Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual — part 4

passenger-side air bag module squib connector. Remove 4 passenger-side air bag module mounting nuts.

2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure passenger-side air bag module squib connector audibly

clicks when connecting connector. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation check to ensure
system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

Removal & Installation (E Class)

1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &

ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove 2 central mounting bolts for
passenger-side air bag module. Lift air bag module enough to unplug connector from rear of module.
Place module away from work area, with pad facing upward.

2. If necessary to replace passenger air bag installation frame, remove 4 frame mounting bolts. Remove

installation frame from vehicle.

3. To install air bag module or installation frame, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system.

Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION
CHECK .

Removal & Installation (S Class)

1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &

ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Open glove box door. Remove 4 clips
securing glove box. Remove glove box compartment. When removing compartment, disconnect glove
box light. Remove glove box door lock striker.

2. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module squib connector. Remove 4 passenger-side air bag module

mounting nuts. Remove passenger-side air bag module through glove box opening. Place module away
from work area with pad facing up.

3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure module squib connector audibly clicks when connecting

connector. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation check to ensure system is functioning
properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

Removal & Installation (SL Class)

1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &

ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove cover below instrument panel.
Remove one bolt in installation slot of center air outlet, and one bolt below right air outlet.

2. Remove air bag panel (3 Phillips screws and 2 hex bolts). Unplug connector at squib of passenger-side air

bag unit. Remove mounting bolts. Pull off and take air bag out of panel opening.

3. To install air bag module, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation

check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

Removal & Installation (CLK 320)

1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &

ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove instrument panel. Disconnect
passenger-side air bag module connector. Remove 4 screws and passenger-side air bag module.

2. To install air bag module, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation

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check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

Removal & Installation (SLK 230)

1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &

ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove ignition key. Remove top section of instrument panel.
Fold vapor barrier toward front to reveal 2 screws. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module connector.
Remove 4 screws and passenger-side air bag module.

2. To install air bag module, reverse removal procedure. Activate air bag system. Perform system operation

check to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK

SRS warning light indicates air bag and Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR) system readiness. Turn
ignition on. SRS warning light will light, and then go out after approximately 4 seconds indicating system is
functioning properly. If SRS warning light does not light, lights up while driving or lights all the time, there is a
system fault. Repair malfunctioning system. See DIAGNOSIS & TESTING .

SERVICE 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.

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM DISABLING SYSTEM

Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Turn ignition off.
Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Remove passenger foot mat. Remove passenger footrest.
Disconnect SRS system connector (X29/9) located at passenger footwell area. See Fig. 5 . System is now
disabled.

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Activating System

Turn ignition off. Reconnect SRS system connector. Reconnect negative battery cable. System is now activated.
Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

Fig. 5: Locating SRS Connectors (Typical)
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA

WIRE REPAIR

1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320

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

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

(1)

DIAGNOSIS & TESTING

Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . The control module is capable of diagnosing airbag
system components and ETR components. If a fault is detected by the control module or system is
malfunctioning, SRS warning light will do one or more of the following:



SRS warning light goes out after 2 minutes. System fault is noted, however occupant protection is not
affected. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES .



SRS warning light illuminates continuously. System is faulty which may result in a non deployment or
false deployment. See RETRIEVING FAULT CODES .



SRS warning light blinks continuously. Control module has been replaced without setting control module
parameters.

RETRIEVING FAULT CODES

1. Check vehicle fuses. Replace any blown fuses as necessary. Ensure vehicle battery voltage is 11 volts or

more. Ensure SRS warning light functions. Turn ignition off. Connect Hand-Held Tester (HHT) (965 589
00 01) to Data Link Connector (DLC).

2. DLC is located in right rear corner of engine compartment. It may be necessary to use Adapter (965 589

00 40 or 965 589 00 50) to connect HHT to DLC. After HHT displays module number and version, press
return key to start diagnosis. Using HHT, follow HHT prompts to retrieve SRS fault codes.

3. HHT will display a 3 digit fault code, and may display additional graphic information. This additional

graphic information will help in diagnosis of fault code. See Fig. 6 . During diagnosis HHT will display 4
different graphic displays informing technician if a test passes or fails, or if seat belt buckle is latched or
not latched. See Fig. 6 .

4. These graphic displays are displayed as applicable by HHT during testing. See FAULT CODES table.

Application

Ft. Lbs. (N.m)

Steering Wheel Hub Bolt

52-66 (70-90)

INCH Lbs. (N.m)

Driver Air Bag Module Bolts (Torx)

44-62 (5-7)

(1)

Torque specifications are not available for clockspring assembly, control module or passenger-side
air bag module.

NOTE:

After component replacement, perform a system operation check to ensure
proper system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

NOTE:

Fault codes may only be retrieved using Hand-Held Tester (965 589 00 01) and
Adapter (965 589 00 40 or 965 589 00 50).

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