MERCEDES-BENZ C240 WAGON 2003 S203 Owner's Manual

307 Practical hints
Battery
Reconnecting the batteries
Turn off all electrical consumers.

Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover2.

Connect the negative lead1.

Reinstall the filter box.Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Large 12-volt storage batteries contain
lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.!NEVER invert the terminal connections.!The battery, its filler caps and the vent
tube must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation.
iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnec-
tion):

Set the clock (
page 118) (vehi-
cles with COMAND*: see COMAND
operator’s manual).


Resynchronize the ESP
(page 268).


Resynchronize side windows
(page 186).


Resynchronize sliding/pop-up roof
(page 189).
S203 MY03_A.book Page 307 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

308 Practical hintsJump starting
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Use only jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure that the jumper ca-
bles are not on or near pulleys, fans, or
other parts that move when the engine
is started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Jump starting may only be performed
on the battery installed in the engine
compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If engine does not run after several un-
successful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and
may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.
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309 Practical hints
Jump starting
The battery is located in the engine com-
partment on the right hand side. The termi-
nals for jump starting are located in front
of the battery.
Make sure that the two vehicles do not
touch.

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Apply parking brake.

Shift selector lever to positionP (man-
ual transmission to Neutral).1Positive terminal of charged battery
2Positive under hood terminal in front of
discharged battery
3Negative terminal of charged battery
4Negative under hood terminal in front
of discharged battery

Connect positive terminal1 of the
charged battery with the under hood
terminal2 in front of the discharged
battery with the jumper cables. Clamp
cable to charged battery1 first.

Start engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.

Connect negative terminal3 of the
charged battery with the under hood
terminal4 in front of the discharged
battery with the jumper cables. Clamp
cable to charged battery3 first.

Start the engine of the disabled vehi-
cle.
Now you can again turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not turn on the lights under
any circumstances.

Remove the jumper cables first from
negative terminals3 and4 and then
from positive terminals1 and2.

Have the battery checked at the near-
est authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 239).
!Vehicles with automatic transmission
or 4MATIC*:
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 309 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

310 Practical hintsTowing the vehicle
Towing the vehicleMercedes-Benz recommends that the
vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate
wheel lift/dolly equipment. This method is
preferable to other types of towing.When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the
vehicle may be towed with all wheels on
the ground or front wheels raised (except
vehicles with 4MATIC*) only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment with key in starter switch turned
to position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
To prevent damage during transport,
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 80) and deactivate the auto-
matic central locking (
page 88).
!Vehicles with automatic transmission
and/or 4MATIC*:
Do not tow-start the vehicle.!Vehicles with 4MATIC*:
Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing
so could damage the transfer case,
which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground.
Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised (not permissible for vehicles
with 4MATIC*), the engine must be
shut off (key in starter switch
position0 or1). Otherwise the ESP will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the selector lever must
be in positionN (manual transmission:
gears disengaged) and the key must be
in starter switch position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground or the front axle raised,
the vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and
at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).
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311 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
!To be certain to avoid a possibility of
damage to the drive train, however, we
recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange
(vehicles with 4MATIC*: disconnected
at the front and rear axle drive flanges)
for any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.
Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run


there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle’s electrical
system
as that will be necessary to adequately
control the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that the key is in
starter switch position2.
If the key is left in starter switch position0
for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the switch. In this case,
the steering is locked. To unlock, remove
key from starter switch and reinsert.
iTo signal turns while being towed with
the hazard warning flasher in use, turn
key in starter switch to position2 and
activate the combination switch for the
left or right turn signal in the usual
manner – only the selected turn signal
will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the
hazard warning flasher will operate
again.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 311 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

312 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleWarning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the braking and steer-
ing 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. Adapt your driving accord-
ingly.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the follow-
ing:
With the automatic central locking
activated and the key in starter switch
position2, the vehicle doors lock if the
left front wheel as well as the right rear
wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 80).
To prevent the vehicle doors from
locking, deactivate the automatic
central locking (
page 88).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed
towing eye bolt. Never attach tow
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle
chassis, frame or suspension parts.
iIf the battery is disconnected or
discharged

the key will not turn in the starter
switch. See notes on the battery
(page 305) or on jump starting
(page 308).


the selector lever will remain
locked in positionP. See notes on
manual unlocking of gear selector
lever (
page 289).
S203 MY03_A.book Page 312 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

313 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
1Cover on right side of front bumper.2Cover on right side of rear bumper.To remove cover:

Press mark on cover in direction of ar-
row.

Lift cover off to reveal threaded hole for
towing eye bolt.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
tool kit (located behind the left hand trim
panel in cargo compartment).

Screw towing eye bolt in to its stop and
tighten with lug wrench.
To reinstall cover:

Fit cover and snap into place.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 313 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

314 Practical hintsFuses
FusesFuse box in passenger compartmentOpening

Pull cover1 open with a screw driver or
similar tool.

Remove cover rearward.
Closing

Attach the cover in the front.

Fold the cover in until it engages.
Fuse chart
The fuse chart is found in the fuse box in
the passenger compartment. The amper-
ages of the fuses are also given there.
Fuse box in engine compartment
The fuse box is located in the engine com-
partment on the left-hand side.
1Screw
2Cover
3Retainer
Removing/installing cover
Twist screws1 90° counterclockwise.

Pull up cover2.

Slide out retainer3 and remove cover
by pulling towards front.

Install cover2 in reverse order.
iOnly install fuses that have been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz and
that have the specified amperage rat-
ing.
Never attempt to repair or bridge a
blown fuse. Have the cause determined
and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 314 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

315 Practical hintsFuses
Opening fuse box
4Fuse box cover
5Clamps
Release clamps5.

Remove cover4.
Closing fuse box

Ensure that the sealing rubber is prop-
erly positioned.

Press the cover down and secure with
clamps5.Auxiliary fuse box in cargo compart-
ment
The auxiliary fuse box is located in the car-
go compartment behind the left hand trim
panel.
1Button for unlocking trim panel
2Trim panel
Opening trim panel
Press button1.

Fold down trim panel2.3Spare fuses
4Auxiliary fuse box
5Fuse extractor
Spare fuses
Spare fuses are found in the vehicle tool kit
in the cargo compartment.
Fuse extractor
The fuse extractor is found in the vehicle
tool kit in the cargo compartment.
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