A few questions about my '96 C220
 

I bought my car used over 5 years ago, and I never got an owner's manual. Just a few questions:
What's this dash light for?

What are the "EC" and "rest" modes for on the AC?

Finally, I have a light engine rattle under low rpms. I took off the little cover that is held on with allen screws, and my best guess is that it's the thermostat. Is this normal?

TIA..


sorry, i had to take the pic with my phone

bulb
 

that means there is a bulb out somewhere on the exterior of the car.
the EC is short for economy, all functions of the limate control will work when it is pushed except the A/C compressor will never turn on.
the rest button when pushed on a cold day the car will remain warm for a short time air volume and distribution are controlled automatically.
i have never seen a thermostat rattle, is it the belt shock below the thermostat housing?

Yeah, go for the shock/ belt tensioner first.
A quick way to check is to turn the A/C compressor on or off when the noise is happening. Many times the load change will cause the tensioner to rattle more.

thanks! the dash light is intermittent, and it is not any of my brake lights. so that only leaves turn signals and headlights?

lights
 

headlights
brake lights
side marker lights
licence plate lights
tail lamps
front parking lamps
fog lamps
i don't think the turnsignals are covered by the bulb warning function.
if one is out they will flash really fast

Also check . . .
 

Also check the 3rd brake light in the rear window. That, I think, is an LED, not a simple bulb.

Rest mode uses residual engine heat to keep the car warm for up to 30 minutes after shutdown. i.e. you can shut it off, turn rest on, run into a store and come back and the car will still be warm.

the rattle definatly goes away when I put the AC in EC mode. Why is the compressor load causing a rattle? Easy to fix?

While i'm at it...
I just got my windows tinted, and my IR remote is pretty much worthless. I have to aim it (looking like an idiot) through the windshield, or hold it about 3 inches from the windows. Does anyone know where the sensor is?
I know the locks are on a vacume system. Whats a basic alarm system that would work well on this car?

1 more! I can't seem to find the low pressure port for the 134a refrigerant. Is there even one?

Thanks again!

You really ought to have an owner's manual for your car. They aren't expensive on e-bay or call MBUSA to order one.

Len

I would also think a loose connection somwehere in the wiring could cause an intermittent bulb indicator. CHeck throughly with all lights on, including F/R fogs. I had one of the 2 lower-tail bulbs go out, and it missed my eye not once but twice!

Thanks,
I've been lookin on ebay, but never saw anything. Is there an online pdf or anything I could just download?

1-800-FOR-MERC(EDES) and ask for the literature department.

Len

pdf
 

i think i might have one for your car, i will look tonight and let you know. Ray

Owner's Manual
 

Your local dealer should have one in stock. They sell for $12 or $15. Very much worth the price.

Good Luck

Ordered one from MB, but in the meantime could someone tell me what kinda oil to use? The search fuktion is worthless... So much crap out there when all i want to know is the correct weight.

Autozone specifies 5w-30, but some dude on here with my same car is runnig mobile 1 delvac 5w-40. So I dont know