2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500 key battery

310 Practical hintsWhat to do if …
What to do if …Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to
come on during the bulb self-check when turning the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position2, have it checked and replaced
if necessary.Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS malfunction
warning lamp comes on while
driving.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS and the ESP are also
switched off (see messages in display).
The SBC brake system is still functioning nor-
mally but without the ABS available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, oth-
er systems such as the Parktronic system*,
Distronic*, or the automatic transmission
may also be malfunctioning.

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.

Read and observe messages in the
display (
page 318).
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts. 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.

335 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
A
Reserve fuel
The fuel level has dropped below the re-
serve mark.

Refuel at the next gas station
(page 278).
Y
Hood open!
You are driving with the hood open.

Close the hood (
page 281).
F
Key
Check battery!
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* batter-
ies are discharged.

Change the batteries (
page 355).
Key
not recognized!
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is not
recognized while the engine is running
because

the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is
not in the vehicle


there is strong radio-frequency inter-
ference

Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so.

Search for the SmartKey.
Otherwise the vehicle cannot be cen-
trally locked nor can the engine be
started again after the engine is
stopped.
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is mo-
mentarily not recognized.

Change the position of the SmartKey
in the vehicle.

Operate the vehicle with the Smart-
Key in the starter switch if necessary.

355 Practical hints
Unlocking / locking in an emergency
Changing batteries in the SmartKey/ SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
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.

Remove mechanical key1
(page 353).

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

Pull the battery compartment out of the
SmartKey housing in direction of ar-
row.

Remove the batteries.
3Battery
4Contact spring
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.

356 Practical hintsUnlocking / locking in an emergency
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.
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
1Battery
2Tilt battery up
3Mechanical key
Replacement batteries: Lithium, type
CR 2025 or equivalent.

Remove mechanical key (
page 353).

Insert the mechanical key in side open-
ing and push grey slide.
The battery compartment is unlatched.

Pull the battery compartment out of the
SmartKey housing in direction of ar-
row.

Using mechanical key3 apply pres-
sure to position2.
Battery1 tilts up slightly.

Pull out batteries1 in direction of ar-
row.

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

Return battery compartment into hous-
ing until it locks into place.
iWhen changing batteries, always re-
place both batteries.
The required replacement batteries are
available at any Mercedes-Benz
Center.

376 Practical hintsBatteries
Disconnecting the battery
Depress parking brake firmly or move
gear selector lever to positionP.

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Remove SmartKey from starter switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:
Press the start / stop button until
the engine shuts off.

Open the driver’s door.

Open the trunk.
!Never loosen or detach battery termi-
nal clamps while the engine is running
or the SmartKey is in the starter switch.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be se-
verely 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.
Warning!
G
The SBC brake system requires electrical
power to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. The same applies if
battery is disconnected. To brake, the driver
must then apply significantly greater brake
pedal pressure and depress the pedal much
further to obtain the expected braking ef-
fect. If necessary, apply full pressure to the
brake pedal. Brakes may only be applied to
the front wheels. Stopping distance is in-
creased! Adjust your driving style according-
ly. For more information, refer to “SBC brake
system” (
page 79).
Warning!
G
With a disconnected battery

you will no longer be able to turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch and
pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button on the gear selector lever will
have no effect


the gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP

383 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
iTo signal turns while being towed with
the hazard warning flasher in use, turn
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate the combina-
tion switch for the left or right turn sig-
nal in the usual manner – only the
selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the haz-
ard warning flasher will operate again.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the follow-
ing:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, or KEYLESS-GO*
start / stop button in position2, the ve-
hicle doors lock if the left front wheel
as well as the right rear wheel are turn-
ing at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 85).
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic cen-
tral locking (
page 106).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed tow-
ing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to the vehicle chas-
sis, frame or suspension parts.
iThe selector lever will remain locked in
positionP and the SmartKey will not
turn in the starter switch if the battery
is disconnected or discharged. See
notes on the battery (
page 375) or
on jump starting (
page 378).
Manual unlocking transmission selec-
tor lever (
page 357).

415 Technical terms
SBC
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)
Electronically controlled hydraulic
braking system for increased braking
safety and comfort.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being moved out of positionP
without SmartKey turned and brake
pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.Tire speed rating
Part of a tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
Vehicle level control
The ground clearance of the vehicle is
automatically controlled according to a
selected setting and speed.The driver
can set the ground clearance manually
for example on very rough roads.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

419 Index
Manual shift program mode
(SL 55 AMG Kompressor) 165
Manual shifting 159
One-touch gearshifting 159
Program mode selector switch 164
Selector lever position 158
Starting the engine 43
Winter program mode 164
B
BabySmartTM
Airbag deactivation system 67
Compatible child seats 411
Self-test 68
BabySmartTM airbag deactivation
system 411
Backrest
Folding forward 236
Folding rearward 238
BAS 76, 411
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 355, 356
Check lamp 90, 94
Checking 91, 96Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 355, 356
Checking 91, 96
Batteries, vehicle
Charging 377
Disconnecting 376
Messages in display 320, 324, 325
Reconnecting 377
Removing 377
Service 375
Battery discharged
Jump starting 378
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 411
Block heater* 296
Blocking
Rear window operation 72
Brake assist system (BAS) 411
Brake fluid 279, 328
Brake pads
Message in display 326
Brakes
Warning lamp 312
Break-in period 266Bulbs, replacing
Additional turn signals 359
Fog lamps 359
Front lamps 359, 361
High beam 359
High beam bulb (Bi-Xenon* headlamps
only) 362
High beam bulb (Halogen headlamps
only) 362
High mounted brake lamp 360
License plate lamps 360, 363
Low beam 359
Parking lamps 360, 362
Side marker lamps 359, 363
Standing lamps 360, 362
Tail lamp 360
Tail lamp assemblies 363
Turn signal lamp 359