odometer MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 1997 Complete User Guide

310 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Tires
Driving instructions ................................................. 177
Rims and tires ...........................................................288
Rotating wheels ......................................................... 241
Tire inflation pressure .............................................250
Tire replacement .......................................................240
Winter driving instructions .................................... 180
Tow-away alarm ................................................................ 36
Switching off ................................................................ 36
Towing the vehicle .........................................................255
Stranded vehicle .......................................................259
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking 259
Trailer operation ............................................................ 198
Trailer towing ................................................................. 190
Transmission .................................................................. 165
Transmission control - LOW RANGE mode ...............209
Transmission fluid level ...............................................234
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking ....259
Traveling abroad ............................................................ 182
Trip computer ................................................................... 83
Trip odometer ................................................................... 80
Trunk ................................................................................. 34
Opening ........................................................................ 28
Trunk lamp ...................................................................... 111Turn signal failure ........................................................... 91
Turn signal lamp, side .................................................. 266
Turn signals ......................................................................90
UUnlocking the vehicle ...................................................... 27VVanity mirrors ................................................................ 113
Vehicle jack .................................................................... 237
Vehicle keys ......................................................................24
Ve h i c l e t o o l s
Screwdriver ............................................................... 237WWarranty coverage ........................................................ 284
Washing the vehicle ..................................................... 280
What you should know at the gas station .................. 212
Wheel bolt wrench ........................................................ 237
Wheels ............................................................................ 240
Changing wheels ...................................................... 245

25
Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Reserve key
The reserve key fits all locks on the vehicle.
For notes on the mechanical keys refer to page 29.
Note:
We recommend that you carry the reserve key with you
and keep it in a safe place (e.g. your wallet) so that it is
always handy. Never leave the reserve key in the
vehicle. Obtaining replacement keys
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking
system requiring a special key manufacturing process.
For security reasons, replacement keys can only be
obtained from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Start lock-out
Important!
Removing the key from the steering lock activates the
start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.
Turning the key in the steering lock to position 2
deactivates the start lock-out.
Note:
In case the engine cannot be started and the
messages Á and î are shown in the odometer
display field, the system is not operational. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100
(in Canada).

77
Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
1
Coolant temperature gauge, see page 81
2 Outside temperature indicator (optional), see
page 82
3 Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement
warning lamp, see page 220
4 Left turn signal indicator lamp, see exterior lamp
switch, page 90
5 Knob for odometer / trip odometer readout / reset,
FSS indicator, and intensity of instrument lamps,
see page 80
6 4-ETS+ and ESP warning lamp, see page 221
For 4-ETS+ (four wheel electronic traction system),
see page 203;
for ESP (electronic stability program), see page 205. 7
Speedometer
8 Selectable:
Trip odometer, see page 80
Main odometer, see page 80
FSS display, see page 87
Engine oil level indicator, see page 89
9 Right turn signal indicator lamp, see exterior lamp
switch, page 90
10 Knob for setting clock, see page 80
11 Tachometer, see page 82
12 Gear range indicator display, see selector lever
positions, page 168
13 Clock, see page 80

79
Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
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. In all cases,
we recommend that you have the
malfunction checked as soon as possible, see
page 218. Additional function indicator lamps
(in the odometer display)
FSS indicator (Service A), see page 87
FSS indicator (Service B), see page 87
The symbols appear in the main odometer display field
prior to the next suggested service. Depending on
operating conditions throughout the year, the next
service is calculated and displayed in days or distance
remaining. See page 87 for notes on the flexible service
system (FSS).
CHECK
ENGINE

80
Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Activating instrument cluster display
The display for temperature, odometer, oil level
indicator and clock is activated by:
• Opening the driver’s door.
• Pressing button (1) in the instrument cluster (with
key removed or in steering lock position 0).
• Turning the key in steering lock to position 1 or 2. Display illumination
Rotate knob (1) to vary intensity of instrument lamps: • Clockwise - instrument lamp intensity increases.
• Counterclockwise - instrument lamp intensity
decreases.
Odometer/trip odometer
Activate the instrument cluster. • Press knob (1) once to switch to or from odometer to
trip odometer readout.
• Press and hold knob (1) for more than 1 second to
reset trip odometer (with trip odometer displayed).
• Press knob (1) twice to display next scheduled
service.
Clock
Adjusting clock (instrument cluster activated):
Minute: Pull out knob (2) and turn it to the right.
Hour: Pull out knob (2) and turn it to the left.

87
Flexible service system
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Flexible service system (FSS)
(service indicator)
The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is
directly related to the operating conditions of the
vehicle.
The symbol 9 or ´ appears in the main odometer
field prior to the next suggested service. Depending on
operating conditions throughout the year, the next
service is calculated and displayed in days or distance
remaining. The display begins to appear either 30 days or
2000 miles / km prior to the next suggested service.
The symbols 9 or ´ indicate the type of service
to be performed:
9 Service A
´ Service B
The message is displayed for approximately 10 seconds
when turning the key in steering lock to position 2, or
while driving when reaching the service warning
threshold.
The message can be canceled manually by pressing
button (1).
The next service due date is displayed either in days or
in miles, depending on your driving style.
Once the suggested term has passed, the symbol 9
or ´ plus message, preceded by a – (minus symbol)
blinks every time when turning the key in steering lock
to position 2.
Calling up service indicator manually:
Activate the instrument cluster, see page 80.
Within 4 seconds press button (1) twice to call up the
FSS display for approximately 10 seconds.

89
Engine oil level indicator
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Engine oil level indicator
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check oil level approximately 5 minutes after stopping
the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the oil pan.
Turn the key in steering lock to position 2 and wait until
the display “––––––” appears in the odometer display
field.
Within 1 second press button (1) twice. The following messages are available:
“OIL i.O”
No oil needs to be added.
“–1.0 L”
“–1.5 L”
“–2.0 L”
Add oil to upper (max) mark of the dipstick.
See page 233 for instructions on adding engine oil.
“OIL HI”
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could
cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The display “––––––” flashes in the odometer display
field if a proper oil level check cannot be performed. The
engine oil level check can be repeated after a short time.
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick, if it
cannot be completed via the odometer display field.
See page 233.
In this case we recommend that you have the system
checked at a Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

164
Starting and turning off the engine
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Starting and turning off the engine
Before starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector
lever is in position “P” or “N”. Turn key in steering lock
to position 2. The charge indicator lamp should come on.
Starting
Do not depress accelerator.
Briefly turn key in steering lock clockwise to the stop
and release. The starter will engage until the engine is
running.
If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops,
turn key completely to the left and repeat starting the
engine.
After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system
checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
A starting procedure can be interrupted by turning the
key to steering lock position 0. Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat feature, the key
must be turned completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -4 °F
(-20 °C) we recommend that an engine block heater be
installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will advise you on this subject.
Note:
In case the engine cannot be started and the
messages Á and î are shown in the odometer
display field, the system is not operational. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100
(in Canada).
Turning off
Turn the key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop the
engine.
The key can only be removed with the selector lever in
position “P”.

224
Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Low engine oil level warning lamp With the key in steering lock position 2, the
oil level warning lamp comes on and should
go out when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, or comes on with the engine running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning lamp will first come on
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops
further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The low engine oil level warning light should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated
could result in serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In addition to the warning lamp, the engine oil level
should be periodically checked with the dipstick or via
the oil level indicator in the odometer display field, for
example during a fuel stop, or before a long trip (see
engine oil level indicator on page 89 and checking
engine oil on page 233). Low engine coolant level warning
When the coolant level warning lamp comes
on while driving, then the coolant level has
dropped below the required level, or the
coolant temperature is in the red zone. If no leaks are
noticeable and the engine temperature does not
increase, continue to drive to the nearest service station
and have coolant added to the coolant system, see
page 234. If the engine temperature reaches the red
zone, move vehicle to an area which is in a safe distance
from the roadway and turn off the engine. Also see
coolant temperature gauge on page 81.
The low engine coolant level warning should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol displayed
may cause serious engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have
the cooling system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
Notes:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. The
engine will overheat causing major engine damage.
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving.

225
Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Brake pad wear indicator lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
indicator lamp comes on and goes out when
the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp lights up during braking, this
indicates that the brake pads are worn down.
Have the brake system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible. FSS indicator
FSS indicator (Service A), see page 87.
FSS indicator (Service B), see page 87.
The symbols appear in the main odometer display field
prior to the next suggested service. Depending on
operating conditions throughout the year, the next
service is calculated and displayed in days or distance
remaining. See page 87 for notes on the flexible service
system (FSS).