1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 instrument cluster

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Hooks
Four hooks, located on the rear compartment trim
panels can be used to secure light weight items
(maximum permissible weight per hook: 9 lbs. [4 kg]). Partiti on net
(Optional)
Use of the partition net is a particularly important safety
factor when the vehicle is loaded higher than the top of
the seat backrests with smaller objects.
The partition net can be installed behind the backrests
of the front or rear seats.
Note:
Passenger use of seats behind installed partition net is
restricted because of the footwell being taken up by the
net.

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Installation: 1. Engage partition net in holders (1) and close rear cover. 2. Insert tie down hooks (2) in rings (3) behind the
front seats.
3. Pull on loose ends of tie downs until net is tight.
For installation behind the rear seats, see next page.

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Installation behind rear seats
1. Insert tie down hooks (2) in rings (3) behind the rear seats.
2. Pull on loose ends of tie downs until net is tight. Removal:
1. Lift tensioner (4) upward to a horizontal position to release tensioning of the strap.
2. Disengage tie down hooks (2) from rings (3).
3. Remove partition net from holders (1) and close the covers.
Storage: 1. Roll up and close partition net.
2. Store partition net behind rear seat bench.
Caution!
While the partition net will help protect you from
smaller objects, it cannot prevent the movement of
large, heavier objects into the passenger area in an
accident. Such items must be properly secured using
the cargo tie-down rings in the cargo area floor, see
page 132.

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Loading instructions
The total load weight including vehicle occupants and
luggage / cargo should not exceed the vehicle capacity
weight indicated on the certification label which can be
found on the left door pillar.
The handling characteristics of a fully loaded vehicle
depend greatly on the load distribution. It is therefore
recommended to load the vehicle according to the
illustrations shown, with the heaviest items being
placed towards the front of the vehicle. Always place items being carried against front or rear
seat backrests, and fasten them as securely as possible.
The heaviest portion of the cargo should always be kept
as low as possible against front or rear seat backrest
since it influences the handling characteristics of the
vehicle.
For additional safety when transporting cargo while the
rear seats are unoccupied, fasten the outer seat belts
crosswise into the opposite side buckles.

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Notes:
The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects. The
enlarged cargo area should only be used for items which
do not fit in the trunk alone. Cargo area cover blind
Closing blind:
Pull blind (visual protection) across luggage / cargo area,
and guide into holders (1) next to liftgate.
Opening blind:
To roll up blind, disengage blind and guide retraction by
its handle.
Wa r n i n g !
Always fasten items being carried as securely as
possible using cargo tie-down rings and fastening
materials appropriate for the weight and size of the
load.In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle, and can cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are securely fastened in
the vehicle.To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, always use partition net when
transporting cargo.
Never drive vehicle with the liftgate open. Deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and death.

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Removing blind:
Pull right side mounting sleeve toward vehicle center
(arrow) until button (1) engages, and remove blind from
holders. Installing blind:
Place left side of blind in left mount. Position right side
of blind over right mount. Push button (1), releasing
mounting sleeve to slide into mount.
Notes:
A removable cap is fitted into the mount openings on
vehicles fitted with third row seats.
Passenger use of third row seats with cargo area cover
blind installed is restricted.
2

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Telephone, general
See separate instruction manual for instructions on how
to operate the telephone.
Cellular telephone
Wa r n i n g !
A driver’s attention to the road must always be his /
her primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, we recommend that you
pull over to a safe location and stop before placing
or taking a telephone call. If you choose to use the
telephone while driving, please use the hands-free
device and only use the telephone when road and
traffic conditions permit.Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km / h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of approximately 50 feet (approximately
14 m ) e v e r y s e c o n d .
Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a
built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being
connected to an external antenna) from inside the
vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.Wa r n i n g !
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
cellular telephone while driving a vehicle. Whether
or not prohibited by law, for safety reasons, the
driver should not use the cellular telephone while
the vehicle is in motion.
Stop the vehicle in an safe location before
answering or placing a call.

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Garage door opener
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Garage door opener
1 Signal transmitter keys
2 Portable remote control transmitter The built-in remote control is capable of operating up to
three separately controlled objects.
Notes:
Certain types of garage door openers are incompatible
with the integrated opener. If you should experience
difficulties with programming the transmitter, contact
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center, or
call Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the
USA only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer
Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
R ESETM O
DE
Wa r n i n g !
When programming a garage door opener, the door
moves up or down.When programming or operating the remote
control make sure there is no possibility of anyone
being harmed by the moving door.