Differential Locks - Mercedes-Benz 2009 GL320 BlueTEC Operator's Manual

the combined (or average) speed of the front
wheels is identical to the combined rear
wheel speed. When the rear differential is
locked, both rear wheels turn at the same
speed, independent of the individual 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 important to
understand that during on-road/paved
driving, differentials are absolutely necessary
for providing the essential 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 cannot be handled by
the systems (the 4-ETS, the ESP
transfer case in LOW RANGE mode) this
vehicle comes equipped with.
Switching differential locks
! If the differential locks are engaged,
accelerate gently when setting the vehicle
in motion.
Only operate the vehicle on a single axle
dynamometer if the axle not being driven is
jacked up or the associated propeller shaft
is disconnected.
Otherwise the transmission could be
damaged.
You can select between three locking modes.
®
, and the
Rotary switch for differential locks
Rotatable outer adjustment ring with
1
indicator lamp
AUTO mode: center differential is
%
automatically locked
Center differential is completely locked
&
Controls in detail
Differential locks (Canada only)
Center and rear axle differential are
(
completely locked
AUTO mode
The AUTO mode is adequate for most driving
situations since the center differential is
locked and released as required.
i At speeds up to 19 mph (30 km/h), it is
possible to manually lock the differential
locks for driving on rough terrain.
X
Start the engine.
The center differential lock is in AUTO
mode. The indicator lamp on adjustment
ring above symbol
1
U
is on.
Z
145