2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 low oil pressure

321 Operation
Driving instructions
Off-road driving rules

Engage the off-road driving program
(
page 253) before driving under
off-road conditions.

Vehicles with air suspension program*:
Make sure you select a vehicle level
(
page 255) appropriate to the topo-
graphical conditions. Always make
sure the vehicle has enough ground
clearance.

Fasten items being carried as securely
as possible (
page 266).

Always navigate gradients with the en-
gine on and with the transmission en-
gaged in a gear. Switch on the DSR
(
page 250) to help maintain a preset
speed.
!Observe the following during off-road
driving:

Keep doors, tailgate, windows, and
tilt/sliding sunroof closed whenever driving
off-road.

Adjust vehicle speed to condition of terrain.
The more uneven, rutty and steeper the ter-
rain, the lower the speed should be. Drive
through water slowly at an even speed,
avoiding a bow wave.

Be especially careful when driving in un-
known territory. It may be necessary to get
out of the vehicle and scout the path you in-
tend to take.

Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and ruts.

Before driving through water, determine its
depth.

Do not stop vehicle while immersed in water,
and do not shut off the engine.

In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as al-
lowed by conditions. This helps overcome
the vehicle rolling resistance and reduces
the likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the
ground.

Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle. It
interrupts the forward momentum of the
vehicle.

Always drive onto slopes with the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.

Do not shift automatic transmission to
positionN.
Warning!G
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure (
page 359) before continuing
your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.

326 Operation
Driving instructions
When driving over tree stumps, big rocks
and other obstacles, observe the following
rules:

Make sure the off-road driving program
(
page 253) is switched on.

Avoid high engine speeds.

Shift automatic transmission to
position1 (
page 192).

Check the vehicle clearance before
crossing obstacles.

Cross obstacles (e.g. tree stumps or
big rocks) very slowly by aiming one of
the front wheels at the center of the ob-
stacle, and repeat same with the rear
wheel.Driving on sand
When driving on sand, observe the follow-
ing rules:

Vehicles with air suspension program*:
Set the raised level (
page 255).

Avoid high engine speeds.

Shift automatic transmission into a
gear range that is appropriate for the
terrain.

In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
conditions permit. This helps overcome
the vehicle rolling resistance and re-
duce the likelihood of the vehicle sink-
ing into the ground.

Drive in tracks of other vehicles if they
are not too deep and you have suffi-
cient clearance.
Ruts
A number of off-road tracks or other by-
ways have deep ruts which can cause the
underbody to come in contact with the
ground.

Make sure the off-road driving program
(
page 253) is switched on.

Vehicles with air suspension program*:
Set the raised level (
page 255).
!Special attention is needed when you cross
obstacles on a steep incline.
The vehicle could slide sideways as a result of its
possible slanted position which in turn may
result in the vehicle tipping or rolling over.
Warning!G
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure (
page 359) before continuing
your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.

345 Operation
Engine compartment
Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.
Add engine oil as required. Never over-
fill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Technical data” section (
page 522) and
(
page 525).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center check the automatic trans-
mission.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level

the vehicle must be parked on level
ground

the coolant temperature must be below
158°F (70°C)
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off.
It could cause damage to the engine and/or
catalytic converter (gasoline engine) or the oxi-
dation catalyst (diesel engine) not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
In order to avoid potentially serious burns:

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature display
indicates that the coolant is overheated.

Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.

Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately 1/2 turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out
under pressure.

Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene
glycol which may burn if it comes into
contact with hot engine parts.

396 Operation
Vehicle care
Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water for cleaning the light al-
loy wheels.Plastic and rubber parts
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.
Wipe with a cloth moistened in a
lukewarm solution.
The surface may temporarily change
color. If this is the case, wait for it to
dry.Hard plastic trim items
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
!Only use acid-free cleaning materials. Acid
may cause corrosion or damage the clear coat.
!The vehicle should not be parked for an ex-
tended period of time immediately after it has
been cleaned, especially not after the wheel rims
have been cleaned with wheel rim cleaner.
Wheel rim cleaners can lead to increased
corrosion of the brake disks and brake pads.
Non-approved wheel cleaners may also damage
the wheel paint if the car is not driven after
cleaning. Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is parked
after cleaning. To do so, please drive your vehicle
for several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved Tire
Care and Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
products, take care not to spray them on the
brake disks.
Warning!G
Do not use cleaners or cockpit care sprays
containing solvents to clean the cockpit or
the steering wheel. Cleaners containing sol-
vents will make the surface porous and vehi-
cle occupants could suffer serious injuries
from plastic parts coming loose in the event
of air bag deployment.
!Do not use oil, wax or scouring agents on
these parts.
Never apply strong force and only use a soft,
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the surface.
Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface.
!Never apply strong force and only use a soft,
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the surface.
Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface.

527 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Diesel engine
Only use commercially available vehicular
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL
FUEL (15 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM).
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is of-
fered in the winter months. Check with
your fuel retailer.Gasoline additives (gasoline engine)
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused
by gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends
only the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of
carbon deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives carbon deposits
can build up, especially on the intake
valves and in the combustion area, leading
to engine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation

Unstable idle

Knocking/pinging

Misfire

Power lossIn areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasolines which contain these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to the
Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet (USA only) or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for a listing of approved product(s).
Follow directions on product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary costs and
may be harmful to the engine operation.
!Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosine. The
fuel system and engine will otherwise be
damaged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Damage or malfunction resulting from poor
fuel quality or from blending additional fuel
additives other than those tested and approved
by us for use on Mercedes-Benz vehicles are not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

544 Index
Fog lamps, Front 439
Fog lamps, Rear 441
Front passenger front air bag 421,
422, 423, 424
Fuel cap 435
Headlamps 438, 439, 441, 443
Hood 435
Key, SmartKey 437
Key, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 436, 437
Lamps 438, 439, 440, 441, 443
Low tire pressure 425, 445, 446
Parking brake 429
Parking lamps 441
Tele Aid 444
Telephone* 444
Turn signals 443
Vehicle battery 427
Windshield washer fluid 444
Multifunction steering wheel 30, 148
Button operation 148N
Navigation system* 161
See separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Net, Cargo* 272
Net, Parcel 283
Neutral gear position, Automatic
transmission 183, 187
New vehicle, Break-in period 310
Night security illumination 138, 171
Normal occupant weight 381
Number, Vehicle Identification (VIN) 510
O
Occupant distribution 381
Occupant safety 72
Active head restraint 88
Air bags 74
Children and air bags 75, 89, 91
Children in the vehicle 89
Fastening the seat belt 51
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 79, 83, 84
Infant and child restraint systems 90
LATCH-type child seat anchors 93
OCS 79OCS, Messages in the multifunction
display 421, 422, 423, 424
Seat belts 51, 76
OCS 79
Self-test 84
Odometer 146, 147, 154
Off-road - 4-ETS 105
Off-road - ABS 99
Off-road - ESP
®103
Off-road driving
Checklist 322, 327
Crossing obstacles 325
Driving instructions for off-road
driving 319
Driving through water 324
Returning 327
Rules 321
Special driving features 320
Steep terrain 322
Off-road driving program 253
Oil level see Engine oil, Checking level
One-touch gearshifting 193
Operating safety 17
Operator’s Manual 10