2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 Engine light

95 Flexible service system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
The FSS indicator is not an engine oil level indicator.
See page 96 for engine oil level indicator.
Notes:
When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or more
days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any such
days not counted by the FSS can be added by your
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
The interval between services is determined by the type
of driving for which the vehicle is used. For example,
driving at extreme speeds, and cold starts combined
with short distance driving in which the engine does not
reach normal operating temperature, reduce the interval
between services.
Following a completed A or B service the Mercedes-
Benz Light Truck Center sets the counter mileage to
10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km).
The counter can also be set by any individual. To do so:
1. Turn the key in steering lock to position 2.
2. Immediately press button (1) twice within one
second.3. The present status for days or distance is displayed.
Within 10 seconds turn key in steering lock to
position 0.
4. Press and hold button (1), while turning key in
steering lock to position 2 again. The present status
for days or distance is displayed once more.
Continue to hold button (1).
After approximately 10 seconds a signal sounds, and
the display shows 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km)
for approximately 10 seconds.
5. Release button (1).
If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have it
corrected at a Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Note:
However you choose to set your reference numbers, the
scheduled services as posted in the Service Booklet
must be followed to properly care for your vehicle.

96 Engine oil level indicator
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Engine oil level indicator
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check oil level approximately 5 minutes after turning
off the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the oil
pan.
Turn the key in steering lock to position 2 and wait until
the display “––––––” appears in the odometer display
field.
Within 1 second press button (1) twice.The following messages are available:
“OIL i.O”
No oil needs to be added.
“–1.0 L”
“–1.5 L”
“–2.0 L”
Add oil according to amount displayed.
See page 255 for instructions on adding engine oil.
“OIL HI”
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could
cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The display “––––––” flashes in the odometer display
field if a proper oil level check cannot be performed. The
engine oil level check can be repeated after a short time.
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick, if it
cannot be completed via the odometer display field.
Seepage255.
In this case we recommend that you have the system
checked at a Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

99 Exterior lamp switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Headlamp mode
The headlamps can be switched on and off manually or
automatically.
Manual operation:
The low beam headlamps and parking lamps can be
switched on and off with the exterior lamp switch. For
exterior lamp switch, see page 97.
Automatic operation:
With electronic key in steering lock in position 1 turn
exterior lamp switch to positionU.
The parking lamps switches on and off automatically
depending on the brightness of the ambient light.With the engine running and exterior lamp switch in
positionU:
USA only:
The low beam headlamps and parking lamps are
switched on and off automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light.
Canada only:
In conjunction with the daytime running lamps, see
page 100, in low ambient light conditions the parking
lamps will also switch on.
Note:
The high beam headlamps, high beam flasher, low beam
headlamps, parking lamps can still be switched on and
off manually using the exterior lamp switch.
The headlamps will not be automatically switched on
under foggy conditions.
Front fog lamps and rear fog lamps cannot be switched
on manually with exterior lamp switch in positionU.
To activate the fog lamps turn exterior switch to
positionB.
Wa r n i n g !
The driver is responsible for the operation of the
vehicle’s lights at all times. The automatic
headlamp feature is only an aid to the driver.
Switch on the vehicle lights by hand when driving
or traffic conditions require you to do so.

100 Exterior lamp switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Daytime running lamp mode (Canada only)
Turn exterior lamp switch to positionD.
When the engine is running the low beam headlamps
are automatically switched on. In low ambient light
conditions the parking lamps will also switch on.
When shifting from a driving position to position “N”
or “P”, the exterior lamps switches off (3 minutes delay).For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should
be turned to position õ or U to permit activation
of the high beam headlamps.
Note:
The high beam flasher is always available.

111 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Automatic climate control
The automatic climate control only operates with the
engine running.
The system is always at operational readiness, except
when manually switched off.
In the automatic mode the automatic climate control
cools or heats the interior depending on outside
temperature and the selected interior temperature.
Make the temperature settings in small increments.
If the vehicle interior has been heated by direct sunlight
and is very hot, ventilate the interior (open door or
windows for a short period) before driving off
Keep the air intake grill in front of the windshield free
of debris and snow.
The air conditioning mode removes considerable
moisture from the air during operation in the cooling
mode. It is normal for water to drip on the ground
through ducts in the underbody.
If the economy mode AC
OFF
is selected, the air
conditioning compressor will not engage and it is not
possible to air condition in this setting. See page 117.Notes:
The interior temperature sensor (10) should not be
touched to maintain a precise temperature.
If the vehicle travels from shade into direct sunlight, a
sensor automatically increases the air volume
temporarily to maintain the interior temperature.
The automatic climate control will not remove moisture
from the air at low outside ambient temperatures.
The air conditioner switches itself off for its own
protection if refrigerant is lost. No cooling will then take
place. Economy mode AC
OFF
cannot be switched off.
Have the air conditioner checked by a Mercedes-Benz
Center should this happen.
Dustfilter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out
before outside air enters the passenger compartment
through the air distribution system.
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution) may require
replacement of the filter before its scheduled interval.
A clogged filter will reduce the air volume to the
interior.

112 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Basic setting - automatic mode
To a c ti va te :
With the engine running, briefly press the Ubutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ubutton lights up. The
temperature, air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
Temperature can be adjusted with the temperature
control, which is located in the center.
Turning the control wheel to either the blue or red dot
switches off the temperature regulation.
To deactivate:
Briefly press the Ubutton. The indicator lamp in the
Ubutton goes out. The automatic mode is switched
off, air volume control is set to fan speed 2 and air
distribution is set to positionV.To activate basic setting:
Press Ubutton at least 3 seconds.
All functions are switched to automatic mode and
temperature is set to 72˚F (22˚C).
The rear window defroster may be switched on
manually.
P83.30-3551-21

137 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Ashtrays
Center console
By touching the top of the cover lightly, the ashtray
opens automatically.
To remove ashtray: Pull up and remove ashtray insert.Rear passenger compartment
To u ch c ove r to o p e n .
To o p e n a s h t r ay :
Touch ashtray (1), it opens automatically.
To remove ashtray:
Open ashtray (1) and pull out the ashtray insert.
Close the ashtray before folding the rear seat bench.
Wa r n i n g !
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle standing
still. Turn off the engine and set the parking brake.
Otherwise the vehicle might move as a result of
unintended contact with the gear selector lever.
P68.20-2336-26
P68.00-2597-26
1

165 The first 1 000 miles
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the
break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle
during the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) at moderate
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle
driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended
to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend that you select positions “3”, “2” or “1”
only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) speeds may be gradually
increased to the permissible maximum.Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle
serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center, in accordance with the Service Booklet at the
times called for by the FSS.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance
with the Service Booklet at the designated times /
mileage may result in vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For information on the Flexible service system (FSS) see
page 94.
Check regularly and before a long trip, see page 238.