traction control MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 1997 Complete Owner's Manual

298 Consumer information
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Consumer information
This has been prepared as required of all manufactures
of passenger cars under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic
and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to federal
safety requirements in addition to these grades.Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Wa r n i n g !
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.

302 Index
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Clock, adjusting ............................................................... 80
Compartment under front passenger seat ..................116
Consumer information ..................................................298
Control and operation of radio transmitters ............. 146
Coolant level
Adding ........................................................................235
Checking ....................................................................234
Low engine coolant level warning ..........................224
Coolant temperature gauge ............................................ 81
Coolants ...........................................................................296
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity .........................296
Low engine coolant level warning ..........................224
Cover blind, cargo area ................................................. 137
Cruise control ................................................................. 196
Cup holder
Instrument panel .......................................................116
Rear center console ...................................................117
DDaytime running lamps .................................................. 91
Deep water
Driving instructions ................................................. 181
Defroster, rear window .................................................. 103
Display illumination ........................................................ 80Doors .................................................................................. 30
Drinking and driving ..................................................... 174
Drive sensibly - save fuel .............................................. 174
Driving instructions ...................................................... 174
Driving off ....................................................................... 176
EEBP (Electronic brake proportioning) ........................ 204
Electrical outlet ............................................................. 230
Electronic brake proportioning (EBP) ........................ 204
Electronic stability program (ESP) ............................. 205
Control switch .......................................................... 207
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................221
Synchronizing .......................................................... 206
Warning lamp ............................................................221
Electronic traction system (4-ETS+) ........................... 203
LOW RANGE – 4-ETS ............................................... 204
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................221
Emergency call
See Tele Aid ...............................................................148
Emergency operation of Skyview Top ....................... 273
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) .........................55
Emergency unlocking in case of accident ...................33
Emission control ............................................................ 161

304 Index
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and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
FFirst aid kit .....................................................................228
Flexible service system (FSS) ........................................ 87
FSS indicator lamp ............................................ 79, 225
Floor plates
Removable .................................................................. 129
Fog lamp switch ........................................................ 92, 93
Four ETS
LOW RANGE – 4-ETS+ .............................................204
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 221
Four wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS+) .......203
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 221
Fuel
Gasoline additives ....................................................296
Premium unleaded gasoline ................. 213, 293, 295
Fuel filler flap
Manual release .......................................................... 274
Fuel requirements .........................................................295
Fuel reserve warning ....................................................220
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - Capacities ..............292
Fuses, electrical .............................................................228
GGarage door opener .......................................................140
Gasoline
Additives .................................................................... 296
Fuel requirements ................................................... 295
Premium unleaded .................................................. 295
General notes on the central locking system .............. 26
Glass breakage sensor .................................................... 36
Glove box ......................................................................... 115HHazard warning flasher switch ..................................... 94
Head restraints
Adjusting ......................................................................43
Front .............................................................................. 43
Front, removal ............................................................. 43
Rear .............................................................................124
Removal ............................................................... 43, 125
Headlamp aim, adjusting ............................................. 268
Headlamp assembly
Halogen ....................................................................... 261
Xenon ......................................................................... 262

309 Index
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Special settings (Climate control) ............................... 101
Split rear seat bench ..................................................... 120
Easy entry/exit feature ............................................ 123
Rear seat head restraints ......................................... 124
SRS indicator lamp ........................................................ 219
SRS malfunction .............................................................. 57
Start lock-out .................................................................... 25
Starting and turning off the engine ............................ 164
Steering lock ................................................................... 162
Steering wheel
Adjustable .................................................................... 70
Indicator lamp ...........................................................222
Stop lamp, high mounted .............................................267
Storage compartments
Center console ............................................................115
Compartment under front passenger seat .............116
Glove box .....................................................................115
Stowing things in the vehicle ......................................230
Stranded vehicle ............................................................259
Sun visors ........................................................................113
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) ........................... 54
Synchronizing remote control ..................................... 271
TTachometer ........................................................................82
Technical data ................................................................ 287
Electrical system ...................................................... 290
Main dimensions ...................................................... 291
Rims and tires ..................................................288, 289
Weights ...................................................................... 290
Tele Aid ............................................................................ 148
Emergency calls ........................................................149
Information ................................................................ 154
Initiating an emergency call manually .................. 151
Roadside Assistance ................................................. 152
Telephone, general ......................................................... 139
Telephones and two-way radios ................................... 146
Telescoping steering column
Adjusting ......................................................................70
Indicator lamp .......................................................... 222
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ................................147
Third row seats ...............................................................126
Tie-down rings, cargo .................................................... 132
Tire inflation pressure ................................................. 250
Tire traction ....................................................................178

3
Contents Snow 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 ............................ 222 Adjustable 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

65
Restraint systems
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Instruments
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Driving Instrument
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Infant and child restraint systems
We recommend t ha t all infa nts and children be properly
restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All
lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s seat belt have
special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child
restraints.
To fasten a child restraint follow child restraint
instructions for routing. Then pull shoulder belt out
completely and let it retract. During the seat belt
retraction a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate
that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt
is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up
any slack.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt
retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in
the usual manner.
Note:
For child seats with mounting fittings for tether
anchorages refer to page 67 (installation of infant and
child restra int systems). Important!
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in
all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seated in an
appropriate infant or child restraint system properly
secured by a lap-shoulder belt, and that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of
compliance with this standard can be found on the
instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction
manual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure
to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s
instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside
of vehicle and to infant or child restraints.
Wa r n i n g !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is
in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will
be deactivated.

77
Instrument cluster
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Instruments
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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

137
Interior equipment
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Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Notes:
The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects. The
enlarged cargo area should only be used for items which
do not fit in the trunk alone. Cargo area cover blind
Closing blind:
Pull blind (visual protection) across luggage / cargo area,
and guide into holders (1) next to liftgate.
Opening blind:
To roll up blind, disengage blind and guide retraction by
its handle.
Wa r n i n g !
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.In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle, and can cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are securely fastened in
the vehicle.To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, always use partition net when
transporting cargo.
Never drive vehicle with the liftgate open. Deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and death.

145
Contents - Driving
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 146
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ................................. 147
Maintenance ................................... 147
Tele Aid ........................................... 148
Catalytic converter ........................ 160
Emission control ............................ 161
Steering lock ................................... 162
Starting and turning off the engine .................................. 164
Automatic transmission ............... 165
Parking brake ................................. 173 Driving instructions .......................174
Drive sensibly – save fuel .........174
Drinking and driving .................174
Pedals ...........................................174
Power assistance ........................ 175
Brakes .......................................... 175
Driving off .................................... 176
Parking ......................................... 176
Tires ............................................. 177
Snow 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

167
Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
slight partial throttle.
Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the
malfunction indication. Towing a trailer
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.
At very steep inclines, not manageable with selector
lever in position “1”, switch transfer case to LOW
RANGE, see page 209 for instructions on how to engage
LOW RANGE.
For instructions on trailer towing refer to page 190.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone
may not prevent your vehicle from moving,
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting
to position “P”, see page 173 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
against curb.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move
the gear selector lever from position “P”, which
could result in an accident or serious injury.