Mercedes-Benz 2003 M-Class - Manual (Page 117)

117
Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Accelerator position
Your driving style influences the transmis-
sion’s shifting behavior:
Less throttle Earlier upshifting
More throttle Later upshifting
Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration
̈ Press the accelerator past the point of
resistance.
The transmission shifts into a lower
gear.
̈ Ease on the accelerator when you have
reached the desired speed.
The transmission shifts up again.
Towing a trailer
If you tow a trailer, note the following
points:
ț Manually shift to a lower gear range
(4, 3, 2, 1), if the transmission hunts
between gears on inclines
(
୴ page 114).
A lower gear range and reduction of
speed reduces the change to overload
or overheat the engine.
ț At very steep inclines switch transfer
case to LOW RANGE mode
(
୴ page 118).
For more information on trailer towing, see
the “Operation” section (
୴ page 192).
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode)
If the vehicle acceleration worsens or the
transmission no longer shifts, the trans-
mission is most likely operating in limp
home mode. In this mode only 2nd gear
and reverse gear can be activated.
̈ Stop the vehicle.
̈ Move selector lever to position P.
̈ Turn off the engine.
̈ Wait at least ten seconds before re-
starting.
̈ Move selector lever to position D (for
2nd gear) or R.
̈ Have the transmission checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center as soon as possible.