belt MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 1997 Complete Repair Manual

AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM
1998 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Mercedes-Benz
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
All models are equipped with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The main components of SRS are a driver
air bag module, passenger air bag module, control unit, SRS warning light, driver knee bolster, passenger knee
bolster, and Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) seat belt assembly. Additionally, all vehicles provide
driver-side and passenger-side impact protection by side air bags which are mounted in the driver-side and
passenger-side doors. Each of the door mounted side air bags utilize sensors which recognize lateral
acceleration durin
g side impact and signal this to the control module. See Fig. 1. NOTE: Information on ML320 is not available. For WIRING DIAGRAMS, See Fig. 32
.
WARNING:To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully
follow all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
.

1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1998 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Mercedes-Benz

1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1998 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Mercedes-Benz
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Fig. 1: Locating Restraint System Components (E Class Shown; Others Are Similar)
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA
Both SRS and ETR are electronically activated by a single control unit if a moderately severe to severe frontal
collision occurs. There are 2 thresholds which must be exceeded to trigger an ETR action, air bag deployment,
or both. If a moderately severe frontal collision occurs exceeding first triggering threshold where protection
from safety belt is sufficient, only Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) is activated if safety belt is buckled.
If a moderately severe frontal collision occurs exceeding first triggering threshold where protection from safety
belt is sufficient, but safety belt is not buckled, air bag is deployed and EAR is not activated.
If a severe frontal collision occurs exceeding second triggering threshold where protection from safety belt is
insufficient, air bag is deployed. EAR is activated if safety belt is buckled. If safety belt is not buckled, ETR is
not activated when second triggering threshold is reached. Passenger air bag will deploy even if passenger seat
is not occupied when a triggering threshold is exceeded. If during a severe frontal collision the power supply is
interrupted, the driver and passenger air bag can still be deployed, but ETR cannot be activated.
The side air bag on the driver-side deploys whenever the driver-side air bag module is deployed and when there
is a substantial side impact crash. The air bag on the passenger-side will activate only when a sensor (Occupied
Seat Recognition Sensor) in the passenger seat sends a signal to the control module that the passenger-side seat
is occupied. During a collision, the side air bag will then deploy.
SERVICING
SRS AIR BAG label on driver-side door latch post indicates SRS replacement date for driver and passenger air
bag units. All SRS components must be thoroughly inspected, including wiring harness. Before component
replacement, check for SRS fault codes by performing system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION
CHECK . SRS service life is 10 years from manufactured date, or 10 years from SRS replacement date after
accident related repairs are completed.
POST-COLLISION INSPECTION
When a vehicle has been involved in a collision, certain components of the passive restraint system must be
inspected or replaced. See PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM INSPECTION article in the GENERAL
INFORMATION section for post-collision inspection information.
ADJUSTMENTS
If fixing screws were not used during clockspring removal or clockspring was rotated during removal, turn
clockspring clockwise until resistance is detectable. Turn clockspring counterclockwise 2-2.5 turns until fixing
screws can be unscrewed holding clockspring in this position.
DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
WARNING:An undeployed air bag module or ETR should never be disposed of
without first being deployed. See SCRAPPED VEHICLE
. If deployment is
not possible, contact vehicle manufacturer for further instructions.

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Several situations may arise requiring some form of disposal action, including:
Scrapping a vehicle containing a deployed air bag module and/or ETR.
Scrapping a vehicle with a live air bag module and/or ETR.
Disposal of a live but electrically faulty air bag module and/or ETR.
Disposal of a deployed air bag module and/or ETR.
DEPLOYED AIR BAG OR ETR
Deployed air bag module and/or ETR unit can be thrown away. None of its components are reusable. Deployed
air bag module is NOT classified as hazardous material.
SCRAPPED VEHICLE
1. Before proceeding, follow service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Move vehicle
outdoors to a remote area, away from workshop and other personnel. Disconnect and shield negative
battery cable. Open all vehicle windows and doors.
2. Ensure air bag module is secured to steering wheel, and passenger air bag is secured to dash. Ensure ETR
seat belt assemblies are secured to "B" pillars and all seat belt buckles are latched. Remove loose objects
from front seat. DO NOT allow anyone inside vehicle.
3. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Connect Trigger
Device (126-589-00-90-00) and Adapter Cable (126 589 21 63 00) to SRS system connector (X29/9)
located at passenger footwell area. See Fig. 5
. Move away from vehicle as far as trigger device wiring
will allow.
4. To deploy driver air bag and ETR, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 1. Push battery
check pushbutton and ignition pushbutton simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate indicating
driver air bag and ETR deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and driver air bag and/or ETR did not
deploy, driver air bag module and/or ETR is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG/ETR
.
5. To deploy passenger air bag detonator No. 1, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 2. Push
battery check pushbutton and ignition pushbutton simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate
indicating passenger air bag detonator No. 1 deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and passenger air bag
detonator No. 1 did not deploy, passenger air bag module is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR
BAG/ETR .
6. To deploy passenger air bag detonator No. 2, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 3. Push
battery check pushbutton and ignition pushbutton simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate
indicating passenger air bag detonator No. 2 deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and passenger air bag
detonator No. 2 did not deploy, passenger air bag module is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR
BAG/ETR . WARNING:An undeployed air bag module and/or ETR seat belt CANNOT be disposed
of without first being deployed. If this is not possible through procedures
outlined below, contact vehicle manufacturer for further instructions.
Perform remote deployment outdoors. Keep personnel at least 20 feet
away.

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If any part of SRS wiring harness is damaged, DO NOT repair wiring harness, replace complete wiring harness.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
(1)
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING
Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
. The control module is capable of diagnosing airbag
system components and ETR components. If a fault is detected by the control module or system is
malfunctioning, SRS warning light will do one or more of the following:
SRS warning light goes out after 2 minutes. System fault is noted, however occupant protection is not
affected. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
.
SRS warning light illuminates continuously. System is faulty which may result in a non deployment or
false deployment. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
.
SRS warning light blinks continuously. Control module has been replaced without setting control module
parameters.
RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
1. Check vehicle fuses. Replace any blown fuses as necessary. Ensure vehicle battery voltage is 11 volts or
more. Ensure SRS warning light functions. Turn ignition off. Connect Hand-Held Tester (HHT) (965 589
00 01) to Data Link Connector (DLC).
2. DLC is located in right rear corner of engine compartment. It may be necessary to use Adapter (965 589
00 40 or 965 589 00 50) to connect HHT to DLC. After HHT displays module number and version, press
return key to start diagnosis. Using HHT, follow HHT prompts to retrieve SRS fault codes.
3. HHT will display a 3 digit fault code, and may display additional graphic information. This additional
graphic information will help in diagnosis of fault code. See Fig. 6
. During diagnosis HHT will display 4
different graphic displays informing technician if a test passes or fails, or if seat belt buckle is latched or
not latched. See Fig. 6
.
4. These
graphic displays are displayed as applicable by HHT during testing. See FAULT CODES table.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Wheel Hub Bolt52-66 (70-90)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Driver Air Bag Module Bolts (Torx)44-62 (5-7)
(1)Torque specifications are not available for clockspring assembly, control module or passenger-side
air bag module.
NOTE: After component replacement, perform a system operation check to ensure
proper system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
NOTE: Fault codes may only be retrieved using Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01) and
Adapter (965 589 00 40 or 965 589 00 50).

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FAULT CODES
Code (Possible Cause)
Go To Test Step (See
Fig.)
00
(SRS Control Module, N2/2)2.0
003
(Voltage Supply Circuit 15R, Low Voltage)1.0
002
(SRS Warning Light, A1e15)11.0
004
(Driver Air Bag Squib, R12/3)3.0, 4.0 (7, 9)
005
(Driver ETR Squib, R12/1)5.0
006
(Passenger ETR Squib, R12/2)7.0
007
(Passenger Air Bag Squib, R12/4)9.0, 10.0 (12, 13)
008
(Side Air Bag Squib, Driver-Side)17.0
009
(Side Air Bag Squib, Passenger- Side)18.0
016
(Driver Belt Switch, S68/3)12.0, 13.0
017
(Passenger Belt Switch, S68/3)14.0, 15.0
018
(Driver Air Bag Harness)19.0
019
(Driver Air Bag Sensor)Replace Sensor
020
(Driver Air Bag Sensor)Replace Sensor
021
(Passenger Air Bag Sensor)20.0
022
(Passenger Air Bag Sensor)Replace Sensor
023
(Passenger Air Bag Sensor)Replace Sensor
024
(Passenger Seat Occupation Signal)21, 22 (21, 22)
025
(Passenger Seat Occupation Signal)21

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with HHT connected to DLC and ignition key removed. Remove driver-side air bag module. Disconnect
driver-side air bag module squib connector R12/3. Connect Resistance Substitution Unit (124 589 09 63)
to driver-side air bag module squib connector (harness side). Set resistance substitution unit to 2 ohms.
Turn ignition key to position "2". Read NOMINAL VALUE/HHT DISPLAY column. If HHT displays a
check, replace driver-side air bag module. If HHT displays an "F", go to step 3.2.
Read TEST CONNECTION (NOT FOR HHT) column. Horn/air bag clockspring connector A45x1,
terminals No. 1 and 2 are identified. Read TEST CONDITION column. Test circuit with HHT connected
to DLC. Remove ignition key. Connect Resistance Substitution Unit (124 589 09 63 00) to horn/air bag
clockspring connector A45x1. Set resistance substitution unit to 2 ohms. Read NOMINAL VALUE/HHT
DISPLAY column. If HHT displays a check, check horn/air bag clockspring for continuity. Replace
horn/air bag clockspring as necessary. If HHT displays an "F", go to step 3.4.
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS NOTE: Some testing is identified by model number. To identify models by model
number see MODEL IDENTIFICATION
table.
Model NumberModel
129SL Class
140S Class
170SLK 230
202C Class
208CLK 320
210E Class
ComponentManufacturer's Designation
A45Horn/Air Bag Clockspring
A53Driver-Side Air Bag Sensor
A54Passenger-Side Air Bag Sensor
B41/1Passenger-Side Seat Occupied Recognition Sensor
N2/2Control Module
R12/1Driver-Side ETR Squib Connector
R12/2Passenger-Side ETR Squib Connector
R12/3Driver-Side Air Bag Squib Connector
R12/8Passenger-Side Air Bag Squib Connector
R12/9Side Air Bag (Driver-Side)Squib Connector
R12/10Side Air Bag (Passenger-Side) Squib Connector
S68/3Driver-Side Belt Buckle Switch
S68/4Passenger-Side Belt Buckle Switch
W26Control Module Ground
X11/4Data Link Connector

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1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 7
Roadside assistance ......................... 10
Where to find it ................................ 14
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 16Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Center console .............................. 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 25
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 26
Central locking system ................... 26
Radio frequency
remote control .............................. 26
Unlocking the liftgate .................. 28
Panic button .................................. 28
Mechanical keys ........................... 29Doors ................................................. 30
Central locking switch .................... 32
Automatic central locking .......... 32
Emergency unlocking in case
of accident ................................... 33
Liftgate .............................................. 34
Antitheft alarm system ................... 35
Tow-away alarm and
glass breakage sensor ............... 36
Seats, front ....................................... 37
Manual seats ................................ 39
Power seats ................................... 40
Head restraint ...............................41
Heated seats ..................................... 44
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 46
Seat belts .......................................... 46
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 47
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 53
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special child
seat installed ................................ 53Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 54
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 55
Airbags .............................................. 56
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 63
Infant and child
restraint systems .......................... 65
Adjustable steering wheel .............. 70
Inside rear view mirror .................. 71
Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 73
Exterior rear view mirror,
electrically folding ....................... 75
Instrument cluster ........................... 76
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ...................... 78
Trip computer ................................... 83
Flexible service system (FSS) ........ 87
Engine oil level indicator ................ 89
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 90

3 ContentsSnow chains ................................ 179
Winter driving instructions ...... 180
Deep water .................................. 181
Passenger compartment ........... 182
Traveling abroad ........................ 182
Off-Road driving ............................. 183
Trailer towing ................................. 190
Cruise control ................................. 196
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 199
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 201
Four-wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS+) ..........203
Electronic brake
proportioning (EBP) ..................204
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ...........................................205
Transmission control –
LOW RANGE mode ...................209
What you should know
at the gas station ....................... 212
Check regularly and
before a long trip ....................... 215
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster .....................218
On-board diagnostic system –
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................218
Brake warning lamp ...................219
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp .................. 219
Fuel reserve warning ................ 220
Electronic stability
program (ESP) / Electronic
traction system (ETS) –
warning lamp ............................. 221
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 221
4-ETS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 221
LOW RANGE
indicator lamp ............................ 221
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 222Adjustable steering wheel –
indicator lamp .............................222
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .............................222
Seat belt warning lamp .............223
Charge indicator lamp ...............223
Low engine oil level
warning lamp ..............................224
Low engine coolant
level warning ..............................224
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp .............................225
FSS indicator ...............................225

5 Contents
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................278
Power washer ..............................279
Tar stains .....................................279
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................279
Engine cleaning ..........................280
Vehicle washing .........................280
Ornamental moldings ................280
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................280
Window cleaning ........................ 281
Wiper blades ............................... 281
Light alloy wheels ...................... 281
Instrument cluster ..................... 281
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ...................... 281Cup holder .................................. 282
Seat belts ..................................... 282
Headliner .................................... 282
Upholstery .................................. 282
Hard plastic trim items ............. 282
Plastic and rubber parts ........... 282
Technical dataSpare parts service ....................... 284
Warranty coverage ........................ 284
Identification labels ...................... 285
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ........... 286
Technical data ................................ 287
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
etc. – capacities ........................ 292
Engine oils ...................................... 294
Engine oil additives ...................... 294
Air conditioner refrigerant .......... 294Brake fluid ......................................294
Premium unleaded gasoline ........295
Fuel requirements .........................295
Gasoline additives .........................296
Coolants ...........................................296
Consumer information ..................298
IndexIndex ................................................300

13 Introduction
Wa r n i n g !
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform tasks for
which conventional 2-wheel drive passenger cars were not intended. This vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from conventional passenger cars in driving conditions which may occur on streets, highways and
off-road use.This vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many passenger cars. As with
other vehicles of this type, if you make sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may
roll over or may go out of control and crash. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Operator’s Manual. Take time to become familiar with the
driving characteristics of this vehicle. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls. Learn how your
vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Do not attempt sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt
maneuvers or other unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle control. When driving off-road or
working the vehicle, do not overload it. And, always wear your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash, an
unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.