1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 index

97
Rear window wiper/washer
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Windshield wipers smear
If the windshield wipers smear the windshield, even
during rain, activate the washer system as often as
necessary. The fluid in the washer reservoir should be
mixed in the correct ratio.
Note:
For windshield and headlamp washer fluid mixing ratio
see page 237. Blocked windshield wipers
If the windshield wipers become blocked (for example,
due to snow), switch off the wipers.
For safety reasons before removing ice or snow, remove
key from steering lock. Remove blockage.
Activate windshield wiper / washer switch again (key in
steering lock position 1).

98
Climate control
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Climate control

99
Climate control
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
1
Air volume control switch
2 Temperature selector switch
3 Air distribution switch
4 Air recirculation
5 Air conditioning mode
6 Air volume control for center air outlets,
turn wheel up to open.
7 Air volume control for side air outlet,
turn wheel up to open.
8 Center air outlets, adjustable
9 Side air outlets, adjustable
10 Windshield air outlets
11 Floor outlets
The air conditioning mode only operates with the œ
button pushed, the air volume control switch set to
position 1 to 4, and the engine running. To quickly cool down the passenger compartment, turn
temperature selector switch fully to the left to
position O. Turn temperature selector to maintain
desired temperature.
The air conditioning mode removes considerable
moisture from the air during operation in the cooling
mode. It is normal for water to drip on the ground
through ducts in the underbody.
Important!
This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner system
that uses R–134a (HFC: hydrof luorocarbon) as a
refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a
qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected
in a recovery system for recycling.
Note:
For the air flow-through system to function properly, the
air vents, located in the left and right side rear
passenger compartment trim panel covers, should be
ke pt un obst ru cte d .

100
Climate control
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Basic setting - Heater
Select temperature.
Select air volume with control switch Q, set at least
to position 2 to prevent windows from fogging up.
Set air distribution control switch to position shown
above.
Turn wheels (7) to position l to open left and right
side air outlets (9). Adjust air outlets upward.
Open center air outlets as desired. Basic setting - Air Conditioner
Switch on air conditioner with control button œ.
Select temperature.
Select air volume with control switch Q, set at least
to position 1.
Set air distribution control switch to position a.
Open side air outlets.
Open center air outlets.

101
Climate control
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Special setting (use only for short duration)
Defrosting windshield
Set temperature selector and switches for air volume
and air distribution to position P.
Turn wheels (7) to position l to open left and right
side air outlets (9). Adjust air outlets upward.
Close center air outlets. Defogging windows
Windows fogged up on inside.
Switch on air conditioning mode with control œ.
Switch off air recirculation O. Indicator lamp in
button goes out.
Set air distribution control switch to position c.
Increase air volume with control switch.
Turn side air outlet wheels (7) to position l.
Close center air outlets.

102
Climate control
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Windshield fogged up on outside.
Switch on wiper motor.
Set air distribution control switch to position d
or a .
Dust filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out
before outside air enters the passenger compartment
through the air distribution system.
Note:
Keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of
snow and debris.
Climate control – OFF
To switch the climate control off, set air volume control
switch to position 0.
Switch off air conditioning mode œ. Control lamp in
button goes out. Air recirculation
This mode can be selected to temporarily reduce the
entry of annoying odors or dust into the vehicle’s
interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the vehicles’s interior.
To select, press O button. Indicator lamp in button
lights up.
To cancel, press O button again. Indicator lamp in
button goes out.
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch
from recirculated air back to fresh air.

103
Climate control
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Rear window defroster
The switch is located on the center console.
With the engine running, press upper half of the switch.
Indicator lamp in switch comes on.
To cancel, press upper half of the switch again. Indicator
lamp in switch goes out. Notes:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed
before activating the defroster.
The rear window defroster consumes a large amount of
electrical power. To keep the battery drain to a
minimum, turn off the defroster as soon as the window
is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after
approximately 10 to 18 minutes of operation, dependent
on the outside temperature.
If several power consumers are turned on
simultaneously, or the battery is only partially charged,
it is possible that the rear window defroster will
automatically turn itself off. When this happens, the
indicator lamp inside the switch starts blinking for
approximately 30 seconds. If within this time the
battery has sufficient voltage, the rear window defroster
automatically turns itself back on.
After approximately 30 seconds without sufficient
voltage the rear window defroster switches off (indicator
lamp goes out).

104
Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
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Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Power w indows
Power window switches located on front center console 1 left, front
2 right, front
3 left, rear
4 right, rear
5 Switch for rear door window override Power window switches located on rear center console
6 individual switches (rear doors)