Off-Road Driving - Mercedes-Benz Light Truck ML 320 Operator's Manual

Off-Road Driving

For switching LOW RANGE mode on
and off refer to Index.
Engage the LOW RANGE mode as
needed when driving under off-road
conditions.
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
characteristics and gear changing
before you attempt any difficult terrain
off-road driving. We recommend that
you start out with easy off-road travel.
Adjust vehicle speed to condition of
terrain. The more uneven, rutty and
steeper the terrain, the lower the speed
should be.
Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree-stumps, ruts.
Continuous and speedy driving in
sandy soil overcomes the vehicle
rolling resistance, and helps to prevent
the vehicle from sinking into the
ground.
Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle.
It interrupts the forward momentum of
the vehicle.
Driving in Steep Terrain
Switch to LOW RANGE before
starting to drive up or down steep
inclines.
Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
60% grade.
Driving on embankments, slopes and
other steep inclines should only be
done straight up or downhill, i.e. in the
line of gravity.
Do not drive along the side of a slope
(danger of vehicle rollover). If in doing
so, the vehicle begins to show a
tendency to roll, immediately steer into
a line of gravity (straight up or
downhill).
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over,
never turn it around on steep inclines.
If the vehicle cannot complete the
attempted climb, back it down in
reverse gear.
Utilize the engine's braking power
when descending a slope, observe the
engine speed (do not overrev the
engine). Apply the service brake as
needed.
Check the brakes after a lengthly
downgrade drive.
Driving through Water
Before driving through water,
determine its depth. It should not be
deeper than approximately 20 inches
(50 cm).
Enter the water only at a shallow spot.
Never take a running start. Drive
slowly, avoiding a bow wave.
Do not stop vehicle immersed in water,
and do not shut off the engine.
To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times after leaving
the water.
Returning from Off-Road Driving
Switch off the LOW RANGE mode.
Remove excessive dirt from tires,
wheels, 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.
Inspect frame, oil pan, brake hoses,
etc., as well as vehicle underbody for
possible damage.
Check tires for possible damage, clean
all exterior lamps, and conduct a brake
test.
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