Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual

2000-01 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Mercedes-Benz - Air Bag Restraint Systems

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

All models are equipped with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The main components of SRS are driver-
side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, side air bag modules (located in doors), SRS control
module, side air bag sensors, SRS warning light, driver knee bolster, passenger knee bolster, and Emergency
Tensioning Retractor (ETR) seat belt assembly. Additionally, some vehicles may be equipped with head impact
(curtain type) air bags (located around door windows behind door frame trims).

Both SRS and ETR are electronically activated by a single control module. There are 2 thresholds which must
be exceeded to trigger an ETR action, air bag deployment, or both. If a moderately severe frontal collision
occurs exceeding first triggering threshold where protection from safety belt is sufficient, only Emergency
Tensioning Retractor (ETR) is activated if safety belt is buckled. If a moderately severe frontal collision occurs
exceeding first triggering threshold where protection from safety belt is sufficient, but safety belt is not buckled,
air bag is deployed and ETR is not activated.

If a severe frontal collision occurs exceeding second triggering threshold where protection from safety belt is
insufficient, air bag is deployed. ETR is activated if safety belt is buckled. If safety belt is not buckled, ETR is
not activated when second triggering threshold is reached. Passenger air bag will deploy even if passenger seat
is not occupied when a triggering threshold is exceeded. If during a severe frontal collision the power supply is
interrupted, the driver and passenger air bag can still be deployed, but ETR cannot be activated.

The side air bag on the driver-side deploys whenever the driver-side air bag module is deployed and when there
is a substantial side impact crash. The air bag on the passenger-side will activate only when a sensor (Occupied
Seat Recognition Sensor) in the passenger seat sends a signal to the SRS control module that the passenger-side
seat is occupied. During a collision, the side air bag will then deploy.

COMPONENT LOCATIONS

NOTE:

The following 2000 information represents the latest information available at
time of publication and may be useful in diagnosing 2001 vehicles. 2001 wiring
diagrams have been included at the end of this article.

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

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

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

Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual - part 12