2010 MERCEDES-BENZ ML550 warning

Safety systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine.The seat belt telltale reminds you and your passengers to fasten
your seat belts before driving off.XFasten your seat belts.
Regardless of whether the seat belts are fastened or not, the seat
belt telltale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds after
starting the engine.
7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on. In addition
you hear a
warning chime
for a maximum
of 6 seconds
after starting the
engine.You have forgotten to fasten your seat belt.XFasten your seat belt.
The warning chime stops sounding.7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on while the
vehicle is
standing still
and the engine is
running or while
driving.You and/or your front passenger have forgotten to fasten your
seat belts.XFasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out.There are items placed on the front passenger seat and therefore
the system senses the front passenger seat as being occupied.XRemove the items from the front passenger seat and put them
in a safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out.7The red seat belt
telltale flashes
while driving. In
addition, an
intermittent
warning chime
sounds with
increasing
intensity.The vehicle’s speed once exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) and you
and/or your front passenger have forgotten to fasten your seat
belts.XFasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding.There are items placed on the front passenger seat and therefore
the system senses the front passenger seat as being occupied.XRemove the items from the front passenger seat and put them
in a safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding.300What to do if …Practical hints
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iAfter 60 seconds with an unfastened seat belt the warning chime stops sounding and the
seat belt telltale illuminates continuously. The seat belt telltale will only go out if both, the
driver and front passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front
door is opened.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+The red SRS
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving.There is a malfunction in the restraint systems. The air bags or
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly
or fail to activate in an accident.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not
be operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it
might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily
which could also result in injury.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsdThe yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESP ®
is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESP ®
back on.
Exceptions: ( Y page 64).XIf leaving the ESP ®
switched off, adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESP ®
cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.dThe yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
is not operational due to a malfunction.
Risk of accident!XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.What to do if …301Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 301Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsdThe yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.The ESP ®
or the ETS/4-ETS has come into operation because of
detected traction loss in at least one tire.
The cruise control is deactivated.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not deactivate the ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 64).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
At least one wheel is spinning and the Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) has switched off to prevent overheating of the drive
wheel brakes.XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.
As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) switches on again.
The message in the multifunction display disappears and the
ESP ®
warning lamp d goes out.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·The red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving.You are too close to the vehicle in front of you to maintain selected
speed.XApply the brakes immediately to increase the following
distance.·The red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving and an
acoustic
warning sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle ahead of you or the
distance warning system has recognized a stationary obstacle on
your probable line of travel.XApply the brakes immediately.XCarefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake
or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.302What to do if …Practical hints
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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

TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 272).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been
corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
hUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
flashes 60
seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 272).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
After the malfunction has been remedied, the combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes
of driving.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately 1 minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This304What to do if …Practical hints
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GWarning!
If the 42 indicator lamp
illuminates and remains illuminated with the
weight of a typical adult or someone larger
than a small individual on the front passenger
seat, do not have any passenger use the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsUSA only:
42
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp does not
illuminate and/or does
not remain illuminated
with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child
restraint or less on the
front passenger seat.
The system is malfunctioning.XMake sure there is nothing between seat cushion and child seat
and check installation of the child seat.
XMake sure no objects applying supplemental weight onto the
seat are present.
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.
XIf the front passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains
out, have the system checked as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on
the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps (Y page 272).
GWarning!
If the 42 indicator lamp does not
illuminate or remains out with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint or less on the front passenger seat,
do not transport a child on the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
Unlocking/locking manually
Unlocking the vehicle
If you cannot unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, unlock the
driver’s door using the mechanical key.
The anti-theft alarm system will trigger when
you
Runlocking the driver’s door with the
mechanical key
and
Ropen the driver’s door
To cancel the alarm, insert the SmartKey into
the starter switch.
Removing the mechanical key
SmartKey
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A minimum height clearance of 7.2 ft
(2.20 m) is required to open the tailgate.
XRemove cover ; from the trim on the
tailgate.
XPush emergency release lever : all the
way to the left.
! The tailgate swings open upwards
automatically. Always make sure there is
sufficient overhead clearance.
XOpen the tailgate.
iIf the vehicle has previously been locked
from the outside using the SmartKey or
KEYLESS-GO, opening the tailgate from the
inside using the emergency release lever
will trigger the anti-theft alarm system.
To cancel the alarm, do one of the
following:RInsert the SmartKey into the starter
switch.
RPress button % or & on the
SmartKey.
In vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:RPull an outside door handle.
The SmartKey must be within 3 ft (1 m)
of the vehicle.
RPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button.
The SmartKey must be inside the vehicle.
XReinstall cover ;.Fuel filler flapGWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize
potential danger.
GWarning!
Avoid contact with the vehicle walls as they
may contain sharp edges. Otherwise, you
could injure yourself while releasing the fuel
filler flap.
In case the central locking system does not
release the fuel filler flap, you can open it
manually.
The fuel filler flap release is located on the
passenger side in the cargo compartment
behind the cover.
XOpen the tailgate (Y page 75).XOpen the cover on the passenger-side trim
panel (Y page 316).
XPull yellow fuel filler flap release : in
direction of arrow.
The fuel filler flap is unlocked.
XOpen the fuel filler flap (Y page 210).XClose the cover.XClose the tailgate.308Unlocking/locking manuallyPractical hints
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Resetting activated NECK-PRO active
front head restraints
If the NECK-PRO active front head restraints
have been triggered in a rear-end collision,
they must be reset.
You can tell that the NECK-PRO active front
head restraints have been triggered when
they have been moved forward and cannot be
adjusted.
GWarning!
For safety reasons, have the NECK-PRO active
front head restraints checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center after a
rear-end collision.
GWarning!
When pushing back the head restraint
cushion, make sure your fingers do not
become caught between the head restraint
cushion and the cover. Failing to do so may
lead to injury.
iPressing the head restraint cushion back
requires high force. If you encounter
difficulties when pushing the head restraint
back, please have the procedure
performed at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
XPull the top of the head restraint cushion in
direction of arrow : as far as it will go.
XAdjust the head restraint cushion
downward in direction of arrow ; as far as
it will go.
XFirmly press the top of the head restraint
cushion towards the head restraint cover in
direction of arrow = until it engages.
XRepeat this procedure on the NECK-PRO
active front head restraint for the second
front seat.
For information on NECK-PRO active front
head restraints, see “NECK-PRO active front
head restraints” (Y page 53).
Replacing SmartKey batteries
If the batteries in the SmartKey are
discharged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWarning!
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive
substances. Therefore, keep the batteries out
of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately.
GWarning!
SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Check with
your local government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm.
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method
of disposal. Many states (USA only) or
provinces (Canada only) require sellers of
batteries to accept old batteries for recycling.
When inserting the batteries, make sure they
are clean and free of lint.
When replacing batteries, always replace
both batteries.
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