Steering wheel controls MERCEDES-BENZ C240 2002 W203 Repair Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2002, Model line: C240, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ C240 2002 W203Pages: 406
Page 242 of 406

239 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance 
button remains illuminated in red for approx. 
10 seconds during the system self-check after turning 
electronic key in starter switch to position 2 (together 
with the “SOS” button and the Information 
button¡).
See system self-check on page 234 when the indicator 
lamp does not light up in red or stays on longer than 
approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance 
button is illuminated continuously and there was 
no voice connection to the Response Center established, 
then the Tele Aid system could not initiate an Roadside 
Assistance call (e.g. the relevant cellular phone network 
is not available). The message “ROADSIDE 
ASSISTANCE – CALL FAILED” appears in the 
multifunction display.
Roadside Assistance calls can be terminated using the 
ìbutton on the multifunction steering wheel.Information button ¡
Located below the center armrest cover is the 
Information button¡. Pressing and holding the 
button (for longer than 2 seconds) will initiate a call to 
the Customer Assistance Center. The button will flash 
while the call is in progress. The message “INFO – 
CONNECTING CALL” will appear in the multifunction 
display. When the connection is established, the 
message “INFO – CALL CONNECTED” appears in the 
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system will transmit 
data generating the vehicle identification number, 
model, color and location (subject to availability of 
cellular and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Customer Assistance 
Center representative and the occupants of the vehicle 
will be established. When a voice connection is 
established the audio system mutes and the message 
“TELE AID – INFO CALL ACTIVE” appears in the 
multifunction display. Information regarding the 
operation of your vehicle, the nearest Mercedes-Benz 
Center or Mercedes-Benz USA products and services is 
ava i l ab le  to   yo u .
For more details concerning Tele Aid, please visit 
www.mbusa.com and use your ID and password, sent to 
you separately, to learn more (USA only).
OM_203.book  Seite 239  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 
Page 243 of 406

240 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Notes:
The indicator lamp in the Information button¡ 
remains illuminated in red for approx. 10 seconds 
during the system self-check after turning electronic 
key in starter switch to position 2 (together with the 
“SOS” button and the Roadside Assistance button).
See system self-check on page 234 when the indicator 
lamp does not light up in red or stays on longer than 
approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Information button¡ is 
illuminated continuously and there was no voice 
connection to the Response Center established, then the 
Tele Aid system could not initiate an Information call 
(e.g. the relevant cellular phone network is not 
available). The message “INFO – CALL FAILED” appears 
in the multifunction display.
Information calls can be terminated using the 
ìbutton on the multifunction steering wheel.Important!
If the indicator lamps do not start flashing after 
pressing one of the buttons or remain illuminated (in 
red) at any time, the Tele Aid system has detected a fault 
or the service is not currently active, and may not 
initiate a call. 
Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center and have the system 
checked or contact the Response Center at 1-800-756-
9018 (in the USA) or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada) as 
soon as possible.
Upgrade Signals
Tele Aid system processes calls using the following 
priority.
•Automatic emergency – First priority
•Manual emergency – Second priority
•Roadside assistance – Third priority
•Information – Fourth priority
Should a higher priority call be initiated while you are 
connected, an upgrade (alternating) tone will be heard, 
and the appropriate indicator lamp will flash. If certain 
information such as vehicle identification number or 
customer information is not available, the operator may 
OM_203.book  Seite 240  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 
Page 244 of 406

241 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index need to retransmit. During this time you will hear a 
chirp and voice contact will be interrupted. Voice 
contact will resume once the retransmission is 
completed. Once a call is concluded, a chirp will be 
heard and the appropriate indicator lamp will stop 
flashing. The COMAND system operation will resume 
(only vehicles with COMAND).
Important!
If the indicator lamp continues to flash or the system 
does not reset, contact the Response Center at 
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or 1-888-923-8367 (in 
Canada), or Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance at 
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) in the USA or 
Customer Service at 1-800-387-0100 in Canada.Notes:
The indicator lamp in the respective button flashes until 
the call is concluded. Calls can only be terminated by a 
Response Center or Customer Assistance Center 
representative except Roadside Assistance and 
Information calls, which can also be terminated by 
pressing ìbutton on the multifunction steering 
wheel.
When a Tele Aid call has been initiated, the audio 
system or the COMAND system audio (only vehicles 
with COMAND) is muted and the selected mode (radio, 
tape or CD) pauses. The optional cellular phone (if 
installed) switches off. If you must use this phone, the 
vehicle must be parked. Disconnect the coiled cord and 
place the call. The navigation system (if engaged) will 
continue to run. The display in the instrument cluster is 
available for use and spoken commands are only 
available by pressing the RPT button on the COMAND 
unit. A pop-up window will appear in the COMAND 
display to indicate that a Tele Aid call is in progress.
OM_203.book  Seite 241  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 
Page 249 of 406

246 Starter switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Starter switch
0The electronic key can be withdrawn in this position 
only. The steering is locked when the electronic key 
is removed from the starter switch. If necessary, 
move steering wheel slightly to allow the locking 
mechanism to engage.
In vehicles with automatic transmission, the 
electronic key can be removed only with the selector 
lever in position “P”. After removing the electronic key or with the electronic key in starter switch 
position 0 or 1 the selector lever is locked in 
position “P”.
1Most electrical consumers can be operated. For 
detailed information see respective subjects.
2Driving position.
Gear selector lever is unlocked.
To move the selector lever out of position “P” firmly 
depress the service brake pedal. 
3Starting position.
See page 248 for instructions on starting and turning off 
the engine.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the 
electronic key from the starter switch, and lock the 
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the 
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. 
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause 
serious personal injury.
OM_203.book  Seite 246  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 
Page 253 of 406

250 Manual transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Wa r n i n g !
For vehi cl es  eq ui pped w it h a  m an ual  tra ns mi s si on, 
getting out of your vehicle with the gearshift lever 
not engaged in 1st or reverse gear and parking 
brake engaged is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, an engaged 1st or 
reverse gear alone may not prevent your vehicle 
from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to 
engaging 1st or reverse gear, see page 260 for 
parking brake.When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel 
towards the road curb.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key 
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not 
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with 
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move 
the gearshift lever, which could result in an 
accident or serious injury.Wa r n i n g !
On slippery road surfaces as well as high engine 
speeds, never downshift in order to obtain braking 
action. This could result in drive wheel slip and 
reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not 
prevent this type of loss of control.
OM_203.book  Seite 250  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 
Page 256 of 406

253 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the 
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service 
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into “N” 
or “P” and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not 
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids 
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a 
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually 
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never 
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow), 
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying 
slight partial throttle.Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the 
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to 
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the 
malfunction indication.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever 
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous. 
A ls o, w hen pa rked on a n in c li ne, pos i tion “P” a lon e 
may not prevent your vehicle from moving, 
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting 
to position “P”, see page 260 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel 
towards the road curb.Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key 
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not 
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with 
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move 
the selector lever from position “P”, which could 
result in an accident or serious injury.
OM_203.book  Seite 253  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 
Page 279 of 406

276 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during 
hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a 
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km / h) 
independent of road surface conditions.At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a 
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, 
indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep 
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while 
experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure results in 
applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking 
power and ability to steer the vehicle.
In the case of an emergency brake maneuver keep 
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this 
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even 
with light brake pedal pressure because of the 
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating 
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road 
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra 
care while driving.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm, 
steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake 
pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly 
reduces braking effectiveness.
OM_203.book  Seite 276  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 
Page 281 of 406

278 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Electronic stability program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces 
driving wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving 
conditions.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by 
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a 
countervailing vehicle movement. Engine torque is also 
limited. The ESP warning lamp, located in the 
speedometer dial, starts to flash when ESP is in 
operation.Important!
If the ESP warning lampv flashes:
•During take-off apply as little throttle as possible.
•While driving ease up on the accelerator.
•Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road 
conditions.
•Do not switch off the ESP.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see 
page 347, “Towing the vehicle”), the engine must be 
shut of f (elec tr oni c key in  starter  s witch p osi ti on 0  or 1). 
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and 
will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Wa r n i n g !
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics 
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the 
traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent 
ac c id ent s, i nc l udi ng t hose resul tin g from  exc es si ve 
speed in turns, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, 
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. 
The capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must 
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous 
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or 
the safety of others.
OM_203.book  Seite 278  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 
Page 282 of 406

279 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The yellow ESP warning lampv in the speedometer 
dial comes on with the electronic key in starter switch 
position 2. It should go out with the engine running.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, a malfunction 
has been detected in the system. Only partial engine 
output will be available.
Have the ESP checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
For ESP warning message, see page 292.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched 
off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the 
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP 
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer 
d ial com es on ). For  t his reas on,  all wheels,  in cludin g t he 
spare wheel, must have the same tire size.When testing the parking brake on a brake test 
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, 
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the 
rear wheel brakes. 
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the 
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended 
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery 
disconnected or empty), the ESP warning message may 
be displayed with the engine running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to 
the right. The ESP warning message should go out.
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Page 311 of 406

308 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION
* C = Category, see page 293.The display appears if button í or ì on the 
multifunction steering wheel is pressed and the vehicle 
is not equipped with a telephone.TELE AID
* C = Category, see page 293.
1 The Tele Aid system consists of three types of response; automatic 
and manual emergency, roadside assistance and information. With 
this message displayed, one or more functions may not be 
avai lable.
See page 234 for notes on the Tele Aid.If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above, have the 
system checked at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center as 
soon as possible.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
FUNCTION NOT AVAILABLE! 3
Line 1 Line 2 C*
TE L E   A I D V I S I T   WO R KS H O P !
1
1
OM_203.book  Seite 308  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11