heating MERCEDES-BENZ G500 2008 W463 User Guide

246 Operation
Driving instructions
Power assistance
BrakesTo help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only
subjected to moderate loads, you should
occasionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
Warning!G
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.
Warning!G
After driving in heavy
rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through
water deep enough to wet brake compo-
nents or salty road conditions, the first brak-
ing action may be somewhat reduced and
increased pedal pressure may be necessary
to obtain expected br aking effect. Maintain
a safe distance from vehicles in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient ti me to avoid an acci-
dent.
!Operational or performance test must only
be conducted on a two-axle dynamometer. If
such tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake system or
the transfer case which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Because the ESP® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1)
when testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer and such testing should be no
longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP
® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
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247
Operation
Driving instructions
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 89).
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be too low if the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on although the
parking brake is released (
page 326).
Observe additional messages in the
multifunction display that may appear
(
page 336).
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so the air stream will cool down the
brakes faster.
Driving off
Apply the brakes to test
them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the
operating temperature has been reached.
To ensure sufficient traction during
off-road driving, activate differential locks
as needed (
page 175).
Warning!G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substa ntially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
!When driving down long and steep grades,
relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a
lower gear to use the engine’s braking power.
This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.
!When driving off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an extended
period with the ESP
® switched off. Doing so may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brake reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.
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343
Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
#The battery was charged with a
battery charger or jump started.Have the battery checked at a service
station.
The battery has insufficient voltage.Turn off unnecessary ele
ctric consumers that
are currently not needed, e.g. seat heating.
Have the battery checked at a service
station.
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445
Index
Replacing bulbs
Additional turn signals, Exterior rear view mirrors 383
High mounted brake lamp 385
Locator lighting, Exterior rear view mirrors 383
Resetting All functions (control system) 146
Fuel consumption statistics 158
Maintenance service indicator 313
Trip odometer 131
Restraint systems 68 Air bags 68
Child seats 68
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) 68
Lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) 68
Seat belts 68
Restraint systems see Infant and child re- straint systems
Returning from off-road driving 260
Rim 306
Rims 414
Roadside Assistance button see Tele Aid Rolling out
Cargo compartment cover blind 214
Rolling up Cargo compartment cover blind 214
RON 265
Roof rack 206
Rubber parts, Cleaning 320
S
Safety Occupant 68
Safety belts see Seat belts
Safety systems Driving 87
Satellite radio (USA only) 142
Seat backrest Folding forward 207
Returning to original position 207
Seat belt force limiter 77
Seat belt outlet Height adjustment 52
Seat belt outlet height adjustment 52 Seat belts 68, 74
Cleaning 321
Fastening 48
Proper use of 53, 76
Safety guidelines 72
Seat bench Folding forward 207
Returning to original position 207
Seat cushion depth Adjusting 109
Seating capacity 282
Seats 108 Adjusting 41
Heating 112
Multicontour seat* 109
Selecting Display for status indicator 150
Self-test BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system 81
Tele Aid 230
Service Parts 408
Service and Warranty Booklet Loss of 409
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