1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 steering

Several situations may arise requiring some form of disposal action, including:
Scrapping a vehicle containing a deployed air bag module and/or ETR.
Scrapping a vehicle with a live air bag module and/or ETR.
Disposal of a live but electrically faulty air bag module and/or ETR.
Disposal of a deployed air bag module and/or ETR.
DEPLOYED AIR BAG OR ETR
Deployed air bag module and/or ETR unit can be thrown away. None of its components are reusable. Deployed
air bag module is NOT classified as hazardous material.
SCRAPPED VEHICLE
1. Before proceeding, follow service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Move vehicle
outdoors to a remote area, away from workshop and other personnel. Disconnect and shield negative
battery cable. Open all vehicle windows and doors.
2. Ensure air bag module is secured to steering wheel, and passenger air bag is secured to dash. Ensure ETR
seat belt assemblies are secured to "B" pillars and all seat belt buckles are latched. Remove loose objects
from front seat. DO NOT allow anyone inside vehicle.
3. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Connect Trigger
Device (126-589-00-90-00) and Adapter Cable (126 589 21 63 00) to SRS system connector (X29/9)
located at passenger footwell area. See Fig. 5
. Move away from vehicle as far as trigger device wiring
will allow.
4. To deploy driver air bag and ETR, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 1. Push battery
check pushbutton and ignition pushbutton simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate indicating
driver air bag and ETR deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and driver air bag and/or ETR did not
deploy, driver air bag module and/or ETR is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG/ETR
.
5. To deploy passenger air bag detonator No. 1, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 2. Push
battery check pushbutton and ignition pushbutton simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate
indicating passenger air bag detonator No. 1 deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and passenger air bag
detonator No. 1 did not deploy, passenger air bag module is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR
BAG/ETR .
6. To deploy passenger air bag detonator No. 2, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 3. Push
battery check pushbutton and ignition pushbutton simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate
indicating passenger air bag detonator No. 2 deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and passenger air bag
detonator No. 2 did not deploy, passenger air bag module is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR
BAG/ETR . WARNING:An undeployed air bag module and/or ETR seat belt CANNOT be disposed
of without first being deployed. If this is not possible through procedures
outlined below, contact vehicle manufacturer for further instructions.
Perform remote deployment outdoors. Keep personnel at least 20 feet
away.

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UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG/ETR
After deploying procedures and/or diagnostic testing have confirmed air bag module and/or ETR is
undeployable, contact vehicle manufacturer for proper disposal instructions.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. Remove driver air bag module. See DRIVER
-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel bolt.
Using a puller, remove steering wheel. Disconnect lower clockspring connector. Turn 2 fixing screws
(locating on clockspring) counterclockwise until clockspring cannot be rotated. Remove clockspring
mounting screws as necessary. Disconnect all necessary electrical connectors. Remove clockspring
assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning
properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
CONTROL UNIT
Removal & Installation (C Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove shift lever cover bezel. Lift shift
lever cover enough to disconnect electrical connector. Remove shift lever cover.
2. Remove storage compartment mounting screws from center console. Remove storage compartment.
Remove ashtray. Disconnect electrical connectors as necessary. Disconnect control module electrical
connector. Remove control module mounting bolts. Remove control module.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure control module arrow points to front of vehicle. Set
parameters and program new control module with Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01 00). Activate air bag
system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
Removal & Installation (E Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove gear shift cover panel. Remove
ashtray and ashtray housing at front of console. Remove radio (if necessary).
2. Remove center console right side cover screws and right side cover. Disconnect electrical connector for
control unit. Remove 2 control unit mounting screws. Remove control unit. WARNING:Failure to follow service precautions may result in air bag deployment and
personal injury. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
. After component
replacement, check system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.

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3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure control module arrow points to front of vehicle. Set
parameters and program new control module with Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01 00). Activate air bag
system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
Removal & Installation (S Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove radio. Remove ashtray. Remove
wooden surround for ashtray. Remove shift lever cover mounting screws. Push shift lever cover toward
rear of vehicle and remove in an upward direction.
2. Remove center console cover screws. Remove center console cover by pulling from bottom in an upward
direction. When removing covers, disconnect electrical connectors as necessary. Disconnect control
module electrical connector. Remove control module.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure control module arrow points to front of vehicle. Set
parameters and program new control module with Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01 00). Activate air bag
system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
Removal & Installation (SL Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove radio. Push up and pull out heater
control panel. Unplug 2 connectors. Remove screw in middle of storage tray.
2. Bend up at top corners and lift out storage tray. Remove screws below storage tray. Lift wood trim panel
at rear, pull down and out of catches. Unplug switch connectors and remove wood trim panel. Unplug
connectors at control unit and remove Torx mounting screws. Remove control unit.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure control module arrow points to front of vehicle. Set
parameters and program new control module with Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01 00). Activate air bag
system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
Removal & Installation (CLK 320 & SLK 230)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove cover on center console. Remove
cover on shift lever. Remove ash tray housing with storage compartment at front of center console.
Unplug connectors at control unit and remove Torx mounting screws. Remove control unit.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure control module arrow points to front of vehicle. Set
parameters and program new control module with Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01 00). Activate air bag
system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
NOTE: Air bag module and steering wheel must be replaced following a collision in

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Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove 2 Torx screws from rear of
steering wheel. Lift off air bag module enough to unplug connector from rear of module. Place module
away from work area, with pad facing upward.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten Torx screws to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is
functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
SIDE AIR BAG UNIT - DRIVER-SIDE & PASSENGER-SIDE
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Drill out rivets at retaining plate of side air
bag unit. Pull air bag unit out of door. Disconnect connector at driver-side air bag squib. Remove unit
from vehicle. See Fig. 2
.
2. To install, connect connector so that connector audibly clicks when connector engages. Install unit in
door trim panel and rivet using only special rivets (Part No. 003 990 0097). Perform system operation
check to ensure s
ystem is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . which air bag was deployed.

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check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
Removal & Installation (SLK 230)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove top section of instrument panel.
Fold vapor barrier toward front to reveal 2 screws. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module connector.
Remove 4 screws and passenger-side air bag module.
2. To install air bag module, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation
check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
SRS warning light indicates air bag and Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) system readiness. Turn
ignition on. SRS warning light will light, and then go out after approximately 4 seconds indicating system is
functioning properly. If SRS warning light does not light, lights up while driving or lights all the time, there is a
system fault. Repair malfunctioning system. See DIAGNOSIS & TESTING
.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Observe following precautions when working with air bag systems:
When working around steering column components and before any repairs are performed, disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.
Before straightening any damage to body, or before performing electrical arc-welding, disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.
Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling a deployed air bag module. Air bag module may
contain sodium hydroxide deposits which are irritating to the skin.
DO NOT repair any portion of SRS wiring harness.
Always handle air bag module with trim cover away from your body. Always place air bag module on
workbench with trim cover up, away from loose objects.
DO NOT expose any SRS component to temperatures in excess of 212°F (100°C).
DO NOT expose any SRS component to cleaning agents such as solvents, gasoline, lye, etc.
DO NOT connect Hand-Held Tester (6511 0001 99) to Data Link Connector (DLC) with ignition on.
Damage to HHT may result.
DO NOT connect HHT (6511 0001 99) to vehicle if a battery charger is connected to vehicle battery.
Damage to HHT may result.
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM DISABLING SYSTEM
Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
. Turn ignition off.
Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Remove passenger foot mat. Remove passenger footrest.
Disconnect SRS system connector (X29/9) located at passenger footwell area. See Fig. 5
. System is now
disabled.

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If any part of SRS wiring harness is damaged, DO NOT repair wiring harness, replace complete wiring harness.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
(1)
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING
Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
. The control module is capable of diagnosing airbag
system components and ETR components. If a fault is detected by the control module or system is
malfunctioning, SRS warning light will do one or more of the following:
SRS warning light goes out after 2 minutes. System fault is noted, however occupant protection is not
affected. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
.
SRS warning light illuminates continuously. System is faulty which may result in a non deployment or
false deployment. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
.
SRS warning light blinks continuously. Control module has been replaced without setting control module
parameters.
RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
1. Check vehicle fuses. Replace any blown fuses as necessary. Ensure vehicle battery voltage is 11 volts or
more. Ensure SRS warning light functions. Turn ignition off. Connect Hand-Held Tester (HHT) (965 589
00 01) to Data Link Connector (DLC).
2. DLC is located in right rear corner of engine compartment. It may be necessary to use Adapter (965 589
00 40 or 965 589 00 50) to connect HHT to DLC. After HHT displays module number and version, press
return key to start diagnosis. Using HHT, follow HHT prompts to retrieve SRS fault codes.
3. HHT will display a 3 digit fault code, and may display additional graphic information. This additional
graphic information will help in diagnosis of fault code. See Fig. 6
. During diagnosis HHT will display 4
different graphic displays informing technician if a test passes or fails, or if seat belt buckle is latched or
not latched. See Fig. 6
.
4. These
graphic displays are displayed as applicable by HHT during testing. See FAULT CODES table.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Wheel Hub Bolt52-66 (70-90)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Driver Air Bag Module Bolts (Torx)44-62 (5-7)
(1)Torque specifications are not available for clockspring assembly, control module or passenger-side
air bag module.
NOTE: After component replacement, perform a system operation check to ensure
proper system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
NOTE: Fault codes may only be retrieved using Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01) and
Adapter (965 589 00 40 or 965 589 00 50).

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1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 7
Roadside assistance ......................... 10
Where to find it ................................ 14
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 16Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Center console .............................. 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 25
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 26
Central locking system ................... 26
Radio frequency
remote control .............................. 26
Unlocking the liftgate .................. 28
Panic button .................................. 28
Mechanical keys ........................... 29Doors ................................................. 30
Central locking switch .................... 32
Automatic central locking .......... 32
Emergency unlocking in case
of accident ................................... 33
Liftgate .............................................. 34
Antitheft alarm system ................... 35
Tow-away alarm and
glass breakage sensor ............... 36
Seats, front ....................................... 37
Manual seats ................................ 39
Power seats ................................... 40
Head restraint ...............................41
Heated seats ..................................... 44
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 46
Seat belts .......................................... 46
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 47
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 53
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special child
seat installed ................................ 53Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 54
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 55
Airbags .............................................. 56
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 63
Infant and child
restraint systems .......................... 65
Adjustable steering wheel .............. 70
Inside rear view mirror .................. 71
Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 73
Exterior rear view mirror,
electrically folding ....................... 75
Instrument cluster ........................... 76
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ...................... 78
Trip computer ................................... 83
Flexible service system (FSS) ........ 87
Engine oil level indicator ................ 89
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 90

2 Contents
Fog lamp switch
(except Canada) ........................... 92
Fog lamp switch
(Canada only) .............................. 93
Hazard warning flasher
switch ............................................ 94
Headlamp cleaning system ............ 94
Windshield wiper/washer
switch ............................................ 95
Rear window wiper/washer ........... 96
Climate control ................................. 98
Basic setting – Heater ............... 100
Basic setting –
Air conditioner ........................... 100
Special setting ............................ 101
Dust filter .................................... 102
Air recirculation ......................... 102
Rear window defroster .............. 103
Power windows ............................... 104
Rear quarter windows ................... 106
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 107
Skyview Top .................................... 109
Interior lighting ..............................110
Sun visors ........................................113Illuminated vanity mirrors ........... 113
Interior ............................................. 114
Storage compartments,
armrest and cup holder ............ 114
Glove box ...................................... 115
Armrest in rear bench seat ........... 117
Ashtrays ........................................... 118
Lighter .............................................. 119
Split rear seat bench ..................... 120
Easy entry/exit feature ............. 123
Rear seat head restraints ......... 124
Third row seats .............................. 126
Removable cargo floor plates ...... 129
Enlarged cargo area .......................131
Cargo tie-down rings .....................132
Hooks ...............................................133
Partition net ....................................133
Loading instructions ......................136
Cargo area cover blind ..................137
Telephone, general .........................139
Cellular telephone ..........................139
Garage door opener ....................... 140
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 146
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 147
Maintenance ................................... 147
Tele Aid ........................................... 148
Catalytic converter ........................ 160
Emission control ............................ 161
Steering lock ................................... 162
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 164
Automatic transmission ............... 165
Parking brake ................................. 173
Driving instructions ...................... 174
Drive sensibly – save fuel ......... 174
Drinking and driving ................. 174
Pedals ........................................... 174
Power assistance ........................ 175
Brakes .......................................... 175
Driving off ................................... 176
Parking ........................................ 176
Tires ............................................. 177