MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 1997 Complete Repair Manual

94
Hazard warning flasher
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Instruments
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Hazard warning flasher switch
The hazard warning flasher switch is located on top of
the steering column.
The hazard warning flasher can be activated either
manually via the switch located in the dashboard, or it
is activated automatically at the time an airbag is
deployed.
To activate hazard warning flasher, press switch once.
To deactivate, press switch again.
If hazard warning flasher was activated automatically,
press switch twice to deactivate.
Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning
flasher in use, turn key in steering lock to position 2
and activate combination switch for left or right turn
signal in usual manner. Now deactivate the hazard
warning flasher, only the selected turn signal will
operate. Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher must be activated again. Headlamp cleaning system
(with Xenon headlamps)
The switch is located in the instrument panel behind the
steering wheel.
The headlamp washer can be activated with the key in
steering lock position 2.
Briefly press symbol side of switch.

95
Windshield wiper/washer
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Instruments
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Windshield wiper/washer switch
Move stalk briefly up for single wipe without adding
washer fluid (use only when windshield is wet).
Pull stalk toward steering wheel and hold to activate
wiper and washer.
Wiper off Move stalk down for:
Intermittent wiping
(Interval is vehicle speed dependent
1.
Optional rain sensor: One initial wipe, pauses
between wipes are automatically controlled by a
rain sensor monitoring wetness of windshield.)
Notes:
With vehicle at a standstill, a front door open and
the key in steering lock position 2 there will be no
operation of windshield wipers in intermittent
setting.
Optional rain sensor:
Do not leave in intermittent setting when vehicle
is taken to an automatic car wash or when
cleaning the windshield. Wipers will operate in
presence of water spray at windshield, and wipers
may be damaged as a result.
Move stalk up for: Normal wiper speed
Fast wiper speed
1 At speeds of approximately 105 mph (170 km/h) the wiper switches automatically to continuous wiping.

96
Rear window wiper/washer
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Instruments
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Rear window wiper/washer
The rear window wiper / washer switch is located in the
instrument panel. With key in steering lock position 2:
1 Press for interval wiping,
2 Press to switch off,
or
press briefly for approx. 5 seconds wiper operation,
or
press and hold for simultaneous operation of wiper
and washer. After releasing the switch the wiper
operates for additional 5 seconds.
The rear window wiper will also automatically engage if
the windshield wiper is engaged and the gear selector
lever is placed in “R” Reverse.
12

97
Rear window wiper/washer
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Windshield wipers smear
If the windshield wipers smear the windshield, even
during rain, activate the washer system as often as
necessary. The fluid in the washer reservoir should be
mixed in the correct ratio.
Note:
For windshield and headlamp washer fluid mixing ratio
see page 237. Blocked windshield wipers
If the windshield wipers become blocked (for example,
due to snow), switch off the wipers.
For safety reasons before removing ice or snow, remove
key from steering lock. Remove blockage.
Activate windshield wiper / washer switch again (key in
steering lock position 1).

98
Climate control
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Instruments
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Climate control

99
Climate control
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Instruments
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1
Air volume control switch
2 Temperature selector switch
3 Air distribution switch
4 Air recirculation
5 Air conditioning mode
6 Air volume control for center air outlets,
turn wheel up to open.
7 Air volume control for side air outlet,
turn wheel up to open.
8 Center air outlets, adjustable
9 Side air outlets, adjustable
10 Windshield air outlets
11 Floor outlets
The air conditioning mode only operates with the œ
button pushed, the air volume control switch set to
position 1 to 4, and the engine running. To quickly cool down the passenger compartment, turn
temperature selector switch fully to the left to
position O. Turn temperature selector to maintain
desired temperature.
The air conditioning mode removes considerable
moisture from the air during operation in the cooling
mode. It is normal for water to drip on the ground
through ducts in the underbody.
Important!
This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner system
that uses R–134a (HFC: hydrof luorocarbon) as a
refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a
qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected
in a recovery system for recycling.
Note:
For the air flow-through system to function properly, the
air vents, located in the left and right side rear
passenger compartment trim panel covers, should be
ke pt un obst ru cte d .

100
Climate control
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Instruments
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Basic setting - Heater
Select temperature.
Select air volume with control switch Q, set at least
to position 2 to prevent windows from fogging up.
Set air distribution control switch to position shown
above.
Turn wheels (7) to position l to open left and right
side air outlets (9). Adjust air outlets upward.
Open center air outlets as desired. Basic setting - Air Conditioner
Switch on air conditioner with control button œ.
Select temperature.
Select air volume with control switch Q, set at least
to position 1.
Set air distribution control switch to position a.
Open side air outlets.
Open center air outlets.

101
Climate control
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Instruments
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Special setting (use only for short duration)
Defrosting windshield
Set temperature selector and switches for air volume
and air distribution to position P.
Turn wheels (7) to position l to open left and right
side air outlets (9). Adjust air outlets upward.
Close center air outlets. Defogging windows
Windows fogged up on inside.
Switch on air conditioning mode with control œ.
Switch off air recirculation O. Indicator lamp in
button goes out.
Set air distribution control switch to position c.
Increase air volume with control switch.
Turn side air outlet wheels (7) to position l.
Close center air outlets.

102
Climate control
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Instruments
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Windshield fogged up on outside.
Switch on wiper motor.
Set air distribution control switch to position d
or a .
Dust filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out
before outside air enters the passenger compartment
through the air distribution system.
Note:
Keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of
snow and debris.
Climate control – OFF
To switch the climate control off, set air volume control
switch to position 0.
Switch off air conditioning mode œ. Control lamp in
button goes out. Air recirculation
This mode can be selected to temporarily reduce the
entry of annoying odors or dust into the vehicle’s
interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the vehicles’s interior.
To select, press O button. Indicator lamp in button
lights up.
To cancel, press O button again. Indicator lamp in
button goes out.
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch
from recirculated air back to fresh air.

103
Climate control
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Instruments
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Rear window defroster
The switch is located on the center console.
With the engine running, press upper half of the switch.
Indicator lamp in switch comes on.
To cancel, press upper half of the switch again. Indicator
lamp in switch goes out. Notes:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed
before activating the defroster.
The rear window defroster consumes a large amount of
electrical power. To keep the battery drain to a
minimum, turn off the defroster as soon as the window
is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after
approximately 10 to 18 minutes of operation, dependent
on the outside temperature.
If several power consumers are turned on
simultaneously, or the battery is only partially charged,
it is possible that the rear window defroster will
automatically turn itself off. When this happens, the
indicator lamp inside the switch starts blinking for
approximately 30 seconds. If within this time the
battery has sufficient voltage, the rear window defroster
automatically turns itself back on.
After approximately 30 seconds without sufficient
voltage the rear window defroster switches off (indicator
lamp goes out).