2010 MERCEDES-BENZ ML450 HYBRID warning

Introduction
The HYBRID technology combines an
economical combustion engine with a
powerful hybrid transmission. The HYBRID
system selects the most efficient operating
mode
for each driving situation automatically.
You can drive the vehicle in the usual manner.
The HYBRID system turns the combustion
engine off as often as possible in order to save
fuel.
Depending on various conditions such as the
charging level of the high-voltage battery or
the operating temperature, the vehicle can
run on electrical energy alone. These
conditions as well as the degree to which the
driver accelerates determine the vehicle
speed and range that can be achieved for all-
electrical driving. G
Warning!
When the READY indicator in the instrument
cluster is on while the combustion engine is
off, the combustion engine has been turned
off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue

to be active as long as the ignition is
switched on. When you open the driver’s door
and unbuckle the seat belt with the READY
indicator on, while the automatic
transmission is in position N or P, the
combustion engine starts automatically.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle:
R Engage the parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Switch off the ignition. The READY indicator
goes out. Driving off and accelerating consumes the
most energy. Thus, the hybrid transmission
supports the combustion engine with the
energy

stored in the high-voltage battery. The
energy is also used for electrical driving, for
operation of the electric compressor of the
cooling system and to support the 12-volt on-
board power supply. The hybrid drive thereby
contributes significantly to the fuel economy
of your vehicle.
For information on driving with HYBRID, see
(Y page 16).
The current operating mode of the HYBRID
system can be displayed in the instrument
cluster (Y page 13) and in the COMAND
display ( Y page 13).
The COMAND can also display a chart of the
fuel consumption and the electric power that
has been generated ( Y page 15). RBS (Recuperative Brake System)
With
the RBS activated (Y page 9), the hybrid
transmission functions as a generator when
coasting and braking. HYBRID converts the
energy of movement into electric power and
stores it in the high-voltage battery. The high-
voltage battery does not require additional
charging by other means. Controls in detail
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Instrument cluster
Function Page
:
$ Brake warning lamp,
USA only
29
;
d ABS/ESP
®
warning
lamp 9,
29 =
J Brake warning lamp,
Canada only
29
?
Multifunction display
with:
Charging level high-voltage
battery
14
A
é Recuperative Brake
System (RBS) warning lamp
29
B
+ Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)
indicator lamp
31
C
; Engine malfunction
indicator lamp, Canada only
21
D
! Engine malfunction
indicator lamp, USA only
21 Function Page
E
Power gauge 14
F
Multifunction display
with:
Automatic transmission
program mode indicator
18
READY indicator for the
HYBRID system
16
Control system and COMAND
i For information on the instrument cluster
control system and COMAND operation,
refer to the Operator’s Manual.
The current operating mode of the HYBRID
system can be displayed in the multifunction
display and in the COMAND.
The COMAND can also display a chart of the
fuel consumption and the electric power that
has been generated ( Y page 15). Controls in detail
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1
Fuel consumption
; Average fuel consumption From Start as
shown in the multifunction display of the
instrument cluster in the Trip computer
menu.
= Generated electric power
Each bar in the chart represents the average
value for 1 minute.
Resetting values The values are reset together when resetting
the trip computer in the
From Start
submenu. Refer to the Operator’s Manual. Driving and parking
Safety notes
G
Warning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired, may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured. G
Warning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement. Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between or
under the pedals. You could then no longer
brake or accelerate. This could lead to
accidents and injury.
Starting the engine
:
READY indicator
X Switch on the ignition.
X Apply the brake pedal fully and release it.
The self-test of the RBS is completed. For
more information on the RBS, see
(Y page 9).
X Observe the notes on “Starting the engine”
in the Operator’s Manual and start the
combustion engine.
Silent-Start mode
The combustion engine may not start each
time you start the vehicle with the SmartKey
or with KEYLESS-GO.
Depending on various conditions such as the
charging level of the high-voltage battery, you
may drive off with electrical energy alone. The
vehicle is then in Silent-Start mode. The
READY indicator : will then indicate that the
HYBRID systems are operational. 16
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G
Warning!
When the READY indicator in the instrument
cluster is on while the combustion engine is
off, the combustion engine has been turned
off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue
to be active as long as the ignition is
switched on. When you open the driver’s door
and unbuckle the seat belt with the READY
indicator on, while the automatic
transmission is in position N or P, the
combustion engine starts automatically.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle:
R Engage the parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Switch off the ignition. The READY indicator
goes out.
The combustion engine turns off
automatically when the system determines
that it is not needed. The combustion engine
does not turn off automatically when
R the operation strategy requires that the
combustion engine is running
R the self-diagnosis of the combustion
engine management is still running
R the combustion engine is running below or
above the operating temperature
R the catalytic converter is running below the
operating temperature
R the vehicle is being driven up an extremely
steep incline
R the hybrid components are below or above
their operating temperature
R the accelerator pedal is being depressed to
hard
R the vehicle speed is above 34 mph
(55 km/h)
R the automatic transmission is
malfunctioning R
the hood is open
R the high-voltage battery is not charged
sufficiently Driving off
G
Warning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired,

may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured.
Depress the brake pedal and shift the
automatic transmission into drive position D
or reverse gear R. If the message Depress
brake to shift out of P. appears in the
multifunction display:
X Depress the brake pedal with somewhat
greater force and select the desired
transmission position.
i Read and observe messages that may
appear in the multifunction display
(Y page 24).
For

more information on driving off, refer to
the Operator’s Manual. Driving
Driving tips R
Think ahead and keep sufficient distance.
R Avoid frequent and rapid acceleration as
well as abrupt braking. Controls in detail
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R
The hybrid transmission supports the
combustion engine when driving off and
when accelerating.
R The hybrid transmission functions as a
generator when coasting the vehicle with
the automatic transmission in drive
position D and during braking.
i For additional general driving
instructions, refer to the Operator’s
Manual. Parking
G
Warning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired, may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured. G
Warning!
When the READY indicator in the instrument
cluster is on while the combustion engine is
off, the combustion engine has been turned
off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue to be active as long as the ignition is
switched on. When you open the driver’s door
and unbuckle the seat belt with the READY
indicator on, while the automatic
transmission is in position N or P, the
combustion engine starts automatically.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle: R
Engage the parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Switch off the ignition. The READY indicator
goes out.
X Engage the parking brake.
The parking brake indicator lamp $
(USA only) or ! (Canada only) in the
instrument cluster comes on.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Switch off the ignition.
The READY indicator goes out.
i For more information on parking and on
turning off the combustion engine, refer to
the Operator’s Manual. Automatic transmission
Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch
E Economy For fuel-efficient
operation
S Sport For sporty driving18
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Refueling
G
Warning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health. G
Warning!
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gas to
spray back out when removing the fuel pump
nozzle, which could cause personal injury.
! Never refuel vehicles with gasoline engine
with diesel fuel. Even small amounts of
diesel fuel will damage the fuel system and
engine. Damage resulting from the use of
non-approved fuels or fuel additives or
resulting from mixing gasoline with diesel
fuel is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! If you have accidentally filled the tank
with incorrect or non-approved fuel, do not
switch on the ignition. Otherwise the
incorrect or non-approved fuel will get into
the fuel lines. The fuel system must be
drained completely. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to have the fuel
system drained completely.
! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it to
overheat and potentially start a fire.
i Only use premium unleaded gasoline with
a minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91
(average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump. Please
contact gas station personnel in case
labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see
Operator's Manual, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, or visit
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
X Bring the vehicle to a standstill.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Switch off the ignition.
The READY indicator (Y page 16) in the
instrument cluster goes out.
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch or remove the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle.
i Before refueling your vehicle its fuel tank
system needs to be depressurized. X
Press fuel filler flap switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on as the fuel filler
flap is unlocked. 20
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In case of a blinking indicator lamp
;,
pressure on the fuel tank system needs to be
released first.
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if
R the indicator lamp ; fails to stop blinking
after approximately 10 seconds after the
fuel filler flap switch : has been pressed
R the indicator lamp ; does not come on at
all
R the malfunction indicator lamp ! (USA
only) or ; (Canada only) comes on
The fuel filler flap is located on the right-hand
side of the vehicle towards the rear.
i In case the fuel filler flap switch does not
release the fuel filler flap, see “Opening the
fuel filler flap manually” ( Y page 31).G
Warning!
Remove fuel filler cap slowly. Fuel spray may
cause injury.
Complete refueling within 20 minutes after
opening the fuel filler flap. Otherwise fuel may
spray out and cause injury. If the refueling
process cannot be completed within
20 minutes, press the fuel filler flap switch
again.
i Leaving the combustion engine running
and the fuel filler cap open can cause the
yellow fuel tank reserve warning lamp to
flash and the malfunction indicator
lamp ! (USA only) or ; (Canada
only) to illuminate.
For more information on refueling, see
Operator's Manual. X
Opening: Pull fuel filler flap = out in
direction of arrow.
X Turn fuel filler cap ? counterclockwise.
X Take off fuel filler cap ?.
! The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel
filler neck. Do not drop the cap. It could
damage the vehicle paint finish.
X Set fuel filler cap ? on fuel filler flap =.
X Fully insert filler nozzle unit and refuel.
X Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit
cuts out – do not top off or overfill .
X Closing: Turn fuel filler cap ? until it
audibly engages.
X Close fuel filler flap =.
The fuel filler flap is locked.
The indicator lamp on the fuel filler flap
switch goes out ( Y page 20). Engine oil
The amount of oil your combustion engine
consumes will depend on a number of factors,
including driving style. Increased oil
consumption can occur when the vehicle is
new or the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds.
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
! Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies. Operation
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Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display
Notes
Warning and malfunction messages appear in
the multifunction display located in the
instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messages
are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in this
Supplemental Operating Instructions
Booklet.
Selecting the Vehicle status message
memory menu in the control system displays
both cleared and uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the
multifunction display in red color.
Certain messages of high priority cannot be
cleared from the multifunction display using
the reset button or button &, *,
U or V on the multifunction steering
wheel.
Other messages of high priority and
messages of less immediate priority can be
cleared from the multifunction display using
the reset button or button &, *,
U or V on the multifunction steering
wheel. They are then stored in the Vehicle
status message memory menu. Remember
that clearing a message will only make the
message disappear. Clearing a message will
not correct the condition that caused the
message to appear. G
Warning!
All categories of messages contain important
information which should be taken note of
and, where a malfunction is indicated,
addressed as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair the condition noted may
cause

damage not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty, or result in property
damage or personal injury. G
Warning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If

you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
On the pages that follow, you will find a
compilation of the warning and malfunction
messages specific to the HYBRID system. For
all other warning and malfunction messages,
refer to the Operator’s Manual. 24
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