2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS sensor

214 Controls in detailDriving systemsWarning indicators
Visual signals indicate to the driver the rel-
ative distance between the sensors and an
obstacle. The warning indicator for the
front area is located above the center air
outlets in the dashboard. The warning indi-
cator for the rear area is integrated in the
rear trim.Front area warning indicator1Left side of the vehicle
2Right side of the vehicleEach warning indicator is divided into six
yellow and two red segments for either
side of the vehicle. The Parktronic system
is ready when the border around the indi-
cator is illuminated.
The position of the gear selector lever de-
termines which warning indicators will be
activated.As your vehicle approaches an object, one
or more segments will light up, depending
on the distance. When the eighth segment
lights up, you have reached the minimum
distance.


Front area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the seventh seg-
ment lights up and a constant acoustic
warning lasting a maximum of three
seconds will sound for the eighth seg-
ment.


Rear area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound when the first seg-
ment lights up. This signal quickens
with each additional segment lit. When
the eighth segment illuminates, the
acoustic warning becomes a constant
signal. The signal is canceled when the
selector lever is placed in position D
orP.
Selector lever po-
sition
Warning indicator
D
Front area activated
R or N
Rear area activated
P
Neither activated
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256 OperationDriving instructionsControl and operation of radio trans-mitter
COMAND*, radio and telephone*Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation in-
structions regarding use of an external an-
tenna.
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.
Warning!
G
Please do not forget that your primary re-
sponsibility is to drive the vehicle. Only op-
erate the COMAND (Cockpit Management
and Data System), radio or telephone
1 if
road and traffic conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km / h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of approximately
44 feet (approximately 13.5 m) every sec-
ond.
1Observe all legal requirements
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and personal
injury.
!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, which could
start a fire.
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270 OperationTires and wheelsTire pressure changes by approximately
1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure where the
temperature is different from the outside
temperature.
Tire temperature and tire pressure are also
increased while driving, depending on the
driving speed and the tire load.
Check the spare tire periodically for condi-
tion and inflation. Spare tires will age and
become worn over time even if never used,
and thus should be inspected and replaced
when necessary.Checking tire pressure electronically*
The tire inflation pressure monitor only
functions on wheels that are equipped with
the proper electronic sensors. It monitors
the tire inflation pressure, as selected by
the driver, in all four tires. A warning is is-
sued to alert you to a decrease in pressure
in one or more of the tires.
Tire pressure inquiries are made using the
multifunction display (
page 121).The
present inflation pressures are displayed
only after a few minutes’ travel time.
You can select the unit of measurement
used for the tire inflation pressure by
changing the setting in the control system
(
page 136).

Switch on ignition.

Press the k button until the current
inflation pressures for each tire appear
in the multifunction display.
Warning!
G
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes
etc. Follow recommended inflation pres-
sures.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indicat-
ed by the label on the pillar in the driver’s
door opening). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.
iPossible differences between the read-
ings of a tire pressure gauge of an air
hose, e.g. gas station equipment, and
the vehicle’s control system can occur.
The readings issued by the control sys-
tem are more precise.
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271 Operation
Tires and wheels
Activating the tire inflation pressure
monitor
You must activate the tire inflation pres-
sure monitor in the following cases:

If you have changed the tire pressure


If you have replaced the wheels or tires


If you have installed new wheels or
tires

Be sure that the tire pressure is cor-
rectly set.

Press the ÿ button on the steering
wheel repeatedly until the standard dis-
play menu appears (
page 126).

Press the kbutton until the infla-
tion pressure of each tire appears in
the multifunction display.

Press the reset knob (
page 22).
The following message will appear in
the multifunction display:
Check current tire pressure?
.

Press the æ button for
Yes
.
The following message will appear in
the multifunction display:
Tire pressure
monitor activated
Press. display after
driving a few mins.
Warning!
G
The tire inflation pressure monitor does not
indicate a warning for wrongly selected in-
flation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation
pressure according to the label affixed on
the fuel filler cap.
The tire inflation pressure monitor is not
able to issue a warning due to a sudden loss
of pressure (e.g. tire puncture caused by a
foreign object). In this case bring the vehicle
to a halt by carefully applying the brakes and
avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers.iOperating radio transmission equip-
ment (e.g. wireless headsets, two-way
radios) in or near the vehicle could
cause the tire inflation pressure moni-
tor to malfunction.
iIf transporting a deflated road wheel or
additional wheel sensors in the vehicle,
the tire inflation pressure monitor
should not be reactivated until the de-
flated wheel or additional wheel sen-
sors have been removed from the
vehicle. Otherwise, the deflated wheel
or additional sensors could confuse the
tire inflation pressure monitor system
and cause it to malfunction.
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283 Operation
Vehicle care
Wiper blades
Clean the wiper blade inserts with a clean
cloth and detergent solution.Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass
surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.Cleaning the Distronic* system sensor
cover
1Distronic system sensor cover
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water to clean sensor
cover1.
iFor safety reasons, switch off wipers
and remove key from starter switch be-
fore cleaning the wiper blades. Other-
wise the wiper motor can suddenly turn
on and cause injury.!Fold the windshield wiper arms away
from the windshield in a vertical posi-
tion only. They could otherwise dam-
age the hood (
page 337).
Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the starter switch.
iFor safety reasons, switch off wipers
and remove key from starter switch be-
fore cleaning the windshield. Other-
wise the wiper motor can suddenly turn
on and cause injury.!Fold the windshield wiper arms away
from the windshield in a vertical posi-
tion only. They could otherwise dam-
age the hood (
page 337).
Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the starter switch.
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284 OperationVehicle careTo prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor cover. Do
not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a
dry cloth or sponge.Cleaning the Parktronic* system
sensors
1Parktronic* sensors
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo
with plenty of water.
When using a steam cleaner or power
washer, aim nozzle only briefly from a min-
imum distance of 4 in. (10 cm) at
sensors1.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor. Do not at-
tempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth
or sponge.Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.
Follow the instructions on the container.
iRestart the engine after cleaning sen-
sor cover1.
iUse only acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid could lead to corrosion.
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300 Practical hintsWhat to do if …:
Engine oil level
Check level!
The engine oil level is too low.

Check the engine oil level
(page 262) and add oil as required.
:
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level!
You have added too much engine oil. There
is a risk of damaging the engine or the cat-
alytic converter.

Have oil siphoned. Observe all legal
requirements with respect to its dis-
posal.
Engine oil
Visit workshop!
The engine oil has dropped to a critical lev-
el.

Check the engine oil level
(page 262) and add oil as required.

If you must add engine oil frequently,
have the engine checked for possible
leaks.
There is water in the oil.

Have the oil checked.
Engine oil level
Visit workshop!
The measuring system is malfunctioning.

Have the measuring system checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Distronic
External interference
Reactivate!
The Distronic* is switched off and is tem-
porarily unavailable.

Try activating the Distronic* again
later.
Clean sensor!
see oper. Manual
The Distronic* is switched off because the
Distronic* cover in the radiator grille is
dirty.

Clean the Distronic* cover in the ra-
diator grille (
page 283).

Restart the vehicle.
Visit workshop!
The Distronic* is malfunctioning or the dis-
play is malfunctioning.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
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313 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
A
Reserve fuel
The fuel level has dropped below the
reserve mark.

Refuel at the next gas station (
page 259).
Y
Hood open!
You are driving with the hood open.

Close the hood (
page 261).
I
Remove key
!
You have forgotten to remove the
key.

Remove the key from the starter switch.
Replace key
There is no additional code available
for SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
.
Lamp sensor
Visit workshop!
The lamp sensor is malfunctioning.
The headlamps switch on automati-
cally.

In the control system, set lamp operation to
manual mode (
page 130).

Switch on headlamps using the exterior
lamp switch.
Low beam, left
The left low beam lamp is malfunc-
tioning.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
Low beam, right
The right low beam lamp is malfunc-
tioning.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
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