2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 lock

180 Steering lock
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Steering lock
0The key can be withdrawn in this position only. The
steering is locked when the key is removed from the
steering lock. If necessary, move steering wheel
slightly to allow the locking mechanism to engage.
The key can only be removed with the selector lever
in position “P”. After removing the key or with the
key in steering lock position 0 or 1 the selector lever
is locked in position “P”.1Steering is unlocked.
(If necessary, move steering wheel slightly to allow
the key to be turned clockwise to position 1.) Most
electrical consumers can be operated. For detailed
information see respective subjects.
2Driving position.
Selector lever is unlocked.
To move the selector lever out of position “P” firmly
depress the service brake pedal.
3Starting position.
See page 182 for starting and turning off the engine.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment may cause serious personal
injury.

181 Steering lock
Te ch n i c a 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.

182 Starting and turning off the engine
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Starting and turning off the engine
Before starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector
lever is in position “P” or “N”.
Important!
In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -4
°F
(-20
°C) we recommend that an engine block heater be
installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will advise you on this subject.
Starting
Do not depress accelerator.
Turn key in steering lock to position 2. Briefly turn key
in steering lock clockwise to the stop and release. The
starter will engage until the engine is running.
If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops,
turn key completely to the left and repeat starting the
engine.
After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system
checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.A starting procedure can be interrupted by turning the
key to steering lock position 0.
Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat feature, the key
must be turned completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
Note:
In case the engine cannot be started and the
messagesÁ and î are shown in the odometer
display field, the system is not operational. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100
(in Canada).
Turning off
Put the selector lever in position “P” and turn the key in
the steering lock to position 0 to stop the engine.
The key can only be removed with the selector lever in
position “P”.

184 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Driving
The selector lever is automatically locked while in
position “P”. To move the selector lever out of
position “P”, the service brake pedal must be firmly
depressed before the shift lock will release.
Shift selector lever to the desired position only when the
engine is idling normally and the service brake is
applied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive.
The vehicle may otherwise start creeping when the
selector lever is in drive or reverse position.Important!
After selecting any driving position from “N” or “P”,
wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage before
accelerating, especially when the engine is cold.
Accelerator position
Partial throttle = early upshifting = normal acceleration
Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid acceleration
Kickdown (depressing the accelerator beyond full
throttle) = downshifting to a lower gear = maximum
acceleration. Once the desired speed is attained, ease up
on the accelerator – the transmission shifts up again.
Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into “N”
or “P” and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Wa r n i n g !
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P”
or “N” if the engine speed is higher than idle speed.
If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when your
right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

185 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
slight partial throttle.
Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the
malfunction indication.Towing a trailer
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.
At very steep inclines, not manageable with selector
lever in position “1”, switch transfer case to LOW
RANGE, see page 227 for instructions on how to engage
LOW RANGE.
For instructions on trailer towing refer to page 209.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone
may not prevent your vehicle from moving,
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting
to position “P”, see page 191 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
against curb.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move
the gear selector lever from position “P”, which
could result in an accident or serious injury.

186 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Selector lever position
The current selector lever position is indicated in the
gear range indicator display. The automatic gear
shifting process can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.Park position
The park position is to be used when parking the
vehicle. Engage only with the vehicle stopped.
The park position is not intended to serve as a
brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the
driver should always use the parking brake in
addition to placing the selector lever in park to
secure the vehicle.
Notes:
The key can only be removed from the steering
lock with the selector lever in position “P”. With
the key removed, the selector lever is locked in
position “P”.
With a malfunction in the vehicle’s electrical
system the selector lever could remain locked in
position “P”. To unlock the selector lever
manually, see page 281.
Reverse gear
Shift to reverse gear only with the vehicle
stopped.

190 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Emergency operation (Limp home mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating
in Limp home mode which engages when there is a
malfunction of the transmission. This condition may be
accompanied by the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the 2nd gear or reverse gear can be
activated.To engage 2nd gear or reverse:
1. S to p t h e ve h i c l e .
2. Move selector lever to position “P”.
3. Turn key in steering lock to position 0.
4. Wait at least 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move selector lever to position “D” (for 2nd gear), or
move selector lever to position “R” (for reverse gear).
Have the transmission checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

191 Parking brake
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Parking brake
To engage, firmly depress parking brake pedal (1).
When the key is in steering lock position 2, the brake
warning lampÉ in the instrument cluster should
come on brightly.To release the parking brake, pull handle (2) on
instrument panel. The brake warning lampÉ in the
instrument cluster should go out.
A warning sounds, if you start to drive without having
released the parking brake.
Also see brake warning lamp on page 241.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake, which could result in an
accident or serious injury.