Electrical/Battery - Solar Charging Panel Installation
Date: July 2004Order No.: P-I-54.10/116
Supersedes:
Group: 54
SUBJECT:
MODELS 203; 209; 211; 215; 220; 230
MODEL YEAR 2004-2005
SOLAR PANEL CHARGING MODULE INSTALLATION
Note:
In connection with your participation in the Battery Maintenance Program, install this tool on vehicles in stock and remove it for test drives and at the time of delivery certification (PDI).
A. Installing the solar panel charging module
1. Read these installation instructions in their entirety before proceeding.
2. Screw the threaded posts of the suction cups (A, Figure 2) into the inserts (Arrows, Figure 1) in the solar panel charging module (A, Figure 1).
3. Separate (i.e. pull apart) the red and black cables (B & C, Figure 2) on the solar panel charging module approximately 100 cm from the connector ends.
4. Connect the negative, black connector (B, Figure 2) to the cigarette lighter adapter negative, black terminal (D, Figure 2).
5. Connect the positive, red connector (C, Figure 2) to the positive, red alligator clip (E, Figure 2).
Note:
This application does not require use of the black alligator clip (F, Figure 2).
6. Mount the solar panel charging module to the interior glass surface of the vehicle (apply a small amount of water to the surface of the suction cups, for better suction), positioning it facing the Southern Hemisphere on a slight incline no more than 45° for optimum performance; reposition the vehicle if necessary to attain the optimal position.
Note:
Select a glass surface on all models that allows, as close as possible, for the optimal conditions described in step 6. Do not mount the solar panel charging module to dark tinted glass surfaces (e.g. the sunroof); mounting the solar panel charging module to dark tinted glass surfaces will compromise the transfer of solar energy. Do not park the vehicle in the shade; position the vehicle under clear skies free of obstructions for optimum transfer of solar energy.
NOTICE
Do not use the power hatch-closing feature on Model 211 station wagons. Close the hatch manually. Using the hatch-closing feature on Model 211 station wagons can dislodge the solar panel charging module from the glass.
7. Unclip the passenger sun visor from its electrical connector clip.
^ For Models 203, 209, 215, and 220, proceed to step 8.
^ For Models 211 and 230, skip step 8 and proceed to step 9.
8. Models 203; 209; 215; 220
> Connect the positive, red alligator clip to the positive electrical connector (i.e. the electrical connector on the right) for the sun visor on the passenger side (Figure 3).
NOTICE
Be sure to connect the positive, red alligator clip to the positive electrical connector (i.e. the electrical connector on the right) for the sun visor on the passenger side. Malfunction or damage to the solar panel charging module may result from connecting to the incorrect pole of the electrical connector for the sun visor.
9. Models 211, 230
> Connect the positive, red alligator clip to the positive electrical connector (i.e. the electrical connector on the left) for the sun visor on the passenger side (Figure 4).
NOTICE
Be sure to connect the positive, red alligator clip to the positive electrical connector (i.e. the electrical connector on the left) for the sun visor on the passenger side. Malfunction or damage to the solar panel charging module may result from connecting to the incorrect pole of the electrical connector for the sun visor.
10. Insert the cigarette lighter adapter into the cigarette lighter insert or accessory power outlet.
11. Route the cables for the red and black connectors in a way that will not interfere with entering and exiting the vehicle or closing the doors.
Note:
Wrap excess cable around the cable wrap clip on the backside of the solar panel charging module whenever possible.
B. Removing the solar panel charging module
1. Remove the cigarette lighter adapter from the cigarette lighter insert or accessory power outlet.
2. Remove the positive, red alligator clip from the positive electrical connector for the sun visor on the passenger side
3. While supporting the solar panel charging module, pull the tab of each of the four suction cups to release and carefully remove the solar panel charging module from the interior glass of the vehicle.
4. Wrap the cables for the red and black connectors around the cable wrap clip on the backside of the solar panel charging module and collect the remainder of the kit components from the vehicle.
C. Special Tool Information*
*Mercedes-Benz dealers will receive one solar panel charging module via special tool automatic shipment in September 2004. Place additional orders directly through your respective PDC.
Note:
This installation cannot be claimed under warranty.