Returning - Mercedes-Benz 2009 GL320 BlueTEC Operator's Manual

! Check that the ruts are not too deep and
your vehicle's clearance is sufficient.
Otherwise:
your vehicle may be damaged
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the underbody of the vehicle may come
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in contact with the ground and you may
get stuck
Avoid high engine speeds.
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Shift automatic transmission into gear
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range 1 ( Y page 139).
Drive next to the ruts rather than through
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them if at all possible.
If the ruts are too deep to drive in, drive with
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one side of the vehicle on the grassy center
strip if the route permits.
Returning from off-road driving
G Warning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to
the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or tire dealer for repairs.
Off-road driving increases strain on the
vehicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehicle
for possible damage after each off-road trip.
Recognizing any damage and a subsequent
timely repair reduces the chance of a possible
breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:
Switch off the off-road driving program
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( Y page 185) or the LOW RANGE mode
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( page 142).
Switch off the DSR ( Y page 182).
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Set the differential locks to AUTO
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( Y page 145).
Lower the vehicle back to a level suitable
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for road conditions, e. g. highway/high-
speed level ( Y page 186).
Clean all exterior lamps and check for
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possible damage.
Clean the front and rear license plate.
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Driving instructions
Remove excessive dirt from tires, wheels,
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wheel housings, and underbody.
For instance, after driving in mud, clean the
radiator, chassis, engine, brakes, and
wheels from extreme dirt using a strong jet
of water.
Check tires for possible damage.
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Inspect vehicle underbody, oil pan, brake
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hoses, etc., as well as vehicle underbody
for possible damage.
Check for brush or branches caught in the
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underbody.
! Brush or branches could increase the
possibility of a fire, as well as cut fuel and/
or brake lines, puncture rubber bellows of
the axles or drive shafts.
After continued operation in mud, sand,
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water or other dirty conditions clean the
brake discs, wheels, brake pads and check
and clean axle joints.
Conduct a brake test.
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Operation
Z
309