brake MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS HATCHBACK 2011 Manual Online

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
֌
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. ESP
®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start assist and
ESP ®
trailer stabilisation are temporarily not available.
The adaptive brake lights and BAS PLUS may also have failed.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
ESP ®
will not stabilise the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel
starts to spin.
Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational, the vehicle's stability
during standard driving manoeuvres is reduced.
There is a risk of accident.
X Carefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight steer-
ing movements, at a speed above 20 km/h.
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
237On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
!
The red indicator lamp
for the electric parking
brake flashes and/or
the yellow warning
lamp for the electric
parking brake lights up.
The electric parking brake is temporarily malfunctioning or is
defective.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. 6
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem).
G WARNING
The airbags or belt tensioners may either be triggered uninten-
tionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be triggered at all.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Drive on carefully.
X Have SRS checked at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
For further information on occupant safety, see (Y page 38).Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
;
The yellow engine diag-
nostics warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running. There may be a fault, for example:
R
in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system (for vehicles with petrol engines)
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may
be running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop. Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel tank has been run dry
(Y
page 143).
X Start the engine three to four times after refuelling.
If the yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp goes out, emer-
gency running mode is cancelled. The vehicle need not be
checked. 238
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
æ
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is run-
ning.
The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest filling station. ?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the engine is running
and the coolant tem-
perature gauge is at the
start of the scale.
The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
faulty.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a
risk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
239On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning.
The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be mal-
functioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Engage the electric parking brake.
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and top up the coolant (Y page 265).
Observe the warning notes as you do so.
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine
cooling system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
under 120 †. The engine may otherwise be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving on
mountain roads and stop-start traffic. ?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning. A warning tone
also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 120 †. The airflow to the
engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may be too
low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartmen tto
catch fire.
Stea mfrom the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the bonnet.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Engage the electric parking brake. 240
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
X
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and top up the coolant (Y page 265).
Observe the warning notes as you do so.
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine
cooling system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
X If the coolant temperature is less than 120 †, you can continue
driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving on
mountain roads and stop-start traffic. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
·
The red distance warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion.
The distance to the vehicle in front is too small for the speed
selected.
X Increase the distance. ·
The red distance warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion.
Aw
arning tone also
sounds. You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
X
Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
241On-board computer and displays Z

You or other vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Sharp-edged and fragile objects must not be
placed in the luggage net.
Front stowage compartments Glove compartment
X
To open: pull handle :and open glove
compartment flap ;.
X To close: fold glove compartmen tflap ;
upwards until it engages.
i There is a pen holder at the top of the
glove compartmen tflap.
Spectacles compartment X
To open: press marking :. Stowage compartment in the centre con-
sole
X
To open: press the marking on cover :.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there is an open instead of a closed stow-
age compartment or an ashtray in the
centre console.
Stowage compartment in front of th earm-
res t(vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion) X
To open: press the marking on cover :.
i You can remove the non-slip mat and the
insert for cleaning. Stowage areas
245Stowing and features Z

Stowage compartment/telephone com-
partment under the armrest
X
To open: on vehicles with moveable armr-
ests, make sure that the armrest is in the
rearmost position.
X Press button :and fold the armrest up.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment, a
USB port and an AUX-IN jack or a Media
Interface are installed in the stowage com-
partment. A Media Interface is a universal
interface for portable audio equipment, e.g.
for an iPod ®
or MP3 player (see the sepa-
rate Audio or COMAND Online operating
instructions).
Stowage compartment under the driver's
and front-passenger seat G
WARNING
Only load the stowage compartmen twith the
maximum permissible load of 1. 2kg. Othe r-
wise, the transported load could, for example,
be thrown out of the stowage compartment if
you change directio nsuddenly or brake
sharply, and you or other scould be injured. X
To open: pull handle :up and fold
cover ;forwards.
i On vehicles with a fire extinguisher
instead of a stowage compartment, the fire
extinguisher is installed under the driver's
seat.
Rear stowage compartments Stowage compartment in the rear centre
console
X
To open: pull down the top of stowage
compartment :by the edge of the handle.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there may be an open stowage space above
the stowage compartment.
Folding table G
WARNING
Keep the folding table closed while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, in the event of sharp
braking, a sudden change in direction or an
accident, you could be injured by objects on
the table or by the folding table itself.
! Do not load the folding table beyond the
maximum permissible load of 2kg. 246
Stowage areasStowing and features

Securing
aload
Lashing eyelets G
WARNING
Distribute the load on the lashing eyelets
evenly.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change directio nsuddenly
R are involved in an accident
Please observe the loading guidelines.
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R secure the load using the lashing eyelets.
R do no tuse elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route lashing materials across sharp
edges or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
There are four lashing eyelets in the luggage
compartment. :
Lashing eyelets
Bag hook G
WARNING
Only hang light loads on the bag holders. Do
not use them to transport heavy, sharp-edged
or fragile objects. When braking sharply,
changing direction quickly or in the event of
an accident, the bag hooks will not secure the items sufficiently. This could result in injury to
yourselforo
thers.
! The bag hoo kcan bear a maximum load
of 3 kg. Do not use it to secure a load.
There is one bag hook on either side of the
luggage compartment. :
Bag hook Luggage compartment cover
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The luggage compartmen tcover is not a
restraint system. Secure the load under the
luggage compartment cover by suitable
means. Make sure that the luggage compart-
ment cover is engaged securely. If luggage is
not sufficiently secured, it can be thrown over
the backrest into the passenger compart-
ment, for instance during heavy braking, sud-
den changes of direction or in the event of an
accident .You could cause an accident or
cause injury to yourself and others.
! When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the luggage
compartment higher than the lower edge of
the side windows. Do not place heavy
objects on top of the luggage compartment
cover.
! When removing and replacing the luggage
compartment cover, ensure that its end Stowage areas
251Stowing and features Z

Attaching the roof carrier
X
Open covers :carefully in the direction of
the arrow.
X Fold covers :upwards.
X Only secure the roof carrier to the anchor-
age points under covers :.
X Observe the manufacturer' sinstallation
instructions. Features
Cup holders
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not place any objects in the cup holder
while the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise, vehi-
cle occupants could be injured by objects
being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Only use the cup holders for containers of a
suitable size and which have lids. The drinks
could otherwise spill.
Cup holders should not be used for hot drinks.
You may otherwise scald yourself. G
WARNING
Do not transport any heavy, sharp-edged or
fragile bottles in the stowag ecompartments. In the event of an accident, the stowage com-
partments cannot secure the bottles ade-
quately. You and/or other vehicle occupants
could be injured.
The stowage compartments in the doors pro-
vide space for bottles:
R front: capacity up to 1.5 l
R rear: capacity up to 0.5 l
The bottles are neither secured nor prevented
from tipping over. Therefore, do not place any
open drink containers in the stowage com-
partments.
Cup holder in the front centre console The cup holder and the rubber mat under-
neath can be removed for cleaning. Clean it
with clean, lukewarm water only.
X
To remove: carefully pull in the upper sec-
tions of cup holders :on the driver's and
front-passenger sides until they release.
X Lift the cup holder upwards ;until it can
be removed. Features
255Stowing and features Z

You can obtain further information, e.g.
regarding service work, fro
maMercedes-
Benz Service Centre or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Mercedes-Benz Service24h" section
of the Service Booklet. Care
Notes on care
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term. Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Care of the exterior
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, following a car wash, drive with
particular care until the brakes are dry. G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function and DISTRONIC
PLUS before the vehicle is washed in an auto-
matic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (OFF button is depressed/
airflow control is turned to position 0).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at posi-
tion 0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehi-
cle in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
screen. Care
267Maintenance and care Z