steering wheel MERCEDES-BENZ C320 WAGON 2003 S203 Owner's Guide

214 Controls in detailUseful featuressystem mutes and the message
TELE AID
– ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALL ACTIVE
ap-
pears in the multifunction display.

Describe the nature of the need for as-
sistance.
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 ap-
ply. Refer to the Roadside Assistance man-
ual for more information.
These programs are only available in the
USA:


Sign and Drive services: Services 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 func-
tion permits the Mercedes-Benz Road-
side Assistance dispatcher to
download malfunction codes and actu-
al vehicle data.Information button
¡
Located below the center armrest cover is
the Information button
¡
.

Press and hold the 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
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 cel-
lular and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Customer
Assistance Center representative and the
occupants of the vehicle will be estab-
iThe indicator lamp in the Roadside As-
sistance button
•
remains illumi-
nated in red for approx. 10 seconds
during the system self-check after turn-
ing the key in the starter switch to
position2 (together with the SOS but-
ton and the Information button
¡
).
See system self-check (
page 211)
when the indicator lamp does not light
up in red or stays on longer than ap-
proximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Roadside
Assistance button
•
is illuminated
continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Response Center es-
tablished, then the Tele Aid system
could not initiate a Roadside Assis-
tance call (e.g. the relevant cellular
phone network is not available). The
message
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE –
CALL FAILED
appears in the multifunc-
tion display.
Roadside Assistance calls can be ter-
minated using the
ì
button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 214 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

215 Controls in detail
Useful features
lished. When a voice connection is estab-
lished the audio system mutes and the
message
TELE AID – INFO CALL ACTIVE

appears in the multifunction display. Infor-
mation regarding the operation of your ve-
hicle, the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center
or Mercedes-Benz USA products and ser-
vices 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 in the Information
button
¡
remains illuminated in red
for approx. 10 seconds during the sys-
tem self-check after turning key in the
starter switch to position2 (together
with the SOS button and the Roadside
Assistance button
•
).
See System self-check (
page 211)
when the indicator lamp does not light
up in red or stays on longer than ap-
proximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Information
button
¡
is illuminated continuous-
ly 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 avail-
able). The message
INFO –
CALL FAILED
appears in the multifunc-
tion display.
Information calls can be terminated us-
ing the
ì
button on the multifunc-
tion steering wheel.
!If the indicator lamps do not start flash-
ing 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 ac-
tive, and may not initiate a call. Visit
your Mercedes-Benz Center and have
the system checked or contact the Re-
sponse Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in
the USA) or 1-888-923-8367 (in Cana-
da) as soon as possible.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 215 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

216 Controls in detailUseful featuresUpgrade signals
The 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 (al-
ternating) tone will be heard, and the ap-
propriate indicator lamp will flash. If
certain information such as vehicle identi-
fication number or customer information is
not available, the operator may need to re-
transmit.
During this time you will hear a beep and
voice contact will be interrupted. Voice
contact will resume once the retransmis-
sion is completed. Once a call is conclud-
ed, a beep will be heard and the
appropriate indicator lamp will stop flash-
ing. The COMAND* system operation will
resume.
!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 Cus-
tomer Service at 1-800-387-0100 in
Canada.iThe indicator lamp in the respective
button flashes until the call is conclud-
ed. Calls can only be terminated by a
Response Center or Customer Assis-
tance Center representative except
Roadside Assistance and Information
calls, which can also be terminated by
pressing button
ì
on the multifunc-
tion steering wheel.
iWhen a Tele Aid call has been initiated,
the audio system or the COMAND* sys-
tem audio 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. Dis-
connect the coiled cord and place the
call. The COMAND* navigation system
(if engaged) will continue to run. The
display in the instrument cluster is
available for use and spoken com-
mands 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.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 216 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

228 OperationDriving instructionsWinter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move selector lever to positionN or in
case of manual transmission declutch. Try
to keep the vehicle under control by cor-
rective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
We therefore recommend depressing the
brake pedal periodically when traveling at
length on salt-strewn roads.
This can bring road salt impaired braking
efficiency back to normal. Be very careful
that you carry out these braking maneu-
vers without endangering any other road
users.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.
For more information on winter driving
(
page 244).
iInformation on driving with snow
chains (
page 245).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around the vehicle with the
engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the ve-
hicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
s i g n e d t o s e r v e a s a n i c e - w a r n i n g d e v i c e a n d
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. In-
dicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 228 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

236 OperationEngine compartmentYou can check the engine oil level on the
multifunction display.
Turn the key in the starter switch to
position2.
The standard display (
page 112) should
appear in the multifunction display.

Press button
k
or
j
on the
steering wheel until the following mes-
sage is seen in the multifunction dis-
play:
ENGINE OIL LEVEL – MEASUREMENT IN
PROCESS! CORRECT MEASUREMENT ONLY
IF VEH. LEVEL
After about three seconds this mes-
sage is displayed:
ENGINE OIL LEVEL –
MEASURING NOW
One of the following messages will sub-
sequently appear in the indicator:

ENGINE OIL LEVEL – OK



ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1 QUART
(1.0 LITER)!


ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD
1.5 QUARTS (1.5 LITERS)!


ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 2 QUARTS
(2.0 LITERS)!
Adding engine oil
1Filler neck
Unscrew the cap from filler neck1. Be
careful not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.!Excessive oil must be siphoned or
drained off. It could cause damage to
the engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 236 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

247 Operation
Maintenance
Calling up the service indicator
Switch ignition on.
The standard display of the control sys-
tem appears (
page 112).

Press button
k
or
j
on the mul-
tifunction steering wheel until the FSS
indicator appears in the multifunction
display.
Resetting the service indicator
In the event that the service on your vehi-
cle is not carried out by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can reset the
service indicator yourself.
Switch ignition on.
The standard display of the control sys-
tem appears (
page 112).

Press button
k
or
j
on the mul-
tifunction steering wheel until the FSS
indicator appears in the multifunction
display.

Press the reset knob for about four
seconds.
This message appears in the tachome-
ter:DO YOU WANT TO RESET SERVICE INTER-
VAL? CONFIRM BY PRESSING RESET (R)
BUTTON

To confirm, hold down the reset knob
until you hear a signal.The service indicator now displays the
reset interval.
iIf the battery is disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in
the count shown by the service indica-
tor. To arrive at the true service dead-
line, you will need to subtract these
days from the days shown in the ser-
vice indicator.
Do not confuse the service indicator
with the engine oil level indicator
:
.
iIf the service indicator was inadvertent-
ly reset, have a Mercedes-Benz Center
correct it.
Only reset if the proper service has
been performed. Resetting the system
without performing the proper service
as called for by the FSS will cause the
FSS to incorrectly determine the next
service interval which will result in en-
gine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 247 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

251 Operation
Vehicle care
Wiper blades
Clean the wiper blade inserts with a clean
cloth and detergent solution.
Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass
surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
iFor safety reasons, remove key from
starter switch before cleaning the wip-
er blades, otherwise the wiper motor
can suddenly turn on and cause injury.iFor safety reasons, switch off wipers
and remove key from starter switch be-
fore cleaning the windshield, otherwise
the wiper motor can suddenly turn on
and cause injury.
iUse only acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid could lead to corrosion.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 251 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

255 Practical hints
What to do if …
Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS malfunction indi-
cator lamp comes on while driv-
ing.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS and the ESP are also
switched off (see messages in display).
The brake system is still functioning normally
but without the ABS available.

Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking
reducing steering capability.

Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts and the ABS has switched off.

When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.

If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 255 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

261 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
ABS SYSTEM
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The ABS has detected a malfunction and
has switched off. The ESP and the BAS
are also deactivated. The brake system is
still functioning normally but without the
ABS available.

Continue driving with added cau-
tion. Wheels will lock in hard brak-
ing reducing steering capability.

Have the system checked at an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of accident.
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The ABS or the ABS display is malfunc-
tioning.

Continue driving with added cau-
tion. Wheels will lock in hard brak-
ing reducing steering capability.

Have the system checked at an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of accident.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 261 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

268 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
J
DOOR OPEN!
You are attempting to drive with one or
more doors open.

Close the doors.
ESP
ESP
NOT AVAILABLE!
The ESP is deactivated because of a mal-
function or interrupted power supply. The
ABS might not be operational.

With vehicle stationary and the en-
gine running, turn the steering
wheel completely to the left and
then to the right to synchronize the
ESP.
If the ESP message does not go out:

Continue driving with added cau-
tion.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of accident.
The self-diagnosis has not been complet-
ed.
The display will clear itself after driving
a short distance at more than 12 mph
(20 km/h).
S203 MY03_A.book Page 268 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM