Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual — part 39

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.



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.

ACTIVATING SYSTEM

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 MODULE OR EMERGENCY TENSIONING RETRACTOR (ETR)

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

SCRAPPED VEHICLE

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

UNDEPLOYED AIR BAG MODULE OR EMERGENCY TENSIONING RETRACTOR (ETR)

Undeployed air bag modules and ETR seat belts cannot be disposed of without first being deployed. Contact
manufacturer for additional information.

ON-VEHICLE DEPLOYMENT (SCRAPPED VEHICLE)

1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Park vehicle outdoors with at least 33

feet (10 m) of open space around vehicle. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING
AIR BAG SYSTEM . Place a fully-charged 12-volt battery 33 feet (10 m) from vehicle.

2. Disconnect all air bag module and emergency tensioning retractors (ETR) connectors. See REMOVAL

& INSTALLATION . Fabricate a deployment harness using 2 wires, each 33 feet (10 m) in length.
Connect deployment harness to selected component to be deployed. Twist opposite ends of deployment
harness together to prevent accidental deployment. Dual-stage air bag modules will require 2 deployment
harnesses.

3. Ensure no one is within 33 feet (10 m) of air bag module. Untwist ends of deployment harness. Connect

wires to battery. Component should deploy. Repeat deployment procedure for remaining components.

OFF-VEHICLE DEPLOYMENT

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

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove component to be deployed. See
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . Place component in the center of an area with at least 33 feet (10 m)
of clearance on all sides.

2. Attach component to a appropriate object, such as a tire and wheel assembly, to prevent movement.

Fabricate a deployment harness using 2 wires, each 33 feet (10 m) in length. Connect deployment harness
to selected component. Twist opposite ends of deployment harness together to prevent accidental
deployment. Dual-stage air bag modules will require 2 deployment harnesses.

3. Ensure no one is within 33 feet (10 m) of component. Untwist ends of deployment harness. Connect wires

to battery. Component should deploy. Repeat deployment procedure for remaining components.

POST-COLLISION INSPECTION

When a vehicle has been involved in a collision, certain components of the passive restraint system must be

WARNING:

Components are very hot after deployment. Personal injury may result.
Allow sufficient time for components to cool before touching.

NOTE:

Deploy only one component at a time.

WARNING:

Components are very hot after deployment. Personal injury may result.
Allow sufficient time for components to cool before touching.

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inspected or replaced. See AIR BAG/SRS COMPONENT INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT TABLES
article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

CLOCKSPRING

Information is not available.

CONTROL MODULE

Removal & Installation E

1. Before proceeding, see AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . Turn ignition key to "O" position.

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

2. Remove center console. See Fig. 1 . Remove sound deadener. Remove ventilation duct. Disconnect

connectors from control module. Remove control module bolts. Remove control module.

3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten control module bolts to specification. See TORQUE

SPECIFICATIONS . Activate air bag system. Program control module. See DIAGNOSTICS .

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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Fig. 1: Identifying Control Module
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE

Removal & Installation

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

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .

2. Using Torx Bit (126-589-00-10-00), remove bolts securing driver-side air bag module to steering wheel

from rear of steering wheel. Pull driver-side air bag module away from steering wheel. Disconnect driver-

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