check engine MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2000 W202 User Guide

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

Important !
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during braking maneuvers. Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use
firm, steady brake pedal pressure. Pu mping the brake pedal defeats the pur pose for ABS and significantly reduces
braking effectiveness.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a vehicl e speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of
road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the
ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re spond even with light brake pedal pressure because of the increased
likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

ABS Control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cl uster comes on with the electronic key in steering lock
position 2 and should go out when the engine is running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is switched off.
When the voltage is above this value again, the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the ABS is operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ASR or ESP, if vehicl e so equipped, are also switched off. Both malfunction
indicator lamps come on with the engine running. If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp does not go out or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without antilock assistance.
Have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

Warning !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
made available by the road conditions. The ABS ca nnot prevent accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too cl osely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped car must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.

Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.

Brake Assist System (BAS)

Warning !

BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a BAS equipped car must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.

The Brake Assist System is designed to maximize the vehicle's braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers by having maximum power boost applied to the br akes more quickly in emergency braking conditions
than might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver's braking style. This can help reduce braking distances over
what ordinary driving and braking style might do. The BAS complements the Antilock Brake System (ABS).
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply continuous full braking power during the stopping sequence.
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivat ed The malfunction indicator lamps for the ASR and ESP are
combined with the BAS malfunction indicator lamp.
The BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster come on with the electronic key in
steering lock position 2 and should go out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on permanently while the engine is running,
a malfunction has been detected in either system. As a resul t, it is possible that now only partial engine output will be
available, and pressing the accelerator pedal will require more effort. If the BAS malfunctions. The brake system
functions in the usual manner, but wi thout BAS. If the charging voltage falls be low 10 volts, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on and the BAS is switched off. When the volt age is above this value again, the malfunction indicator
lamp should go out and the BAS is operational. With t he ABS malfunctioning, the BAS, ASR or ESP are also
switched off.
Both malfunction indicator lamps come on with the engine running. Have the BAS, ASR or ESP checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible .

Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
The acceleration slip regulation will engage at all vehicle speeds, if one or both drive wheels begin to lose traction
and spin in acceleration. While engaged, the yellow warning lamp in the speedometer dial flashes. With the
acceleration slip regulation engaged, the brake is applied to the spinning drive wheel until slip is brought under
control. If both drive wheels spin, the brake is applied to both drive wheels and simultaneously, engine torque is
limited, to improve the vehicle's driving stability. As traction on the road surface increases, thus allowing
acceleration without slip, the allowable engine torque also increases again and the brake is no longer applied to
drive wheels.

Important !
If the ASR warning lamp flashes, adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.

Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in Index), the engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steering lock position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ASR regulation will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.

Notes:
The indicator lamp for the ASR is combined with that of the BAS The yellow BAS/ASR malfunction indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster and the yellow ASR warning lamp in the speedometer dial come on with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2. They should go out with the engine running. If the BAS/ASR malfunction
indicator lamp comes on with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either system. Pressing the
accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS. Have the BAS or ASR
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. With the ABS malfunctioning, the ASR
is also switched off. Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the wheels to rotate at different speeds,
therefore the ASR may activate (yellow ASR warning lamp in speedometer dial comes on).
For this reason, all wheels, including the spare wheel, must have the same tire size. When testing the parking
brake on a brake test dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, the ASR will immediately be engaged
and will apply the rear wheel brakes. In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the ASR is only achieved
with Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.


ASR Control Switch



ASR control switch located in center console To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains, or
starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press the upper half of the ASR switch. The ASR warning lamp, located
in the speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated. With the ASR system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ASR is unavailable. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. A portion of the ASR system remains active, even with the
switch in the OFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the brake is applied until the wheel
regains sufficient traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h),
and switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h). Note: Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. Doing so may cause serious damage
to the drive train which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The ASR warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, starts to flash at any vehicle speed as soon as the tires
lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ASR: press lower
half of the switch (the ASR warning lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).


Important!
If the ASR warning lamp flashes:
• during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,
• while driving, ease up on the accelerator.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (optional)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving wheel spin of the vehicle under any driving condition.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
counterpointing vehicle movement. The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, starts to flash.

Important !
If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.

Caution !
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in Index), the engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steering lock position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.

Notes:
The indicator lamp for the ESP is combined with that of the BAS. The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning lamp in the speedometer dial come on with the electronic key
in steering lock position 2. They should go out with the engine running. If the BAS/ESP multifunction indicator lamp
comes on permanently with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either system.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine output will be available. If the BAS
malfunctions, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS. Have the BAS or ESP checked at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off. Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the electronic
stability program may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer dialcomes on).
For this reason, all wheels, including the spare wheel, must have the same tire size. When testing the parking brake
on a brake test dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, the electronic stability program will
immediately
be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes. In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the ESP is only
achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.

Synchronizing ESP

If the power supply was interrupted(battery disconnected or empty), the BAS/ESP multifunction indicator lamp
may be illuminated with the engine running. Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to the right. The
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp should go out.

ESP Control Switch




ESP control switch located on center console To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains, or
starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press the upper half of the ESP switch. The ESP warning lamp, located in
the speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque reduction
feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions. A portion of the ESP system remains active, even with the switch in the OFF
position.
If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the brake is applied until the wheel regains sufficient traction.
The traction control engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at
50 mph (80 km/h).

Note:
Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. Doing so may cause serious damage to the drive train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, starts to flash at any
vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. To return to the enhanced vehicle
stability
offered by ESP: press lower half of the switch (the ESP warning lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).

Emission Control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic components of the exhaust gases within permissible limits
required by law. These systems, of course, will function properly only when maintained strictly according to factory
specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should, ther efore, be carried out only by qualified Mercedes-Benz
authorized dealer technicians. Engine adjustments should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly according to Mercedes -Benz servicing requirements. For details refer to the
Service Booklet.

Warning !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, and
inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and lead to 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 conditions, drive only with at least one window fully
open.


On-Board Diagnostic System
The Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI) control module monitors emission control components that either provide
input signals to or receive output sign als from the control module. Malfunctions resulting from interruptions or failure
of any of these components are indica ted by the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster and are simultaneously stored in the SFI control module. If the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp
comes on, have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. With some
exceptions the control module switches off the "CHECK ENGINE" indicator lamp if the condition, causing the lamp to
come on, no longer exists during three consecutive cycles. An on-board diagnostic connector is located in the
passenger compartment near to the parking brake pedal, allowi ng the accurate identification of system malfunctions
through the readout of diagnostic trouble codes.

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 headl amp cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate "S"
to a premixed windshield washer solvent/ant ifreeze which is formulated 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 effectiveness of the Antilock Brake System (ABS), Acceleration Slip Regulation
(ASR) or the Electronic Stab ility Program (ESP) 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. Ch ains should only be used on the rear wheels.
Follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions. Snow ch ains 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 In dex. Vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) or
Electronic Stability Program (ESP): When driving with snow chains, 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.

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.
The coolant level should reach the black top part of the reservoir.


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 or injury:
•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.

Checking Engine Oil Level
Example



1. Oil dipstick
2. Oil filler cap

To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level ground, with engine at normal operational temperature. Check
engine
oil level approximately 5 minutes after stopping the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the oil pan.


Oil Dipstick:
Wipe oil dipstick clean prior to checking the engine oil level. Fully insert dipstick in tube, and remove after three
seconds to obtain accurate reading.

Oil level must be between the
lower (min) and upper (max)
mark of the dipstick.



Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking level is approximately 2.1 US qt (2.0 I).
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and catalytic converter not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For low engine oil level warning lamp, see Index.

Odometer Display Field
(Models C 280 and C 43 AMG)

Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2 and wait until the symbols and appears in the
odometer display field. Within 1 second press button 0 twice.


The following messages are available:
"OK"
"-1.0 Q" (Canada: -1.0 L)
"-1.5 Q" (Canada: -1.5L)
"-2.0 Q" (Canada: -2.0 L)
If the message "-2.0 Q" (Canada: -2.0 L) blinks and a signal sounds, add oil to upper (max) mark of the dipstick.
"HI"
The message "Hi" blinks and a signal sounds.


Do not overfill the engine.

Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and catalytic converter not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The symbol flashes in the odometer field if a proper oil level check cannot be performed. The oil level check
can be repeated after a short while. Perform the oil level check with the dipstick, if it cannot be completed via the
odometer display field. In this case we recommend that you have the system checked at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Notes:
If the symbols and are continuously illuminated after pressing button 0 twice and there is no change in the
odometer display field or the low engine oil level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction has occurred to the system .
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick. If no oil leaks are noted continue to drive to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the system checked.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic transmission fluid. Regular automatic transmission fluid
level checks and changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted. If you notice fluid leaks or
gear shifting malfunctions, have your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer check the transmission fluid level.

Battery

Warning !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while
connecting, you might get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary. A battery will also produ ce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid im proper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc..

Important !
Battery maintenance information:
The battery is located in the trunk under the trunk floor. The fluid level must be checked at every A and B service.
Always insure that the fluid level is at the specified maximum level and that only distilled water is used. Failure to
maintain proper fluid level may result in cell deterioration and possible battery rupture. The service life of the battery is
dependent on its condition of charge. The battery should alwa ys be kept sufficiently charged, in order to last an
optimum length of time.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month, mostly for
short distance trips, or if it is not used for long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the battery has been disconnected from the vehicle electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and connect last. When removing and connecting the battery,
always make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the electronic key is in steering lock position 0. The battery
and its vent tube must always be securely installed when the car is in operation. While the engine is running the
battery terminal clamps must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the generator and other electronic components
would be damaged.

Note:
After reconnecting the battery also resynchronize the Express feature of the power windows, the
sliding/pop-up roof, and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (see Power seats, front, Head
restraints, Power windows, Sliding/pop-up roof, and Electronic stability program in Index).

Battery Recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment with improper disposal. Large 12 Volt storage batteries
contain lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of disposal. Many states require sellers of batteries to
accept old batteries for recycling.