engine overheat MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2014 Owners Manual

GWARNING
If you switch off the ignitionwhile driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect.You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
Roverheat and cause a fire
Rlose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident.Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
!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.
!AMG vehicles:avoid full-load operation
and engine speeds greater than 5000rpm
when the engine is cold. This helps to
protect the engine and avoids
uncomfortable driving.
Key positions
\rTo remove the SmartKey
(shift the transmission to positionP)
Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers
Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
To start the engine
iThe 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.
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
GWARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or
parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
Driving137
Driving and parking
Z

Engaging park position P
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, pressP
button.
Transmission positions
Parkposition
Do not shift the transmission into
positionPunless the vehicle is
stationary (Ypage 153). The
parking lock should not be used as
a brake when parking.Always
apply the electronic parking brake
in additionto the parking lock in
order to secure the vehicle.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the transmission
may be locked in positionP.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission toR
when the vehicle is stationary.

Neutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP®is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
positionNif the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
When you switch off the engine, the
automatic transmission
automatically shifts into neutralN.
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission positionD.This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
Rthe selected drive program (Ypage 146)
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe road speed
Driving tips
Holding the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients
GWARNING
If the clutch overheats, the electronic
management system is automatically
deactivated. This interrupts the power
transmission. The vehicle may, for example,
roll backwards on gradients. There is a risk of
an accident.
Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator.
Automatic transmission145
Driving and parking
Z

The clutch may overheat if you hold the
vehicle stationary on uphill gradients by
depressing the accelerator pedal. If the clutch
overheats, a warning tone sounds.
All vehicles (except AMG vehicles):the
StopVehicleShifttoPLeaveEngine
Runningdisplay message appears in the
multifunction display.You will only be able to
continue your journey once the clutch has
cooled down and the display message in the
multifunction display has disappeared.
AMG vehicles:theTrans. Oil
Overheated Drive on with Caredisplay
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Do not hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator
pedal. Instead, only ever hold the vehicle
stationary on uphill gradients by:
Rdepressing the brake pedal
Ractivating the HOLD function
Rengaging the electric parking brake
Kickdown
AMG vehicles:kickdown is only possible in
temporary manual drive programM. For
further information on manual drive program
M(Ypage 148).
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
XEase off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free
Shifting the transmission repeatedly between
gearsDandRmay help to free the vehicle if
it has become stuck in slush or snow. The
vehicle's engine management system limits
the speed to a maximum of 5 mph (9 km/h)
when shifting back and forth. To shift back
and forth between transmission positionsD
andR, move the selector lever up and down
beyond the pressure point.
Programselector button
General notes
The program selectorbutton allows you to
choose between drive programs with
different driving characteristics.
Example: program selector button
EEconomyComfortable, economical
driving
SSportSporty driving style
MManualManual gear shifting
Only change from automatic drive program
EorSto manual drive programMwhen the
vehicle is stationary.
XPress program selector button
repeatedly until the letterfor the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
iThe automatic transmission shifts to
automatic drive programEeach time the
engine is started.
iFor further information on the automatic
drive program, see (Ypage 147).
146Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.:
Rload
Rtire pressure
Rcold start
Rchoice of route
Relectrical consumers switched on
These factors are not taken into
considerationby the ECO display.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried
out using the following three categories:
RAcceleration(evaluation of all
acceleration processes):
-The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds
-The bar empties: sporty acceleration
RConstant(assessmentofdriving behavior
at all times):
-The bar fills up: constant speed and
avoidance of unnecessary acceleration
and deceleration
-The bar empties: fluctuations in speed
RCoasting(assessment of all deceleration
processes):
-The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,
keeping yourdistance and early release
of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast
without use of the brakes.
-The bar empties: frequent braking
iAn economical driving style specially
requires driving at moderate engine
speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
AccelerationandConstant:
Robserve the gearshift recommendations.
Rdrive in drive programE.
iOn long journeys at a constant speed, e.g.
on the highway, only the bar forConstant
will change.
iThe ECO display summaries the driving
characteristics fromthe start of the journey
to its completion. For this reason, the bars
change dynamically at the beginning of the
journey. On longer journeys, there are
fewer changes. For more dynamic changes,
carry out a manual reset.
Further information on the ECO display
(Ypage 198).
Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to
a lower gear in good time. This allows you
to take advantage of the engine's braking
effect.For this, you need to have selected
manual drive programM.This helps you to
avoid overheating the brakes and wearing
them out excessively.
When you take advantage of the engine's
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benzwarranty.
iBriefly depressing the acceleratorpedal
on downhill gradients while the manual
drive programMis temporarily activated:
the automatic transmission may switch to
the last active automatic drive programE
orS.The automatic transmission may shift
to a higher gear. This can reduce the
engine's braking effect.
158Driving tips
Driving and parking

Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest yourfoot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the
vehicle has been washed or driven through
deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
RBrake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distanceto the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out ona2-axle
dynamometer. If you are planning to have
the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain further information first.
Otherwise, you could damage the drive
train or the brake system.
!As the ESP®system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (theSmartKey must
be in position0or1in the ignitionlock) if:
Rthe electric parking brake is tested on a
brake dynamometer (for a maximum of
ten seconds)
Rthe vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP®
may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop to arrange this.
Driving tips159
Driving and parking
Z

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to positionN.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces.Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. You
should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
iFor more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Ypage 315).
Driving systems
Cruise control
General notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you.Itbrakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select a low gearin
good time. For this, you will need to have
selected manual drive program
M(Ypage 148). By doing so, you will make
use of the braking effect of the engine, This
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
To activate or increase speed
To activate or reduce speed
"To deactivate cruise control
!To activate at the current speed/last
stored speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the multifunction display
for five seconds.
162Driving systems
Driving and parking

Deactivating cruise control
There are several ways to deactivate cruise
control:
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
forwards".
or
XBrake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
Rthe vehicle is secured with the electric
parking brake
Ryou are driving at less than 20 mph
(30 km/h)
RESP®intervenes or you deactivate ESP®
Ryou shift the transmissionto positionN
while driving
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear
a warning tone. You will see theCruise
Control Offmessage in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.
iWhen you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared.
DISTRONIC PLUS
General notes
DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the
distance to the vehicle detected in front.
Vehicles are detected with the aid of the radar
sensor system. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes
automatically so that the set speed is not
exceeded.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is
especially important if the vehicle is laden. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk
of a collision, you will be warned visually and
acoustically. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot
prevent a collision without your intervention.
An intermittent warning tone will then sound
and the distance warning lamp will light up in
the instrument cluster. Brake immediately in
order to increase the distance to the vehicle
in front or take evasive action provided it is
safe to do so.
DISTRONIC PLUS operates in range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.
iThis device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to:
Rpeople or animals
Rstationary obstacles on the road, e.g.
stopped or parked vehicles
Roncoming and crossingtraffic
As a result, DISTRONIC PLUS may neither give
warnings nor intervene in such situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
164Driving systems
Driving and parking

Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 25).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and
communication equipment integrated in the
vehicle while driving, you will be distracted
from traffic conditions. You could also lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situationpermits.Ifyou are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the
equipment when the vehicle is stationary.
GWARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or
malfunctioned, you may not recognize
function restrictions in systems relevant to
safety. The operating safety of your vehicle
may be impaired. There is a risk of an
accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating the on-board computer.
The on-board computer only shows messages
or warnings from certain systems in the
multifunction display.You should therefore
make sure your vehicle is operating safely at
all times. Otherwise, a vehicle that is not
operating safely may cause an accident.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration (Ypage 29).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle
interior can be adjusted using the brightness
control knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the
bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Ypage 29).
XTurn the brightness control knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
If the light switch is set to,or
, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
iThe light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated.
Coolant temperature display
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is
overheated or when there is a fire in the
engine compartment could expose you to hot
gases or other service products. There is a
risk of injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
!Adisplay message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
194Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and
Solutions

Check Coolant See
Operator's Manual
The coolant level is too low.
!Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine
cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Ypage 283).
XIf coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
\rThe fan motor is faulty.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearestqualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid subjecting the engineto heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
\r
Coolant Too Hot
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine Off
The coolant is too hot.
Awarning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
Do notdrive when yourengine is overheated. Thiscan cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartmentto
catch fire.
Steamfrom the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 153).
XWaituntil the engine has cooled down.
XMake sure thatthe air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
XDo not start the engine again until the display message goes out
and the coolant temperature is below 248 ‡ (120 †).
Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.
XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant
level, the coolant temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
Display messages227
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and
Solutions
The battery is notbeing charged.
Awarning tone also sounds.
Possible causes are:
Ra defective alternator
Ra torn poly-V-belt
Ra malfunction in the electronics
XPull overand stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
XOpenthe hood.
XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
!Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.

Check Engine Oil
At Next Refueling
The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
Awarning tone also sounds.
XCheckthe oil level when next refueling, at the latest
(Ypage 281).
XIf necessary, add engine oil (Ypage 282).
XHave the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
!Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
bevo.mercedes-benz.com (USA only).


Fuel Level Low
The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
XRefuel at the nearest gas station.
228Display messages
On-board computer and displays