service interval MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 1997 Complete User Guide

254 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
#
The red charge indicator lamp
comes on when the engine is
running.
The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:

alternator malfunctioning


broken poly-V-belt

Stop immediately and check the
poly-V-belt.
If it is broken

Do not continue to drive, before the
poly-V-belt is replaced.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
2
The yellow brake indicator lamp
comes on during braking or after
starting the engine.
The brake pads are worn down.

Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually
checked by a qualified technician at the
intervals specified in the Service book-
let.

278 Practical hintsBattery
BatteryThe battery is located on the passenger
side of the engine compartment.
1Negative terminal
2Positive terminal
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 223).
Never lean over batteries while connecting,
you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.
!Never loosen or detach battery termi-
nal clamps while the engine is running
or the key is in the steering lock. Other-
wise the alternator and other electronic
components could be severely dam-
aged.
Have the battery checked regularly by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Refer to Service Booklet for mainte-
nance intervals or contact your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for further information.Warning!
G
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof battery only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.

302 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines. Therefore, use
only engine oils approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Information on approved
engine oils is available in the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet, or at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
blending oil additives are not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil is used in the air condition-
ing system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere. Under extremely strenu-
ous operating conditions, this moisture
content can lead to the formation of bub-
bles in the system, thus reducing the sys-
tem’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be re-
placed every two years, preferably in the
spring.
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will provide you with additional in-
formation.
!Always check the oil filler cap
(page 221) for important information
pertaining to the engine oil needing to
meet a specific Mercedes-Benz specifi-
cation (e.g. MB 229.5). If such informa-
tion is printed on the oil filler cap, only
use an engine oil from the list of ap-
proved engine oils in the Factory Ap-
proved Service Products pamphlet that
meets the specification indicated on
the oil filler cap.
Using engine oils of other specification
may cause the FSS to incorrectly deter-
mine the next service interval and will
result in engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

304 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Damage or malfunctions resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending specific
fuel additives are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion / antifreeze, which pro-
vides:

Corrosion protection


Freeze protection


Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -35°F (-37°C) and corro-
sion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase in boil-over pro-
tection. Refer to Service Booklet for
replacement interval.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45%
anticorrosion / antifreeze (equivalent to
freeze protection to approx. - 22°F
[-30°C]). If you use a solution that is more
than 55% anticorrosion / antifreeze (freeze
protection to approx. - 49°F [-45°C]), the
engine temperature will increase due to
the lower heat transfer capability of the so-
lution. Therefore, do not use more than
this amount of anticorrosion / antifreeze.If the coolant level is low, water and MB
anticorrosion / antifreeze should be used
to bring it up to the proper level (have cool-
ing system checked for signs of leakage).
Please make sure the mixture is in accor-
dance with label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.

reduces the level of the audio signal until the specified volume interval is reached again. The volume of the
audio signal is then again increased after completion of the voice output to the level present before the voice
output.
Moreover, the volume of the voice output cannot be reduced below a certain minimum level .
Voice output mute circuit
Navigation voice output can be muted by actuating the mute multifunction key. Muting remains active until the
mute multifunction key is pressed again.
INFORMATION SERVICE, FUNCTION - GF82.85-P-3016GI
MODEL 163 as of 1.9.01 with CODE (522) Modular control system (MCS) radio USA with CODE (357)
Navigation system - additional unit with CODE (818b) Single CD player - additional unit with CODE
(491) U.S. version
Fig. 91: Service Request Display Using SVC Button (Example)

Service request procedure
It is possible to change to the service mode with the button " SVC" on the radio and navigation module
Navigation mode, function GF82.85-P-2012GI
Radio and navigation
module, location/purpose/
design/function GF82.61-P-4109GI

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Electrical System - Body - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:30:06 PMPage 153 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

GF00.20-P-2010B
Displaying service, function
25.3.99

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

MODEL
202 as of 1.8.99

Display of service to be performed

In addition to the various service displays, the service work to be

performed (A or B) also appears.

The service symbol (wrench) appears once or twice in the display for

this purpose.

The service symbol appears
D
once
for service
A

D
twice
for service B
.

A service A is always followed by a service B.

Following a service B, the next service must be calculated

taking into account the kilometer readings. If the distance of the

current service interval is less than 22 000 km, the next service

is service A, otherwise service B.

This calculation is now performed
automatically
in the

instrument cluster (A1).

The path of the service displayed A or B can be processed in

the service sheet without the need for a calculation.
There is no external difference in the instrument clusters with

and without the service display.

If service A (one service symbol) is displayed, it is then

necessary to ensure by means of the
production date
or the

control unit identifier
, that the vehicle in question is in fact a

vehicle
with service display
. If this is not the case, the service

must be determined as specified in the service sheet.

The table below shows from which control unit identifier the

instrument cluster features the service display:

The control unit identifier can be read with the HHT under menu point

"Control unit version".
Model

Control unit identifier

129
2/04

163
3/04

168
3/20

170
2/23

202
0/20

Displaying remaining service function

GF00.20-P-2007A

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GF00.20-P-2009A
Engine oil monitor function
24.10.96

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 accordingly.

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:
D
at driver request

Display of warnings: D
automatically, at the earliest 60 s after engine start and oil

temperature greater than 60°C:

D
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 displaly, "HI" appears flashing.)

D
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.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D

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.)

D
automatically 13 s after ignition ON:

D
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

D
up to 20°C
30 minutes

D
from 60°C
1 minute

D
The waiting time is between these two limits at other engine oil

temperatures.

Possible readouts are (text in parenthesis relates to models not fitted

with multifunction display.):
D
"OIL LEVEL OKAY" ("o.k."),

D
1.0L, 1.5L, 2L,

D
"Overfilling" ("HI"),

D
"OBSERVE WAITING TIME" (clock symbol flashing and oil can

symbol),

D
"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:

D
current kilometer reading rounded off to 100,

D
total oil replenishments in the last interval,

D
remaining distance,

D
remaining time,

D
product of the quality factors,

D
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
D
With the
HHT
it is possible to retrieve the last 10 oil

replenishments and the corresponding kilometer readings of

the current interval.

D
In the normal case, detection of an oil replenishment is

displayed by the remaining distance in the instrument cluster

being extended

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Oil replenishments are always only detected once the following

conditions are met:

D
the replenished quantity is
at least 1 l

D
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.
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.

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.

P00.20-0201-06

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.

P00.20-0204-06

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

accordingly by enlarging the remaining

distance. However, as the curve is sometimes

within the shaded area, only the part of B1

which is within the light area, is at first

displayed as an extension of the remaining

distance. (Provided 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. The 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.

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P00.20-0202-06

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.

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.)

P00.20-0203-06

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:

D
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.)

D
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.


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/function
Oil sensor position, task, function

GF18.40-P-4111A

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Fig. 318: Identifying Active Service System (ASSYST) Display
ACTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM (ASSYST) INFLUENCING PARAMETERS - GF00.20-P-0003-05A
The values of various influencing parameters are required by ASSYST for calculating the demand-based service
interval, and these are included in the calculation of the service interval as weighting factors . There are two
versions within ASSYST, the difference being in the oil level sensors fitted:
The familiar oil level indicator switch (S43) is fitted to engines (104, 111, 119, 120, 602.982, 604, 605,
606). In view of the fact that this is a switch, it is only possible to detect if the oil level drops below the
minimum level.
The oil sensor (oil level/temperature/quality, B40) is used on more recent engines (e.g. 112, 113, 166,
611, 668). This sensor consists of 2 capacitor systems with the engine oil as an insulator. If the water
content of the oil or the oil level changes, there is a change in the capacitance of the "capacitor".
The capacitance is thus a measure for the oil level.
In addition, the oil sensor (oil level/temperature/quality, B40) contains a temperature sensor which
detects the temperature of the engine oil.
All the signals are processed in the electronics integrated in the sensor to form a PWM (pulse width
modulated) signal, and passed to the engine control module (N3).
In addition to the weighting factors, which depend on reallife driving conditions, quality factors are also used
for calculating the demand-based service interval (remaining distance and remaining time).
Survey of ASSYST influencing parameters
Weighting factors (dependant on reallife driving conditions):
Load torque
Engine speed
Oil level
Engine oil temperature
Oil correction factor (is used as comparative value for determining oil level)
Coolant temperature
These data are supplied by the injection system control module (N3) to the service microprocessor over
the CAN.
The data relating to oil level, engine oil temperature and oil correction factor are supplied by the oil
sensor (oil level/temperature/quality, B40) through the injection system control module (N3), and are
therefore only available on engines fitted with this sensor.
Quality factors (these are factory-set to base values and can be changed with the HHT, if operating
conditions of the vehicle so necessitate; they influence the start distance):

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
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