trailer MERCEDES-BENZ G550 2011 W463 Owner's Manual

Exterior viewOverview .......................................... 24
F
First-aid kit ......................................... 229
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel ................................... 232
Preparing the vehicle .....................232
Raising the vehicle .........................233
Floormat ............................................. 211
Front fog lamp (display message) ... 173
Fuel Additives ........................................ 278
Notes ............................................. 277
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline . 278
Refueling ........................................ 131
Specifications ................................ 278
Troubleshooting ............................. 134
Fuel/water separator ....................... 220
Fuel consumption Notes ............................................. 136
Fuel filler cap (display message) ..... 178
Fuel filler flap Emergency release ........................133
Opening/closing ............................ 132
Fuel filter
Display message ............................ 178
Fuel level
Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 167
Fuse allocation chart ........................ 243
Fuse box Battery case ................................... 244
Dashboard ..................................... 243
Front-passenger footwell ...............243
Transmission tunnel ....................... 244
Fuse extractor ................................... 243
Fuses Dashboard fuse box .......................243
Fuse allocation chart .....................243
Fuse box in the front-passenger
footwell .......................................... 243
Fuse box in the transmission
tunnel ............................................ 244
In the battery case .........................244
Notes ............................................. 242
G
Garage door opener Clearing the memory .....................211
Notes ............................................. 208
Opening/closing the garage door ..210
Programming the remote control ...209
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 225
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 274
Genuine wood trim and trim strips
(cleaning instructions) ...................... 225
Glove box ........................................... 193
Gradient-climbing capability
(maximum) ......................................... 146
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ......................................... 267
H
Hazard warning lamps ........................ 93
Headlamp cleaning system ................ 93
Adding washer fluid .......................218
Notes ............................................. 281
Headlamp delayed switch-off
see Exterior lighting delayed switch-off
Headlamp protection grille .............. 100
Headlamps Cleaning ......................................... 224
Misting up ........................................ 94
Headlamps (automatic) ...................... 91
Head restraints Adjusting (angle) .............................. 79
Adjusting (rear) ................................ 80
Installing/removing (rear) ................80
Luxury .............................................. 80
Resetting (front) ............................... 80
see NECK-PRO head restraints
Heating
see Climate control ........................ 106
High beam flasher ............................... 93
high-mounted brake lamp Display message ............................ 173
Hill start assist .................................. 118
Hood Closing ........................................... 215
Display message ............................ 181
Opening ......................................... 214
8Index

System .......................................... 202
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............206
Telephone
Menu (on-board computer) ............167
Telephone compartment .................. 193
Temperature Coolant .......................................... 156
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 160
Outside temperature ...................... 157
Setting (climate control) ................109
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 59
Tilt/sliding sunroof
see Sliding sunroof
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....253
Checking ........................................ 252
Checking manually ........................253
Display message ............................ 179
Maximum ....................................... 252
Notes ............................................. 250
Recommended ............................... 249
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 253
Restarting ...................................... 255
Warning lamp ................................. 189
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................268
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................267
Bar (definition) ............................... 266
Characteristics .............................. 266
Checking ........................................ 246
Definition of terms .........................266
Direction of rotation ......................270
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................269
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 265
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............266
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 267
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 267
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 267GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................267
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......267
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........268
Labeling (overview) ........................262
Load bearing index (definition) ......269
Load index ..................................... 265
Load index (definition) ...................268
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 267
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 268
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 268
Maximum tire load .........................260
Maximum tire load (definition) .......268
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 268
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 268
Replacing ....................................... 269
Service life ..................................... 248
Sidewall (definition) .......................268
Speed index (definition) .................267
Storing ........................................... 270
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 266
Technical data ............................... 272
Temperature .................................. 262
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 269
Tire bead (definition) ......................268
Tire pressure (definition) ................268
Tire pressures (recommended) ......267
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................263
Tire tread ....................................... 247
Tire tread (definition) .....................268
Total load limit (definition) .............269
Traction ......................................... 261
Traction (definition) .......................269
Tread wear ..................................... 261
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................269
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 26114Index

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................267
Unladen weight (definition) ............268
Wear indicator (definition) .............269
Wheel rim (definition) ....................267
Top Tether ............................................ 53
Tow-away alarm .................................. 60
Towing ................................................ 242
Important safety guidelines ...........240
Towing eye
Front .............................................. 240
Rear ............................................... 240
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 260
Transfer case Display message ............................ 182
Shift ranges ................................... 126
Transmission position display ......... 122
Transmission positions .................... 122
Transporting the vehicle .................. 241
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 146
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 166
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 160
Turn signal
Display message ............................ 172
Turn signals ......................................... 93
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................... 269
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Ultrasonic backing up aid Function/notes ............................. 149
Malfunction .................................... 152
Range of the sensors .....................150
Warning display ............................. 150
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking .......................68
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 67
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 198
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 21
Emergency unlocking .......................68
Equipment ....................................... 17
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 162
Loading .......................................... 256
Lowering ........................................ 234
Maintenance .................................... 18
Parking up ..................................... 135
Raising ........................................... 233
Reporting problems .........................20
Towing away .................................. 240
Tow-starting ................................... 240
Transporting .................................. 241
Vehicle dimensions
Technical data ............................... 281
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification number
(VIN) ................................................... 275
Vehicle identification plate .............. 275
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 229
Vehicle weights Technical data ............................... 281
Ventilation
Setting the air distribution .............109
Setting the airflow .........................110
Video (DVD) ........................................ 161
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 161
VIN ...................................................... 275
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 185
Brakes ........................................... 183
Check Engine ................................. 188
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 186
Fuel tank ........................................ 188
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................39
Reserve fuel ................................... 188
Seat belt ........................................ 184
Index15

Shift rangesHHIGH
Position for all normal on-road
driving conditions.LLOW
Low-range position for driving off-
road.
Also for use on steep uphill or
downhill gradients, especially
when towing a trailer.
! When the transfer case is in the
off-road driving position LOW
range, the automatic
transmission does not shift up,
even when the engine has
reached the overrevving limit.
There is then a risk of engine
damage. Make sure that you do
not exceed the maximum
permissible engine speed.
The vehicle travels around half the
speed of on-road driving range
HIGH . The drive power is
correspondingly higher.NNeutral
Neutral position.
No power is transmitted to the
drive wheels.
Shifting the transfer case
General notes
GWarning!
Always wait until the procedure of shifting
from HIGH to LOW – and from LOW to HIGH
– has been entirely completed. During this
procedure do not turn off the engine or shift
the automatic transmission into another gear.
If you do not wait until the shifting procedure
has been entirely completed then it might not
be correctly performed. The transfer case
might be in neutral, thus interrupting the
transfer of power between the engine and the
drive axle.
The vehicle is then freely movable, even if a
gear has been selected, and could
unintentionally be set into motion –
particularly on up – or downhill grades. This
could lead to an accident and cause injury to
yourself and others.
Please observe related messages appearing
in the multifunction display.:Current shift range;Current transfer case position
Current shift range : and transfer case
position ; are shown in the instrument
cluster multifunction display.
The switch for the transfer case is on the
lower section of the center console.
Transfer case switch
From HIGH to LOW
! Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.
Automatic transmission127Driving and parkingZ

Range of the sensors
The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and
slush; otherwise they may not function
correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them
( Y page 224).
Side view
Top view
Sensors
CenterApprox. 59 in (approx.
150 cm)CornersApprox. 40 in (approx.
100 cm)
! When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer towbars. The
ultrasonic backing up aid does not detect
such objects when they are in the
immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You could
damage the vehicle or the objects.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, a lorry's compressed-air brakes
or a pneumatic drill could cause the
ultrasonic backing up aid to malfunction.
Minimum distanceCenterApprox. 8 in (approx.
20 cm)CornersApprox. 8 in (approx.
20 cm)
If there is an obstacle within this range, all
warning displays flash and a warning tone
sounds. If the distance falls below the
minimum, the distance may no longer be
shown.
Warning displays
The warning display shows the distance
between the sensors and the obstacle.
The warning display is in the rear
compartment next to the rear door.
The warning display is divided into four yellow
and two red segments :. The ultrasonic
backing up aid is ready for use when you hear
a warning tone and segment ; lights up
briefly.
One or more segments : light up as the
vehicle approaches an obstacle, depending
on the distance from the obstacle.
150Driving systemsDriving and parking

:Towing eye, rear
Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
( Y page 240).
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.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
( Y page 93).
i
When towing with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination
switch as usual to signal a change of
direction. In this case, only the turn signals
for the desired direction flash. When the
combination switch is reset, the hazard
warning lamps start flashing again.
XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.XShift the transfer case to neutral position
N (Y page 126).XShift the automatic transmission to
position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XRelease the parking brake.
i
The transmission can only change gear
when the battery has sufficient charge.
If you cannot move the selector lever to N,
you must remove the propeller shafts to the
driven axles.
Transporting the vehicle
Use the towing eyes to pull the vehicle if it
needs to be transported on a trailer or
transporter.
XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XMove the selector lever to N.XShift the transfer case to neutral position
N (Y page 126).
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission to
position P.XTurn the key in the ignition lock to position
0 and remove the key from the ignition
lock.XSecure the vehicle.
! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
Recovering a vehicle that has become
stuck
! Pull away smoothly, slowly, and in a
straight line when pulling out a vehicle that
has become stuck. Excessive tractive
power could damage the vehicles.
If the drive wheels get trapped on loose or
muddy ground, recover the vehicle with the
utmost care, especially so if the vehicle is
laden.
Towing and tow-starting241Roadside AssistanceZ

Never attempt to recover a vehicle with a
trailer attached.
Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible,
using the tracks it made when it became
stuck.
Towing in the event of malfunctions
General notes
! If you are removing the propeller shaft,
use M10 nuts as spacers on the M8 bolts
and secure them with M8 nuts.
New self-locking nuts must be used when
the propeller shafts are refitted.
XObserve the safety notes as you do so
( Y page 240).
i
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Engine damage, gear damage or
electrical malfunctions
XMove the selector lever to N(Y page 122).XShift the transfer case to neutral position
N (Y page 126).
In the event of damage to the transfer
case
Have the propeller shafts between the axles
and the transfer case removed.
Have the vehicle towed with the front axle
raised.
In the event of damage to the front axle
Have the propeller shaft between the rear
axle and the transfer case removed.
Have the vehicle towed with the front axle
raised.
In the event of damage to the rear axle
Have the propeller shaft between the front
axle and the transfer case removed.
Then, have the vehicle towed with the rear
axle raised and with wheel rollers under the
front axle.
Electrical fuses
Important safety notes
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating.
GWarning
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with the specified amperage for the system in
question and do not attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse. Using other than
approved fuses or using repaired or bridged
fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire,
and/or cause damage to electrical
components and/or systems. Have the cause
determined and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart. An authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center will be happy to
advise you.
i If a fuse has blown, visit a breakdown
service or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or
systems could be damaged.
242Electrical fusesRoadside Assistance

vehicle-specific and may differ from that in
the illustration. You can find the valid
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
rating for your vehicle on the Tire and
Loading Information placard.XThe Tire and Loading Information placard
gives you details on maximum permissible
gross vehicle weight rating :: "The gross
weight of occupants and luggage must
never exceed XXX kilograms or XXX
pounds."
The gross weight of all vehicle occupants,
cargo, luggage and trailer load/noseweight (if
applicable) must not exceed the specified
value.
Number of seats
i The specifications shown on the Tire and
Loading Information placard in the
illustration are examples. The number of
seats is vehicle-specific and can differ from
the details shown. The number of seats in
your vehicle can be found on the Tire and
Loading Information placard.
Maximum number of seats : determines the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on Tire and Loading Information
placard.
Determining the maximum load
Step-by-step instructions
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
XStep 1: Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on
your vehicle's tire and loading information
table.XStep 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
traveling in your vehicle.XStep 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX lbs.XStep 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150
lbs passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs).Loading the vehicle257Wheels and tiresZ

X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded in/on the
vehicle. For reasons of safety, that weight
must not exceed the available cargo and
luggage cargo capacity calculated in step
4.XStep 6 (if applicable): If your vehicle will
be towing a trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle ( Y page 260).258Loading the vehicleWheels and tires

Example 1Example 2Example 3Step 3Permissible cargo
and trailer load/
noseweight
(maximum gross
vehicle weight rating
from the Tire and
Loading Information
placard minus the
gross weight of all
occupants)1500 lbs
(680 kg) -
750 lbs (340 kg)
= 750 lbs
(340 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg) -
540 lbs (245 kg)
= 960 lbs
(435 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg) -
150 lbs (68 kg) =
1350 lbs
(612 kg)
The higher the weight of all the occupants, the smaller the maximum load for luggage.
Further information can be found under "trailer load/noseweight" ( Y page 260).
Vehicle identification plate
Even if you have calculated the total load
carefully, you should still make sure that the
gross vehicle weight rating and the gross axle
weight rating are not exceeded. Details can
be found on the vehicle identification plate on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle
( Y page 256).
Gross vehicle weight: the gross weight of
the vehicle, all passengers, cargo and trailer
load/noseweight (if applicable) must not
exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight.
Gross axle weight rating: the maximum
permissible load that can be carried by one
axle (front or rear axle).
To ensure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible values (gross
vehicle weight and maximum gross axle
weight rating), have your loaded vehicle
(including driver, occupants, cargo, and full
trailer load if applicable) weighed on a
suitable vehicle weighbridge.
Trailer load/noseweight
The trailer load/noseweight affects the gross
weight of the vehicle. If a trailer is attached,
the trailer load/noseweight is included in the
load along with occupants and luggage. The
trailer load/noseweight is usually
approximately 10% of the gross weight of the
trailer and its load.
Only use a trailer coupling that has been
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
Comply with the manufacturer's operating
instructions for operation, care and
maintenance.
Maximum tire load
GWarning
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver's door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
260Maximum tire loadWheels and tires