engine MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2000 W202 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2000, Model line: C-Class, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2000 W202Pages: 130, PDF Size: 2.43 MB
Page 69 of 130
Important !
Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with selector lever in "N" can result in transmission damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
D - The transmission automatically upshifts through 5th gear. Position "D" provides optimum driving characteristics
under all normal operating conditions.
4 - Upshift through 4th gear only.
Suitable for performance driving. To shift from position "D" to "4", push selector lever to the left.
3 - Upshift through 3rd gear only.
Suitable for moderately steep hill s. Since the transmission does not shift hi gher than 3rd gear, this gear selection
will allow use of the engine's braking power downhill.
2 - Upshift through 2nd gear only.
For driving in mountainous regions or under extreme operating conditions. This gear selection will allow use of the
engine's braking power when descending steep grades.
1 - In this position, the engine's braking effect is utilized by shifting into 1st gear.
Use this position while descending very steep or l engthy downgrades and only at speeds below 40 mph (60
km/h).
Important !
With selector lever in position "D", "4" or "3", upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear is delayed depending on vehicle
speed and engine temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more quickly to operating temperatures.
During the brief warm-up period this delayed upshift and increased engine noise might be perceived as a malfunction.
However, neither the engine nor transmission are negatively affected by this mode of operation.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C). To avoid overrevving the engi ne when the selector lever is moved to a lower driving
range, the transmission will not shift to a lower gear, if the engine's speed limit would be exceeded. In this case there
will be no downshift, even when the vehicle speed reaches t he engine's speed limit of that gear, e.g. by applying the
service brakes. Continue driving in the usual manner. The transmission will then shift down automatically.
To prevent the engine from laboring at low RPM when driv ing uphill gradients or with your vehicle heavily loaded, the
automatic transmission will downshift when necessary to maintain engine RPM within the best torque range.
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel
slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's AB S will not prevent this type of loss of control.
Warning !
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in rear
wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle' s ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a parki ng space, control the vehicle speed by gradually releasing
the
brakes. Accelerate gently and never abruptly step on the ac celerator. To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or
snow),
alternately shift from forward to revers e, while applying slight partial throttle. Rocking a vehicle free in this manner
may
cause the ABS malfunction indicator lamp to come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the malfunction
indication.
Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service brake. For longer
stops with the engine idling, shift into "N" or "P" and hold the vehicle with the service brake. When stopping the
vehicle
on an uphill gradient, do not hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat
build up.
Warning !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever not fully engaged in position "P" is dangerous. Also,
when parked on an incline, position "P" alone may not prevent your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting
people or objects. Always set the parking brake in a ddition to shifting to position "P". When parked on
an incline, also turn front wheel against curb.
Page 70 of 130
Program Mode Selector Switch
The transmission is provided with a selector switch for Standard "S" and Winter/Wet (snow and ice) "W" program
modes.
Important !
Always be certain of the program mode selected since the vehicle driving characteristics change with the selection of
the program mode.
S - Standard mode Press switch on symbol "S". Use this mode for all regular driving. The vehicle starts out in 1st
gear.
Accelerator Operation:
Fast on = depressing the accelerator pedal quickly (not into kickdown position) while driving continuously, rather
than depressing the accelerator pedal in the usual manner, will cause the automatic transmission to shift down
into a lower gear.
This gear shifting process is dependent on the current vehicle speed.
Fast off = there will be no upshift when releasing the accelerator pedal quickly, e.g. using the engine's braking
power during performance driving
W - Winter/Wet (snow and ice) mode Press switch on symbol "W".
The vehicle starts out in 2nd gear, except with selector lever in 1st gear, or with accelerator pedal in kick-down
position. The "W" mode helps to improve traction and driving stability of the vehicle.
The gear shifting process occurs at lower vehicle and engine speeds than in the "S,' program mode.
Important
Dependent on the program mode selector switch position "S" or "W" and the gear selector lever in position "13", the
ratio of power transmission changes.
Emergency Operation (Limp Home Mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in Limp
Home Mode which engages when there is a malfunction at the transmission. This condition may be accompanied by
the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the 2nd gear or reverse gear can be activated.
To engage 2nd gear or reverse:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move selector lever to position "P".
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move selector lever to position "D" (for 2nd gear), or move selector lever
to position "R" (for reverse gear).
Have the transmission checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
Page 71 of 130
Cruise Control
Cruise Control
Any given speed above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) can be maintained with the cruise control by operating the
lever.
1. Accelerate and set:
Lift lever briefly to set speed. Hold lever up to accelerate.
2. Decelerate and set:
Depress lever briefly to set speed. Hold lever down to decelerate.
Normally the vehicle is accelerated to the desired speed with the accelerator. Speed is set by briefly pushing
the lever to position 1 or 2. The accelerator can be released. The speed can be increased (e.g. for passing)
by using the accelerator. After the accelerator is released, the previously set speed will be resumed
automatically. If a set speed is to be increased or decreased slightly, e.g. to adapt to the traffic flow, hold lever in
position 1 or 2 until the desired speed is reached, or briefly tip the lever in the appropriate direction for
increases or decreases in 0.6 mph (1 km/h) increments. When the lever is released, the newly set speed remains.
3. Cancelling
To cancel the cruise control, briefly push lever to position 3.
When you step on the brake pedal or the vehicle speed drops below approx. 25 mph (40 km/h), for example when
driving upgrade, the cruise control will be cancelled. If the cruise control cancels by itself and remains inoperative
until the engine is restarted, have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as
possible.
4. Resume
If the lever is briefly pushed to position 4 when driving at a speed exceeding approx. 25 mph (40 km/h), the vehicle
resumes the speed which was set prior to the cancellation of the cruise control. The last memorized speed is
cancelled when the electronic key in the steering lock is turned to position 1 or 0.
Note:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the cruise
control may be exceeded. In this case the automatic transmission shifts down (max. to 3rd gear) to maintain the set
cruise control speed by using the engine's braking power. As soon as the grade eases, the automatic transmission
shifts up again dependent on the selector lever position. Nevertheless, in some cases you may have to step on the
brake pedal to slow down. In this case the cruise control is switched off. Use the lever to resume the previously set
speed.
Caution !
Moving gear selector lever to position "N" switches the cruise control off.
Warning !
Only use the cruise control if the traffic and weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady speed.
• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not
allow safe driving at a steady speed.
• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire adhesion can result
in wheel spin and loss of control.
The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and
wishes to resume this particular preset speed.
Page 72 of 130
Charge Indicator Lamp
Should the charge indicator lamp fail to come on prior to starting when the electronic key is in steering lock position 2
or should it fail to go out after starting or during operati on, this indicates a fault which must be repaired at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.
If the charge indicator lamp comes on while the engine is ru nning, this may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken.
Should this condition occur, the poly-V-bel t must be replaced before continuing to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the engine.
Do not continue to drive the vehicle with the charge indicator lamp illuminated. Doing so could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the o il level warning lamp comes on. It should go out immediately
when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engi ne, or comes on with the engine running and at operating
temperature, the engine oil level has dropped to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning lamp will first come on intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest service station where the engine oil should be topped to the
"full" mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The low engine oil level warning light should not be ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated could result in
serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes -Benz Limited Warranty. In addition to the warning lamp,
the engine oil level should be periodically checked with t he dipstick (or via the odometer display - Model C280 and
C43 AMG only), for example during a fuel stop, or before a long trip (see Engine Oil Level, Checking in Index)
Page 73 of 130
Engine Oil Consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made after the break-in period. During the breaking period, higher oil
consumption may be noticed and is normal. Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in increased consumption.
Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap Placement Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the fuel reserve warning lamp comes on. It should go out
immediately when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates that the fuel
level is down to the reserve quantity of approximately 2.1 gal (8 liters).
The warning lamp blinks when the fuel c ap is not closed, or a fuel system leak has been detected. Retighten cap and
see if lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp continues to blink after closing the fuel cap correctly, hav e the fuel system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can cause the "Check Engine" lamp to illuminate).
Tachometer
Red marking on tachometer: Excessive engine speed. Avoid th is engine speed, as it may result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. For engine protection, the fuel supply is
interrupted if the engine is operated within the red marking.
Seat Belt Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the warning lamp comes on, and a warning sounds for a short time
if the drivers seat belt is not fastened. After starting the engine, the warning lamp blinks for a brief period to remind
the driver and passengers to fasten seat belts.
Page 74 of 130
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
unsuitable 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 leaked 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 vehicle and do not stand near the car until it cools down.
Page 75 of 130
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 la mp 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 driv e 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 covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have t he cooling system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer as soon as possible.
Note:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. T he 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 dropped to approx.1/4 of the total volume. T he 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 fo r the windshield and headlamp washer
systems is located in the engine compartment.
Page 76 of 130
Exterior Lamp Failure indicator Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, an exterior 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, this lamp
indicates a failure in the parking lamp, taillamp, stop la mp, or low beam headlamp. If an exterior lamp fails, the
indicator lamp will come on only when that lamp is switched on. If a brake lamp fails, the lamp failure indicator will
come on when applying the brake and stay on until the engine is turned off.
Note:
If additional lighting equipment is installed (e.g. auxiliary headl amps etc.) be certain to connect into the fuse before
the failure indicator monitoring unit in order to avoid damaging the system.
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the brake pad wear indicator lamp comes on .
It goes out when the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp lights up during braking, this indica tes that the brake pads are worn down. Have the brake
system checked at your authorized Mercedes- Benz dealer as soon as possible.
Brake Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the brake warning lamp will come on. It should go out when the
engine is running. The brake warning lamp will come on:
• when there is insufficient brake fluid in the rese rvoir (engine running and parking brake released), or
• when the parking brake is set (engine running).
Warning !
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake system checked
immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Don't add brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in sp illing brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid
catching fire. You can be seriously burned.
If you find that the minimum mark on the brake fluid reserv oir is reached, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks. To test the brake warning lamp, turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2. The brake
warning lamp comes on, and should go out when the engine is running.
Page 77 of 130
Flexible Service System (FSS)
The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is directly related to the operating conditions of the vehicle.
The symbol or appears in the main odometer field prior to the next suggested service. Depending on operating
conditions throughout the year, the next service is calculated and displayed in days or distance remaining.
The message is displayed for approx. 10 seconds when turning the electronic key in steering lock to position 2, or
while driving when reaching the service warning threshold. It can be cancelled manually by pressing button 0.
Once the suggested term has passed, the message plus symbol or , preceded by a - (minus symbol) blinks for
approx 20 seconds and a signal sounds every time when turning the electronic key in steering lock to position 2. The
FSS display
can also be called up for approx.10 seconds with display illuminated by pressing button 0 twice within 1 second.
Following a completed service the Mercedes-Benz dealer sets the counter to 10.000 miles (Canada: 15.000 km) and
365 days.
The counter can also be set by any individual. To do so:
1. Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
2. Within 4 seconds press button 0 twice.
3. The present status for days or distance is displayed. Within 10 seconds turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 0.
4. Press and hold button 0, while turning electronic key in steering lock to position 2 again. The present status for
days
or distance is displayed once more. Continue to hold button 0 After approx. 10 seconds a signal sounds, and the
display shows 10 000 miles (Canada: 15000 km) for approx. 10 seconds.
5. Release button 0. If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have a Mercedes -Benz dealer correct it.
Notes:
When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or more days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any such days not
counted by the FSS can be added by your Mercedes-Benz dealer. The interval between services is determined by
the kind of vehicle operation. Driving at extreme speeds, and cold starts combined with short distance driving in which
the engine does not reach normal operating temperature, reduce the interval between services.
Model C 230 Kompressor:
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles (Canada: 16 000 krn) and 15 000 miles (Canada: 25 000 km), or
from 365 to 730 days between services.
Models C 280 and C 43 AMG:
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) and 20 000 miles (Canada: 30 000 km), or
from 365 to 730 days between services. However you choose to set your reference numbers, the scheduled services
as posted in the Service Booklet must be followed to properly care for your vehicle.
Page 78 of 130
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.