2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 key battery

36 Antitheft alarm system
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Antitheft alarm system
The indicator lamp is located in the center console.
The antitheft alarm is automatically armed or disarmed
with the remote control by locking or unlocking the
vehicle.
The antitheft alarm is armed within approximately
15 seconds after locking the vehicle with the remote
control.
A blinking lamp in the center console indicates that the
alarm is armed.
Notes:
Use of the mechanical key in the front door locks does
not arm or disarm the antitheft alarm system.
The alarm sounds when unlocking the driver’s door
with the mechanical key. Cancel alarm by turning key in
steering lock to position 1, or with the remote control by
pressing buttonŒ or‹.
If the vehicle battery voltage falls below 10 volts, the
alarm is automatically canceled and the antitheft alarm
system is disarmed. When the voltage is above this
value again, the antitheft alarm system is armed again.Operation:
Once the alarm system has been armed, the turn signal
lamps will flash rapidly (approximately 3 minutes) and
the horn will sound intermittently (approximately
30 seconds) when someone:
•opens a door,
•opens the liftgate,
•opens the hood,
•breaks a window,
•attempts to raise the vehicle.
The alarm will stay on even if the activating element
(a door, for example) is immediately closed.
If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an
emergency call is initiated automatically. See Tele Aid
on page 166.
Note:
The alarm system will cycle three times when triggered.
The interior lights are automatically switched on when
the alarm comes on and go out when the alarm is
cancelled.

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.

117 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Economy mode
The function of this setting corresponds to the
automatic mode. However, because the air conditioning
compressor will not engage (fuel savings), it is not
possible to air condition in this setting.
Press AC
OFF
button to activate. The indicator lamp in the
button illuminates.
Press AC
OFF
button once again to return to the previous
setting.
Important!
In the mode AC
OFF
the windows could fog up on the
inside. Switch off ACOFF
mode.Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
to heat or ventilate the interior for a short while,
dependent of the temperature set in the climate control.
Air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
To s e l e c t :
Turn the key in steering lock to position 1.
Press buttonT. The indicator lamp in the button
illuminates.
To s w i tch o f f :
Press buttonT. The indicator lamp in the button
goes out.
This function selection is automatically switched off,
•if turning the key in steering lock to position 2,
•after approx. 30 minutes,
•if the coolant temperature is too low and
•if the battery voltage drops.
Note:
The fan switches to a lower speed independent of the
setting of the air volume control.

121 Automatic climate control
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Rear window defroster
Turn the key in steering lock to position 2.
To select:
Press the Fbutton in the control panel of the
automatic air conditioner. The indicator lamp in the
button illuminates.
To c a nc el:
Press the Fbutton in the control panel of the
automatic air conditioner. The indicator lamp in the
button goes out.
Notes:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed
before activating the defroster. The rear window defroster uses a large amount of power.
To keep the battery drain to a minimum, turn off the
defroster as soon as the rear window is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after
approximately 6–17 minutes of operation depending on
the outside temperature and vehicle speed.
If several power consumers are turned on
simultaneously, or the battery is only partially charged,
it is possible that the defroster will automatically turn
itself off. When this happens, the indicator lamp inside
the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has sufficient voltage, the
defroster automatically turns itself back on.

124 Interior equipment
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Blocking of rear door window operation
If no operation of the rear door windows by the
switches (6) and (7), located on rear center console (for
instance by children) is desired, slide override
switch (5) to right, symbolN becomes visible.
Note:
After turning off the engine, the power windows can be
operated for approximately 30 minutes or until a front
door is opened.Synchronizing power windows
Resynchronize the power windows, if
•the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or low),
•the windows cannot be opened or closed by the
express feature.
To r e s y n ch r o n i z e :
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
Press j side of power window switch until the
window is completely closed and hold down for
approximately 1 second. Repeat procedure for each
window.
The automatic full opening and closing procedure of the
windows should now be restored.
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 can cause serious personal
injury.

166 Tele Aid
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Tele Aid (optional for Canada)
Important!
The initial activation of the Tele Aid system may only be
performed by completing the subscriber agreement and
placing an acquaintance call using the “SOS” button.
Failure to complete either of these steps will result in a
system that is not activated. If the system is not
activated the indicator lamp in the “SOS” button stays
on after turning electronic key in starter switch to
position 2 and the message “TELE AID – NOT
ACTIVATED” will be shown in the MCS display for
approx. 10 seconds.
If you have any questions regarding activation, please
call the Response Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
(Te l ematic Alarm Identification on Demand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three types of response;
automatic and manual emergency, roadside assistance
and information.The Tele Aid system is operational providing that the
vehicle’s battery is charged, properly connected, not
damaged and cellular and GPS coverage is available.
The speaker volume of a Tele Aid call can be adjusted
using the volume control on the MCS unit. To activate,
press the “SOS” button, the Roadside Assistance
button• or the Information button¡, depending
on the type of response required.
Shortly after the completion of your Acquaintance Call,
you will receive a user ID and password via first call
mail. By visiting www.mbusa.com and selecting
“Tele Aid” (USA only), you will have access to account
information, remote door unlock, Info Services
* profile
and more.
* OptionalSystem self-check
Initially, after turning the key in steering lock to
position 2, malfunctions are detected and indicated (the
indicator lamps in the “SOS” button, the Roadside
Assistance button• and Information button¡
stay on longer than 10 seconds or do not come on). The
message “TELE AID – PLEASE VISIT WORKSHOP”
appears in the MCS display.

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.

274 Battery
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the
battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the
key is in steering lock position 0. The battery must
always be securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation. During removal and installation always
protect the disconnected battery positive (+) terminal
with the cover attached to the battery.
While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the
generator and other electronic components would be
damaged.Note:
The gear selector lever will remain locked in
position “P” and the electronic key cannot be turned in
the steering lock if the vehicle battery is disconnected
or discharged.
After reconnecting the battery also set the clock in
instrument cluster (see page 87), set date in trip
computer (see page 89), resynchronize the sliding / pop-
up roof (see page 294) and the electronic stability
program (ESP) (see page 224).
Battery recycling
Batteries contain material that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.