brake fluid MERCEDES-BENZ G55AMG 2008 W463 Owner's Manual

Contents
Operation......................................... 243
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ......... 244
Driving instructions ............................ 245 Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 245
Drinking and driving ..................... 245
Pedals .......................................... 245
Power assistance ......................... 246
Brakes .......................................... 246
Driving off..................................... 247
Parking ......................................... 248
Tires ............................................. 248
Hydroplaning ................................ 249
Tire traction .................................. 249
Tire speed rating .......................... 250
Winter driving instructions ........... 251
Standing water ............................. 252
Passenger compartment .............. 252
Off-road driving ............................ 253
Driving abroad .............................. 261
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 261
Catalytic converter ....................... 262
Emission control........................... 263
Coolant temperature .................... 263 At the gas station .............................. 264
Refueling ...................................... 264
Check regularly and before a
long trip........................................ 265
Engine compartment ......................... 267 Hood ............................................ 267
Engine oil ..................................... 269
Transmission fluid level ................ 273
Coolant level ................................ 274
Windshield/rear window washer
system and headlamp
cleaning system ........................... 275
Tires and wheels ................................ 277 Important guidelines .................... 277
Tire care and maintenance ........... 278
Direction of rotation ..................... 280
Loading the vehicle ...................... 280
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 286
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 288
Tire labeling.................................. 294
Load identification ....................... 298
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 299
Maximum tire load ....................... 300
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 301 Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 302
Tire ply material ........................... 304
Tire and loading terminology........ 304
Rotating tires ............................... 307
Winter driving .................................... 309 Winter tires .................................. 309
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 310
Snow chains................................. 310
Maintenance...................................... 311 Maintenance service indicator
message ...................................... 311
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display .............. 313
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 313
Vehicle care....................................... 314 Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 314
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Contents
Technical data.................................. 407
Parts service ...................................... 408
Warranty coverage ............................. 409 Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet...................... 409
Identification labels............................ 410
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 412
G 500 ........................................... 412
G 55 AMG..................................... 412
Engine ................................................ 413
Rims and tires .................................... 414 Same size tires ............................. 415
Spare wheel ................................. 416
Electrical system.......... ...................... 417
Main dimensions, vehicle weights
and ratings ......................................... 418 Main dimensions .......................... 418
Vehicle weights and ratings ......... 419 Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 420
Capacities .................................... 420
Engine oils.................................... 423
Engine oil additives ...................... 423
Air conditioning refr igerant .......... 423
Brake fluid .................................... 423
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 424
Fuel requirements ........................ 424
Gasoline additives ........................ 425
Coolants....................................... 425
Windshield/rear window washer
system and headlamp
cleaning system ........................... 428Index ................................................. 429
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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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265
Operation
At the gas station
Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out –
do not top off or
overfill .
Replace fuel filler cap 2 by turning it
clockwise until it audibly engages.
Close fuel filler flap 1.
You should hear the latch close shut.
Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and require-
ments of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (
page 420).
Open the hood (page 267).
G 500
1 Coolant
2 Brake fluid
Warning!G
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create pres-
sure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge. This could cause the gas to spray
back out when removing the fuel pump noz-
zle, which could caus e personal injury.
!When refueling the vehicle, make certain
that no gasoline comes into contact with the rear
side marker to prevent damaging the lens.
iMake sure to close the fuel filler flap before
locking your vehicle as the flap locking pin
prevents closing after you have locked the
vehicle.
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel cap
open can cause the ? malfunction indicator
lamp (USA only) or the ± malfunction indica-
tor lamp (Canada only) comes on.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 328).
iOnly use premium unleaded gasoline with a
minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91 (average of
96 RON/86 MON). Information on gasoline
quality can normally be found on the fuel pump.
Please contact gas station personnel in case la-
bels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see “Premium
unleaded gasoline” (
page 424), refer to the
Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
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266 Operation
At the gas station
G55AMG
1Coolant
2 Brake fluid Brake fluid
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water
(potable water quality).
For more information, see “Coolant level”
(
page 274) and see “Fuels, coolants, lu-
bricants, etc.” (
page 420). Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil, see
“Engine oil” (
page 269).
Windshield/rear window washer sys-
tem and headlamp cleaning system
For more information on refilling the
washer reservoir, see “Windshield/rear
window washer syst em and headlamp
cleaning system” (
page 275).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness.
For information on replacing light bulbs,
see “Replacing bulbs” (
page 375).
For more information, see “Exterior lamp
switch” (
page 117).
Tire inflation pressure
For more information, see “Checking tire
inflation pressure” (
page 288).
!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 immediately. Notify an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
immediately. Do not add brake fluid as this will
not solve the problem.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 326) and see “Brake fluid”
(
page 423).
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314 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Regular and proper care will help to main-
tain the value of your vehicle. The best way
to protect your vehicle from harmful envi-
ronmental influences is to wash it and use
protective treatments regularly.While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external
influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the under-
body and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by
extreme and varying climatic conditions,
but also by:

Air pollution

Road salt

Tar

Gravel and stone chippingTo avoid paint damage, you should imme-
diately remove:

Grease and oil

Fuel

Coolant

Brake fluid

Bird droppings

Insects

Tree resins, etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or
eliminates the aggressiveness and
potency of the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:

near the ocean

in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)

during winter operation
Warning!G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or so lvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.
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326 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
;(USA only)
3(Canada only)
The red brake warning lamp
comes on while driving.There is insufficient brake fluid in the
reservoir.Risk of accident!
Carefully stop the vehicle in a safe
location or as soon as it is safe to do
so.
Apply the parking brake (page 62).
Do not drive any further.
Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve
the problem.
Read and observe messages in the
multifunction display (
page 336).
Warning!G
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 catch-
ing fire. You could 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.
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344 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
3Check brake
fluid levelThere is insufficient brake fluid in the
reservoir.Risk of accident!
Carefully stop the vehicle in a safe location or
as soon as it is safe to do so.
Apply the parking brake (page 62).
Do not drive any further.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the
problem.
Warning!G
Driving with the message Check brake
fluid level
displayed can result in an
accident. Have your brake system checked
immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the
brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid res-
ervoir can result in sp illing 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.
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421
Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filterG500
G55AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission9.0 US qt (8.5 l)MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer case2.96 US qt (2.8 l)MB part no. A 001 989 28 03 10
Differential lock mechanism0.47-0.63USqt (0.45-0.6l)Brake fluid DOT 3+4, SAE J 1703
Front axleG500
G55AMG1.5 US qt (1.4 l)
1.5 US qt (1.4 l)Hypoid gear oil SAE 85W-90
Hypoid gear oil Castrol SAF-XJ
Rear axleG500
G55AMG1.9 US qt (1.8 l)
1.9 US qt (1.8 l)Hypoid gear oil SAE 85W-90
Hypoid gear oil Castrol SAF-XJ
Power steeringapprox. 1.06 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering Fluid, or
approved Dexron III ATF
Front wheel hubsapprox. 1.5oz (43g) eachHigh temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system0.86 US qt (0.81 l)MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
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. November 2007 8:41 08

423
Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters
required for vehicles with Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada
vehicles). For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Pr
oducts pamphlet
(USA only), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Engine oil additives
Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
ing system.
Brake fluid
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will provide you with additional
information.
!Using engine oils and oil filters of specifi-
cation other than those expressly required for
the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS
(Canada vehicles), or changing of oil and oil filter
at change intervals longer than those called for
by the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada vehicles) will result in engine
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty. Please follow Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles)
recommendations for scheduled oil changes.
Failure to do so will result in engine damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from blending
oil additives are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the system
will occur.
Warning!G
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere. Under extremely strenuous
operating conditions, this moisture content
can lead to the formation of bubbles in the
system, thus reducing the system’s
efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s
Maintenance Booklet for replacement
interval.
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