Towing The Vehicle - Mercedes-Benz 2004 G 500 Operator's Manual

Towing the vehicle

Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment. This method is pref-
erable to other types of towing.
!
Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment, with SmartKey in starter switch
turned to position 0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
To prevent damage during transport,
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts. Use the towing eyes.
Switch off the ESP ( page 79),
tow-away alarm ( page 83) and the
automatic central locking
( page 133).
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground only so far as necessary to have the
vehicle moved to a safe location where the
recommended towing methods can be em-
ployed.
!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever
must be in position N and the Smart-
Key must be in starter switch
position 2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the vehicle may be
towed only for distances up to 30 miles
(50 km) and at a speed not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h).
If the vehicle is towed with one axle
raised (observe instructions regarding
flexible drive shaft and propeller
shafts), the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 1).
Otherwise, the 4-ETS may become en-
gaged which may cause loss of towing
control.
Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
!
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Warning!
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that the SmartKey
is in starter switch position 2.
If the SmartKey is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock, re-
move SmartKey from starter switch and re-
insert.
Always tow with a tow bar if:
the engine will not run
there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle's electrical system
as that will be necessary to adequately con-
trol the towed vehicle.
G
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