2004 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 Lock

218 OperationEngine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.

Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher oil consumption can
occur when

the vehicle is new


the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call the fire department.Warning!
G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system

with the engine running


while starting the engine


if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually
Warning!
G
Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.!Do not push the hood closed manually,
as this could damage it.
iDo not use any special lubricant addi-
tives, as these may damage the drive
assemblies. Using special additives not
approved by Mercedes-Benz will
restrict your warranty entitlement.
More information on this subject is
available at any Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.


219 Operation
Engine compartment
Checking engine oil level via display
When checking the oil level the vehicle
must

be parked on level ground


be at normal operating temperature


have been stationary for at least five
minutes with the engine turned off
To check the engine oil level via the display
in the speedometer, do the following:

Turn the key in the steering lock to
position2.
1Button
2Display in speedometer

Wait until the display
------
appears in
the speedometer display2.

Within one second press button1
twice.
One of the following messages will
subsequently appear in the display:

OIL i.OThe oil level is correct. Engine oil
does not to be added.


– 1.0 L
Add 1.0 liter of engine oil.


– 1.5 L
Add 1.5 liters of engine oil.


– 2.0 L
Add 2.0 liters of engine oil.
For adding engine oil see (
page 302).
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(
page 300) and (
page 301).Other display messages
If there is excess engine oil with the engine
at normal operating temperature, the
following message will appear in the
display:
OIL HIThe oil level is too high.
Have excess oil siphoned.!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

231 Operation
Winter driving
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block
heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km / h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.Observe the following guidelines when
using snow chains:


Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel / tire combinations.


Snow chains should only be used on all
four wheels. With only two chains avail-
able, they should be mounted on the
rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz. Your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will be glad to advise you on this
subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP
(page 81) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the
vehicle’s traction.

233 Operation
Maintenance
Service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested ser-
vice term:

the9 or ½symbol appears in
the display2 for 30 seconds and a
signal sounds after switching on the
ignition.


it is preceded by a “–” (minus symbol).
The Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center will
reset the service indicator following a com-
pleted service.
Calling up the service indicator
Within one second press knob1
twice.
The FSS display will appear for
ten seconds.
Resetting the service indicator
In the event that the service on your vehi-
cle is not carried out by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center, you
can reset the service indicator yourself.
Switch ignition on and immediately
press knob1 twice within
one second.
The present status for days or distance
is displayed.

Within ten seconds turn the key in
steering lock to position0 (
page 33).

Press and hold knob1 while switch-
ing the ignition on.
The present status for days or distance
is displayed once more.

Continue to hold knob1.
After approximately ten seconds a sig-
nal sounds, and the display shows
10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) for
approximately ten seconds.

Release knob1.
iIf the service indicator was inadvertent-
ly reset, have a Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center correct it.
Only reset if the proper service has
been performed. Resetting the system
without performing the proper service
as called for by the FSS will cause the
FSS to incorrectly determine the next
service interval which will result in en-
gine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If the battery is disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in
the count shown by the service indica-
tor. To arrive at the true service dead-
line, you will need to subtract these
days from the days shown in the ser-
vice indicator.
Do not confuse the service indicator
with the engine oil level indicator:.

237 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning the Parktronic* system
sensors
1Parktronic system sensors
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham-
poo, with plenty of water to clean the
sensors1.
When using a steam cleaner or power
washer, aim nozzle only briefly from a min-
imum distance of 4 in (10 cm) at
sensors1.To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor. Do not
attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Wiper blades

Fold wiper arm forward.

Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.Window cleaning

Fold wiper arms forward.

Use a window cleaning solution on all
glass surfaces. An automotive glass
cleaner is recommended.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move key from steering lock before cleaning
the wiper blades, otherwise the wiper motor
might suddenly turn on and cause injury.
!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the steering lock.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move key from steering lock before cleaning
the wiper blades, otherwise the wiper motor
might suddenly turn on and cause injury.

238 OperationVehicle careLight alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.
Follow instructions on container.Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto soft lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Headliner and rear window shelf
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive
dirt.
Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Use only clear,
lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the
webbing at temperatures above 176°F
(80°C) or in direct sunlight.
!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the steering lock.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.iOnly use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.
Warning!
G
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.

241 Practical hints
What to do if …
Where will I find ...?
Unlocking / locking in an emergency
Opening / closing in an emergency
Replacing bulbs
Replacing wiper blades
Flat tire
Battery
Jump starting
Towing the vehicle
Fuses

242 Practical hintsWhat to do if …
What to do if …Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to
light up during the bulb self-check when turning the key in steering lock to
position2, have it checked and replaced if
necessary.Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS warning lamp
comes on while driving.
ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS, ESP, 4-ETS and EBP
are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally
but without ABS available.

Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking
reducing steering capability.

Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts. The ABS has switched off.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.
If necessary, have the generator
(alternator) and the battery checked.