four wheel drive MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 1997 Complete User Guide

181
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center before the onset of
winter.
• Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil
which is not approved for winter operation. For
viscosity (SAE / CCMC class) and filling quantity,
see page 292.
• Check engine coolant anticorrosion / antifreeze
concentration.
• Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a
premixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze
which is formulated for below freezing temperatures
see page 237.
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low
ambient temperatures.
• Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit. In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
antilock brake system (ABS), the four wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS+), the electronic stability
program (ESP), and electronic brake proportioning
(EBP) can only be achieved with M+S rated radial-ply
tires and / or snow chains recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
For driving instructions using snow chains see
page 179.
Deep water
Caution!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown
depth. Before driving through water, determine its
depth. It should not be deeper than approximately
20 inches (50 cm).
If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or
passenger compartment, being ingested by the air
intake, possibly causing damage to electrical
components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

185
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Driving on embankments, slopes and other steep
inclines should only be done straight up or downhill, i.e.
in the line of gravity.
Do not drive along the side of a slope (danger of vehicle
rollover). If in doing so, the vehicle begins to show a
tendency to roll, immediately steer into a line of gravity
(straight up or downhill).
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never turn it
around on steep inclines. If the vehicle cannot complete
the attempted climb, back it down in reverse gear.
Utilize the engine’s braking power when descending a
slope, observe the engine speed (do not overrev the
engine). Apply the service brake as needed.
Check the brakes after a lengthy downgrade drive.
Notes:
Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive with moderate
engine speeds (max. 3000 RPM).
Select gear range “2” or “1” on the automatic
transmission, see page 165. Traction in steep terrain:
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for continuous
wheel traction when driving in steep terrain.
The 4-ETS+ helps greatly when starting out on a steep
incline. The front wheels have then the tendency to slip
due to the weight reduction over the front axle. The ETS
recognizes the situation and limits the torque for the
front wheels by braking them. Simultaneously the
torque for the rear wheels is increased.
See page 203 for four wheel electronic traction system
(4-ETS+).
Driving across a hilltop:
To prevent the vehicle from speeding up too much after
climbing a hill, decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not
select gear range “N”). Use the momentum of the
vehicle to drive across the hilltop. Driving in this
manner prevents the vehicle from jumping across the
hilltop and thus loosing its forward momentum.

203
Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Four-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS+)
With the key in steering lock position 2, the yellow
4-ETS+ malfunction indicator lamp { and the 4-ETS+
warning lamp v come on and should go out when
the engine is running.
The 4-ETS+ improves vehicle’s ability to utilize available
traction, especially under slippery road conditions. The
brakes are applied to the spinning wheel and power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
The 4-ETS+ warning lamp v, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash at any vehicle speed, as
soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to
spin.
Important!
If the 4-ETS+ warning lamp v flashes:
• during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,
• while driving, ease up on the accelerator.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions. 4-ETS+ Control
If the yellow 4-ETS+ malfunction indicator lamp {
comes on while the 4-ETS+ warning lamp v flashes,
the electronic traction system is being switched off
temporarily to prevent overheating of the drive wheel
brakes.
If the 4-ETS+ malfunction indicator lamp { comes on
with the engine running, a malfunction has been
detected.
Have the 4-ETS+ checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the 4-ETS+ is also
switched off.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
towing the vehicle on page 255), or when testing the
parking brake on a brake test dynamometer, the engine
must be shut off (key in steering lock position 0 or 1).
Otherwise, the electronic traction system will
immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel
brakes.

211
Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Important!
During off-road driving a special low range system for
antilock brake system (ABS) and four-wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS+) are operational with
transmission in the LOW RANGE mode.
In the low range mode the electronic stability program
(ESP) operates in a traction improving fashion
specifically adapted for off-road driving. At speeds
below 27 mph (45 km / h) the ESP assists in over- / understeering, thus improving vehicle tracking.
If one or more tires lose traction while driving downhill
(accelerator released), the 4-ETS+ engages and the
warning lamp v, located in the speedometer dial,
starts to f lash.
When applying the service brakes at speeds below
approximately 18 mph (30 km / h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking distance (dig in
effect). This affects steering the vehicle. Notes:
Driving off or driving up to 3 mph (5 km / h) with the
service brakes applied lightly (to reduce drive wheel
spin), the 4-ETS+ remains engaged. Driving with the
service brakes applied lightly at vehicles speeds above
3 mph (5 km / h), the 4-ETS+ will not engage.
If the indicator lamp blinks fast, one or more switching
conditions were not observed, or the LOW RANGE mode
is defective.
In the case of a defective in the LOW RANGE mode the
transmission shifts in the usual manner. It is not
possible to switch on the LOW RANGE mode.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

197 Operation
Driving instructions
The tread wear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Specified tire pressures must be main-
tained. This applies particularly if the tires
are subjected to high loads (e.g. high
speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temper-
atures).
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water on
the road, hydroplaning may occur even at
low speeds and with new tires. Reduce ve-
hicle speed, avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in the
rain.Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or
icy road is always lower than on a dry road.You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends M+S rated
radial-ply tires with a minimum tread depth
of approximately
1/6in (4 mm) on all four
wheels for the winter season to ensure
normal balanced handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance as compared with sum-
mer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still consid-
erably greater than when the road is not
covered with snow or ice. Exercise appro-
priate caution.
Warning!
G
Although the applicable federal motor vehi-
cle safety laws consider a tire to be worn
when the tread wear indicators (TWI) be-
come visible at approximately
1/16in
(1 .6 mm ), w e re c om men d th a t y o u do n o t a l-
low your tires to wear down to that level. As
tread depth approaches
1/8in (3 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and / or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Warning!
G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
may lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause excessive
heat build-up and possibly a fire.
Warning!
G
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.

230 OperationWinter driving
Winter drivingBefore the onset of winter, have your vehi-
cle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. This
service includes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a premixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze which is formulated
for temperatures below freezing point
(page 307).


Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to ensure
that the engine can be started even at
low ambient temperatures.


Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the
winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, ESP, 4-ETS, and
EBP in winter operation.
For safe handling, ensure that all winter
tires mounted are of the same make and
have the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

231 Operation
Winter driving
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block
heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km / h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.Observe the following guidelines when
using snow chains:


Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel / tire combinations.


Snow chains should only be used on all
four wheels. With only two chains avail-
able, they should be mounted on the
rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz. Your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will be glad to advise you on this
subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP
(page 81) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the
vehicle’s traction.

AP40.10-P-4051Z
Check tires for damage and cracks

MODEL
123, 124, 126, 129, 140, 163, 168, 170, 171, 201, 202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230, 240, 414

P40.10-0002-01
P40.10-0001-01

Left diagram

Wear at shoulder of front tires

Right picture

Wear in middle of rear tires


Check

Danger!

Risk of death
cased by vehicle slipping or

toppling off of the lifting platform.
Align vehicle between the columns of the

hydraulic hoist and position the four support

plates below the hoist support points specified

by the vehicle manufacturer.

AS00.00-Z-0010-01A

1
Check tires on all wheels

Check tread as well as outer and inner
sidewalls on all tires for signs of damage such

as cuts, punctures, cracks, breakouts,

separation and ingressed foreign matter. If

damage is present

#

Install new tires:

f

Model 124, 129, 140, 163, 168, 170, 171,
202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220

except maximum protection code Z07, 230,

240 except CSR system, 414

AR40.10-P-1030A

f

Model 220 with maximum protection, code Z07

AR40.10-P-1030MB

f

Model 240 with CSR system

AR40.10-P-1030CSR

Model 123, 126, 201

2
Check tire wear pattern on all wheels

Greater wear at the shoulder compared to

the center of the tire is normal for the front

wheel tires. Wear on the rear tires is uniformly

distributed across the total tread, whereby

wear on vehicles with rear-wheel drive in the
middle of the tread is somewhat greater than

at the shoulders. In event of unusual tire

pattern:

#

Determine cause for increased tire wear and

rectify, then:

#

Install new tires:

f

Model 124, 129, 140, 163, 168, 170, 171,
202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220

except maximum protection code Z07, 230,

240 except CSR system, 414

AR40.10-P-1030A

f

Model 220 with maximum protection, code Z07

AR40.10-P-1030MB

f

Model 240 with CSR system

AR40.10-P-1030CSR

Model 123, 126, 201

3
Measure the depth of tread of the tires on al

the wheels and note the measurement in the

table on the maintenance sheet.

Measure depth of tread at point of

greatest wear. Perform measurement at

outside, inside and center of tread.

Minimum depth of tread 1.6 mm.

For safety reasons, tires should be

replaced before the minimum depth of tread is

reached:

D
Summer tires for approx. 2 to 3 mm depth

of tread

D
Winter tires at approx. 4 mm depth of tread


Information on measuring tire tread depth

AH40.10-P-0006-01T
Brake pad gauge

*211589062300

4.1
Change round wheels on front and rear axles
If necessary, and only on vehicles without

mixed tires

Retain running direction of wheels, as
otherwise handling performances and comfort

may be impaired and tire wear increased.

Model 124, 129, 140, 168, 170, 202, 203,

208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230, 240, 414

AP40.10-P-4050Z

Model 163

AP40.10-P-4050GH

Copyright DaimlerChrysler AG 06.07.2006 CD-Ausgabe G/10/04 . This WIS print-out will not be recorde
d by Modification services.
Page 1

Fig. 104: Identifying Supporting Joint, Bottom Track Control Arm And Rubber Boots
Fig. 105: Identifying Supporting Joint, Transverse Control Arm And Dial Gage Holder

Remove

Risk of death. Death may result if
vehicle slips or topples from the
lifting platform.Align vehicle between columns of lifting
platform and position the four support plates
below support points specified by vehicle
manufacturer.
AS00.00-Z-
0010-01A
1Remove front wheels AP40.10-P-
4050GH
Inspect
2Check rubber boot (7f) on
supporting joint for leakage and
condition Visual inspection, if rubber boot is leaking
(e.g. grease flowing out): ?
Replace supporting jointAR33.20-P-
0440GH
3Check rubber boot (8f) on follower
joint for leakage and condition.
Visual inspection, if rubber boot is leaking
(e.g. grease flowing out): ?
Replace upper transverse control armAR33.20-P-
0500GH
4
Mount dial gage (022) with gage
stand (015) on the underside of the
transverse control arm (4) and pre-
tension The feeler must be set firmly up against the
face of the supporting joint dome cap (7) with
an indicating pretightening of 3mm.

5
Steering angle must not be altered while
measuring.
Determine the amount of play in the
supporting joint (7) through vertical pulling


2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:38:22 PMPage 61 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

8
Placing a Call Using Hands Free Operation
Hands Free operation allows you to use the phone while it is docked in the cradle. The phone audio is projected through
your vehicle’s audio system speakers. The Hands Free microphone allows both driver and passenger to engage in the con-
versation.
Step

11 1 1

Prepare the phone for Hands Free use:
• Dock the phone. (See “Switching into Vehicular Mode” on page 5.)
• Ensure the flip is closed.
22 2 2

Dial the telephone number via the radio keypad or via voice command.
*
NN N N
oo o o
tt t t
ee e e
::: :

You can enter up to 32 digits.
* Not available on all models.
33 3 3

Press Send on the radio keypad or steering wheel, or speak the voice command: “Dial.”
*
If the network is busy, you hear a fast busy signal. Your phone automatically redials over the next four minutes. When the call
goes through, your phone rings one time and connects the call.
44 4 4

Begin your conversation.
55 5 5

To end the call, press the End key on the radio keypad, steering wheel, or voice activation stalk.
*