1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 light

311 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Light alloy wheels ..................................................... 281
Rims and tires ...........................................................288
Where to find it ................................................................ 14
Window wiper/washer, rear .......................................... 96
Windshield washer/headlamp cleaning system
Refilling ......................................................................236
Windshield wiper/washer switch ................................. 95
Winter driving ................................................................ 181
Winter driving instructions ......................................... 180
Wiper blade
Replacing ....................................................................275

Service and Literature
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center has trained technicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts
to service your vehicle properly. For expert advice and quality service, see your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
If your are interested in obtaining service literature for your vehicle, please contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center. We consider this the best way for you to obtain accurate information for your vehicle.
For further information you can find us on the Mercedes-Benz web-sites www.mbusa.com and www.mbusi.com.
We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of this
Operator’s Manual. Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted without our prior
authorization in writing.
Title illustration no. P00.00-3059-26
Press time 10/31/00
MBNA/TI
Printed in the U.S.A.
Wa r n i n g !
To help avoid personal injury, be extremely careful when performing any service work or repairs. Improper
or incomplete service or the use of incorrect or inappropriate parts or materials may damage the vehicle or its
equipment, which may in turn result in personal injury.
If you have any question about carrying out some service, turn to the advice of an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.

2000-01 ACCESSORIES/SA FETY EQUIPMENT
Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
All models are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Syst em (SRS). The main components of SRS are driver-
side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, si de air bag modules (located in doors), SRS control
module, side air bag sensors, SRS warning light, driver knee bolster, pa ssenger knee bolster, and Emergency
Tensioning Retractor (ETR) seat belt assembly. Additionally, some vehicles may be equipped with head impact
(curtain type) air bags (located ar ound door windows behind door frame trims).
Both SRS and ETR are electronically activated by a single control module. There are 2 thresholds which must
be exceeded to trigger an ETR acti on, air bag deployment, or both. If a moderately severe frontal collision
occurs exceeding first triggering thre shold where protection from safety belt is sufficient, only Emergency
Tensioning Retractor (ETR) is activated if safety belt is buckled. If a moderately severe frontal collision occurs
exceeding first triggering threshold where protection from safety belt is sufficient, but safety belt is not buckled,
air bag is deployed and ETR is not activated.
If a severe frontal collision occurs exceeding second triggering threshold where protection from safety belt is
insufficient, air bag is deploye d. ETR is activated if safety belt is buckled. If safety belt is not buckled, ETR is
not activated when second triggering threshold is reached. Passenger air bag will deploy even if passenger seat
is not occupied when a triggering thre shold is exceeded. If during a severe frontal collision the power supply is
interrupted, the driver and passenger air bag can still be deployed, but ETR cannot be activated.
The side air bag on the driver-side deploys whenever th e driver-side air bag module is deployed and when there
is a substantial side impact crash. The air bag on the pa ssenger-side will activate only when a sensor (Occupied
Seat Recognition Sensor) in the passenger seat sends a si gnal to the SRS control module that the passenger-side
seat is occupied. During a collision, the side air bag will then deploy.
COMPONENT LOCATIONS NOTE: The following 2000 in
formation represents the latest information available at
time of publication and m ay be useful in diagnosing 2001 vehicles. 2001 wiring
diagrams have been included at the end of this article.
WARNING: Accidental air bag deployment is pos sible. Personal injury may result.
Read and follow all WARNINGS and AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

before working on ai r bag system or related components.

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
2000-01 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Merc edes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
2000-01 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems
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Fig. 1: Locating Restraint System Components (2000 E Class Shown; Others Are Similar)
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
SERVICING
SRS AIR BAG label on driver-side door latch post indicates SRS replacement date for driver and passenger air
bag units. All SRS components must be thoroughly insp ected, including wiring harness. Before component
replacement, check for SRS fault codes by performing system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION
CHECK . SRS service life is 10 years from manufactured date, or 10 years from SRS replacement date after
accident related repairs are completed.
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
SRS warning light indicates air ba g and Emergency Tensioning Retracto r (ETR) system readiness. Turn
ignition on. SRS warning light will illuminate, then turn off after approximately 4-20 seconds indicating system
is functioning properly. If SRS warning light does not illuminate, illuminates while driving or is continuously
illuminated, there is a system faul t. Repair malfunctioning system. See DIAGNOSTICS
.
AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Observe following precautions when working with air bag systems:
When working around steering column components and be fore 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 ha ndling a deployed air bag module. Air bag module may
contain sodium hydroxide deposits wh ich 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 temp eratures in excess of 212 F (100 C).
DO NOT expose any SRS component to cleaning agen ts 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.
ADJUSTMENTS
If fixing screws were not used durin g clockspring removal or clockspring was rotated during removal, turn
clockspring clockwise until resistance is detectable. Turn clockspring counterclockwise 2-2.5 turns until fixing
screws can be unscrewed holdi ng clockspring in this position.
DISABLING & ACTIVATI NG AIR BAG SYSTEM

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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. Move away from ve hicle 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 push button and ignition push button simultane ously. 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 ro tary knob on trigger device to position No. 2. Push
battery check push button and igni tion push button simultaneously. Tr igger 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, passe nger air bag module is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG
-
ETR .
6. To deploy passenger air bag detonator No. 2, turn ro tary knob on trigger device to position No. 3. Push
battery check push button and igni tion push button simultaneously. Tr igger 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, passe nger air bag module is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG
-
ETR .
UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG-ETR
After deploying procedures and-or diagnostic testing have confirmed air bag module and-or ETR is
undeployable, contact vehicle manufacture r for proper disposal instructions.
POST-COLLISION INSPECTION
When a vehicle has been involved in a collision, certain components of the passive restraint system must be
inspected or replaced. See AIR BAG/SRS COMPONENT INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT TABLES

article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, See AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATI NG 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) countercl ockwise until clockspring cannot be rotated. Remove clockspring
mountin
g screws as necessary. Disconnect all necessary electrical connectors. Remove clockspring
WARNING:
Accidental air bag deployment is pos sible. Personal injury may result.
Read and follow all WARNINGS and AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

before working on ai r bag system or related components.

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Disconnect passenger-side air bag module squib connector. Remove 4 passenger-side air bag module
mounting nuts.
2. To install, reverse removal proc edure. Ensure passenger-side air bag module squib connector audibly
clicks when connecting connector. 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 AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATI NG AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Remove ignition key. Remove 2 central
mounting bolts for passenger-side air bag module. Li ft air bag module enough to unplug connector from
rear of module. Place module away fr om work area, with pad facing upward.
2. If necessary to replace passenger air bag instal lation frame, remove 4 frame mounting bolts. Remove
installation frame from vehicle.
3. To install air bag module or inst allation frame, reverse removal proc edure. Activate air bag system.
Perform system operation check to ensu re system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION
CHECK .
Removal & Installation (S Class)
1. Before proceeding, See AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATI NG AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Remove ignition key. Open glove box door.
Remove 4 clips securing glove bo x. Remove glove box compartment. When removing compartment,
disconnect glove box light. Remove glove box door lock striker.
2. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module squib c onnector. Remove 4 passenger-side air bag module
mounting nuts. Remove passenger- side air bag module through glove box opening. Place module away
from work area with pad facing up.
3. To install, reverse removal proc edure. Ensure module squib connector audibly clicks when connecting
connector. 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 AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATI NG AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Remove ignition key. Remove cover below
instrument panel. Remove one bolt in installation slot of center air outlet, and one bolt below right air
outlet.
2. Remove air bag panel (3 Phillips screws and 2 hex bol ts). Unplug connector at squib of passenger-side air
bag unit. Remove mounting bo lts. Pull off and take air bag out of panel opening.
3. To install air bag module, reverse removal procedur e. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation
check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
Removal & Installation (CLK 320)
1. Before proceeding, See AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATI NG AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Remove ignition key. Remove instrument panel.
Disconnect passen
ger-side air bag module connector. Remove 4 screws and passenger-side air bag

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module.
2. To install air bag module, reverse removal procedur e. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation
check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
Removal & Installation (SLK 320)
1. Before proceeding, See AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATI NG 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 procedur e. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation
check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
DIAGNOSTICS
Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
. The SRS control module is capable of
diagnosing air bag system components and ETR components. If a fault is detected by the SRS 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 cont inuously. System is faulty which may result in a non deployment or
false deployment. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
.
SRS warning light blinks continuous ly. Control module has been replaced without setting control module
parameters.
RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
1. Check vehicle fuses. Replace any blown fuses as nece ssary. Ensure vehicle battery voltage is 11 volts or
more. Ensure SRS warning light functions. Turn i gnition 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 comp artment. It may be necessary to use Adapter (965 589
00 40 or 965 589 00 50) to connect HHT to DLC. Afte r HHT displays module number and version, press
return key to start diagnosis. Us ing HHT, follow HHT prompts to re trieve SRS fault codes. For SRS
control modules beginning with number 000, fault c ode 1 is valid. For SRS control modules beginning
with number 001, fault code 2 is valid. See Fig. 6
.
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. 5
. During diagnosis HHT will display 4
different graphic displays info rming technician if a test passes or fail s, or if seat belt buckle is latched or
NOTE: After component replacement, perf
orm a system operation check to ensure
proper system operation. S ee SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
NOTE: Fault codes may only be retrieved us ing Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01) and
Adapter (965 589 00 40 or 965 589 00 50).

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Fig. 9: Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Memory (2000 Models-4 Of 4)
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
CLEARING FAULT CODES
Connect Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01) to Data Link Connector (DLC). 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 displa ys module number and version, press return key to start sequence. Using HHT,
follow HHT prompts to clear SRS faul t codes. SRS codes are clear when ignition is turned on and SRS warning
light functions normally. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
UNDERSTANDING DIAGNOSTIC CHART INFORMATION
SRS & ETR Diagnosis Chart Column Identification
First column of chart identifies TEST STEP (1.0 for example). See Fig. 10 . Second column of chart identifies
HHT fault code (017, 003 for example). First code in column is for ve hicles without side air bags. Second code
in column (when listed) is for ve hicles with side air bags only. Ot her 5 columns are self-explanatory.
Using SRS & ETR Diagnosis Chart
For reading and understanding fault code diagnosis chart, use the following example: Read test step 3.0 (first
column), HHT fault Code 002, 004 (second column). See Fig. 10
. Read TEST SCOPE-HHT ACTUAL
VALUE NO.-TEXT column (third column). Driver-side air bag squib connector R12-3 is being tested. HHT
will identify if problem is with too much resistance or not enough resistance in driver-side air bag squib circuit.
Read TEST CONDITION column (fifth column). Test ci rcuit with HHT connected to DLC, with ignition in
position "2". Read NOMINAL VALUE-HHT DISPLAY column (sixth column). HHT will display a check or
an "F". If HHT displays a check, circuit is okay. If HHT displays an "F", go to step 3.1.
Read TEST CONNECTION (NOT FOR HHT) column (fort h column). Driver-Side air bag squib connector
R12-3, terminals No. 1 and 2 are id entified. Read TEST CONDITION column. Test circuit with HHT
connected to DLC and igni tion key removed. Remove driver-side air bag module. Disconnect driver-side air
bag module squib connector R12-3. Conn ect Resistance Substitution Unit (124 589 09 63) to driver-side air bag
module squib connector (harness side). Set resistance substitution unit to 2 ohms. Turn ignition key to position
"2". Read NOMINAL VALUE-HHT DISPLAY column. If HHT displa
ys a check, replace driver-side air bag
NOTE: Refer to table to properly identify components or connectors being tested. See
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
table.

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