wheel torque MERCEDES-BENZ G500 2003 W463 Owner's Manual

76 Safety and SecurityDriving and safety systems
Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have the drive wheels
spin and thus cut into surfaces for better
grip such as:

starting out on slippery surfaces and in
deep snow in conjunction with snow
chains.


sand or gravel.


when driving off-road.
When the ESP is turned off


engine torque is not limited.


the drive wheels can spin.
Warning!
G
The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely, or aqua-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabili-
ties of a ESP equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.!Driving the vehicle with varied size tires
will cause the wheels to rotate at differ-
ent speeds, possibly causing the ESP to
activate. For this reason, all wheels, in-
cluding the spare wheel, must have the
same tire outside diameter.
!The engine must be shut off when

the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer.


the vehicle is being towed with one
axle raised.
Otherwise, the ESP will engage the
brakes and seriously damage the brake
system.
iThe ABS, BAS and ESP are automatical-
ly switched off when the differential
locks are switched on (
page 145).
Warning!
G
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.

144 Controls in detailDifferential locksA few words about differentials and dif-ferential locks
When a vehicle negotiates a turn, wheels
on the outside of the curve must travel far-
ther and rotate faster than the inside
wheels. The differential, the operation of a
set of gears that allows the powered
wheels in a vehicle to turn at different
speeds, make this essential function possi-
ble.
The drawback is that the differential also
sends most of the engine's power to the
wheel with the least load or strain on it. For
example, if one of a vehicle's powered
wheels sits on a patch of snow and spins
because there is no traction, all of the en-
gine's power will go to that wheel because
the power will take the path of least resis-
tance. Meanwhile, the opposite wheel, sit-
ting on dry pavement where it could get
enough grip to start the vehicle moving,
sits idle because it receives no power.The Electronic Traction System (ETS) ad-
dresses this problem and provides for
good control and steering ability by auto-
matically slowing the slipping wheel and
thus increasing the power to the other
non-slipping drive wheels to get the vehicle
moving. The ESP and ETS in this vehicle
feature such intelligent limited-slip differ-
ential technology, ideally suited for
on-road and light off-road driving. Transfer
case position LOW (
page 141) also en-
hances off-road driving capabilities
(
page 203).
More extreme off-road conditions may call
for another solution, engaging a differen-
tial lock or preventing the differential from
operating altogether. As part of its stan-
dard equipment, this vehicle comes with
three differential locks: front, transfer case
(center) and rear. Each can be engaged
simply by pushing dashboard-mounted
buttons in sequential order (center, rear,
front) (
page 145). When the transfer
case (center) differential is locked, half of
the engine's power is automatically distrib-
uted to the front wheels and half to the rear wheels. When the rear differential is
locked, power going to the rear wheels is
equally distributed, so that both rear
wheels turn at the same speed and torque.
When the front differential is locked, all
four wheels now turn with equal power and
torque. Please be aware that engaging the
differential locks will significantly reduce
the steering ability of the vehicle.
For your safety and the safety of others
and to prevent damage to the vehicle, the
differential locks must not be engaged
when driving on paved roads. It is impor-
tant to understand that during
on-road/paved driving, differentials are
absolutely necessary for providing the es-
sential control and steering ability of the
vehicle. The differential locks, therefore,
must not be engaged when driving on
paved roads and should only be used to
the extent necessary to negotiate off-road
conditions which can not be handled by
the systems (automatic 4-ETS, the ESP,
manual switch position “LOW” of transfer
case) this vehicle comes equipped with.

206 OperationDriving instructionsDriving in steep terrainSlope angle127°
236°

Comply with the warnings
(page 203) and rules for off-road
driving (
page 204).


Driving on embankments, slopes and
other steep inclines should only be
done straight up or downhill, i.e. in the
line of gravity. Maximum vehicle climb-
ing ability is a 80% grade.


Select gear range2 or1 on the auto-
matic transmission (
page 137).


Drive slowly.


Utilize the engine’s braking power
when descending a slope, observe the
engine speed (do not overrev the en-
gine). Apply the service brake as need-
ed.


Check the brakes after a lengthy down-
grade drive.
Traction in steep terrain
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for
continuous wheel traction when driving in
steep terrain.Driving across a hilltop
Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not
select gear rangeN), to prevent the vehi-
cle from speeding up too much after climb-
ing 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:


jumping across the hilltop


loosing its forward momentum.


speeding up too much after climbing
the hill.
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 the
front axle.The 4-ETS recognizes the sit-
uation and limits the torque for the
front wheels by braking them. Simulta-
neously the torque for the rear wheels
is provided.

227 Operation
Tires and wheels
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
97 ft.lb. (130 Nm).
Use only genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

294 Practical hintsFlat tireLowering the vehicle
Using the pump lever, open the lower-
ing screw on the jack approximately
one turn (
page 292).
The vehicle is resting fully on its own
weight.

Remove the jack.
After use, disassemble pump handle
(page 292) and store jack in the des-
ignated storage compartment
(page 269).
1-5 Wheel bolts

Tighten the five wheel bolts evenly, fol-
lowing the diagonal sequence illustrat-
ed (1 to 5), until all bolts are tight.
Observe a tightening torque of 97 ft lb
(130 Nm).

Press the jack piston in again and close
the lowering screw. Store the jack
(page 269) and the other vehicle
tools (
page 268).

After changing the wheel, secure the
faulty wheel on the spare wheel mount-
ing bracket (
page 271). Make sure
that the wheel cannot come loose.

Check the tire inflation pressure and
correct it if necessary.
A table with the tire pressure values for
your vehicle is located on the fuel filler
flap.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel as soon as possible. The
wheels could come loose if they are not
tightened to a torque of 97 ft lb (130 Nm).

327 Technical terms
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.
Memory function*
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions for
each key.
Menu
The control system displays are ar-
ranged in menus. Each menu contains
a number of commands for particular
systems. In the Audio menu, for exam-
ple, you will find the commands
Select
radio station
or Operate CD player
.
Using commands you can directly
change the settings for your vehicle.MON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. It is an indication of a gasoline's
ability to resist undesired detonation
(knocking). The average of both the
MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
Multifunction display
A display field in the instrument cluster
used to present information provided
by the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine speed range, as it may result in se-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.
Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing


engine


clutch/torque converter


transmission


transfer case


drive shaft


differential


axle shafts/axles
Rear Park Assist*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.

328 Technical termsRemote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and cur-
rent location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for sub-
scribers to Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint system
Seat belts, belt tensioner, airbags and
child seat restraint systems. As inde-
pendent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being moved out of positionP
without key turned and brake pedal de-
pressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.

349 Index
Rear axle differential lock 146
Rear fog lamp 103
Seat heating 95
Seat heating, rear 96
Transfer case differential lock 145
Windshield wipers 47
Synchronizing
Head restraints 93
Seat adjustment 93
T
Tachometer 25, 109
Displaying gear range 137
Overspeed range 109
Tail lamps 286
Cleaning 234
Replacing bulbs 280
Tailgate
Closing 88
Message in display 266
Opening 87, 88
Tailgate lock 269
Tar stains 233
Technical data 317
Brake fluid 318
Coolant 316
Coolants 319Electrical system 314
Engine 312
Engine oil 317
Engine oil additives 317
Fuel requirements 318
Fuels 316
Gasoline additives 319
Lubricants 316
Main dimensions 315
Premium unleaded gasoline 318
Rims and tires 313
Weights and ratings 315
Windshield and headlamp washer
system 317, 321
Tele Aid 183
Emergency calls 185
Information 188
Initiating an emergency call
manually 186
Messages in display 266
Remote door unlock 190
Roadside assistance 187
SOS button 186
Stolen vehicle tracking services 191
System self-check 184
Tele Aid System 183Upgrade signals 189
Tele Aid System 328
Telematics* 328
Telephone
Answering a call 133
Dialing a number from the
phone book 133
Ending a call 133
Loading phone book 133
Operating 132
Redialing 134
Telephone* 26, 182
Ending a call 133
Messages in display 258
Signal strength 132
Temperature
Display mode 122
Grades of tires 323
Outside temperature indicator 110
Setting interior temperature 152
Setting units in display 122
Tires 226
Tie-down rings (Cargo compartment) 175
Tightening torque 328
Tightening torque (Wheel bolts) 294

351 Index
Upshifting 136
Useful features 176
Ashtrays 179
Cigarette lighter 181
Electrical outlet 181
Interior storage spaces 176
Tele Aid 183
Telephone* 182
V
Vehicle
Individual settings 119, 121
Locking 27
Locking in an emergency 273
Lowering 294
Service battery 295
Towing 299
Unlocking 27
Unlocking in an emergency 272
Vehicle battery 295
Vehicle care 232
Cup holder 235
Engine cleaning 233
Gear selector lever 235
Hard plastic trim items 236
Headlamps 234
Instrument cluster 235Leather upholstery 236
Light alloy wheels 235
MB Tex upholstery 236
Ornamental moldings 234
Paintwork 233
Plastic and rubber parts 236
Power washer 233
Seat belts 236
Steering wheel 235
Tail lamps 234
Tar stains 233
Turn signals 234
Vehicle washing 234
Window cleaning 235
Wiper blades 235
Vehicle identification number (VIN) 310
Vehicle jack 269
Vehicle tool kit 268
Vehicle washing 234
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 329
VIN (vehicle identification number) 310
Voice control system* 329
W
Warning indicators
Rear Park Assist* 167Warning sounds
Drivers seat belts 60
Parking brake 45
Warranty coverage 309
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluid
Washing the vehicle 233
Wear pattern (tires) 226
Weights and ratings 315
Wheel change
Tightening torque 294
Wheels
Rotating 226
Tires and wheels 224
Windows see Side windows
Windshield
Defogging 153
Replacing wiper blades 289
Washer fluid 222, 321
Washer system 321
Windshield washer fluid 321
Message in display 267
Mixing ratio 321
Refilling 222
Wiping with 47
Windshield washer system 321