coolant level MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 1997 Complete Owner's Manual

217
Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster .................... 218
On-board diagnostic system –
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 218
Brake warning lamp .................. 219
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp .................. 219
Fuel reserve warning .................220 Electronic stability
program (ESP) / Electronic
traction system (ETS) –
warning lamp ............................. 221
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 221
4-ETS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 221
LOW RANGE
indicator lamp ............................ 221
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 222 Adjustable steering wheel –
indicator lamp .............................222
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .............................222
Seat belt warning lamp .............223
Charge indicator lamp ...............223
Low engine oil level
warning lamp ..............................224
Low engine coolant
level warning ..............................224
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp .............................225
FSS indicator ...............................225

224
Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
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.

227
Contents - Practical hints
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
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

234
Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
Automatic transmission fluid level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic
transmission fluid.
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid leaks or gear shifting malfunctions,
have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
check the transmission fluid level.
Engine oil consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made
after the break-in period. During the break-in period,
higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal.
Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in
increased consumption. Coolant level
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked
on level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when coolant is cold.
The coolant level should reach the COLD LEVEL mark in
the reservoir.P20.30-0241-20

297
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
the engine temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution. 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 cooling system checked for signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet minimum
requirements, which are usually satisfied by normal
drinking water. If your are not sure about the water
quality, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. The
use of aluminum components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion / antifreeze coolant used
in such engines be specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/
antifreeze coolant will result in a significantly
shortened service life.)
Therefore the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle: Mercedes-Benz
Anticorrosion / antifreeze agent. Before the start of the winter season (or once a year in
the hot southern regions), you should have the
anticorrosion / antifreeze concentration checked. The
coolant is also regularly checked each time you bring
your vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for service.
Anticorrosion / antifreeze quantity
Approx. freeze protection
– 35 °F
(– 37 °C) – 49
°F
(– 45 °C)
6.4 US qt
(6.0 l) 7. 0 U S q t
(6.6 l)

301
Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Brake fluid ............................................................. 175, 294
Brake warning lamp ................................................. 219
Capacity ......................................................................293
Brake pad wear indicator .............................................225
Brake warning lamp ...................................................... 219 Brake fluid low .......................................................... 219
Brakes ....................................................173, 175, 293, 294
CCapacities Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ...............................292
Cargo area ....................................................................... 131 Hooks .......................................................................... 133
Loading instructions ................................................ 136
Cargo area cover blind .................................................. 137
Cargo compartment lamp .............................................. 111
Cargo floor plates
Removable .................................................................. 129
Storage ........................................................................ 130
Cargo tie-down rings ..................................................... 132
Catalytic converter ........................................................ 160
Cellular telephone ......................................................... 139
Center console .................................................................. 20
Central locking switch .................................................... 32 Central locking system .................................................... 26
Automatic central locking .........................................32
Locking and unlocking ............................................... 27
Mechanical keys ..........................................................29
Panic button .................................................................28
Remote control ............................................................26
Unlocking the liftgate ................................................. 28
Vehicle keys .................................................................24
Changing wheels ........................................................... 245 Inflating the space-saver tire ................................. 249
Charge indicator lamp .................................................. 223
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator lamp ............ 218
Check regularly and before a long trip ....................... 215
Checking engine oil level Via engine oil level indicator ....................................89
Via oil dipstick .......................................................... 233
Child restraint ..............................................38, 46, 53, 65
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ................................ 278
Climate control .................................................................98 Air recirculation ........................................................102
Basic setting ...............................................................100
Defogging windows ................................................... 101
Defrosting windshield .............................................. 101
Dust filter ...................................................................102
Rear window defroster ............................................. 103
Special settings ......................................................... 101

302
Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Clock, adjusting ............................................................... 80
Compartment under front passenger seat ..................116
Consumer information ..................................................298
Control and operation of radio transmitters ............. 146
Coolant level Adding ........................................................................235
Checking ....................................................................234
Low engine coolant level warning ..........................224
Coolant temperature gauge ............................................ 81
Coolants ...........................................................................296
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity .........................296
Low engine coolant level warning ..........................224
Cover blind, cargo area ................................................. 137
Cruise control ................................................................. 196
Cup holder Instrument panel .......................................................116
Rear center console ...................................................117
DDaytime running lamps .................................................. 91
Deep water Driving instructions ................................................. 181
Defroster, rear window .................................................. 103
Display illumination ........................................................ 80 Doors .................................................................................. 30
Drinking and driving ..................................................... 174
Drive sensibly - save fuel .............................................. 174
Driving instructions ...................................................... 174
Driving off ....................................................................... 176
EEBP (Electronic brake proportioning) ........................ 204
Electrical outlet ............................................................. 230
Electronic brake proportioning (EBP) ........................ 204
Electronic stability program (ESP) ............................. 205 Control switch .......................................................... 207
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................221
Synchronizing .......................................................... 206
Warning lamp ............................................................221
Electronic traction system (4-ETS+) ........................... 203 LOW RANGE – 4-ETS ............................................... 204
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................221
Emergency call See Tele Aid ...............................................................148
Emergency operation of Skyview Top ....................... 273
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) .........................55
Emergency unlocking in case of accident ...................33
Emission control ............................................................ 161

306
Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Parking lamp ...................................................... 90, 264
Replacing bulbs .........................................................260
Side marker lamp ......................................................264
Standing lamp .................................................... 90, 264
Taillamp assemblies .................................................265
Turn signal lamp ................................................ 90, 264
Turn signal lamp, side .............................................266
Layout of poly-V-belt ......................................................286
Liftgate ............................................................................... 34 Unlocking ..................................................................... 28
Lighter ..............................................................................119
Limp home mode (Automatic transmission) ............. 172
Loading instructions ..................................................... 136
Lockable storage compartment .....................................116
Locking and unlocking the vehicle ............................... 27
Low engine coolant level warning ..............................224
Low engine oil level warning .......................................224
LOW RANGE Indicator lamp ........................................................... 221
LOW RANGE mode ........................................................209 LOW RANGE – 4-ETS+ .............................................204
LOW RANGE – ABS ..................................................202
LOW RANGE – ESP ...................................................208
MMaintenance ...................................................................147
Malfunction and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster ......................................................................... 218
Manual locking/unlocking the doors ...........................29
Manual operation of Skyview Top .............................. 273
Manual operation of sliding/pop-up roof .................. 272
Manual seat, front ............................................................39
MCS, radio and telephone ............................................146
Mechanical keys ............................................................... 29
Memory .............................................................................42 Recalling ....................................................................... 42
Storing ........................................................................... 42
Mirror, exterior, adjusting ..............................................73
Mirror, exterior, rear view ..............................................73
Mirror, inside, rear view ................................................. 71
Mirrors, vanity ................................................................ 113

ContentsOperation......................................... 191
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 192
Driving instructions ............................ 193
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 193
Drinking and driving ..................... 193
Pedals .......................................... 193
Power assistance ......................... 193
Brakes .......................................... 194
Driving off..................................... 195
Parking ......................................... 196
Tires ............................................. 196
Hydroplaning ................................ 197
Tire traction .................................. 197
Tire speed rating .......................... 198
Winter driving instructions ........... 198
Standing water ............................. 200
Off-road driving ............................ 200
Trailer towing ............................... 206
Passenger compartment .............. 211
Driving abroad .............................. 211
Control and operation of
radio transmitters......................... 211
Catalytic converter ....................... 212
Emission control........................... 212
Coolant temperature .................... 213At the gas station .............................. 214
Refueling ...................................... 214
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 215
Engine compartment ......................... 217
Hood ............................................ 217
Engine oil ..................................... 218
Transmission fluid level ................ 222
Coolant ........................................ 222
Battery ......................................... 223
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 224
Tires and wheels ................................ 226
Important guidelines .................... 226
Life of tire..................................... 227
Direction of rotation ..................... 227
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 227
Rotating wheels ........................... 228
Winter driving .................................... 230
Winter tires .................................. 230
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 231
Snow chains ................................. 231Maintenance...................................... 232
Clearing the service indicator ...... 232
Service term exceeded ................ 233
Calling up the service indicator .... 233
Resetting the service indicator .... 233
Vehicle care....................................... 234
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 234
Practical hints................................. 241
What to do if … .................................. 242
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 242
Additional indicators in the
speedometer display.................... 256
Where will I find ...? ........................... 257
First aid kit ................................... 257
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 257
Spare wheel (space-saver tire) ..... 259
Unlocking / locking in an emergency . 261
Unlocking the vehicle................... 261
Locking the vehicle ...................... 262
Changing batteries in the
remote control ............................. 262
Fuel filler flap ............................... 263
Manually unlocking the
transmission gear selector lever .. 264

25 At a glance
Instrument cluster
Item
Page
1
Gauge for
Coolant tempera-
ture
117
Outside tempera-
ture
118
Fuel reserve
warning lamp
252
2
Knob for
Activating instru-
ment cluster
116
Adjusting intensity
of instrument lamps
116
Main odometer
117
Trip odometer
readout / reset
118
Activating Flexible
Service System
(FSS) indicator
232
Item
Page
3
Left indicator lamps
with:¿Brake Assist
System
(BAS) / Electronic
Stability Program
(ESP) malfunction
warning lamp
246
{Electronic Traction
System (4-ETS) mal-
function indicator
lamp
252
-Antilock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) malfunc-
tion warning lamp
242
2Brake pad wear in-
dicator lamp
254
:Low engine oil level
warning lamp
253
Item
Page
/Low engine coolant
level warning lamp
249
êLow range indicator
lamp
252
?Engine malfunction
indicator lamp
248
4
Speedometer with:v4-ETS (Electronic
Traction
System)/Electronic
Stability Program
(ESP) warning lamp
251
Trip / main
odometer
117
Display for Flexible
Service System
(FSS)
232
Engine oil level indi-
cator
219