1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 steering wheel

Several situations may arise requiring some form of disposal action, including:
Scrapping a vehicle containing a deployed air bag module and/or ETR.
Scrapping a vehicle with a live air bag module and/or ETR.
Disposal of a live but electrically faulty air bag module and/or ETR.
Disposal of a deployed air bag module and/or ETR.
DEPLOYED AIR BAG OR ETR
Deployed air bag module and/or ETR unit can be thrown away. None of its components are reusable. Deployed
air bag module is NOT classified as hazardous material.
SCRAPPED VEHICLE
1. Before proceeding, follow service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Move vehicle
outdoors to a remote area, away from workshop and other personnel. Disconnect and shield negative
battery cable. Open all vehicle windows and doors.
2. Ensure air bag module is secured to steering wheel, and passenger air bag is secured to dash. Ensure ETR
seat belt assemblies are secured to "B" pillars and all seat belt buckles are latched. Remove loose objects
from front seat. DO NOT allow anyone inside vehicle.
3. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Connect Trigger
Device (126-589-00-90-00) and Adapter Cable (126 589 21 63 00) to SRS system connector (X29/9)
located at passenger footwell area. See Fig. 5
. Move away from vehicle as far as trigger device wiring
will allow.
4. To deploy driver air bag and ETR, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 1. Push battery
check pushbutton and ignition pushbutton simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate indicating
driver air bag and ETR deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and driver air bag and/or ETR did not
deploy, driver air bag module and/or ETR is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG/ETR
.
5. To deploy passenger air bag detonator No. 1, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 2. Push
battery check pushbutton and ignition pushbutton simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate
indicating passenger air bag detonator No. 1 deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and passenger air bag
detonator No. 1 did not deploy, passenger air bag module is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR
BAG/ETR .
6. To deploy passenger air bag detonator No. 2, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 3. Push
battery check pushbutton and ignition pushbutton simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate
indicating passenger air bag detonator No. 2 deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and passenger air bag
detonator No. 2 did not deploy, passenger air bag module is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR
BAG/ETR . WARNING:An undeployed air bag module and/or ETR seat belt CANNOT be disposed
of without first being deployed. If this is not possible through procedures
outlined below, contact vehicle manufacturer for further instructions.
Perform remote deployment outdoors. Keep personnel at least 20 feet
away.

1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1998 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Mercedes-Benz
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:33:13 PMPage 4 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG/ETR
After deploying procedures and/or diagnostic testing have confirmed air bag module and/or ETR is
undeployable, contact vehicle manufacturer for proper disposal instructions.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. Remove driver air bag module. See DRIVER
-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel bolt.
Using a puller, remove steering wheel. Disconnect lower clockspring connector. Turn 2 fixing screws
(locating on clockspring) counterclockwise until clockspring cannot be rotated. Remove clockspring
mounting screws as necessary. Disconnect all necessary electrical connectors. Remove clockspring
assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning
properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
CONTROL UNIT
Removal & Installation (C Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove shift lever cover bezel. Lift shift
lever cover enough to disconnect electrical connector. Remove shift lever cover.
2. Remove storage compartment mounting screws from center console. Remove storage compartment.
Remove ashtray. Disconnect electrical connectors as necessary. Disconnect control module electrical
connector. Remove control module mounting bolts. Remove control module.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure control module arrow points to front of vehicle. Set
parameters and program new control module with Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01 00). Activate air bag
system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
Removal & Installation (E Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove gear shift cover panel. Remove
ashtray and ashtray housing at front of console. Remove radio (if necessary).
2. Remove center console right side cover screws and right side cover. Disconnect electrical connector for
control unit. Remove 2 control unit mounting screws. Remove control unit. WARNING:Failure to follow service precautions may result in air bag deployment and
personal injury. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
. After component
replacement, check system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.

1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1998 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Mercedes-Benz
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:33:13 PMPage 5 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure control module arrow points to front of vehicle. Set
parameters and program new control module with Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01 00). Activate air bag
system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
Removal & Installation (S Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove radio. Remove ashtray. Remove
wooden surround for ashtray. Remove shift lever cover mounting screws. Push shift lever cover toward
rear of vehicle and remove in an upward direction.
2. Remove center console cover screws. Remove center console cover by pulling from bottom in an upward
direction. When removing covers, disconnect electrical connectors as necessary. Disconnect control
module electrical connector. Remove control module.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure control module arrow points to front of vehicle. Set
parameters and program new control module with Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01 00). Activate air bag
system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
Removal & Installation (SL Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove radio. Push up and pull out heater
control panel. Unplug 2 connectors. Remove screw in middle of storage tray.
2. Bend up at top corners and lift out storage tray. Remove screws below storage tray. Lift wood trim panel
at rear, pull down and out of catches. Unplug switch connectors and remove wood trim panel. Unplug
connectors at control unit and remove Torx mounting screws. Remove control unit.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure control module arrow points to front of vehicle. Set
parameters and program new control module with Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01 00). Activate air bag
system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
Removal & Installation (CLK 320 & SLK 230)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove cover on center console. Remove
cover on shift lever. Remove ash tray housing with storage compartment at front of center console.
Unplug connectors at control unit and remove Torx mounting screws. Remove control unit.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure control module arrow points to front of vehicle. Set
parameters and program new control module with Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01 00). Activate air bag
system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
NOTE: Air bag module and steering wheel must be replaced following a collision in

1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1998 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Mercedes-Benz
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:33:13 PMPage 6 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove 2 Torx screws from rear of
steering wheel. Lift off air bag module enough to unplug connector from rear of module. Place module
away from work area, with pad facing upward.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten Torx screws to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is
functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
SIDE AIR BAG UNIT - DRIVER-SIDE & PASSENGER-SIDE
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Drill out rivets at retaining plate of side air
bag unit. Pull air bag unit out of door. Disconnect connector at driver-side air bag squib. Remove unit
from vehicle. See Fig. 2
.
2. To install, connect connector so that connector audibly clicks when connector engages. Install unit in
door trim panel and rivet using only special rivets (Part No. 003 990 0097). Perform system operation
check to ensure s
ystem is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . which air bag was deployed.

1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1998 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Mercedes-Benz
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:33:13 PMPage 7 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

If any part of SRS wiring harness is damaged, DO NOT repair wiring harness, replace complete wiring harness.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
(1)
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING
Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
. The control module is capable of diagnosing airbag
system components and ETR components. If a fault is detected by the control module or system is
malfunctioning, SRS warning light will do one or more of the following:
SRS warning light goes out after 2 minutes. System fault is noted, however occupant protection is not
affected. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
.
SRS warning light illuminates continuously. System is faulty which may result in a non deployment or
false deployment. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
.
SRS warning light blinks continuously. Control module has been replaced without setting control module
parameters.
RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
1. Check vehicle fuses. Replace any blown fuses as necessary. Ensure vehicle battery voltage is 11 volts or
more. Ensure SRS warning light functions. Turn ignition off. Connect Hand-Held Tester (HHT) (965 589
00 01) to Data Link Connector (DLC).
2. DLC is located in right rear corner of engine compartment. It may be necessary to use Adapter (965 589
00 40 or 965 589 00 50) to connect HHT to DLC. After HHT displays module number and version, press
return key to start diagnosis. Using HHT, follow HHT prompts to retrieve SRS fault codes.
3. HHT will display a 3 digit fault code, and may display additional graphic information. This additional
graphic information will help in diagnosis of fault code. See Fig. 6
. During diagnosis HHT will display 4
different graphic displays informing technician if a test passes or fails, or if seat belt buckle is latched or
not latched. See Fig. 6
.
4. These
graphic displays are displayed as applicable by HHT during testing. See FAULT CODES table.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Wheel Hub Bolt52-66 (70-90)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Driver Air Bag Module Bolts (Torx)44-62 (5-7)
(1)Torque specifications are not available for clockspring assembly, control module or passenger-side
air bag module.
NOTE: After component replacement, perform a system operation check to ensure
proper system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
NOTE: Fault codes may only be retrieved using Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01) and
Adapter (965 589 00 40 or 965 589 00 50).

1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1998 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Mercedes-Benz
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:33:14 PMPage 16 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 7
Roadside assistance ......................... 10
Where to find it ................................ 14
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 16Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Center console .............................. 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 25
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 26
Central locking system ................... 26
Radio frequency
remote control .............................. 26
Unlocking the liftgate .................. 28
Panic button .................................. 28
Mechanical keys ........................... 29Doors ................................................. 30
Central locking switch .................... 32
Automatic central locking .......... 32
Emergency unlocking in case
of accident ................................... 33
Liftgate .............................................. 34
Antitheft alarm system ................... 35
Tow-away alarm and
glass breakage sensor ............... 36
Seats, front ....................................... 37
Manual seats ................................ 39
Power seats ................................... 40
Head restraint ...............................41
Heated seats ..................................... 44
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 46
Seat belts .......................................... 46
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 47
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 53
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special child
seat installed ................................ 53Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 54
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 55
Airbags .............................................. 56
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 63
Infant and child
restraint systems .......................... 65
Adjustable steering wheel .............. 70
Inside rear view mirror .................. 71
Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 73
Exterior rear view mirror,
electrically folding ....................... 75
Instrument cluster ........................... 76
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ...................... 78
Trip computer ................................... 83
Flexible service system (FSS) ........ 87
Engine oil level indicator ................ 89
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 90

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

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