2010 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 ignition

! Do not use chrome cleaner on ornamental
moldings. Although ornamental moldings
may have chrome appearance, they could
be made of anodized aluminum that will be
damaged when cleaned with chrome
cleaner. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean
those ornamental moldings.
For very dirty ornamental moldings of
which you are sure are chrome-plated, use
a chrome cleaner. If in doubt whether an
ornamental molding is chrome-plated,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Headlamps, brake lamps, tail lamps,
side markers, turn signal lenses
XUse a mild vehicle wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.
! Only use window cleaning solutions that
are suitable for plastic lamp lenses.
Window cleaning solutions which are not
suitable may damage the plastic lamp
lenses of the headlamps. Therefore, do not
use abrasives, solvents or cleaners that
contain solvents.
Cleaning the driving systems sensors
XSwitch off the ignition.XClean Distronic system sensor cover : by
hand.
To clean Distronic system sensor cover :
and the bumper area near sensors ; observe
the following:
RUse a mild vehicle wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.
RUse a soft, non-scratching cloth.
! If you use a power washer to clean the
sensor covers, observe the following:
RFollow the instructions provided by the
power washer manufacturer.
RMaintain a distance between the sensor
covers and the nozzle of the power
washer.
Cleaning the rear view camera lens
XOnly use clean water and a soft, non-
scratching cloth to clean rear view camera
lens :.
Be careful not to apply wax to rear view
camera lens : when waxing the vehicle. If
necessary, remove the wax using the
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo with
plenty of water.
Vehicle care263Operation164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 263Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront
Passenger
Airbag
Enabled
See
Operator’s
ManualUSA only:
The front passenger front air bag is activated while driving
even though a child, small individual, or object below the
system’s weight threshold is on the front passenger seat, or
the front passenger seat is empty. Objects on the seat or
forces acting on the seat may make the system sense
supplemental weight.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the front passenger door.XRemove child and child restraint from front passenger seat
and properly secure the child in rear seat employing the
child restraint if necessary.XRemove any other items from on and around the front
passenger seat and make sure the parcel net on the back
of the front passenger seat is empty.XMake sure no objects which apply forces to the seat are
present (e.g. objects such as books, briefcases etc. lodged
behind or around the seat, head restraints pushing against
roof etc.). The system may recognize such forces as
supplemental weight and sense that an occupant on the
front passenger seat is of a greater weight than actually
present.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front passenger door
and switch on the ignition.
Monitor the 42 indicator lamp in the center
console ( Y page 45) and the multifunction display in the
instrument cluster ( Y page 28) for the following:
With the seat unoccupied and the ignition switched on,
R the 42 indicator lamp in the center console
should illuminate and remain illuminated, indicating that
the OCS ( Y page 42) has deactivated the front passenger
front air bag.
R the message Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See
Operator’s Manual or the message Front Passenger
Airbag Disabled See Operator’s Manual should not
appear in the multifunction display at any time the seat is
unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the system to
complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure
neither message appears in the multifunction display.
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display275Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 275Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront
Passenger
Airbag
Disabled
See
Operator’s
ManualUSA only:
The front passenger front air bag is deactivated while driving
even though an adult or someone larger than a small
individual is occupying the front passenger seat. Forces
acting on the seat may make the system sense a decrease in
weight.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XHave the front passenger vacate the seat and exit the
vehicle.XAdjust the seat height to a higher position ( Y page 82).XMake sure no objects which apply forces to the seat are
present (e.g. objects such as books, briefcases etc. lodged
underneath, behind or around the seat). Such forces may
cause the system to sense that an occupant of a lesser
weight than actually present is on the front passenger seat.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front passenger door
and switch on the ignition.
Monitor the 42 indicator lamp in the center
console ( Y page 45) and the multifunction display in the
instrument cluster ( Y page 28) for the following:
With the seat unoccupied and the ignition switched on,
R the 42 indicator lamp in the center console
should illuminate and remain illuminated, indicating that
the OCS ( Y page 42) has deactivated the front passenger
front air bag.
R the message Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See
Operator’s Manual or the message Front Passenger
Airbag Disabled See Operator’s Manual should not
appear in the multifunction display at any time the seat is
unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the system to
complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure
neither message appears in the multifunction display.
If above conditions are met, you can occupy the front
passenger seat again. Depending on the front passenger
classification sensed by the OCS, the 42
indicator lamp will remain illuminated or go out.
If above conditions are not met, the system is not working
properly. Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display277Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 277Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshTire
Pressure
Check
TiresThe tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly
below the reference value.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 319).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
What to do if …
Lamps in instrument cluster
Notes
If any of the following lamps in the instrument
cluster fails to come on during the bulb self-
check when switching on the ignition, have
the respective bulb checked and replaced if
necessary.
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps
(except low-beam headlamp indicator lamp,
high-beam headlamp indicator lamp, and turn
signal indicator lamps unless activated) in the
instrument cluster come on. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster fails to come on when the
ignition is switched on, have it checked and
replaced if necessary.What to do if …297Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 297Z

VehicleProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe yellow fuel tank
reserve warning lamp in
the fuel gauge comes
on while driving.The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.
Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions! (USA only)
; (Canada only)
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.There may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the emission control system
R systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and
may switch the engine to limp-home (emergency operation) mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as
soon as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check
local requirements.
! (USA only)
; (Canada only)
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel
cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 210).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Diesel engine: Your fuel tank was driven empty.XAfter refueling, start, turn off and restart the engine three or four
times in succession.
The limp-home mode is canceled. You do not need to have your
vehicle checked.What to do if …303Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 303Z

LED rear lampsType:Backup lamp: W 16 W;Rear foglamp (driver’s side only):
W 16 W
=Rear foglamp (driver’s side only):
W 16 W
License plate lampsType:License plate lamps: C 5 WNotes on bulb replacement
! Do not replace LEDs or bulbs not
described in this section. You could
otherwise damage the LEDs, the bulbs or
parts of the vehicle. Only have the LEDs and
bulbs replaced at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
ROnly use 12-volt bulbs of the same type and
with the specified watt rating.
RSwitch the lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.
RAlways use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.
RYour hands should be dry and free of oil and
grease.
RIf the newly installed bulb does not come
on, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
iMercedes-Benz recommends using
Longlife (LL) bulbs.
Replacing bulbs for front lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a front
lamp, do the following:
XSwitch off the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$.
XOpen the hood (Y page 212).Replacing bulbs313Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 313Z

XTurn housing cover ; counterclockwise
and remove it.
XTurn bulb socket C with the bulb
counterclockwise and remove it.
XPull the bulb out of bulb socket C.XGently press the new bulb into bulb socket
C.
XPlace bulb socket C back into the housing
and turn it clockwise until it engages.
XAlign housing cover ; and turn it
clockwise until it engages.
Parking and standing lamp bulb,
front turn signal lamp bulb,
side marker lamp bulb
XTurn respective bulb socket =, ? or A
(Y page 314) with the bulb
counterclockwise and remove it.
XPull the bulb out of the bulb socket.XGently press the new bulb into the bulb
socket.
XPlace bulb socket =, ? or A back into
the housing and turn it clockwise until it
engages.
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a rear
lamp, do the following:
XSwitch off the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$.
Tail lamp unit
To access the tail lamp units, you first have to
remove the cover in the corresponding side
trim panel of the cargo compartment.
XOpen the tailgate.Opening the driver’s side trim panelXTurn lock : counterclockwise by 90°.XRemove cover ;.
Removing storage compartment
Example illustration: Storage compartmentwithout sound system
XRemove everything from storage
compartment ;.
XInsert a suitable object such as a coin into
the slot of lock :.
XTurn lock : by 90° in direction of the
arrow.
XRemove storage compartment ;.Replacing bulbs315Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 315Z

GWarning!
The dimensions of the spare wheel are
different from those of the road wheels. As a
result, the vehicle handling characteristics
change when driving with a spare wheel
mounted. Adapt your driving style
accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with a spare wheel mounted,
ensure proper tire inflation pressure and do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible to have the
spare wheel replaced with a regular road
wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
spare wheel mounted.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
GWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program:
Do not open or close any doors or the tailgate
while mounting a spare wheel. The vehicle
could rise or lower to a previously selected
level. You or others could be injured as a
result.
Preparing the vehicle
XVehicles with air suspension program:
Make sure the vehicle level is set to
highway level ( Y page 155).XWhenever possible, park the vehicle in a
safe distance from moving traffic on a hard,
flat surface.XTurn on the hazard warning flasher.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.XEngage the parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.XTurn off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Open the
driver’s door (this puts the starter switch in
position 0, same as with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch). The
driver’s door can then be closed again.
Open doors only when conditions are safe
to do so.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Remove the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button from the
starter switch.XHave any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Open
doors only when conditions are safe to do
so.
i Vehicles with spare wheel with collapsible
tire or TIREFIT:
Only use the power outlet in the second-
row footwell for electric air pump
operation.
You can use the power outlet even when
the ignition is switched off, e.g. in order to
inflate the collapsible tire.
An emergency shut-off feature is designed
to prevent the vehicle’s on-board voltage
from dropping below a minimum level. If
the on-board voltage drops to this
minimum level, the power outlets are
switched off automatically to help preserve
engine starting power.
Sealing tires with TIREFIT
Small tire punctures, particularly those in the
tread, can be sealed with TIREFIT.
TIREFIT can be used in ambient temperatures
down to -4‡ (-20†).
GWarning!
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire
320Flat tirePractical hints
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 320