ESP MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2011 W204 Repair Manual

:Drive program (S/C/M);ESP®
mode ( ON/OFF ) or SPORT handling
mode ( SPORT)
RACETIMER
Displaying and starting RACETIMER
GWarning
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
You can use the RACETIMER to store lap
times.
When RACETIMER is displayed, you cannot
adjust the volume using the W and X
buttons on the steering wheel.
XPress = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the AMG menu.XPress the 9 button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.:RACETIMER;Lap
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if the SmartKey is in
position 2 in the ignition lock.
XTo start: press the W button to start the
RACETIMER.XTo display the intermediate time: press
X to show the intermediate time.
The intermediate time is displayed for five
seconds.XTo stop: press the W button to stop the
RACETIMER.
The RACETIMER interrupts timing when you
stop the vehicle and turn the SmartKey to
position 1 in the ignition lock. When you turn
the SmartKey to position 2 or 3 and then
press the W button, timing is continued.
Storing the lap time and starting a new lap
It is possible to store a maximum of sixteen
laps.
XPress the X button on the steering
wheel to show the intermediate time during
timing.
The intermediate time is displayed for five
seconds.XPress the X button again within five
seconds.
The displayed intermediate time is stored
as a lap time.
Timing starts for a new lap. The new lap is
timed from when the intermediate time is
called up.172Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 172

XPress 6 on the steering wheel to accept
an incoming call.
You can accept a call even if you are not in
the Tel menu.
Rejecting or ending a call
XPress the ~ button on the steering
wheel.
You can end or reject a call even if you are not
in the Tel menu.
Dialing a number from the phone book
If your mobile phone is able to receive calls,
you can search for and dial a number from the
phone book in the audio system or COMAND
at any time.
XCopy the telephone book of the mobile
phone into the audio system or to COMAND
(see the separate operating instructions).XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Tel menu.XPress the 9, : or a button to call
up the phone book.XPress 9 or : to select the name you
are searching for.
To start scrolling rapidly, press and hold the
9 or : button for longer than one
second. After a short time, the rapid scroll
speeds up.
Rapid scrolling stops when you release the
button or reach the end of the list.XIf only one telephone number is stored
for a name: press the 6 or a button
to start dialing.
or
XIf there is more than one number for a
particular name: press the 6 or a
button to display the numbers.XPress the 9 or : button to select the
number you want to dial.XPress the 6 or a button to start
dialing.
or
XIf you do not want to make a call: press
the ~ button.
Redialing
The on-board computer saves the last names
or numbers dialed in the redial memory.
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Tel menu.XPress the 6 button to switch to the
redial memory.XPress the 9 or : button to select the
desired name or number.XPress the 6 or a button to start
dialing.
Assistance menu
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
ESP warning lamp ä flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Menus and submenus177On-board computer and displaysBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 177Z

Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
Further information about ESP ®
(Y page 63).
This function is not available in AMG vehicles.XStart the engine.XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the DriveAssist
menu.XPress 9 or : to select ESP.XPress a.XTo deactivate: press a again.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on.GWarning
When the å ESP OFF warning lamp lights
up, ESP is switched off.
When the ä ESP warning lamp and the
å ESP OFF warning lamp are on
continuously, ESP is not operational due to a
malfunction.
When ESP is switched off or not operational,
the vehicle's stability during standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road conditions/weather conditions and to
the non-operating status of ESP.
XTo activate: press a again.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Maintenance menu
In the Service menu you can:
R call up display messages ( Y page 183)
R restart the tire pressure loss warning
system (Canada only) ( Y page 275)
R check the tire pressure electronically (USA
only) ( Y page 277)
R call up the service due date ( Y page 243)
Settings menu
Introduction
In the Settings menu, you have the following
options:
R Changing the instrument cluster settings
R Changing the time/date settings 22
R Changing the lighting settings
R Changing the vehicle settings
R Changing the convenience settings
R Restoring the factory settings
Instrument cluster
Selecting the unit of measurement for
distance
The Display Unit Speed-/Odometer:
function allows you to choose whether
certain displays appear in km/h or mph in the
multifunction display.
The selected unit of measurement for
distance applies to:
R the digital speedometer in the Trip menu
R the odometer and the trip odometer
R the trip computer
R the navigation instructions in the Navi
menu
22 This function is not available in vehicles with COMAND.178Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 178

Display messages
Hiding display messages
GWarning
All categories of messages contain important information which should be taken note of and,
where a malfunction is indicated, addressed as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Failure to repair the condition noted may cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty, or result in property damage or personal injury.
Display messages appear in the multifunction display.
XPress the a or % button on the steering wheel to hide the display message.
The display message is cleared.
The multifunction display shows high-priority display messages in red.
You cannot hide display messages of the highest priority. The multifunction display shows
these messages continuously until the causes for the messages have been remedied.
Certain display messages are accompanied by an audible warning tone or a continuous tone.
Please respond in accordance with the display messages and follow the additional notes in
this Operator's Manual.
Message memory
You can read the display messages in the message memory.
XPress = or ; on the steering wheel to select the Service menu.
If there are display messages, the multifunction display shows 2 messages, for example.XPress the 9 or : button to select the entry, e.g. 2 messages.XConfirm with a.XPress the 9 or : button to scroll through the display messages.
When the ignition is switched off, all display messages are deleted apart from some high-
priority display messages. Once the causes of the high-priority display messages have been
rectified, the corresponding display messages are also deleted.
Display messages183On-board computer and displaysBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 183Z

Safety systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions÷
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program), BAS (Brake Assist) and hill
start assist are not available due to a malfunction. In addition, the
ä and å warning lamps light up in the instrument cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.÷
ESC Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ESP ®
, BAS and hill start assist are temporarily unavailable. In
addition, the ä and å warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
The self-diagnosis function might not be complete, for example.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
XCarefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
, BAS and hill start assist are temporarily unavailable. In
addition, the ä and å warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
The on-board voltage may be insufficient, for example.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
XDrive on carefully.
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.184Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 184

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsGRisk of accident
If the display message is shown and the ä warning lamp flashes
at the same time, ETS (Electronic Traction System) is deactivated.
The brakes on the drive wheels could otherwise overheat.
XLet the brakes cool down until the display message disappears
and the ä warning lamp goes out.
ETS is active again.G
Tele Aid
InoperativeUSA only: one or more main functions in the mbrace system are
malfunctioning.
Canada only: one or more of the main functions of the TELEAID
system is malfunctioning.XUSA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.XCanada only: have the TELEAID system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.Check Child Seat
Pos.
See Operator's
ManualGRisk of injury
Vehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only):
The BabySmart™ child seat is positioned incorrectly.
XInstall the child seat in the correct position.GRisk of injury
Vehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only):
The sensor for automatic child seat recognition is faulty.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6
SRS Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
There is a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System). The 6 warning lamp also lights up in the instrument
cluster.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6
Front Left SRS
Malfunction
Service Required
or
Front Right SRS
Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
SRS has malfunctioned at the front on the left or right. The 6
warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages185On-board computer and displaysBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 185Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions6
Rear Left SRS
Malfunction
Service Required
or
Rear Right SRS
Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
SRS has malfunctioned at the rear on the left or right. The 6
warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6
Rear Center SRS
Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
SRS has malfunctioned at the rear center. The 6 warning lamp
also lights up in the instrument cluster.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6
Left Side Curtain
Airbag Malfunction
Service Required
or
Right Side Curtain
Airbag Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
There is a malfunction in the left-hand and/or right-hand window
curtain air bag. The 6 warning lamp also lights up in the
instrument cluster.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
186Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 186

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront Passenger
Airbag Enabled
See Operator's
ManualThe front-passenger air bag is enabled during the journey,
although:
R there is a child, a small adult or an object weighing less than the
system's weight threshold on the front-passenger seat.
R the front-passenger seat is unoccupied.
The system may detect the additional weight of objects on the
seat or forces acting on the seat.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the front-passenger door.XRemove the child and the child restraint system from the front-
passenger seat.XIf necessary, secure the child in a child restraint system on a
suitable rear seat.XMake sure that there are no objects adding to the weight applied
to the seat. The system may otherwise detect the additional
weight and interpret the seat occupant's weight as greater than
it actually is.XMake sure that the seat is unoccupied and has no objects placed
on it, close the front-passenger door, and switch on the ignition.
Observe the 45(Y page 41) indicator lamps and the
multifunction display and check the following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the 45 indicator lamp must light up and remain lit. When
the indicator lamp is on, OCS ( Y page 41) has deactivated the
front-passenger air bag.
R The Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
Manual or Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Operator's Manual display messages must not appear. Wait
for at least 60 seconds until the necessary system checks have
been completed and to make sure that the display messages do
not appear in the multifunction display.
If these conditions are met, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the 45 indicator lamp remains lit
or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the occupant.
If the conditions are not met, the system is not operating correctly.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.Display messages187On-board computer and displaysBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 187Z

GWarning
If the 45 indicator lamp remains off even after performing the above corrective steps, do
not have any children 12 years old and under and other small individuals use the front-passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront Passenger
Airbag Disabled
See Operator's
ManualThe front-passenger air bag is deactivated during the journey even
though an adult or a person larger than a certain size is occupying
the front-passenger seat. If additional forces are applied to the
seat, the system may interpret the occupant's weight as lower
than it actually is.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XHave the occupant get out of the vehicle.XMake sure that the seat is unoccupied and has no objects placed
on it, close the front-passenger door, and switch on the ignition.
Observe the 45(Y page 41) indicator lamps and the
multifunction display and check the following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the 45 indicator lamp must light up and remain lit. When
the indicator lamp is on, OCS ( Y page 41) has deactivated the
front-passenger air bag.
R The Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Operator's
Manual or Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See
Operator's Manual display messages must not appear. Wait
for at least 60 seconds until the necessary system checks have
been completed and to make sure that the display messages do
not appear in the multifunction display.
If these conditions are met, the front-passenger seat can be
occupied again. Whether the 45 indicator lamp remains lit
or goes out depends on how OCS classifies the occupant.
If the conditions are not met, the system is not operating correctly.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWarning
If the 45 indicator lamp remains lit with an adult occupant on the front-passenger seat
even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the front-
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
188Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 188

BrakesDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
ABS and ESC
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program), BAS (Brake Assist) and hill start assist are temporarily
unavailable. The self-diagnosis might not be finished, for example.
In addition, the ä, å and ! warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XCarefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GRisk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
, BAS and hill start assist are temporarily unavailable.
The on-board voltage may be insufficient, for example. In addition,
the ä , å and ! warning lamps light up in the instrument
cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages189On-board computer and displaysBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 189Z