2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C320 WAGON battery

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

262 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
BAS
BRAKE ASSIST
NOT AVAILABLE!
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts and the BAS has switched off.

When the voltage is above this val-
ue again, the BAS is operational
again.

If necessary, have the generator
and battery checked.
BRAKE ASSIST
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The BAS has detected a malfunction and
switched off. The brake system is still
functioning normally but without the BAS
available.

Continue driving with added cau-
tion.

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 BAS or the BAS display is malfunc-
tioning.

Continue driving with added cau-
tion.

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 262 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

263 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
#
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The battery was charged with a battery
charger or jump started.

Have the battery checked at a service
station.
The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:

alternator malfunctioning


broken poly-V-belt

Stop immediately and check the
poly-V-belt.
If it is broken:

Do not continue to drive. Otherwise
the engine will overheat due to an in-
operative water pump which may re-
sult in damage to the engine. Notify an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is intact:

Drive immediately to the nearest au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
3
(Canada only)
;
(USA only)
BRAKE PAD WEAR
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The brake pads have reached their wear lim-
it.

Have the brake pads replaced as soon
as possible.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually
checked by a qualified technician at the
intervals specified in the Service book-
let.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 263 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

269 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
ESP
ESP
NOT AVAILABLE!
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts and the ESP has switched off.

When the voltage is above this val-
ue again, the ESP is operational
again.

If necessary, have the generator
and battery checked.
ESP
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The ESP is deactivated because of a mal-
function.

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.
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The ESP or the ESP display is malfunc-
tioning.

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.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 269 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

278 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
#
UNDERVOLTAGE
ENGINE ON!
The battery has insufficient voltage and
can no longer supply the convenience
functions such as seat heater*.

Start the engine (
page 44).
UNDERVOLTAGE
SWITCH CONSUMERS OFF!
The battery is malfunctioning.

Have the battery checked at a ser-
vice station.
G
VISIT WORKSHOP!
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
The instrument cluster display is mal-
functioning.

Continue driving with added cau-
tion.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
±
VISIT WORKSHOP!
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
Certain electronic systems are unable to
relay information to the control system.
The following systems may have failed:

Coolant temperature display


Tachometer


Cruise control display

Have the electronic systems
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center
(page 258).
W
WASHER FLUID
CHECK LEVEL!
The fluid level has dropped to about
1/3
of total reservoir capacity.
Add washer fluid (
page 240).
S203 MY03_A.book Page 278 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

287 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Changing batteries
If the batteries in the SmartKey are dis-
charged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.SmartKey
1Mechanical key
2Battery compartment
Replacement batteries: Lithium, type
CR 2025 or equivalent.Warning!
G
Keep the batteries out of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately.
iWhen changing batteries, always re-
place both batteries.
The required replacement batteries are
available at any Mercedes-Benz
Center.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 287 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

288 Practical hintsUnlocking/locking in an emergency
Remove mechanical key1
(page 285).

Insert mechanical key1 in side open-
ing and push gray slide.
The battery compartment is unlatched.

Pull battery compartment out of the
key housing in direction of arrow.

Remove the batteries.
3Battery
4Contact spring

Using a lint-free cloth, insert new bat-
teries under the contact spring with the
plus (+) side facing up.

Return battery compartment into hous-
ing until it locks into place.
Fuel filler flap
Press button1.

Fold down trim panel2.

Reach inside through opening3.

Turn release knob4 clockwise (arrow).
The fuel filler flap can now be opened.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 288 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

305 Practical hints
Battery
Battery
The battery is located in the engine com-
partment on the right hand side.
Removal of filter box:
Release the three clamps1.

Remove filter box.
Installation of filter box:

Insert filter box properly.

Secure it with the three clamps1.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult 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 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 explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.
!Never loosen or detach battery termi-
nal clamps while the engine is running
or the key is in the starter switch. Oth-
erwise the alternator and other elec-
tronic components could be severely
damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Service Booklet for mainte-
nance intervals or contact your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.Warning!
G
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof battery only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 305 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM