Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual — part 13

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

2000-01 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems

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Fig. 1: Locating Restraint System Components (2000 E Class Shown; Others Are Similar)
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

SERVICING

SRS AIR BAG label on driver-side door latch post indicates SRS replacement date for driver and passenger 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 air bag and Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) system readiness. Turn
ignition on. SRS warning light will illuminate, then turn off after approximately 4-20 seconds indicating 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. See DIAGNOSTICS .

AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Observe following precautions when working with air bag systems:



When working around steering column 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.



DO NOT repair any portion of SRS wiring harness.



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



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



DO NOT expose any SRS component to cleaning agents such as solvents, gasoline, lye, etc.



DO NOT connect Hand-Held Tester (6511 0001 99) to Data Link Connector (DLC) with ignition on.
Damage to HHT may result.



DO NOT connect HHT (6511 0001 99) to vehicle if a battery charger is connected to vehicle battery.
Damage to HHT may result.

ADJUSTMENTS

If fixing screws were not used during clockspring removal or clockspring was rotated during removal, turn
clockspring clockwise until resistance is detectable. Turn clockspring counterclockwise 2-2.5 turns until fixing
screws can be unscrewed holding clockspring in this position.

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

2000-01 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems

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DISABLING SYSTEM

Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Record radio presets and obtain anti-theft
code. Turn ignition switch to OFF position and remove ignition key. If welding on vehicle, disconnect negative
battery cable and disconnect air bag control module.

ACTIVATING SYSTEM

Ensure ignition is off. Reconnect air bag system components (if disconnected). Reconnect negative battery
cable. Perform See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

DISPOSAL PROCEDURES

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



Scrapping a vehicle containing a deployed air bag module and-or ETR.



Scrapping a vehicle with a live air bag module and-or ETR.



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 module and-or ETR unit can be thrown away. None of its components are reusable. Deployed
air bag module is NOT classified as hazardous material.

SCRAPPED VEHICLE

1. Before proceeding, follow service precautions. See AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Move

vehicle outdoors to a remote area, away from workshop and other personnel. Disconnect and shield
negative battery cable. Open all vehicle windows and doors.

2. Ensure air bag module is secured to steering wheel, and passenger air bag is secured to dash. Ensure ETR

seat belt assemblies are secured to "B" pillars and all seat belt buckles are latched. Remove loose objects

CAUTION: On CL500, open doors before disconnecting battery. Opening doors

allows windows to automatically lower thus preventing roof seal damage.

WARNING:

An undeployed air bag module or ETR should never be disposed of
without first being deployed. See SCRAPPED VEHICLE . If deployment is
not possible, contact vehicle manufacturer for further instructions.

WARNING:

An undeployed air bag module and-or ETR seat belt CANNOT be disposed
of without first being deployed. If this is not possible through procedures
outlined below, contact vehicle manufacturer for further instructions.
Perform remote deployment outdoors. Keep personnel at least 20 feet
away.

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

2000-01 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems

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from front seat. DO NOT allow anyone inside vehicle.

3. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Connect Trigger

Device (126-589-00-90-00) and Adapter Cable (126 589 21 63 00) to SRS system connector (X29-9)
located at passenger footwell area. Move away from vehicle as far as trigger device wiring will allow.

4. To deploy driver air bag and ETR, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 1. Push battery

check push button and ignition push button simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate indicating
driver air bag and ETR deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and driver air bag and-or ETR did not
deploy, driver air bag module and-or ETR is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG-ETR .

5. To deploy passenger air bag detonator No. 1, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 2. Push

battery check push button and ignition push button simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate
indicating passenger air bag detonator No. 1 deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and passenger air bag
detonator No. 1 did not deploy, passenger air bag module is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG-
ETR .

6. To deploy passenger air bag detonator No. 2, turn rotary knob on trigger device to position No. 3. Push

battery check push button and ignition push button simultaneously. Trigger light should illuminate
indicating passenger air bag detonator No. 2 deployed. If trigger light is illuminated and passenger air bag
detonator No. 2 did not deploy, passenger air bag module is faulty. See UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG-
ETR .

UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG-ETR

After deploying procedures and-or diagnostic testing have confirmed air bag module and-or ETR is
undeployable, contact vehicle manufacturer for proper disposal instructions.

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

CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY

Removal & Installation

1. Before proceeding, See AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .

2. Remove driver air bag module. See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel bolt.

Using a puller, remove steering wheel. Disconnect lower clockspring connector. Turn 2 fixing screws
(locating on clockspring) counterclockwise until clockspring cannot be rotated. Remove clockspring
mounting screws as necessary. Disconnect all necessary electrical connectors. Remove clockspring

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.

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

2000-01 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems

me