key MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 1997 Complete User Guide

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

1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1998 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS Mercedes-Benz
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:33:14 PMPage 20 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 7
Roadside assistance ......................... 10
Where to find it ................................ 14
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 16Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Center console .............................. 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 25
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 26
Central locking system ................... 26
Radio frequency
remote control .............................. 26
Unlocking the liftgate .................. 28
Panic button .................................. 28
Mechanical keys ........................... 29Doors ................................................. 30
Central locking switch .................... 32
Automatic central locking .......... 32
Emergency unlocking in case
of accident ................................... 33
Liftgate .............................................. 34
Antitheft alarm system ................... 35
Tow-away alarm and
glass breakage sensor ............... 36
Seats, front ....................................... 37
Manual seats ................................ 39
Power seats ................................... 40
Head restraint ...............................41
Heated seats ..................................... 44
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 46
Seat belts .......................................... 46
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 47
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 53
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special child
seat installed ................................ 53Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 54
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 55
Airbags .............................................. 56
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 63
Infant and child
restraint systems .......................... 65
Adjustable steering wheel .............. 70
Inside rear view mirror .................. 71
Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 73
Exterior rear view mirror,
electrically folding ....................... 75
Instrument cluster ........................... 76
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ...................... 78
Trip computer ................................... 83
Flexible service system (FSS) ........ 87
Engine oil level indicator ................ 89
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 90

14 Introduction
Where to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
• Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
•Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

19 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index For more detailed descriptions see index on page 300.
For adjustment of air outlets, refer to climate control,
see page 98.
1Cup holder, see page 114
2Parking brake release, see page 173
3Parking brake pedal, see page 173
4Steering wheel adjustment lever, see page 70
5Headlamp washer switch, see page 94
6Exterior lamp switch, see page 90
7Cruise control switch, see page 196
8Instrument cluster, see page 76
9Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 94
10Horn (with key in steering lock position 1 or 2),
Driver airbag, see page 56
11Steering lock with ignition / starter switch, see
page 162
12Switch for exterior rear view mirrors, electrically
folding, see page 75
13Windshield wiper / washer switch, see page 9514Transmission control – LOW RANGE mode, see
page 209
15Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system
16Auxiliary front fog lamp / rear fog lamp switch, see
page 92
17MCS (Optional Modular Control System), see
separate operator’s manual
18Front passenger airbag, see page 56
19Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock
position 1 or 2)
20Cup holder, see page 114
21Storage compartment
22Air recirculation switch, see page 98
23Air conditioner on /off switch, see page 98
24Air volume control switch
25Temperature selector switch
26Air distribution switch
27Electrical outlet, see page 230

22 Contents - Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 25
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 26
Central locking system ................... 26
Radio frequency
remote control .............................. 26
Unlocking the liftgate .................. 28
Panic button .................................. 28
Mechanical keys ........................... 29
Doors .................................................. 30
Central locking switch .................... 32
Automatic central locking .......... 32
Emergency unlocking in case
of accident .................................... 33
Liftgate ............................................... 34
Antitheft alarm system ................... 35
Tow - aw ay a lar m a n d
glass breakage sensor ................ 36
Seats, front ........................................ 37
Manual seats ................................. 39
Power seats ................................... 40Head restraint ...............................41
Heated seats ..................................... 44
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 46
Seat belts .......................................... 46
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 47
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 53
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special child
seat installed ................................ 53
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ............................... 54
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................ 55
Airbags .............................................. 56
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 63
Infant and child
restraint systems ......................... 65
Adjustable steering wheel .............. 70
Inside rear view mirror ...................71Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 73
Exterior rear view mirror,
electrically folding ....................... 75
Instrument cluster ........................... 76
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ...................... 78
Trip computer ................................... 83
Flexible service system (FSS) ........ 87
Engine oil level indicator ................ 89
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 90
Fo g la mp sw itch
(except Canada) .......................... 92
Fo g la mp sw itch
(Canada only) .............................. 93
Hazard warning flasher
switch ............................................ 94
Headlamp cleaning system ............ 94
Windshield wiper/washer
switch ............................................ 95
Rear window wiper/washer ........... 96
Climate control ................................. 98
Basic setting – Heater ............... 100

24 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Ve h i c l e k ey s
Included with your vehicle are:
•2 remote controls with folding master keys,
•1 reserve key,Remote control with folding master key
The remote control operates all locks on the vehicle.
To release the key, press button (1). The key unfolds
from the holder by itself.
The transmitter for the remote control is located in the
ke y ho ld e r.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock your vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised
use of vehicle equipment may cause serious
personal injury.
1

25 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical 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
messagesÁ 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).

26 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
General notes on the central locking system
If the key in the steering lock is in position 1 or 2, the
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote
control.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked:
•Check the batteries of the remote control, see
page 270.
•Synchronize the remote control, see page 271.Central locking system
(Radio frequency remote control)
The master key has an integrated radio frequency
remote control.
Due to the extended operational range of the remote
control, it could be possible to unintentionally lock or
unlock the vehicle by pressing the transmit button.
The vehicle doors, liftgate and fuel filler flap can be
centrally locked and unlocked via remote control.
With vehicle centrally locked, the liftgate can also be
unlocked by using the remote control.
If the key in the steering lock is in position 1 or 2, the
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote
control.

27 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Transmit button
‹ Locking
ΠUnlocking
Š Unlocking liftgate
2PANIC button
3Release button for master keyLocking and unlocking with remote control
Unlocking :
Press transmit button Πonce. All turn signal lamps
blink once to indicate that the driver’s door and fuel
filler flap are unlocked.
The antitheft alarm system is also deactivated.
Press transmit button Πa second time to unlock
remaining doors and liftgate.
Notes:
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, see page 274.
If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the remote
control, neither door nor liftgate is opened or the key is
not inserted in the steering lock, the vehicle will
automatically lock and reactivate the antitheft alarm
system.

28 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Locking:
Press transmit button ‹ once. All turn signal lamps
blink three times to indicate that the vehicle is locked
and the antitheft alarm is activated.
Notes:
If the turn signal lamps do not blink three times when
locking the vehicle, a door, the liftgate, or the hood is
not properly closed. Close the respective element and
lock the vehicle again with the remote control.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked by pressing
the transmit button, then it may be necessary to change
the batteries in the remote control or to synchronize the
remote control, see page 270 and page 271.
Unlocking the liftgate
Press transmit button Š to unlock the liftgate. This
also deactivates the antitheft alarm.
Important!
A minimum height clearance of 7 ft. (2.15 m) is
required to open the liftgate.Panic button
To activate press and hold button (1) for at least one
second. An audible alarm and blinking turn signal
lamps will operate for approximately 3 minutes.
Additionally the interior lights switch on automatically
for approximately 3 minutes.
To deactivate press button (1) again, or press transmit
button‹, ŒorŠ on the remote control, or
turn key in steering lock to position 1.