2003 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 Warning lamps

265 Practical hints
Jump starting
The battery is located in the engine com-
partment.
Make sure that the two vehicles do not
touch.

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Apply parking brake.

Shift selector lever to positionP.1Positive terminal
2Cable clamps
3Negative terminal
4Cover

Remove cover4 from positive terminal
on both vehicles.

Connect positive terminals1 on the
batteries with the jumper cables. Start
with the charged battery.
!Jump starting may only be performed
on the battery installed in the engine
compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If engine does not run after several un-
successful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.
Warning!
G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 261).

293 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
BabySmart
TM
airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed (indicator
lamp
7
in the instrument cluster
lights up). See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for
availability.
BabySmartTM
compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger front airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.
CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter, which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for auto-
matically maintaining the vehicle speed
set by the driver.
Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine pro-
duced.

294 Technical termsEngine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction (vis-
cosity) of the oil at different tempera-
tures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can tol-
erate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP
(E
lectronic S
tability Pr
ogram)
Improves vehicle handling and direc-
tional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRSFSS
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Service indicator in the speedometer
display that informs the driver when
the next vehicle maintenance service is
due.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs CD digital maps for
navigation.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer,
engine temperature and fuel gauge.Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Line of fall
The direct line that an object moves
downhill when influenced by the force
of gravity alone.
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.
MCS
(M
odular C
ontrol S
ystem)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and the ra-
dio and navigation system, as well as
for other optional equipment (CD
changer, telephone, etc.).

299 Index
A
ABS 25, 71, 293
ABS control 71
LOW RANGE mode 72
Malfunction indicator lamp 225
Warning lamp 225
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 117
Accident
In case of 49
Activating
Air circulation mode 130
Air recirculation mode 129
Anti-theft alarm system 78
Automatic climate control 125
ESP 77
Exterior headlamps 46
Hazard warning flasher 106
Headlamps 46
High beams 102
Ignition 33
Immobilizer 51, 78
Rear passenger compartment
ventilation and climate control 131
Rear window defroster 131
Rear window wiper 48Residual heat 130
Seat heater 91
Tow-away alarm 80
Warning indicators (Parktronic*) 151
Windshield wipers 48
Activating automatic central locking 89
Adding
Coolant 206
Engine oil 204, 205
Additional turn signals 247
Adjustable steering column
Indicator lamp 229
Adjusting 34
Backrest tilt 36, 37
Exterior rear view mirror 38
Head restraint height 36, 37
Head restraint tilt 36, 37
Headlamp aim 253
Instrument cluster illumination 110
Manual seat 35
Mirrors 38
Power seats 37
Seat cushion tilt 37
Seat fore and aft 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment 37
Seat height 35, 36Seats 34
Steering wheel 37
Adjusting air distribution
Automatic climate control 127
Adjusting air volume
Automatic climate control 127
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning on 129
Air conditioning
Cooling 129
Air conditioning refrigerant 286
Air outlets
Automatic climate control 132
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure 211
Air pump 238
Air recirculation mode 128
Activating 129
Deactivating 129
AIRBAG OFF
Warning lamp 232
Airbags 55
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 293
BabySmartTM deactivation system 65
Children 56
Front 59

301 Index
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 65
Compatible child seats 65, 293
Self-test 66
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 293
Backrest tilt 35
Backup lamps 248, 251
Bulbs 248
BAS 73, 293
Malfunction indicator lamp 225, 226
Warning lamp 225, 226
Batteries, remote control
Changing 243
Batteries, vehicle 207
Battery discharged
Jump starting 264
Battery indicator lamp
Indicator lamp 233
Battery, vehicle 207, 261
Charging 262
Disconnecting 261
Reconnecting 262
Reinstalling 262
Removing 262Bi-Xenon headlamps* 293
Block heater 214
Blocking
Rear door window operation 69
Brake assist system (BAS) 293
Brake fluid 286
Brake lamp bulbs 248
Brake lamp, high mounted 248
Brake pad wear
Indicator lamp 234
Brakes 180
Warning lamp 228
Break-in period 178
Bulbs, replacing 247
Additional turn signals 247
Backup lamps 248
Brake lamps 248
Fog lamps 247
Front fog lamp 251
Front lamps 247
High beam 247
High mounted brake lamp 248, 252
License plate lamps 248, 252
Low beam 247
Parking lamps 247, 248, 250
Rear fog lamp 248Rear fog lamps 251
Rear side marker lamp bulbs 251
Side marker lamps 247, 248, 250
Standing lamps 247, 248
Tail lamp assemblies 248, 251
Turn signal lamps 247, 248, 250
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 293
Calibrating compass 174
California
Important notice 11
Calling up
Service indicator 216
CAN system 293
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 284
Cargo area cover blind* 143
Closing 143
Installing 143
Opening 143
Removing 143
Cargo area see Cargo compartment 85
Cargo compartment
Liftgate 85
Lighting 109
Tie-down rings 140

303 Index
Compass 173
Calibrating 174
Setting compass zone 174
Compass zone 174
Consumer information 291
Control and operation of radio
transmitters 197
Coolant 206, 287
Adding 206
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity 288
Checking level 206
Indicator lamp 230
Temperature 199
Temperature gauge 111
Coolant level
Checking 201, 206
Crossing obstacles 190
Cruise control 146, 293
Canceling 147
Driving downhill 147
Driving uphill 147
Fine adjustment 148
LOW RANGE mode 148
Saving current speed 147
Setting speeds 148Cruise control lever 146
Cup holder 154
Cleaning 221
In front seat armrest 155
In instrument panel 154
In rear centerconsole 155
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 293
D
Daytime running lamp mode 103
Deactivating
Air conditioning (cooling) 129
Air recirculation mode 129
Alarm 79
Anti-theft alarm system 79
Automatic climate control 125, 127
Cruise control 147
Defrost 128
Engine 51
ESP 76
Front fog lamps, rear fog lamp 105
Hazard warning flasher 106
Headlamps 51
Immobilizer 78
Rear passenger compartment
ventilation and climate control 131Rear window defroster 131
Residual heat 130
Seat heater 91
Tow-away alarm 80
Tow-away alarm (vehicles with trip
computer*) 80
Tow-away alarm (vehicles without trip
computer) 81
Deactivating automatic central locking 89
Deep water see Standing water 185
Defogging
Windshield 128
Defrosting 128
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while
driving 49
With starting 45
Direction of rotation (tires) 210
Discharged battery
Jump starting 264
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 261
Display
Engine oil level 204
Display in the speedometer 111

305 Index
Engine
Compartment 202
Starting 44
Technical data 278
Turning off 51
Engine cleaning 219
Engine compartment
Fuse box in 271
Hood 202
Engine malfunction indicator lamp 25, 232
Engine number 293
Engine oil 203, 286
Adding 204, 205
Additives 286
Checking level 203
Consumption 203
Filler neck 205
Viscosity 294
Engine oil level indicator 204
Engine oil level see Oil level 201
Enlarged cargo area 93
Error
Display messages 235
ESP 25, 75, 294
LOW RANGE mode 76
Malfunction indicator lamp 225, 226Switching off 76
Switching on 77
Warning lamp 224, 225, 226
ETD 294
Safety guidelines 57
ETD (Emergency Tensioning Device) 54
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 62
Exterior mirrors
Folding 120
Exterior rear view mirrors 38
Adjusting 38
F
Fastening the seat belts 40
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 148
First aid kit 236
Flat tire 255
Inflating the spare tire 259
Lowering the vehicle 258
Mounting the spare wheel 255
Preparing the vehicle 255
Spare wheel 239
Flexible Service System (FSS) 215, 294
Flexible service system (FSS) 25
Fluid level
Automatic transmission 206Fog lamp, rear 248
Fog lamps 105
Replacing bulbs 247
Fog lamps, front
Replacing bulbs 248
Switching on 105
Folding
Exterior mirrors 120
4-ETS 25, 73
Indicator lamp 226
LOW RANGE mode 74
Malfunction indicator lamp 226
Warning lamp 224
Front airbags 59
Front fog lamps
Indicator lamp 229
Switching off 106
Front lamps
Replacing bulbs 247, 249
Switching on 102
Front towing eyes 269
FSS 25
FSS (Flexible Service System) 215, 294
Fuel 200
Additives 287
Fuel reserve warning lamp 233

308 IndexInterior lighting 107
Activating automatic control 107
Deactivating automatic control 107
Manual operation 108
Reading lamps 108
Interior storage spaces 152
Armrest 153
Cup holder 155
Glove box 152
Storage compartment in front of
armrest 153
Storage compartment under front
passenger seat* 152
Intermittent wiping 122
J
Jack 237, 238
Jump starting 264
K
Key
Global locking 85
Global unlocking 85
Loss of 86
Positions in steering lock 33
Remote control with folding key 84
Unlocking liftgate 85Unlocking the driver’s door, fuel filler
flap 85
Key positions in steering lock 33
Key, Mechanical 242
Key, Remote control
Unlocking with 32
Kickdown 117, 294
L
Labels, identification 276
Lamp bulbs, exterior 247
Lamps, exterior
Front 247
Rear 248
Lamps, indicator and warning
4-ETS 224, 226
ABS 225
Adjustable steering column 229
AIRBAG OFF 59, 232
BAS 73, 225, 226
Battery indicator lamp 233
Brake pad wear 234
Brakes 228
CHECK ENGINE 232
Coolant 230
EBP 229Engine diagnostics 232
ESP 224, 225, 226
Front fog lamps 229
Fuel reserve 233
Instrument cluster ??–233
Low engine oil level 229
LOW RANGE 226
Low washer system fluid level 234
Seat belts 234
Service indicator 215
SRS 54, 227
Turn signals 25
LATCH child seat anchors 68
LATCH child seat mounts 68
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 277
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 222
Lever
For cruise control 146
License plate lamps
Replacing bulbs 248, 252
Liftgate
Closing 88
Opening 85, 87
Opening from inside 87
Opening from outside 87