2011 Mercedes GL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 157

Automatic transmission Driving tips Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. 155 Steering wheel paddle shifters : Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter ; Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by repeatedly shifting back and forth between transmission positions D and R can help to free a vehicle that has become stuck in mud or snow. The engine management system of the vehicle limits shifting back and forth between transmission positions D and R to a maximum speed of 5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and forth between transmission positions D and R, move the selector lever up and down beyond the pressure point. You can restrict or derestrict the shift range by using the steering wheel paddle shifters. Shift ranges Introduction When the automatic transmission is in position D, it is possible to restrict or derestrict the shift range (Y page 155). The shift range selected is shown in the multifunction display. The automatic transmission shifts only as far as the selected gear. Driving situations = 5 You can use the engine's braking effect. To use the braking effect of the engine on downhill gradients and for driving: Ron Rin Working on the vehicle G Warning When working on the vehicle, engage the parking brake and shift the automatic transmission into park position P. Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. Trailer towing X When towing a trailer and driving downhill, shift to a lower gear if the automatic transmission constantly shifts between two gears. X Engaging a lower gear and reducing the speed reduces the risk of the engine overheating. steep mountain roads mountainous terrain Rin arduous conditions 4 To use the braking effect of the engine on extremely steep downhill gradients and on long downhill stretches Z Driving and parking X Vehicles for USA: fully depress the accelerator pedal. The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed. X Vehicles for Canada: depress the accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point. The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed.