towing MERCEDES-BENZ C320 2002 W203 Owner's Manual

5 ContentsSEAT BELT SYSTEM ...................299
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) ..300
COOLANT
(coolant level) ............................. 301
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................302
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................303
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................304
LAMP SENSOR ...........................306
DOOR ............................................306
TRUNK OPEN .............................307
HOOD ...........................................307
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION .......308
TELE AID .....................................308
WASHER FLUID ..........................309
RESTRAINT SYSTEM ................. 310
KEY ............................................... 310
FUEL RESERVE .......................... 311
UNDERVOLTAGE ........................ 311
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. ........... 312
Practical hintsFirst aid kit ...................................... 314
Stowing things in the vehicle ....... 314
Fuses ................................................ 315
Hood ................................................. 318
Adding engine oil .......................... 321
Automatic transmission
fluid level ................................... 322
Coolant level ................................... 322
Adding coolant ........................... 323
Windshield and
headlamp washer system ........ 323
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ............... 325
TIREFIT, vehicle tools,
storage compartment
(C 32 AMG only) ....................... 326
Vehicle jack .................................... 327
Wheels ............................................ 328
Tire replacement ....................... 328
Rotating wheels ......................... 329Spare wheel ....................................330
Spare wheel bolts .......................330
Changing wheels ........................... 331
TIREFIT ...........................................337
Tire inflation pressure .................. 341
Battery .............................................342
Jump starting ..................................344
Towing the vehicle .........................347
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ...................350
Exterior lamps ................................ 351
Replacing bulbs .......................... 351
Standby bulb function ...................356
Changing batteries in the
electronic main key ..................357
Synchronizing
remote control ............................359
Emergency engine shut-down .....359
Fuel filler flap, manual release ...360
Replacing wiper blade insert .......362
Roof rack .........................................363
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40 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Automatic central locking
Wit h t he autom ati c c entral lockin g s ystem ac ti vate d, t he
doors and trunk are locked at vehicle speeds of
approximately 9 mph (15 km / h) or more. The fuel filler
flap remains unlocked.
The automatic central locking function can be switched
on or off in the individual setting menu “VEHICLE” –
“AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK”, see page 131.
Notes:
If doors are unlocked with the central locking switch
after activating the automatic central locking, and
neither door is opened, then the doors remain unlocked
even at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph
(15 km / h) or more.
If a door is opened from the inside at speeds of
approximately 9 mph (15 km / h) or less with the
automatic central locking activated, the door will again
be automatically locked at speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.Important!
When towing the vehicle, or with the vehicle on a
dynamometer test stand, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in starter switch position 2, the vehicle
doors will lock if the left front wheel as well as the right
rear wheel spin at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
Emergency unlocking in case of accident
The doors unlock automatically a short time after an
accident in which an airbag or emergency tensioning
retractor deploys (this is intended to aid rescue and
exit).
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47 Tow-away alarm
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Tow - away a l a r m
The switch is located in the center console.
1Press to switch off tow-away alarm
2Indicator lamp
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior
vehicle lamps will flash and an alarm will sound when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle.The alarm will last approximately 3 minutes in form of
flashing exterior lamps. At the same time an alarm will
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even if the
vehicle is immediately lowered. To cancel the alarm,
insert the electronic key in the starter switch or press
buttonŒ or‹ on the electronic key.
If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an
emergency call is initiated automatically. See Tele Aid
on page 234.
To pr even t tr igger in g t he tow-away alarm feature, switch
off the tow-away alarm before towing the vehicle, or
when parking on a surface subject to movement, such
as a ferry or auto train.
To do so, turn electronic key in starter switch to
position 1 or 0, or remove electronic key from starter
switch. Press tow-away alarm switch (1). The indicator
lamp (2) illuminates briefly.
Exit vehicle, and lock vehicle with the electronic key.
The tow-away alarm remains switched off until the
vehicle is locked again with the electronic key, at which
time it is automatically reactivated.
2
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207 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Interior Storage compartments and armrests
Wa r n i n g !
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing
things. Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if
possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than
the seat backs. Do not place anything on the shelf
below the rear window.Luggage nets cannot secure hard or heavy objects.
Wa r n i n g !
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help to
prevent stored objects from being thrown about
and injuring vehicle occupants during an accident.
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224 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Cellular telephone
The vehicle is prepared for the installation of a cellular
telephone. For further information and installation
contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Wa r n i n g !
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle and can cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are securely fastened in
the vehicle.To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing
things. Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if
possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than
the seat backs. Do not place anything on the shelf
below the rear window.Never drive vehicle with trunk lid open while seat
backrest sections not locked in their upright
position. Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.
Wa r n i n g !
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
c ell ul ar tel ephone whi le d ri vin g a vehi cl e. W het her
or not prohibited by law, for safety reasons, the
driver should not use the cellular telephone while
the vehicle is in motion.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location before answering
or placing a call.
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238 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Roadside Assistance button 
Located below the center armrest cover is the Roadside
Assistance button. Pressing and holding the
button (for longer than 2 seconds) will initiate a call to a
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher. The
button will flash while the call is in progress. The
message “ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE – CONNECTING
CALL” will appear in the multifunction display. When
the connection is established, the message “ROADSIDE
ASSISTANCE – 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 Roadside Assistance
dispatcher and the occupants of the vehicle will be
established. When a voice connection is established the
audio system mutes and the message “TELE AID –
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALL ACTIVE” appears in the
multifunction display. The nature of the need for
assistance can then be described. The Mercedes-Benz
Roadside assistance dispatcher will either dispatch a
qualified Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to tow
your vehicle to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center.
For services such as labor and/or towing charges may
apply. Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for more
information.
These programs are only available in the USA:
•S ign an d Drive s erv ices : Ser vi ces such as jump start,
a few gallons of fuel or the replacement of a flat tire
with the vehicle spare tire are obtainable,
•Remote Vehicle Diagnostics: This function permits
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher
to download malfunction codes and actual vehicle
data.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, vehicle in
a dangerous road location), please do not wait for
voice contact after you have pressed the emergency
button. Carefully leave the vehicle and move to a
safe location. The Response Center will
automatically contact local emergency officials
with the vehicle’s approximate location if they
rec eive a n a utom at ic “SO S” si gna l a nd ca nn ot ma ke
voice contact with the vehicle occupants.
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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.
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313 Contents - Practical hints
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit ..................................... 314
Stowing things in the vehicle ...... 314
Fuses ................................................ 315
Hood ................................................. 318
Adding engine oil .......................... 321
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................322
Coolant level ...................................322
Adding coolant ...........................323
Windshield and
headlamp washer system ........323
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ................325TIREFIT, vehicle tools,
storage compartment
(C 32 AMG only) ....................... 326
Vehicle jack .................................... 327
Wheels ............................................ 328
Tire replacement ....................... 328
Rotating wheels ......................... 329
Spare wheel .................................... 330
Spare wheel bolts ...................... 330
Changing wheels ........................... 331
TIREFIT ........................................... 337
Tire inflation pressure ................. 341
Battery ............................................. 342
Jump starting ................................. 344Towing the vehicle .........................347
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ...................350
Exterior lamps ................................ 351
Replacing bulbs .......................... 351
Standby bulb function ...................356
Changing batteries in the
electronic main key ..................357
Synchronizing
remote control ............................359
Emergency engine shut-down .....359
Fuel filler flap, manual release ...360
Replacing wiper blade insert .......362
Roof rack .........................................363
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314 First aid kit
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
First aid kit
The first aid kit is located in the storage space (1) in the
shelf below the rear window.
Lift cover. Remove first aid kit.Stowing things in the vehicle
Wa r n i n g !
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing
things. Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if
possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than
the seat backs. Do not place anything on the shelf
below the rear window.
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325 Spare wheel
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Spare wheel, vehicle tools, storage compartment
1Vehicle tool kit, towing eye bolt, wheel bolts and
jack
2Spare wheel
3Storage trayLift trunk floor and engage handle in upper edge of
trunk.
Always lower trunk floor before closing trunk lid.
To remove the spare wheel:
Take out the vehicle tool kit tray.
Turn t he luggage b owl coun ter clock wise an d re move t he
spare wheel.
To store spare wheel:
Place spare wheel in wheel well and secure it with
luggage bowl. Turn luggage bowl clockwise to its stop.
Place vehicle tool kit tray in luggage bowl.
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