ignition MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC 2008 W204 Service Manual

300 Controls in detail
Useful features
Information button*}
The Information button} is located in
the overhead control panel.
1Information button}
Press and hold Information button
} (for longer than 2 seconds).
A call to the Customer Assistance Cen-
ter will be initiated. The button will
flash while the call is in progress. The
message:

Connecting call appears in the
multifunction display
and the audio system is muted.When the connection is established, the
message:

Call connected appears in the multi-
function display
The Tele Aid system will transmit data gen-
erating the vehicle identification number,
model, color and location (subject to avail-
ability of cellular and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Customer
Assistance Center representative and the
occupants of the vehicle will be estab-
lished. Information regarding the operation
of your vehicle, the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or Mercedes-Benz
USA products and services is available to
you.
For more details concerning the Tele Aid
system, please visit www.mbusa.com and
use your ID and password (sent to you sep-
arately) to learn more (USA only).
iThe indicator lamp on the Information
button} remains illuminated in red for ap-
proximately 10 seconds during the system
self-check after switching on the ignition (togeth-
er with the SOS button and the Roadside Assis-
tance button*b).
See system self-check (
page 296) if the indi-
cator lamp does not come on in red or stays on
longer than approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Information
button} is flashing continuously and no
voice connection to the Response Center was
established, then the Tele Aid system could not
initiate an Information call (e.g. the relevant tele-
phone network is not available). The message:

Call failed appears in the multifunction
display for approximately 10 seconds
Information calls can be terminated using the
t button on the multifunction steering wheel
or the respective button for ending a telephone
call on the audio system or the COMAND* head
unit.

302 Controls in detail
Useful features
Remote door lock
If you have forgotten to lock your vehicle
and are no longer near it, you can have it
locked remotely through the Response
Center.
The vehicle can be remotely locked within
4 days after the ignition has been switched
off.
Contact the Mercedes-Benz Response
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
You will be asked to provide your pass-
word which you provided when you
completed the subscriber agreement.When you are inside your vehicle the next
time and switch on the ignition, the mes-
sage
Tele Aid Doors locked by remote
control
will appear on the multifunction
display.
Automatic Maintenance Call
The C-Class is equipped with a feature that
considerably enhances vehicle care. Just
prior to reaching a vehicle maintenance
milestone, Tele Aid transmits important ve-
hicle maintenance information that alerts
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center of
required service. This is automatic and
does not require driver intervention. This
feature allows your preferred
Mercedes-Benz Center to significantly im-
prove the process of arranging your ser-
vice appointment and ensures that your
vehicle receives the best possible care.Stolen Vehicle Recovery services
In the event your vehicle was stolen:
Report the incident to the police.
The police will issue a numbered
incident report.
Pass this number on to the
Mercedes-Benz Response Center along
with your password issued to you when
you subscribed to the service.
The Response Center will then attempt
to covertly contact the vehicle’s
Tele Aid system. Once the vehicle is
located, the Response Center will
contact the local law enforcement and
you. The vehicle’s location will only be
provided to law enforcement.
Once the vehicle is unlocked, a Response Center
specialist might attempt to establish voice con-
tact with the vehicle occupants.
If the trunk lid handle was pulled for more than
20 seconds before door unlock authorization
was received by the Response Center, you must
wait 15 minutes before pulling the trunk lid han-
dle again.
iThe remote door lock feature is available if
the relevant telephone network is available and
data connection is possible.
iThe Automatic Maintenance Call feature is
available if the relevant telephone network is
available and data connection is possible.
iWhen the anti-theft alarm or the tow-away
alarm stays on for more than 30 seconds, a call
is initiated automatically to the Response Cen-
ter, see “Anti-theft alarm system” (
page 66).


304 Controls in detail
Useful features
Programming integrated remote con-
trol
Step 1:
Switch on the ignition (page 82).
Step 2:
If you have previously programmed a
signal transmitter button and wish to
retain its programming, proceed to
step 3.
If you are programming the integrated
remote control for the first time, press
and hold the two outer signal transmit-
ter buttons2 and4 and release
them only when indicator lamp1 be-
gins to flash after approximately
20 seconds (do not hold the button for longer than 30 seconds). This proce-
dure erases any previous settings for
all three channels and initializes the
memory.
If you later wish to program a second
and/or third hand-held transmitter to
the remaining two signal transmitter
buttons, do not repeat this step and be-
gin directly with step 3.
Step 3:
Hold the end of hand-held remote
control5 of the device you wish to
train approximately 2 to 5 in
(5 to12 cm) away from the signal trans-
mitter button (2, 3 or4) to be pro-
grammed, while keeping indicator
lamp1 in view.
Step 4:
Using both hands, simultaneously
press hand-held remote control
button6 and the desired signal trans-
mitter button (2, 3 or4). Do not
release the buttons until step 5 is com-
pleted.Indicator lamp1 will flash, first slowly
and then rapidly.
Step 5:
After indicator lamp1 changes from a
slow to a rapidly flashing light, release
the hand-held remote control button
and the signal transmitter button.
Step 6:
Press and hold the just-trained signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or4) and
observe indicator lamp1.
If indicator lamp1 stays on
constantly, programming is complete
and your device should activate when
the respective signal transmitter
button (2, 3 or4) is pressed and re-
leased.
Do not run the engine while programming
the integrated remote control. Inhalation of
exhaust gas is hazardous to your health.
All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
iIndicator lamp1 flashes immediately the
first time the signal transmitter button is pro-
grammed. If this button has already been pro-
grammed, the indicator lamp will only start
flashing after 20 seconds.


306 Controls in detail
Useful features
If you live in Canada or if you are having
difficulties programming a gate operator
(regardless of where you live) by using the
programming procedures, replace step 4
with the following:
Step 4:
Press and hold the signal transmitter
button (2, 3 or4). Do not release
this button until it has been successful-
ly trained.
While still holding down the signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or4),
“cycle” your hand-held remote control
button6 as follows: Press and hold
button6 for 2 seconds, then release
it for 2 seconds, and again press and
hold it for 2 seconds. Repeat this se-
quence on the hand-held remote con-
trol until the frequency signal has been
learned. Upon successful training, indi-
cator lamp1 will flash slowly and then
rapidly after several seconds.
Proceed with programming step 5 and
step 6 to complete.Reprogramming a single signal trans-
mitter button
To program a device using a signal trans-
mitter button previously trained, follow
these steps:
Switch on the ignition (page 82).
Press and hold the desired signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or4).
Do not release the button.
Indicator lamp1 will begin to flash af-
ter 20 seconds. Without releasing the
signal transmitter button, proceed with
programming starting with step 3.Operation of integrated remote control
Switch on the ignition (page 82).
Select and press the appropriate inte-
grated signal transmitter button (2,
3 or4) to activate the remote con-
trolled device.
The integrated remote control trans-
mitter continues to send the signal as
long as the button is pressed – up to
20 seconds.
Erasing integrated remote control
memory
Switch on the ignition (page 82).
Simultaneously press and hold outer
signal transmitter buttons2 and 4,
for approximately 20 seconds, until
indicator lamp1 flashes rapidly. Do
not hold for longer than 30 seconds.
The codes of all three channels are
erased.
iUpon completion of programming the inte-
grated remote control, make sure you retain the
hand-held remote control that came with the ga-
rage door opener, gate operator or other device.
You may need it for use in other vehicles, for fu-
ture programming of an integrated remote con-
trol, or simply for continued use as a hand-held
remote control to operate the respective device
in other situations.
iIf you sell your vehicle, erase the codes of all
three channels.

312 Operation
Driving instructions
Brakes
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 60).
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid level in
the reservoir.
The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be too low if the red brake warning lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on while the
engine is running and an acoustic warning
sounds (
page 376). Observe additional
messages in the multifunction display that
may appear (
page 387).
Warning!G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking
effect. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an
accident.
!Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESP® operates automatically, the
engine and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey
in starter switch position0 or1 or KEYLESS-GO
(Canada only) start/stop button* in position0
or1) when

the parking brake is being tested on a brake
test dynamometer

the vehicle is being towed with the front axle
raised
Active braking action through the ESP
® may oth-
erwise seriously damage the brake system.
For information on vehicles with 4MATIC, see
“Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC)
with the ESP®” (
page 65).
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.

325 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
Warning!G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose
and injure you and/or others.
Warning!G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled down. If neces-
sary, call the fire department.
Warning!G
You could be injured when the hood is open
– even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool off com-
pletely before touching any components on
the vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
Warning!G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.
Warning!G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system

with the engine running

while starting the engine

if ignition is “on” and the engine is
cranked manually

343 Operation
Tires and wheels
Restart the Run Flat Indicator
The tire inflation pressure monitor must be
restarted in the following situations:

If you have changed the tire inflation
pressure

If you have replaced the wheels or tires

If you have installed new wheels or
tires
Using the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar
(
page 334) or, if available, the
supplemental tire inflation pressure
information on the inside of the fuel
filler flap (
page 322), make sure the
tire inflation pressure of all four tires is
correct.
Switch on the ignition (page 82).
Press button( or& on the
multifunction steering wheel to select
the menu
Service(page 164).
Press button $or% to select
Run Flat Indicator.
Press the button# to confirm. The
following message appears in the mul-
tifunction display:
Run Flat Indicator
Active
Menu: OK-Button
Press button#.
The following message will appear in
the multifunction display:
Restart
Run Flat Indicator?
Yes
or No
Press button $or% to select
Yes.
Press button# to confirm.
The following message will appear in
the multifunction display:
Run Flat Indicator
Restarted
After a certain “learning phase”, the
Run Flat Indicator checks the set pres-
sure values for all four tires.
Warning!G
The Run Flat Indicator can only warn you in
a reliable manner if you have set the correct
tire inflation pressures for each tire.
If an incorrect tire inflation pressure was
set, the system will monitor the pressure
according to the incorrect value.


346 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire inflation pressure warnings
If the system detects a significant loss of
tire inflation pressure in one or more than
one tire, a message appears in the multi-
function display.
Example illustration
In addition, a warning signal sounds.
Restarting the TPMSThe TPMS must be restarted when you
have adjusted the tire inflation pressure to
a new level (e.g. because of different load
or driving conditions). The TPMS is then
recalibrated to the current tire inflation
pressures.
Using the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar
(
page 334) or, if available, the
supplemental tire inflation pressure
information on the inside of the fuel
filler flap (
page 322), make sure the
tire inflation pressure of all four tires is
correct.
Switch on the ignition (page 82).
Press button( or& on the
multifunction steering wheel to select
the menu
Service(page 164).
Press button$or% to select
Tire Pressure.
Press the button# to confirm. The
following message appears in the mul-
tifunction display:
Tire Pressure
Monitor
Active
Press button#.
The following message will appear in
the multifunction display:
Restart tire
pressure monitor?
Yes
or No
Warning!G
It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate
the TPMS on the recommended cold infla-
tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the
ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might loose control over the vehicle.
iRestart the TPMS after adjusting the tire in-
flation pressure to the inflation pressure recom-
mended for the vehicle operating condition. Tire
pressure should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Observe the recommended tire inflation pres-
sure on the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the driver’s door B-pillar (
page 334). Some
vehicles may have supplemental tire inflation
pressure information for driving at high speeds
(
page 340) or for vehicle loads less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition
(
page 334). If such information is provided, it
can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

362 Operation
Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you have
your vehicle serviced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, in accordance with
the Maintenance Booklet at the times
called for by the maintenance service
indicator.
Maintenance service indicator
message
The maintenance service indicator
message will notify you when the next
maintenance service is due.
Starting approximately 1 month before the
next maintenance service is due, one of
the following messages will appear in the
multifunction display while you are driving
or when you switch on the ignition
(example service A):
Next Service A Due in XXXX miles (km)
Next Service A Due in XXX days
Service A Due
The type of maintenance service due is
indicated in the message that appears in
the multifunction display:
ABasic service
(approximately 1 hour)
BExtended service
(approximately 8 hours)
An additional number or a further letter in
combination with the maintenance type
can be indicated. This indicates that
further auxiliary maintenance work is
required. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for more
information.
To clear the maintenance service
indicator message: Press
buttonL or button# on the
multifunction steering wheel
(
page 152).
The maintenance service indicator
message is cleared and the standard
display appears in the multifunction
display (
page 151).
!Failure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet and
maintenance service indicator at the designated
times /mileage will result in vehicle damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iThe Maintenance System in your vehicle
tracks distance driven and the time elapsed
since the last maintenance service and calcu-
lates other maintenance service work required.
iThe maintenance service indicator message
is automatically cleared

after approximately 10 seconds when you
switch on the ignition or when reaching the
maintenance service threshold while driving

after approximately 30 seconds, once the
suggested maintenance service term has
passed
You can also clear it yourself.

363 Operation
Maintenance
Maintenance service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested main-
tenance service term, you will see the fol-
lowing message in the multifunction
display:
Service A Exceeded by XXXX miles (km)
Service A Exceeded by XXX days
In addition, a signal sounds when the mes-
sage appears.
Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
reset the maintenance service indicator
following a completed maintenance
service.
Calling up the maintenance service
indicator display
You can call up the maintenance service in-
dicator display at any time to check when
the next maintenance service is due.
Switch on the ignition.
The standard display of the control sys-
tem appears (
page 156).
Press ( or & on multifunction
steering wheel to select
Service menu.
Press % or $ to select the main-
tenance service indicator display.
Press #.
The service deadline appears in the
multifunction display.Resetting the maintenance service
indicator
In the event that the maintenance service
on your vehicle is not carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, you can
have the maintenance service indicator
reset. The automotive maintenance facility
carrying out the maintenance service will
find the information for resetting the
maintenance service indicator in the
maintenance-relevant information for your
vehicle. Such information is available from
either your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or directly from Mercedes-Benz.
iThe menu overview can be found on
(
page 154).
iIf the battery is disconnected, the days of
disconnection will not be included in the count
shown by the maintenance service indicator.
To arrive at the true maintenance service
deadline, you will need to subtract these days
from the days shown in the maintenance service
indicator message or maintenance service
indicator display.
iIf the maintenance service indicator was
inadvertently reset, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset if the proper maintenance service has
been performed. Resetting the system without
performing the proper service as called for by
the maintenance service indicator will result in
engine damage and/or other vehicle damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.