coolant temperature MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 1999 Owners Manual

Instrument Cluster
1. Coolant temperature gauge. See Index
2. Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap
placement warning lamp (yellow). See Index

3. Outside temperature indicator. See Index
4. Left turn signal indicator lamp (green)
5. ASR warning lamp (yellow) or ESP warning
lamp (yellow). See Index

6. Speedometer
7. Trip odometer, See Index


8. Main odometer, or FSS indicator. See
Index

9. Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)
10. Tachometer. See Index
11. Clock. See Index
12. Push buttons for intensity of instrument
lamps. See Index

13. Push button for resetting trip odometer.
See Index

14. Push buttons for setting clock. See Index



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Outside Temperature Indicator
The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper area. Due to its location, the sensor can be affected by road or
engine heat during idling or slow driving. This means that the accuracy of the displayed temperature can only be
verified by comparison to a thermometer placed next, to the sensor, not by comparison to external displays (e.g. bank
signs etc.).
Adaptation to ambient temperature takes place in steps and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop-and-
go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of temperature change.

Warning !
The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an Ice-Warning Device and is therefore un-
suitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice.


Coolant Temperature Gauge
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the c oolant in the pressurized cooling system
of your vehicle is approx. 266°F (130°C). During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant
temperature may rise close to the red marking. The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature in
the red zone. Doing so may cause serious engine damage wh ich is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

Warning !
• Driving when your engine is badly overheated can cause some fluids which may
have Beaked into the engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously
burned.
• Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns and can occur just by
opening the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the car and do not stand near the car until it cools down.


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Low Engine Coolant Level Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the warning lamp comes on.
It should go out when the engine is running. If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, or if it comes on while driving, then the coolant level has dropped below the required level. If
no leaks are noticeable and the engine temperature does not increase, continue to drive to the
nearest service station and have coolant added to the coolant system (see Index).
The low engine coolant level warning light should not be ignored. Extended driving with the light
illuminated may cause serious engine damage not co vered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant lo ss, have the cooling system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

Note:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling sy stem. The engine will overheat causing major engine
damage. Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving.

Warning !

Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You can be seriously burned.


Low Windshield and Headlamp Washer System Fluid Level Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the warning lamp comes on. It should go out when
the engine is running. If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on
while driving, the level of the reservoir has droppe d to approx.1/4 of the total volume. The reservoir
should be refilled with MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and water (or commercially available
premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze, depending on ambient temperature - see Index) at
the next opportunity. The reservoir for the windshie ld and headlamp washer systems is located in
the engine compartment.


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Winter Driving
Have your car winterized at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer before the onset of winter.
• Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil which is not approved for winter operation.
For viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity, see Capacities: Fuels, Coolants,
Lubricants etc. in Index.
• Check engine coolant anticorr osion/antifreeze concentration.
• Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp cleani ng system: Add MB Concentrate "S" to a premixed
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze which is form ulated for below freezing temperatures (see Index).
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops with dec reasing ambient temperature. A well charged
battery helps to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low ambient temperatures.
• Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.

Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effect iveness of the acceleration slip regulation or of the electronic traction system
can only be achieved with M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Snow
chains maximize performance.


Snow Chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
will be glad to advise you on this subject. Chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer's
mounting instructions. Snow chains should only be driven on snow covered roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow. For tips on driving on slippery
winter roads, refer to Index. Vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP):
When driving with snow chai ns, press the ASR or ESP control switch, refer to Index.


Model C 43 AMG

Important!
Use of snow chains is permissible only on winter tire size 215/45 R 17 H M+S. Refer to "Rims - Tires" in section
"Technical Data" (see Index).


Travelling Abroad
Abroad, there is a widely-spread Mercedes-Benz service network at your disposal. If you plan to travel into areas
which are not listed in the index of your dealer directory, you should request pertinent information from your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.



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Hood





To open:
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1) under the driver's
side of the instrument panel. At the same time handle
(2) will extend out of the radiator grill (it may be necessary to lift the hood up slightly).

Caution !
To avoid damage to the windshield wiper or hood, open the hood only with wiper in the parked position. Pull handle
(2) completely out of radiator grill and open hood (do not pull up on handle).

To close:
Lower hood and let it drop into lock from a height of approx. 1 ft. (30 cm), assisting with hands pl aced flat on edges
of hood (3). To avoid hood damage, if hood is not fully cl osed, repeat closing procedure. Do not push down on hood
to attempt to fully close it.

Warning!

To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of moving parts when the hood is open and the engine is running.
Be sure the hood is properly closed before driving. When closing hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers. The engine is equipped with a transi storized ignition system. Because of the high voltage it
is dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils , spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the ignition
system
• with the engine running,
• while starting the engine,
• if ignition is "on" and the engine is turned manually.
If you see flames, steam or smoke coming from the engi ne compartment, or if the coolant temperature
gauge indicates that the engine is overheated, do not open the hood. Move away from vehicle and do not
open the hood until the engine has cooled. If necessary, call a fire department.


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Example



Checking Coolant Level
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked on level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when coolant is cold.


Adding Coolant
If coolant has to be added, a 50/50 mixture of water and MB anticorrosion/antifreeze should be added. The drain
plugs
for the cooling system are located on the right side of the engine block and at the bottom of the radiator.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze, see Coolants in Index.


Warning!
In order to avoid possibly serious burns:
•Use extreme caution when opening the hood if there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking from the
cooling system, or if the coolant temperature gauge indicates that the coolant is overheated.
•Do not remove pressure cap on coolant reservoir if engine temperature is above 194°F (90°C). Allow
engine to cool down before removing cap. The coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is under pressure.
•Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately 1/2 turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened immediately,
scalding hot fluid and steam will be blown out under pressure.
•Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn if it comes
into contact with hot engine parts.


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Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. - Capacities

Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match Therefore use only brands tested and
recommended by us. Please refer to the Factory Approv ed Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Model Capacity Fuels, coolan ts,
lubricants etc
Engine with
oil filter C 230 6.5 US qt (6.2 l)
C 280 8.5US qt 8.0 l)
C 43 AMG 7.9US qt 7.5 l)
Recommended
engine oils
Automatic transmission C 230 7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
C 280 7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
C 43 AMG 9.9 US qt (9.4 l)
Automatic
transmissio
n fluid
Rear axle C 230
C 280 1.2 US qt (1.1 l)
C 43 AMG 1.4 US qt(1.3 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAL
90, 85 W 90
Power steering approx 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power steering
fluid
Front wheel hubs

approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each High temperature
roller bearing grease

Accelerator
control linkage


Hydraulic fluid
Brake system approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 I) MB Brake fluid (DOT
4)
Windshield washer

and headlamp
cleaning system
approx. 5.3 US qt (5.0 I)
MB Windshield
washe

r
concentrate "S"
1
Cooling system C 220 approx. 10.0 US qt (9.5 I
C 280
C 36 AMG
approx. 10.6 US qt 10.0 I)
approx. 11.8 US qt (11.2 I
MB
Anticorrosion/antifreez
Fuel tank including
a reserve of
approx. 16.4 US gal (62.0 I)
approx. 2.1 US gal (8.0 I)
Premium unleaded
gasoline:
Posted O
c

tane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON/86
MON)
Air conditioner system

R-134a refrigerant
and special
lubricant (Never R-12)

Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer
Con c

entrate "S" and commercially available premixed windsh ield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below
freezing. Follow suggested mixing ratios, see Windshield/Headlamp Washer System in Index.


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Coolants

The engine coolant is a mixture of water and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
• corrosion protection,
• freeze protection,
• boiling protection (by increasing the boiling point).
The cooling system was filled at the factory with a coolant providing freeze protection to approx. -22°F
(-30°C) and corrosion protection. The coolant solution mu st be used year round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase in the boil-over protection. You should have it replaced every 3 years. To provide the
important corrosion protection, the solution must be at leas t 45% anticorrosion/antifreeze (equals a freeze protection
to approx. -22°F [-30°C]). If you use a solution that is mo re than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection to
approx. -49°F
[-45°C]), the engine temperature will increase due to the lo wer heat transfer capability of the solution. Therefore, do
not use more than this amount of anticorrosion/ant ifreeze. If the coolant level is low, water and MB
anticorrosion/antifreeze should be used to bring it up to the proper level (have cooling system checked for signs of
leakage). The water in the cooling system must meet mi nimum requirements, which are usually satisfied by normal
drinking water. If you are not sure about the water qua lity, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. T he use of aluminum components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used in such engines be specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/antifr eeze coolant will result in a significantly shortened service
life.)
Therefore the following product is strongly recommended for use in your car: Mercedes-Benz Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
Agent. Before the start of the winter season (or once a year in the hot southern regions), you should have the
anticorrosion/antifreeze concentration c hecked. The coolant is also regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to your authorized Merc edes-Benz dealer for service.

Model
Approx.freeze Protection
-35°F
(~37°C)

-49°F
(-45°C)


C 230 5.0 US qt
(4.75 I)

5.5 US qt
(5.25 I)

C 280 5.3 US qt
(5.0 I)

5.8 US qt
(5.5 I)

C 43 AMG 5.9US qt
(5.6 I)

6.6 US qt
(6.2 I)




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