check engine MERCEDES-BENZ CL-Class 2011 C216 User Guide
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey.The on-board voltage is too low.XRemove the SmartKey and reinsert it into the ignition lock.XStart the engine within 30 seconds of inserting the SmartKey
into the ignition lock.XRepeat if necessary.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
XCheck the starter battery and charge it if necessary
( Y  page 426).
or
XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 429).
or
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The engine cannot be
started using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey is in
the vehicle.A door is open. Therefore, the SmartKey cannot be detected as
easily.XClose the door and try to start the vehicle again.There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.XStart your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.Doors
Important safety notes
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch. Always
take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
starter switch or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned by these
parts.GWarning
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment unless they are
firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event
of:
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
78DoorsOpening and closing 
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XSelect Continue Route Guidance  and
press  W to confirm.
COMAND calculates the route.
Destination or area of destination
reached
When you reach your destination, COMAND
displays a checkered flag and route guidance
is automatically ended.
For certain points of interest (e.g. airports),
you will see the  Area of destination 
reached  message in addition to the
checkered flag.
Navigation announcements
Repeating navigation announcements
GWarning
Navigation announcements are intended to
direct you while driving without diverting your
attention from the road and driving.
Please always use this feature instead of
consulting the map display for directions.
Looking at the icons or map display can
distract you from traffic conditions and
driving, and increase the risk of an accident.
i Audible navigation announcements are
muted during a telephone call.
If you have missed an announcement, you can
call up the current announcement at any
time.
XTo show the menu:  press W the COMAND
controller.XConfirm  RPT in the navigation menu by
pressing  W.
Switching navigation announcements
on/off
XTo switch off:  press the 8 button
during an announcement.
You will briefly see the message:  The 
driving instructions have been 
muted .XTo switch on:  press W the COMAND
controller.XConfirm  + in the navigation menu by
pressing  W.
i COMAND automatically switches the
navigation announcements back on when:
R you have a new route calculated.
R you start the engine again after having
left the vehicle.
Reducing volume during a navigation
announcement
The volume of an active radio or video source
can be automatically reduced during a
navigation announcement.
XSelect  Navi in the main function bar by
sliding  ZV and turning  cVd the COMAND
controller and press  W to confirm.XSelect  Audio Fadeout  and press W to
confirm.
The function is switched on  O or off  ª,
depending on the previous status.
Setting the volume manually
XAdjust the volume during a navigation
announcement.
or
XSelect  + in the map view with the menu
shown and adjust the volume.
Avoiding a section of the route blocked
by a traffic jam
This function blocks a section of the route
ahead of you. The length of the section of
route to be blocked can be adjusted. If
possible, COMAND calculates a detour
around the blocked section of the route.
XTo switch on navigation mode:  press the
S  function button once or twice.XTo show the menu:  press the COMAND
controller  W.Navigation155COMANDZ 
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The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the key from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. You can activate this delayed switch-off
using COMAND ( Y page 232).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off:  press the  c button.XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off:  press the  u button.XTo switch the reading lamps on/off: 
press the  p button.
Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
GWarning
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbsGWarning!
Bulbs and lamps can be very hot. You should
therefore allow them to cool down before you
change them. Otherwise, you could be burned
if you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could damage the bulbs, for
example, and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may break or even explode and
injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurized and can
explode when you change them, particularly
if they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them.
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed  (Y  page  251). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when installing.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
250Changing bulbsLights and windshield wipers 
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Replacing the windshield wiper blades
Moving the wiper arms to a vertical
position
Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO
XTurn the key to position 1 or 2 in the ignition
lock.
XSet the windshield wipers to
position ° on the combination switch.
XWhen the wiper arms have reached a
vertical position, turn the key to position
0 and remove it from the ignition lock.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO
XSwitch off the engine.XTake your foot off the brake pedal.XSet the windshield wipers to
position ° on the combination switch.
XPress the Start/Stop button repeatedly
until the windshield wipers start.
XWhen the wiper arms have reached a
vertical position, press the Start/Stop
button.
Removing the wiper blades
XFold the wiper arm away from the
windshield until it engages.
XSet the wiper blade at right angles to the
wiper arm.
XRemove the wiper blade from the retainer
on the wiper arm in the direction of the
arrow.
Installing the wiper bladeXSlide the new wiper blade into the retainer
on the wiper arm in the opposite direction
to the arrow.
Make sure that the wiper blade slides fully
into the retainer on the wiper arm.
XTurn the wiper blade parallel to the wiper
arm.
XFold the wiper arm back onto the
windshield.
Problems with the windshield wipers
The windshield wipers are obstructed
Leaves or snow, for example, may be
obstructing the windshield wiper movement.
The wiper motor has been deactivated.
XFor safety reasons, you should remove the
key from the ignition lock.
or
XSwitch off the engine using the Start/Stop
button and open the driver's door.
XRemove the cause of the obstruction.XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.
The windshield wipers are inoperative
The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the
combination switch.
XHave the windshield wipers checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Windshield wipers253Lights and windshield wipersZ  
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gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.
!  Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
!  CL 63 AMG: at low engine oil
temperatures below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the
maximum engine speed is restricted in
order to protect the engine. To protect the
engine and maintain smooth engine
operation, avoid driving at full throttle when
the engine is cold.
SmartKey positions
SmartKey
gTo remove the SmartKey1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. The indicator lamps of the high-beam
headlamps or the turn signal lamps only light
up if the high-beam headlamps or the turn
signal lamps are switched on. If an indicator
lamp does not light up when the ignition is
switched on, check it and replace it if
necessary. If an indicator lamp does not go
out after the engine is started or if it lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, see
( Y  page 375).XRemove the SmartKey when the engine is
switched off.
The battery may otherwise discharge.
If you cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock, the vehicle battery may not be charged
sufficiently.
XCheck the vehicle battery and charge if
necessary ( Y page 428).
or
XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 429).
i
The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
a SmartKey with an integrated KEYLESS-GO
function and a detachable Start/Stop button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
The Start/Stop button can be removed from
the ignition lock. Then you can insert the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
Driving267Driving and parkingZ  
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leave the vehicle. However, you should
always take the SmartKey with you when
leaving the vehicle. The vehicle can be
started with the Start/Stop button and the
electrical equipment can be operated while
the SmartKey is in the vehicle.:Start/Stop button;Ignition lockXInsert Start/Stop button  : into ignition
lock  ;.
i
When you insert Start/Stop button  :
into ignition lock  ;, the system requires a
detection time of two seconds before you
can use Start/Stop button  :.
XShift the transmission to position  P.XDo not press the brake pedal.
Start/Stop button
=USA only?Canada onlyXPosition  0: if Start/Stop button  : has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
SmartKey being removed from the ignition.XPosition  1: press Start/Stop button  :.
You can now activate the windshield
wipers, for example.
i If you then open the driver's door when in
this position, the power supply is
deactivated.
XPosition  2 (ignition): press Start/Stop
button  : twice.
i
If you press Start/Stop button  : once
when in this position and the driver's door
is open, the power supply is deactivated
again.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. The indicator lamps of the high-beam
headlamps or the turn signal lamps only light
up if the high-beam headlamps or the turn
signal lamps are switched on. If an indicator
lamp does not light up when the ignition is
switched on, check it and replace it if
necessary. If an indicator lamp does not go
out after the engine is started or if it lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, see
( Y  page 375).
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWarning
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
268DrivingDriving and parking   
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.
The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡(120 †).
The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Y page 407). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWarning
It is dangerous to shift AUTOTRONIC out of
parking position P or neutral position N if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift AUTOTRONIC into neutral
position N automatically.
Always shift AUTOTRONIC into park position
P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
PPark position with parking lockRReverseNNeutralDDrive
iThe DIRECT SELECT lever always returns
to its original position. The current
transmission position P, R, N or D appears
in the transmission position display
(Y page 276) in the multifunction display.
274Automatic transmissionDriving and parking  
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Rif applied, release the electric parking
brake.
Rswitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Transmission position D with ECO
start/stop function activated
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle is
stationary if the vehicle is braked to a
standstill with transmission position N
engaged and the brake depressed.
For further information on the ECO start/stop
function (Y page 270).
Shifting to transmission position D
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance.
Transmission position display
The current transmission position is shown in
the multifunction display.
:Transmission position
iThe arrows in the transmission position
display show how and into which
transmission positions you can change
using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
! If the transmission position display in the
multifunction display is not working, you
should pull away carefully to check whether
the desired transmission position is
engaged. Ideally, you should select
transmission position D and drive program
E (drive program C on AMG vehicles) or S.
Do not restrict the shift range.
Transmission positions
BPark position
Do not shift the transmission into
position P unless the vehicle is
stationary. The parking lock should
not be used as a brake when
parking. In addition to engaging the
parking lock, you must always
apply the electric parking brake to
secure the vehicle.
In the event of a fault in the vehicle
electronics, the transmission can
be locked in position P.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
CReverse
Only shift the transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
276Automatic transmissionDriving and parking  
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Problems with the transmissionProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into  2nd gear and reverse gear.XStop the vehicle.XShift the transmission to position  P.XSwitch off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.XShift the transmission to position  D or  R.
If  D is selected, the transmission shifts into  2nd gear; if  R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.Transfer case
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always
transmitted to both axles.
!  Performance tests may only be carried
out on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake
system or transfer case could otherwise be
damaged. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for a performance
test. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for this purpose.
!  To prevent ESP ®
 from intervening, the
ignition must be switched off (SmartKey or
the Start/Stop button in position  0 or  1) if:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles
with 4MATIC).
The brake system could otherwise be
damaged.Refueling
Important safety notes
GWarning
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.
GWarning
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
!  Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Even small amounts of the
Refueling281Driving and parkingZ 
Page 284 of 480
wrong fuel result in damage to the fuel
system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
Gasoline
Fuel grade
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire.
iOnly refuel with unleaded premium-grade
gasoline with a specified minimum octane
number of 91 (average value of 96 RON/
86 MON).
Usually you will find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find
the label on the gasoline pump, ask the gas
station staff.
You can find further information under
"Fuel" (Y page 470), by consulting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Refueling
Fuel filler flap
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the key or using KEYLESS-GO.
The fuel filler flap is located to the rear on the
right. The position of the fuel filler cap is
displayed in the instrument cluster 8. The
arrow next to the filling pump indicates the
side of the vehicle.:To open the fuel filler flap;To insert the fuel filler cap=Tire pressure table?Fuel type
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.
iWhen the engine is running and the fuel
filler flap is open, the ; engine
diagnostics warning lamp may light up.
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see (Y page 380).
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
KEYLESS-GO: open the driver's door. This
returns the ignition to position 0, which
corresponds to the SmartKey being
removed. The driver's door can be closed
again.
XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.
XOpen the fuel filler flap.XTurn the fuel filler cap counter-clockwise
and remove it.
XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap ;.
282RefuelingDriving and parking