checking oil MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2000 W202 Owner's Manual

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)

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.

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

The engine compartment of model C 230 is illustrated.
1. Fuel Supply
Open flap by pushing near front (arrow). Turn fuel cap
to the left and hold on to it until possible pressure in tank
has been released, then remove cap.
Failure to remove slowly could result in personal injury.
2. Tire Inflation Pressure
Check at least every two weeks.
For details see Index.
3. Coolant Level
See Adding coolant in Index.
4. Windshield Washer System,
Headlamp Cleaning System
For refilling reservoir see Index.
5. Engine Oil Level
See Engine oil level, checking in Index.
6. Brake Fluid
See Brake fluid in Index.

Vehicle Lighting: Check function and cleanliness.
For replacement of light bulbs, see Lamps, exterior in Index.