MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 1997 Complete Repair Manual

224
Malfunction and indicator lamps
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Low engine oil level warning lamp With the key in steering lock position 2, the
oil level warning lamp comes on and should
go out when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, or comes on with the engine running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning lamp will first come on
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops
further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The low engine oil level warning light should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated
could result in serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In addition to the warning lamp, the engine oil level
should be periodically checked with the dipstick or via
the oil level indicator in the odometer display field, for
example during a fuel stop, or before a long trip (see
engine oil level indicator on page 89 and checking
engine oil on page 233). Low engine coolant level warning
When the coolant level warning lamp comes
on while driving, then the coolant level has
dropped below the required level, or the
coolant temperature is in the red zone. If no leaks are
noticeable and the engine temperature does not
increase, continue to drive to the nearest service station
and have coolant added to the coolant system, see
page 234. If the engine temperature reaches the red
zone, move vehicle to an area which is in a safe distance
from the roadway and turn off the engine. Also see
coolant temperature gauge on page 81.
The low engine coolant level warning should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol displayed
may cause serious engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have
the cooling system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
Notes:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. The
engine will overheat causing major engine damage.
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving.

225
Malfunction and indicator lamps
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Brake pad wear indicator lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
indicator lamp comes on and goes out when
the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp lights up during braking, this
indicates that the brake pads are worn down.
Have the brake system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible. FSS indicator
FSS indicator (Service A), see page 87.
FSS indicator (Service B), see page 87.
The symbols appear in the main odometer display field
prior to the next suggested service. Depending on
operating conditions throughout the year, the next
service is calculated and displayed in days or distance
remaining. See page 87 for notes on the flexible service
system (FSS).

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Contents - Practical hints
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Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................228
Fuses ................................................228
Electrical outlet ..............................230
Stowing things in the vehicle ......230
Hood ................................................. 231
Checking engine oil level .............233
Automatic transmission fluid level ...................................234
Engine oil consumption ................234
Coolant level ...................................234 Adding coolant ...........................235
Windshield washer/headlamp cleaning system .........................236
Windshield and
headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio ................................237 Vehicle jack, wheel bolt
wrench and screwdriver ......... 237
Air pump ......................................... 239
Wheels ............................................ 240 Tire replacement ....................... 240
Rotating wheels ......................... 241
Spare wheel .................................... 242
Changing wheels ........................... 245
Tire inflation pressure ................. 250
Battery ............................................. 251
Jump starting ................................. 253
Towing the vehicle ........................ 255 Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking .................. 259
Stranded vehicle ............................ 259 Exterior lamps ................................260
Headlamp assembly ................... 261
Taillamp assemblies ..................265
Adjusting headlamp aim ...............268
Remote control battery replacement .................270
Synchronizing
remote control ............................ 271
Emergency operation of sliding/pop-up roof ...................272
Emergency operation of Skyview Top ...............................273
Manual release for fuel filler flap ............................. 274
Replacing wiper blades .................275
Roof rack ......................................... 276

228
First aid kit
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First aid kit
All except model ML 55 AMG:
The first aid kit is located behind the cover in the left
rear cargo compartment trim panel.
Turn both handles (1) left and open cover.
Model ML 55 AMG:
The first aid kit is stored inside the spare wheel cover
located in the cargo compartment.
Open buckles and remove spare wheel cover,
see page 242. Fuses
Before replacing a blown fuse, determine the cause of
the short circuit.
Spare fuses and a special fuse puller are supplied inside
the fuse box cover. Observe amperage and color of fuse.
Always use a new fuse for replacement. Never attempt to
repair or bridge a blown fuse.
A fuse chart can be found inside the corresponding fuse
box cover.

229
Fuses
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Fuse box in engine compartment
1 Fuse box in engine compartment
To gain access to the fuse box, release clamps
(arrows), lift the fuse box cover (1) up and remove it.
To close the fuse box, engage back end of cover,
close, and secure with clamps. Auxiliary fuse box in front passenger footwell
2 Auxiliary fuse box in front passenger compartment
To gain access to the fuse box, turn both locks (3)
90 ° counterclockwise and remove cover in direction
of arrow.
To close the fuse box, engage back end of cover, slide
the cover towards vehicle front and secure by
turning both locks (3) clockwise to the stop.
1

230
Electrical outlet
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Electrical outlet
Two electrical outlets can be found, one at the front
passenger footwell, and the other in the rear
compartment (always operational). To o p e n :
Flip up cover and insert electrical plug (cigar lighter
type).
Note:
The electrical outlets can be used to accommodate
accessories (e.g. air pump, auxiliary lamps) up to
maximum 180 W.
Stowing things in the vehicle
Wa r n i n g !
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, always use partition net when
transporting cargo. Always fasten items being
carried as securely as possible using cargo tie-
down rings and fastening materials appropriate for
the weight and size of the load.

231
Engine compartment
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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.

232
Engine compartment
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Wa r n i n g !
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the engine
is running. Be sure the hood is properly closed
before driving. When closing hood, use extreme
caution not to catch hands or fingers.The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or even restart after the
engine has been turned off. Stay clear from fan
blades.
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils,
spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the
ignition system
• with the engine running,
• while starting the engine,
• if ignition is “on” and the engine is turned manually.If you see flames, steam or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant temperature
gauge indicates that the engine is overheated, do
not open the hood. Move away from vehicle and do
not open the hood until the engine has cooled. If
necessary, call a fire department.

233
Engine compartment
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Checking engine oil level
1 Oil dipstick
2 Oil filler cap
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check engine oil level approximately 5 minutes after
stopping the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the
oil pan. Wipe oil dipstick clean prior to checking the engine oil
level. Fully insert dipstick in tube, and remove after
three seconds to obtain accurate reading.
Oil level must be between the
lower (min) and upper (max) mark of
the dipstick.
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking,
the level is approximately 2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained
or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and
catalytic converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
See page 224 for low engine oil level warning.
Note:
See page 89 for engine oil level indicator.