ECU MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS 2000 Owner's Manual

194 Driving instructions
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Tow in g a t r ai le r
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailer towing. Make sure
t ha t your rig will be lega l, not only for w here you reside,
but also for where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be the police or local authorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer, check the
trailer hitch, break-away switch, safety chains, electrical
connections, lighting and tires. Also adjust the mirrors
to permit unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and
trailer moving slowly, and then apply only the trailer
brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally to be sure that
the load is secure, and that lighting and trailer brakes
(if so equipped) are functioning properly.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shifts
while driving.
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.The vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and
therefore is limited in acceleration and climbing ability,
and requires longer stopping distances. It is more prone
to reacting to side wind gusts, and requires more
sensitive steering input.
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 from
traffic.
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.
Caution!
If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce the vehicle’s
speed and use the brake controller by hand to straighten
out the vehicle and trailer. In no case should you
attempt to straighten out the tow vehicle and trailer by
increasing the speed or oversteering and stepping on
the brakes.
If the transmission hunts between gears on inclines,
manually shift to a lower gear (select “4”, “3”, “2”
or “1”). A lower gear and reduction of speed reduces the
chance of engine overloading and / or overheating.
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218 Malfunction and indicator lamps
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Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up
during the bulb self-check when turning the key in
steering lock to position 2, have it checked and replaced
if necessary.
On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management
system, emission control system, systems which impact
emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight (check the
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you
may still drive the vehicle, however, in all cases, we
recommend that you have the system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon
as possible.
If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp comes on continuously
and / or the vehicle is not driving normally (e.g.
malfunction of the fuel management system or running out of fuel), serious damage can occur to the emission
system. Please contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center immediately.
The Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI) control
module monitors emission control components that
either provide input signals to or receive output signals
from the control module. Malfunctions resulting from
interruptions or failure of any of these components are
indicated by the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and are
simultaneously stored in the SFI control module.
If the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp
comes on, have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
With some exceptions, the control module switches off
the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp if the
condition, causing the lamp to come on, no longer exists
during three consecutive cycles. See also page 220 for
fuel cap placement warning.
An on-board diagnostic connector is located in the
passenger compartment near to the parking brake
pedal, allowing the accurate identification of system
malfunctions through the readout of diagnostic trouble
codes.
CHECK
ENGINE
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229 Fuses
Te ch n ica l
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cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Fuse box in engine compartment
1Fuse box in engine compartment
To gain access to the fuse box, release clamps
(arrows), lift the fuse box cover (1) up and remove it.
To close the fuse box, engage back end of cover,
close, and secure with clamps.Auxiliary fuse box in front passenger footwell
2Auxiliary fuse box in front passenger compartment
To gain access to the fuse box, turn both locks (3)
90° counterclockwise and remove cover in direction
of arrow.
To close the fuse box, engage back end of cover, slide
the cover towards vehicle front and secure by
turning both locks (3) clockwise to the stop.
1
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230 Electrical outlet
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Electrical outlet
Two electrical outlets can be found, one at the front
passenger footwell, and the other in the rear
compartment (always operational).To o p e n :
Flip up cover and insert electrical plug (cigar lighter
type).
Note:
The electrical outlets can be used to accommodate
accessories (e.g. air pump, auxiliary lamps) up to
maximum 180 W.
Stowing things in the vehicle
Wa r n i n g !
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, always use partition net when
transporting cargo. Always fasten items being
carried as securely as possible using cargo tie-
down rings and fastening materials appropriate for
the weight and size of the load.
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239 Spare wheel, vehicle jack
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3Screwdriver
4Wheel bolt wrench
The screwdriver is placed inside the wheel bolt wrench
handle.Air pump (ML 55 AMG)
1Air pump
2Storage compartment
The air pump is located behind the space-saver spare
wheel.
The air pump is secured with a strap.
1
2
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252 Battery
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Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the
battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the
key is in steering lock position 0. The battery must
always be securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation. During removal and installation always
protect the disconnected battery positive (+) terminal
with the cover attached to the battery.
While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the
generator and other electronic components would be
damaged.Note:
After reconnecting the battery also set the clock in
instrument cluster (see page 80), set date in trip
computer (see page 83), resynchronize the sliding / pop-
up roof (see page 272), the Skyview Top (see page 273)
and the electronic stability program (ESP) (see
page 206).
Battery recycling
Batteries contain material that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.
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256 Towing
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ML 320, ML 430The rear towing eye is located behind the right side
cover in the bumper panel.
2To w i n g eye , r e a r
Cover removal:
Using a flat blade screwdriver pry out the cover.
Cover installation:
Engage cover at bottom and press in top securely.
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257 Towing
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The rear towing eye is located behind the right side
cover (1) in the bumper panel.
3Cover
4Towing eye, rearCover removal:
Grip cover at bottom and pull out.
Cover installation:
Engage cover and press in securely.
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 k m / h). The key mu st be in stee ring lo ck p o sitio n 2.
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid possible serious burns or injury,
use extreme caution when removing the cover,
because the rear exhaust pipe is extremely hot.
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263 Exterior lamps
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cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Bulbs for high beam (only Halogen headlamps)
H1 U (55 W)
Bulbs for low beam
H7 (55 W)
Open hood.
Push down tab at top end of cover (3) and remove. Pull
off electrical connector (5 or 6). Unhook and move aside
clamping ring. Remove bulb.
Insert new bulb (seating properly in cutouts of bulb
socket), mount clamping ring. Reinstall and push
electrical connector on securely. Reinstall cover (3).Xenon (optional)
Bulb for low beam
Xenon (optional)
Bulb for high beam
Note:
Vehicles with Xenon headlamps:
We recommend that you have changed the bulb for the
high beam by a qualified technician.
Wa r n i n g !
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the lamp
and its components. We recommend that you have
such work done by a qualified technician.
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264 Exterior lamps
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Parking, standing, side marker and turn signal lamp
115 6 N A ( 3 2 / 4 c p b u l b )
Open hood.
Twist bulb socket (4) counterclockwise and pull out.
Push bulb into socket, turn counterclockwise and
remove.
Insert new bulb in socket, push in and twist clockwise.
Reinstall bulb socket.Bulbs for auxiliary fog lamp (optional)
H3 U (55 W)
Open hood.
Remove cover (9). Unhook clamping ring and remove
bulb. Pull off electrical connector.
Insert new bulb in socket (seating properly in cutouts of
bulb socket), and mount clamping ring. Reinstall and
push electrical connector on securely.
Reinstall cover (9).
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