2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C240 Ac port

231 Operation
Driving instructions
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Service Booklet.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the exhaust
gases within permissible limits required by
law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly ac-
cording to factory specifications. Any ad-
justments on the engine should, therefore,
be carried out only by qualified
Mercedes-Benz Center authorized techni-
cians. Engine adjustments should not be
altered in any way. Moreover, the specified
service jobs must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing re-
quirements. For details refer to the Service
Booklet.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, use only premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and start a fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

242 OperationTires and wheels
Tires and wheelsSee your authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter for information on tested and recom-
mended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation. They can also offer ad-
vice concerning tire service and purchase.
Retread tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter for information on tested and recom-
mended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation.
Important guidelines

Use only sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer guar-
anteed
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

250 OperationVehicle careScratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or
damage due to negligent or incorrect care
cannot always be removed or repaired with
the car-care products recommended here.
In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references
to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care prod-
ucts.
Additional information can be found in the
booklet “Vehicle Care Guide”.
Power washer
When using a power washer for cleaning
the vehicle always observe manufacturer’s
operating instructions.Tar stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry
and become more difficult to remove. A tar
remover is recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care
should be applied when water drops on the
paint surface do not “bead up”, normally
every three to five months, depending on
climate and washing detergent used.Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface
shows signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of
gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax
if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the
hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick
for quick and provisional repairs of minor
paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehi-
cle doors etc.).
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment
make sure to protect electrical compo-
nents and connectors from contact with
water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticor-
rosion Wax should be applied to the engine
compartment after every engine cleaning.
Before applying, all control linkage bush-
ings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be pro-
tected from any wax.
!Never use a round nozzle to power
wash tires. The intense jet of water can
result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving
across the surface. Do not aim directly
at electrical parts, electrical connec-
tors, seals, or other rubber parts.

260 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Lamp in center consoleProblem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
7
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.
7
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.

280 Practical hintsWhere will I find ...?
Remove vehicle tool kit storage well
casing5.
3Arrow
4Minispare wheel
5Vehicle tool kit storage well casing
6Vehicle tool kit
Wheel wrench
Vehicle jackVehicle jackVehicles with full size tire spare wheel
The vehicle jack is stored in the space
underneath the trunk floor together with
the vehicle tool kit in the storage tray
(
page 281).
Vehicles with Minispare wheel
The vehicle jack is stored in the space
underneath the trunk floor together with
the vehicle tool kit in the vehicle tool kit
storage well casing (
page 279).
Storage position
Remove the vehicle jack from its
compartment.
iArrow3 on vehicle tool kit storage well
casing5 must point in the direction of
travel. Otherwise you cannot place the
storage well casing on top and secure
the Minispare wheel with retaining
screw1 (
page 279).
Warning!
G
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking
up the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets
built into both sides 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 not disengage parking brake while the
vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is
always vertical (plumb line) when in use,
e s p e c i a l l y o n h i l l s . A l w a y s t r y t o u s e t h e j a c k
on level surface. Make 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.


290 Practical hintsReplacing bulbs
Replacing bulbsSafe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling. It is there-
fore essential that all bulbs and lamp as-
semblies are in good working order at all
times.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. See your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for headlamp
adjustment.
Bulbs Front lamps
iBackup bulbs will be brought into use
when the following lamps malfunction:

Standing lamps


Tail lamps


Rear fog lamp
Lamp
Type
1
Additional turn
signal lamps
LED
2
Turn signal lamp
Halogen
Turn signal lamp
Bi-Xenon*
1156 A
2357 A
3
Low beam Halogen
Low and high beam
H7 (55 W)
Bi-Xenon*
4
High beam
H7 (55 W)
Parking and
standing lamps
W5W
5
Fog lamp
HB4/9006
(55 W)
6
Side marker lamp
W5W

296 Practical hintsReplacing wiper blades
Replacing wiper bladesRemoving
Fold wiper arm forward.

Press safety tab down2.

Push wiper blade downward1 and re-
move.Replacing wiper blade inserts

Place wiper blade on firm support.

Press down both tabs.

Slide (direction of arrow) the wiper
blade insert out of the retainer claws.

Slide (direction of arrow) the new wiper
blade insert into retainer claws until
tabs are engaged.
Installing
Slide wiper blade onto wiper arm until
it locks in place.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, remove key from starter
switch before replacing a wiper blade, other-
wise the motor could suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
!Never open the hood when the wiper
arm is folded forward.
Do not allow the wiper arms to contact
the windshield glass without a wiper
blade inserted.
Make certain that the wiper blades are
properly installed. Improperly installed
wiper blades may cause windshield
damage.
For your convenience, we recommend
that you have this work carried out by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

297 Practical hints
Flat tire
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
moving traffic on a hard surface.

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

Engage the steering wheel lock in the
straight ahead position and set the
parking brake.

Move the selector lever toP (manual
transmission to first or reverse gear).

Have any passenger exit the vehicle at
a safe distance from the roadway.
Mounting the spare wheel
Prepare the vehicle as described under
"Preparing the vehicle" on this page.

Take the spare wheel out of the trunk
as described on (
page 281) (full size
tire spare wheel) or (page 282)
(Minispare wheel).
Lifting the vehicle

Prevent the vehicle from rolling away
by blocking wheels with wheel chocks
(not included) or other sizable objects.
When changing wheel on a level surface:

Place one chock in front of and one
behind the wheel that is diagonally
opposite to the wheel being changed.
When changing wheel on a hill:

Place chocks on the downhill side
blocking both wheels of the other axle.

Take the two-piece wheel wrench and
the jack out of the trunk (
page 279).
Assemble wheel wrench.
Warning!
G
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking
up the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets
built into both sides 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 not disengage parking brake while the
vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is
always vertical (plumb line) when in use, es-
pecially on hills. Always try to use the jack
on level surface. Make sure that the jack
arm is fully seated in the jack take-up
bracket. Always lower the vehicle onto suffi-
cient capacity jackstands before working
under the vehicle.