2001 MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 controls

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

13 Introduction
Wa r n i n g !
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform tasks for
which conventional 2-wheel drive passenger cars were not intended. This vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from conventional passenger cars in driving conditions which may occur on streets, highways and
off-road use.This vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many passenger cars. As with
other vehicles of this type, if you make sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may
roll over or may go out of control and crash. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Operator’s Manual. Take time to become familiar with the
driving characteristics of this vehicle. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls. Learn how your
vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Do not attempt sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt
maneuvers or other unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle control. When driving off-road or
working the vehicle, do not overload it. And, always wear your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash, an
unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

14 Introduction
Where to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
• Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
•Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

17 Contents - Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Center console .............................. 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21

18 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instruments and controls

19 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index For more detailed descriptions see index on page 300.
For adjustment of air outlets, refer to climate control,
see page 98.
1Cup holder, see page 114
2Parking brake release, see page 173
3Parking brake pedal, see page 173
4Steering wheel adjustment lever, see page 70
5Headlamp washer switch, see page 94
6Exterior lamp switch, see page 90
7Cruise control switch, see page 196
8Instrument cluster, see page 76
9Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 94
10Horn (with key in steering lock position 1 or 2),
Driver airbag, see page 56
11Steering lock with ignition / starter switch, see
page 162
12Switch for exterior rear view mirrors, electrically
folding, see page 75
13Windshield wiper / washer switch, see page 9514Transmission control – LOW RANGE mode, see
page 209
15Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system
16Auxiliary front fog lamp / rear fog lamp switch, see
page 92
17MCS (Optional Modular Control System), see
separate operator’s manual
18Front passenger airbag, see page 56
19Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock
position 1 or 2)
20Cup holder, see page 114
21Storage compartment
22Air recirculation switch, see page 98
23Air conditioner on /off switch, see page 98
24Air volume control switch
25Temperature selector switch
26Air distribution switch
27Electrical outlet, see page 230

20 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Center console1Left front seat heater switch, see page 44
2Switch for rear quarter window, left, see page 106
3Switch for rear window washer /wiper, see page 96
4ESP control switch, see page 207
5Switch for rear quarter window, right, see page 106
6Right front seat heater switch, see page 44
7Storage compartment
8Selector lever, see page 165
9Ashtray with lighter, see page 118
10Power window switch, left front door, see page 104
11Central locking switch, see page 32
12Rear window defroster switch, see page 103
13Power window switch, right front door, see page 104
14Power window switch, left rear door, see page 104
15Mirror adjustment switch, see page 73
16Power window safety switch, rear doors, see
page 104
17Power window switch, right rear door, see page 104

21 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Overhead control panel1Interior lighting, see page 110
2Garage door opener, see page 140
3Hands-free microphone for Tele Aid, telephone and
voice recognition system
4Tele Aid (emergency call system), see page 148
5Sliding /pop-up roof, see page 107
Skyview Top, see page 109
6Rear view mirror, see page 71
Reading lamps inside rear view mirror, see page 110
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