eco mode MERCEDES-BENZ ML430 1997 Complete Workshop Manual

179
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Tire speed rating
ML 320 and ML 430:
Your vehicle is factory equipped with “H”-rated tires,
which have a speed rating of 130 mph (210 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from
exceeding the tire speed rating.
ML 55 AMG:
Your vehicle is factory equipped with “W”-rated tires,
which have a speed rating of 168 mph (270 km / h).
Despite the tire rating, local speed limits should be
obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to
prevailing conditions. Snow chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center will be glad to advise you on this
subject.
Snow chains should be used on all four wheels. With
only two chains available, they should be mounted on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s mounting
instructions.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow covered
roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km / h).
Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on
roads without snow.
When driving with snow chains, press the ESP control
switch to OFF, refer to page 207.
Model ML 55 AMG
Use of snow chains is not permissible with tire size
285 / 50 R 18.
Wa r n i n g !
Even when permitted by law, never operate a
vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed
rating of the tires.Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are
rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in personal injury
and possible death.

180
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to
drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking
and steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move
selector lever to position “N”. Try to keep the vehicle
under control by corrective steering action.
Caution!
Do not use LOW RANGE mode when driving on ice or
packed snow. At speeds below 18 mph (30 km / h)
vehicle steering is adversely affected by the LOW
RANGE ABS.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking
efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary
to produce the normal brake effect. We therefore
recommend depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can
bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to
normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this be done
without endangering other drivers on the road. If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated
roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.
Wa r n i n g !
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure
that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around the vehicle with engine running.
Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a
window slightly on the side of the vehicle not
facing the wind.

183
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Off-Road driving
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle characteristics and
gear changing before you attempt any difficult terrain
off-road driving. We recommend that you start out with
easy off-road travel.
Please read this chapter carefully before you begin
off-road travel.
Special driving features are available for specific kinds
of operation:
• LOW RANGE mode, see page 209
• LOW RANGE - ABS, see page 202
• LOW RANGE - 4-ETS+, see page 204
• LOW RANGE - ESP, see page 208
Engage the LOW RANGE mode before driving under
off-road conditions. For switching LOW RANGE mode on
and off see page 209.
Fasten items being carried as securely as possible, see
page 136.
We recommend to keep doors, liftgate, windows, and
roof closed whenever driving in off-road mode. Important!
Adjust vehicle speed to condition of terrain. The more
uneven, rutty and steeper the terrain, the lower the
speed should be.
Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree-stumps, ruts.
Be especially careful when driving in unknown
territory. Eventually get out of the vehicle and scout the
path you intend to take.
Continuous and speedy driving in sandy soil overcomes
the vehicle rolling resistance, and helps to prevent the
vehicle from sinking into the ground.
Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle. It interrupts the
forward momentum of the vehicle.
Sand, dirt, mud and other material having friction
property, can cause exceptional wear and tear as well as
failure of the brakes.
In this case the brakes may be less effective or even fail
when you most need them. Always clean and check the
brakes following each off-road trip.

185
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Driving on embankments, slopes and other steep
inclines should only be done straight up or downhill, i.e.
in the line of gravity.
Do not drive along the side of a slope (danger of vehicle
rollover). If in doing so, the vehicle begins to show a
tendency to roll, immediately steer into a line of gravity
(straight up or downhill).
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never turn it
around on steep inclines. If the vehicle cannot complete
the attempted climb, back it down in reverse gear.
Utilize the engine’s braking power when descending a
slope, observe the engine speed (do not overrev the
engine). Apply the service brake as needed.
Check the brakes after a lengthy downgrade drive.
Notes:
Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive with moderate
engine speeds (max. 3000 RPM).
Select gear range “2” or “1” on the automatic
transmission, see page 165. Traction in steep terrain:
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for continuous
wheel traction when driving in steep terrain.
The 4-ETS+ helps greatly when starting out on a steep
incline. The front wheels have then the tendency to slip
due to the weight reduction over the front axle. The ETS
recognizes the situation and limits the torque for the
front wheels by braking them. Simultaneously the
torque for the rear wheels is increased.
See page 203 for four wheel electronic traction system
(4-ETS+).
Driving across a hilltop:
To prevent the vehicle from speeding up too much after
climbing a hill, decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not
select gear range “N”). Use the momentum of the
vehicle to drive across the hilltop. Driving in this
manner prevents the vehicle from jumping across the
hilltop and thus loosing its forward momentum.

189
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Returning from off-road driving
Off-road driving increases strain on the vehicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehicle for possible
damage after each off-road trip. Recognizing any
damage and a subsequent timely repair reduces the
chance of a possible breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:
• Switch off the LOW RANGE mode, see page 209.
• Remove excessive dirt from tires, wheels, wheel
housings, and underbody. For instance, after driving
in mud, clean the radiator, chassis, engine, brakes,
and wheels from extreme dirt, using a strong jet of
water.
• Inspect frame, oil pan, brake hoses, etc., as well as
vehicle underbody for possible damage.
• Check tires for possible damage, clean all exterior
lamps, and conduct a brake test. •
Check for brush or branches caught in the
undercarriage. They could increase the possibility of
a fire, as well as cut fuel and / or brake lines,
puncture rubber bellows of the axles or drive shafts.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride
disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to
your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the
hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the roadway.Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible
damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have
it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center or tire dealer for repairs.

204
Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
electronic traction system is only achieved with
Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S rated radial-ply tires
and / or snow chains.
LOW RANGE – 4-ETS+
During off-road driving a special low range system for
the four wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS+) is
operational with transmission in LOW RANGE mode,
see page 211.
If one or more tires lose traction while driving downhill
(accelerator released), the 4-ETS+ engages and the
warning lamp v, located in the speedometer dial,
starts to f lash. Electronic brake proportioning (EBP)
The EBP enhances braking effectiveness by allowing the
rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking
effort without a loss of vehicle stability.
If a warning tone sounds for five seconds and the
symbols É and - are displayed in the instrument
cluster, the system has detected a malfunction and is
switched off. Have the system checked immediately at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Failure to do so could result in an accident, since the
enhanced braking effect is not available when the
system is switched off.
Note:
When the EBP is switched off, every time the engine is
started, a warning tone will sound for five seconds and
the symbols É and - will light up. In addition,
whenever the brakes are applied at speeds exceeding
25 mph (40 km / h), the warning tone sounds for five
seconds.

240
Tires, Wheels
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
Wheels
Replace rims or tires with the same designation,
manufacturer and type as shown on the original part.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
for further information.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
for information on tested and recommended rims and
tires for summer and winter operation. They can also
offer advice concerning tire service and purchase. Tire replacement
Front and rear tires should be replaced in sets.
Furthermore – in the event of tire replacement – the
optional regular size spare wheel should be used on the
rear axle. Rims and tires must be of the correct size and
type. For dimensions, see technical data on page 288.
We recommend that you break in new tires for
approximately 60 miles (100 km) at moderate speed.
It is imperative that the wheel mounting bolts be
fastened to a tightening torq ue of 110 ft.lb. (150 Nm)
whenever wheels are mounted.
For rim and tire specifications, refer to technical data on
page 288.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not mix different tire construction types (i.e.
radial, bias, bias-belted) on your vehicle because
handling may be adversely affected and may result
in loss of control.
Wa r n i n g !
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread
is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained
damage, replace them.When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result in
the bolts loosening and possibly an accident.

292
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. – capacities
Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match. Therefore use only brands tested and recommended
by us. Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. Model Capacity
Engine with oil filter
(recommended engine oils) ML 320 / ML 430
ML 55 AMG 8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
Automatic transmission
(automatic transmission fluid) 9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
Transfer case
(Dexron 3 or Dexron 2E) 1. 6 U S q t (1. 5 l )
Rear axle
(Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90) 1.3 US qt (1.25 l)
Front axle
(Hypoid gear oil SAE 90) 1. 2 U S q t (1. 1 l )
Power steering
(MB Power steering fluid) approx. 0.65 US qt (0.6 l)
Front wheel hubs
(high temperature roller bearing grease) approx. 1.5 oz (43 g) each

2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
All models are equipped with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The main components of SRS are driver-
side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, side impact air bag modules (located in doors), SRS control
module, side air bag sensors, SRS warning light, driver-side knee bolster, passenger-side knee bolster and seat
belt pretensioners or Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) seat belt assembly. Additionally, some vehicles
may be equipped with head impact (curtain type) air bags.
Both SRS and ETR are electronically activated by a single control module. There are 2 thresholds which must
be exceeded to trigger an ETR action, air bag deployment, or both. If a moderately severe frontal collision
occurs exceeding first triggering threshold where protection from seat belt is sufficient, only Emergency
Tensioning Retractor (ETR) is activated if seat belt is buckled. If a moderately severe frontal collision occurs
exceeding first triggering threshold where protection from seat belt is sufficient, but seat belt is not buckled, air
bag is deployed and ETR is not activated.
If a severe frontal collision occurs exceeding second triggering threshold where protection from seat belt is
insufficient, air bag is deployed. ETR is activated if seat belt is buckled. If seat belt is not buckled, ETR is not
activated when second triggering threshold is reached. Passenger air bag will deploy even if passenger seat is
not occupied when a triggering threshold is exceeded. During certain types of collisions, the air bags will be
deploy, but ETRs will not be activated.
The side air bag on the driver-side deploys whenever the driver-side air bag module is deployed and when there
is a substantial side impact crash. The air bag on the passenger-side will activate only when a sensor (Occupied
Seat Recognition Sensor) in the passenger seat sends a signal to the SRS control module that the passenger-side
seat is occupied. Side air bags mounted in rear doors will deploy when side impacts occur that exceed preset
parameters.
Head impact air bag modules will deploy when certain side impacts occur that exceed preset parameters. Head
impact air bag will deploy independently of other air bags on side of impact.
COMPONENT LOCATIONS
COMPONENT LOCATIONS WARNING:Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result.
Read and follow all WARNINGS and AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

before working on air bag system or related components.
ComponentLocation
AIR BAG warning lightInstrument Panel Cluster
ClockspringUnder steering wheel
Driver-side air bag moduleOn steering wheel
Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR)Driver-side & passenger-side lower B- & C-pillars(1)

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320
2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320
2003 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:32:07 PMPage 1 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
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Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:32:10 PMPage 1 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

9
Product information

Introduction
Product information
Please observe the following in your own
best interest:
We recommend using genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts as well as conversion
parts and accessories explicitly approved
by us for your vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine
their reliability, safety and special
suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be
held responsible for them, even if in indi-
vidual cases an official approval or authori-
zation by governmental or other agencies
should exist. Use of such parts and acces-
sories could adversely affect the safety,
performance or reliability of your vehicle.
Please do not use them.Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories
approved by us are available at your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
where you will receive comprehensive in-
formation, also on permissible technical
modifications, and where proper installa-
tion will be performed.