1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 instrument panel

228
First aid kit
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Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
First aid kit
All except model ML 55 AMG:
The first aid kit is located behind the cover in the left
rear cargo compartment trim panel.
Turn both handles (1) left and open cover.
Model ML 55 AMG:
The first aid kit is stored inside the spare wheel cover
located in the cargo compartment.
Open buckles and remove spare wheel cover,
see page 242. Fuses
Before replacing a blown fuse, determine the cause of
the short circuit.
Spare fuses and a special fuse puller are supplied inside
the fuse box cover. Observe amperage and color of fuse.
Always use a new fuse for replacement. Never attempt to
repair or bridge a blown fuse.
A fuse chart can be found inside the corresponding fuse
box cover.

231
Engine compartment
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Hood
To o pen :
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1) under the
driver’s side of the instrument panel. At the same time a
handle (2) will extend out of the radiator grill (it may be
necessary to lift the hood up slightly).
Caution!
To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or hood, open
the hood only with wipers in the parked position. Pull handle (2) to its stop out of radiator grill and open
hood (do not pull up on handle).
To c l o s e :
Lower hood and let it drop into lock from a height of
approximately 1 ft. (30 cm).
To avoid hood damage, please make sure that hood is
fully closed. If not, repeat closing procedure. Do not
push down on hood to attempt to fully close it.

238
Spare wheel, vehicle jack
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The vehicle jack, wheel bolt wrench and screwdriver are
located in the rear cargo compartment behind the cover
in the right side trim panel.
To get to tools, first remove trim panel cover by turning
both handles to left, and then swing aside CD-player (if
so equipped). Unscrew plastic nut (1) and lift out vehicle jack.
See illustration for proper storage of jack and wheel bolt
wrench.
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248
Tires, Wheels
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Using the wrench, tighten the five bolts evenly,
following the sequence illustrated, until all bolts are
tight. Observe a tightening torque of 110 ft.lb. (150 Nm).
Ensure proper tire pressure. Notes:
The removed road wheel cannot be stored in the
space-saver wheel carrier or inside the storage
compartment in the rear cargo area (ML 55 AMG), but
should be transported in the rear cargo compartment
wrapped in a protective cover supplied with the vehicle.
The protective cover is located in the rear cargo
compartment behind the cover in the right side trim
panel.
Model ML 55 AMG:
Store air pump in its proper location. Close and latch the
spare wheel cover, see page 239.
1
2
3
4
5
Wa r n i n g !
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or
rusted.Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.Damaged wheel hub threads should be repaired
immediately.Incorrect mounting bolts or improperly tightened
mounting bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
This could cause an accident. Be sure to use the
correct mounting bolts.

256
Towing
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ML 320, ML 430 The rear towing eye is located behind the right side
cover in the bumper panel.
2 To w i n g eye , r e a r
Cover removal:
Using a flat blade screwdriver pry out the cover.
Cover installation:
Engage cover at bottom and press in top securely.

257
Towing
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ML 55 AMG
The rear towing eye is located behind the right side
cover (1) in the bumper panel.
3 Cover
4 Towing eye, rear Cover removal:
Grip cover at bottom and pull out.
Cover installation:
Engage cover and press in securely.
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 k m / h). The key mu st be in stee ring lo ck p o sitio n 2.
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid possible serious burns or injury,
use extreme caution when removing the cover,
because the rear exhaust pipe is extremely hot.

266
Exterior lamps
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Pull off electrical connector (2).
Squeeze tabs (3) together and remove bulb holder.
Push bulb into socket, turn counterclockwise and
remove.
Insert new bulb in socket, push in and twist clockwise.
Reinstall bulb holder.
Reinstall electrical connector (2).
Reinstall taillamp. Turn signal lamp, side
(168 [3 cp bulb])
Carefully slide lamp slightly towards rear (arrow), lift
away its front end first, then remove lamp from panel.
Twist bulb socket counterclockwise and pull out. Pull
bulb out of socket.
Insert new bulb in socket. Reinstall bulb socket.
To reinstall lamp, set rear end of lamp into panel and let
front end snap into place.

274
Manual release for fuel filler flap
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Important!
After manually operating the Skyview Top, a timing
synchronization is needed for future electrical operation
o f the Sk yv iew To p. To do s o, tur n key i n stee ri n g lock to
position 2. Now push and hold switch until the Skyview
Top is fully closed. Continue to hold switch for
additional 15 seconds. Manual release for fuel filler flap
The manual release is located behind the cover in the
left rear compartment trim panel.
In case the central locking system does not release the
fuel filler flap, pull up on the lock rod (arrow).
ML 55 AMG:
First remove the space-saver tire from its holder, see
page 242.