Concerns....

Irritable Owl

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Your Mercedes
c200 sport select 2000
I have to do some work on the C200 I have bought that requires me to disconnect the battery. I have concerns about this because my previous Mercedes, a w reg s class had issues when the battery was allowed to go flat. It lost its gears and had to have the transmission reprogrammed.
Is the gearbox in my current C200 the same box and by that I mean does it use the same principle and will the gearbox loose its programming if i disconnect the battery?
I also have been told several things that i wish to clarify.
You cannot jump start these vehicles because it messes with the electronics......is this true or false
what other precautions should i take?
these all probably sound like stupid questions to the more learned and experienced forum member but i really do not want to have a repetition of the last nightmare.
 

Chrishazle

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S204 2008 C220CDI Elegance Estate Auto, 2008 R171 Facelift SLK280
You can jump start a W203, but there is a procedure to avoid spiking the SAM's (signal aquisition modules) and wrecking them.
First turn the headlights on. If jumping from another car, have that car's engine off before connecting the jump leads to your battery, then wait a few minutes after connecting the jump leads before starting the "donor" car's engine. I guess if you're jumping with a battery charger, make sure it's set to low rate initially. After a minute or two, turn your headlights off.
Then wait a few minutes before attempting to start your car.

Edit - I thought your 2000 car would be a W203 but it's possibly a W202 - and I know little or nothing about 202's:(:(
 
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Irritable Owl

Irritable Owl

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Thanks for the reply Chris, it is a w202.. though it wasnt registered in the uk until dec 2000. what about disconnecting the battery?
Can i safely disconnect the battery and not loose anything. It puzzles me as to why a company would manufacture a product with so many hidden pitfalls? the cynicical side of me suspects its a "hidden" moneymaker for the dealers but then again i dont normally have cars as modern as this preferring more user friendly and serviceable vehicles like old landrovers. She who must be obeyed has however insisted that I have something more modern.
 

grahamcol

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2001 SLK230, 2007 CLK220 CDI
It's my understanding that the 202 is much more robust electronically than the 203. I've disconnected and reconnected the battery in each of my 202's without problems, although the disconnection have always been brief. You may need to re-set windows and sunroof (easy procedure) plus maybe some warning lights (Just by turning steering lock to lock whilst driving). Why not charge the battery whilst it's outside of the car and then it'll be fully charged thus avoiding the need to jump start.
 

Naraic

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2005 CL500.
Just disconnect...these cars really aren't that mysterious. I do it on mine to advance the clock for summertime. No ill effects....and mine is a little more complex than yours.
 

umblecumbuz

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S204 and CLC 204 cdi, MX5, Kia Soul
... You may need to re-set windows and sunroof (easy procedure) plus maybe some warning lights (Just by turning steering lock to lock whilst driving)...

Preferably whilst stationary!
 

grahamcol

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Ok I meant to say turn the wheel lock to lock whilst stationery or just drive normally and the lights will usually extinguish after a few hundred yards. It's preferable just to drive since turning the steering whilst stationery isn't really good practice and places unnecessary loading on the steering components.
 

umblecumbuz

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It's preferable just to drive since turning the steering whilst stationery isn't really good practice and places unnecessary loading on the steering components.

My ole pappy taught me the same thing. But since then I have turned the wheel full lock before squeezing out of tight parking spaces hundreds of times with no ill effects whatever. Guess we all do it. Maybe cars are tougher now?
 

Naraic

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My ole pappy taught me the same thing. But since then I have turned the wheel full lock before squeezing out of tight parking spaces hundreds of times with no ill effects whatever. Guess we all do it. Maybe cars are tougher now?
Tyres are tougher.
 

Alfie

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Just disconnect...these cars really aren't that mysterious. I do it on mine to advance the clock for summertime. No ill effects....and mine is a little more complex than yours.
I can code the cluster for you so you can change it from there if you like?
 

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