2003 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 113

Controls in detail Automatic transmission Automatic transmission Information for driving with an automatic transmission is found in the "Getting started" section ( page 44). Your transmission adapts its gear shifting process to your individual driving style by continually adjusting the shift points up or down. These shift point adjustments are performed based on current operating and driving conditions. If the operating conditions change, the automatic transmission reacts by adjusting its gear shift program. The automatic transmission selects individual gears automatically, dependent upon the selector lever position D with gear ranges 4, 3, 2, 1 the position of the accelerator pedal ( page 117) the vehicle speed Warning! One-touch gearshifting Even with an automatic transmission you can change the gears yourself when the selector lever is in position D. Downshifting Briefly press the selector lever to the left in the D- direction. The transmission will shift from the current gear to the next lower gear. This action simultaneously limits the gear range of the transmission ( page 114). Warning! G It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of P or N if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal. When the selector lever is in position D, you can influence transmission shifting by limiting the gear range changing gears yourself G On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control. 113