charging MERCEDES-BENZ C WAGON 2005 S203 Owner's Manual

Contents
Practical hints................................. 293
What to do if … .................................. 294
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 294
Lamp in center console................ 300
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 301
Where will I find ...? ........................... 321
First aid kit ................................... 321
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 321
Minispare wheel ........................... 324
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 326
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 326
Locking the vehicle ...................... 327
Fuel filler flap ............................... 328
Manually unlocking the
transmission gear selector lever .. 328
Opening/closing in an emergency..... 329
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* .......... 329Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 330
SmartKey ...................................... 331
Replacing bulbs .................................. 332
Bulbs ............................................. 332
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 335
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 339
Replacing wiper blades....................... 341
Removing wiper blades ................. 341
Installing wiper blades .................. 341
Flat tire ............................................... 342
Preparing the vehicle .................... 342
Mounting the Minispare wheel...... 342
Battery................................................ 347
Disconnecting the battery............. 348
Removing the battery.................... 348
Charging and reinstalling
the battery .................................... 348
Reconnecting the battery.............. 349Jump starting...................................... 350
Towing the vehicle.............................. 352
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 355
Fuses.................................................. 356
Aids for changing fuses ................ 357
Main fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 357
Fuse box in engine
compartment ................................ 358
Fuse box in cargo
compartment ................................ 359

294 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to
come on during the bulb self-check when switching on ignition, have it checked and
replaced if necessary.Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while
driving.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS and the ESP are also
switched off (see messages in display).
The brake system is still functioning normally
but without the ABS available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning,
other systems such as the navigation
system* or the automatic transmission may
also be malfunctioning.

Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.

Read and observe messages in the
display (
page 301).

Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below ten
volts. The ABS has switched off.
The battery might not be charged sufficiently.

Switch off electrical consumers that
are currently not needed, e.g. seat
heating*.

If necessary, have the generator
(alternator) and battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.

303 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
BAS
unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
The charging voltage has fallen below ten
volts. The BAS has switched off.
The battery might not be charged
sufficiently.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the BAS available.

Continue driving with added caution.

If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the BAS is operational again.
malfunction.
Visit workshop.
The BAS has detected a malfunction and
switched off.

Continue driving with added caution.

Have the system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.
Display malfunction.
Visit workshop.
The BAS or the BAS display is
malfunctioning.

Continue driving with added caution.

Have the system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.

304 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
ESP
unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
The ESP was deactivated because of a
malfunction or interrupted power supply.
The ABS might not be operational.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP available.

Continue driving with added caution.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.
If the yellow ESP warning lampv
flashes while driving and this message
appears, the electronic traction system
has switched off to prevent overheating
of the drive wheel brakes.
As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the
electronic traction system switches on
again.
The self-diagnosis has not been
completed yet.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP available.
The display will clear after driving a short
distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
The charging voltage has fallen below ten
volts. The ESP has switched off.
The battery might not be charged
sufficiently.

Continue driving with added caution.

If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ESP is operational again.

306 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Symbol messagesDisplay symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
#
Battery Alternator
Visit workshop.
The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:

broken poly-V-belt


alternator malfunctioning

Stop immediately and check the
poly-V-belt.
If it is broken:

Do not continue to drive. Otherwise
the engine will overheat due to an
inoperative water pump which may
result in damage to the engine. Notify
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is intact:

Drive immediately to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Low voltage
Charge battery
The battery has insufficient voltage.

Start the engine (
page 46).
Low voltage
Switch off consumers
The battery has insufficient voltage.

Turn off unnecessary electrical
consumers.

348 Practical hintsBattery1Negative terminal
2Positive terminal cover
Disconnecting the battery
Turn off the engine (
page 57).

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Remove SmartKey from starter switch.

Open the hood (
page 270).

Remove the filter box (
page 347).

Disconnect the battery negative lead
from negative terminal1.

Remove cover2 from the positive
terminal.

Disconnect the battery positive lead.
Removing the battery
Remove the screw-nuts securing the
battery.

Remove the battery bracket.

Take out the battery.
Charging and reinstalling the battery
Charge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.

Reinstall the charged battery. Follow
the previously described steps in
reverse order.
Warning!
G
With a disconnected battery

you will no longer be able to turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch


the gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP
Warning!
G
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle. Gases may escape during charg-
ing and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.

394 IndexB
BabySmart
TM
Air bag deactivation system 72, 385
Compatible child seats 72, 385
Self-test 72
Backrest
Folding forward 230
Folding rearward 231
Backrest contour
Adjusting 103
Backrest side bolsters
Adjusting 103
Backrest tilt
Manual seat 36
Power seat* 38
Backup lamps
Messages in display 315
Replacing bulbs 333
BAS 80, 385
Messages in display 303
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 331
Check lamp 92
Checking 93Battery discharged
Jump starting 350
Battery, vehicle 276, 347
Charging 348
Disconnecting 348
Reconnecting 349
Reinstalling 348
Removing 348
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 385
Bi-Xenon type*
Front lamp bulbs 337
Block heater (Canada only) 283
Blocking
Rear door window operation 77
Bolts
For Minispare wheel 325
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake fluid 375
Checking 269
Message in display 307
Brake lamp bulbs 333
Brake lamp, high mounted 333
Brake lamps
Messages in display 315Brake pads
Message in display 307
Brakes 258
Warning lamp 25, 295
Break-in period 256
Bulbs, replacing 332
Additional turn signals 333
Backup lamps 333, 340
Brake lamps 333, 340
Fog lamp, rear 333, 340
Fog lamps, front 333
Front lamps 333
High beam flasher 333
High beam headlamps 333
High mounted brake lamp 333
License plate lamps 333, 340
Low beam headlamps 333
Parking lamps, front 333, 336, 338
Parking lamps, rear 333, 340
Rear lamps 333
Side marker lamps, front 333, 338
Side marker lamps, rear 333, 340

395 Index
Standing lamps, front 333, 336, 338
Standing lamps, rear 333, 340
Tail lamp unit 339
Tail lamps 333, 340
Turn signal lamps,
front 333, 336, 338
Turn signal lamps,
rear 333, 340
Button
Audio system 178
C
CAC 385
California
Important notice 11
Calling up
Maintenance service indicator 285
Range (distance to empty) 148
CAN system 385
Cargo area see Cargo compartmentCargo compartment
Fuse box in 359
Lighting 115
Parcel net 226
Storage compartment inside 227
Tailgate 94
Tie-down rings 233
Cargo tie-down rings 233
Catalytic converter 264
CD changer* 193
CD changer* operation 195
CD player*
Operating 127
CD* operation 193
Center console 27
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 27, 65, 72, 300
Lower part 28
Upper part 27
Center console ashtray 238
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 133Central locking
Automatic 95
From inside 96
Locking from inside 96
Switch 96
Switching on/off
(control system) 143
Unlocking from inside 96
Central locking switch 96
Central unlocking
Switch 96
Unlocking from inside 96
Central unlocking switch 96
Certification label 364
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 331
CDs 193
Changing key setting 145
Charging
Vehicle battery 348