differential MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class 2016 W463 Owner's Manual

Notes .............................................294
Temperature (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 182
Temperature gauge ........................ 171
Warning lamp ................................. 210
Cooling
see Climate control
Copyright ............................................. 25
Cruise control
Cruise control lever ....................... 141
Display message ............................ 198
Driving system ............................... 141
Function/notes .............................1 41
Resuming the stored speed ........... 142
Selecting ........................................ 142
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 142
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 220
Important safety notes .................. 220
Rear compartment ......................... 220
Customer Assistance Center
(CAC) ..................................................... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 23
D
Data
see Technical data
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 191
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 179
Switching on/off (switch) ................ 85
Declarations of conformity ................. 23
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 179
Interior lighting .............................. 180
Differential locks
Disengaging ................................... 166
Engaging ........................................ 165
Front axle ...................................... 166
General notes ................................ 164
Rear axle ........................................ 166
Terrain ...........................................1 64
Transfer case ................................. 165
Digital speedometer ......................... 174 Display (cleaning instructions)
........245
Display messages
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 184
Driving systems .............................1 95
Engine ............................................ 192
General notes ................................ 184
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 184
Lights ............................................. 189
Safety systems .............................. 185
Service interval display .................. 240
SmartKey ....................................... 202
Tires ............................................... 198
Vehicle ...........................................2 01
Distance display (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................1 78
Distance recorder
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 212
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activating ....................................... 149
Activation conditions ..................... 149
Cruise control lever ....................... 149
Deactivating ................................... 153
Display message ............................ 197
Displays in the multifunction dis-
play ................................................ 151
Driving tips ....................................1 53
Function/notes ............................ .1
47
Important sa
fety notes .................. 147
Selecting ........................................ 149
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 152
Warning lamp ................................. 212
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 33
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 180
Automatic locking (switch) ...............6 6
Central locking/unlocking
(Sm artKey) ...................................... .60
Display message ............................ 201
Emergency locking ........................... 66
Emergency unlocking ....................... 66
Important safety notes .................... 64
Opening (from inside) ...................... 64
Overview .......................................... 64
Drinking and driving ......................... 132
6Index

Mechanical keyFunction/notes ................................ 61
General notes .................................. 61
Removing .........................................6 1
Memory card (audio) ......................... 176
Memory function ................................. 82
Message memory (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 184
Messages
see Display messages
Mirrors
Sun visor ........................................ 221
see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 177
Mounting wheels
Mounting a new wheel ................... 284
Raising the vehicle ......................... 282
Removing a wheel .......................... 283
Securing the vehicle against roll-
ing away ........................................ 282
MP3
Operation ....................................... 176
see separate operating instructions
Multifunction display
Function/notes ............................. 173
Permanent display ......................... 179
Multifunction steering wheel
Back button ................................... 172
Operating the on-board compute r..1 72
Overview .......................................... 29
N
Navigation
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 174
see separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 45
Resetting triggered .......................... 45
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Important safety notes .................... 45
Operation ......................................... 45
Resetting when triggered ................. 46
Notes on breaking-in a new vehi-
cle ....................................................... 111
O
Occupant safety
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 46
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system ............................................. 50
Children in the vehicle ..................... 46
Important safety notes .................... 35
Introduction to the restraint sys-
tem ............................................ 34, 47
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamps ............................................... 35
Pets in the vehicle ........................... 55
Restraint system warning lamp ........3 5
Off-road
Differential locks ........................... .164
Off-road ABS ....................................5 6
Off-road driving
Checklist ....................................... .138
Driving on sand .............................. 139
Important safety notes .................. 137
Traveling uphill ............................... 140
Off-road fording ................................. 135
Off-road system
Permanent all-wheel drive ............. 157
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 182
Assistance menu ........................... 178
Audio menu ................................... 176
Convenience submenu .................. 181
Display messages .......................... 184
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 151
Factory settings submenu ............. 181
Important safety notes .................. 170
Instrument cluster submenu .......... 179
Lighting submenu .......................... 179
Menu overview .............................. 173
Message memory .......................... 184
Navigation menu ............................ 174
Operation ....................................... 172
RACETIMER ................................... 182
Service menu ................................. 178
Settings menu ............................... 178
Standard display ............................ 173
Telephone menu ............................ 177
Index11

Pets in the vehicle
GWARNING
If you leave animals unattended or unsecured
in the vehicle, they could press buttons or
switches, for example.
As a result, they could:
Ractivate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
Ractivate or deactivate systems, thereby
endangering other road users
Unsecured animals could also be flung around
the vehicle in the event of an accident or sud-
den steering or braking, thereby injuring vehi-
cle occupants. There is a risk of an accident
and injury.
Never leave animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Always secure animals properly during
the journey, e.g. use a suitable animal trans-
port box.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
RABS (Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
(Ypage 55)
RBAS ( Brake Assist System) (Ypage 56)
RAdaptive brake lights (Ypage 56)
RESP®(Electronic StabilityProgram)
(Ypage 57)
REBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
(Ypage 58)
RADAPTIVE BRAKE (Ypage 59)
RTrailer stabilization
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP
®switch off
when the differential locks are switched on.
When the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP
®are
switched off
Rwheels may lock during hard braking
Rsteering capabilities are reduced
Rbraking distance is increased
Rvehicle stability in standard driving maneu-
vers is increased
Make sure the differential locks are switched on at all times except when driving off-road for
example. Switch on the differential locks
immediately when returning from off-road
driving.
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you are
inattentive, the driving safety systems can nei-
ther reduce the risk of an accident nor override the laws of physics. Driving safety systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed and for braking in good
time. Always adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front. Drive carefully.
iPlease note that the driving safety systems
described only work as effectively as possible
if there is adequate contact between the tires
and the road surface. Pay particular attention
to the information regarding tires, recommen-
ded minimum tire tread depths etc. in the
"Wheels and tires" section (
Ypage 262).
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow
chains. Only in this way will the driving safety
systems described in this section work as
effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 55).
Driving safety systems55
Safety
Z

GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems such as the BAS or the ESP
®are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that may come on as well as messages in the mul-
tifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
GWARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that
the wheels do not lock when you brake. This
allows you to continue steering the vehicle when
braking.
Provided that the differential locks are not
active, ABS works from a speed of approx-
imately 5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of
road-surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even if you only brake gently.
The yellow !ABS warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out when the engine is run-
ning.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a
pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking sit-
uation is over.
XTo make a full brake application: depress
the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication
of hazardous road conditions, and functions as a
reminder to take extra care while driving.
Off-road ABS
An ESP®system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated.
At speeds below 37 mph (60 km/h), the front
wheels lock cyclically during braking. The dig-
ging-in effect achieved in the process reduces
the stopping distance on off-road terrain. This
limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 55).
GWARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
BAS operates in emergency braking situations.
If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS
automatically boosts the braking force, thus
shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
Adaptive brake lights
If you brake sharply from a speed of more than
30 mph (50 km/h) or if braking is assisted by
BAS, the brake lamps flash rapidly. In this way,
traffic traveling behind you is warned in an even
more noticeable manner.
If you brake sharply from a speed of more than
45 mph (70 km/h) to a standstill, the hazard
warning lamps are activated automatically. If
the brakes are applied again, the brake lamps
light up continuously. The hazard warning lamps
are deactivated automatically if you drive faster
than 6 mph (10 km/h). You can also switch off
the hazard warning lamps using the hazard
warning button (
Ypage 89).
56Driving safety systems
Safety

ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 55).
GWARNING
If ESP
®is malfunctioning, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv-
ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP
®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!Only operate the vehicle for a maximum of
ten seconds on a brake test dynamometer.
Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP
®may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
!A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a two-axle dynamometer.
Before you operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
workshop. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
ESP
®monitors the driving stability and the trac-
tion. Traction is the power transmission
between the tires and the road surface.
ESP
®is deactivated if the åwarning lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up continuously
when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarning
lamp are lit continuously, ESP
®is not available
due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(
Ypage 207) and display messages which may
be displayed in the instrument cluster
(
Ypage 185).
If ESP®detects that the vehicle is deviating from
the direction desired by the driver, one or more
wheels are braked to stabilize the vehicle. If
necessary, the engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP
®assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP®can
also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
If ESP
®intervenes, the ÷warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster. If ESP
®intervenes:
XDo not deactivate ESP®under any circum-
stances.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road and weather conditions.
iOnly use wheels with the recommended tire
sizes. Only then will ESP®function properly.
iIf differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP®switch off automatically.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP®.
XIf appropriate for the driving conditions,
engage the LOW RANGE off-road gear
(
Ypage 162).
Traction control is part of ESP
®.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for
example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is transfer-
red to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP
®.
Traction control is no longer active above a
speed of approximately 37 mph (60 km/h).
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for
example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is transfer-
red to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP
®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
®in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated. You
could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Driving safety systems57
Safety
Z

Useful information
i
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific differences are possible. Please note
that your vehicle may not be equipped with all
features described. This also applies to
safety-related systems and functions.
iRead the information on qualified specialist
workshops: (Ypage 23).
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle
Important safety notes
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several
hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its per-
formance in the future.
RYou should therefore drive at varying vehicle
and engine speeds for the first 1,000 miles
(1,500 km).
RAvoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full throttle, during this period.
RChange gear in good time, before the tach-
ometer needle is Ôof the way to the red area
of the tachometer.
RDo not manually shift to a lower gear to brake
the vehicle.
RTry to avoid depressing the accelerator pedal
beyond the point of resistance (kickdown).
ROnly select shift ranges 3,2or 1when driving
slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
After 1,000 miles (1,500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and bring the vehicle
to full speed.
Additional breaking-in notes for AMG vehicles:
RDo not drive faster than 85 mph (140 km/ h)
for the first 1,000 miles (1,500 km).
ROnly allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
RChange gear in good time.
RAvoid driving off-road before the differential
oil change at 2,000 miles (3,000 km).
RIdeally, for the first 1,000 miles (1,500 km),
drive in program C.
iYou should also observe these breaking-in
notes if the engine or parts of the drive train
on your vehicle have been replaced.
iAlways observe the respective speed limits.
AMG vehicles with self-locking rear
axle differential
Change the oil after a breaking-in period of
2,000 mile s(3,000 km) to improve protection of
the differential. This oil change prolongs the ser-
vice life of the differential. Have the oil change
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this pur-
pose.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle is
jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another.
GWARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinder correct usage of the pedals, e.g.:
Rshoes with thick soles
Rshoes with high heels
Rslippers
There is a risk of an accident.
Driving111
Driving and parking
Z

wave could cause water to enter and damage
the engine and other assemblies.
!Do not open any of the vehicle's doors while
fording. Otherwise, water could get into the
vehicle interior and damage the vehicle's
electronics and interior equipment.
iYou may only drive through fresh water.
RObserve the safety notes (Ypage 137) and
the general notes (Ypage 137) on off-road
driving.
REstablish how deep the water is and the char-
acteristics of the body of water before ford-
ing.
RSwitch off the air-conditioning system.
RShift the transfer case to LOW RANGE
(Ypage 162).
REngage the differential locks, if necessary
(Ypage 165).
RRestrict the shift range to 1or 2
(Ypage 123).
RAvoid high engine speeds.
REnter and exit the water at a flat place and at
a steady walking pace.
RDrive slowly and at an even speed through the
water.
RDo not stop and do not switch off the engine.
RWater offers a high degree of resistance, and
the ground is slippery and in some cases
unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and danger-
ous to pull away in the water.
REnsure that a bow wave does not form as you
drive.
RClean any mud from the tire tread after ford-
ing.
RApply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Always observe the fording depth values
(
Ypage 296).
Winter driving
General notes
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heatingrunning, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
GWARNING
If you have installed unsuitable snow chains to the front wheels, they may drag against the
vehicle body or chassis components. This
could cause damage to the vehicle or the
tires. There is a risk of an accident.
Only equip the front wheels with suitable
snow chains that guarantee sufficient dis-
tance to the vehicle body and to the suspen-
sion components in every driving situation.
Always follow the manufacturer's installation
instructions when installing the snow chains.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec- tion (
Ypage 264).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-tion (Ypage 264).
Slippery road surfaces
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
136Driving tips
Driving and parking

The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R4ETS (Ypage 57)
RTransfer case (Ypage 162)
RDifferential locks (Ypage 162)
Observe the following notes:
Rstop your vehicle and, if necessary, shift the
transfer case to LOW RANGE(Ypage 162)
before driving off-road.
Rin transfer case position LOW RANGEthe
ECO start/stop function is not available
(
Ypage 114).
Rengage the differential locks, if necessary
(Ypage 165).
iABS, 4ETS, ESP®and BAS are deactivated
while the differential locks are engaged. This
allows the front wheels to lock briefly, so that
these can dig into a loose surface. However,
please note that locked wheels skid and can
no longer steer.
RCheck that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(
Ypage 219).
RTo avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
there is always sufficient ground clearance.
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
RDrive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a
walking pace.
REnsure that the wheels are in contact with the
ground at all times.
RDrive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-road routes where visibility is poor. For safety rea-
sons, get out of the vehicle first and survey
the off-road route.
RCheck the depth of water before fording rivers
and streams.
RWhen fording, do not stop and do not switch
off the engine.
RLook out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
RAlways keep the doors, rear door, side win-
dows and the sliding sunroof closed while the
vehicle is in motion.
RSwitch off cruise control.
RDo not stray from marked routes or paths.
RAdapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher,
steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower
your speed should be.
RDrive slowly and at an even speed through the
water. Ensure that a bow wave does not form
as you drive.
ROn sand, drive quickly to overcome the rolling resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's wheels
could become st
uck in loose ground.
RDo not jump with the vehicle as this will inter-
rupt the vehicle's propulsion.
RAvoid high engine speeds. Drive at appropri-
ate engine speeds (maximum 3,000 rpm).
RDo not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.
RAlways check the vehicle for damage after off-
road driving.
iInformation about retrofitting special all-ter-
rain tires is available from any qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
iDo not use the HOLD function when driving
off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients
or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD
function cannot hold the vehicle on such sur-
faces.
Checklist before driving off-road
!If the engine oil warning lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion, stop the vehicle in a
safe place as soon as possible. Check the
engine oil level. The engine oil warning lamp
warning must not be ignored. Continuing the
journey while the symbol is displayed could
lead to engine damage.
XOil level: check the engine oil level and add oil
if necessary.
Only then does the engine receive enough oil when the vehicle is on a steep incline.
XTire-changing tool kit: check that the jack is
working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
XWheels and tires: check the tire tread depth
and tire pressure.
XCheck for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/
tires.
XReplace any missing valve caps.
138Driving tips
Driving and parking

XReplacedente dor damaged wheels.
XCarr y asoun dspar ewheel.
Checklist after driving off-road
Drivin gove rroug hterrain places greate r
demand son your vehicl ethan driving on normal
roads. Afte rdriving off-road, chec kth evehicle.
This allows you to detec tdamag epromptly and
reduce th eris kof an acciden tto yourself and
other road users.
XShift th etransfer cas eto HIG H
RANGE (Ypage 162).
XDisengage th edifferential locks
(Ypage 166).
XClean th eheadlamps and rear lights and
chec kfor damage.
XClean th efron tand rear license plates.
XClean th ewheels and tires wit h awater je t
and remove any foreign objects .
XClean thewheels, tires ,whee lhousing sand
th evehicl eunderside wit h awater jet; chec k
for any foreign objects and damage.
XChec kwhether twigs or other part sof plants
hav ebecome trapped .These increas eth eris k
of fir eand can damag efuel pipes ,brak e
hoses or th erubber bellows of th eaxl ejoint s
and propelle rshafts .
XAfterth etrip, examin ewithout fail th eentire
undercarriage, wheels, tires ,brakes, body-
wor kstructure, steering ,chassi sand exhaust
system for damage.
XAfte rdriving for extended periods across
sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarl ydirt y
conditions, hav eth ebrak ediscs, wheels,
brak epads/lining sand axl ejoint schecke d
and clea
ned.
XIf you notice stron
gvibration safter off-road
driving ,chec kfor foreign objects in th e
wheels and driv etrain and ,if necessary,
remove them.
Foreign objects can disturb th ebalance and
caus evibrations.
XTes tth ebrakes.
Driving on sand
Observ eth efollowin grule swhen driving on
sand:
RShift th etransfer cas eto LOW
RANGE (Ypage 162).
RAvoid high engin espeeds.
RLimit th eshif trange of th eautomatic trans -
mission according to th eoff-road conditions.
RDrive quickly to overcome th erollin gresist -
ance. Otherwise th evehicle's wheels could
become stuck in loos eground .
RDrive in th etrack sof other vehicles if possi-
ble. When doin gso, mak esur ethat:
-th etire rut sare no tto odeep .
-thesan dis sufficientl yfirm.
-your vehicl ehas sufficien tground clear-
anc e
Tire ruts and gravel roads
!Chec kthat th erut sare no tto odeep and
that your vehicl ehas sufficien tclearance .
Otherwise, your vehicl ecould be damaged or
botto mout and get stuck .
Observ eth efollowin grule swhen driving alon g
rut sin off-road terrain or on road swit hloos e
gravel:
RShift th etransfer cas eto LOW
RANGE (Ypage 162).
RAvoid high engin espeeds.
RObserv eth esafet ynote s (Ypage 137) and
th egeneral note s (Ypage 137) on off-road
driving .
RRestric tth eshif trange of th eautomatic
transmission to 1(Ypage 123).
RDrive slowly.
RWhererut sare to odeep ,driv ewit hth e
wheels of on eside on th ecenter grassy area,
if possible.
Driving over obstacles
!Obstacles could damag eth efloor of th e
vehicl eor component sof th echassis. As k
passenger sfor guidance when driving ove r
larg eobstacles. The passenger should always
keep asaf edistanc efrom th evehicl ewhen
doin gso in order to avoi dinjury as aresult of
unexpecte dvehicl emovements. Afte rdriving
off-road or ove robstacles, chec kth evehicl e
Driving tips139
Driving and parking
Z

for possible damage, especially to the under-
body and the components of the chassis.
!Drive with particular care when driving over
an obstacle while driving up or down a steep
slope.
The vehicle could otherwise tilt and slide side-
ways or tip over.
Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other obstacles:
RObserve the safety notes (Ypage 137) and
the general notes (Ypage 137) on off-road
driving.
RShift the transfer case to LOW RANGE
(Ypage 162).
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RRestrict the shift range to 1(Ypage 123).
RMake sure that you have enough ground
clearance before driving across an obstacle.
RDrive very slowly.
RTry to drive straight over the center of obsta-
cles: front wheel first, then rear wheel.
Traveling uphill
Approach/departure angle
GWARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle.
Always observe the approach/departure angle
values (
Ypage 296).
RObserve the safety notes (Ypage 137) and
the general notes (Ypage 137) on off-road
driving.
RDo not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines or
gradients, but instead follow the direct line of
fall. Note that the climbing ability of your vehi- cle depends on the terrain conditions.
RBefore driving on extreme uphill and downhillgradients, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE (
Ypage 162).
REngage the differential locks, if necessary
(Ypage 165).
RDrive slowly.
RAccelerate gently and make sure that the
wheels are gripping.
RAvoid high engine speeds, except when driv-
ing on sandy and muddy routes with high driv-
ing resistance.
RAvoid high engine speeds – drive at an appro-
priate engine speed (maximum 3,000 rpm).
RWhen driving down an incline, make use of the
engine's braking effect. Observe the engine
speed; do not overrev the engine.
iFurther information on the maximum engine
speed: (Ypage 171).
RSelect a shift range appropriate to the gradi-
ent.
RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1(Ypage 123).
RAlways check the brakes after driving off-
road.
iHill start assist will aid you when pulling
away on a hill.
For more information, see "Hill start assist"
(
Ypage 114).
Maximum gradient-climbing capability
Always observe the maximum gradient climbing ability values (Ypage 297).
Hilltops
When driving on an uphill gradient, reduce pres-
sure slightly on the accelerator immediately
before reaching the top of the hill (do not shift
the transmission to position N). Use the vehi-
cle's own impetus to drive over the top of the
hill.
This style of driving prevents:
Rthe vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
brow of a hill
Rloss of traction
Rthe vehicle from traveling too quickly down
the other side
Driving downhill
RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1(Ypage 123).
This way you use the engine's braking effect
to reduce the speed. If this is not sufficient,
brake gently. When doing so, make sure that
140Driving tips
Driving and parking