Page 271 of 330

268 Battery
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
If a tire constantly loses air, it should be inspected for 
damage.
The spare tire should be checked periodically for 
condition and inflation. Spare tire will age and become 
worn over time even if never used, and thus should be 
inspected and replaced when necessary.Battery
Important!
Battery replacement information:
The maintenance-free battery is located in the trunk 
under the trunk floor. 
The service life of the battery is dependent on its 
condition of charge. The battery should always be kept 
sufficiently charged, in order to last an optimum length 
of time.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires can 
result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they 
are more likely to become punctured or damaged 
by road debris, potholes etc.. Follow recommended 
inflation pressures.Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified 
vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label 
on the driver’s door latch post). Overloading the 
tires can overheat them, possibly causing a 
blowout.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in 
severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting, you 
might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow 
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or 
clot hin g. In  cas e i t d oes , i mm ed ia tely  f lus h a f fected  
area with water and seek medical help if necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is 
flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks 
away from battery, avoid improper connection of 
jumper cables, smoking etc..
J_C208_II.book Seite 268 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 10:13 10 
     
        
        Page 273 of 330

270 Jump starting
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Jump startingImportant!
A discharged battery can freeze at approx. +14
°F 
(–10
°C). In that case, it must be thawed out before 
jumper cables are used. Attempting to jump start a 
frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing 
personal injury. 
Jumper cable specifications:
•Minimum cable cross-section of 25 mm
2 or approx. 
2AWG
•Maximum length of 11.5 ft. (3.5 m).
If the battery is discharged, the engine should be started 
with jumper cables and the (12 V) battery of another 
vehicle.
Only use 12 V battery to jump start your vehicle. Jump 
starting with more powerful battery could damage the 
vehicle’s electrical systems, which will not be covered 
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The battery is located in the trunk under the trunk floor.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these directions will cause 
damage to the electronic components, and can lead 
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump 
starting, you might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow 
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or 
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected 
area with water, and seek medical help if 
necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is 
flammable and very explosive. Keep flames or 
sparks away from battery, avoid improper 
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc..Read all instructions before proceeding.
J_C208_II.book Seite 270 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 10:13 10 
     
        
        Page 274 of 330

271 Jump starting
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Proceed as follows:
1. Position the vehicle with the charged battery so that 
the jumper cables will reach, but never let the 
vehicles touch. Make sure the jumper cables do not 
have loose or missing insulation.
2. On both vehicles:
•Turn off engine and all lights and accessories, 
except hazard warning flashers or work lights.
•Apply parking brake and shift selector lever to 
position “P”.
Important!
3. Clamp one end of the first jumper cable to the 
positive (+) under hood terminal of the discharged 
battery and the other end to the positive (+) terminal 
of the charged battery. Make sure the cable clamps 
do not touch any other metal parts.
4. Clamp one end of the second jumper cable to the 
grounded negative (–) terminal of the charged 
battery and the final connection to the negative (–) 
terminal (2) of the discharged battery.Important!
5. Start engine of the vehicle with the charged battery 
and run at high idle. Make sure the cables are not 
on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that move 
when the engine is started. Allow the discharged 
battery to charge for a few minutes. Start engine of 
the disabled vehicle in the usual manner.
6. After the engine has started, remove jumper cables 
by exactly reversing the above installation 
sequence, starting with the last connection made 
first. When removing each clamp, make sure that it 
does not touch any other metal while the other end 
is still attached.
Notes:
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful 
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel may damage the catalytic 
converter.
J_C208_II.book Seite 271 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 10:13 10