2006 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 BATTERY

469 Practical hints
Battery

Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover (
page 467).

Connect the negative lead.
Charging the battery
If the battery is discharged, the battery can
be charged using the jump-start contacts
located in the engine compartment
(page 471).

Charge the battery in accordance with
the instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Large 12 volt storage batteries contain
lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
!NEVER invert the terminal connections!iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnec-
tion):

Set the clock (
page 165)
(see Modular COMAND system
operator’s manual).


Resynchronize the power windows
(page 232).


Resynchronize the power tilt/slid-
ing sunroof* (
page 237).
Warning!
G
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during charg-
ing and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available, permitting the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.

470 Practical hintsJump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start contacts located
in the engine compartment.


Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans or other
parts that move when the engine is
started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful 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.

471 Practical hints
Jump starting
The jump-start contacts are located in the
engine compartment.
Make sure the two vehicles do not
touch.

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Apply parking brake.

Shift gear selector lever to positionP.1Negative (-) terminal
2Cover of Positive (+) terminal

Open cover2 of the positive terminal
of both vehicles.

Connect positive terminal2 and the
positive terminal of the charged battery
with the jumper cable. Clamp cable to
charged battery first.

Start engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.

Connect negative terminals1 and the
negative terminal of the charged
battery with the jumper cable. Clamp
cable to charged battery first.

Start the engine of the disabled vehi-
cle.
Now you can again turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not turn on the lights under
any circumstances.

Remove the jumper cables first from
the negative terminals on each battery
and then from the positive terminals on
each battery.
Now you can turn on the lights.

Have the battery checked at the near-
est authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Warning!
G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 462).!Never invert the terminal connections!
iThe message
Undervoltage - Switch
off consumers may appear in the
instrument cluster. It will disappear as
soon as the battery is sufficiently
charged.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.

474 Practical hintsTowing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
1Cover on passenger side of front
bumper
1Cover on passenger side of rear
bumper (ML 350)
iThe vehicle cannot be started via
tow-start.iIf the battery is disconnected or dis-
charged, the automatic transmission
will remain locked in positionP and the
SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch. For more information, see “Bat-
tery” (
page 462) and “Jump starting”
(
page 470).
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking
activated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, or KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button (
page 36) in
position2, the vehicle doors lock if the
left front wheel is turning at vehicle
speeds of approximately 9 mph
(15 km/h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(
page 102).
To prevent the vehicle doors from
locking, deactivate the automatic
central locking (
page 125).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed tow-
ing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts.

490 Technical dataElectrical systemModel
ML 350
ML 500
Generator (alternator)
14 V/180 A
14 V/180 A
Starter motor
12 V/1.4 kW
12 V/1.7 kW
Battery
12 V/70 Ah
12 V/95 Ah
Spark plugs
NGK PLKR 6A
NGK PFR 5R-11
Electrode gap
0.031 in (0.8 mm)
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
Tightening torque
15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)
15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)

505 Technical terms
Production options weight
(
page 366)
PSI
(P
ounds per s
quare i
nch) (
page 366)
Recommended tire inflation pressure
(
page 366)
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioner, air bags and
child restraints, lower anchors and
tethers for children (LATCH). As inde-
pendent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.
Rim
(page 367)RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line’s ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Sidewall
(
page 367)
SRS
(Supplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Air bags, air bag control unit (with
crash sensor), emergency tensioning
device. Though independent systems,
they are closely interfaced to provide
effective occupant protection.Tele Aid* System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, Roadside Assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially
activated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.

509 Index
Automatic climate control (3-zone)*
Adjusting air distribution 222
Adjusting air volume 222
Air recirculation mode 223
Defrosting 223
Rear passenger compartment 227
Rear window defroster 200
Residual heat utilization 226
Residual ventilation 226
Setting the temperature 221
Automatic climate control*
3-zone automatic climate
control* 216
Automatic climate control* (3-zone) 216
Automatic headlamp mode 139
Automatic lighting control
Deactivating 146
Automatic locking when driving 125Automatic transmission 49
Accelerator position 190
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 192
Gear ranges 187
Gear selector lever position 184, 185
Gear shifting malfunctions 192
Gearshift pattern for 49
Kickdown 190
Towing a trailer 191
Transmission fluid 332
B
Backrest
Folding forward 261
Backup lamps 444, 451
Bulbs 444
Bar 365, 501
BAS 95, 501
Batteries, SmartKey
Check lamp 109, 115Batteries, vehicle
Messages in display 398, 407
Battery
Key batteries 440
Replacing key batteries 440
Battery discharged
Jump starting 470
Battery, vehicle 462
Charging 469
Dis-/reconnecting 464
Removing/installing 464
Bead 365, 501
Belt reel 267
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 501
Block heater (Canada only) 370
Blocking
Rear door window operation 89
Brake assist system (BAS) 501
Brake fluid 495
Message in display 409
Brake lamp bulbs 444

510 IndexBrake pads
Message in display 408
Brakes 300
Warning lamp 383
Break-in period 298
Bulbs, replacing 443
Additional turn signals 443
Backup lamps 444
Brake lamps 444
Fog lamps 443
Front fog lamp 449
Front lamps 443
High beam 443
License plate lamps 444, 451
Low beam 443
Parking, standing lamp 443
Rear fog lamps 450
Rear side marker lamp bulbs 450
Side marker lamp 443
Side marker lamps 444
Turn signal lamps 443, 444C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 501
Calibrating
Compass 171
California
Important notice 11
Call priority
Tele Aid* 287
Calling up
Range (distance to empty) 178
Service indicator 372
CAN system 501
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 493
Cargo compartment
Fuse box in 479
Interior lighting 145
Lamp 147
Tie-down rings 260
Cargo compartment cover* 265
Closing 265
Installing 265
Opening 265
Removing 265
Cargo tie-down rings 260Carpet
Cleaning 379
Catalytic converter 320
CD player
Operating 158
Center console 27
Lower part 28
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp 393
Upper part 27
Central locking
Automatic 125
Switch 126
Switching on/off
(control system) 172
Unlocking from inside 126
Central locking switch 126
Certification label 484
Changing
SmartKey setting 173
Charging
Vehicle battery 469
CHECK ENGINE malfunction
indicator lamp 385, 386