2003 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 key

66 Safety and SecurityOccupant safetySelf-test BabySmart
TM
without special
child seat installed
After turning key in steering lock to
position 1 or 2, the
7
indicator lamp lo-
cated in the instrument cluster comes on
for approximately 6 seconds, extinguishes,
then blinks once.
If the indicator lamp should not come on or
is continuously lit, the system is not func-
tioning. You must see an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center before
seating any child on the front passenger
seat.
More information can be found in the
“Practical hints” section (page 232).
BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.
Warning!
G
The BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation sys-
tem will ONLY work with a special child seat
designed to operate with it. It will not work
with child seats which are not BabySmart
TM
compatible.
Never place anything between seat cushion
and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces
the effectiveness of the deactivation sys-
tem. The bottom of the child seat must
make full contact with the passenger seat
cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat
could cause injuries to the child in case of an
accident, instead of protecting the child.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
installation of special child seats.
When using a BabySmart
TM compatible
child seat on the front passenger seat, the
front passenger airbag will not deploy only if
the
7
indicator lamp remains illuminat-
ed.
Please be sure to check the indicator every
time you use the special system child seat.
Should the light go out while the restraint is
installed, please check installation. If the
light remains out, do not use the
BabySmart
TM restraint to transport children
on the passenger seat until the system has
been repaired.
Warning!
G
Do not place powered-on laptops, cell
phones and like electronic devices on the
passenger seat. Signals from such devices
may interfere with the BabySmart
TM system.
Such signal interference may cause the
7
indicator lamp not to come on during
self-test or be continuously lit, indicating
that the system is not functioning.

69 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Blocking of rear door window operation
1Switch for rear door window override
Slide the switch to the right.
A dot becomes visible. The rear win-
dows can no longer be operated using
the switch in the rear doors.For more information on power windows,
see the “Controls in detail” section
(
page 134).
Warning!
G
Install child seat according to manufactur-
er’s instructions.
T h e c h i l d s e a t m u s t b e f i r m l y a t t a c h e d i n t h e
right and left side anchors1.
An incorrectly mounted child seat may come
loose during an accident.
Damaged or impact damaged child seats or
child seat mounting fittings must be re-
placed.
Do not leave children unattended in the ve-
hicle, even if the children are secured in a
child restraint system.
Children too big for child restraint systems
must ride in back seats using regular seat
belts. Position shoulder belt across chest
and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster
seat may be necessary to achieve proper
belt positioning for children from 41 lbs. to
the point where a lap / shoulder belt fits
properly without one.
Warning!
G
Activate the override switch in the rear when
children are riding in the car. The children
could otherwise injure themselves, e.g. by
becoming trapped in the window opening.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the steering lock, and lock the ve-
hicle. Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equip-
ment may cause an accident and/or serious
personal injury.

70 Safety and SecurityPanic alarm
Panic alarmAn audible alarm and blinking turn signal
lamps will operate for approximately
2½ minutes.
1
Â
button
Activating
Press and hold button1 for at least one
second.
Deactivating
Press button1. again or insert key in
steering lock.
or

Insert key in steering lock.
iFor operation in the USA only: This de-
vice complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful
interference, and


this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.

71 Safety and Security
Driving and safety systems
Driving and safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (Antilock Brake System)


BAS (Brake Assist System)


4-ETS (Electronic Traction System)


EBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)


ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
ABS
The ABS regulates the brake pressure so
that the wheels do not lock during braking.
This allows you to maintain the ability to
steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even with light brake pressure.
The
-
warning lamp in the instrument
cluster (page 25) lights up when you
turn the key to position2. It goes out when
the engine is running.
iIn winter operation, the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, ESP, EBP and
4-ETS is only achieved with winter tires
(M + S tires), or snow chains as re-
quired.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of ac-
cidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
ABS, BAS, ESP and 4-ETS cannot reduce this
risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
ABS and significantly reduces braking effec-
tiveness.

73 Safety and Security
Driving and safety systems
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically
provides full brake boost, thereby poten-
tially reducing braking distance. Apply con-
tinuous full braking pressure until the
emergency braking situation is over. The
ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.
When you release the brake pedal the
brakes function again as normal. The BAS
is then deactivated.
The
¿
warning lamp in the instrument
cluster (page 25) lights up when you
turn the key to position2. It goes out when
the engine is running.
More information can be found in the
“Practical hints” section (
page 225).
4-ETS
The 4-Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
improves vehicle’s ability to utilize avail-
able traction, especially under slippery
road conditions. The brakes are applied to
the spinning wheel and power is trans-
ferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
The traction control engages at vehicle
speeds up to approximately 24 mph
(40 km / h), and switches off at 50 mph
(80 km / h).
The
{
warning lamp in the instrument
cluster (page 25) lights up when you
turn the key to position2. It goes out when
the engine is running.
The 4-ETS/ESP warning lamp
v
, locat-
ed in the speedometer dial, starts to flash
at any vehicle speed, as soon as the tires
lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.
Warning!
G
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that af-
forded 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, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely, or aqua-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabili-
ties 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.

75 Safety and Security
Driving and safety systems
ESP
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
monitors the vehicle's traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap-
plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and
by limiting engine output, the ESP works to
stabilize the vehicle.
The 4-ETS/ESP warning lamp
v
in the
speedometer dial flashes when the ESP is
engaged.
The
¿
warning lamp in the instrument
cluster (page 25) and the 4-ETS/ESP
warning lamp
v
in the speedometer
light up when you turn the key to
position2. They go out when the engine is
running.
Warning!
G
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
4-ETS/ESP-warning lamp
v
flashing in
the speedometer dial. In this case 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 ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting
from excessive speed.
Warning!
G
The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely, or aqua-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabili-
ties of a ESP equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.

78 Safety and SecurityAnti-theft systems
Anti-theft systemsImmobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
Activating
Removing the key from the steering lock
activates the immobilizer.
Deactivating
Switch on the ignition by turning the key in
the steering lock to position2.
Anti-theft alarm
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone:

opens a door


opens the liftgate


opens the hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element (a door, for example) is immedi-
ately closed.
The alarm system will also be triggered
when


someone attempts to raise the vehicle


unlocking and opening the driver’s
door with the mechanical key Arming the alarm system
The alarm system is armed after locking
the vehicle with the remote control. The
turn signal lamps blink three times to indi-
cate that the alarm system is activated. A
red lamp in the center console will blink af-
ter approximately 10 seconds when the
alarm system is completely armed
(
page 27).
iIn case the engine cannot be started
(vehicle’s battery is in order), the sys-
tem is not operational. Contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in
Canada).
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
20 seconds, an emergency call is initi-
ated automatically by the Tele Aid sys-
tem (
page 159) provided Tele Aid
service was subscribed to and properly
activated.

79 Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
Disarming the alarm system
The alarm system is disarmed when you
unlock your vehicle with the remote con-
trol. The turn signal lamps blink once to in-
dicate that the alarm system is
deactivated.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm:
Switch on the ignition by turning the
key in the steering lock to position2.
or

Press the
Œ
or
‹
button on the
remote control.
The alarm is cancelled.Tow-away alarm, glass breakage
sensor
The tow-away alarm and the glass break-
age sensor are part of the anti-theft alarm
system.
Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual
and audible alarm will be triggered when
someone:

attempts to raise the vehicle


breaks a window and reaches into the
passenger compartment
iIf the turn signal lamps do not blink
three times, the tow-away - glass-
breackage sensor is malfunctioning or
one of the following elements may not
be properly closed:

a door


the liftgate


the hood
Close the respective element and lock
the vehicle again.
iThe alarm system will rearm automati-
cally again after approximately 40 sec-
onds if one of the doors or the liftgate
is not opened.
iThe tow-away protection alarm is trig-
gered, for example, if the vehicle is lift-
ed on one side.
If the alarm stays on for more than
20 seconds, an emergency call is initi-
ated automatically by the Tele Aid sys-
tem (
page 159) provided Tele Aid
service was subscribed to and properly
activated.