1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 mirror

149
Tele Aid
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Important!
Always make sure that the indicator lamps in the
“SOS” button, the Roadside Assistance button • and
the Information button ¡do not remain illuminated
constantly in red and the message “TELE AID – VISIT
WORKSHOP” is not displayed in the MCS display after
the system self check.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above, have the
system checked at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.
Emergency calls
An emergency call is initiated automatically: • following an accident in which the Emergency
Tensioning Retractors (ETR’s) or airbags deploy,
• if the antitheft alarm or the tow away alarm stays on
for more than 20 seconds, see pages 35 and 36.
An emergency call can also be initiated manually by
opening the cover next to the inside rear view mirror
labeled “SOS”, then pressing the button (for longer than
2 seconds) located under the cover. See below for
instructions on initiating an emergency call manually. Once the emergency call is in progress, the indicator
lamp in the “SOS” button will begin to f lash. The
message “EMERGENCY CALL – CONNECTING CALL”
appears in the MCS display. When the connection is
established, the message “EMERGENCY CALL – CALL
CONNECTED” appears in the MCS display. All
information relevant to the emergency, such as the
location of the vehicle (determined by the GPS satellite
location system), vehicle model, identification number
and color are generated.
A voice connection between the Response Center and
the occupants of the vehicle will be established
automatically soon after the emergency call has been
initiated. When a voice connection is established the
audio system mutes and the message “TELE AID – EMERGENCY CALL ACTIVE” appears in the MCS
display. The Response Center will attempt to determine
more precisely the nature of the accident provided they
can speak to an occupant of the vehicle.

194
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Tow in g a t r ai le r
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailer towing. Make sure
t ha t your rig will be lega l, not only for w here you reside,
but also for where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be the police or local authorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer, check the
trailer hitch, break-away switch, safety chains, electrical
connections, lighting and tires. Also adjust the mirrors
to permit unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and
trailer moving slowly, and then apply only the trailer
brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally to be sure that
the load is secure, and that lighting and trailer brakes
(if so equipped) are functioning properly.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shifts
while driving.
Take into consideration that when towing a trailer, the
handling characteristics are different and less stable
from those when operating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers. The vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and
therefore is limited in acceleration and climbing ability,
and requires longer stopping distances. It is more prone
to reacting to side wind gusts, and requires more
sensitive steering input.
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free from
traffic.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rather engage the
brake slightly at first to permit the trailer to activate its
brake. Then increase the braking force.
Caution!
If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce the vehicle’s
speed and use the brake controller by hand to straighten
out the vehicle and trailer. In no case should you
attempt to straighten out the tow vehicle and trailer by
increasing the speed or oversteering and stepping on
the brakes.
If the transmission hunts between gears on inclines,
manually shift to a lower gear (select “4”, “3”, “2”
or “1”). A lower gear and reduction of speed reduces the
chance of engine overloading and / or overheating.

280
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to
protect electrical components and connectors from the
intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax
should be applied to the engine compartment after
every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any
wax.
Ve h i c l e w a s h i n g
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of
water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a
chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish. Due to the width of the vehicle, prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash, fold back the
outside mirrors to prevent them from getting damaged.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt
as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the
inner sides of the wheels.
Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-
plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the lenses.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
sponge.

303
Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Emission control label ..................................................285
Engine compartment ..................................................... 231
Engine malfunction CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator lamp ....... 218
Engine oil additives .......................................................294
Engine oil consumption ................................................234
Engine oil level Checking ............................................................. 89, 233
Warning ......................................................................224
Engine oil level indicator ................................................ 89
Engine oils ......................................................................294 Capacities ...................................................................292
Low engine oil level warning ..................................224
Engine overheating ......................................................... 81
Engine speed limit Overrevving ................................................................. 82
Enlarged cargo area ....................................................... 131
Entrance lamps ...............................................................112
ESP LOW RANGE — ESP ..................................................208
ESP (Electronic stability program) ..............................205 Control switch ...........................................................207
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 221
Synchronizing ...........................................................206
Warning lamp ............................................................ 221 ETR (Emergency tensioning retractor) .........................55
ETS (4-ETS+) .................................................................. 203 LOW RANGE – 4-ETS+ ............................................ 204
Exterior lamp switch .......................................................90
Exterior lamps ............................................................... 260 Adjusting headlamp aim ......................................... 268
Auxiliary fog lamp ............................................. 92, 264
Fog lamps .....................................................................93
Headlamp assembly ......................................... 261, 262
Headlamps .................................90, 261, 262, 268, 280
High mounted stop lamp ......................................... 267
License plate lamps ................................................. 267
Low and high beam ............................................90, 263
Parking lamp ...................................................... 90, 264
Replacing bulbs ........................................................ 260
Side marker lamp ..................................................... 264
Standing lamp .....................................................90, 264
Taillamp assemblies ................................................ 265
Turn signal lamp ................................................90, 264
Turn signal lamp, side ............................................. 266
Exterior rear view mirrors ..............................................73 Electrically folding ...................................................... 75

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Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Headlamp cleaning system ............................................ 94
Headlights ......................................................................... 90
Heated seats ..................................................................... 44
Hood ................................................................................. 231
Hooks ............................................................................... 133
IIdentification labels .......................................................285
Illuminated vanity mirrors ............................................113
Indicator lamps in the instrument cluster ................... 78
Infant and child restraint system Installation ................................................................... 67
Infant and child restraint systems ................................ 65
Inflating the space-saver tire .......................................249
Information call See Tele Aid ............................................................... 148
Instrument cluster ........................................................... 76
Activating display ....................................................... 80
Display illumination ................................................... 80
Indicator lamps ........................................................... 78
Malfunction and indicator lamps ........................... 218
Instrument lamps ............................................................ 80 Instruments and controls ............................................... 18
Interior General notes ............................................................. 114
Interior lighting .............................................................. 110
JJump starting ................................................................. 253KKeys, vehicle .....................................................................24LLamps, exterior .............................................................. 260 Adjusting headlamp aim ......................................... 268
Auxiliary fog lamp ............................................. 92, 264
Fog lamps .....................................................................93
Headlamp assembly ......................................... 261, 262
Headlamps .................................90, 261, 262, 268, 280
High mounted stop lamp ......................................... 267
License plate lamps ................................................. 267
Low and high beam ............................................90, 263

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Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Parking lamp ...................................................... 90, 264
Replacing bulbs .........................................................260
Side marker lamp ......................................................264
Standing lamp .................................................... 90, 264
Taillamp assemblies .................................................265
Turn signal lamp ................................................ 90, 264
Turn signal lamp, side .............................................266
Layout of poly-V-belt ......................................................286
Liftgate ............................................................................... 34 Unlocking ..................................................................... 28
Lighter ..............................................................................119
Limp home mode (Automatic transmission) ............. 172
Loading instructions ..................................................... 136
Lockable storage compartment .....................................116
Locking and unlocking the vehicle ............................... 27
Low engine coolant level warning ..............................224
Low engine oil level warning .......................................224
LOW RANGE Indicator lamp ........................................................... 221
LOW RANGE mode ........................................................209 LOW RANGE – 4-ETS+ .............................................204
LOW RANGE – ABS ..................................................202
LOW RANGE – ESP ...................................................208
MMaintenance ...................................................................147
Malfunction and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster ......................................................................... 218
Manual locking/unlocking the doors ...........................29
Manual operation of Skyview Top .............................. 273
Manual operation of sliding/pop-up roof .................. 272
Manual seat, front ............................................................39
MCS, radio and telephone ............................................146
Mechanical keys ............................................................... 29
Memory .............................................................................42 Recalling ....................................................................... 42
Storing ........................................................................... 42
Mirror, exterior, adjusting ..............................................73
Mirror, exterior, rear view ..............................................73
Mirror, inside, rear view ................................................. 71
Mirrors, vanity ................................................................ 113

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Index
Te ch n ica l
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Instruments
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Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
OObtaining replacement keys .......................................... 25
Odometer/Trip odometer ................................................ 80
Off-Road driving ............................................................. 183
On-board diagnostic system ......................................... 218
Operator’s manual ............................................................. 8
Outside temperature indicator ...................................... 82
Overhead control panel ................................................... 21PPanic button ...................................................................... 28
Parking .............................................................................176
Parking brake ....................... 118, 173, 175, 176, 219, 245
Partition net .................................................................... 133
Poly-V-belt Layout .........................................................................286
Power assistance ............................................................ 175
Power seats, front ............................................................ 40 Memory ........................................................................ 42
Memory recalling ....................................................... 42
Memory storing ........................................................... 42 Power windows ...............................................................104
Blocking of rear door windows ............................... 105
Express opening of front door windows ................ 105
Problems with your vehicle ............................................ 15
Product information .......................................................... 7
RRadio transmitters ......................................................... 146
Rain sensor See windshield wiper/washer switch ......................95
Rear quarter windows ...................................................106
Rear seat bench ..............................................................120 Easy entry/exit feature ............................................123
Head restraints ..........................................................124
Rear seat head restraints ..............................................124 Adjusting ....................................................................125
Removal ......................................................................125
Rear view mirrors Exterior ......................................................................... 73
Inside ............................................................................ 71
Rear window defroster .................................................. 103
Rear window wiper/washer ...........................................96

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Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Tires Driving instructions ................................................. 177
Rims and tires ...........................................................288
Rotating wheels ......................................................... 241
Tire inflation pressure .............................................250
Tire replacement .......................................................240
Winter driving instructions .................................... 180
Tow-away alarm ................................................................ 36 Switching off ................................................................ 36
Towing the vehicle .........................................................255
Stranded vehicle .......................................................259
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking 259
Trailer operation ............................................................ 198
Trailer towing ................................................................. 190
Transmission .................................................................. 165
Transmission control - LOW RANGE mode ...............209
Transmission fluid level ...............................................234
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking ....259
Traveling abroad ............................................................ 182
Trip computer ................................................................... 83
Trip odometer ................................................................... 80
Trunk ................................................................................. 34
Opening ........................................................................ 28
Trunk lamp ...................................................................... 111 Turn signal failure ........................................................... 91
Turn signal lamp, side .................................................. 266
Turn signals ......................................................................90
UUnlocking the vehicle ...................................................... 27VVanity mirrors ................................................................ 113
Vehicle jack .................................................................... 237
Vehicle keys ......................................................................24
Ve h i c l e t o o l s
Screwdriver ............................................................... 237WWarranty coverage ........................................................ 284
Washing the vehicle ..................................................... 280
What you should know at the gas station .................. 212
Wheel bolt wrench ........................................................ 237
Wheels ............................................................................ 240 Changing wheels ...................................................... 245