1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 windshield wipers

95 Windshield wiper/washer
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Windshield wiper/washer switch
Move stalk briefly up for single wipe without adding
washer fluid (use only when windshield is wet).
Pull stalk toward steering wheel and hold to activate
wiper and washer.
Wiper offMove stalk down for:
Intermittent wiping
(Interval is vehicle speed dependent
1.
Optional rain sensor: One initial wipe, pauses
between wipes are automatically controlled by a
rain sensor monitoring wetness of windshield.)
Notes:
With vehicle at a standstill, a front door open and
the key in steering lock position 2 there will be no
operation of windshield wipers in intermittent
setting.
Optional rain sensor:
Do not leave in intermittent setting when vehicle
is taken to an automatic car wash or when
cleaning the windshield. Wipers will operate in
presence of water spray at windshield, and wipers
may be damaged as a result.
Move stalk up for:
Normal wiper speed
Fast wiper speed
1 At speeds of approximately 105 mph (170 km/h) the wiper
switches automatically to continuous wiping.

97 Rear window wiper/washer
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Windshield wipers smear
If the windshield wipers smear the windshield, even
during rain, activate the washer system as often as
necessary. The fluid in the washer reservoir should be
mixed in the correct ratio.
Note:
For windshield and headlamp washer fluid mixing ratio
see page 237.Blocked windshield wipers
If the windshield wipers become blocked (for example,
due to snow), switch off the wipers.
For safety reasons before removing ice or snow, remove
key from steering lock. Remove blockage.
Activate windshield wiper / washer switch again (key in
steering lock position 1).

231 Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Hood
To o pen :
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1) under the
driver’s side of the instrument panel. At the same time a
handle (2) will extend out of the radiator grill (it may be
necessary to lift the hood up slightly).
Caution!
To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or hood, open
the hood only with wipers in the parked position.Pull handle (2) to its stop out of radiator grill and open
hood (do not pull up on handle).
To c l o s e :
Lower hood and let it drop into lock from a height of
approximately 1 ft. (30 cm).
To avoid hood damage, please make sure that hood is
fully closed. If not, repeat closing procedure. Do not
push down on hood to attempt to fully close it.

281 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove key
from steering lock before cleaning the windshield,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
Wiper blades
Clean the wiper blade rubbers with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove key
from steering lock before cleaning the wiper blades,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury.Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion or may damage the clear coat.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.

95
Windshield wiper/washer
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Windshield wiper/washer switch
Move stalk briefly up for single wipe without adding
washer fluid (use only when windshield is wet).
Pull stalk toward steering wheel and hold to activate
wiper and washer.
Wiper off Move stalk down for:
Intermittent wiping
(Interval is vehicle speed dependent
1.
Optional rain sensor: One initial wipe, pauses
between wipes are automatically controlled by a
rain sensor monitoring wetness of windshield.)
Notes:
With vehicle at a standstill, a front door open and
the key in steering lock position 2 there will be no
operation of windshield wipers in intermittent
setting.
Optional rain sensor:
Do not leave in intermittent setting when vehicle
is taken to an automatic car wash or when
cleaning the windshield. Wipers will operate in
presence of water spray at windshield, and wipers
may be damaged as a result.
Move stalk up for: Normal wiper speed
Fast wiper speed
1 At speeds of approximately 105 mph (170 km/h) the wiper switches automatically to continuous wiping.

97
Rear window wiper/washer
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Windshield wipers smear
If the windshield wipers smear the windshield, even
during rain, activate the washer system as often as
necessary. The fluid in the washer reservoir should be
mixed in the correct ratio.
Note:
For windshield and headlamp washer fluid mixing ratio
see page 237. Blocked windshield wipers
If the windshield wipers become blocked (for example,
due to snow), switch off the wipers.
For safety reasons before removing ice or snow, remove
key from steering lock. Remove blockage.
Activate windshield wiper / washer switch again (key in
steering lock position 1).

231
Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
Hood
To o pen :
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1) under the
driver’s side of the instrument panel. At the same time a
handle (2) will extend out of the radiator grill (it may be
necessary to lift the hood up slightly).
Caution!
To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or hood, open
the hood only with wipers in the parked position. Pull handle (2) to its stop out of radiator grill and open
hood (do not pull up on handle).
To c l o s e :
Lower hood and let it drop into lock from a height of
approximately 1 ft. (30 cm).
To avoid hood damage, please make sure that hood is
fully closed. If not, repeat closing procedure. Do not
push down on hood to attempt to fully close it.

281
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
Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove key
from steering lock before cleaning the windshield,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
Wiper blades
Clean the wiper blade rubbers with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove key
from steering lock before cleaning the wiper blades,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury. Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion or may damage the clear coat.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.