MERCEDES-BENZ ML55AMG 2002 W163 Owner's Manual

228 Driving systems
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data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Switching on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move transmission selector lever to position “N”.
3. Push top end of switch. The LOW RANGE indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster blinks three times
during the changeover.
Once the changeover is complete, the indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up continuously.
Note:
If the indicator lamp blinks fast, one or more switching
conditions were not observed, or the LOW RANGE mode
is defective.Switching off:
1. S to p t h e ve h i c l e .
2. Move transmission selector lever to position “N”.
3. Push top end of switch. The LOW RANGE indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster three times during
the changeover.
Once the changeover is complete, the indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. Use the gear selector
lever normally.
Note:
If the indicator lamp blinks fast, one or more switching
conditions were not observed, or the LOW RANGE mode
is defective.

229 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
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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.

230 Parking system
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Parking assist (Parktronic)
(optional)
The Parktronic system assists the driver during parking
maneuvers. It visually and audibly indicates the
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle.
The front area of the vehicle is monitored when driving
forward. When reversing, the rear areas are monitored.
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2,
Parktronic engages automatically at speeds up to
approximately 10 mph (15 km / h) and deactivates
during higher speeds.
Parktronic can be switched off by a control switch
located in the center console. It engages automatically
again when starting the engine.
See page 234 for parktronic switch.
Wa r n i n g !
Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is not
intended to nor does it replace the need for extreme
care. The responsibility during parking and other
critical maneuvers rests always with the driver.Special attention must be paid to objects having
smooth surfaces or low silhouettes (e.g. trailer
couplings, painted posts, or street curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system and can
damage the vehicle.The operational function of the Parktronic can be
affected by dirty sensors, especially at times of
snow and ice. See page 301 for notes on cleaning
the parktronic system sensors.Interference caused by other ultrasonic signals
(e.g. working jackhammers or the air brakes of
trucks) can cause the system to send erratic
indications, and should be taken into
consideration.

231 Parking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Sensors
1Sensors located in bumper
(front bumper shown)A total of 10 sensors (1) monitor the vehicle’s front and
rear areas. Six sensors are located in the front bumper,
four sensors in the rear bumper.
For proper operation of the Parktronic always keep the
sensors clean, especially at times of snow and ice.
See page 301 for instructions on cleaning the sensors in
the bumpers.
Note:
The rear Parktronic sensors will not automatically
disengage when towing a trailer, therefore switch the
Parktronic system off, see page 234.
Switch the Parktronic system on again when no longer
towing a trailer.
1
1
1P54.65-2366-26

232 Parking system
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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

233 Parking system
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data Instruments
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Front bumper:
Rear bumper:The first yellow segment lights up at these distances.
Additional segments light up as the vehicle comes
closer to the obstacle.
Minimum distance between vehicle and obstacle at
which the system stops indicating: Center approx. 40 in (100 cm)
Corner approx. 24 in (60 cm)
Center approx. 48 in (120 cm)
Corner approx. 32 in (80 cm)
Front corners approx. 6 in (15 cm)
Front center and rear approx. 8 in (20 cm)

234 Parking system
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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

235 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index What you should know at the gas station
Fuel supplyThe fuel filler flap is locked and unlocked together with
the doors and liftgate using the electronic key.
Open f lap by pulling at rear (arrow). Turn fuel cap to the
left and hold on to it until possible pressure in tank has
been released, then remove cap. Failure to remove
slowly could result in personal injury.
The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel filler neck. Do
not drop the cap. It could damage the vehicle paint
finish.
Manual release of fuel filler flap, see page 295.
Important!
When refueling vehicle make certain that no gasoline
comes into contact with plastic taillamp, to prevent
damaging the lens.
Fuel
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping into open air, fully
insert filler nozzle unit.
Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzle unit cuts out –
do not top off or overfill.
Wa r n i n g !
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous. It
burns violently and can cause serious injury.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid inhaling
fumes and skin contact, extinguish all smoking
materials. Never allow sparks, flame or smoking
materials near gasoline!
P88.60-2040-26

236 What you should know at the gas station
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Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can
cause the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp to illuminate.
ML 320 and ML 500:
Fuel tank capacity approximately 22.0 US gal (83.0 l).
This includes approximately 3.2 US gal (12.0 l) reserve.
ML 55 AMG:
Fuel tank capacity approximately 25.0 US gal (95.0 l).
This includes approximately 3.2 US gal (12.0 l) reserve.
Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane
Index 91 (Average of 96 RON / 86 MON).• Engine oil
Engine oil level check, see page 96 and page 255.
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick
marking level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
Recommended engine oils, see Approved Service
Products sheet.
Wa r n i n g !
Overfilling of fuel tank may result in creating
pressure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge such as the gas spraying back out upon
removing the filler nozzle which could cause
personal injury.

237 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index • Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water
quality).
For further information (e.g. anticorrosion/
antifreeze), see page 314.
• Spark plugs
Approved spark plugs, see page 312.
• Tire pressure
For tire pressure, refer to tire pressure label inside
the fuel filler flap. See page 272 for further details.
• Air conditioner
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant, see
page 316.•Bulbs
high beam: H7(55 W),
low beam: H7 (55 W)
low beam: BiXenon D2S - 35 W (optional)
fog lamps: H8 (35 W)
fog lamps: H3 (55 W) (optional)
turn signal, parking, side marker and standing
lamps, front: 1157 (32 / 3 cp),
stop lamps: P 21 W (1073 [32 cp]),
backup lamps: P 21 W (1073 [32 cp]),
turn signal lamps, rear: P Y 21 W,
tail, parking, standing, and rear fog lamp, driver’s
side: P 21/4 W,
side marker lamp, rear: W 5 W,
license plate lamps: C 5 W (tubular),
high mounted stop lamp: P 21 W (1073 [32 cp]).