ignition MERCEDES-BENZ ML450 HYBRID 2010 W164 Owner's Manual

Safety notes
Warning labels
G
Warning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself. Removing
warning labels may cause you and others to
be unaware of certain risks which may result
in an accident and/or personal injury.
Danger of electric shock The components of the HYBRID system are
indicated by yellow warning labels to make
you aware of high voltage. High-voltage
cables are orange-colored.
G
Warning!
The HYBRID system is energized by high
voltage.
You could be seriously or even fatally injured
when you
R tamper with components or high-voltage
cables of the HYBRID system
R touch components or high-voltage cables
of the HYBRID system after the vehicle has
been involved in an accident
R touch damaged components of the HYBRID
system
Do not remove covers of components of the
HYBRID system that carry the yellow warning label. Do not tamper with any components or
with the orange high-voltage cables of the
HYBRID system.
Engine compartment
Before opening the hood do the following:
X Engage the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Switch off the ignition.
The READY indicator (Y page 16) in the
instrument cluster goes out.
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch or remove the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle.
X Observe the safety notes on the danger of
electric shock in this manual.
X Observe the safety notes regarding the
hood in the Operator’s Manual. Automatic HYBRID system switch-off
The HYBRID system switches off
automatically if
R the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
activates the restraint systems in an
accident
R a short circuit in the HYBRID system is
detected
R a plug connection of the HYBRID system is
disconnected
These measures help to prevent you from
coming into contact with high voltage. High-voltage battery
G
Warning!
The high-voltage battery of the HYBRID
system is located under the cargo
compartment. When the pressure inside the
high-voltage battery exceeds a certain value, 8
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for example in case of a vehicle fire,
inflammable gas will escape via a duct. The
inflammable gas escapes to an area
underneath
the vehicles cargo compartment.
This prevents the high-voltage battery from
exploding.
Stay away from this area of the vehicle. Driving safety systems
ABS (Antilock Brake System)
Braking When the ABS engages during braking, the
ABS/ESP
®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster

(Y page 13) flashes. The
brake pedal will pulsate only in certain
situations, for example on a slippery road.
i For more information on the ABS, refer to
the Operator's Manual. RBS (Recuperative Brake System)
The RBS controls braking by blending the
vehicles friction brakes with the hybrid
transmissions recuperative energy function.
The RBS system must perform a self-test
when the ignition is switched on.
X Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Apply the brake pedal fully and release it.
The self-test of the RBS is completed.
During the self-test of the RBS, less brake
pedal
pressure than usual is required and the
brake pedal travel is longer. When you release
the brake pedal, the brake pedal travel is as
usual again.
For more information on the RBS, see
(Y page 11). G
Warning!
If the RBS malfunctions, the yellow RBS
warning lamp é and/or the red brake warning lamp
$ (USA only) or J
(Canada
only) in the instrument cluster comes
on. Read and observe the messages in the
multifunction display that may appear. Find
the subentry “Malfunction” of the entry “RBS
(Recuperative Brake System)” in the index of
this manual and follow the steps described in
that section. G
Warning!
If the RBS malfunctions, less brake pedal
pressure than usual may be required and the
brake pedal travel may be longer. The brake
system still functions with full effectiveness.
If required, you have to depress the brake
pedal further. Adapt your speed and driving
accordingly. G
Warning!
Have work on the RBS, e.g. brake pad
replacement, carried out by qualified
technicians only.
When working on the RBS, certain
precautions

must be taken, e.g. when putting
the brake system back into service.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Service conducted by qualified
technicians is required particularly for safety-
relevant work and work on safety-relevant
systems such as the RBS.
i For more information on the braking
system and for driving instructions, refer to
the Operator’s Manual. BAS (Brake Assist System)
If you apply the brakes very quickly, the RBS
provides full brake boost as fast as possible.
In doing so, less brake pedal pressure than
usual

is required and the brake pedal travel is
longer.
X Apply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking. Safety and security
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Introduction
The HYBRID technology combines an
economical combustion engine with a
powerful hybrid transmission. The HYBRID
system selects the most efficient operating
mode
for each driving situation automatically.
You can drive the vehicle in the usual manner.
The HYBRID system turns the combustion
engine off as often as possible in order to save
fuel.
Depending on various conditions such as the
charging level of the high-voltage battery or
the operating temperature, the vehicle can
run on electrical energy alone. These
conditions as well as the degree to which the
driver accelerates determine the vehicle
speed and range that can be achieved for all-
electrical driving. G
Warning!
When the READY indicator in the instrument
cluster is on while the combustion engine is
off, the combustion engine has been turned
off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue

to be active as long as the ignition is
switched on. When you open the driver’s door
and unbuckle the seat belt with the READY
indicator on, while the automatic
transmission is in position N or P, the
combustion engine starts automatically.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle:
R Engage the parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Switch off the ignition. The READY indicator
goes out. Driving off and accelerating consumes the
most energy. Thus, the hybrid transmission
supports the combustion engine with the
energy

stored in the high-voltage battery. The
energy is also used for electrical driving, for
operation of the electric compressor of the
cooling system and to support the 12-volt on-
board power supply. The hybrid drive thereby
contributes significantly to the fuel economy
of your vehicle.
For information on driving with HYBRID, see
(Y page 16).
The current operating mode of the HYBRID
system can be displayed in the instrument
cluster (Y page 13) and in the COMAND
display ( Y page 13).
The COMAND can also display a chart of the
fuel consumption and the electric power that
has been generated ( Y page 15). RBS (Recuperative Brake System)
With
the RBS activated (Y page 9), the hybrid
transmission functions as a generator when
coasting and braking. HYBRID converts the
energy of movement into electric power and
stores it in the high-voltage battery. The high-
voltage battery does not require additional
charging by other means. Controls in detail
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1
Fuel consumption
; Average fuel consumption From Start as
shown in the multifunction display of the
instrument cluster in the Trip computer
menu.
= Generated electric power
Each bar in the chart represents the average
value for 1 minute.
Resetting values The values are reset together when resetting
the trip computer in the
From Start
submenu. Refer to the Operator’s Manual. Driving and parking
Safety notes
G
Warning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired, may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured. G
Warning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement. Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between or
under the pedals. You could then no longer
brake or accelerate. This could lead to
accidents and injury.
Starting the engine
:
READY indicator
X Switch on the ignition.
X Apply the brake pedal fully and release it.
The self-test of the RBS is completed. For
more information on the RBS, see
(Y page 9).
X Observe the notes on “Starting the engine”
in the Operator’s Manual and start the
combustion engine.
Silent-Start mode
The combustion engine may not start each
time you start the vehicle with the SmartKey
or with KEYLESS-GO.
Depending on various conditions such as the
charging level of the high-voltage battery, you
may drive off with electrical energy alone. The
vehicle is then in Silent-Start mode. The
READY indicator : will then indicate that the
HYBRID systems are operational. 16
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G
Warning!
When the READY indicator in the instrument
cluster is on while the combustion engine is
off, the combustion engine has been turned
off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue
to be active as long as the ignition is
switched on. When you open the driver’s door
and unbuckle the seat belt with the READY
indicator on, while the automatic
transmission is in position N or P, the
combustion engine starts automatically.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle:
R Engage the parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Switch off the ignition. The READY indicator
goes out.
The combustion engine turns off
automatically when the system determines
that it is not needed. The combustion engine
does not turn off automatically when
R the operation strategy requires that the
combustion engine is running
R the self-diagnosis of the combustion
engine management is still running
R the combustion engine is running below or
above the operating temperature
R the catalytic converter is running below the
operating temperature
R the vehicle is being driven up an extremely
steep incline
R the hybrid components are below or above
their operating temperature
R the accelerator pedal is being depressed to
hard
R the vehicle speed is above 34 mph
(55 km/h)
R the automatic transmission is
malfunctioning R
the hood is open
R the high-voltage battery is not charged
sufficiently Driving off
G
Warning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired,

may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured.
Depress the brake pedal and shift the
automatic transmission into drive position D
or reverse gear R. If the message Depress
brake to shift out of P. appears in the
multifunction display:
X Depress the brake pedal with somewhat
greater force and select the desired
transmission position.
i Read and observe messages that may
appear in the multifunction display
(Y page 24).
For

more information on driving off, refer to
the Operator’s Manual. Driving
Driving tips R
Think ahead and keep sufficient distance.
R Avoid frequent and rapid acceleration as
well as abrupt braking. Controls in detail
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R
The hybrid transmission supports the
combustion engine when driving off and
when accelerating.
R The hybrid transmission functions as a
generator when coasting the vehicle with
the automatic transmission in drive
position D and during braking.
i For additional general driving
instructions, refer to the Operator’s
Manual. Parking
G
Warning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired, may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured. G
Warning!
When the READY indicator in the instrument
cluster is on while the combustion engine is
off, the combustion engine has been turned
off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue to be active as long as the ignition is
switched on. When you open the driver’s door
and unbuckle the seat belt with the READY
indicator on, while the automatic
transmission is in position N or P, the
combustion engine starts automatically.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle: R
Engage the parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Switch off the ignition. The READY indicator
goes out.
X Engage the parking brake.
The parking brake indicator lamp $
(USA only) or ! (Canada only) in the
instrument cluster comes on.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Switch off the ignition.
The READY indicator goes out.
i For more information on parking and on
turning off the combustion engine, refer to
the Operator’s Manual. Automatic transmission
Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch
E Economy For fuel-efficient
operation
S Sport For sporty driving18
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Refueling
G
Warning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health. G
Warning!
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gas to
spray back out when removing the fuel pump
nozzle, which could cause personal injury.
! Never refuel vehicles with gasoline engine
with diesel fuel. Even small amounts of
diesel fuel will damage the fuel system and
engine. Damage resulting from the use of
non-approved fuels or fuel additives or
resulting from mixing gasoline with diesel
fuel is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! If you have accidentally filled the tank
with incorrect or non-approved fuel, do not
switch on the ignition. Otherwise the
incorrect or non-approved fuel will get into
the fuel lines. The fuel system must be
drained completely. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to have the fuel
system drained completely.
! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it to
overheat and potentially start a fire.
i Only use premium unleaded gasoline with
a minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91
(average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump. Please
contact gas station personnel in case
labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see
Operator's Manual, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, or visit
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
X Bring the vehicle to a standstill.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Switch off the ignition.
The READY indicator (Y page 16) in the
instrument cluster goes out.
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch or remove the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle.
i Before refueling your vehicle its fuel tank
system needs to be depressurized. X
Press fuel filler flap switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on as the fuel filler
flap is unlocked. 20
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Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
For further information contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes on checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level the vehicle must
be parked on level ground and the vehicle
must have been stationary for at least
5 minutes with the combustion engine turned
off. Checking engine oil level
Before opening the hood do the following:
X Engage the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Switch off the ignition.
The READY indicator (Y page 16) in the
instrument cluster goes out.
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch or remove the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle.
X Observe the safety notes on the danger of
electric shock in this manual.
X Open the hood, see Operator's Manual. X
Remove cover : by pulling it in direction
of arrow. X
Pull out oil dipstick ;.
X Wipe oil dipstick ; clean.
X Fully insert oil dipstick ; into the dipstick
guide tube.
X Pull out oil dipstick ; again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is between
lower (min) mark ? and upper (max) mark
= of oil dipstick ;.
i The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 22).
X Install cover :.
For more information on engine oil, see
Operator's Manual. Adding engine oil 22
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Symbol messages
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutionsc Charging
Hybrid
Battery
Please
Wait The high-voltage battery is discharged. You have switched on
the
ignition while the 12-volt battery was being charged with
an approved charge unit or while jump starting the vehicle.
The high-voltage battery is being charged via the voltage
transformer automatically. Depending on the state of the
high-voltage battery's discharge, the charging procedure may
take up to 60 minutes. The message Engine Can Now Be
Started appears in the multifunction display, after the
system became adequately charged to start the combustion
engine (Y page 25).
If the display message Engine Can Now Be Started does
not appear after about an hour:
X Try to start the combustion engine.
X If the combustion engine cannot be started: Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. d Malfunctio
n The HYBRID system is malfunctioning.
X
Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. d Stop car,
switch
engine
off. The HYBRID system is malfunctioning. In addition an acoustic
warning sounds.
X
Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition.
X Wait at least 60 seconds for the system to complete the
necessary check cycles before you start the combustion
engine again.
X If the combustion engine cannot be started again contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. c Malfunctio
n The high-voltage system is malfunctioning. In addition an
acoustic warning sounds.
X
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. 26
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Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsThe warning and
indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster fail
to come on when
switching on the
ignition. The 12-volt battery and/or the high-voltage battery are
discharged.
X
Charge the 12-volt battery (Y page 32).
or
X Get a jump start (Y page 33).
or
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Combustion engine
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsThe combustion engine
cannot be started. The
warning and indicator
lamps
in the instrument
cluster come on when
switching the ignition. The high-voltage battery is discharged.
The discharged high-voltage battery is being charged with the
ignition switched on while the vehicle is being jump started
(Y page 33).
X
Read and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display

(Y page 24). The combustion engine
cannot be started. The
multifunction display
does not display any
messages. The self-diagnosis has not been completed yet or the HYBRID
system is malfunctioning.
X
Switch off the ignition and switch it back on.
X Try to start the combustion engine once more.
X If the combustion engine cannot be started: Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. RBS (Recuperative Brake System)
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsLess brake pedal
pressure is required
and the brake pedal
travel is longer than
usual.
X
Apply the brake pedal fully and release it.
The required brake pedal pressure and the brake pedal travel
are back to normal. The RBS is malfunctioning.
Risk of accident!
X
Read and observe the messages in the multifunction display
(Y

page 24) and the notes on warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster (Y page 29). 30
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