2003 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 transmission

74 Safety and SecurityDriving and safety systems
LOW RANGE 4-ETS
During off-road driving a special low range
system for the 4-ETS is operational with
transmission in LOW RANGE mode.
More information can be found in the
“Practical hints” section (
page 224) and
(
page 226).
EBP
The EBP enhances braking effectiveness
by allowing the rear brakes to supply a
greater proportion of the braking effort
without a loss of vehicle stability.
Warning!
G
When you see the 4-ETS/ESP-warning lamp v
flashing in the speedometer dial, then
proceed as follows:


While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.


While driving ease up on the accelera-
tor.


Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4-ETS cannot prevent accidents result-
ing from excessive speed.
!The engine must be shut off when

the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer.


the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised.
Otherwise, the 4-ETS will engage the
brakes and seriously damage the brake
system.
iIf the yellow 4-ETS malfunction indica-
tor lamp
{
comes on while the
4-ETS/ESP warning lamp
v
flashes,
the electronic traction system is being
switched off temporarily to prevent
overheating of the drive wheel brakes.

76 Safety and SecurityDriving and safety systemsLOW RANGE – ESP
During off-road driving a special low range
system for the ESP is operational with
transmission in LOW RANGE mode
(page 118).
In the LOW RANGE mode ESP operates in
a traction improving fashion specifically
adapted for off-road driving. At speeds be-low 27 mph (45 km / h), the ESP assists in
over-/understeering, thus improving vehi-
cle traction.
Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have drive wheels spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
such as:


starting out on slippery surfaces and in
deep snow in conjunction with snow
chains


in sand or gravel


when driving off-roadWhen the ESP is turned off


engine torque is not limited.


the drive wheels can spin.
This helps the wheels cut into surfaces
for a better grip.
!The engine must be shut off when

the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer.


the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised.
Otherwise, the ESP will engage the
brakes and seriously damage the brake
system.
The ESP will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size (
page 279).
Warning!
G
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.
!Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP switched
off. This may cause serious damage to
the drivetrain which is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.iTurn ESP on immediately if the afore-
mentioned circumstances do not apply
anymore.

83 Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Seats
Memory function*
Lighting
Instrument cluster
Automatic transmission
Transmission control – LOW RANGE mode
Good visibility
Automatic climate control
Power windows
Sliding/pop-up roof*
Loading
Driving systems
Useful features

113 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
Information for driving with an automatic
transmission is found in the “Getting start-
ed” section (
page 44).
Your transmission adapts its gear shifting
process to your individual driving style by
continually adjusting the shift points up or
down. These shift point adjustments are
performed based on current operating and
driving conditions.
If the operating conditions change, the au-
tomatic transmission reacts by adjusting
its gear shift program.
The automatic transmission selects indi-
vidual gears automatically, dependent
upon


the selector lever positionD with gear
ranges4, 3, 2, 1


the position of the accelerator pedal
(page 117)


the vehicle speedWhen the selector lever is in positionD,
you can influence transmission shifting by


limiting the gear range


changing gears yourself
One-touch gearshifting
Even with an automatic transmission you
can change the gears yourself when the
selector lever is in positionD.
Downshifting
Briefly press the selector lever to the
left in the D–direction.
The transmission will shift from the cur-
rent gear to the next lower gear. This
action simultaneously limits the gear
range of the transmission
(page 114).
Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out
ofP orN if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the en-
gine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.

114 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionUpshifting
Briefly press the selector lever to the
right in the D+direction.
The transmission will shift from the cur-
r e n t g e a r t o t h e n e x t h i g h e r g e a r a s p e r -
mitted by the shift program. This action
simultaneously extends the gear range
of the transmission.Canceling gear range limit

Press and hold the selector lever in the
D+direction until D reappears in the
tachometer display field.
Shifting into optimal gear range

Press and hold the gear selector lever
in the D– direction.
The transmission will automatically se-
lect the gear range suited for optimal
acceleration and deceleration. This will
involve shifting down one or more
gears.
Gear ranges
With the selector lever in positionD, you
can limit the transmission’s gear range by
pressing the lever to the left (D-), and re-
verse the gear range limit by pressing the
lever to the right (D+).
The selected gear range will appear in the
tachometer display field. If you press on
the accelerator when the engine has
reached its rpm limit, the transmission will
upshift beyond any gear range limit
selected.
iTo avoid overrevving the engine when
the selector lever is moved to the D– di-
rection, the transmission will not shift
to a lower gear if the engine’s max.
speed would be exceeded.

115 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Gear selector lever position
Gear
range
Effect
é
The transmission shifts
through fourth gear only.
è
The transmission shifts
through third gear only.
With this selection you can
use the braking effect of the
engine.
Gear
range
Effect
ç
The transmission shifts
through second gear only.
Allows the use of engine’s
braking power when driving

on steep downgrades


in mountainous regions


under extreme operating
conditions
æ
The transmission operates
only in first gear
For maximum use of engine’s
braking effect on very steep
or lengthy downgrades.
Effect
P
Park position
Selector position when the vehicle is
parked. Only place selector lever in
positionP when vehicle is stopped.
The park position is not intended to
serve as a brake when the vehicle is
parked. Rather, the driver should al-
ways set the parking brake in addi-
tion to placing the selector lever in
positionP to secure the vehicle.
The key can only be removed from
the steering lock with the selector le-
ver in positionP. With the key re-
moved the selector lever is locked in
positionP.
If the vehicle electrical system is mal-
functioning, the selector lever could
remain locked in positionP
(page 245).
R
Place selector lever in positionR only
when vehicle is stopped.

116 Controls in detailAutomatic transmission
Effect
N
Neutral
No power is transmitted from the en-
gine to the drive axle. When the
brakes are released, the vehicle can
be moved freely (pushed or towed).
To avoid damage to the transmission,
never engageN while driving.
If the ESP is deactivated or malfunc-
tioning:
Only move selector lever toN if the
vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g.
on icy roads).
D
The transmission shifts automatical-
ly. All five forward gears are avail-
able.
!Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any
other reason with selector lever inN
can result in transmission damage that
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.Warning!
G
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector
lever not fully engaged in positionP is dan-
gerous. Also, positionP alone is not intend-
ed to or capable of preventing your vehicle
from moving, possibly hitting people or ob-
jects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to
shifting to positionP (
page 50).
When parked on an incline, turn the front
wheels towards the road curb.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle always remove the
key from the steering lock and lock the vehi-
cle. Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehi-
cle. Children could move the selector lever
from positionP, which could result in an ac-
cident and/or serious personal injury.

117 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Accelerator position
Your driving style influences the transmis-
sion’s shifting behavior:
Less throttle Earlier upshifting
More throttle Later upshifting
Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration
Press the accelerator past the point of
resistance.
The transmission shifts into a lower
gear.

Ease on the accelerator when you have
reached the desired speed.
The transmission shifts up again.

Towing a trailer
If you tow a trailer, note the following
points:

Manually shift to a lower gear range
(4,3, 2, 1), if the transmission hunts
between gears on inclines
(page 114).
A lower gear range and reduction of
speed reduces the change to overload
or overheat the engine.


At very steep inclines switch transfer
case to LOW RANGE mode
(page 118).
For more information on trailer towing, see
the “Operation” section (
page 192).Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode)
If the vehicle acceleration worsens or the
transmission no longer shifts, the trans-
mission is most likely operating in limp
home mode. In this mode only 2nd gear
and reverse gear can be activated.
Stop the vehicle.

Move selector lever to positionP.

Turn off the engine.

Wait at least ten seconds before re-
starting.

Move selector lever to position D (for
2nd gear) or R.

Have the transmission checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center as soon as possible.