MERCEDES-BENZ ML550 2010 W164 Owner's Manual

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
!
d
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving. In addition, the
yellow ABS malfunction
indicator lamp, and the
yellow ESP ®
warning
lamp come on and an
acoustic warning
sounds.The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) switched off due to a
malfunction.
The ABS, the BAS, the ESP ®
and PRE-SAFE ®
are also switched off.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving and an acoustic
warning sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running
and an acoustic
warning sounds.There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 272).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp
illuminated can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and
the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.What to do if …299Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 299Z

Safety systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine.The seat belt telltale reminds you and your passengers to fasten
your seat belts before driving off.XFasten your seat belts.
Regardless of whether the seat belts are fastened or not, the seat
belt telltale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds after
starting the engine.
7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on. In addition
you hear a
warning chime
for a maximum
of 6 seconds
after starting the
engine.You have forgotten to fasten your seat belt.XFasten your seat belt.
The warning chime stops sounding.7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on while the
vehicle is
standing still
and the engine is
running or while
driving.You and/or your front passenger have forgotten to fasten your
seat belts.XFasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out.There are items placed on the front passenger seat and therefore
the system senses the front passenger seat as being occupied.XRemove the items from the front passenger seat and put them
in a safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out.7The red seat belt
telltale flashes
while driving. In
addition, an
intermittent
warning chime
sounds with
increasing
intensity.The vehicle’s speed once exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) and you
and/or your front passenger have forgotten to fasten your seat
belts.XFasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding.There are items placed on the front passenger seat and therefore
the system senses the front passenger seat as being occupied.XRemove the items from the front passenger seat and put them
in a safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding.300What to do if …Practical hints
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iAfter 60 seconds with an unfastened seat belt the warning chime stops sounding and the
seat belt telltale illuminates continuously. The seat belt telltale will only go out if both, the
driver and front passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front
door is opened.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+The red SRS
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving.There is a malfunction in the restraint systems. The air bags or
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly
or fail to activate in an accident.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not
be operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it
might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily
which could also result in injury.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsdThe yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESP ®
is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESP ®
back on.
Exceptions: ( Y page 64).XIf leaving the ESP ®
switched off, adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESP ®
cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.dThe yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
is not operational due to a malfunction.
Risk of accident!XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.What to do if …301Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 301Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsdThe yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.The ESP ®
or the ETS/4-ETS has come into operation because of
detected traction loss in at least one tire.
The cruise control is deactivated.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not deactivate the ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 64).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
At least one wheel is spinning and the Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) has switched off to prevent overheating of the drive
wheel brakes.XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.
As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) switches on again.
The message in the multifunction display disappears and the
ESP ®
warning lamp d goes out.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·The red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving.You are too close to the vehicle in front of you to maintain selected
speed.XApply the brakes immediately to increase the following
distance.·The red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving and an
acoustic
warning sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle ahead of you or the
distance warning system has recognized a stationary obstacle on
your probable line of travel.XApply the brakes immediately.XCarefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake
or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.302What to do if …Practical hints
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VehicleProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe yellow fuel tank
reserve warning lamp in
the fuel gauge comes
on while driving.The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.
Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions! (USA only)
; (Canada only)
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.There may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the emission control system
R systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and
may switch the engine to limp-home (emergency operation) mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as
soon as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check
local requirements.
! (USA only)
; (Canada only)
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel
cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 210).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Diesel engine: Your fuel tank was driven empty.XAfter refueling, start, turn off and restart the engine three or four
times in succession.
The limp-home mode is canceled. You do not need to have your
vehicle checked.What to do if …303Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 303Z

TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 272).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been
corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
hUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
flashes 60
seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 272).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
After the malfunction has been remedied, the combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes
of driving.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately 1 minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This304What to do if …Practical hints
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sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of
incompatible replacement or alternate tiresor wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
Lamp in center console
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCanada only:
42
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated
( Y page 47).A BabySmart TM
child seat is installed on the front passenger seat.
Therefore the front passenger front air bag is switched off.The system is malfunctioning when there is no BabySmart TM
child
seat installed on the front passenger seat.XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Canada only:
42
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp does not
illuminate or does not
remain illuminated with
a BabySmart TM
child
seat properly installed
on the passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.XMake sure there is nothing between seat cushion and child seat.XCheck installation of the child seat ( Y page 58).
If the front passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains out:
XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not use the BabySmart TM
restraint to transport children on the
front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
USA only:
42
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated
with the weight of a
typical adult or
someone larger than a
small individual on the
front passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 272).What to do if …305Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 305Z

GWarning!
If the 42 indicator lamp
illuminates and remains illuminated with the
weight of a typical adult or someone larger
than a small individual on the front passenger
seat, do not have any passenger use the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsUSA only:
42
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp does not
illuminate and/or does
not remain illuminated
with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child
restraint or less on the
front passenger seat.
The system is malfunctioning.XMake sure there is nothing between seat cushion and child seat
and check installation of the child seat.
XMake sure no objects applying supplemental weight onto the
seat are present.
XMake sure no objects which apply forces to the seat are present
(e.g. objects such as books, briefcases etc. lodged behind or
around the seat, head restraints pushing against roof etc.). The
system may recognize such forces as supplemental weight.
XIf the front passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains
out, have the system checked as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on
the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps (Y page 272).
GWarning!
If the 42 indicator lamp does not
illuminate or remains out with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint or less on the front passenger seat,
do not transport a child on the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
Unlocking/locking manually
Unlocking the vehicle
If you cannot unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, unlock the
driver’s door using the mechanical key.
The anti-theft alarm system will trigger when
you
Runlocking the driver’s door with the
mechanical key
and
Ropen the driver’s door
To cancel the alarm, insert the SmartKey into
the starter switch.
Removing the mechanical key
SmartKey
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SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
XMove locking tab : in the direction of
arrow.
XSlide mechanical key ; out of the housing.
Unlocking the driver’s door
XInsert mechanical key ; into the driver’s
door lock.
XTurn mechanical key ; counterclockwise
to position 1.
XPull the door handle past the resistance
point until the locking knob moves up.
The driver’s door is unlocked.
XPull the door handle once more to open the
driver’s door.
XTurn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.Locking the vehicle
If you cannot lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, lock it as
follows:
XClose the front passenger door, the right
rear door, and the tailgate.
XOpen the driver’s door and the rear left
door.
XPress the central locking switch
(Y page 75).
The locking knobs of the front passenger
door and the rear doors move down.
XIf the vehicle battery is disconnected or
drained: Press down the locking knobs on
the front passenger door and the rear
doors.
XExit the vehicle.XClose the driver’s door.XEnter the vehicle through the rear left door.XPress down the locking knob of the driver’s
door.
! To prevent inadvertent lockout, make
sure to have the SmartKey with you before
proceeding with the next step. The next
step will lock the vehicle.
XExit the vehicle.XClose the rear left door.
The vehicle is locked.
iThis procedure does not arm the anti-
theft alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel
filler flap.
Unlocking and opening the tailgate
If the tailgate can no longer be unlocked and
opened using button F on the SmartKey
or the KEYLESS-GO function, use the
emergency release lever to unlock and open
the tailgate.
The emergency release lever is located on the
inside of the tailgate.
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A minimum height clearance of 7.2 ft
(2.20 m) is required to open the tailgate.
XRemove cover ; from the trim on the
tailgate.
XPush emergency release lever : all the
way to the left.
! The tailgate swings open upwards
automatically. Always make sure there is
sufficient overhead clearance.
XOpen the tailgate.
iIf the vehicle has previously been locked
from the outside using the SmartKey or
KEYLESS-GO, opening the tailgate from the
inside using the emergency release lever
will trigger the anti-theft alarm system.
To cancel the alarm, do one of the
following:RInsert the SmartKey into the starter
switch.
RPress button % or & on the
SmartKey.
In vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:RPull an outside door handle.
The SmartKey must be within 3 ft (1 m)
of the vehicle.
RPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button.
The SmartKey must be inside the vehicle.
XReinstall cover ;.Fuel filler flapGWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize
potential danger.
GWarning!
Avoid contact with the vehicle walls as they
may contain sharp edges. Otherwise, you
could injure yourself while releasing the fuel
filler flap.
In case the central locking system does not
release the fuel filler flap, you can open it
manually.
The fuel filler flap release is located on the
passenger side in the cargo compartment
behind the cover.
XOpen the tailgate (Y page 75).XOpen the cover on the passenger-side trim
panel (Y page 316).
XPull yellow fuel filler flap release : in
direction of arrow.
The fuel filler flap is unlocked.
XOpen the fuel filler flap (Y page 210).XClose the cover.XClose the tailgate.308Unlocking/locking manuallyPractical hints
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