MERCEDES-BENZ C WAGON 2005 S203 Owner's Manual

249 Controls in detail
Useful features
Stolen Vehicle Recovery services
In the event your vehicle was stolen:
Report the incident to the police.
The police will issue a numbered
incident report.

Pass this number on to the
Mercedes-Benz Response Center along
with your password issued to you when
you subscribed to the service.
The Response Center will then attempt
to covertly contact the vehicle’s
Tele Aid system. Once the vehicle is
located, the Response Center will
contact the local law enforcement and
you. The vehicle’s location will only be
provided to law enforcement.
Garage door opener*
The built-in remote control is capable of
operating up to three separately controlled
devices, for example garage door openers,
gate openers, or other devices compatible
with HomeLink
® or some other systems.
You can program the signal transmitter
buttons.
iThe remote door unlock feature is
available if the relevant cellular phone
network is available.
The SOS button will flash and the
message
Connecting call
will appear
in the multifunction display to indicate
receipt of the door unlock command.
Once the vehicle is unlocked, a
Response Center specialist will
attempt to establish voice contact with
the vehicle occupants.
If the tailgate recessed handle was
pulled for more than 20 seconds
before door unlock authorization was
received by the Response Center, you
must wait 15 minutes before pulling
the tailgate recessed handle again.
iWhen the anti-theft alarm or the
tow-away alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call is initiated automat-
ically to the Response Center. See
anti-theft alarm system* (
page 85)
and tow-away alarm* (
page 87).

250 Controls in detailUseful featuresRemote control integrated into the interior
rear view mirror1Indicator lamp
2 3 4Signal transmitter button
5Hand-held transmitter button
6Hand-held remote control
transmitter (not part of the
vehicle equipment)
Warning!
G
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent po-
tential harm or damage. When programming
a garage door opener, the door moves up or
down. When programming a gate operator,
the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control
with any garage door opener that lacks
safety stop and reverse features as required
by U.S. federal safety standards (this
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982).
A garage door that cannot detect an object
- signaling the door to stop and reverse -
does not meet current U.S. federal safety
standards.
iCertain types of garage door openers
are incompatible with the integrated
opener. If you should experience
difficulties with programming the
transmitter, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, or call
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA only) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer
Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.

251 Controls in detail
Useful features
Programming or reprogramming the
integrated remote control
Step 1:
Switch on ignition (
page 33).
Step 2:

If you have previously programmed an
integrated signal transmitter button
and wish to retain its programming,
proceed to step 3. Otherwise, press
and hold the two outer signal transmit-
ter buttons2 and4 and release
them only when the indicator lamp1
begins to flash after approximately
20 seconds (do not hold the button for
longer than 30 seconds). This proce-
dure erases any previous settings for
all three channels and initializes the
memory. If you later wish to program a
second and/or third hand-held trans-
mitter to the remaining two signal
transmitter buttons, do not repeat this
step and begin directly with step 3.Step 3:

Hold the end of the hand-held remote
control transmitter6 of the device
you wish to train approximately 2 to
5 in (5 to12 cm) away from the surface
of the integrated remote control
located on the interior rear view mirror,
keeping the indicator lamp1 in view.
Step 4:

Using both hands, simultaneously
press the hand-held transmitter
button5 and the desired integrated
signal transmitter button (2, 3
or4). Do not release the buttons until
completing step 5.
The indicator lamp1 on the
integrated remote control will flash,
first slowly and then rapidly.
iFor operation in the USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.


252 Controls in detailUseful featuresStep 5:
When the indicator lamp1 flashes
rapidly, release both buttons.
Step 6:

Press and hold the just-trained
integrated signal transmitter button
and observe the indicator lamp1.
If the indicator lamp1 stays on
constantly, programming is complete
and your device should activate when
the integrated signal transmitter
button is pressed and released.Step 7:

To program the remaining two buttons,
repeat the steps above starting with
step 3.Rolling code programming
To train a garage door opener (or other
rolling code devices) with the rolling code
feature, follow these instructions after
completing the “Programming” portion
(steps 1 through 6) of this text. (A second
person may make the following training
procedures quicker and easier.)
Step 8:

Locate “training” button on the garage
door opener motor head unit.
Exact location and color of the button
may vary by garage door opener brand.
Depending on manufacturer, the
“training” button may also be referred
to as “learn”or “smart” button. If there
is difficulty locating the transmitting
button, refer to the garage door opener
operator’s manual.
iThe indicator lamp1 flashes the first
time the signal transmitter button is
programmed. If this button has already
been programmed, the indicator lamp
will only start flashing after
20 seconds.
iIf the indicator lamp1 flashes rapidly
for about two seconds and then turns
to a constant light, continue with
programming steps 8 through 12 as
your garage door opener may be
equipped with the “rolling code”
feature.


253 Controls in detail
Useful features
Step 9:
Press “training” button on the garage
door opener motor head unit.
The “training light” is activated.
You have 30 seconds to initiate the
following step.
Step 10:

Firmly press, hold for two seconds and
release the programmed integrated
signal transmitter button (2, 3
or4).
Step 11:

Press, hold for two seconds and
release same button a second time to
complete the training process.
Some garage door openers (or other rolling
code equipped devices) may require you to
perform this procedure a third time to
complete the training.Step 12:

Confirm the garage door operation by
pressing the programmed integrated
signal transmitter button (2, 3
or4).
Step 13:

To program the remaining two buttons,
repeat the steps above starting with
step 3.
Gate operator/Canadian programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require
transmitter signals to “time-out” (or quit)
after several seconds of transmission
which may not be long enough for the
integrated signal transmitter to pick up the
signal during programming. Similar to this
Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators
are designed to “time-out” in the same
manner. If you live in Canada or if you are having
difficulties programming a gate operator
(regardless of where you live) by using the
programming procedures, replace step 4
with the following:
Step 4:

Continue to press and hold the
integrated signal transmitter button
(2, 3 or4) while you press and
re-press (“cycle”) your hand-held
remote control transmitter6 every
two seconds until the frequency signal
has been learned. Upon successful
training, the indicator lamp1 will
flash slowly and then rapidly after
several seconds.

Proceed with programming step 5 and
step 6 to complete.

254 Controls in detailUseful featuresOperation of integrated remote control
Switch on ignition (
page 33).

Select and press the appropriate
integrated signal transmitter button
(2, 3 or4) to activate the remote
controlled device.
The integrated remote control trans-
mitter continues to send the signal as
long as the button is pressed – up to
20 seconds.Erasing the integrated remote control
memory

Switch on ignition (
page 33).

Simultaneously hold down the signal
transmitter buttons2 and 4, for
approximately 20 seconds, until the
indicator lamp1 flashes rapidly. Do
not hold for longer than 30 seconds.
The codes of all three channels are
erased.Reprogramming a single integrated
signal transmitter button
To program a device using a signal trans-
mitter button previously trained, follow
these steps:

Press and hold the desired signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or4).
Do not release the button.

The indicator lamp will begin to flash
after 20 seconds. Without releasing
the integrated signal transmitter
button, proceed with programming
starting with step 3.
iIf you sell your vehicle, erase the codes
of all three channels.

255 Operation
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care

256 OperationIn the “Operation” section you will find
detailed information on operating, main-
taining and caring for your vehicle.The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more satis-
fied you will be with its performance later
on.

Drive your vehicle during the first
1 000 miles (1 500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.


During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive
engine speeds (no more than
2/3 of
maximum rpm in each gear).


Shift gears in a timely manner.


Avoid accelerating by kick-down.


Do not attempt to slow the vehicle
down by shifting to a lower gear using
the gear selector lever.


Select positions3,2 or1 only when
driving at moderate speeds (for hill
driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) you may
gradually increase vehicle and engine
speeds to the permissible maximum.All of the above instructions, as may apply
to your vehicle type, also apply when
driving the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
after the engine or the rear differential has
been replaced.
iAlways obey applicable speed limits.

257 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Remove roof rack when not in use.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required
by the maintenance service display.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go
traffic, on short trips and in hilly country.
Drinking and driving
PedalsPower assistance
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgement.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you
drink or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Warning!
G
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times.
Objects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle.

258 OperationDriving instructionsBrakesTo help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only
subjected to moderate loads, you should
occasionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument
cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low.Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz.Warning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
!Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (
page 80).
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.