1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 check engine light

297 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index the engine temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution. Therefore, do not
use more than this amount of anticorrosion / antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and MB anticorrosion/
antifreeze should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet minimum
requirements, which are usually satisfied by normal
drinking water. If your are not sure about the water
quality, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. The
use of aluminum components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion / antifreeze coolant used
in such engines be specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/
antifreeze coolant will result in a significantly
shortened service life.)
Therefore the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle: Mercedes-Benz
Anticorrosion / antifreeze agent.Before the start of the winter season (or once a year in
the hot southern regions), you should have the
anticorrosion / antifreeze concentration checked. The
coolant is also regularly checked each time you bring
your vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for service.
Anticorrosion / antifreeze quantity
Approx. freeze protection
– 35°F
(– 37°C)– 49°F
(– 45°C)
6.4 US qt
(6.0 l)7. 0 U S q t
(6.6 l)

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).

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
2000-01 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Merc edes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:44:45 PMPage 15 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

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.

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
2000-01 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Merc edes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:44:46 PMPage 20 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

89
Engine oil level indicator
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Engine oil level indicator
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check oil level approximately 5 minutes after stopping
the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the oil pan.
Turn the key in steering lock to position 2 and wait until
the display “––––––” appears in the odometer display
field.
Within 1 second press button (1) twice. The following messages are available:
“OIL i.O”
No oil needs to be added.
“–1.0 L”
“–1.5 L”
“–2.0 L”
Add oil to upper (max) mark of the dipstick.
See page 233 for instructions on adding engine oil.
“OIL HI”
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive 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.
The display “––––––” flashes in the odometer display
field if a proper oil level check cannot be performed. The
engine oil level check can be repeated after a short time.
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick, if it
cannot be completed via the odometer display field.
See page 233.
In this case we recommend that you have the system
checked at a Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

147
The first 1 000 miles
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the
break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle
during the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) at moderate
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle
driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended
to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend that you select positions “3”, “2” or “1”
only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) speeds may be gradually
increased to the permissible maximum. Maintenance
Approximately 30 days or 2 000 miles
(Canada: 2000 km) prior to the next recommended
service, the remaining distance or days are displayed in
the multifunction indicator. See Flexible Service System
(FSS) on page 87.
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle
serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center, in accordance with the Service Booklet at the
times called for by the FSS.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance
with the Service Booklet at the designated times /
mileage may result in vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Check regularly and before a long trip, see page 215.

164
Starting and turning off the engine
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Starting and turning off the engine
Before starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector
lever is in position “P” or “N”. Turn key in steering lock
to position 2. The charge indicator lamp should come on.
Starting
Do not depress accelerator.
Briefly turn key in steering lock clockwise to the stop
and release. The starter will engage until the engine is
running.
If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops,
turn key completely to the left and repeat starting the
engine.
After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system
checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
A starting procedure can be interrupted by turning the
key to steering lock position 0. Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat feature, the key
must be turned completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -4 °F
(-20 °C) we recommend that an engine block heater be
installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will advise you on this subject.
Note:
In case the engine cannot be started and the
messages Á and î are shown in the odometer
display field, the system is not operational. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100
(in Canada).
Turning off
Turn the key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop the
engine.
The key can only be removed with the selector lever in
position “P”.

172
Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Emergency operation (Limp home mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating
in Limp home mode which engages when there is a
malfunction of the transmission. This condition may be
accompanied by the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the 2nd gear or reverse gear can be
activated. To engage 2nd gear or reverse:
1. Sto p t h e v e h i c l e .
2. Move selector lever to position “P”.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move selector lever to position “D” (for 2nd gear), or move selector lever to position “R” (for reverse gear).
Have the transmission checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

175
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Power assistance
Brakes The condition of the parking brake system is checked
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required
maintenance service.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on and there is no
audible warning (EBP), the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the
reason for low brake f luid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately.
All checks and service work on the brake system should
be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by
Mercedes-Benz.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep enough
to wet brake components, the first braking action
may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal
pressure may be necessary to obtain expected
braking effect. Be sure to maintain a safe distance
from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time
to avoid an accident.
Wa r n i n g !
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake fluid
is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be
degraded to an extent that safe braking is
substantially impaired. This could result in an
accident.