warning light MERCEDES-BENZ ML55AMG 2002 W163 User Guide

224 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp¿ comes
on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp stays
illuminated, have the BAS or ESP checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon
as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lampv in
speedometer dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels,
including the spare wheel, must have the same tire
outside diameter.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp
should go out.
If battery voltage drops below 10 volts, the indicator
lamp comes on and the brake assist system (BAS) is
deactivated. If the battery voltage rises and exceeds
10 volts, the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp goes
out, and brake assist system (BAS) is functional again.
After driving off the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator
lamp should go out after approximately 110 - 220 yd
(100 - 200 m).

229 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
During off-road driving a special low range system for
antilock brake system (ABS) and four-wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS+) are operational with
transmission in the LOW RANGE mode.
In the low range mode the electronic stability program
(ESP) operates in a traction improving fashion
specifically adapted for off-road driving. At speeds
below 27 mph (45 km / h) the ESP assists in over- /
understeering, thus improving vehicle tracking.
If one or more tires lose traction while driving downhill
(accelerator released), the 4-ETS+ engages and the
warning lampv, located in the speedometer dial,
starts to flash.
When applying the service brakes at speeds below
approximately 18 mph (30 km / h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking distance (dig in
effect). This affects steering the vehicle.Notes:
Driving off or driving up to 3 mph (5 km / h) with the
service brakes applied lightly (to reduce drive wheel
spin), the 4-ETS+ remains engaged. Driving with the
service brakes applied lightly at vehicles speeds above
3 mph (5 km / h), the 4-ETS+ will not engage.
If the indicator lamp blinks fast, one or more switching
conditions were not observed, or the LOW RANGE mode
is defective.
In the case of a defective in the LOW RANGE mode the
transmission shifts in the usual manner. It is not
possible to switch on the LOW RANGE mode.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

232 Parking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Warning indicators
1Segments, left side
2Segments, right sideVisual and audible signals indicate to the driver the
relative distance between the vehicle and an obstacle.
Warning indicators for the front area are located above
the center air outlets in the dashboard.
Warning indicators for the rear area are located in the
rear passenger compartment lamp.
Each warning indicator has 6 yellow and 2 red
segments.
As soon as the sensors detect an obstacle, one or more
segments light up, depending on the distance. An
intermittent acoustic warning will also sound as the
seventh segment lights up and a constant acoustic
warning lasting a maximum of 3 seconds will sound for
the eighth segment.
P54.65-2363-26
2 1

234 Parking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
All yellow and one or both red segments light up.
Additionally, there is an acoustic warning lasting
approximately 3 seconds.
The obstacle may not be recognized if outside the
shaded sensor field, and no longer be indicated when
approaching it any closer (warning indicators go out).
Parktronic malfunction
All red segments of the warning indicators light up, and
a warning sounds for 3 seconds, if Parktronic does not
function properly.
A dirty sensor or other ultrasonic signals could be the
reason. See page 301 for instructions on cleaning the
sensors in the bumpers.
After cleaning the sensors, turn electronic key in
steering lock to position 2. If a malfunction continues to
be displayed, have the system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Parktronic switch
The switch is located on the center console.
1Parktronic switched off
2Parktronic switched on
3Indicator lamp – comes on when Parktronic is
switched off
The parktronic system is switched on again when
turning the electronic key in steering lock position 2.3

240 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up
during the bulb self-check when turning the key in
steering lock to position 2, have it checked and replaced
if necessary.
On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management
system, emission control system, systems which impact
emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight (check the
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you
may still drive the vehicle, however, in all cases, we
recommend that you have the system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon
as possible.
If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp comes on continuously
and / or the vehicle is not driving normally (e.g.
malfunction of the fuel management system or running out of fuel), serious damage can occur to the emission
system. Please contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center immediately.
The Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI) control
module monitors emission control components that
either provide input signals to or receive output signals
from the control module. Malfunctions resulting from
interruptions or failure of any of these components are
indicated by the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and are
simultaneously stored in the SFI control module.
If the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp
comes on, have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
With some exceptions, the control module switches off
the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp if the
condition, causing the lamp to come on, no longer exists
during three consecutive cycles. See also page 242 for
fuel cap placement warning.
An on-board diagnostic connector is located in the
passenger compartment near to the parking brake
pedal, allowing the accurate identification of system
malfunctions through the readout of diagnostic trouble
codes.
CHECK
ENGINE

242 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) indicator lamp
The operational readiness of the airbag
system is verified by the indicator lamp
“SRS” in the instrument cluster when
turning the key in steering lock to position 1 or 2. If no
fault is detected, the lamp will go out after
approximately 5 seconds; after the lamp goes out, the
system continues to monitor the components and
circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a
malfunction by coming on again.
See page 58 for notes on airbags, page 57 for belt
tensioners, and page 68 for infant and child seat
restraints.Fuel reserve warning
When the warning lamp (1) comes on after starting the
engine, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates that
the fuel level is down to the reserve quantity of
approximately 3.2 gal (12 liters).
See page 235 for notes on refueling the vehicle.
Wa r n i n g !
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 visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck 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.SRS

243 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Electronic stability program (ESP)/Electronic
traction system (4-ETS+) — warning lamp
The yellow warning lamp in the
speedometer dial comes on with the key in
steering lock position 2. It should go out
with engine running.
See page 221 for 4-ETS+ and page 223 for ESP if the
warning lamp lights up or flashes when the vehicle is
moving.
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP
is combined with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS / ESP malfunction indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on with the key in
steering lock position 2. It should go out with the engine
running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp remains
illuminated with the engine running, see page 217 for
BAS and page 223 for ESP.4-ETS+ malfunction indicator lamp
The yellow ETS malfunction indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on with the
key in steering lock position 2. It should go
out with the engine running.
If the ETS malfunction indicator lamp remains
illuminated with the engine running a malfunction has
been detected, see page 221 for 4-ETS+.
LOW RANGE indicator lamp
The yellow LOW RANGE indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on with the
key in steering lock position 2. With the
LOW RANGE mode deactivated it should go out with the
engine running.
With the LOW RANGE mode activated the LOW RANGE
indicator lamp is illuminated continuously.
If the indicator lamp blinks fast, one or more switching
conditions were not observed, or the LOW RANGE mode
is defective, see page 227 for LOW RANGE mode.
BAS
ESP
ETSLOW
RANGE

245 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Seat belt warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
seat belt warning lamp comes on for a short
time if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
After starting the engine, the warning lamp remains
illuminated for a short time to remind the driver and
passengers to fasten seat belts.
Charge indicator lamp
Should the charge indicator lamp fail to
come on prior to starting when the key is in
steering lock position 2 or should it fail to go
out after starting or during operation, this indicates a
malfunction which must be repaired at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately.If the charge indicator lamp comes on while the engine
is running, this may indicate that the poly-V-belt has
broken. Should this condition occur, the poly-V-belt
must be replaced before continuing to operate the
vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to an
inoperative water pump which may result in damage to
the engine.
Do not continue to drive the vehicle with the charge
indicator lamp illuminated. Doing so could result in
serious engine damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

246 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Low engine oil level warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
oil level warning lamp comes on and should
go out when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, or comes on with the engine running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning lamp will first come on
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops
further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The low engine oil level warning light should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated
could result in serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In addition to the warning lamp, the engine oil level
should be periodically checked with the dipstick or via
the oil level indicator in the odometer display field, for
example during a fuel stop, or before a long trip (see
engine oil level indicator on page 96 and checking
engine oil on page 255).Low engine coolant level warning
When the coolant level warning lamp comes
on while driving, then the coolant level has
dropped below the required level, or the
coolant temperature is in the red zone. If no leaks are
noticeable and the engine temperature does not
increase, continue to drive to the nearest service station
and have coolant added to the coolant system, see
page 256. If the engine temperature reaches the red
zone, move vehicle to an area which is in a safe distance
from the roadway and turn off the engine. Also see
coolant temperature gauge on page 87.
The low engine coolant level warning should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol displayed
may cause serious engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have
the cooling system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
Notes:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. The
engine will overheat causing major engine damage.
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving.

247 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Low windshield and headlamp washer system fluid
level warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
warning lamp comes on. It should go out
when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, or if it comes on while driving, there is approx.
1.3 US qt (1,25 l) washer fluid remaining the reservoir.
The reservoir should be refilled with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “S” and water (or commercially
available premixed windshield washer solvent /
antifreeze, depending on ambient temperature, see
page 258) at the next opportunity. The reservoir for the
windshield and headlamp washer systems is located in
the engine compartment.
Note:
If the warning lamp comes on during subzero wether,
please check the concentration of the washer fluid in
the tank. If the concentration is not sufficient, the fluid
may have frozen. After the fluid in the tank thaws,
correct the concentration level. Brake pad wear indicator lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the
indicator lamp comes on and goes out when
the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp lights up during braking, this
indicates that the brake pads are worn down.
Have the brake system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
FSS indicator
FSS indicator (Service A), see page 94.
FSS indicator (Service B), see page 94.
The symbols appear in the main odometer display field
prior to the next suggested service. Depending on
operating conditions throughout the year, the next
service is calculated and displayed in days or distance
remaining. See page 94 for notes on the flexible service
system (FSS).