parking brake MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 1997 Complete Owner's Guide

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.

168
Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Selector lever position
The current selector lever position is indicated in the
gear range indicator display. The automatic gear
shifting process can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever. Park position
The park position is to be used when parking the
vehicle. Engage only with the vehicle stopped.
The park position is not intended to serve as a
brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the
driver should always use the parking brake in
addition to placing the selector lever in park to
secure the vehicle.
Notes:
The key can only be removed from the steering
lock with the selector lever in position “P”. With
the key removed, the selector lever is locked in
position “P”.
With a malfunction in the vehicle’s electrical
system the selector lever could remain locked in
position “P”. To unlock the selector lever
manually, see page 259.
Reverse gear
Shift to reverse gear only with the vehicle
sto p ped .

173
Parking brake
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Parking brake
To engage, firmly depress parking brake pedal (1).
When the key is in steering lock position 2, the brake
warning lamp É in the instrument cluster should
come on brightly. To release the parking brake, pull handle (2) on
instrument panel. The brake warning lamp É in the
instrument cluster should go out.
A warning sounds, if you start to drive without having
released the parking brake.
Also see brake warning lamp on page 219.
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
release the parking brake, which could result in an
accident or serious injury.

175
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Power assistance
Brakes The condition of the parking brake system is checked
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required
maintenance service.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on and there is no
audible warning (EBP), the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the
reason for low brake f luid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately.
All checks and service work on the brake system should
be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by
Mercedes-Benz.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep enough
to wet brake components, the first braking action
may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal
pressure may be necessary to obtain expected
braking effect. Be sure to maintain a safe distance
from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time
to avoid an accident.
Wa r n i n g !
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake fluid
is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be
degraded to an extent that safe braking is
substantially impaired. This could result in an
accident.

176
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Caution!
When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the
load on the brakes by shifting into a lower gear to use
the engine’s braking power. This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some
time, rather than immediately parking, so the air stream
will cool down the brakes faster.
Driving off
Apply the service brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only when the road
is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place full load on
the engine until the operating temperature has been
reached.
When starting off on a slippery surface, do not allow one
drive wheel to spin for an extended period with the ESP
switched off. Doing so may cause serious damage to the
drive train which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty. Parking
Important!
It is advisable to set the parking brake whenever
parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, move
selector lever to position “P”.
When parking on hills, always set the parking brake.
Wa r n i n g !
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of
vehicle movement, before
turning off the engine
and leaving the vehicle, always:
1. Keep right foot on the service brake pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to position “P”.
4. Slowly release the service brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards the road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering lock position 0 and remove.
7. Take the key and lock vehicle when leaving.

195
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
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.
When going down a long hill, shift into a lower gear and
use the engine’s braking effect. Avoid riding the brakes,
thus overheating the vehicle and trailer brakes.
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high
temperature (coolant temperature needle approaching
the red zone) when the air conditioner is on, turn off the
air conditioner. Engine coolant heat can be additionally
vented by opening the windows, switching the climate
control fan speed to high and setting the temperature
control to the maximum hot position.
Extreme care must be exercised since your vehicle with
a trailer will require additional passing distance ahead
than when driving without a trailer. Because your
vehicle and trailer is longer than your vehicle alone, you
will also need to go much farther ahead of the passed
vehicle before you can return to your lane. Parking
Wa r n i n g !
To reduce the risk of personal injury, or damage to
the vehicle powertrain, as a result of vehicle/trailer
movement, always:1. Keep right foot on brake pedal.2. Shift gear selector lever to position “N”.3. Have a second person place wheel chocks on
downhill side of left and right trailer wheels.4. Slowly release brake pedal and let vehicle and trailer roll into chocks until stopped.5. Firmly depress parking brake pedal.6. Move gear selector lever to position “P”.7. On inclines turn front wheels towards the road curb.

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.

206
Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp ¿ comes
on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp stays
illuminated, have the BAS or ESP checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon
as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp v in
speedometer dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels,
including the spare wheel, must have the same tire
outside diameter. When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine
running.
After driving off the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator
lamp should go out after approximately 110 - 220 yd
(100 - 200 m).

218
Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
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

219
Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Brake warning lamp
When the brake warning lamp appears
while the engine is running, this means:
• there is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir
(engine running and parking brake released), or
• the parking brake is set (engine running)
• the electronic brake proportioning (EBP) system is
malfunctioning.
Note:
If you find that the minimum mark on the brake fluid
reservoir is reached, have the brake system checked for
brake pad thickness and leaks. Supplemental restraint system (SRS) indicator lamp
The operational readiness of the airbag
system is verified by the indicator lamp
“SRS” in the instrument cluster when
turning the key in steering lock to position 1 or 2. If no
fault is detected, the lamp will go out after
approximately 5 seconds; after the lamp goes out, the
system continues to monitor the components and
circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a
malfunction by coming on again.
See page 56 for notes on airbags, page 55 for belt
tensioners, and page 65 for infant and child seat
restraints.
Wa r n i n g !
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated
can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp
stays on. Don’t add brake fluid before checking the
brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir
can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.BRAKE
Wa r n i n g !
In the event a malfunction of the “SRS” is indicated
as outlined above, the “SRS” may not be
operational. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately to
have the system checked; otherwise the “SRS” may
not be activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might
deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which
could also result in injury.SRS