MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 1997 Complete User Guide

Fig. 3: Removing Side Air Bag Sensor (E Class Shown; Others Are Similar)
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA
OCCUPIED SEAT RECOGNITION SENSOR
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. Remove cover on front seat cushion. Remove ignition key. Unclip connection for occupied seat
recognition sensor on seat connector block. Remove electrical connection lead from seat and pull upward
out of rubberized fiber matting. See Fig. 4
.
3. To install, lay out occupied seat recognition sensor uniformly on rubberized fiber matting. Fabric side
should point upward. Do not kink occupied seat sensor. Reverse removal procedure. Perform system
operation check to ensure s
ystem is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.

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Fig. 4: Removing Occupied Seat Recognition Sensor
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA
PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
Removal & Installation (C Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove ignition key. Remove instrument panel. Disconnect

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passenger-side air bag module squib connector. Remove 4 passenger-side air bag module mounting nuts.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure passenger-side air bag module squib connector audibly
clicks when connecting connector. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation check to ensure
system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
Removal & Installation (E Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove 2 central mounting bolts for
passenger-side air bag module. Lift air bag module enough to unplug connector from rear of module.
Place module away from work area, with pad facing upward.
2. If necessary to replace passenger air bag installation frame, remove 4 frame mounting bolts. Remove
installation frame from vehicle.
3. To install air bag module or installation frame, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system.
Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION
CHECK .
Removal & Installation (S Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Open glove box door. Remove 4 clips
securing glove box. Remove glove box compartment. When removing compartment, disconnect glove
box light. Remove glove box door lock striker.
2. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module squib connector. Remove 4 passenger-side air bag module
mounting nuts. Remove passenger-side air bag module through glove box opening. Place module away
from work area with pad facing up.
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure module squib connector audibly clicks when connecting
connector. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning
properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
Removal & Installation (SL Class)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove cover below instrument panel.
Remove one bolt in installation slot of center air outlet, and one bolt below right air outlet.
2. Remove air bag panel (3 Phillips screws and 2 hex bolts). Unplug connector at squib of passenger-side air
bag unit. Remove mounting bolts. Pull off and take air bag out of panel opening.
3. To install air bag module, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation
check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
Removal & Installation (CLK 320)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove instrument panel. Disconnect
passenger-side air bag module connector. Remove 4 screws and passenger-side air bag module.
2. To install air ba
g module, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation

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check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
Removal & Installation (SLK 230)
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove top section of instrument panel.
Fold vapor barrier toward front to reveal 2 screws. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module connector.
Remove 4 screws and passenger-side air bag module.
2. To install air bag module, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation
check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
SRS warning light indicates air bag and Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) system readiness. Turn
ignition on. SRS warning light will light, and then go out after approximately 4 seconds indicating system is
functioning properly. If SRS warning light does not light, lights up while driving or lights all the time, there is a
system fault. Repair malfunctioning system. See DIAGNOSIS & TESTING
.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Observe following precautions when working with air bag systems:
When working around steering column components and before any repairs are performed, disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.
Before straightening any damage to body, or before performing electrical arc-welding, disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.
Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling a deployed air bag module. Air bag module may
contain sodium hydroxide deposits which are irritating to the skin.
DO NOT repair any portion of SRS wiring harness.
Always handle air bag module with trim cover away from your body. Always place air bag module on
workbench with trim cover up, away from loose objects.
DO NOT expose any SRS component to temperatures in excess of 212°F (100°C).
DO NOT expose any SRS component to cleaning agents such as solvents, gasoline, lye, etc.
DO NOT connect Hand-Held Tester (6511 0001 99) to Data Link Connector (DLC) with ignition on.
Damage to HHT may result.
DO NOT connect HHT (6511 0001 99) to vehicle if a battery charger is connected to vehicle battery.
Damage to HHT may result.
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM DISABLING SYSTEM
Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
. Turn ignition off.
Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Remove passenger foot mat. Remove passenger footrest.
Disconnect SRS system connector (X29/9) located at passenger footwell area. See Fig. 5
. System is now
disabled.

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Activating System
Turn ignition off. Reconnect SRS syst em connector. Reconnect negative batt ery cable. System is now activated.
Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
Fig. 5: Locating SRS Connectors (Typical)

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA
WIRE REPAIR

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If any part of SRS wiring harness is damaged, DO NOT repair wiring harness, replace complete wiring harness.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
(1)
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING
Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
. The control module is capable of diagnosing airbag
system components and ETR components. If a fault is detected by the control module or system is
malfunctioning, SRS warning light will do one or more of the following:
SRS warning light goes out after 2 minutes. System fault is noted, however occupant protection is not
affected. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
.
SRS warning light illuminates continuously. System is faulty which may result in a non deployment or
false deployment. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
.
SRS warning light blinks continuously. Control module has been replaced without setting control module
parameters.
RETRIEVING FAULT CODES
1. Check vehicle fuses. Replace any blown fuses as necessary. Ensure vehicle battery voltage is 11 volts or
more. Ensure SRS warning light functions. Turn ignition off. Connect Hand-Held Tester (HHT) (965 589
00 01) to Data Link Connector (DLC).
2. DLC is located in right rear corner of engine compartment. It may be necessary to use Adapter (965 589
00 40 or 965 589 00 50) to connect HHT to DLC. After HHT displays module number and version, press
return key to start diagnosis. Using HHT, follow HHT prompts to retrieve SRS fault codes.
3. HHT will display a 3 digit fault code, and may display additional graphic information. This additional
graphic information will help in diagnosis of fault code. See Fig. 6
. During diagnosis HHT will display 4
different graphic displays informing technician if a test passes or fails, or if seat belt buckle is latched or
not latched. See Fig. 6
.
4. These
graphic displays are displayed as applicable by HHT during testing. See FAULT CODES table.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Wheel Hub Bolt52-66 (70-90)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Driver Air Bag Module Bolts (Torx)44-62 (5-7)
(1)Torque specifications are not available for clockspring assembly, control module or passenger-side
air bag module.
NOTE: After component replacement, perform a system operation check to ensure
proper system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
NOTE: Fault codes may only be retrieved using Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01) and
Adapter (965 589 00 40 or 965 589 00 50).

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During diagnosis, system values are continuously updated, so by moving components and connections
intermittent failures can be diagnosed. HHT will also display fault frequency and time span.
5. After retrieving fault codes using HHT, carefully observe testing instructions in this article. Some testing
is executed with HHT connected to DLC and some tests are executed with HHT removed from DLC.
Turn ignition off when removing or connecting HHT to DLC.
6. Contact Box (124 589 00 21) with Test Cable (124 589 35 63) is necessary to complete some test steps.
Resistance Substitution Unit (124 589 09 63) is necessary to substitute resistance values for testing
purposes.
Fig. 6: Hand Held Tester Graphic Information

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA

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FAULT CODES
Code (Possible Cause)
Go To Test Step (See
Fig.)
00
(SRS Control Module, N2/2)2.0
003
(Voltage Supply Circuit 15R, Low Voltage)1.0
002
(SRS Warning Light, A1e15)11.0
004
(Driver Air Bag Squib, R12/3)3.0, 4.0 (7, 9)
005
(Driver ETR Squib, R12/1)5.0
006
(Passenger ETR Squib, R12/2)7.0
007
(Passenger Air Bag Squib, R12/4)9.0, 10.0 (12, 13)
008
(Side Air Bag Squib, Driver-Side)17.0
009
(Side Air Bag Squib, Passenger- Side)18.0
016
(Driver Belt Switch, S68/3)12.0, 13.0
017
(Passenger Belt Switch, S68/3)14.0, 15.0
018
(Driver Air Bag Harness)19.0
019
(Driver Air Bag Sensor)Replace Sensor
020
(Driver Air Bag Sensor)Replace Sensor
021
(Passenger Air Bag Sensor)20.0
022
(Passenger Air Bag Sensor)Replace Sensor
023
(Passenger Air Bag Sensor)Replace Sensor
024
(Passenger Seat Occupation Signal)21, 22 (21, 22)
025
(Passenger Seat Occupation Signal)21

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CLEARING FAULT CODES
Connect Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01) to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is located in right rear corner
of engine compartment. It may be necessary to use Adapter (965 589 00 40 or 965 589 00 50) to connect HHT
to DLC. After HHT displays module number and version, press return key to start sequence. Using HHT,
follow HHT prompts to clear SRS fault codes. SRS codes are clear when ignition is turned on and SRS warning
light functions normally. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
UNDERSTANDING DIAGNOSTIC CHART INFORMATION
SRS & ETR Diagnosis Chart Column Identification
For example, see Fig. 7
under DIAGNOSTIC TESTS. First column of chart identifies TEST STEP (1.0 for
example). Second column of chart identifies HHT fault code (017, 003 for example). First code in column is for
vehicles without side air bags. Second code in column (when listed) is for vehicles with side air bags only.
Other 5 columns are self-explanatory.
Using SRS & ETR Diagnosis Chart
For reading and understanding fault code diagnosis chart, use the following example: Read test step 3.0
(first column), HHT fault Code 002, 004 (second column). See Fig. 7
. Read TEST SCOPE/HHT
ACTUAL VALUE NO./TEXT column (third column). Driver-side air bag squib connector R12/3 is
being tested. HHT will identify if problem is with too much resistance or not enough resistance in driver-
side air bag squib circuit. Read TEST CONDITION column (fifth column). Test circuit with HHT
connected to DLC, with ignition in position "2". Read NOMINAL VALUE/HHT DISPLAY column
(sixth column). HHT will display a check or an "F". If HHT displays a check, circuit is okay. If HHT
displays an "F", go to step 3.1.
Read TEST CONNECTION (NOT FOR HHT) column (forth column). Driver-Side air bag squib
connector R12/3, terminals No. 1 and 2 are identified. Read TEST CONDITION column. Test circuit
027
(Passenger Seat Occupation Signal)22
032, 033
(Communication Interference)(1)
034
(Digital Crash Output, Harness Fault)(1)
035
(Analog Crash Output, Harness Fault)(1)
036
(Auto Child Seat Recognition Light)22.0, 23.0
(1)Test information is not available.
NOTE: To properly identify components or connectors being tested, see COMPONENT
IDENTIFICATION table.

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with HHT connected to DLC and ignition key removed. Remove driver-side air bag module. Disconnect
driver-side air bag module squib connector R12/3. Connect Resistance Substitution Unit (124 589 09 63)
to driver-side air bag module squib connector (harness side). Set resistance substitution unit to 2 ohms.
Turn ignition key to position "2". Read NOMINAL VALUE/HHT DISPLAY column. If HHT displays a
check, replace driver-side air bag module. If HHT displays an "F", go to step 3.2.
Read TEST CONNECTION (NOT FOR HHT) column. Horn/air bag clockspring connector A45x1,
terminals No. 1 and 2 are identified. Read TEST CONDITION column. Test circuit with HHT connected
to DLC. Remove ignition key. Connect Resistance Substitution Unit (124 589 09 63 00) to horn/air bag
clockspring connector A45x1. Set resistance substitution unit to 2 ohms. Read NOMINAL VALUE/HHT
DISPLAY column. If HHT displays a check, check horn/air bag clockspring for continuity. Replace
horn/air bag clockspring as necessary. If HHT displays an "F", go to step 3.4.
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS NOTE: Some testing is identified by model number. To identify models by model
number see MODEL IDENTIFICATION
table.
Model NumberModel
129SL Class
140S Class
170SLK 230
202C Class
208CLK 320
210E Class
ComponentManufacturer's Designation
A45Horn/Air Bag Clockspring
A53Driver-Side Air Bag Sensor
A54Passenger-Side Air Bag Sensor
B41/1Passenger-Side Seat Occupied Recognition Sensor
N2/2Control Module
R12/1Driver-Side ETR Squib Connector
R12/2Passenger-Side ETR Squib Connector
R12/3Driver-Side Air Bag Squib Connector
R12/8Passenger-Side Air Bag Squib Connector
R12/9Side Air Bag (Driver-Side)Squib Connector
R12/10Side Air Bag (Passenger-Side) Squib Connector
S68/3Driver-Side Belt Buckle Switch
S68/4Passenger-Side Belt Buckle Switch
W26Control Module Ground
X11/4Data Link Connector

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