parking brake MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 2007 W163 Comand Manual

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 13
Operating your vehicle
outside the USA or Canada ............ 13
Where to find it .................................... 15
Symbols ............................................... 16
Operating safety .................................. 17
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 17
Problems with your vehicle .................. 18
Reporting safety defects...................... 19
Reporting safety defects ................ 19
Vehicle data recording ......................... 20
Information regarding electronic
recording devices ........................... 20
At a glance.......................................... 21
Exterior view ......................................... 22
Cockpit ................................................. 24
Instrument cluster ................................ 26
Instrument cluster ................................ 28
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 30
Center console ..................................... 31
Upper part ...................................... 31
Lower part ...................................... 32
Overhead control panel ........................ 33
Storage compartments ......................... 34
Door control panel................................ 36
Getting started................................... 37
Unlocking ............................................. 38
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 38
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 39
Starter switch positions .................. 39
Adjusting .............................................. 43
Seats .............................................. 43
Steering wheel ................................ 46
Mirrors ............................................ 49
Driving .................................................. 51
Fastening the seat belts ................. 51
Starting the engine ......................... 54
Parking brake ................................. 57
Driving off ....................................... 58
Switching on headlamps ................. 59
Turn signals .................................... 60
Windshield wipers ........................... 60
Rear window wiper/washer ............ 62
Problems while driving.................... 63
Parking and locking .............................. 65
Parking brake ................................. 65
Switching off headlamps................. 66
Turning off the engine..................... 66
Releasing seat belts........................ 67
Locking ........................................... 68

ContentsDriving systems ................................. 245
Cruise control............................... 245
Distronic*..................................... 250
Distance warning function*.......... 263
Downhill Speed Regulation
(DSR) ............................................ 264
Off-road driving program .............. 268
Air suspension package* ............. 269
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* .......................................... 269
Vehicle level control* ................... 270
Parktronic system* ...................... 274
Rear view camera* ....................... 279
Loading .............................................. 281
Carriers* ...................................... 281
Loading instructions ..................... 281
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 283
Hooks ........................................... 284
Expanding cargo compartment .... 284
Cargo compartment cover blind ... 286
Partition net* ............................... 287
Cargo management system*........ 290Useful features .................................. 294
Storage compartments ................ 294
Parcel nets ................................... 297
Cup holders.................................. 298
Ashtrays* ..................................... 300
Cigarette lighter* ......................... 301
Power outlets ............................... 302
Floormats* ................................... 303
Heated steering wheel* ............... 304
Telephone* .................................. 305
Tele Aid* ...................................... 308
Garage door opener* ................... 316
Compass ...................................... 321
Infrared reflecting windshield* ..... 322
Operation......................................... 323
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 324
Driving instructions ........................... 325
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 325
Drinking and driving ..................... 325
Pedals .......................................... 325
Power assistance ......................... 326
Brakes.......................................... 326
Driving off .................................... 329
Parking......................................... 329
Tires ............................................. 329
Hydroplaning................................ 330
Tire traction ................................. 330
Tire speed rating .......................... 331
Winter driving instructions ........... 332
Standing water............................. 333
Off-road driving ............................ 333
Trailer towing ............................... 342
Passenger compartment .............. 348
Driving abroad ............................. 348
Control and operation
of radio transmitters .................... 348
Catalytic converter
(gasoline engine).......................... 349

25 At a glance
Cockpit
Item
Page
1
Cruise control lever
246
2
Instrument cluster
26
3
Multifunction steering
wheel
30
4
Horn
5
Steering wheel gearshift
buttons
194
6
Gear selector lever for
automatic transmission
54
7
Front Parktronic* warning
indicators
276
8
Overhead control panel
33
Item
Page
9
Glove box release
Glove box lock
294
295
a
Glove box
294
b
Center console
31
c
Starter switch
40
d
Steering wheel adjustment,
manual
47
e
Hood lock release
356
f
Parking brake release
57
g
Parking brake pedal
65
h
Power tailgate switch*
119
j
Door control panel
36
Item
Page
k
Headlamp washer switch*
200
l
Exterior lamp switch
59,
136
m
Steering wheel adjustment,
electrical*
Heated steering wheel*
48
304
n
Combination switch

High beam


Turn signals


Windshield wipers


Rear window wiper
140
59
60
60
62

57 Getting started
Driving
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
button from starter switch (
page 41).

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 54). Remember that extended
starting attempts can drain the battery.

Get a jump start (
page 515).
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.
Parking brake
1Parking brake pedal
2Release handle

Release the parking brake by pulling on
release handle2.
The warning lamp; (USA only)
or3(Canada only) in the
instrument cluster goes out.Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Children could release the
parking brake, which could result in an acci-
dent and/or serious injury.

58 Getting startedDrivingDriving off
Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be
used.

Shift automatic transmission toD orR
(page 187).

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter (gaso-
line engine) or the oxidation catalyst (die-
sel engine) to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
i
Wait for the gear selection process to com-
plete before setting the vehicle in motion.
i
Shifting from gear positionP to positionR,
N, orD is only possible with the brake pedal
depressed. Without the brake pedal depressed,
the gear selector lever can be moved, but the
parking pawl remains engaged, not allowing
shifting to occur.
!
If you hear a warning signal and the
message
Release parking brake
appears in
the multifunction display when driving off, you
have forgotten to release the parking brake.
Release the parking brake (
page 57).
i
Once the vehicle is in motion, the automatic
central locking system engages and the locking
knobs drop down.
The automatic door lock feature can be
deactivated (
page 176).
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to do
so.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the automatic trans-
mission out ofP orN if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

65 Getting started
Parking and locking
Parking and locking
You have now completed your first drive.
You have properly stopped and parked
your vehicle. End your drive as follows.
Parking brake
1Parking brake pedal
2Release handle
Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and the
steering system. In this case, it is important
to keep in mind that a considerably higher
degree of effort is necessary to brake and
steer the vehicle.Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, or
damage to the vehicle drivetrain, as a result
of vehicle movement, before turning off the
engine and leaving the vehicle always:

Keep right foot on brake pedal.


Firmly depress parking brake pedal.


Shift the automatic transmission to
positionP.


Slowly release brake pedal.


When parked on an incline, turn front
wheel towards the road curb.


Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch, or press the
start/stop button (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO*).


Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* and lock vehicle when
leaving.
Warning!
G
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in motion can cause the rear wheels to
lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident. In addition, the vehi-
cle’s brake lights do not light up when the
parking brake is engaged. Make sure not to
endanger any other road users when you en-
gage the parking brake.

66 Getting startedParking and locking
Step firmly on parking brake pedal1.
When the engine is running, the
warning lamp; (USA only) or3
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
comes on.
Switching off headlamps
Turn the exterior lamp switch toM
(page 59).
For more information, see “Lighting”
(
page 136).
Turning off the engine
Shift the automatic transmission to
positionP (
page 187).

Apply the parking brake (
page 65).
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Children could release the
parking brake and/or shift the automatic
transmission out of positionP, either of
which could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Warning!
G
Getting out of your vehicle with the
automatic transmission not fully engaged in
positionP is dangerous. Also, when parked
on an incline, positionP alone may not
prevent your vehicle from moving, possibly
hitting people or objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to
shifting to positionP (
page 187).
When parked on an incline, also turn front
wheel towards the road curb.
i
If the engine cannot be turned off as de-
scribed, see “Emergency engine shut-down”
(
page 525).Warning!
G
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the en-
gine not running, there is no power assis-
tance for the brake and steering systems. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that
a considerably higher degree of effort is nec-
essary to brake and steer the vehicle.i
Always set the parking brake in addition to
shifting the automatic transmission to positionP
(
page 187).
When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
towards the road curb.

186 Controls in detailAutomatic transmission
Shifting from P to N
Moving the gear selector lever up or down
shifts the automatic transmission out of
park positionP:
With the vehicle at a standstill, depress
the brake pedal and keep it pressed.

Move gear selector lever up or down to
resistance point to select neutral
positionN.Shifting from N to R or from N to D

With the vehicle at a standstill, depress
the brake pedal and keep it pressed.

Move gear selector lever up past the
resistance point to select reverse
gearR.
or

Move gear selector lever down past the
resistance point to select drive
positionD.

Release the parking brake (
page 57).

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator pedal
to drive off when it is safe to do so.
i
The current transmission positionP, R, N,
orD appears in the multifunction display
(
page 189).Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the automatic trans-
mission out of park positionP or neutral
positionN if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
i
The gear selector lever returns to its original
position.
i
The gear selector lever returns to its original
position.

187 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Shifting from P to R
With the vehicle at a standstill, depress
the brake pedal and keep it pressed.

Move gear selector lever up past the
resistance point to select reverse
gearR.

Release the parking brake (
page 57).

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator pedal
to drive off when it is safe to do so.Shifting from P to D

With the vehicle at a standstill, depress
the brake pedal and keep it pressed.

M o v e g e a r s e l e c t o r l e v e r d o w n p a s t t h e
resistance point to select drive
positionD.

Release the parking brake (
page 57).

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator pedal
to drive off when it is safe to do so.Shifting from D, R, or N to P
If you want to select park positionP with
the transmission being in drive positionD,
reverse gearR or neutral positionN:

With the vehicle at a standstill, depress
the brake pedal and keep it pressed.

Step firmly on parking brake pedal
(page 65).

Press button on gear selector lever in
direction of arrow (
page 185) to
select park positionP.

Release the brake pedal.
i
The gear selector lever returns to its original
position.
i
The gear selector lever returns to its original
position.
!
Shift the automatic transmission directly
from drive positionD to reverse gearR, from
reverse gearR to drive positionD or directly to
park positionP only when the vehicle is stopped.
Otherwise the automatic transmission could be
damaged.
When trying to free a vehicle stuck in mud or
snow, see “Rocking the vehicle” (
page 192).

188 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionShifting from D or R to N
If you want to select neutral positionN
with the transmission being in drive
positionD or reverse gearR:
With the vehicle at a standstill, depress
the brake pedal and keep it pressed.

Step firmly on parking brake pedal
(page 65).

Move gear selector lever up to resis-
tance point when in drive positionD or
down to resistance point when in
reverse gearR to select neutral
positionN.

Release the brake pedal.
Shifting procedure
The automatic transmission selects indi-
vidual gears automatically, depending on:

drive positionD (
page 189) with gear
ranges (
page 193)


the selected program mode (M/C/S)
(ML 63 AMG only) (
page 195)


the position of the accelerator pedal
(page 191)


the vehicle speedWith drive positionD selected, you can use
the steering wheel gearshift control
buttons (
page 194) to influence trans-
mission shifting by:


limiting the gear range


changing gears manually
i
When the vehicle needs to be moved with
the engine switched off and the transmission set
to neutral positionN (
page 186), e.g. in an
automatic car wash, do not depress the parking
brake pedal.
!
Allow engine to warm up under low load use.
Do not place full load on the engine until the
operating temperature has been reached.
Shift into reverse gearR or park positionP only
when the vehicle is stopped.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended
period when driving off on slippery road
surfaces. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.