selector lever is unlocked.
The cover returns to its closed position after
moving the gear selector lever to the
positions D+ and D-.
iThe gear selector lever is locked again as
soon as you move it back to park position
P.
Fuel filler flap
GWarning!
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 63).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 150).XConnect the electrical connectors.XReinstall side trim panel = (Y page 231).230Unlocking/locking manuallyPractical hints
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BulbsFront lampsType:Turn signal lamp: 1156 NA;Side marker lamp: T 4 W=Front fog lamp: H11 55 WRear lampsType:Side marker lamp: T 4 W;Tail lamp unit:
RTurn signal lamp: PY 21 W
RBrake and tail lamp: P 21/5 W
RTail, parking and standing lamp: W 5 W
=Backup lamp: P 21 W?License plate lamps: C 5 WARear fog lamp: P 21 WNotes on bulb replacement
! Do not replace LEDs or bulbs not
described in this section. You could
otherwise damage the LEDs, the bulbs or
parts of the vehicle. Only have the LEDs and
bulbs replaced at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
GObserve Safety notes, see page 233.
ROnly use 12-volt bulbs of the same type and
with the specified watt rating.
RSwitch the lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.
RAlways use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.
RYour hands should be dry and free of oil and
grease.
RIf the newly installed bulb does not come
on, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
iMercedes-Benz recommends using
Longlife (LL) bulbs.
Replacing bulbs for front lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a front
lamp, do the following:
XSwitch off the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$.
234Replacing bulbsPractical hints
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XGently press onto bulb ? and turn
counterclockwise out of its bulb socket.
XGently press the new bulb into the bulb
socket and turn clockwise until it engages.
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 :.Replacing bulbs237Practical hints463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 237Z

GWarning!
If the spare tire is more than 6 years old or is
not the same model as the regular tires, have
the spare tire replaced with a new tire at the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Center.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
spare wheel mounted.
GWarning!
G 55 AMG:
Rim and tire size of spare wheel and regular
wheel differ. Handling will be adversely
affected when the spare wheel is used.
Do not exceed the maximum speed of 50
mph (80 km/h).
Preparing the vehicle
XWhenever possible, park the vehicle in a
safe distance from moving traffic on a hard,
flat surface.XTurn on the hazard warning flasher.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.XEngage the parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.XTurn off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.XHave any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Open
doors only when conditions are safe to do
so.
Mounting the spare wheel
Introduction
XPrepare the vehicle as described
( Y page 240).GWarning!
You must remove the spare wheel from the
spare wheel carrier before lifting the vehicle.
Otherwise the vehicle could fall off the jack
and injure you or others.
XRemove the spare wheel from the spare
wheel carrier.XTake the vehicle tool kit out of the vehicle.XTake the jack out of the vehicle.
For information on where to find the
respective items, see “Where will I find ...?”
( Y page 200) and ( Y page 201).
i Vehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle. This section describes the
wheel change using the tools approved and
recommended for your vehicle.
Lifting the vehicle
GWarning!
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle under the axle housing. Make sure
the jack is positioned correctly under the axle
housing. The jack must always be vertical
when in use, especially on inclines or
declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
240Flat tirePractical hints
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Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
Always firmly engage the parking brake and
block the wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects before raising the vehicle
with the jack. Do not disengage the parking
brake while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the ground on which the
vehicle is standing and where you place the
jack is solid, level and not slippery. If
necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery
surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use
a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
to support the jack. Otherwise the jack may
not be able to achieve its load-bearing
capacity if it is not at its full height.
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
blocking wheels with wheel chocks (not
included) or other sizeable objects.
When changing a wheel on a level surface:
XPlace a wheel chock or other sizeable
object in front of and another wheel chock
or other sizeable object behind the wheel
that is diagonally opposite to the wheel
being changed.
Always try lifting the vehicle using the jack on
a level surface. However, should
circumstances require you to do so on a hill:
XPlace wheel chocks or other sizeable
objects on the downhill side in front of both
wheels on the side opposite to the side on
which the wheel is to be changed.
GWarning!
Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on
slight inclines/declines. Otherwise, the
vehicle could fall off the jack and injure you or
others.
XOn the wheel to be changed, loosen but do
not yet remove the wheel bolts
(approximately one full turn with wheel
wrench :).
! Do not position the jack on the body of
the vehicle, as this may cause damage to
the vehicle.
XPlace the jack on firm ground.XPosition the jack under the axle housing so
that it is always vertical as seen from the
side, even if the vehicle is parked on an
incline.
Make sure the the jack is positioned
correctly under the axle housing. The axle
must fall into the jack contour.
XJack up the vehicle until the wheel is a
maximum of 1.2 in (3 cm) from the ground.
Removing the wheel
XUnscrew and remove the wheel bolts.Flat tire241Practical hints463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 241Z

! Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the automatic
transmission which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start terminals located in
the engine compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick-charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and may
present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have
loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch
any other metal part while the other end is
still attached to a battery.
If the battery is discharged, the engine can be
started with jumper cables and the fully
charged battery of another vehicle or an
equivalent starter pack. Observe the
following:
R Access to the battery is not possible on all
vehicles. If you cannot access the battery
of the other vehicle, provide jump startpower by an external battery or starter
pack.
R Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic converter
are cold.
R Do not jump start the engine or charge the
battery if the battery is frozen. Let the
battery thaw out first.
R Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump starting
with a more powerful battery could damage
the vehicle’s electrical system. Such
damage will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
R Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R Always make sure the jumper cables are
not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts
that move when an engine is started or
running.
R Should the battery be drained completely,
let the donating power source charge the
vehicle for several minutes before
reattempting the starting process.XMake sure the two vehicles do not touch.XSwitch off all electrical consumers.XEngage the parking brake.XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.XOpen the hood ( Y page 152).Jump starting245Practical hints463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 245Z

recommended towing methods can be
employed.
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
R Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the towing eye. Never attach
a tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to the
vehicle chassis, frame or suspension
parts.
! When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever must
be in neutral position N and the SmartKey
must be in starter switch position 2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, the vehicle may be towed only
for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at
a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
If the vehicle is towed with one axle raised
(observe instructions regarding flexible
drive shaft and propeller shafts), the engine
must be shut off and the SmartKey must be
in starter switch position 1. Otherwise, the
4-ETS may become engaged which may
cause loss of towing control.GWarning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
If the SmartKey is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery, as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
i If the battery is disconnected or
discharged
R the SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
R the automatic transmission will remain in
park position P
For more information see “Battery”
( Y page 243) or “Jump starting”
( Y page 244).
For information on manually unlocking the
gear selector lever, see ( Y page 230).
i When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking
activated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position 2, the vehicle doors lock if
Towing the vehicle247Practical hints463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 247Z