MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 1997 Complete Repair Manual

The remaining distance is displayed with a resolution of 100 km.
If a speed limit is set at the cruise control, the speed limit appears for a short moment in the display before
the ASSYST text.
In the normal case, it is the remaining distance which is displayed. However, the time information is always
processed in the background to enable the attention of "low-mileage drivers" to be drawn to any service due.
The remaining distance is compared each day with the remaining time. In certain circumstances, the display
switches over, and it is the remaining time which is displayed ( see document "Remaining time").
If certain measured values are not supplied to the ASSYST system, e.g. because of failure of a sensor, it
switches over to stored substitute values. A corresponding entry is made in the fault memory of the relevant
control module.
The data are retained if the operating voltage is disconnected or fails.
REMAINING TIME FUNCTION - GF00.20-P-2008A
Active service system
(ASSYST) operating
informationEngines with oil sensor
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-0003-01A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97
with engines 111, 602,
604, 605, 606
Model 129, 140, 170, 202
as of 06.97 except engine
112, 113, 611
(Valid for engines with
oil level switch.)GF00.20-P-0003-01B
Active service system
(ASSYST) display
facilities GF00.20-P-0003-04A
Remaining time function GF00.20-P-2008A
Engine oil monitor
functionEngines with oil sensor
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-2009A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97
with engines 111, 602,
604, 605, 606
Model 129, 140, 170, 202
as of 06.97 except engine
112, 113, 611
(Valid for engines with
oil level switch.)GF00.20-P-2009B
Displaying service
functionModel 129, 202 as of 8.99
Model 163 as of 1.00
Model 168 as of 9.99
Model 170 as of 12.99GF00.20-P-2010B

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MODEL 129 as of 1.6.97
MODEL 140 as of 1.6.97
MODEL 163
MODEL 168
MODEL 170 as of 1.6.97
MODEL 202 as of 1.6.97
MODEL 208 up to 31.7.99
MODEL 210 as of 1.3.97 up to 30.6.99
Start time and remaining time
Start time refers to the service interval in days immediately after the oil change
The start time is not dependent on the driving conditions and any oil replenishments .
The start time is 730 days ( 365 days).
The start time is automatically reset to its initial value by the oil change reset after each oil change. The start
time is an internal computed variable and cannotbe displayed in the instrument cluster. It is possible to display
the start time with the HHT.
The remaining time is displayed in the instrument cluster under certain conditions as stated below.
The remaining time is the time which remains until the next service.
The remaining time is only of importance for "low-mileage drivers". (It is therefore the remaining distance
which is displayed as a general rule.)
The remaining time depends on:
the start time
the driving conditions (the distance driven is weighted in this case.)
Replenishing oil, however, does not have any influence on the remaining time.
As a result of these dependent factors, ASSYST proves to be a demand-oriented system even for "low-mileage
drivers". Depending on the weighting of the factors, the service interval for "low-mileage drivers" is between 1
and 2
years.

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Warning threshold (in days)
With the HHT it is possible to set a warning threshold of between 5 and 30 days for the remaining time, with a
stepwidth of one day. The basic setting is 30 days.
Display of remaining time
The remaining time is always only displayed in those cases where the following condition is met:
Remaining time (in days) x 40 < remaining distance (in km), and the warning threshold is reached.
The remaining time is displayed in the following cases:
automatically, after 5 s start switch in position 2 or driving, if the warning threshold is reached:
The service symbol and the readout "SERVICE IN ... DAYS" appears for 10 seconds. (On vehicles not
fitted with multifunction display, the current remaining time, the service and the clock symbol appear.)
automatically, after 5 s start switch in position 2 or driving, if the remaining time is exceeded:
The service symbol and the readout "DAYS ... EXCEEDED" appears for 30 s (for 10 s up to mid-July
97). (On vehicles not fitted with multifunction display, the service and the clock symbol appear. The
"remaining time" is displayed with a negative sign (minus sign). The readout flashes in this case.)
After the display reaches the maximum readout of -730 days, the readout remains at this figure! The
readout is displayed with a resolution of 1 day.
As of approx. 06.97 a brief warning signal sounds in addition.
at driver request. The readout is then displayed, as above, for 10 s.
If a speed limit is set at the cruise control, this speed limit is displayed for a short moment before the
ASSYST display.
If certain measured values are not supplied to the ASSYST, e.g. because of failure of a sensor, it switches to
stored substitute values. An appropriate entry is then made in the fault memory of the particular control module.
If the power supply fails, the data are retained. The times without operating voltage (battery disconnected) are
not recorded, however! They can be retroactively included, however, with the HHT.
Active service system
(ASSYST) operating
informationEngine with oil sensor
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-0003-01A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97
with engines 111, 602,
604, 605, 606
Model 129, 140, 170, 202 GF00.20-P-0003-01B

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ENGINE OIL MONITOR FUNCTION - GF00.20-P-2009A
MODEL 129 with ENGINE 112, 113
MODEL 163 with ENGINE 112, 113, 612
MODEL 168 with ENGINE 166, 668
MODEL 202 with ENGINE 112, 611
MODEL 208 up to 31.7.99 with ENGINE 112, 113
MODEL 210 up to 30.6.99 with ENGINE 112, 113, 611
General
The oil level is constantly monitored by the oil sensor, and the appropriate data transmitted to the processor by
the ASSYST.
Oil replenishments are detected automatically and result in a bonus, which extends the service interval
accordin
gly.
as of 06.97 except engine
112, 113, 611
(Valid for engines with
oil level switch.)
Active service system
(ASSYST) display
facilities GF00.20-P-0003-04A
Remaining distance
function GF00.20-P-2007A
Engine oil monitor
functionEngine with oil sensor
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-2009A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97
with engines 111, 602,
604, 605, 606
Model 129, 140, 170, 202
as of 06.97 except engine
112, 113, 611
(Valid for engines with
oil level switch.)GF00.20-P-2009B
Displaying service
functionModel 129, 202 as of 8.99
Model 163 as of 1.00
Model 168 as of 9.99
Model 170 as of 12.99GF00.20-P-2010B

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An excess oil level or insufficient oil level appears in the display together with the oil can symbol.
Display of low oil level at maximum:
at driver request
Display of warnings:
automatically, at the earliest 60s after engine start and oil temperature greater than 60°C:
if oil level too high: the oil can symbol appears together with the readout "OIL LEVEL ABOVE
MAX". In addition, a brief warning signal sounds. (On models not fitted with multifunction
display, "HI" appears flashing.)
if oil level too low: the oil can symbol appears together with the readout "OIL LEVEL BELOW
MIN". In addition, a brief warning signal sounds. (On models not fitted with multifunction display,
the oil level warning lamp (A1e12) comes on and the readout "-2L" appears flashing.)
if oil at minimum: the oil can symbol appears together with the readout "OIL LEVEL MINIMUM".
In addition, a brief warning signal sounds. (On models not fitted with multifunction display, the oil
level warning lamp (A1e12) comes on.)
automatically 13 s after ignition ON:
if no oil is in engine: the oil can symbol appears together with the readout "OIL LEVEL BELOW
MIN". In addition, a warning signal sounds. (On models not fitted with multifunction display, the
oil level warning lamp (A1e12) comes on and the readout "-2L" appears flashing. In addition a
brief warning signal sounds.)
The missing oil quantity displayed no longer changes during the display. In other words, any change in oil level
cannot be observed directly at the display. The new oil level is only displayed once the conditions described
below exist.
Display of oil quantity at driver request
The text "DISPLAY OIL LEVEL?" appears 10 s after the start switch has been turned into position "2" (on
models not fitted with multifunction display, the oil can and the clock symbol are displayed).
If the reset button of the trip counter is pressed twice within one sec. during this readout, for example, "add 1.0L
oil" (or "-1.0L")
appears in the display if oil level too low. The readout appears only after the elapse of a waiting time after
engine OFF. The waiting time depends on the engine oil temperature.
It is
up to 20°C 30 minutes
from 60°C 1 minute
The waiting time is between these two limits at other engine oil temperatures.

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Possible readouts are (text in parenthesis relates to models not fitted with multifunction display.):
"OIL LEVEL OKAY" ("o.k."),
1.0L, 1.5L, 2L,
"Overfilling" ("HI"),
"OBSERVE WAITING TIME" (clock symbol flashing and oil can symbol),
"DISPLAY OIL LEVEL" (clock and oil can symbols.)
If there is a fault at the oil sensor (oil level/temperature/quality, B40) the oil can symbol and the text "OIL
LEVEL SENSOR FAULTY" appears only 30 s after the fault has occurred.
(On models not fitted with multifunction display, the oil level warning lamp (A1e12) comes on accordingly.)
For diagnosis, read also the injection system control module (N3) with the HHT. (The instrument cluster (A1)
receives the sensor data through the CAN from the injection system control module (N3)).
Oil change
The ASSYST has to be reset each time the oil is changed. Resetting ASSYST also resets the remaining time and
the remaining distance. Resetting can be performed at the instrument cluster or using the HHT. The following
data are stored when the system is reset:
current kilometer reading rounded off to 100,
total oil replenishments in the last interval,
remaining distance,
remaining time,
product of the quality factors,
the data of the last 5 resettings in 5 data sets
These data can only be read with the HHT!
If the specified quantity of oil is not replenished when the oil is changed, the (internal) start distance is
reduced.
Detecting oil replenishments
With the HHT it is possible to retrieve the last 10 oil replenishments and the corresponding kilometer
readings of the current interval.
In the normal case, detection of an oil replenishment is displayed by the remaining distance in the
instrument cluster being extended
Oil replenishments are always only detected once the following conditions are met:
the replenished quantit
y is at least

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In the charts overleaf, a number of examples of this are presented. The horizontal (x) axis represents the service
interval and the vertical (y) axis is the remaining distance in each case in km.
conditions are met:
the replenished quantity is at least 1 l
after replenishing the oil, the car must be driven a distance of at least 5 km under normal driving
conditions at an oil temperature of at least 60°C
There are instances, however, in which the readout of the remaining distance nevertheless appears implausible
after replenishing oil; according to the display, no bonus or only a small bonus has been issued. This is caused
by the fact that the remaining distance is always only displayed within a range from 15 000 km up to 30 000 km
(or 20 000 km up to 40 000 km in the case of engine 668), but internally the system calculates with the actual
values which may also be beyond this range. These internal values can only be displayed with the HHT.
horizontal (x) axis represents the service interval and the vertical (y) axis is the remaining distance in each case
in km.
The readout of ASSYST in the instrument cluster always moves within the light range.
The remaining distance calculated internally may also, however, be within the two dark ranges. These internal
values can only be displayed with the HHT.
All examples relate to gasoline engines fitted with an oil sensor.
Example 1 :
Sufficient oil was added during the oil change. This means that the starting distance is 15 000 km.
After 10 000 km oil is topped up under normal driving conditions (a). The bonus (B1) is issued and displayed.
What this means is that when the remaining distance is retrieved, a greater remaining distance is displayed.
(Provided the aforementioned conditions for detecting the oil replenishment are met.)
Oil is topped up again after a further 5 000 km (b). In this case also a bonus (B2) is issued and displayed.
If, after this, no further oil is topped up and the car continues to be driven in the same manner, a service interval
of about 24 000 km is thus achieved.
In this example, the curve moves at all points within the light range of the chart; consequently, all the oil
replenishments are displayed by increasing the remaining distance.

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Fig. 322: Engine Oil Monitor Function - (1 Of 4)
Example 2:
The specified quantity of oil was added when the oil was changed.
The car is driven under very favorable conditions and oil is topped up after 10 000 km (a). Internally, the bonus
B1 is issued, the service interval is extended accordi ngly by enlarging the remaining distance. However, as the
curve is sometimes within the shaded ar ea, only the part of B1 which is within the light area, is at first displayed
as an extension of the remaining distance. (Provi ded the aforementioned conditions for detecting oil
replenishment are met.)
Oil is topped up once again at 18 000 km (b ). In view of the fact that the maximum service interval of 30 000
km was exceeded, the bonus B2 is not initially displayed as an extension. Th e entire service interval in this case
is 30 000 km.
If, from point b, the car continues to be driven under less favorable conditions , it may still also be possible now
to achieve the maximum service interval of 30 000 km because of the internal bonus B2.
Fig. 323: Engine Oil Monitor Function
- (2 Of 4)
Example 3:
When the oil was changed, the quantity added was less than the specified quantity. Consequently, the start
distance is less than 15 000 km.

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If oil is now topped up after 5 000 km (a), the remaining distance displayed is not extended as the curve is
within the shaded area. The bonus B1 is nevertheless added internally and results in an extension of the service
interval to slightly more than 15 000 km - provided the driving conditions remain the same or are more
favorable.
(The service interval of 15 000 km is always reached, however, even if the internal value were less.)
Fig. 324: Engine Oil Monitor Function
- (3 Of 4)
Example 4:
Oil has been topped up after 5 000 km under unfavorable driving conditions (a) and the oil replenishment
(bonus B1) detected internally. We now have two cases to consider:
If the car continues to be driven under the same conditions (unbroken line), the remaining distance
displayed is not extended as the curve is within the shaded area.
The service interval in this case is nevertheless 15 000 km although the internal value is less. (The
remaining distance displayed can always only be within the light area.)
If the car continues to be operated under more favorable conditions (broken line), the value of the internal
remaining distance slowly moves into the light area. Consequently, the service interval may be greater
than 15 000 km.

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Fig. 325: Engine Oil Monitor Function - (4 Of 4)
DISPLAYING SERVICE, FUNCTION - GF00.20-P-2010B
MODEL 129 as of 1.8.99
MODEL 163 as of 1.1.00
MODEL 168 as of 1.9.99
MODEL 170 as of 1.12.99
Active service system survey
of display facilities GF00.20-P-0003-04A
Active service system
technology/ influencing
variables GF00.20-P-0003-05A
Active service system survey
model/engine/
sensor/instrument cluster GF00.20-P-0003-06A
Active service system
(ASSYST) operating
instructions, resetting GF00.20-P-0003-01A
Oil sensor
position/task/functionOil sensor position, task,
functionGF18.40-P-4111A

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