1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 alternator

163 Steering lock
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the key from the steering
lock. Do not leave the key in steering lock position 0.
Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
while the key is in steering lock position 1 or 0.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the
alternator (output) is limited.It is therefore recommended that you turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system
may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window
defroster.

286 Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 1Automatic belt tensioner
2Crankshaft
3Air conditioner compressor
4Coolant pump
5Generator (alternator)
6Idler pulley
7Power steering pump
For dimensions of the poly-V-belt, see technical data.

290 Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Electrical system
We i g h t s
(see certification tag) Model ML 320 ML 430 ML 55 AMG
Generator (alternator) 14 V / 115 A 14 V / 150 A 14 V / 150 A
S t a r te r m o to r 12 V / 1. 7 k W 12V / 1. 7 k W 12V / 1.7 k W
Battery 12V / 100 Ah 12V / 100 Ah 12V / 100 Ah
Spark plugs
Electrode gap
Tightening torqueBosch F 8 DPER
Beru 14 FGH 8 DPUR X 2
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15–22ft.lb (20–30Nm)Bosch F 8 DPER
Beru 14 FGH 8 DPUR X 2
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15–22ft.lb (20–30Nm)Bosch F 8 DPER
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15–22ft.lb (20–30Nm)
Roof load max. 220 lbs (100 kg)

163
Steering lock
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the key from the steering
lock. Do not leave the key in steering lock position 0.
Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
while the key is in steering lock position 1 or 0.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the
alternator (output) is limited. It is therefore recommended that you turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system
may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window
defroster.

286
Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 1 Automatic belt tensioner
2 Crankshaft
3 Air conditioner compressor
4 Coolant pump
5 Generator (alternator)
6 Idler pulley
7 Power steering pump
For dimensions of the poly-V-belt, see technical data.

290
Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Electrical system
We i g h t s
(see certification tag)
Model ML 320 ML 430 ML 55 AMG
Generator (alternator) 14 V / 115 A 14 V / 150 A 14 V / 150 A
S t a r te r m o to r 12 V / 1. 7 k W 12V / 1. 7 k W 12V / 1.7 k W
Battery 12V / 100 Ah 12V / 100 Ah 12V / 100 Ah
Spark plugs
Electrode gap
Tightening torque Bosch F 8 DPER
Beru 14 FGH 8 DPUR X 2
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15–22ft.lb (20–30Nm) Bosch F 8 DPER
Beru 14 FGH 8 DPUR X 2
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15–22ft.lb (20–30Nm) Bosch F 8 DPER
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15–22ft.lb (20–30Nm)
Roof load max. 220 lbs (100 kg)

242 Practical hintsWhat to do if …
What to do if …Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to
light up during the bulb self-check when turning the key in steering lock to
position2, have it checked and replaced if
necessary.Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS warning lamp
comes on while driving.
ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS, ESP, 4-ETS and EBP
are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally
but without ABS available.

Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking
reducing steering capability.

Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts. The ABS has switched off.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.
If necessary, have the generator
(alternator) and the battery checked.

254 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
#
The red charge indicator lamp
comes on when the engine is
running.
The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:

alternator malfunctioning


broken poly-V-belt

Stop immediately and check the
poly-V-belt.
If it is broken

Do not continue to drive, before the
poly-V-belt is replaced.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
2
The yellow brake indicator lamp
comes on during braking or after
starting the engine.
The brake pads are worn down.

Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually
checked by a qualified technician at the
intervals specified in the Service book-
let.