Jump starting MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 2006 W163 Owner's Manual

Contents
Replacing bulbs ................................. 443
Bulbs ............................................ 443
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 445
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 450
Adjusting headlamp aim............... 451
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 453
Removing front wiper blades........ 453
Installing front wiper blades ......... 453
Removing rear wiper blade........... 454
Installing rear wiper blade ............ 455
Flat tire .............................................. 456
Preparing the vehicle ................... 456
Mounting the spare wheel............ 457
Battery ............................................... 462
Disconnecting, removing,
reinstalling and
reconnecting the battery.............. 464
Charging the battery .................... 469
Jump starting ..................................... 470
Towing the vehicle ............................. 472
Installing towing eye bolt ............. 474
Stranded vehicle .......................... 476Fuses .................................................. 477
Aids for changing fuses................. 478
Main fuse box ............................... 478
Fuse box in
cargo compartment ...................... 479
Fuse box in
passenger compartment ............... 479
Technical data.................................. 481
Parts service....................................... 482
Warranty coverage ............................. 483
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 483
Identification labels ............................ 484
Layout of poly-V-belt drive .................. 485
ML 350 ......................................... 485
ML 500 ......................................... 485
Engine ................................................ 486
Rims and tires .................................... 487
Rims and tires ............................... 488
Minispare wheel............................ 489Electrical system ................................ 490
Main Dimensions................................ 491
Weights .............................................. 492
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. .......... 493
Capacities ..................................... 493
Engine oils .................................... 495
Engine oil additives ....................... 495
Air conditioning refrigerant ........... 495
Brake fluid .................................... 495
Premium unleaded gasoline.......... 496
Fuel requirements......................... 496
Gasoline additives......................... 497
Coolants ....................................... 497
Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning* system ......... 500
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio............... 500
Technical terms............................... 501Index................................................. 507

51 Getting started
Driving

Press KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button1 once.
The engine starts if the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO is in the vehicle.
For information on turning off the engine
with KEYLESS-GO, see “Turning off with
KEYLESS-GO*” (
page 63).Starting difficulties
If the engine does not start as described,
carry out the following steps:

If you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey, turn SmartKey in starter
switch to position0 and repeat starting
procedure.

If you are starting the engine with
KEYLESS-GO*: Close any doors that
may be open to allow for better
detection of the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*.
Or:

Remove KEYLESS-GO* start/stop but-
ton from starter switch.

Start the engine with the SmartKey as
radio signals from another source may
be interfering with the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*.

Repeat the starting procedure
(page 49). Remember that extended
starting attempts can drain the battery.

Get a jump start (
page 470).
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a mal-
function in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
iIf you wish to start the engine using the
SmartKey instead of the KEYLESS-GO
feature, remove the KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button from starter switch
(page 35).

381 Practical hints
What to do if …
Where will I find ...?
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Opening/closing in an emergency
Replacing SmartKey batteries
Replacing bulbs
Replacing wiper blades
Flat tire
Battery
Jump starting
Towing the vehicle
Fuses

463 Practical hints
Battery
!
The battery is a valve-regulated lead
acid (VRLA) battery, also referred to as
“fleece” battery. Such batteries do not
require topping-up of the electrolyte
level. VRLA batteries therefore do not
have cell caps and the battery cover is
non-removable. Do not attempt to
open the battery as otherwise the bat-
tery will be damaged.
Even though VRLA batteries do not
require topping-up of the electrolyte
level and cannot be opened to check
the electrolyte level, the battery condi-
tion must be checked periodically by
performing a battery conductance test.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for bat-
tery condition testing intervals.
As with any other battery, the battery
may discharge if the vehicle is not
operated for an extended period of
time. You can connect a battery
maintenance charge unit tested and
approved for use on your vehicle model
or disconnect the battery to prevent
battery discharge. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for more information.
!The factory-equipped VRLA battery is
leak-proofed. Only use a battery as re-
placement that has the same security
features and is of identical size,
voltage, and capacity as the
factory-equipped battery.
The battery, the battery ventilation
tube (
page 468) and the vent plug
(
page 468) must always be securely
installed when the vehicle is in opera-
tion.
Warning!
G
Jump starting must only be done using the
jump-start contacts located in the engine
compartment (
page 470).

470 Practical hintsJump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start contacts located
in the engine compartment.


Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans or other
parts that move when the engine is
started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.

471 Practical hints
Jump starting
The jump-start contacts are located in the
engine compartment.
Make sure the two vehicles do not
touch.

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Apply parking brake.

Shift gear selector lever to positionP.1Negative (-) terminal
2Cover of Positive (+) terminal

Open cover2 of the positive terminal
of both vehicles.

Connect positive terminal2 and the
positive terminal of the charged battery
with the jumper cable. Clamp cable to
charged battery first.

Start engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.

Connect negative terminals1 and the
negative terminal of the charged
battery with the jumper cable. Clamp
cable to charged battery first.

Start the engine of the disabled vehi-
cle.
Now you can again turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not turn on the lights under
any circumstances.

Remove the jumper cables first from
the negative terminals on each battery
and then from the positive terminals on
each battery.
Now you can turn on the lights.

Have the battery checked at the near-
est authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Warning!
G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 462).!Never invert the terminal connections!
iThe message
Undervoltage - Switch
off consumers may appear in the
instrument cluster. It will disappear as
soon as the battery is sufficiently
charged.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.

474 Practical hintsTowing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
1Cover on passenger side of front
bumper
1Cover on passenger side of rear
bumper (ML 350)
iThe vehicle cannot be started via
tow-start.iIf the battery is disconnected or dis-
charged, the automatic transmission
will remain locked in positionP and the
SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch. For more information, see “Bat-
tery” (
page 462) and “Jump starting”
(
page 470).
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking
activated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, or KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button (
page 36) in
position2, the vehicle doors lock if the
left front wheel is turning at vehicle
speeds of approximately 9 mph
(15 km/h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(
page 102).
To prevent the vehicle doors from
locking, deactivate the automatic
central locking (
page 125).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed tow-
ing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts.

509 Index
Automatic climate control (3-zone)*
Adjusting air distribution 222
Adjusting air volume 222
Air recirculation mode 223
Defrosting 223
Rear passenger compartment 227
Rear window defroster 200
Residual heat utilization 226
Residual ventilation 226
Setting the temperature 221
Automatic climate control*
3-zone automatic climate
control* 216
Automatic climate control* (3-zone) 216
Automatic headlamp mode 139
Automatic lighting control
Deactivating 146
Automatic locking when driving 125Automatic transmission 49
Accelerator position 190
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 192
Gear ranges 187
Gear selector lever position 184, 185
Gear shifting malfunctions 192
Gearshift pattern for 49
Kickdown 190
Towing a trailer 191
Transmission fluid 332
B
Backrest
Folding forward 261
Backup lamps 444, 451
Bulbs 444
Bar 365, 501
BAS 95, 501
Batteries, SmartKey
Check lamp 109, 115Batteries, vehicle
Messages in display 398, 407
Battery
Key batteries 440
Replacing key batteries 440
Battery discharged
Jump starting 470
Battery, vehicle 462
Charging 469
Dis-/reconnecting 464
Removing/installing 464
Bead 365, 501
Belt reel 267
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 501
Block heater (Canada only) 370
Blocking
Rear door window operation 89
Brake assist system (BAS) 501
Brake fluid 495
Message in display 409
Brake lamp bulbs 444

513 Index
Cup holder 274
Cleaning 379
In front seat armrest 274
In rear center console 274
Reinstalling 275
Removing 275
Curb weight 365
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 501
D
Daytime running lamp mode 140
Setting 167, 168
Deactivating
Air conditioning 211
Air conditioning (cooling) 226
Air recirculation mode 210, 225
Alarm 101
Anti-theft alarm system 101
Automatic climate control*
(3-zone) 220
Central locking (control system) 172
Climate control 206
climate control system 206
Cruise control 240Defrost 209, 223
Engine 62
ESP
®
97
Hazard warning flasher 145
Headlamps 62
Immobilizer 100
Interior lighting delayed
switch-off 170
Rear passenger compartment
ventilation and climate control 228
Rear window defroster 201
Rear window wiper 58
Residual heat 212, 227
Seat heating* 134
Tow-away alarm 102
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging
Windshield 208, 222
Defrosting 208, 223
Delayed switch-off
Interior lighting 170
Department of Transportation see DOT
Dialing
A number (telephone*) 180Difficulties
While driving see Problems
while driving
Digital speedometer 156
Direction of rotation (tires) 338
Discharged battery
Jump starting 470
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 464
Display
Selecting 165
Displays
Digital speedometer 156
Maintenance service indicator 371
Messages 329
Selecting 165
Showing messages 160
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 177
Door control panel 30
Door entry lamps 147
Door handle 30
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 288

518 IndexI
Identification labels 484
Certification label 484
Ignition 34
Switching on 50
Immobilizer 100
Activating 100
Deactivating 100
Important guidelines 335
Infant and child restraint systems 78
Installing 87
LATCH type child seat mounts 88
Information
About service and warranty 10
Button for Tele Aid* 286
Inside rear view mirror
Antiglare 195
Installing
Front wiper blades 453
Infant and child restraint systems 87
Rear wiper blade 455
Vehicle battery 464Installing towing eye bolt
Towing the vehicle 474
Instrument cluster 24, 148, 503
Cleaning 379
Illumination 148
Lamps in 388
Outside temperature indicator 149
Selecting language 164
Instruments and controls see Cockpit
Integrated remote control
Erasing memory 294
Operating 294
Interior lighting 145
Deactivating automatic control 146
Delayed switch-off 170
Manual operation 146
Interior rear view mirror
Adjusting 44
Intermittent wiping 56J
Jack 431
Jump starting 470
K
Key, Mechanical 435
KEYLESS-GO* 503
Closing
Tailgate 123, 124
Closing side windows 234
Closing tilt/sliding sunroof* 234
Loss of SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 116
Starting the engine 50
Turning off engine 63
Unlocking and opening, tailgate 115
Unlocking with 33
Kickdown 190, 503
Kilometers/miles in speedometer 164
Kilopascal 366
Km/h or mph in speedometer 164