Mercedes-Benz 2001 M-Class, Operator'S Manual

Page: 255 / 466

The differential lock improves the vehicle's
traction. 4ETS (
Y
page 73) controls the bal-
ance between both wheels on an axle.
You can only activate off-road program 2
when driving at speeds of 25 mph (40 km/h)
or below.
LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles
with the ON&OFFROAD package)
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you select the LOW RANGE off-road gear on
a slippery road surface, the wheels could lose
traction:
R
if you remove your foot from the accelera-
tor pedal when driving
R
if off road ABS intervenes when braking
If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no
longer be steered. There is an increased dan-
ger of skidding and accidents.
Never select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
when driving on slippery road surfaces.
G WARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The
power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is a
risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
Do not turn off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission
to another position.
General notes
:
LOW RANGE off-road gear button
;
LOW RANGE off-road gear indicator lamp
HIGH RANGE Position for all normal on-
road driving conditions
LOW RANGE Off-road position for driv-
ing off-road and fording
The transmission ratio
between the engine and
wheels is only approx-
imately one third of that in
the HIGH RANGE road
position. Drive torque is
thus proportionately
higher.
Do not use LOW RANGE:
R
on slippery road surfa-
ces, e.g. in the case of
slush
R
on snow or ice-covered
roads
R
if you have mounted
snow chains to your
vehicle
The LOW RANGE off-road gear assists you in
driving off-road and when fording. When LOW
RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting charac-
teristics of the automatic transmission are
adapted for this purpose.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(
Y
page 191). You will find information about
driving safety systems in conjunction with
Driving systems
253
Driving
and
parking
Z