1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 check oil

301
Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Brake fluid ............................................................. 175, 294
Brake warning lamp ................................................. 219
Capacity ......................................................................293
Brake pad wear indicator .............................................225
Brake warning lamp ...................................................... 219 Brake fluid low .......................................................... 219
Brakes ....................................................173, 175, 293, 294
CCapacities Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ...............................292
Cargo area ....................................................................... 131 Hooks .......................................................................... 133
Loading instructions ................................................ 136
Cargo area cover blind .................................................. 137
Cargo compartment lamp .............................................. 111
Cargo floor plates
Removable .................................................................. 129
Storage ........................................................................ 130
Cargo tie-down rings ..................................................... 132
Catalytic converter ........................................................ 160
Cellular telephone ......................................................... 139
Center console .................................................................. 20
Central locking switch .................................................... 32 Central locking system .................................................... 26
Automatic central locking .........................................32
Locking and unlocking ............................................... 27
Mechanical keys ..........................................................29
Panic button .................................................................28
Remote control ............................................................26
Unlocking the liftgate ................................................. 28
Vehicle keys .................................................................24
Changing wheels ........................................................... 245 Inflating the space-saver tire ................................. 249
Charge indicator lamp .................................................. 223
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator lamp ............ 218
Check regularly and before a long trip ....................... 215
Checking engine oil level Via engine oil level indicator ....................................89
Via oil dipstick .......................................................... 233
Child restraint ..............................................38, 46, 53, 65
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ................................ 278
Climate control .................................................................98 Air recirculation ........................................................102
Basic setting ...............................................................100
Defogging windows ................................................... 101
Defrosting windshield .............................................. 101
Dust filter ...................................................................102
Rear window defroster ............................................. 103
Special settings ......................................................... 101

303
Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Emission control label ..................................................285
Engine compartment ..................................................... 231
Engine malfunction CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator lamp ....... 218
Engine oil additives .......................................................294
Engine oil consumption ................................................234
Engine oil level Checking ............................................................. 89, 233
Warning ......................................................................224
Engine oil level indicator ................................................ 89
Engine oils ......................................................................294 Capacities ...................................................................292
Low engine oil level warning ..................................224
Engine overheating ......................................................... 81
Engine speed limit Overrevving ................................................................. 82
Enlarged cargo area ....................................................... 131
Entrance lamps ...............................................................112
ESP LOW RANGE — ESP ..................................................208
ESP (Electronic stability program) ..............................205 Control switch ...........................................................207
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 221
Synchronizing ...........................................................206
Warning lamp ............................................................ 221 ETR (Emergency tensioning retractor) .........................55
ETS (4-ETS+) .................................................................. 203 LOW RANGE – 4-ETS+ ............................................ 204
Exterior lamp switch .......................................................90
Exterior lamps ............................................................... 260 Adjusting headlamp aim ......................................... 268
Auxiliary fog lamp ............................................. 92, 264
Fog lamps .....................................................................93
Headlamp assembly ......................................... 261, 262
Headlamps .................................90, 261, 262, 268, 280
High mounted stop lamp ......................................... 267
License plate lamps ................................................. 267
Low and high beam ............................................90, 263
Parking lamp ...................................................... 90, 264
Replacing bulbs ........................................................ 260
Side marker lamp ..................................................... 264
Standing lamp .....................................................90, 264
Taillamp assemblies ................................................ 265
Turn signal lamp ................................................90, 264
Turn signal lamp, side ............................................. 266
Exterior rear view mirrors ..............................................73 Electrically folding ...................................................... 75

DO NOT expose any SRS component to temperatures in excess of 212°F (100°C).
DO NOT expose any SRS component to grease, oil or cleaning agents.
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
DISABLING SYSTEM
Turn ignition off and remove key. Disconnect negative battery cable and shield cable end. Disconnect SRS
control module electrical connector.
ACTIVATING SYSTEM
Connect SRS control module electrical connector. Ensure no one is in vehicle. Turn ignition on. Connect
negative battery cable. Go to SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
Several situations may arise requiring some form of disposal action, including:
Scrapping a vehicle containing deployed air bag modules and ETRs.
Scrapping a vehicle with live air bag modules and ETRs.
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 modules and ETRs can be disposed of like any other part.
SCRAPPED VEHICLE
Undeployed air bag modules and ETRs CANNOT be disposed of without first being deployed. Contact
manufacturer for additional information.
UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG OR ETR
Undeployed air bag modules and Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) seat belts CANNOT be disposed of
without first being deployed. Contact manufacturer for additional information.
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

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320
2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:32:07 PMPage 3 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Observe these precautions when servicing the air bag system:
When working around SRS components and before any re pairs are performed, disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATI NG 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.
Always use control module and impact sensors made by same manufacturer. Using components produced
by different manufacturers could cause acc idental air bag or ETR deployment.
DO NOT repair any portion of SRS wiring harness.
If any SRS component is dropped from a height greater than 1.6 feet (0.5 m), it must be replaced.
If SRS components show signs of damage, they must be replaced.
Always handle air bag module with tr im cover facing 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 grease, oil or cleaning agents.
DISABLING & ACTIVATI NG AIR BAG SYSTEM
DISABLING SYSTEM
Turn ignition off and remove key. Disconnect ne gative battery cable and shield cable end.
ACTIVATING SYSTEM
Ensure no one is in vehicle. Turn ignition on. Connect negative battery cable. Go to SYSTEM OPERATION
CHECK .
DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
Several situations may arise requiring so me form of disposal action, including:
Scrapping a vehicle containing deployed air bag modules and ETRs.
Scrapping a vehicle with live air bag modules and ETRs.
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 MODULE OR EMERGENCY TENSIONING RETRACTOR (ETR)
Deployed air bag modules and ETRs can be disposed of like any other part.
SCRAPPED VEHICLE

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
2004 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Merce des-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:40:40 PMPage 2 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

ContentsOperation......................................... 191
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 192
Driving instructions ............................ 193
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 193
Drinking and driving ..................... 193
Pedals .......................................... 193
Power assistance ......................... 193
Brakes .......................................... 194
Driving off..................................... 195
Parking ......................................... 196
Tires ............................................. 196
Hydroplaning ................................ 197
Tire traction .................................. 197
Tire speed rating .......................... 198
Winter driving instructions ........... 198
Standing water ............................. 200
Off-road driving ............................ 200
Trailer towing ............................... 206
Passenger compartment .............. 211
Driving abroad .............................. 211
Control and operation of
radio transmitters......................... 211
Catalytic converter ....................... 212
Emission control........................... 212
Coolant temperature .................... 213At the gas station .............................. 214
Refueling ...................................... 214
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 215
Engine compartment ......................... 217
Hood ............................................ 217
Engine oil ..................................... 218
Transmission fluid level ................ 222
Coolant ........................................ 222
Battery ......................................... 223
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 224
Tires and wheels ................................ 226
Important guidelines .................... 226
Life of tire..................................... 227
Direction of rotation ..................... 227
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 227
Rotating wheels ........................... 228
Winter driving .................................... 230
Winter tires .................................. 230
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 231
Snow chains ................................. 231Maintenance...................................... 232
Clearing the service indicator ...... 232
Service term exceeded ................ 233
Calling up the service indicator .... 233
Resetting the service indicator .... 233
Vehicle care....................................... 234
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 234
Practical hints................................. 241
What to do if … .................................. 242
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 242
Additional indicators in the
speedometer display.................... 256
Where will I find ...? ........................... 257
First aid kit ................................... 257
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 257
Spare wheel (space-saver tire) ..... 259
Unlocking / locking in an emergency . 261
Unlocking the vehicle................... 261
Locking the vehicle ...................... 262
Changing batteries in the
remote control ............................. 262
Fuel filler flap ............................... 263
Manually unlocking the
transmission gear selector lever .. 264

201 Operation
Driving instructions
Special driving features for off-road
driving
The following driving features are available
for specific kind of operation:

LOW RANGE mode (
page 125)


LOW RANGE – ABS (
page 77)


LOW RANGE – 4-ETS (
page 80)


LOW RANGE – ESP (
page 81)
Off-road driving rules
Engage the LOW RANGE mode before driv-
ing under off-road conditions
(
page 125).
Fasten items being carried as securely as
possible (
page 157).Checklist before off-road driving
Tires


Check the tread depth and maintain
specified tire pressure (see tire pres-
sure label inside the fuel filler flap).


Check tires for possible damage and
remove foreign objects.


Replace missing valve caps.
iWe recommend keeping doors, liftgate,
windows, and sliding / pop-up roof*
closed whenever driving in off-road
mode.
!Observe the following during off-road
driving:

Adjust vehicle speed to condition of
terrain. The more uneven, rutty and
steeper the terrain, the lower the
speed should be


Watch out for obstacles, such as
rocks, holes, tree stumps and ruts.


Be especially careful when driving
in unknown territory. It may be nec-
essary to get out of the vehicle and
scout the path you intend to take.


Before driving through water, deter-
mine is depth.


Do not stop vehicle while immersed
in water, and do not shut off the
engine.


In sandy soil, please drive at a
steady speed as allowed by condi-
tions. This helps overcome the vehi-
cle rolling resistance and reduces
the likelihood of the vehicle sinking
into the ground.


Do not initiate jumps with the vehi-
cle. It interrupts the forward mo-
mentum of the vehicle.


Always drive onto slopes with the
the engine running and the vehicle
in gear.

202 OperationDriving instructionsRims

Dented or bent rims can cause tire
pressure loss and damage the tire
beads. For this reason, check and, if
necessary, change rims before driving
off-road.
Vehicle tool kit


Check if the vehicle jack is functional.


In all cases take the vehicle tool kit, a
strong tow rope, a shovel and a small
plank (to put under the vehicle jack on
sandy soil) with you.
Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle1 25°
226°

Switch to LOW RANGE mode before
starting to drive up or down steep in-
clines (
page 125).


Driving on embankments, slopes and
other steep inclines should only be
done straight up or downhill, i.e. in the
line of gravity. Maximum vehicle climb-
ing ability is a 60% grade.


Do not drive along the side of a slope
(danger of vehicle rollover). If in doing
so, the vehicle begins to show a ten-
dency to roll, immediately steer into a
line of gravity (straight up or downhill).


To help avoid the vehicle rolling over,
never turn it around on steep inclines.
If the vehicle cannot complete the at-
tempted climb, back it down in reverse
gear.


Utilize the engine’s braking power
when descending a slope, observe the
engine speed (do not overview the en-
gine). Apply the service brake as need-
ed.


Check the brakes after a lengthy down-
grade drive.
Traction in steep terrain


Be easy on the accelerator and watch
for continuous wheel traction when
driving in steep terrain.
The 4-ETS helps greatly when starting
out on a steep incline when the front
wheels have then the tendency to slip
due to the weight shifting away the
front axle.iAvoid excessive engine speeds – drive
with moderate engine speeds
(max. 3000 RPM).
Select gear range2 or1 on the auto-
matic transmission (
page 121).

206 OperationDriving instructionsOff-road driving increases strain on the
vehicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehi-
cle for possible damage after each off-road
trip. Recognizing any damage and a subse-
quent timely repair reduces the chance of
a possible breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:

Switch off the LOW RANGE mode
(page 125).


Remove excessive dirt from tires,
wheels, wheel housings, and under-
body.
For instance, after driving in mud, clean
the radiator, chassis, engine, brakes,
and wheels from extreme dirt using a
strong jet of water.


Inspect frame, oil pan, brake hoses,
etc., as well as vehicle underbody for
possible damage.


Check tires for possible damage, clean
all exterior lamps, and conduct a brake
test.


Check for brush or branches caught in
the undercarriage.
They could increase the possibility of a
fire, as well as cut fuel and / or brake
lines, puncture rubber bellows of the
axles or drive shafts.


After continued operation in mud,
sand, water or other dirty conditions
clean the brake discs, wheels, brake
pads and check and clean axle joints.
Trailer towingWarning!
G
Failure to use proper equipment and driving
technique can result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol when towing a trailer.
Improper towing or failure to follow the in-
structions contained in this guide can result
in serious injury. Follow the guidelines be-
low carefully to assure safe trailer operation.
Ask your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center should you require an explana-
tion of information contained in this guide.