1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 check engine

219 Operation
Engine compartment
Checking engine oil level via display
When checking the oil level the vehicle
must

be parked on level ground


be at normal operating temperature


have been stationary for at least five
minutes with the engine turned off
To check the engine oil level via the display
in the speedometer, do the following:

Turn the key in the steering lock to
position2.
1Button
2Display in speedometer

Wait until the display
------
appears in
the speedometer display2.

Within one second press button1
twice.
One of the following messages will
subsequently appear in the display:

OIL i.OThe oil level is correct. Engine oil
does not to be added.


– 1.0 L
Add 1.0 liter of engine oil.


– 1.5 L
Add 1.5 liters of engine oil.


– 2.0 L
Add 2.0 liters of engine oil.
For adding engine oil see (
page 302).
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(
page 300) and (
page 301).Other display messages
If there is excess engine oil with the engine
at normal operating temperature, the
following message will appear in the
display:
OIL HIThe oil level is too high.
Have excess oil siphoned.!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

220 OperationEngine compartmentThe display
------
flashes in the
speedometer display, if a proper oil level
check cannot be performed.

If engine is at normal operating
temperature, wait five minutes before
repeating check procedure.

If engine is not yet at normal operating
temperature, wait 30 minutes before
repeating check procedure.
See the “Practical hints” section
(
page 253) if the low engine oil level
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes.Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick
When checking the oil level the vehicle
must


be parked on level ground


be at normal operating temperature


have been stationary for at least five
minutes with the engine turned off
To check the engine oil level with the oil
dipstick, do the following:

Open the hood (
page 217).

Pull out oil dipstick1 (
page 221).

Wipe oil dipstick1 clean.

Fully insert oil dipstick1 into the
dipstick guide tube.

Pull out oil dipstick1 again after
approximately three seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
Oil dipstickThe oil level is correct when it is between
the lower (min) and upper (max) mark of
the oil dipstick.
iPerform the engine oil level check with
the dipstick if it cannot be completed
via the speedometer display
(page 220).
In this case we recommend that you
have the system checked at a
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
iThe engine oil level can be checked by
either the oil dipstick or via the
speedometer display in the instrument
cluster (
page 219). The amount of
engine oil needed is shown more
precisely in the speedometer display.

221 Operation
Engine compartment

If necessary, add engine oil.
For adding engine oil see (
page 221).
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(
page 300) and (
page 301).
See the “Practical hints” section
(
page 253) if the low engine oil level
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes.Adding engine oil
1Oil dipstick
2Filler cap

Unscrew filler cap2 from filler neck.

Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
iThe filling quantity between the upper
and lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
!Only use approved engine oils. For a
listing of approved engine oils, refer to
the Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet in your vehicle literature port-
folio.
In addition, check the oil filler cap for
important information pertaining to the
engine oil needing to meet a specific
Mercedes-Benz specification
(e.g. MB 229.5). If such information is
printed on the oil filler cap, only use an
engine oil from the list of approved en-
gine oils in the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet that meets the
specification indicated on the oil filler
cap. Using engine oils of other specifi-
cation may cause the FSS to incorrect-
ly determine the next service interval
and will result in engine damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.


222 OperationEngine compartment
Screw filler cap2 back on filler neck.
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(
page 300) and (
page 301).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center check the automatic trans-
mission.Coolant
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion / antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.


Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if engine temperature is above
194°F (90°C). Allow engine to cool
down before removing cap. The coolant
reservoir contains hot fluid and is under
pressure.


Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately ½ turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure.


Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.


223 Operation
Engine compartment
1Cap
2COLD LEVEL mark
The coolant level should reach the COLD
LEVEL mark2 in the reservoir.

Using a rag, turn the cap slowly approx-
imately one half turn to the left to re-
lease any excess pressure.

Continue turning the cap to the left and
remove it.

Add coolant as required.

Replace and tighten cap.
More information on coolant can be found
in the “Technical data” section
(
page 304).
Battery
The battery is located in the engine com-
partment.
The battery should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve its rated ser-
vice life. Refer to Service Booklet for bat-
tery maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for
short-distance trips, you will need to have
the battery charge checked more frequent-
ly.When replacing batteries, always use bat-
teries approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center about steps you need to observe.
iIf the engine is already at its regular op-
erating temperature, the coolant may
be approximately 0.6 in (1.5 cm) above
the COLD LEVEL mark.
G
Observe all safety instructions
and precautions when handling
automotive batteries.
A
Risk of explosion
D
Keep flames or sparks away
from battery. Do not smoke.
B
Battery acid is caustic. Do not
allow it to come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with clear
water and seek medical help if
necessary.

230 OperationWinter driving
Winter drivingBefore the onset of winter, have your vehi-
cle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. This
service includes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a premixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze which is formulated
for temperatures below freezing point
(page 307).


Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to ensure
that the engine can be started even at
low ambient temperatures.


Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the
winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, ESP, 4-ETS, and
EBP in winter operation.
For safe handling, ensure that all winter
tires mounted are of the same make and
have the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

231 Operation
Winter driving
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block
heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km / h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.Observe the following guidelines when
using snow chains:


Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel / tire combinations.


Snow chains should only be used on all
four wheels. With only two chains avail-
able, they should be mounted on the
rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz. Your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will be glad to advise you on this
subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP
(page 81) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the
vehicle’s traction.

244 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
É
The red brake warning lamp
comes on while driving.
There is insufficient brake fluid in the reser-
voir.

Risk of accident! Carefully stop the
vehicle and notify an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not
solve the problem.
É
The red brake warning lamp
comes on while driving and you
hear a warning sound.
You are driving with the parking brake set.

Release the parking brake
(page 47).
Warning!
G
Driving with the brake warning lamp illumi-
nated can result in an accident. Have your
brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Don’t add
brake fluid before checking the brake sys-
tem. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You
can be seriously burned.
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks.