wipers MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 1997 Complete Repair Manual

95 Windshield wiper/washer
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Windshield wiper/washer switch
Move stalk briefly up for single wipe without adding
washer fluid (use only when windshield is wet).
Pull stalk toward steering wheel and hold to activate
wiper and washer.
Wiper offMove stalk down for:
Intermittent wiping
(Interval is vehicle speed dependent
1.
Optional rain sensor: One initial wipe, pauses
between wipes are automatically controlled by a
rain sensor monitoring wetness of windshield.)
Notes:
With vehicle at a standstill, a front door open and
the key in steering lock position 2 there will be no
operation of windshield wipers in intermittent
setting.
Optional rain sensor:
Do not leave in intermittent setting when vehicle
is taken to an automatic car wash or when
cleaning the windshield. Wipers will operate in
presence of water spray at windshield, and wipers
may be damaged as a result.
Move stalk up for:
Normal wiper speed
Fast wiper speed
1 At speeds of approximately 105 mph (170 km/h) the wiper
switches automatically to continuous wiping.

97 Rear window wiper/washer
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Windshield wipers smear
If the windshield wipers smear the windshield, even
during rain, activate the washer system as often as
necessary. The fluid in the washer reservoir should be
mixed in the correct ratio.
Note:
For windshield and headlamp washer fluid mixing ratio
see page 237.Blocked windshield wipers
If the windshield wipers become blocked (for example,
due to snow), switch off the wipers.
For safety reasons before removing ice or snow, remove
key from steering lock. Remove blockage.
Activate windshield wiper / washer switch again (key in
steering lock position 1).

231 Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Hood
To o pen :
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1) under the
driver’s side of the instrument panel. At the same time a
handle (2) will extend out of the radiator grill (it may be
necessary to lift the hood up slightly).
Caution!
To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or hood, open
the hood only with wipers in the parked position.Pull handle (2) to its stop out of radiator grill and open
hood (do not pull up on handle).
To c l o s e :
Lower hood and let it drop into lock from a height of
approximately 1 ft. (30 cm).
To avoid hood damage, please make sure that hood is
fully closed. If not, repeat closing procedure. Do not
push down on hood to attempt to fully close it.

281 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove key
from steering lock before cleaning the windshield,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
Wiper blades
Clean the wiper blade rubbers with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove key
from steering lock before cleaning the wiper blades,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury.Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion or may damage the clear coat.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.

95
Windshield wiper/washer
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Windshield wiper/washer switch
Move stalk briefly up for single wipe without adding
washer fluid (use only when windshield is wet).
Pull stalk toward steering wheel and hold to activate
wiper and washer.
Wiper off Move stalk down for:
Intermittent wiping
(Interval is vehicle speed dependent
1.
Optional rain sensor: One initial wipe, pauses
between wipes are automatically controlled by a
rain sensor monitoring wetness of windshield.)
Notes:
With vehicle at a standstill, a front door open and
the key in steering lock position 2 there will be no
operation of windshield wipers in intermittent
setting.
Optional rain sensor:
Do not leave in intermittent setting when vehicle
is taken to an automatic car wash or when
cleaning the windshield. Wipers will operate in
presence of water spray at windshield, and wipers
may be damaged as a result.
Move stalk up for: Normal wiper speed
Fast wiper speed
1 At speeds of approximately 105 mph (170 km/h) the wiper switches automatically to continuous wiping.

97
Rear window wiper/washer
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Windshield wipers smear
If the windshield wipers smear the windshield, even
during rain, activate the washer system as often as
necessary. The fluid in the washer reservoir should be
mixed in the correct ratio.
Note:
For windshield and headlamp washer fluid mixing ratio
see page 237. Blocked windshield wipers
If the windshield wipers become blocked (for example,
due to snow), switch off the wipers.
For safety reasons before removing ice or snow, remove
key from steering lock. Remove blockage.
Activate windshield wiper / washer switch again (key in
steering lock position 1).

231
Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
Hood
To o pen :
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1) under the
driver’s side of the instrument panel. At the same time a
handle (2) will extend out of the radiator grill (it may be
necessary to lift the hood up slightly).
Caution!
To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or hood, open
the hood only with wipers in the parked position. Pull handle (2) to its stop out of radiator grill and open
hood (do not pull up on handle).
To c l o s e :
Lower hood and let it drop into lock from a height of
approximately 1 ft. (30 cm).
To avoid hood damage, please make sure that hood is
fully closed. If not, repeat closing procedure. Do not
push down on hood to attempt to fully close it.

281
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove key
from steering lock before cleaning the windshield,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
Wiper blades
Clean the wiper blade rubbers with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove key
from steering lock before cleaning the wiper blades,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury. Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion or may damage the clear coat.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees
of Mercedes-Benz automobiles ...... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 13
Operating your vehicle outside
the USA or Canada......................... 13
Where to find it .................................... 15
Symbols ............................................... 16
Operating safety .................................. 17
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 17
Problems with your vehicle .................. 18
Reporting safety defects...................... 19
Reporting safety defects ................ 19
At a glance.......................................... 21
Cockpit ................................................. 22
Instrument cluster ................................ 24
Center console ..................................... 27
Upper part ...................................... 27
Lower part ...................................... 28
Overhead control panel ........................ 29Getting started................................... 31
Unlocking ............................................. 32
Remote control with folding key ..... 32
Adjusting .............................................. 34
Seats............................................... 34
Steering wheel ................................ 39
Mirrors ............................................ 40Driving .................................................. 42
Fastening the seat belts ................. 42
Starting the engine ......................... 46
Switching on headlamps ................. 48
Turn signals .................................... 49
Windshield wipers ........................... 49
Rear window wiper ......................... 51
Problems while driving.................... 51
Parking and locking .............................. 53
Parking brake ................................. 53
Switching off headlamps................. 54
Turning off engine ........................... 54

Contents
Transmission control –
LOW RANGE mode............................. 125
Switching on LOW RANGE mode.. 125
Switching off LOW RANGE mode . 125
Good visibility .................................... 126
Rear view mirror........................... 126
Electrically folding exterior
rear view mirrors .......................... 128
Windshield wipers ........................ 129
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 131
Rear window wiper ....................... 131
Sun visor ...................................... 132
Rear window defroster ................. 133
Automatic climate control ................. 134
Automatic mode........................... 137
Adjusting air volume and
air distribution manually............... 137
Defrosting .................................... 138
Air recirculation mode.................. 138
Air conditioning ............................ 139
Residual heat and ventilation ....... 140
Rear passenger compartment
ventilation and rear automatic
climate control ............................. 141
Front and rear air vents................ 142Power windows .................................. 144
Opening and closing
the side windows .......................... 144
Synchronizing power windows ...... 146
Rear quarter windows* ................. 146
Sliding / pop-up roof* ......................... 148
Opening and closing the
sliding / pop-up roof ...................... 148
Synchronizing the
sliding / pop-up roof ...................... 149
Driving systems .................................. 150
Cruise control ............................... 150
Parktronic system*
(Parking assist) ............................. 153
Loading............................................... 157
Loading instructions ..................... 157
Partition net* ................................ 159
Cargo area cover blind* ................ 161
Cargo floor plates ......................... 162
Roof rack* .................................... 163Useful features ................................... 164
Interior storage spaces ................. 164
Cup holders .................................. 166
Armrest in rear seat bench ........... 167
Ashtrays and cigarette lighter ....... 168
Electrical outlet............................. 170
Telephone* ................................... 170
Tele Aid* ....................................... 171
Garage door opener ...................... 180
Trip computer* ............................. 186