Mercedes-Benz E-class 1998 Taillamp Assemblies

Taillamp Assemblies

Open trunk lid.

1 Turn signal lamp

(21 W/32 cp bulb)

2 Stop, tail and parking lamp

(21/4 W/35/1.2 cp bulb)

3 Tail, parking and side marker lamp

(5 W/4 cp bulb)
Swing cover aside. Twist bulb socket
counterclockwise and pull out. Push
bulb into socket, turn counterclockwise
and remove.
Insert new bulb in socket, push in and
twist clockweise. Reinstall bulb socket,
and close cover

4 Driver's side:

Rear fog lamp
(21 W/32 cp bulb)

5 Backup lamp

(21 W/32 cp bulb)

Twist bulb socket counterclockwise
and pull out. Push bulb into socket,
turn counterclockwise and remove.

Insert new bulb in socket, push in and
twist clockwise. Reinstall bulb socket.

Side Marker Lamp, Front

(5 W/4 cp bulb)
From inside wheel house (arrow)

reach behind side marker lamp and
press tab. Remove lamp from
bumper and take out bulb.

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Battery
Warning!

Failure to follow these instructions
can result in severe injury or death.

Never lean over batteries while
connecting, you might get injured.

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid.
Do not allow this fluid to come in
contact with eyes, skin or clothing.
In case it does, immediately flush
affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.

A battery will also produce hydrogen
gas, which is flammable and
explosive. Keep flames or sparks
away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc..

Important!

Battery replacement information:
The maintenance-free battery is located

under the rear seat cushion. To minimize
the chance for acid leakage which could
cause severe burns during a crash or
rollover, a special acid leakage resistant
battery was factory installed. A
replacement battery for the car must not
leak acid when upside down for at least
15 minutes. Your authorized Mercedes­Benz dealer can provide such a special
battery.

The service life of the battery is
dependent on its condition of charge. The
battery should always be kept sufficiently
charged, in order to last an optimum
length of time.

Therefore, we strongly recommend

that you have the battery charge
checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the
vehicle less than approximately 200
miles (300 km) per month, mostly for
short distance trips, or if it is not
used for long periods of time.

Only charge a battery with a battery
charger after the battery has been
disconnected from the vehicle electrical
circuit.

Always disconnect the battery negative
lead first and connect last.

When removing and connecting the
battery, always make sure that all
electrical consumers are off and the
electronic key is in steering lock
position 0. The battery, its filler caps, the
vent tube and the opposite plug must
always be securely installed when the
car is in operation. During removal and
installation always protect the
disconnected battery positive (+)
terminal with the cover attached to the
battery.

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While the engine is running the battery
terminal clamps must not be loosened
or detached, otherwise the generator
and other electronic components would
be damaged.

Notes:
After reconnecting the battery also

resynchronize the front seats, front seat
head restraints, the Express feature of
the power windows, and the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP) (see Power

seats, front, Head restraints, Power
windows, and Electronic stability
program in Index).

Battery Recycling

Batteries contain materials that can
harm the environment with improper
disposal.

Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain
lead.

Recycling of batteries is the
preferred method of disposal.

Many states require sellers of batteries
to accept old batteries for recycling.

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Fuses

Before replacing a blown fuse,
determine the cause of the short circuit.

Spare fuses are supplied inside the
main fuse box. Observe amperage and
color of fuse.

A special fuse puller is supplied with
the vehicle tools.

Always use a new fuse for replacement.
Never attempt to repair or bridge a
blown fuse.

1 Main fuse box in engine

compartment
To gain access to the main fuse

box (1), release clamp (arrow),
lift the fuse box cover up and
remove it.

To close the main fuse box,
engage right end of cover and
secure with clamp.

2 Auxiliary fuse box below rear

seat bench
To gain access, remove rear seat

bench. See Index.

3 Auxiliary fuse box to left of

Exterior lamp switch
To gain access, open door, pry off

cover and remove.

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explosive. Keep flames or sparks away

Jump Starting

Warning!

Failure to follow these directions will
cause damage to the electronic
components, and can lead to a battery
explosion and severe injury or death.

Never lean over batteries while
connecting or jump starting, you
might get injured.

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid.
Do not allow this fluid to come in
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In
case it does, immediately flush
affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.

A battery will also produce hydrogen
gas, which is flammable and very

from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking
etc..

Read all instructions before
proceeding.

If the battery is discharged, the engine

should be started with jumper cables and
the (12 V) battery of another vehicle.

Jump start the car by using the battery
terminals located under hood.

Proceed as follows:

1. Position the vehicle with the
charged battery so that the
jumper cables will reach, but
never let the vehicles touch.
Make sure the jumper cables do
not have loose or missing
insulation.

2. On both vehicles:

• Turn off engine and all lights
and accessories, except
hazard warning flashers or
work lights.

• Apply parking brake and shift
selector lever to position "P".

Important!

3. Clamp one end of the first jumper

cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery and the
other end to the positive (+)
terminal of the charged battery.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal parts.

4. Clamp one end of the second
jumper cable to the grounded
negative (-) terminal of the charged
battery and the final connection to
the negative (-) terminal of the
discharged battery.

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Important!

5. Start engine of the vehicle with

the charged battery and run at
high idle. Make sure the cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans,
or other parts that move when
the engine is started. Allow the
discharged battery to charge a
few minutes. Start engine of the
disabled vehicle in the usual
manner.

6. After the engine has started, remove

jumper cables by exactly reversing
the above installation sequence,
starting with the last connection
made first. When removing each
clamp, make sure that it does not
touch any other metal while the
other end is still attached.

Important!

A discharged battery can freeze at
approx. +14°F (-10°C). In that case, it
must be thawed out before jumper
cables are used. A frozen battery can
explode and cause personal injury.

Jumper cable specifications:

• Minimum cable cross-section of

25 mm2 or approx. 2 AWG

• Maximum length of 11.5ft. (3.5 m).

Towing the Vehicle

The rear towing eye is located at the
right, below the bumper. The front
towing eye is located on the passenger
side behind a flap in the bumper panel.

Flap removal:
Insert finger in recess of flap and pull

flap out.
Flap installation:
Engage flap at bottom and press in top

securely.

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We recommend that the vehicle be
transported using flat bed equipment.
This method is preferable to other types
of towing.

The vehicle may be towed with all
wheels on the ground and the selector
lever in position "N" for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). The
electronic key must be in steering lock
position 2.

To positively avoid a possibility of
damage to the transmission, however,
we recommend to disconnect the drive
shaft at the rear axle drive flange on
any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.

Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.

Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed
equipment, with electronic key in
steering lock turned to position 0.

Warning!

With the engine not running, there is
no power assistance for the braking
and steering systems. In this case, it
is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort
is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle.

Note:
To signal turns while being towed with

hazard warning flasher in use, turn
electronic key in steering lock to
position 2 and activate combination
switch for left or right turn signal in
usual manner - only the selected turn
signal will operate.

Upon canceling the turn signal, the
hazard warning flasher will operate
again.

Caution!

Vehicles with Acceleration Slip
Regulation (ASR)

If the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised, the engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steering lock position
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ASR will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.

Caution!
Vehicles with Electronic Traction
System (ESP)

If the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised, the engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steering lock position
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.

Caution!
Vehicles with Electronic Traction
System (ETS)

If the vehicle is towed with one axle
raised, the engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steering lock position
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ETS will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the brakes.

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Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle

Warning!

Many cleaning products can be
hazardous. Some are poisonous,
others are flammable. Always follow
the instructions on the particular
container. Always open your car's
doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.

Never use fluids or solvents that are
not designed for cleaning your car.

In operation, your vehicle is subjected
to varying external influences which, if
gone unchecked, can attack the paint­work as well as the underbody and
cause lasting damage.

Such damage is caused not only by
extreme and varying climatic
conditions, but also by air pollution,
road salt, tar, gravel and stone
chipping. Grease and oil, fuel, coolant,
brake fluid, bird droppings, insects, tree
resins etc. should be removed
immediately to avoid paint damage.

Frequent washing reduces and/or

eliminates the aggressiveness and
potency of the above adverse influences.

More frequent washings are necessary
to deal with unfavorable conditions; for
example, near the ocean, in industrial
areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or
during winter operation.

You should check your vehicle from
time to time for stone chipping or other
damage. Any damage should be
repaired as soon as possible to prevent
the start of corrosion.

In doing so, do not neglect the
underside of the vehicle. A prerequisite
for a thorough check is a washing of
the underbody followed by a thorough
inspection. Damaged areas need to be
re-undercoated.

Your vehicle has been treated at the
factory with a wax-base rust-proofing
in the body cavities which will last for
the lifetime of the vehicle. Post­production treatment is neither
necessary nor recommended by

Mercedes-Benz because of the

possibility of incompatibility between
materials used in the production
process and others applied later.

We have selected car-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and
which always reflect the latest
technology. You can obtain Mercedes­Benz approved car-care products at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion
or damage due to negligent or incorrect
care cannot always be removed or
repaired with the car-care products
recommended here. In such cases it is
best to seek aid at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer.

The following topics deal with the
cleaning and care of your vehicle
and give important "how-to"
information as well as references to
Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.

Additional information can be found in
the booklet titled "Car Care".

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Engine Cleaning

Prior to cleaning the engine
compartment make sure to protect
electrical components and connectors
from the intrusion of water and cleaning
agents.

Corrosion protection, such as MB
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to
the engine compartment after every
engine cleaning. Before applying, all
control linkage bushings and joints
should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt
and all pulleys should be protected from
any wax.

Car Washing
Do not use hot water or wash your car

in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car
wash detergent, such as Mercedes­Benz approved Car Shampoo.

Thoroughly spray the car with a
diffused jet of water. Direct only a very
weak spray towards the.

ventilation intake. Use plenty of water

and rinse the sponge and chamois
frequently.

Rinse with clear water and thoroughly
wipe dry with a chamois. Do not allow
cleaning agents to dry on the finish.

If the vehicle has been run through an
automatic car wash - in particular one
of the older installations -rewipe the
recessed sections in the taillamps
(designed to prevent soiling) if
necessary. No solvents (fuels, thinners
etc.) must be used.

In the winter, thoroughly remove all
traces of road salt as soon as possible.

When washing the underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the
wheels.

Tar Stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they

dry and become more difficult to
remove. A tar remover is recommended.

Window Cleaning

Use a window cleaning solution on all
glass surfaces. An automotive glass
cleaner is recommended.

Headlamps, Taillamps,
Turn Signal Lenses

Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo, with plenty of water.

To prevent scratches, never apply
strong force or use a hard cloth when
cleaning the lenses. Do not attempt to
wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
sponge.

Plastic and Rubber Parts
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
Wiper Blade
Clean the wiper blade rubber with a

clean cloth and detergent solution.
Replace blade twice a year; once
before and once after winter.

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Seat Belts
The webbing must not be treated with

chemical cleaning agents. Use only
clear, lukewarm water and soap. Do not
dry the webbing at temperatures above
176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.

Warning!

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this
may severely weaken them. In a
crash they may not be able to
provide adequate protection.

Hard Plastic Trim Items

Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto soft lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.

Headliner and

Shelf below Rear Window

Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of
excessive dirt.

Instrument Cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or

mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth
moistened in lukewarm solution. Do
not use scouring agents.

Steering Wheel and Gear
Selector Lever

Wipe with a damp cloth and dry
thoroughly or clean with Mercedes­Benz approved Leather Care.

Upholstery

Using aftermarket seat covers or
wearing clothing that have the
tendency to give off coloring (e.g.
when wet etc.) may cause the
upholstery to become permanently
discolored. By lining the seats with a
proper intermediate cover, contact­discoloration will be prevented.

Leather Upholstery Wipe leather
upholstery with a damp cloth and dry
thoroughly or clean with Mercedes­Benz approved Leather Care. Exercise
particular care when cleaning
perforated leather as its underside
should not become wet.

MB Tex Upholstery Pour Mercedes­Benz approved Interior Care onto soft
lint-free cloth and apply with light
pressure.

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Up Stick

Paintwork, Painted Body
Components

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care
should be applied when water drops on
the paint surface do not "bead up";
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending
on climate and washing detergent used.

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if paint surface
shows signs of dirt embedding (i.e. loss
of gloss).

Do not apply any of these products or
wax if your car is parked in the sun or
if the hood is still hot.

Use the appropriate MB-Touch­for quick and provisional repairs of
minor paint damage (i.e. chips from
stones, car doors etc.).

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, using a soft bristle brush and a
strong spray of water.

Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials.

The acid could lead to corrosion.

Ornamental Moldings

For regular cleaning and care of very
dirty chrome-plated parts, use a chrome
cleaner.

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Electronic Main Key
Remote Control

1 Transmit buttons
2 Lamp for battery check and function

control

Checking Batteries

If one of the transmit buttons is
pressed, the function control lamp
lights up briefly- indicating that the
batteries are in order.

Change batteries if the function control
lamp does not light up briefly

Changing Batteries

Move lock (1) in direction of right
arrow and slide out mechanical key (2,
left arrow).

Insert mechanical key (2) in side
opening (3) to open latch. Press briefly
(do not use mechanical key as lever) to
release battery compartment.

Remove mechanical key.
Lift battery compartment (4) slightly in

direction of arrow (5) and remove in
direction of arrow (6).

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Important!

Batteries contain materials that can
harm the environment if disposed of
improperly. Recycling of batteries is
the preferred method of disposal. For
disposal, please follow manufacturer's
recommendation on battery package.

Replacement battery:
Lithium, type CR 2025 or equivalent.

Synchronizing Remote Control

The remote control may have to be
resynchronized, if the vehicle cannot
be locked or unlocked.

To synchronize insert electronic key in
steering lock.

The remote control should once again
be operational.

Change batteries (7), inserting new
ones under contact spring (8) with plus
(+) side facing up.

Return battery compartment into
housing until locked in place

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Front Head Restraints

Warning!

For your protection, drive only with
properly positioned head restraints.

Adjust head restraint to support the
back of the head approximately at
ear level.

Do not drive the vehicle without the
seat head restraints. Head restraints
are intended to help reduce injuries
during an accident.

Front seat head restraint, removal

Removal:
Push button (1) up to bring the power

adjustable head restraint to its highest
position.

Pull out head restraint completely with
both hands.

Installation:

Push button (1) of the power adjustable
head restraint up for approximately 5
seconds.

Insert the head restraint and push it
down to the stop.

Adjust head restraint to the desired
position.

For positioning of head restraints refer
to sections Power Seats, and Head
Restraints, Rear in Index.

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