1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 fuel

2 Contents
Fog lamp switch
(except Canada) ........................... 92
Fog lamp switch
(Canada only) .............................. 93
Hazard warning flasher
switch ............................................ 94
Headlamp cleaning system ............ 94
Windshield wiper/washer
switch ............................................ 95
Rear window wiper/washer ........... 96
Climate control ................................. 98
Basic setting – Heater ............... 100
Basic setting –
Air conditioner ........................... 100
Special setting ............................ 101
Dust filter .................................... 102
Air recirculation ......................... 102
Rear window defroster .............. 103
Power windows ............................... 104
Rear quarter windows ................... 106
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 107
Skyview Top .................................... 109
Interior lighting ..............................110
Sun visors ........................................113Illuminated vanity mirrors ........... 113
Interior ............................................. 114
Storage compartments,
armrest and cup holder ............ 114
Glove box ...................................... 115
Armrest in rear bench seat ........... 117
Ashtrays ........................................... 118
Lighter .............................................. 119
Split rear seat bench ..................... 120
Easy entry/exit feature ............. 123
Rear seat head restraints ......... 124
Third row seats .............................. 126
Removable cargo floor plates ...... 129
Enlarged cargo area .......................131
Cargo tie-down rings .....................132
Hooks ...............................................133
Partition net ....................................133
Loading instructions ......................136
Cargo area cover blind ..................137
Telephone, general .........................139
Cellular telephone ..........................139
Garage door opener ....................... 140
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 146
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 147
Maintenance ................................... 147
Tele Aid ........................................... 148
Catalytic converter ........................ 160
Emission control ............................ 161
Steering lock ................................... 162
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 164
Automatic transmission ............... 165
Parking brake ................................. 173
Driving instructions ...................... 174
Drive sensibly – save fuel ......... 174
Drinking and driving ................. 174
Pedals ........................................... 174
Power assistance ........................ 175
Brakes .......................................... 175
Driving off ................................... 176
Parking ........................................ 176
Tires ............................................. 177

3 ContentsSnow chains ................................ 179
Winter driving instructions ...... 180
Deep water .................................. 181
Passenger compartment ........... 182
Traveling abroad ........................ 182
Off-Road driving ............................. 183
Trailer towing ................................. 190
Cruise control ................................. 196
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 199
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 201
Four-wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS+) ..........203
Electronic brake
proportioning (EBP) ..................204
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ...........................................205
Transmission control –
LOW RANGE mode ...................209
What you should know
at the gas station ....................... 212
Check regularly and
before a long trip ....................... 215
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster .....................218
On-board diagnostic system –
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................218
Brake warning lamp ...................219
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp .................. 219
Fuel reserve warning ................ 220
Electronic stability
program (ESP) / Electronic
traction system (ETS) –
warning lamp ............................. 221
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 221
4-ETS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 221
LOW RANGE
indicator lamp ............................ 221
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 222Adjustable steering wheel –
indicator lamp .............................222
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .............................222
Seat belt warning lamp .............223
Charge indicator lamp ...............223
Low engine oil level
warning lamp ..............................224
Low engine coolant
level warning ..............................224
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp .............................225
FSS indicator ...............................225

4 Contents
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................228
Fuses ................................................228
Electrical outlet ..............................230
Stowing things in the vehicle ......230
Hood ................................................. 231
Checking engine oil level .............233
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................234
Engine oil consumption ................234
Coolant level ...................................234
Adding coolant ...........................235
Windshield washer/headlamp
cleaning system .........................236
Windshield and
headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio ................................237Vehicle jack, wheel bolt
wrench and screwdriver ......... 237
Air pump ......................................... 239
Wheels ............................................ 240
Tire replacement ....................... 240
Rotating wheels ......................... 241
Spare wheel .................................... 242
Changing wheels ........................... 245
Tire inflation pressure ................. 250
Battery ............................................. 251
Jump starting ................................. 253
Towing the vehicle ........................ 255
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking .................. 259
Stranded vehicle ............................ 259Exterior lamps ................................260
Headlamp assembly ................... 261
Taillamp assemblies ..................265
Adjusting headlamp aim ...............268
Remote control
battery replacement .................270
Synchronizing
remote control ............................ 271
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof ...................272
Emergency operation of
Skyview Top ...............................273
Manual release for
fuel filler flap ............................. 274
Replacing wiper blades .................275
Roof rack ......................................... 276

5 Contents
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................278
Power washer ..............................279
Tar stains .....................................279
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................279
Engine cleaning ..........................280
Vehicle washing .........................280
Ornamental moldings ................280
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................280
Window cleaning ........................ 281
Wiper blades ............................... 281
Light alloy wheels ...................... 281
Instrument cluster ..................... 281
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ...................... 281Cup holder .................................. 282
Seat belts ..................................... 282
Headliner .................................... 282
Upholstery .................................. 282
Hard plastic trim items ............. 282
Plastic and rubber parts ........... 282
Technical dataSpare parts service ....................... 284
Warranty coverage ........................ 284
Identification labels ...................... 285
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ........... 286
Technical data ................................ 287
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
etc. – capacities ........................ 292
Engine oils ...................................... 294
Engine oil additives ...................... 294
Air conditioner refrigerant .......... 294Brake fluid ......................................294
Premium unleaded gasoline ........295
Fuel requirements .........................295
Gasoline additives .........................296
Coolants ...........................................296
Consumer information ..................298
IndexIndex ................................................300

11 IntroductionChange of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can
contact you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
•Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,
•unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage
the catalysts,
•gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.

14 Introduction
Where to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
• Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
•Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

26 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
General notes on the central locking system
If the key in the steering lock is in position 1 or 2, the
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote
control.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked:
•Check the batteries of the remote control, see
page 270.
•Synchronize the remote control, see page 271.Central locking system
(Radio frequency remote control)
The master key has an integrated radio frequency
remote control.
Due to the extended operational range of the remote
control, it could be possible to unintentionally lock or
unlock the vehicle by pressing the transmit button.
The vehicle doors, liftgate and fuel filler flap can be
centrally locked and unlocked via remote control.
With vehicle centrally locked, the liftgate can also be
unlocked by using the remote control.
If the key in the steering lock is in position 1 or 2, the
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote
control.

27 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Transmit button
‹ Locking
ΠUnlocking
Š Unlocking liftgate
2PANIC button
3Release button for master keyLocking and unlocking with remote control
Unlocking :
Press transmit button Πonce. All turn signal lamps
blink once to indicate that the driver’s door and fuel
filler flap are unlocked.
The antitheft alarm system is also deactivated.
Press transmit button Πa second time to unlock
remaining doors and liftgate.
Notes:
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, see page 274.
If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the remote
control, neither door nor liftgate is opened or the key is
not inserted in the steering lock, the vehicle will
automatically lock and reactivate the antitheft alarm
system.