MY 2002 CL 230 showing signs that it needs a new battery. Is it something I can do myself or should I take it to MB to do. My concern is about removing battery and the car shutting down completely. Please help me out. Thank you in advance.

If you are the least bit handy you can replace the battery yourself. Otherwise, call MB Roadside Assistance and they will deliver and install a new battery for you. It would be a good idea to tip the tech if you go that route.

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Fred Hoelzle

put the hood in the full vertical position by using the red button on the hood strut.

for the C-class, check how the cabin filter housing plastic edges at the bottom/back lock into the housing before unclipping - it is easy to misalign when reinstalling. When reinstalled the filter housing is solidly in place and can not be hinged upward.


place a thick protective cover on the fender because the battery is heavy and exits close to the painted fender.

make sure the key is not in the ignition

disconnect the NEGATIVE terminal first then the POSITIVE, I think it's a 10mm socket, a ratchet works better then wrench. It is the cable connections at the battery that lock the battery down in the tray.

from the factory there is a vent tube coming off the battery, I think presently dealers are NOT replacing the vent hose because it isn't necessary, so you may not have the vent hose, if you do notice it then reattach when reinstalling.

when the battery is out clean and inspect the battery tray for moisture, acid leakage or anything unusual.

install new battery carefully and have the cables lodged out of the way. be careful to avoid scratching the fender with belt buckle, tools or new battery.

when restarting car there will probably be an ESP malfunction, simple drive car and turn the steering wheel completely form lock to lock. May need to synchronize windows and sunroof by holding the switches in the first detent for a few seconds.

I agree with answer 2, they come out recode everything take the old one. Dont go to the dealership, they will charge shop labor. I would get the price up front from the tech, some dealerships inflate it, It should not be much more than $150.

Does the 02 C-class need the radio code? I'd hate for Stavros to be without a radio after changing the battery.

It really only the radio code you have to worry about.... But if you have no idea stick with post 2#

Thanx everyone...I think I might just do the #2...but if there are no problems with my car locking me out I would love to change the battery myself. thank you again.

Well, if you do decide to do #2, just remember to wipe good . . . .

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

The radio code is only an issue if the battery is out of the car for an extended period of time...like several hours to a day.

A 15-to-30 minute battery replacement should have no effect.

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car