233 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance
button remains illuminated in red for approx.
10 seconds during the system self-check after turning
electronic key in starter switch to position 2 (together
with the “SOS” button and the Information
button¡).
See system self-check on page 228 when the indicator
lamp does not light up in red or stays on longer than
approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance
button is illuminated continuously and there was
no voice connection to the Response Center established,
then the Tele Aid system could not initiate an Roadside
Assistance call (e.g. the relevant cellular phone network
is not available). The message “ROADSIDE
ASSISTANCE – CALL FAILED” appears in the
multifunction display.
Roadside Assistance calls can be terminated using the
ìbutton on the multifunction steering wheel.Information button ¡
Located below the center armrest cover is the
Information button¡. Pressing and holding the
button (for longer than 2 seconds) will initiate a call to
the Customer Assistance Center. 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
cellular and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Customer Assistance
Center representative and the occupants of the vehicle
will be established. When a voice connection is
established the audio system mutes and the message
“TELE AID – INFO CALL ACTIVE” appears in the
multifunction display. Information regarding the
operation of your vehicle, the nearest Mercedes-Benz
Center or Mercedes-Benz USA products and services is
ava il ab le to yo u .
For more details concerning Tele Aid, please visit
www.mbusa.com and use your ID and password, sent to
you separately, to learn more (USA only).
S203.book Seite 233 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
251 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index WWinter / Wet (snow and ice) mode
Press switch. “W” is displayed in the gear range
indicator display, see page 246. The vehicle starts
out in 2nd gear, except with selector lever in 1st
gear, or with accelerator pedal in kick-down
position.
The “W” mode helps to improve traction and
driving stability of the vehicle.
The gear shifting process occurs at lower vehicle
and engine speeds than in the “S” program mode.
Caution!
Never change the pr ogram mod e when t he se lec tor lever
is out of position “P”. It could result in a change of
driving characteristics for which you may not be
prepared.
Important!
Always be certain of the program mode selected since
the vehicle driving characteristics change with the
selection of the program mode.
Dependent on the program mode selector switch
position “S” or “W” and the gear selector lever in
position “R”, the ratio of power transmission changes.Emergency operation (Limp home mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating
in Limp Home Mode which engages when there is a
malfunction of the transmission. This condition may be
accompanied by the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the 2nd gear or reverse gear can be
activated.
To engage 2nd gear or reverse:
1. S to p t h e ve h ic l e .
2. Move selector lever to position “P”.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move selector lever to position “D” (for 2nd gear), or
move selector lever to position “R” (for reverse gear).
Have the transmission checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
S203.book Seite 251 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
321 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Wheels
Replace rims or tires with the same designation,
manufacturer and type as shown on the original part.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information on tested and recommended rims and tires
for summer and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and purchase.
Tire replacement
Front and rear tires should be replaced in sets. Rims
and tires must be of the correct size and type. For
dimensions, see “Technical Data”.
We recommend that you break in new tires for
approximately 60 miles (100 km) at moderate speed.
Wa r n i n g !
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the
vehi c le a t the j ack take-up b ra ckets b ui lt i nto eit her
side of the vehicle. To help avoid personal injury,
use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change. Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet away
from the area under the lifted vehicle. Always
firmly set parking brake and block wheels before
raising vehicle with jack.Do n ot d is engage parki n g brake w hil e t he vehi c le i s
raised. Be certain that the jack is always vertical
when in use, especially on hills. Always try to use
the jack on level surface. Be sure that the jack arm
is fully seated in the jack take-up bracket. Always
lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity
jackstands before working under the vehicle.
S203.book Seite 321 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
376 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AAdding engine oil .......................................................... 314
Airbags .............................................................................. 67
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
Malfunction and warning message ........................ 289
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......................................268
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 43
Ashtrays .......................................................................... 200
Audio system
Button and soft key operation ................................. 164
Cassette mode ........................................................... 170
CD changer ................................................................ 175
CD mode ..................................................................... 174
Operating and display elements ............................. 162
Operating safety ........................................................ 161
Operation ................................................................... 164
Operation Audio and telephone .............................. 161
Radio mode ................................................................ 167
Telephone operation ................................................. 178Audio systems ................................................................. 102
Cassette player .......................................................... 104
CD Player .................................................................... 103
Radio ........................................................................... 102
Automatic central locking .............................................. 39
Automatic climate control ............................................ 148
Activated charcoal filter ........................................... 156
Adjustable air outlets,
rear passenger compartment ............................. 160
Air recirculation ........................................................ 155
Air volume, manual .................................................. 153
Basic setting ............................................................... 152
Defrosting ................................................................... 154
Display and controls ................................................. 150
Dust filter ................................................................... 152
Economy mode .......................................................... 157
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation ..................................... 159
Residual engine heat utilization ............................. 157
Special settings ......................................................... 153
Windows fogged up on the outside ........................ 154
Automatic transmission ............................................... 243
Fluid level ................................................................... 315
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ............................................ 338
S203.book Seite 376 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13