airbag MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS 2003 Owner's Manual

290 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
1
The red SRS indicator lamp lights
up while driving.
There is a malfunction in the restraint sys-
tems. The airbags or emergency tensioning
devices (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly or
fail to activate in an accident.

Drive with added caution to the near-
est authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
Warning!
G
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indi-
cated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have
the system checked; otherwise the SRS may
not be activated when needed in an acci-
dent, which could result in serious or fatal
injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in inju-
ry.
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294 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Lamp in center consoleProblem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
The indicator lamp lights up.
A BabySmart
TM child seat is installed on the
front passenger seat. Therefore, the front
passenger airbag is switched off.
The system is malfunctioning when there is
no BabySmart
TM child seat installed on the
front passenger seat.

Have the system checked as soon as
possible by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
The indicator lamp does not light up with a
BabySmart
TM child seat properly installed
on the front passenger seat.
The system is malfunctioning.

Make sure that there is nothing be-
tween seat cushion and child seat and
check installation of the child seat.

If the light remains out, have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not use the BabySmart
TM restraint
to transport children on the front pas-
senger seat until the system has been
repaired.
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375 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed
(PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp located in the center console
lights up). See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability. BabySmart
TM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger side airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
a light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.
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379 Technical terms
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, airbags and
child restraint systems. As indepen-
dent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.
RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
SBC
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)
Electronically controlled hydraulic
braking system for increased braking
safety and comfort.Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being moved out of positionP
without key turned and brake pedal de-
pressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.
Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms "telecom-
munications" and "informatics".
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of a tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
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381 Index
A
ABS 73, 375
Malfunction indicator lamp 289
Messages in display 296
Warning lamp 289
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 156
Accident
In case of 49
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 170, 181
Air recirculation mode 168, 178
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Automatic climate control 174
Central locking (control system) 142
Charcoal filter 180
Climate control 164
Defrost 167
Distance warning function* 206
Distronic* 202
Easy-entry/exit feature* 143
ESP 77
Exterior headlamps 46
Exterior lamps 113
Hazard warning flasher 115
Headlamps 46High beams 115
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button 33
Immobilizer 52, 81
Rear fog lamp 113
Rear window defroster 169, 180
Residual heat 171, 182
Tow-away alarm 83
Windshield wipers 47
Adjustable air outlets, rear passenger
compartment 182
Adjusting 34
Air distribution 166, 177
Air volume 166, 177
Backrest tilt 36
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 36
Head restraint tilt 36
Inside rear view mirror 38
Instrument cluster illumination 118
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 104
Seat cushion depth 105
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 35Seat height 35
Seats 34
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning off 170, 181
Turning on 170, 181
Air distribution
Adjusting 166, 177
Air outlets, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 182
Air recirculation mode 167, 178
Activating 168, 178
Deactivating 168, 179
Air volume
Adjusting 166, 177
Airbags 57
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 67, 375
Children 58
Front 60
Passenger 60
Safety guidelines 59
Side impact 61
Window curtain 61
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382 IndexAIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) 209
Alarm
Audible 72, 82
Canceling 82
Visual 82
Alarm system
Anti-theft 82
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 340, 375
Antiglare
Automatic 157
Antilock brake system (ABS) 375
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 82
Canceling alarm 82
Disarming 82
Anti-theft systems 81
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Immobilizer 81
Tow-away alarm 82
Ashtray 231
AUDIO menu 126
Selecting radio station 127
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 157Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control
system) 142
Automatic climate control
Temperature sensor 27
Automatic climate control* 172
Adjusting air distribution 177
Adjusting air volume 166, 177
Air recirculation mode 178
Defrosting 178
Rear window defroster 169, 180
Residual heat utilization 182
Residual ventilation 182
Setting the temperature 176
Automatic headlamp mode 113
Automatic lighting control
Activating 116
Deactivating 116
Automatic locking when driving 99
Automatic transmission 151
Accelerator position 156
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 156
Gear ranges 153Gear selector lever position 154
Gear shifting malfunctions 156
Kickdown 156
One-touch gearshifting 152
Program mode selector switch 155
Selector lever position 151
Starting the engine 43
Winter program mode 155
B
BabySmart
TM
Compatible child seats 375
Self-test 68
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 67, 375
Backrest
Folding forward 220
Folding rearward 221
BAS 74, 375
Messages in display 297, 298
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 329
Check lamp 87
Checking 88
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383 Index
Batteries, vehicle
Charging 344
Disconnecting 344
Messages in display 303, 304
Reconnecting 345
Removing 344
Service 343
Battery discharged
Jump starting 346
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 375
Blocking
Rear window operation 71
Brake assist system (BAS) 375
Brake pads
Message in display 305
Brakes
Warning lamp 291
Bulbs, replacing
Front lamps 332, 334
High beam bulb (Bi-Xenon* headlamps
only) 334
License plate lamps 336
Parking lamps 335
Standing lamps 335
Tail lamp assemblies 336C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 375
Calling up
Distronic* settings 128
Range (distance to empty) 147
CAN system 375
Cargo area see Trunk 88
Cargo tie-down rings 225
Cassette player
Operating 128
CD player*
Operating 127, 128
Center console
Lower part 26
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp 294
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 134
Central locking
Automatic 99
From inside 100
Switch 100
Switching on/off (control
system) 142
Unlocking from inside 100Central locking switch 100
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 329
Key setting 143
Vehicle level 210
Charcoal filter 180
Charging
Vehicle batteries 344
Child safety 65
Airbags 58
Infant and child restraint systems 61,
65
Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
window operation 71
Cigarette lighter 232
Cleaning
Headlamps 158
Parktronic* system sensor 284
Windshield 48
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Distronic system sensor 283
MB Tex upholstery 285
Climate control 162
Adjusting 166
Defrosting 167
Setting the temperature 165
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387 Index
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 39
Parking position for 144
F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 134
Fastening the seat belts 40
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 196
Distronic* 203
First aid kit 324
Flat tire 338
Spare wheel 338
Flexible Service System (FSS) 275, 377
Fog lamp, rear 114
Fog lamps, front 114
Messages in display 316
Replacing bulbs 332
Switching on 114
Front airbags 60
Front lamps 332
Messages in display 313
Replacing bulbs 334
Switching on 112
Front seat head restraints
Power seat 103Front seats
Heater* 107
FSS (Flexible Service System) 275, 377
Fuel 260
Premium unleaded gasoline 260
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 146
Since last reset 146
Fuel filler flap 259
Locking 259
Unlocking 259
Fuel reserve tank
Message in display 313, 323
Fuel tank
Filler flap 259
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 366
Functions (control system) 125
Resetting 131
Fuse chart 353
Fuses 352
Fuse chart 353
Fuse extractor 353
Spare fuses 353G
Garage door opener 27, 243
Erasing in remote control 246
Integrated remote control 244
Rolling code programming 245
Gasoline see Fuel 260
Gear range 377
Automatic transmission 153
Limiting 153
Shifting into optimal 152
Gear range limit
Canceling 152
Gear selector lever
Position 154
Global
Locking 87
Locking with KEYLESS-GO* 91
Unlocking 87
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO* 91
Global Positioning System (GPS) 377
Glove box 226
Closing 226
Opening 226
Good visibility 157
GPS 377
GPS see COMAND* 243
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389 Index
Key, Mechanical 327
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp 87
Checking the batteries 88
Factory setting 87
Global locking 87
Global unlocking 87
Loss of 89
Positions in starter switch 31
Remote controls 86
Restoring to factory setting 87
Selective setting 87
Starting the engine 44
Turning off the engine 52
Unlocking the trunk lid 88
Unlocking with 30
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Turning off the engine 53
KEYLESS-GO*
Activating ignition with 33
Closing side windows 92
Closing sliding/pop-up roof* 92
Factory setting 91
Global locking 91
Global unlocking 91
Important notes 90Locking the vehicle 92
Remote controls 89
Starting the engine 44
Turning off engine 53
Unlocking with 32
Unlocking, trunk lid 92
KEYLESS-GO* card
Messages in display 309
Keys 86
Kickdown 156, 377
Kilometers/miles in speedometer 134
Km/h or mph in speedometer 134
L
Lamp bulbs, exterior 332
Lamps, exterior
Front 332
Light sensor 313
Messages in display 313–??
Replacing bulbs for rear 333, 336
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 289
Airbag Off 61
Battery (SmartKey) 87
Brakes 291
Coolant 292
DTR* 199ESP 288
SBC 77
Seat belts 293
SRS 56
Language
Multifunction display 135
Setting 135
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 359
Level control system
AIRMATIC DC 209
Lever
Cruise control 201
License plate lamps 333
Messages in display 316
Replacing bulbs 336
Light sensor 313
Lighter see Cigarette lighter 232
Lighting 112
Automatic headlamp mode 113
Combination switch 115
Daytime running lamp mode 114
Door entry lamps 117
Exterior lamp switch 112
Front fog lamps 114
High beams 115
Instrument cluster illumination 118
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391 Index
Storing exterior mirror parking
position 111
MON 260
MON (Motor Octane Number) 378
Mph or km/h in speedometer 134
Multicontour seat* 104
Multifunction display 121, 378
Selecting language 135
Standard display 125
Multifunction display messages
ABS 296
BAS 297, 298
Batteries 303, 304
Brake pads 305
Coolant 311, 312
Coolant level 311
Distronic* 300
Doors 323
Easy-entry/exit feature 310
Engine oil level 300
Fuel reserve tank 313, 323
Hood 313
Key 313, 323
KEYLESS-GO* card 309
Lamps 313–??
Parking brake 310SBC brake system 305, 306
Seat belts 310
Steering gear oil level 318
Telephone* 309
Trunk lid 310
Washer fluid 311
Multifunction steering wheel 24, 122,
378
Buttons 122
N
Network provider 148
Night security illumination 114
O
Occupant safety 56
Airbags 57
Children and airbags 58
Children in the vehicle 65
Fastening the seat belt 40
Infant and child restraint systems 65
Seat belts 40, 59
Oil
Viscosity 376
One-touch gearshifting 152
Canceling gear range limit 152
Downshifting 152Upshifting 152
Opening 331
Ashtray 231
Doors from the inside 93
Glove box 226
Side windows 184
Sliding/pop-up roof* 187
Sliding/pop-up roof* with
SmartKey 188, 192
Trunk 88, 96
Trunk from the inside 94
Windows 184
Windows with SmartKey 185
Operating
Cassette player 128
CD player* 127, 128
Garage door opener 246
Integrated remote control 246
Radio 127
Safety 16
Telephone* 147
Vehicle outside the USA and
Canada 13
Operating safety 16
Operator’s Manual 10
Outside temperature indicator 120
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