technical data MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 1997 Complete Owner's Guide

Contents
Opening / closing in an emergency .... 265
Sliding / pop-up roof* ................... 265
Replacing bulbs ................................. 266
Bulbs ............................................ 266
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 268
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 270
Adjusting headlamp aim............... 272
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 273
Removing ..................................... 273
Installing ...................................... 273
Flat tire .............................................. 274
Mounting the spare wheel............ 274
Battery ............................................... 278
Disconnecting the battery ............ 279
Removing the batteries ................ 279
Charging and reinstalling
batteries....................................... 279
Reconnecting the batteries .......... 279
Jump starting ..................................... 281
Towing the vehicle ............................. 283
Front towing eye .......................... 285
Rear towing eye ........................... 285
Stranded vehicle .......................... 286Fuses .................................................. 287
Fuse box in engine
compartment ................................ 287
Auxiliary fuse box in front
passenger footwell........................ 288
Technical data.................................. 289
Spare parts service............................. 290
Warranty coverage ............................. 291
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 291
Identification labels ............................ 292
Layout of poly-V-belt drive .................. 293
Engine ................................................ 294
Rims and tires .................................... 295
Rims and tires ............................... 295
Spare wheel .................................. 296
Electrical system ................................ 297
Main Dimensions ................................ 298
Weights .............................................. 299Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc............ 300
Capacities ..................................... 300
Engine oils .................................... 302
Engine oil additives ....................... 302
Air conditioning refrigerant ........... 302
Brake fluid .................................... 302
Premium unleaded gasoline.......... 303
Fuel requirements......................... 303
Gasoline additives......................... 303
Coolants ....................................... 304
Anticorrosion / antifreeze.............. 305
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 307
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio............... 307
Consumer information........................ 308
Uniform tire quality grading .......... 308
Temperature ................................. 309
Technical terms............................... 311Index................................................. 317

15 Introduction
Where to find it
Where to find it
This Operator’s Manual is designed to pro-
vide comprehensive support information
for you, the vehicle operator. Each section
has its own reference color so you can find
information quickly.At a glance
Here you will find an overview of all the
controls that can be operated from the
driver’s seat.Getting started
Here you will find all the information you
need for your first drive. You should read
this section first if this is your first
Mercedes-Benz vehicle or if you are rent-
ing or borrowing this vehicle.Safety and Security
Here you will find descriptions of the safety
features of your vehicle.
Controls in detail
Here you will find detailed information
about the equipment installed on your ve-
hicle. This section expands on the “Getting
started” section and also describes techni-
cal innovations. If you are already familiar
with the basic functions of your vehicle,
this section will be of particular interest to
you.Operation
Here you will find all the information you
need for the proper operation of your vehi-
cle.Practical hints
This section provides fast assistance for
dealing with problems you may encounter.
Technical data
All important technical data for your vehi-
cle can be found in this section.Indexes
The glossary provides explanations of the
most important technical terms.
The table of contents and the index are de-
signed to help you find information quickly
and easily.
The following publications are part of your
vehicle documentation:

this Operator’s Manual


the Service Booklet
Separate operating instructions will be
provided as required depending on the
equipment options installed in your vehi-
cle.

17 Introduction
Operating safety
Operating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:

the safety precautions in this manual


the “Technical data” section in this
manual


traffic rules and regulations


motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Warning!
G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are in-
terconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other sys-
tems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for repairs or modifications to
electronic components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!
G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires / wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage and impair the
o per at i ng s a fet y of yo ur veh ic l e. I f y ou f ee l a
sudden significant vibration or ride distur-
bance, or you suspect that damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should turn on
your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow
down, and drive with caution to an area
which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and
tires / wheels for possible damage. If the ve-
hicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center or other qualified maintenance
or repair facility for further inspection or re-
pairs.
Warning!
G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself. Re-
moval of any of these labels may cause you
and others to be unaware of certain risks
which may result in an accident and / or per-
sonal injury.

219 Operation
Engine compartment
Checking engine oil level via display
When checking the oil level the vehicle
must

be parked on level ground


be at normal operating temperature


have been stationary for at least five
minutes with the engine turned off
To check the engine oil level via the display
in the speedometer, do the following:

Turn the key in the steering lock to
position2.
1Button
2Display in speedometer

Wait until the display
------
appears in
the speedometer display2.

Within one second press button1
twice.
One of the following messages will
subsequently appear in the display:

OIL i.OThe oil level is correct. Engine oil
does not to be added.


– 1.0 L
Add 1.0 liter of engine oil.


– 1.5 L
Add 1.5 liters of engine oil.


– 2.0 L
Add 2.0 liters of engine oil.
For adding engine oil see (
page 302).
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(
page 300) and (
page 301).Other display messages
If there is excess engine oil with the engine
at normal operating temperature, the
following message will appear in the
display:
OIL HIThe oil level is too high.
Have excess oil siphoned.!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

221 Operation
Engine compartment

If necessary, add engine oil.
For adding engine oil see (
page 221).
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(
page 300) and (
page 301).
See the “Practical hints” section
(
page 253) if the low engine oil level
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes.Adding engine oil
1Oil dipstick
2Filler cap

Unscrew filler cap2 from filler neck.

Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
iThe filling quantity between the upper
and lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
!Only use approved engine oils. For a
listing of approved engine oils, refer to
the Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet in your vehicle literature port-
folio.
In addition, check the oil filler cap for
important information pertaining to the
engine oil needing to meet a specific
Mercedes-Benz specification
(e.g. MB 229.5). If such information is
printed on the oil filler cap, only use an
engine oil from the list of approved en-
gine oils in the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet that meets the
specification indicated on the oil filler
cap. Using engine oils of other specifi-
cation may cause the FSS to incorrect-
ly determine the next service interval
and will result in engine damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.


222 OperationEngine compartment
Screw filler cap2 back on filler neck.
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(
page 300) and (
page 301).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center check the automatic trans-
mission.Coolant
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion / antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.


Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if engine temperature is above
194°F (90°C). Allow engine to cool
down before removing cap. The coolant
reservoir contains hot fluid and is under
pressure.


Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately ½ turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure.


Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.


223 Operation
Engine compartment
1Cap
2COLD LEVEL mark
The coolant level should reach the COLD
LEVEL mark2 in the reservoir.

Using a rag, turn the cap slowly approx-
imately one half turn to the left to re-
lease any excess pressure.

Continue turning the cap to the left and
remove it.

Add coolant as required.

Replace and tighten cap.
More information on coolant can be found
in the “Technical data” section
(
page 304).
Battery
The battery is located in the engine com-
partment.
The battery should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve its rated ser-
vice life. Refer to Service Booklet for bat-
tery maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for
short-distance trips, you will need to have
the battery charge checked more frequent-
ly.When replacing batteries, always use bat-
teries approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center about steps you need to observe.
iIf the engine is already at its regular op-
erating temperature, the coolant may
be approximately 0.6 in (1.5 cm) above
the COLD LEVEL mark.
G
Observe all safety instructions
and precautions when handling
automotive batteries.
A
Risk of explosion
D
Keep flames or sparks away
from battery. Do not smoke.
B
Battery acid is caustic. Do not
allow it to come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with clear
water and seek medical help if
necessary.

225 Operation
Engine compartment
More information can be found in the
“Technical data” section (
page 307).
Warning!
G
Washer solvent / antifreeze is highly flam-
mable. Do not spill washer
solvent / antifreeze on hot engine parts, be-
cause it may ignite and burn. You could be
seriously burned.

289 Technical data
Spare parts service
Warranty coverage
Identification labels
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
Engine
Rims and tires
Electrical system
Main Dimensions
Weights
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Consumer information

290 Technical dataSpare parts service
The “Technical data” section provides the
necessary technical data for your vehicle.
Spare parts service
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers
maintain a stock of genuine
Mercedes-Benz Parts parts required for
maintenance and repair work. In addition,
strategically located parts distribution cen-
ters provide quick and reliable parts ser-
vice.
More than 300 000 different spare parts
for Mercedes-Benz models are available.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz spare parts are
subjected to stringent quality inspections.
Each part has been specifically developed,
manufactured or selected for and adapted
to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, genuine Mercedes-Benz spare
parts should be installed.
!The use of non-genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts and accessories not authorized
by Mercedes-Benz could damage the
vehicle, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty, or
could compromise the vehicle’s dura-
bility or safety.