MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 1997 Complete Repair Manual

271 Remote control
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data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Synchronizing remote control
If the remote control does not function correctly and the
batteries are in order, the system may have to be
resynchronized.
Turn key in steering lock to position 2, then to
position 0 and remove.
Within 10 seconds, push and hold button‹ while
pushing buttonΠfive times.
Release the button, and press‹, Œ orŠ once.
Check all functions. The remote control should once
again be operational.
Note:
If it is not possible to resynchronize the remote control,
have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-
Benz Light Truck Center.Important!
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment if disposed of improperly. Recycling of
batteries is the preferred method of disposal. For
disposal, please follow manufacturer’s recommendation
on battery package.
Replacement Battery:
Lithium, type CR 2025 or equivalent.

272 Emergency operation of sliding/pop-up roof
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Emergency operation of sliding/pop-up roof
The sliding / pop-up roof can be opened or closed
manually should an electrical malfunction occur.
The sliding / pop-up roof drive is located behind the
cover between the front interior lamps.
1. Open cover by using a f lat blade screw driver at top
edge.
2. Obtain crank (supplied with vehicle) and insert in
hexagon drive hole, located at rear end of the open
cover.Note:
Push crank upward while turning it, to disengage the
electric motor.
To slide the roof closed or to raise the roof at the rear:
turn crank clockwise.
To slide the roof open or to lower the roof at the rear:
turn crank counterclockwise.
Important!
After manually operating the sliding / pop-up roof, a
timing synchronization is needed for future electrical
operation of the roof. To do so, remove fuse for sliding/
pop-up roof operation, located in fuse box, for one
second and reinstall. Now push and hold switch until
the sliding / pop-up roof is fully raised. Continue to hold
switch for another second.
RESETMODEMODE

273 Emergency operation of Skyview Top
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Emergency operation of Skyview Top
The Skyview Top can be opened or closed manually
should an electrical malfunction occur.
The drive for the Skyview Top is located behind a
cover (1) in the rear compartment headliner.
Remove cover to gain access to the drive motors.
Obtain crank (3) (located at left side motor).
Remove plug (2) from holder, located next to the motors,
and insert into left side drive motor to declutch the
motor.Insert crank (3) into right side motor.
Note:
Push crank upward while turning it, to disengage the
electric motor.
To close the Skyview Top: turn crank clockwise.
To open the Skyview Top: turn crank counterclockwise.

274 Manual release for fuel filler flap
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data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Important!
After manually operating the Skyview Top, a timing
synchronization is needed for future electrical operation
o f the Sk yv iew To p. To do s o, tur n key i n stee ri n g lock to
position 2. Now push and hold switch until the Skyview
Top is fully closed. Continue to hold switch for
additional 15 seconds.Manual release for fuel filler flap
The manual release is located behind the cover in the
left rear compartment trim panel.
In case the central locking system does not release the
fuel filler flap, pull up on the lock rod (arrow).
ML 55 AMG:
First remove the space-saver tire from its holder, see
page 242.

275 Replacing wiper blades
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Replacing wiper blades
For safety reasons, remove key from steering lock before
replacing the wiper blade, otherwise the motor can
suddenly turn on and cause injury.
Notes:
Do not open engine hood with wiper arm folded forward.
Do not allow the wiper arm to contact the windshield
glass without a wiper blade inserted. The glass may be
scratched or broken.
Make certain that the wiper blade is properly installed.
An improperly installed wiper blade may cause
windshield damage.
The wiper with air spoiler should be mounted on the
driver’s side.Replacing windshield/rear window wiper blade
Removal:
Fold wiper arm (1) forward (windshield) / rearward (rear
window) and turn wiper blade (2) at a right angle to the
arm. Push safety tab (3) of attachment link (4) and slide
the wiper blade from the end of the wiper arm. Remove
the wiper blade.
Installation:
Slide wiper blade into end of wiper arm until it locks in
place.
P82.30-0338-26
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276 Roof rack
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Roof rack
Use only those roof racks approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Follow manufacturer’s installation instructions. They
mount to the roof rails and do not require additional
supports (e.g. suction cups or legs). Such supports may
lead to marring of the paint or denting the roof. For
further information inquire at your Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Take into consideration that when the roof rack is
loaded, the handling characteristics are different from
those when operating the vehicles without the roof rack
loaded.

277 Contents - Vehicle care
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Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................278
Power washer ..............................279
Tar stains .....................................279
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................279
Engine cleaning ..........................280
Vehicle washing .........................280
Ornamental moldings ................280
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................280Window cleaning ....................... 281
Wiper blades .............................. 281
Light alloy wheels ..................... 281
Instrument cluster ..................... 281
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 281
Cup holder .................................. 282
Seat belts ..................................... 282
Headliner .................................... 282
Upholstery .................................. 282
Hard plastic trim items ............. 282
Plastic and rubber parts ........... 282

278 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
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Cleaning and care of the vehicle
In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying
external inf luences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and
cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying
climatic conditions, but also by air polution, road salt,
tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, bird droppings, insects, tree resins
etc. should be removed immediately to avoid paint
damage. Frequent washing reduces and / or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse
influences.More frequent washings are necessary to deal with
unfavorable conditions; for example, near the ocean, in
industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or during
winter operation.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for
stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should be
repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of
corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of the vehicle.
A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Damaged
areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-
base ru stproof ing in th e body cavities w hich will la st for
the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz
because of the possibility of incompatibility between
materials used in the production process and others
applied later.
We have selected car-care products and compiled
recommendations which are specially matched to our
vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Wa r n i n g !
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow
the instructions on the particular container.
Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows when
cleaning the inside.Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed
for cleaning your vehicle.

279 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
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cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed
or repaired with the car-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your vehicle and give important “how-to” information as
well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.
Additional information can be found in the booklet titled
“Vehicle Care Guide”.
Power washer
When using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturers’ operating instructions.
Caution!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface.
Do not aim directly at electrical parts, electrical
connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.Ta r st a in s
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become
more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied
when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”,
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and
washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be
applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).

280 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
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Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to
protect electrical components and connectors from the
intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax
should be applied to the engine compartment after
every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any
wax.
Ve h i c l e w a s h i n g
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of
water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a
chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.Due to the width of the vehicle, prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash, fold back the
outside mirrors to prevent them from getting damaged.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt
as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the
inner sides of the wheels.
Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-
plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the lenses.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
sponge.