1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 seats

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7. Pull release lever (3) and unfold seat back until it
locks securely in place.
8. Install head restraint in seat back.
Note:
For removal and installation of head restraint refer to
rear seat head restraints on page 124.
To sto r e s ea t: 1. Remove head restraint from seat back.
2. Pull release lever (3) and fold seat back forward until it audibly locks securely in place. Place seat
belt between lever (3) and backrest.
3. Remove cargo floor plates from the backrest.
4. Pull seat release (4) and fold seat up. Engage hook (2) in ceiling mount. Pull on free end of strap
until tight.
5. Install head restraint in openings provided in seat cushion.
6. Install cargo floor plates, see page 129.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to assure that seats are locked into place
could result in an increased chance of injury in an
accident.Never place hands under seat or near any moving
parts while a seat is being adjusted.For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.Adjust head restraint to support the back of the
head approximately at ear level.

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Cargo tie-down rings Carefully secure cargo by applying even load on all
rings with rope of sufficient strength to hold down the
cargo. The cargo area is provided with four tie-down
anchors. Additional two rings are located at the rear of
front seats.
Caution!
While the partition net will help protect you from
smaller objects, it cannot prevent the movement of
large, heavier objects into the passenger area in an
accident. Such items must be properly secured using
the cargo tie-down rings in the cargo area floor.

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Hooks
Four hooks, located on the rear compartment trim
panels can be used to secure light weight items
(maximum permissible weight per hook: 9 lbs. [4 kg]). Partiti on net
(Optional)
Use of the partition net is a particularly important safety
factor when the vehicle is loaded higher than the top of
the seat backrests with smaller objects.
The partition net can be installed behind the backrests
of the front or rear seats.
Note:
Passenger use of seats behind installed partition net is
restricted because of the footwell being taken up by the
net.

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Installation: 1. Engage partition net in holders (1) and close rear cover. 2. Insert tie down hooks (2) in rings (3) behind the
front seats.
3. Pull on loose ends of tie downs until net is tight.
For installation behind the rear seats, see next page.

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Installation behind rear seats
1. Insert tie down hooks (2) in rings (3) behind the rear seats.
2. Pull on loose ends of tie downs until net is tight. Removal:
1. Lift tensioner (4) upward to a horizontal position to release tensioning of the strap.
2. Disengage tie down hooks (2) from rings (3).
3. Remove partition net from holders (1) and close the covers.
Storage: 1. Roll up and close partition net.
2. Store partition net behind rear seat bench.
Caution!
While the partition net will help protect you from
smaller objects, it cannot prevent the movement of
large, heavier objects into the passenger area in an
accident. Such items must be properly secured using
the cargo tie-down rings in the cargo area floor, see
page 132.

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Loading instructions
The total load weight including vehicle occupants and
luggage / cargo should not exceed the vehicle capacity
weight indicated on the certification label which can be
found on the left door pillar.
The handling characteristics of a fully loaded vehicle
depend greatly on the load distribution. It is therefore
recommended to load the vehicle according to the
illustrations shown, with the heaviest items being
placed towards the front of the vehicle. Always place items being carried against front or rear
seat backrests, and fasten them as securely as possible.
The heaviest portion of the cargo should always be kept
as low as possible against front or rear seat backrest
since it influences the handling characteristics of the
vehicle.
For additional safety when transporting cargo while the
rear seats are unoccupied, fasten the outer seat belts
crosswise into the opposite side buckles.

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Removing blind:
Pull right side mounting sleeve toward vehicle center
(arrow) until button (1) engages, and remove blind from
holders. Installing blind:
Place left side of blind in left mount. Position right side
of blind over right mount. Push button (1), releasing
mounting sleeve to slide into mount.
Notes:
A removable cap is fitted into the mount openings on
vehicles fitted with third row seats.
Passenger use of third row seats with cargo area cover
blind installed is restricted.
2

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Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the key from the steering
lock. Do not leave the key in steering lock position 0.
Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
while the key is in steering lock position 1 or 0.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the
alternator (output) is limited. It is therefore recommended that you turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system
may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window
defroster.