ABS MERCEDES-BENZ C WAGON 2005 S203 User Guide

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.

302 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Text messagesDisplay message
Possible cause
Possible solution
ABS
malfunction.
Visit workshop.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and
has switched off. The ESP and the BAS
are also deactivated.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ABS available.

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

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 ABS or the ABS display is
malfunctioning.

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

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.

323 Practical hints
Where will I find ...?
Operational position
Turn crank handle clockwise until it
engages (operational position).
Before storing the vehicle jack in its
compartment:


It should be fully collapsed.


The handle must be folded in (storage
position).Setting up the collapsible wheel chock
The collapsible wheel chock serves to
additionally secure the vehicle, e.g. while
changing the wheel.
1Tilt the plates upward
2Fold the lower plate outward
3Insert the plate

Tilt both plates upward1.

Fold the lower plate outward2.

Guide the tabs of the lower plate all the
way into the openings of the base
plate3.

329 Practical hints
Opening/closing in an emergency
Opening/closing in an emergency
Power tilt/sliding sunroof*
You can open or close the tilt/sliding
sunroof manually should an electrical
malfunction occur.
The tilt/sliding sunroof drive is located
behind the lens1 of the interior overhead
light.
Remove SmartKey from the starter
switch.

Pry off lens1 using a flat blade
screwdriver.

Slide both locking tabs2 in direction
of the arrows.

Lower the rear of the cover and
remove.

Remove the cover.

Take the crank3 out of the Operator’s
Manual pouch.

Insert crank3 through hole on the left
side.

Turn crank3 clockwise to:

slide sunroof closed


raise sunroof at the rear

Turn crank3 counterclockwise to:

slide sunroof open


lower sunroof at the rear
iDo not disconnect electrical
connectors.
iTurn crank3 slowly and smoothly.
The tilt/sliding sunroof must be
synchronized after being operated
manually (
page 222).

339 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a rear
lamp, do the following first:
Turn the exterior lamp switch to
positionM (
page 108).

Open the tailgate (
page 94).Tail lamp unit
1Latch
2Trim panel

Press latch1 on the corresponding
side.

Fold down trim panel2.3Tab

Press tabs3 together in direction of
arrows and remove the bulb carrier.

340 Practical hintsReplacing bulbsBulb carrier4Brake lamp bulb
5Turn signal lamp bulb
6Backup lamp bulb
7Rear fog lamp (driver’s side only), tail,
parking, standing and side marker
lamp bulb

Press gently onto the respective bulb
and turn counterclockwise out of its
bulb socket.

Press the new bulb gently into its bulb
socket and turn clockwise until it
engages.

Reinstall the bulb carrier.
Let tabs3 engage.

Reinstall trim panel2.
Let latch1 engage.License plate lamp
1Screw

Loosen both screws1.

Remove the license plate lamp.

Replace the bulb.

Reinstall the license plate lamp.

Retighten screws1.

375 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters
required for vehicles with Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada
vehicles). For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet, or
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles), or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada Vehicles) will result in engine
damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Please follow Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles)
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
blending oil additives are not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil is used in the air
conditioning system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere. Under extremely strenu-
ous operating conditions, this moisture
content can lead to the formation of
bubbles in the system, thus reducing the
system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be
replaced every two years, preferably in the
spring.
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
provide you with additional information.

385 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.
BabySmart
TM1
air bag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is
installed on the front passenger seat.
The system will automatically deacti-
vate the passenger front air bag when
such a seat is properly installed
(the56indicator lamp located
in the center console comes on). See
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.BabySmart
TM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the
passenger front air bag if a
BabySmartTM compatible child seat is
installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking
situations. The system is activated
when it senses an emergency based on
how fast the brake is applied.
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more
intense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service
center, which can help you with any
questions about your vehicle and
provide assistance in the event of a
breakdown.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control
vehicle functions such as door locking
or windshield wiping depending on
vehicle settings and/or ambient
conditions.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the
passenger compartment needed for
vehicle operation and monitoring.
1BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.

391 Index
A
ABS 79, 385
ABS control 79
Indicator lamp 25
Malfunction indicator lamp 294
Messages in display 302
Accelerator position,
automatic transmission 159
Accident
In case of 54
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 173
Air recirculation mode 171
Anti-theft alarm system* 86
Central locking (control system) 143
Climate control 167
Climate control system 169
Defrosting 171
Easy-entry/exit feature* 144
ESP 83
Exterior headlamps 49Exterior lamps 109
Exterior rear view mirror
parking position* 163
Hazard warning flasher 113
Headlamps 49
High beam headlamps 49
High beams 112
Ignition 33
Immobilizer 57, 85
Low beam headlamps 49
Rear window defroster 165
Seat heating* 104
Tow-away alarm* 87
Windshield wipers 51
Adding
Coolant 275
Engine oil 274
Additional turn signals 333
Adjustable air vents,
rear passenger compartment 174Adjusting 35
Air distribution 170
Air volume 170
Backrest contour 103
Backrest side bolsters 103
Backrest tilt, manual seat 36
Backrest tilt, power seat* 38
Exterior rear view mirrors 41
Folding back rear seat
head restraints 101
Head restraint height,
manual seat 37
Head restraint height,
power seat* 38
Head restraint height, rear seats 100
Head restraint tilt, manual seat 37
Head restraint tilt, power seat* 39
Head restraint tilt, rear seats 102
Instrument cluster illumination 116
Interior rear view mirror 41
Manual seat 36