2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML55AMG transmission

228 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Switching on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move transmission selector lever to position “N”.
3. Push top end of switch. The LOW RANGE indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster blinks three times
during the changeover.
Once the changeover is complete, the indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up continuously.
Note:
If the indicator lamp blinks fast, one or more switching
conditions were not observed, or the LOW RANGE mode
is defective.Switching off:
1. S to p t h e ve h i c l e .
2. Move transmission selector lever to position “N”.
3. Push top end of switch. The LOW RANGE indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster three times during
the changeover.
Once the changeover is complete, the indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. Use the gear selector
lever normally.
Note:
If the indicator lamp blinks fast, one or more switching
conditions were not observed, or the LOW RANGE mode
is defective.

229 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
During off-road driving a special low range system for
antilock brake system (ABS) and four-wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS+) are operational with
transmission in the LOW RANGE mode.
In the low range mode the electronic stability program
(ESP) operates in a traction improving fashion
specifically adapted for off-road driving. At speeds
below 27 mph (45 km / h) the ESP assists in over- /
understeering, thus improving vehicle tracking.
If one or more tires lose traction while driving downhill
(accelerator released), the 4-ETS+ engages and the
warning lampv, located in the speedometer dial,
starts to flash.
When applying the service brakes at speeds below
approximately 18 mph (30 km / h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking distance (dig in
effect). This affects steering the vehicle.Notes:
Driving off or driving up to 3 mph (5 km / h) with the
service brakes applied lightly (to reduce drive wheel
spin), the 4-ETS+ remains engaged. Driving with the
service brakes applied lightly at vehicles speeds above
3 mph (5 km / h), the 4-ETS+ will not engage.
If the indicator lamp blinks fast, one or more switching
conditions were not observed, or the LOW RANGE mode
is defective.
In the case of a defective in the LOW RANGE mode the
transmission shifts in the usual manner. It is not
possible to switch on the LOW RANGE mode.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

249 Contents - Practical hints
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................250
Fuses ................................................250
Electrical outlet ..............................252
Stowing items in the vehicle ........252
Hood .................................................253
Checking engine oil level .............255
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................256
Engine oil consumption ................256
Coolant level ...................................256
Adding coolant ...........................257
Windshield washer/headlamp
cleaning system .........................258
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........259Ve h i c l e j a c k ,
wheel bolt wrench and
screwdriver ............................... 259
Air pump ......................................... 261
Wheels ............................................ 262
Tire replacement ....................... 262
Rotating wheels ......................... 263
Spare wheel .................................... 264
Changing wheels ........................... 267
Tire inflation pressure ................. 272
Battery ............................................. 273
Jump starting ................................. 275
Towing the vehicle ........................ 277
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking .................. 281
Stranded vehicle ............................ 281Exterior lamps ................................282
Headlamp assembly ...................283
Taillamp assemblies ..................287
Adjusting headlamp aim ...............290
Remote control battery
replacement ...............................292
Synchronizing
remote control ............................293
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof ...................294
Manual release for
fuel filler flap .............................295
Replacing wiper blades .................295
Roof rack .........................................296

256 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Automatic transmission fluid level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic
transmission fluid.
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid leaks or gear shifting malfunctions,
have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
check the transmission fluid level.
Engine oil consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made
after the break-in period. During the break-in period,
higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal.
Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in
increased consumption.Coolant level
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked
on level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when coolant is cold.
The coolant level should reach the COLD LEVEL mark in
the reservoir.P20.30-0241-20

279 Towing
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index ML 55 AMG and vehicles with optional sport package.
The rear towing eye is located behind the right side
cover (1) in the bumper panel.
3Cover
4Tow i n g eye , r e a rCover removal:
Grip cover at bottom and securely pull out.
Cover installation:
Engage cover and press in securely.
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km / h). The key must be in steering lock position 2.
Note:
The steering lock cannot be locked or unlocked and the
selector lever remains in position “P” if the battery is
disconnected or discharged (see page 273). See
page 281 for transmission selector lever, manually
unlocking.
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid possible serious burns or injury,
use extreme caution when removing the cover,
because the rear exhaust pipe is extremely hot.

281 Towing
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking
In the case of power failure the transmission selector
lever can be manually unlocked, e.g. to tow the vehicle.
To do so, insert a pin (1), e.g. ball point pen, into the
covered opening below the position “D” of the shift
pattern. While pushing the pin down, move selector
lever from position “P”.
After removal of the pin from the opening, the cover will
not close fully. Only after moving the selector lever to
position “D–” does the cover return to its closed
position.Stranded vehicle
Freeing a stranded vehicle, on which the wheels are dug
into sand or mud, should be done with the greatest of
care, especially if the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Avoid pulling the vehicle jerkily or diagonally, since it
could result in damage to the chassis alignment.
Never try to free a vehicle that is still coupled to a
trailer.
If possible, a vehicle equipped with trailer hitch receiver
should be pulled backward in its own previously made
tracks.
P27.60-2186-26
1

314 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. – capacities
Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match. Therefore use only brands tested and recommended
by us. Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. Model Capacity
Engine with oil filter
(recommended engine oils)ML 320 / ML 500
ML 55 AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
Automatic transmission
(automatic transmission fluid)9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
Transfer case
(Dexron 3 or Dexron 2E)1.6 US qt (1.5 l)
Rear axle
(Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90)1.3 US qt (1.25 l)
Front axle
(Hypoid gear oil SAE 90)1.2 US qt (1.1 l)
Power steering
(MB Power steering fluid)approx. 0.65 US qt (0.6 l)
Front wheel hubs
(high temperature roller bearing grease)approx. 1.5 oz (43 g) each

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