2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML SUV maintenance

4Shift ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.108
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
Auxiliary heating . . . . . . . . . . ..184, 306
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Setting (on-board computer) . . . . .128
Auxiliary ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . ..184
Axle load, maximum permissible
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363, 364 B
Ball coupling Folding in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
Folding out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
BAS (Brake Assist) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..58
Basic display (on-board computer) .120
Battery Changing (auxiliary heating
remote control) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .312
Changing (key ).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Changing (KEYLESS GO key) . . . . .311
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .337
Checking (key ).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Checking (KEYLESS GO key) . . . . .311
Check lamp (key ).. . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Check lamp (KEYLESS GO key) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69, 311
Disconnecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269
Maintenance (vehicle ).. . . . . . . ..334 Reconnecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.338
Removing/fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .337
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334
Voltage (on-board computer) . . . . .121
Belt force limiters
Activatio n.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Belt height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . ..91
Belt reel (Easy-Pack fix kit) . . . . . . ..200
Belt tensioners Activatio n.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Belt warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Bonnet Bonnet catch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268
Opening/closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Bonnet release lever
Release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
Brake
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . .289, 290
Brake Assist
see BAS
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .372
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270
Brake lamps
Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277
Brake system
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270 Bulb
Brake lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .319
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .315, 318
Dipped-beam headlamps . . . . . . . .315
Licence plate lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . .321
Main-beam headlamps . . . . . . . . . .315
Parking lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . .316, 319
Rear foglamp . . . . . . . . . . . . .319, 320
Reversing lamp . . . . . . . . . . .319, 320
Side lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .316
Tail lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .319
Turn signal lamp . . . . . . . . . .318, 319
see Lamp
Bulbs
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .313 C
Calling up a malfunction see Message memory menu
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247
Automatic car wash . . . . . . . . . . . .248
Distronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
Exhaust tail pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
High-pressure cleaners . . . . . . . . .248
Parktroni c.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
Plastic trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250
Rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
Reversing camera . . . . . . . . . . . . .252 Index
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9K
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . .311
Checking the battery . . . . . . . . . . .311
Convenience closing . . . . . . . . . . .102
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281, 282
Factory setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66, 67
Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .303
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .303
Modifying the programming . . . . . . .66
KEYLESS GO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . .311
Checking the battery . . . . . . . . . . .311
Closing the boot lid automatically . .72
Convenience closin g.. . . . . . . . ..102
Factory settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Losing the key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .306
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305
Modifying the programming . . . . . . .68
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . .103
Key positions
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
KEYLESS GO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Kickdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109, 111 L
Lamp Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
Lamps
see Indicator and warning lamp
Lashing eyelets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
Level control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Licence plate lighting Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .278
Lighting
see Lights
Lights
Automatic headlamp mode . . . . . . .93
Constant headlamp mod e.. . . . . ..93
Cornering light function . . . . . . . . . .96
Dipped-beam headlamps . . . . . . . . .93
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
Foglamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Hazard warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . .95
Headlamp flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Headlamp range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
Main-beam headlamps . . . . . . . . . . .95
Rear fog lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Switching off (display message) . . .278
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94LIM indicator lamp
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145
Distronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149
Variable Speedtronic . . . . . . . . . . .154
Loading guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . ..192
Locking Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Emergency locking . . . . . . . . . . . . .309
From the inside (central locking
button) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
LOW RANGE
Display message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273, 274
Off-road gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
LOW RANGE off-road gear . . . . . . ..141
Luggage compartment enlarge-
ment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194
Luggage cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196
Luggage net Front-passenger footwell . . . . . . . .191
Front seats (behind) . . . . . . . . . . . .191
Lumbar support
4-way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 M
Main-beam headlamps Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277
Maintenance
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334 Index
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Protection of the environment
16 Protection of the environment
H
Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of integra-
ted environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
which form the basis of our existence on
this planet to be used sparingly and in a
manner which takes the requirements of
both nature and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environ-
ment by operating your vehicle in an envi-
ronmentally-responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tyre wear depend
on the following factors:
R Operating conditions of your vehicle
R Your personal driving style
You can influence both factors.
You should bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions
R Avoid short trips as these increase fuel
consumption.
R Make sure that the tyre pressures are
always correct. R
Do not carry any unnecessary weight.
R Keep an eye on the vehicle's fuel con-
sumption.
R Remove roof racks once you no longer
need them.
R A regularly serviced vehicle will contrib-
ute to environmental protection. You
should therefore adhere to the service
intervals.
R Always have maintenance work carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Personal driving style
R Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
R Do not warm up the engine with the vehi-
cle stationary.
R Drive carefully and maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front.
R Avoid frequent, sudden acceleration.
R Change gear in good time and use each
gear only up to 2
/ 3of its maximum engine
speed.
R Switch off the engine in stationary traffic. Returning used vehicles
Mercedes-Benz will take back your
Mercedes-Benz to dispose of it in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner, in accordance
with the European Union (EU) End of Life
Vehicles Directive.
The End of Life Vehicles Directive applies to
vehicles of up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, in
accordance with national regulations. For
several years, Mercedes-Benz has been
meeting all the legal requirements for a
design which allows for recycling and re-use.
There is a network of return points and dis-
assembly plants which can recycle your vehi-
cle in an environmentally-responsible man-
ner. The options for recycling vehicles and
parts are constantly being developed and
improved. This means that your Mercedes-
Benz will also continue to meet even the
increased recycling quotas in the future in
good time. You can obtain further information
from your national Mercedes-Benz homepage
or your national hotline number. Introduction
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Operating safety
17Operating safety
Safety notes
G
Risk of accident and injury
Always have work on the vehicle carried out
by a qualified specialist workshop. In par-
ticular, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems as well as maintenance
work must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. The workshop must have
the necessary specialist knowledge and
tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this
purpose. G
Risk of accident and injury
Some safety systems only function when
the engine is running. You should therefore
never switch off the engine when driving.
Otherwise the safety systems of your vehi-
cle may not function correctly and as a
result will no longer protect you and other
persons as intended. In addition, there is a
risk that you may lose control of your vehi-
cle and thus cause an accident. G
Risk of accident and injury
Work carried out incorrectly, or alterations
made to the vehicle, e.g. rerouting of cables
under coverings, could cause the safety
systems of your vehicle to stop working
properly. The safety systems would thus no
longer protect you and other persons as
intended. In addition, there is a risk that you
may lose control of your vehicle and thus
cause an accident.
All work and alterations to the vehicle, e.g.
installations or modifications, should there-
fore be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
Risk of accident
If you drive over obstacles at high speed or
if the vehicle bottoms out in rough terrain,
it could cause heavy impacts to the vehicle
underbody, tyres or wheels. This could
cause your vehicle to be damaged, which in
turn might lead to an accident. This also
applies to vehicles which are equipped with
underbody protection.
You should therefore drive over obstacles
slowly and prevent the vehicle from bot-
toming out when driving off-road. If neces-
sary, have your vehicle inspected at a
qualified specialist workshop. G
Risk of accident
If work on electronic equipment and its
software is carried out incorrectly, this
equipment could stop working. The elec-
tronic systems are networked via interfa-
ces. Tampering with these electronic sys-
tems could cause malfunctions in systems
which have not been modified. Malfunc-
tions such as these can seriously jeopard-
ise the vehicle's operating safety and
therefore your own safety.
You should therefore have all work and
modifications to electronic components
carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop. Vehicle registration
Mercedes-Benz may ask its Service Centres
to carry out technical inspections on certain
vehicles to improve their quality or safety.
If you did not purchase your vehicle from an
authorised specialist dealer and your vehicle
has never been inspected at a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre, it is possible that your
vehicle is not registered in your name with
Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz can only
inform you about vehicle checks if it has your
registration data. Introduction
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Occupant safety
40 Occupant safety
Notes on occupant safety
Seat belts, together with belt tensioners, belt
force limiters and airbags, are coordinated
restraint systems. They reduce the risk of
injury in defined accident situations and
thereby increase occupant safety. However,
seat belts and airbags generally do not pro-
tect against objects penetrating the vehicle
from the outside.
To ensure that the restraint systems can
deliver their full potential protection, you
should ensure that:
R the seat and head restraint are adjusted
properly (Y page 76)
R the seat belt has been fastened properly
(Y page 89)
R the airbags can inflate properly if they are
deployed (Y page 43)
R the steering wheel is adjusted properly
(Y page 83)
R the restraint systems have not been modi-
fied
i An airbag increases the protection of
vehicle occupants wearing a seat belt.
However, airbags are only an additional restraint system which complements, but
does not replace, the seat belt. All vehicle
occupants must wear their seat belt cor-
rectly at all times, even if the vehicle is
equipped with airbags. This is because - on
the one hand - airbags are not deployed in
all types of accident, as in some situations
airbag deployment would not increase the
protection afforded to vehicle occupants,
provided they are wearing their seat belt
correctly. On the other hand, airbag deploy-
ment only provides increased protection if
the seat belt is worn correctly because:
R
the seat belt helps to keep the vehicle
occupant in the best position in relation
to the airbag
R for example, in a head-on collision, the
seat belt can more adequately prevent
the occupant from being propelled
towards the force of the impact, and is
thus better suited to prevent injury
Therefore, in accident situations where an
airbag is deployed, it only provides protec-
tion in addition to the seat belt if the seat
belt is being worn correctly. G
Risk of accident and injury
Always have maintenance work carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge
and tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this
purpose.
In particular, work relevant to safety or on
safety-related systems must be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop. If this
work is not carried out correctly, the oper-
ating safety of your vehicle may be affec-
ted. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
G
Risk of injury
The restraint system may not work as inten-
ded if the following components have been
modified or work on these components has
not been performed correctly:
R restraint system, consisting of the seat
belts and anchorages, belt tensioners,
belt force limiters, airbags
R wiring
R networked electronic systems
Airbags or belt tensioners could then fail,
e.g. in the event of an accident in which the
deceleration force would normally be high
enough to trigger the systems, or they
could be triggered unintentionally. Never Safety
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Care
252
Cleaning the reversing camera*
1
Camera lens
X Use clear water and a soft cloth to clean
camera lens 1.
! Do not clean the camera lens and the area
around the reversing camera with:
R high-pressure cleaning equipment
R a dry cloth and a lot of pressure
R corrosive cleaning products
You could otherwise damage the reversing
camera. Trailer coupling
The ball coupling must be cleaned if it
becomes dirty or corroded.
X Remove any rust using a wire brush.
X Remove dirt with a clean, lint-free cloth or
a brush.
! Do not clean the ball coupling with a high-
pressure cleaner. Do not use solvents. 1
Ball neck head
2 Locking balls
3 Guide pin
4 Guide faces
5 Release lever
6 Protective cap X
Lightly oil or grease positions 1to6 and
the ball coupling recess of the vehicle after
cleaning.
X Treat the lock under protective cap 6with
an acid- and resin-free oil.
X Check that the vehicle's trailer coupling is
working properly.
! Observe the note on care provided by the
trailer manufacturer.
i Maintenance of the ball coupling and
trailer coupling can also be performed by
any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. H
Environmental note
Dispose of oily and greasy cloths in an envi-
ronmentally-responsible manner. Operation
* optional
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Display
messages 260 Text messages
G
Risk of accident and injury
The operating safety of your vehicle could be compromised if service work is carried out improperly. You could lose control of the vehicle,
thereby causing an accident. Safety systems may also not be able to protect you or others as intended.
Always have maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to
carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose.
In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages Possible cause/consequence Possible solution
120 km/h Maximum speed
exceeded The maximum speed has been excee-
ded
29
. X
Drive more slowly. ABS ABS, ESP unavaila-
ble See Owner's
Manual
G
Risk of accident
ABS and ESP ®
and therefore also PRE-
SAFE ®
are temporarily unavailable. It is
possible that self diagnosis is not yet com-
plete.
BAS has also been deactivated.
The brake system continues to function
normally, but without the functions listed
above. X
Carefully drive a short distance at a speed
above 20 km/h.
If the display message disappears, ABS and
ESP ®
are available again. 29
Only for certain countries. Practical advi
ce
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Display
messages 268 Display messages Possible cause/consequence Possible solution
DISTRONIC and
SPEEDTRONIC inoperative
Distronic
* andSpeedtronic are unavaila-
ble. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Cruise control - - - km/h A condition for activating cruise control
has not been met. X
Activate ESP ®
(Ypage 59)
X If conditions permit, drive faster than
30 km/h and store the speed (Y page 145).Symbol messages
G
Risk of accident and injury
The operating safety of your vehicle could be compromised if service work is carried out improperly. You could lose control of the vehicle,
thereby causing an accident. Safety systems may also not be able to protect you or others as intended.
Always have maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to
carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose.
In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages Possible cause/consequence Possible solution
a This message always appears when the
tailgate is open. X
Close the tailgate. G
Risk of accident
Vehicles with an anti-theft alarm sys-
tem*:
You are driving with the bonnet open. X
Stop the vehicle. Pay attention to the traffic
conditions as you do so.
X Close the bonnet. Practical advice
* optional
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