2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 engine compartment

257 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Adding coolant
If coolant has to be added, a 50 / 50 mixture of water and
MB anticorrosion / antifreeze should be added.
After adding coolant, close cap until you hear it click a
few times.
The drain plugs for the cooling system are located on
the left and right side of the engine block directly above
the engine mounts and at the bottom of the radiator.
Anticorrosion / antifreeze mixture, see page 319.
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid possible serious burns or injury:
• Use extreme caution when opening the hood if
there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking
from the cooling system, or if the coolant
temperature gauge indicates that the coolant is
overheated.
• Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if engine temperature is above 194
°F
(90
°C). Allow engine to cool down before
removing cap. The coolant reservoir contains
hot fluid and is under pressure.
• Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately
1/2 turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will
be blown out under pressure.• Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine
parts.

258 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Windshield washer/headlamp cleaning system
The reservoir should be refilled with MB Windshield
washer concentrate and water (or commercially
available premixed windshield washer solvent/
antifreeze, depending on ambient temperatures).
1Windshield washer / headlamp cleaning / rear
window wiper / washer system fluid reservoir
Capacity approximately 8.0 US qt (7.6 l).
Wa r n i n g !
Washer solvent / antifreeze is highly flammable. Do
not spill washer solvent / antifreeze on hot engine
parts, because it may burn. You can be seriously
burned.
1

271 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Inflating the space-saver tire (ML 55 AMG only)
1. Remove air pump from compartment behind the
space-saver spare wheel.
2. Open lid (arrow) and pull out filler hose (1) with
pressure gauge and electrical plug (2). Observe
manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Unscrew tire valve cap from space-saver tire valve.
4. Screw filler hose (1) onto space-saver tire valve.5. Plug air pump electrical plug (2) into electrical
outlet in front passenger footwell or rear cargo
compartment.
6. Start the engine and switch on the air pump.
7. Operate air pump (approximately 8 minutes) until
pressure gauge displays 61 psi (4.2 bar).
8. Switch off air pump and turn off the engine.
9. Unscrew filler hose from space-saver tire. Reinstall
tire valve cap.
Note:
Excessive tire air pressure should be released using the
vent screw.
3
12
Wa r n i n g !
When working on the vehicle with the engine
running, always set the parking brake in addition
to shifting the gear selector lever to position “P”.Wa r n i n g !
To prevent possible injury when unscrewing air
pump filler hose from space-saver tire valve after
inflating the tire, use a rag since the tire valve
could be hot.

273 Battery
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index If a tire constantly loses air, it should be inspected for
damage.
The spare tire should be checked periodically for
condition and inflation. Spare tire will age and become
worn over time even if never used, and thus should be
inspected and replaced when necessary.Battery
Important!
Battery replacement information:
The maintenance-free battery is located in the engine
compartment.
The service life of the battery is dependent on its
condition of charge. The battery should always be kept
sufficiently charged, in order to last an optimum length
of time.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires can
result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they
are more likely to become punctured or damaged
by road debris, potholes etc.. Follow recommended
inflation pressures.Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label
on the driver’s door latch post). Overloading the
tires can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting, you
might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water and seek medical help if necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is
flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks
away from battery, avoid improper connection of
jumper cables, smoking etc..

276 Jump starting
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
The battery is located on the right side in the engine
compartment.
Proceed as follows:
1. Position the vehicle with the charged battery so that
the jumper cables will reach, but never let the
vehicles touch. Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
2. On both vehicles:
•Turn off engine and all lights and accessories,
except hazard warning flashers or work lights.
•Apply parking brake and shift selector lever to
position “P”.
Important!
3. Clamp one end of the first jumper cable to the
positive (+) under hood terminal of the discharged
battery and the other end to the positive (+) terminal
of the charged battery. Make sure the cable clamps
do not touch any other metal parts.
4. Clamp one end of the second jumper cable to the
grounded negative (–) terminal of the charged
battery and the final connection to the negative (–)
terminal of the discharged battery.Important!
5. Start engine of the vehicle with the charged battery
and run at high idle. Make sure the cables are not
on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that move
when the engine is started. Allow the discharged
battery to charge for a few minutes. Start engine of
the disabled vehicle in the usual manner.
6. After the engine has started, remove jumper cables
by exactly reversing the above installation
sequence, starting with the last connection made
first. When removing each clamp, make sure that it
does not touch any other metal while the other end
is still attached.
Notes:
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Excessive unburned fuel may damage the catalytic
converter.

295 Manual release for fuel filler flap
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Manual release for fuel filler flap
The manual release is located behind the cover in the
left rear compartment trim panel.
In case the central locking system does not release the
fuel filler flap, turn the lock rod (1) clockwise (arrow) to
the end stop and open fuel filler flap.
ML 55 AMG:
First remove the space-saver tire from its holder, see
page 264.Replacing wiper blades
For safety reasons, remove key from steering lock before
replacing the wiper blade, otherwise the motor can
suddenly turn on and cause injury.
Notes:
Do not open engine hood with wiper arm folded forward.
Do not allow the wiper arm to contact the windshield
glass without a wiper blade inserted. The glass may be
scratched or broken.
Make certain that the wiper blade is properly installed.
An improperly installed wiper blade may cause
windshield damage.
The wiper with air spoiler should be mounted on the
driver’s side.
1
P80.20-2296-26

300 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to
protect electrical components and connectors from the
intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax
should be applied to the engine compartment after
every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any
wax.
Vehicle washing
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of
water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a
chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.Due to the width of the vehicle, prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash, fold back the
outside mirrors to prevent them from getting damaged.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt
as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the
inner sides of the wheels.
Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-
plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the lenses.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
sponge.

322 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) ....................................... 219
LOW RANGE – ABS .................................................. 220
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 244
Adjustable steering wheel .............................................. 74
Indicator lamp ...........................................................244
Adjusting headlamp aim ...............................................290
Air conditioner refrigerant ........................................... 316
Air pump ......................................................................... 261
Air recirculation .............................................................116
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 55
Airbag OFF indicator lamp ........................................... 244
Airbags .............................................................................. 58
Alarm system ............................................................. 36, 37
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ..................... 200, 257, 315, 319
Antiglare night position ................................................. 75
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....................................... 219
LOW RANGE – ABS .................................................. 220
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 244
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 36
Aquaplaning ................................................................... 196
AshtrayCenter console, front ................................................ 137
Rear passenger compartment ................................. 137
Automatic central locking .............................................. 33
Automatic climate control ............................................ 108
Adjustable air outlets,
rear passenger compartment .............................120
Air distribution, manual .......................................... 114
Air recirculation ........................................................ 116
Air volume, manual .................................................. 114
Defroster/Windows fogged up
on the inside ......................................................... 115
Economy mode .......................................................... 117
Programming the
basic temperature setting ................................... 113
Rear passenger compartment
climate control ...................................................... 119
Rear window defroster ............................................. 121
Residual engine heat utilization ............................. 117
Switching off the rear passenger
compartment ventilation and
rear automatic climate control ........................... 118
Switching on and off ................................................. 118
Windshield fogged up on outside ........................... 115
Automatic climate control rear
Manual setting of air volume and
air distribution in the rear passenger
compartment ......................................................... 119