1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 engine oil

SI18.00-P-0010A
Service Information: oil sludge
26.3.01

ENGINE
111 in MODELS 124, 163, 170, 202, 203, 208, 210

ENGINE
112 in MODELS 129, 163, 170, 202, 203, 208, 210, 220

ENGINE
112, 113 in MODEL 463

ENGINE
113 in MODELS 129, 163, 202, 208, 210, 215, 220

ENGINE
137 in MODEL 215, 220

ENGINE
166 in MODEL 168

Oil sludging in gasoline engines with ASSYST maintenance

system

Recently we have determined that time and time again oil

sludging occurs in gasoline engines with an ASSYST maintenance

system.

Oil sludging can lead to the following complaints:
D
engine oil consumption

D
engine smoke (white/blue)

D
influencing of oil level indicator

D
clogged oil filter, engine oil thickened like jelly

D
Check engine lamp illuminated

D
oil sludge visible during assembly job, e.g. in oil filter, in cylinder

head covers, condensation sludging
(engine 166) etc.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following list of causes may lead individually or as a combination
to engine oil sludging:

D
Crankcase ventilation inoperable, function orifices, bores,

passages in cylinder head cover, cylinder head, crankcase etc.

are mechanically sealed. A nonfunctioning crankcase

ventilation boosts loads on the engine oil through organic

nitrates. The risk of oil sludging increases.

The mechanical condition of the engine is always to be

checked, i.e. all engine oil drain orifices on the cylinder head

and crankcase and all crankcase ventilation ducts must be free

of obstacles. Crankcase breather lines may not be kinked.
Check the ventilation bores in the cylinder head covers.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

D
The engine oil used does not comply with the specifications in

Sheet 229.1 or 229.3 of the Specifications for Service Products.

The additive process, e.g. dirt-carrying capability, neutralization

capability and oxidation resistance as well as the quality of the

base stock influence sludging time.

Use of engine oils with best possible resistance to formation of

sludge, i.e. use only tested and approved engine oils (from

Sheet 229.1 or 229.3). The best protection is afforded by the

engine oils on Sheet 229.3, which fulfill more stringent

specifications with regard to preventing sludge and deposits
(see Sheet 221.0, page 11). These oils have a distinctly better

anti-sludge characteristic than other engine oils.

D
Sludging after adding a fuel or engine oil special additive.

Do not use fuel or engine oil special additives. More information

hereto is available on Sheet 219.0 of the Specifications for

Service products. Reference to customer not to use special

additives.

D
Engine oil change not performed according to ASSYST

specifications. At driven distances

exceeding > approx. 3000 km, engine oil sludging may occur.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comply with engine oil and filter change as under ASSYST

specifications. Observe remaining distance.

D
Fuel grade lies outside standard (regionally contingent). If

contaminated, deficient fuel is used, then engine oil sludging

may occur even where approved engine oil is used.

Operation with fuel, e.g. as under DIN EN 228. Clarify refueling

behavior of customer. If engine operation regional, is

temporarily possible with deficient oil only, then the startup

distance has to be individually reduced, i.e. the oil change

temporarily performed at an interval of, e.g. 10,000 km.

D
Radiator antifreeze penetration into engine oil, e.g. through an

internal engine leak (cylinder head gasket, casting porosity).

The engine oil sludges within a short period. The crankcase

ventilation clogs up and stops functioning. Condensation

sludging clogs up the oil separator cells

(engine 166).
Rectify coolant leakage. Clean all sludged engine parts, in

particular the crankcase ventilation parts. If the occurrence

repeats, and casting porosity is suspected, e.g. replace

crankcase.

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Measures for slightly sludged engine:

Oil and filter change. Purge engine, i.e. normal engine operation

in neutral, or while driving, using oil from Sheet 229.3, 228.3, or

228.5. Drain off scavenging oil after purging process (approx. 1

hour). Repeat purging process if necessary. Refill using engine oil

from Sheet 229.3, or 229.1. The first oil change after clearing the

sludge should be performed after approx. 10,000 km or beforehand;

when doing so use engine oil from Sheet 229.3.

Measures for severely sludged engine:

Engines with severe oil sludging and caking onto engine parts

and into bores have to be dismantled and mechanically cleaned.

Tough sludge residue must not enter the clean side of the oil circuit,

as otherwise, e.g. the piston oil spray and the hydraulic

compensation elements may have their functionality impaired. Refill

using engine oil from Sheet 229.3, or 229.1.

The first oil change after sludging should be performed after approx.

10,000 km; when doing so use engine oil from

Sheet 229.3.
Warranty/goodwill regulations

If in combination with engine oil sludging a warranty/goodwill claim is

submitted, then a regular documentation of maintenance must be

presented. The ASSYST printout is to be filed carefully for further

reference.

Oil sludging in combination with an exceeded oil change interval, or

because of special additives in the fuel/engine oil are costs to be

borne by the customer.

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Fig. 22: Identifying Engine Control System Lubricate Joints
THROTTLE CONTROL - CHECK CONTROL CABLE FOR SMOOTH OPERATION - AP30.10-P-3024GH
ENGINE 612.963 in MODEL 163.113
ENGINE 628.963 in MODEL 163.128
ENGINE 111.977 in MODEL 163.136
ENGINE 112.942 in MODEL 163.154
ENGINE 112.970 in MODEL 163.157
ENGINE 113.942 in MODEL 163.172
ENGINE 113.981 in MODEL 163.174
ENGINE 113.965 in MODEL 163.175
Inspect
1Oil joint areas of throttle control, inspect for
ease of operation and wear Engine oil conforming to Specifications for
Operating Fluids sheet 226.0-228.3
(all except ) and 236.6/7/9 ( )

Inspect
1Slowly depress accelerator with your foot as
far as the stop and release again Pay attention to freedom of
movement. If any jolting is noticeable: ?
Replace accelerator control cable

Remove/install throttle control cable
Model 163.136 with Engine 111.977AR30.10-P-
3400GA
Model 163.113 with Engine
612.963,
Model 163.128 with Engine 628.963,

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 ACCESSORIES & BODY CAB Throttle Control, Speed Control Systems - 163 Chassis
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2001-04 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Starters - 163 Chassis
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
DESCRIPTION
Starter is a brush-type, series-wound el ectric motor with an overrunning clutch. Field frame contains field coils
and is enclosed by commutator/drive bushing end frame, which carries pole shoes. A splined armature shaft
carries drive assembly.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING
If starter is noisy, the cause could be bent or damaged gear tooth chamfers on ring gear. This cannot be seen
with starter installed in ve hicle. Activate starter without switching ignition on. Me tallic noise should not be
heard. If noise is he ard, replace ring gear.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
Verify customer complaint by operating system. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical
damage. Check generator belt tension and condition. Ensure that battery voltage is within specifications. Inspect
for blown fuses and damaged relays. For fuse and/or relay identification, see WIRING DIAGRAMS
.
WARNING:
Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before
attempting any repairs involving steer ing column, instrument panel or
related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS (or AIR BAG SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS) and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in
appropriate AIR BAG REST RAINT SYSTEMS article.
NOTE: When the battery is di sconnected, vehicle computer and memory system may
lose data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have
completed a relearn cycle. Radio will not operate until coded. Obtain code card
from customer.
NOTE: The following table identifies mo dels applicable to this article.
ModelChassisEngine Number
ML430 (2001)163.172113.942
ML320 (2001-03)163.154112.942
ML55 AMG (2001-03)163.174113.981
ML500 (2002-04)163.175113.965
ML350 (2003-04)163.157112.970

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
2001-04 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Starters - 163 Chassis

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
2001-04 STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS Starters - 163 Chassis
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Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:19:50 PMPage 1 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

AD54.30-P-5000-02A
Display instruments controlled via CAN

troubleshooting chart IC

The following display instruments or indicator lamps/ malfunction

indicator lamps receive their information from the traction system

control module (N47) via CAN data buses (an appropriate message

appears in the display on vehicles with multi-function display):

D
Total mileage recorder, trip odometer

D
Electronic speedometer

D
Low brake fluid level/parking brake indicator lamp (except model 163

parking brake indicator lamp only via CAN)

D
Brake pad wear indicator lamp

D
ABS MIL

D
ETS, ASR, ESP indicator lamp

D
ETS, ASR, ESP malfunction indicator lamp

Model 163 only:

The
"Low-Range"
indicator lamp receives its information from the

transfer case control module (N78) via CAN data buses.

The
"Fog lamps"
indicator lamp (only model 163 except

I
) receives

its information from the All-activity module (AAM, N10) via CAN data

buses.

Model 168 only:

The
" Gear indicator "
indicator lamp receives its information from the

gear recognition module (A61) or from automatic clutch control module

(N15/4) via CAN data buses.
The following display instruments or indicator lamps/

malfunction indicator lamps receive their information from the

injection system control module (N3) via CAN data buses (an

appropriate message appears in the display on vehicles with

multi-function display):

D
Tachometer

D
Low engine oil level lamp

D
Engine coolant temperature

D
Preglow indicator lamp (diesel only)

D
Vehicle speed warning

D
Vehicle speed limit warning

D
Severe leak warning (

I
only), the fuel reserve indicator lamp

(A1e4) flashes

D
Active Service System (ASSYST):

D
Oil condition

D
Oil level

D
Oil temperature

D
Mass volumetric efficiency (load moment)

D
Engine speed, engine coolant temperature

Copyright DaimlerChrysler AG 05.06.2006 CD-Ausgabe G/10/04 . This WIS print-out will not be recorde
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BB00.40-P-0224-01A
Viscosity classes of engine oils (car engines)
Passenger vehicle engines

(BR 100, BR 200, BR 600)

Commercial vehicle engines from the
passenger vehicle sector

(BR 100, BR 200, BR 600)

Industrial engines from the passenger

vehicle sector (BR 100, BR 200, BR 600)

Sheet 224.1

P00.40-0210-11

A precise application of the SAE grades in accordance with ambient

air temperatures would require more frequent engine-oil changes.

The temperature limits for the SAE grades should therefore be

regarded as guidelines, which can be exceeded or undercut for a

short duration.

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