Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual — part 38

SERVICING

SRS AIR BAG label on driver-side door latch post indicates SRS replacement date for air bag units. All SRS
components must be thoroughly inspected, including wiring harness. Before component replacement, check for
SRS fault codes by performing system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . SRS service
life is 10 years from manufactured date or 10 years from SRS replacement date after accident related repairs are
completed.

SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK

SRS warning light indicates SRS and Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) system readiness. Turn ignition
on. SRS warning light will illuminate, then turn off after approximately 4-6 seconds indicating SRS system is
functioning properly. If SRS warning light does not illuminate, illuminates while driving or is continuously
illuminated, there is a system fault. Repair malfunctioning system.

AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Observe these precautions when servicing the air bag system:



When working around SRS components and before any repairs are performed, disable air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .



Before straightening any damage to body, or before performing electrical arc-welding, disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .



Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling a deployed air bag module. Air bag module may
contain sodium hydroxide deposits which are irritating to the skin.



Always use control module and impact sensors made by same manufacturer. Using components produced
by different manufacturers could cause accidental air bag or ETR deployment.



DO NOT repair any portion of SRS wiring harness.



If any SRS component is dropped from a height greater than 1.6 feet (0.5 m), it must be replaced.



If SRS components show signs of damage, they must be replaced.



Always handle air bag module with trim cover facing away from your body.



Always place air bag module on workbench with trim cover up, away from loose objects.

Front Passenger Seat Occupied Recognition With
Automatic Child Seat Recognition (ACSR) sensor

Under passenger front seat cushion

Head impact air bag modules

Driver-side & passenger-side roof rails over front &

rear doors

Knee bolsters

Driver-side and passenger-side lower instrument

panel

Passenger-side air bag module

Passenger-side instrument panel

Side impact air bag modules

In front & rear doors

Side impact sensors

On floor inboard of door openings

(1)

On C Class, rear seat ETRs are part of seat belt buckle assemblies.

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

DO NOT expose any SRS component to temperatures in excess of 212°F (100°C).



DO NOT expose any SRS component to grease, oil or cleaning agents.

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM

DISABLING SYSTEM

Turn ignition off and remove key. Disconnect negative battery cable and shield cable end. Disconnect SRS
control module electrical connector.

ACTIVATING SYSTEM

Connect SRS control module electrical connector. Ensure no one is in vehicle. Turn ignition on. Connect
negative battery cable. Go to SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

DISPOSAL PROCEDURES

Several situations may arise requiring some form of disposal action, including:



Scrapping a vehicle containing deployed air bag modules and ETRs.



Scrapping a vehicle with live air bag modules and ETRs.



Disposal of a live but electrically faulty air bag module and/or ETR.



Disposal of a deployed air bag module and/or ETR.

DEPLOYED AIR BAG OR ETR

Deployed air bag modules and ETRs can be disposed of like any other part.

SCRAPPED VEHICLE

Undeployed air bag modules and ETRs CANNOT be disposed of without first being deployed. Contact
manufacturer for additional information.

UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG OR ETR

Undeployed air bag modules and Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) seat belts CANNOT be disposed of
without first being deployed. Contact manufacturer for additional information.

POST-COLLISION INSPECTION

When a vehicle has been involved in a collision, certain components of the passive restraint system must be
inspected or replaced. See AIR BAG/SRS COMPONENT INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT TABLES
article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

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Removal and installation information is not available.

DIAGNOSTICS

Air bag system diagnostic information is not available. All air bag system diagnosis must be carried out using
manufacturers proprietary test equipment.

WIRE REPAIR

If any part of SRS wiring harness is damaged, DO NOT repair wiring harness, replace complete wiring harness.

WIRING DIAGRAMS

Wiring diagrams are not available.

WARNING:

Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result.
Read and follow all WARNINGS and AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
before working on air bag system or related components.

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Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

The main components of Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) are dual-stage driver-side and passenger-side
air bag modules, side impact air bag modules, head impact air bag modules, SRS control module, side impact
sensors, AIR BAG warning light, driver-side and passenger-side Emergency Tensioning Retractors (ETR). See
COMPONENT LOCATIONS .

COMPONENT LOCATIONS

COMPONENT LOCATIONS

SERVICING

SRS AIR BAG label on driver-side door latch post indicates SRS replacement date for air bag units. All SRS
components must be thoroughly inspected, including wiring harness. Before component replacement, check for
SRS fault codes by performing system operation check. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK . SRS service
life is 10 years from manufactured date or 10 years from SRS replacement date after accident related repairs are
completed.

SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK

AIR BAG warning light indicates SRS and Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) system readiness. Turn
ignition on. AIR BAG warning light will illuminate, then turn off after 4-20 seconds indicating SRS system is
functioning properly. If AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate, illuminates while driving or is
continuously illuminated, there is a system fault. Repair malfunctioning system.

AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:

Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result.
Read and follow all WARNINGS and AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
before working on air bag system or related components.

Component

Location

AIR BAG warning light

Instrument Panel Cluster

Clockspring

Under steering wheel

Driver-side air bag module

On steering wheel

Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR)

Driver-side & passenger-side lower B- & C-pillars

Head impact air bag modules

Driver-side & passenger-side roof rails

Passenger-side air bag module

Passenger-side instrument panel

Side impact air bag modules

In front & rear doors

Side impact sensors

On floor near driver-side & passenger-side B-pillars

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2004 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems

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2004 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems

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