2010 MERCEDES-BENZ ML63AMG power steering

XClose all doors and the tailgate.XAttach the trailer.XPlug in all electrical connectors.
iVehicles with vehicle level control:
When you are towing a trailer, the vehicle
level always remains in the highway setting.
The following applies additionally when
towing a trailer:
R The vehicle is lowered to the highway
level when it reaches a speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h) if not set to highway level.
R The highspeed level is not available.
The restrictions that apply to towing also
apply when using accessories that are
connected to the trailer power socket, such
as a bicycle rack.
Towing a trailer
There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer towing. Make sure your rig will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also for
where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be the police or local
authorities.
Note the following, when driving with a trailer:
R In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’s behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free of traffic.
R Before you start driving check the
- trailer hitch
- break-away switch
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lighting
- tires
R Adjust the mirrors ( Y page 89) to permit
unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.
R If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to make sure the brakes are working
properly.
R Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
R When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to make sure the load is secure, and that
trailer lighting and brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
R Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are
different and less stable from those when
operating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
R The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore limited in
acceleration and climbing ability, and has a
larger braking distance.
It is more prone to reacting to cross wind
gusts, and requires more sensitive steering
input.
R If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
rather engage the brake slightly at first to
permit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
! If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce
the vehicle’s speed immediately.
Do not attempt to straighten out the tow
vehicle and trailer by increasing the speed.
R If the transmission shifts between gears on
inclines repeatedly, shift to a lower gear
range manually ( Y page 113). Select 4, 3 ,
2 or 1.
A lower gear and reduction of speed
reduces the chance of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
R On very steep inclines, not manageable
with automatic transmission in gear range
1 , switch on off-road driving program
( Y page 155).
R When going down an incline, shift into a
lower gear and use the engine’s braking
effect.256Driving instructionsOperation
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Text messages
Safety systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsABSABS, ESP
Inoperativ
e
See
Operator’s
ManualThe brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the ESP ®
, and the PRE-
SAFE ®
system are unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
ABSABS, ESP
Unavailabl
e
See
Operator’s
ManualThe self-diagnosis may not be completed yet.
The display will clear after driving a short distance at a vehicle
speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h).ABSABS, ESP
Unavailabl
e See
Operator’s
ManualThe brake system still functions normally but due to
insufficient power supply, the ABS, the BAS, the ESP ®
, and
the PRE-SAFE ®
system are unavailable.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS,
the BAS, the ESP ®
, and the PRE-SAFE ®
system are
operational again and the message should disappear.XIf the message does not disappear: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.ESPInoperativ
e See
Operator’s
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESP ®
warning lamp d comes on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction the BAS, the ESP ®
, and the PRE-SAFE ®
system
are unavailable.
The ABS may not be operational.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display273Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 273Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsESPUnavailabl
e See
Operator’s
ManualThe brake system still functions normally but due to
insufficient power supply the ESP ®
, the BAS, and the
PRE-SAFE ®
system are unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the
ESP ®
, the BAS, and the PRE-SAFE ®
system are operational
again and the message in the multifunction display should
disappear.
If the message in the multifunction display does not
disappear:
XHave the alternator and the battery checked.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.ESPUnavailabl
e See
Operator’s
ManualIf the yellow ESP ®
warning lamp d flashes while driving
and this message appears, the Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) has switched off to prevent overheating of the
drive wheel brakes.
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.ESPUnavailabl
e See
Operator’s
ManualThe self-diagnosis may not be completed yet.
The display will clear after driving a short distance at a vehicle
speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h).PRE-SAFEInoperativ
e See
Operator’s
ManualThe PRE-SAFE ®
system has failed. All other occupant safety
systems, such as the air bags, are still available.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.274Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire
Pressure
MonitorWheel
Sensor
MissingAt least one sensor is defect (e.g. battery is empty).
The respective tire is indicated by – – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XHave the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.At least one wheel without appropriate wheel sensors is
mounted (e.g. spare tire).
The respective tire is indicated by – – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XHave the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Tire
Pressure
MonitorCurrently
Unavailabl
eThe Advanced TPMS cannot monitor the tire inflation pressure
due to a nearby radio interference source or insufficient
power supply.
As soon as the causes of the malfunction have been rectified,
the Advanced TPMS becomes active again automatically after
a few minutes of driving.Tire
Pressure(s
) Please
CorrectThe tire inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
or
The tire inflation pressures of the individual tires differ from
each other significantly.
The tire inflation pressure values are shown in the
multifunction display.XCheck and correct tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 221).XRestart the Advanced TMPS ( Y page 226).Caution:
Tire
DefectAt least one tire is deflating.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 319).282Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has detected a malfunction and switched off. The BAS,
the ESP ®
and the PRE-SAFE ®
are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, other systems such as
the navigation system or the automatic transmission may also be
malfunctioning.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 272).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has switched off due to insufficient power supply.
The battery might not be charged sufficiently.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS is
operational again. The ABS indicator lamp should go out.XIf the ABS indicator lamp does not go out: Have the alternator
and the battery checked.!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The self-diagnosis has not been completed yet.
The indicator lamp will go out after driving a short distance at a
vehicle speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h).298What to do if …Practical hints
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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
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portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize
potential danger.
! To prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
If circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
only so far as necessary to have the vehicle
moved to a safe location where the
recommended towing methods can be
employed.
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
RDo not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
RDo not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
RTowing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery, as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
iIf the battery is disconnected or
discharged
Rthe SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
Rthe automatic transmission will remain in
park position P
For more information see “Battery”
(Y page 334) or “Jump starting”
(Y page 336).
Installing towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle or you are being towed, the towing eye
bolt can be screwed into threaded holes
which are located behind covers on each
bumper.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
vehicle tool kit, located in the cargo
compartment underneath the cargo
compartment floor (Y page 268).
XTake the towing eye bolt out of the space
underneath the cargo compartment floor.
Removing cover in front bumper
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Towing with the rear axle raisedXSwitch off the ignition and remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 96).XTake the SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Towing with all wheels on the ground
GWarning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 96).!
Keep in mind that it is important to have
the ignition switched on. Removing the
SmartKey from the starter switch or
opening a front door with the ignition
switched off will automatically shift the
automatic transmission into park position
P .
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i While being towed with the hazard
warning flasher in use, use the combination
switch in the usual manner to signal turns.
Only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again.
Stranded vehicle
Freeing a stranded vehicle, on which the
wheels are dug into sand or mud, should be
done with the greatest of care, especially if
the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Note the following when freeing a stranded
vehicle:
R Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
R Never try to free a vehicle that is still
coupled to a trailer.
R If possible, a vehicle equipped with a trailer
hitch receiver should be pulled backward in
its own previously made tracks.
Fuses
Introduction
The electrical fuses in your vehicle serve to
switch off malfunctioning power circuits.
If a fuse is blown, the components and
systems secured by that fuse will stop
operating.
342FusesPractical hints
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