Before Driving Off-Road - Mercedes-Benz G-Class Operator's Manual

The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
4ETS ( Y page 62)
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Y
Transfer case ( page 198)
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Differential locks ( Y
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Observe the following notes:
stop your vehicle and, if necessary, shift the
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transfer case to LOW
RANGE( Y page 199) before driving off-
road.
AMG vehicles: to shift the transfer case to
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LOW RANGE, deactivate the ECO start/
Y
stop function ( page 142).
engage the differential locks, if necessary
R
( Y page 201)
®
i ABS, 4ETS, ESP and BAS are deactivated
when the differential locks are activated.
This allows the front wheels to lock briefly,
so that these can dig into a loose surface.
However, please note that locked wheels
skid and can no longer steer.
Check that items of luggage and loads are
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stowed safely and are well secured
( Y page 267).
To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
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there is always sufficient ground clearance.
Always keep the engine running and in gear
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when driving on a downhill gradient.
Always keep the engine running and in gear
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when driving on a slope.
Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a
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walking pace.
Ensure that the wheels are in contact with
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the ground at all times.
Drive with extreme care on unknown off-
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road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
Check the depth of water before fording
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rivers and streams.
When fording, do not stop and do not
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switch off the engine.
page 201)
Look out for obstacles such as rocks, holes,
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tree stumps and furrows.
Always keep the doors, rear door, side
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windows and the sliding sunroof closed
while the vehicle is in motion.
Switch off cruise control.
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Do not stray from marked routes or paths.
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Adapt your speed to the terrain. The
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rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
Drive slowly and at an even speed through
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the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
On sand, drive quickly to overcome the
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rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle
could dig itself into the sand.
Do not jump with the vehicle as this will
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interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
Avoid high engine speeds. Drive at
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appropriate engine speeds (maximum
3,000 rpm).
Do not shift the automatic transmission to
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transmission position N.
Always check the vehicle for damage after
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off-road driving.
i Information about retrofitting special all-
terrain tires is available from any qualified
specialist workshop.
i
Do not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill
gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces.
The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle
on such surfaces.
Checklist before driving off-road
! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible.
Check the engine oil level. The engine oil
warning lamp warning must not be ignored.
Continuing the journey while the symbol is
displayed could lead to engine damage.
Driving tips
165
Z