2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 emergency brake

217 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Brake assist system (BAS)The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers by
having maximum power boost applied to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s
braking style. This can help reduce braking distances
over what ordinary driving and braking style might do.
The BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS).
Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
BAS assistance.
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply
continuous full braking power during the stopping
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the electronic
stability program (ESP) is combined with the BAS
malfunction indicator lamp.
Wa r n i n g !
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

219 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Antilock brake system (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during
hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km / h)
independent of road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal,
indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure results in
applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking
power and ability to steer the vehicle.In the case of an emergency brake maneuver keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine
running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a
malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without
antilock assistance.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS, EBP, ESP and
4-ETS+ are also switched off. The malfunction indicator
lamps come on with the engine running.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake
pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.

241 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
When running out of fuel, the “CHECK ENGINE”
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the engine
possibly switches to its limp-home (emergency
operation) mode.
To cancel the limp-home mode, the engine may have to
be started three or four times after refueling. The
malfunction indicator lamp remains illuminated. Have
the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately.
Brake warning lamp
The warning lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on with the key in steering lock
position 2 and should go out with the engine
running.
When the brake warning lamp appears while the engine
is running, this means:
•there is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir
(engine running and parking brake released), or
•the parking brake is set (engine running)
•the electronic brake proportioning (EBP) system is
malfunctioning.Note:
If you find that the minimum mark on the brake fluid
reservoir is reached, have the brake system checked for
brake pad thickness and leaks.
BRAKE
Wa r n i n g !
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated
can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp
stays on. Don’t add brake fluid before checking the
brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir
can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.

323 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Automatic transmission ............................................... 183
Emergency Operation .............................................. 190
Fluid level ...................................................................256
Selector lever position .............................................. 186
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ............................................. 281
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 55
Self-test ......................................................................... 55
BAS (Brake assist system) ............................................ 217
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 243
Battery .............................................................................273
Battery recycling ....................................................... 274
Charge indicator lamp ..............................................245
Battery, remote control ................................................. 292
Block heater .................................................................... 201
Blocking of rear door windows .................................... 124
Brake assist system (BAS) ............................................ 217
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 243
Brake fluid .............................................................. 193, 316
Brake warning lamp ................................................. 241
Capacity ...................................................................... 315
Brake pad wear indicator ............................................. 247Brake warning lamp ...................................................... 241
Brake fluid low .......................................................... 241
Brakes ......................................................191, 193, 315, 316
Bulbs
See Replacing bulbs ................................................. 282
CCapacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ............................... 314
Cargo area ....................................................................... 149
Hooks .......................................................................... 151
Loading instructions ................................................. 154
Cargo area cover blind .................................................. 155
Cargo compartment lamp ............................................. 129
Cargo floor plates
Removable .................................................................. 147
Storage ........................................................................ 148
Cargo tie-down rings ..................................................... 150
Catalytic converter ......................................................... 178
Cellular telephone .......................................................... 157
Center console .................................................................. 20
Central locking switch .................................................... 32

325 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Driving instructions ...................................................... 192
Driving off ....................................................................... 194
Dust filter ......................................................................... 111
EEBP (Electronic brake proportioning) ........................ 222
Electrical outlet .............................................................. 252
Electronic brake proportioning (EBP) ........................ 222
Electronic stability program (ESP) .............................. 223
Control switch ...........................................................225
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 243
Synchronizing ...........................................................224
Warning lamp ............................................................243
Electronic traction system (4-ETS+) ........................... 221
LOW RANGE – 4-ETS ...............................................222
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 243
Emergency call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 166
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) ......................... 57
Emergency unlocking in case of accident ................... 33
Emission control ............................................................ 179
Emission control label .................................................. 307
Engine compartment .....................................................253Engine malfunction
CHECK ENGINE
malfunction indicator lamp ............................... 240
Engine oil additives ....................................................... 316
Engine oil consumption ............................................... 256
Engine oil level
Checking .............................................................. 96, 255
Warning ..................................................................... 246
Engine oil level indicator ................................................ 96
Engine oils ...................................................................... 316
Capacities ................................................................... 314
Low engine oil level warning ................................. 246
Engine overheating ..........................................................87
Engine speed limit
Overrevving .................................................................. 88
Enlarged cargo area ....................................................... 149
Entrance lamps ............................................................... 130
ESP
LOW RANGE — ESP .................................................. 226
ESP (Electronic stability program) ............................. 223
Control switch .......................................................... 225
Malfunction indicator lamp .................................... 243
Synchronizing .......................................................... 224
Warning lamp ........................................................... 243
ETR (Emergency tensioning retractor) .........................57