warning MERCEDES-BENZ C240 2002 W203 Owner's Manual

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG
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1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 7
Operator’s manual ............................. 8
Where to find it ................................ 13
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 15Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Door control panel ....................... 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21
Dashboard ..................................... 22
Center console .............................. 24OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 28
Start lock-out .................................... 30
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 30
Central locking system ................... 31
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control ............... 31
Locking and unlocking ................ 33Choosing global or selective
mode on remote control ............. 33
Opening the trunk ....................... 34
Opening and closing windows
and sliding / pop-up roof
from outside ................................. 35
Panic button ................................. 36
Mechanical keys .......................... 36
Doors ................................................. 37
Central locking switch .................... 39
Automatic central locking .............. 40
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 40
Trunk ..................................................41
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 43
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 44
Trunk lid release switch ................ 45
Trunk lamp ....................................... 45
Antitheft alarm system ................... 46
Tow-away alarm ............................... 47
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 48
Front seat adjustment ..................... 49
Removal and installation of
front seat head restraints .......... 55Multicontour seat ............................ 57
Heated seats ..................................... 58
Rear seat head restraints ................ 60
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 63
Seat belts ........................................... 63
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ........................... 64
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system .................... 70
Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) ............................... 71
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 72
Airbags .............................................. 73
Safety guidelines for the seat
belt, emergency tensioning
retractor and airbag .................... 81
Infant and child
restraint systems ......................... 83
Steering wheel adjustment
(manual) ....................................... 88
Steering wheel adjustment
(electrical) .................................... 89
Rear view mirrors ............................ 90
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2 Contents
Instrument cluster ........................... 98
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ............... 102
Trip and main odometer
and sub menu ............................ 106
Audio systems ................................ 108
Radio ............................................ 108
CD player ..................................... 109
Cassette player ............................110
Telephone .........................................111
Navigation system ...........................116
Trip computer ..................................117
Malfunction/warning
message memory .......................119
Individual settings ......................... 121
Setting the audio volume .............. 136
Coolant temperature gauge .......... 137
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................ 138
Engine oil level indicator .............. 141
Engine oil consumption ................ 142
Exterior lamp switch ..................... 143
Headlamp mode ............................. 144Night security illumination ......... 146
Locator lighting .......................... 147
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 147
Combination switch ...................... 148
Hazard warning flasher
switch .......................................... 151
Climate control ...............................152
Automatic climate control .............160
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .......... 171
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ............... 172
Operation Audio and telephone .. 173
Operating safety ............................ 173
Operating and display elements .. 174
Button and soft key operation ...... 176
Operation ......................................... 176
Switching on and off ...................... 176
Adjusting the volume ................... 177
Audio functions ............................. 177
Bass ................................................. 177
Treble .............................................. 177
Balance ............................................ 178
Centering all audio functions ...... 178Audio system
tone level selection ................... 179
Radio mode ..................................... 179
Selecting radio mode ..................... 179
Selecting the band ......................... 179
Manual tuning ................................ 180
Seek tuning ..................................... 180
Scan tuning ..................................... 180
Weather Band ................................. 181
Station memory .............................. 181
Storing stations automatically
(Autostore) ................................. 181
Storing stations .............................. 182
Retrieving a station
from memory ............................. 182
Direct frequency input
AM and FM only ....................... 182
Cassette mode ................................ 182
Playing cassettes ............................ 182
Cassette eject .................................. 183
Track selection ............................... 184
Track search
forwards/backwards ................. 184
Fast forward/reverse ..................... 184
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4 Contents
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters .....................232
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) .................................233
Maintenance ...................................233
Tele Aid ...........................................234
Catalytic converter ........................244
Emission control ............................245
Starter switch .................................246
Starting and turning off
the engine ..................................248
Manual transmission ....................249
Automatic transmission ............... 251
Parking brake .................................260
Driving instructions ...................... 261
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel ........ 261
Drinking and driving ................. 261
Pedals ........................................... 261
Power assistance ........................262
Brakes ..........................................262
Driving off ...................................263
Parking ........................................264Tires ............................................. 265
Snow chains ............................... 267
Winter driving
instructions ................................ 268
Deep water .................................. 270
Passenger compartment ............271
Traveling abroad .........................271
Cruise control ................................ 272
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 275
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ...........................................276
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 278
What you should know
at the gas station ...................... 282
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 284
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster ........ 286
On-board diagnostic system ........ 286
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 286Brake warning lamp ..................288
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) indicator lamp ....289
Fuel reserve warning .................290
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 291
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............292
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ............................292
Malfunction and
indicator lamp in
the center console .....................292
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....292
Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display ...............293
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................295
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR ........296
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ....297
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................297
BRAKE PAD WEAR ....................298
BRAKE FLUID .............................298
PARKING BRAKE .......................299
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8 Introduction
Operator’s manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize
yourself with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations
for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment,
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
•New Car Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).
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13 IntroductionWhere to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
•Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
• Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.
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24 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Center console1Left front seat heater switch, see page 58
2Rear window sunshade switch (optional), see
page 205
3ESP (electronic stability program) control switch,
see page 278
4Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 151
5Central locking switch, see page 39
6Rear seat head restraints switch, see page 60
7Antitheft alarm system, see page 46
Switch for tow-away protection, see page 47
8Right front seat heater switch, see page 58
9AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp, see page 292
10COMAND system (optional), see separate
operating instructions, or
audio system, see page 173
11Climate control (C 240), see page 152
Automatic climate control (C 320) see page 160
Rear window defroster, see page 170
P 68.10-2501-27
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26 Contents - Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 28
Start lock-out .................................... 30
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 30
Central locking system ................... 31
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control ............... 31
Locking and unlocking ................ 33
Choosing global or selective
mode on remote control .............. 33
Opening the trunk ....................... 34
Opening and closing windows
and sliding / pop-up roof
from outside .................................. 35
Panic button .................................. 36
Mechanical keys ........................... 36
Doors .................................................. 37
Central locking switch .................... 39
Automatic central locking .............. 40
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 40
Trunk ................................................. 41Trunk lid emergency release ........ 43
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 44
Trunk lid release switch ................ 45
Trunk lamp ....................................... 45
Antitheft alarm system ................... 46
Tow-away alarm ............................... 47
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 48
Front seat adjustment ..................... 49
Removal and installation of
front seat head restraints .......... 55
Multicontour seat ............................ 57
Heated seats ..................................... 58
Rear seat head restraints ............... 60
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 63
Seat belts .......................................... 63
Seat belt nonusage
warning system .......................... 64
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 70
Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) ................................ 71
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................ 72Airbags .............................................. 73
Safety guidelines for the seat
belt, emergency tensioning
retractor and airbag .................... 81
Infant and child
restraint systems ......................... 83
Steering wheel adjustment
(manual) ....................................... 88
Steering wheel adjustment
(electrical) .................................... 89
Rear view mirrors ............................ 90
Instrument cluster ........................... 98
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ............... 102
Trip and main odometer
and sub menu ............................ 106
Audio systems ................................ 108
Radio ............................................ 108
CD player ..................................... 109
Cassette player ............................110
Telephone ......................................... 111
Navigation system ...........................116
Trip computer ..................................117
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27 Contents - Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Malfunction/warning
message memory .......................119
Individual settings ......................... 121
Setting the audio volume .............. 136
Coolant temperature gauge .......... 137
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................ 138
Engine oil level indicator .............. 141
Engine oil consumption ................ 142
Exterior lamp switch ..................... 143
Headlamp mode ............................. 144
Night security illumination ......... 146
Locator lighting .......................... 147
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 147
Combination switch ...................... 148
Hazard warning flasher
switch .......................................... 151Climate control ...............................152
Automatic climate control .............160
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .......... 171
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ............... 172
Operation Audio and telephone .. 173
Operating safety ............................ 173
Operating and display elements .. 174
Button and soft key operation ...... 176
Component malfunctions ..............195
Power windows ...............................197
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 200
Interior lighting ............................. 203
Rear window sunshade ................ 205
Sun visors ....................................... 206
Vanity mirrors ............................... 206Interior ............................................207
Storage compartments
and armrests ..............................207
Glove box .....................................208
Cup holder ...................................... 211
Ashtrays .......................................... 213
Lighter ............................................. 215
Parcel net in
front passenger footwell .......... 216
Ski sack ........................................... 216
Enlarged cargo area ....................... 221
Split folding rear seat bench ........ 221
Loading instructions
(vehicle with
enlarged cargo area) .................223
Cellular telephone .........................224
Telephone, general ........................225
Garage door opener .......................226
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64 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Seat belt nonusage warning system
With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, a
warning sounds for a short time if the driver’s seat belt
is not fastened.
Automatic comfort-fit seat belt:
An automatic comfort-fit feature for driver and front
passenger seat belt is activated when the electronic key
in the starter switch is turned to position 1 or 2.
The retraction force of the inertia reel is reduced,
increasing the level of seat belt comfort.
Note:
For cleaning and care of the seat belts see page 371.
Wa r n i n g !
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the backrest
reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position
can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat
belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt
would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The
backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint
when the wearer is in an upright position and the
belt is properly positioned on the body.
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