brake fluid MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2011 W204 Owner's Manual

BatteryCharging ........................................ 261
Checking (SmartKey) .......................74
Display message ............................ 196
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 74
Jump-starting ................................. 262
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................74
Safety notes .................................. 259
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake fluid
Notes ............................................. 309
Brake fluid level ................................ 242
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 192
Brakes ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 62
Brake fluid (notes) .........................309
Display message ............................ 190
High-performance brake system ....153
Important safety notes ..................151
Maintenance .................................. 152
Parking brake ................................ 149
Warning lamp ................................. 203
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulbs
Backup lamp .................................. 115
Brake lamp .................................... 115
High-beam headlamps ...................113
Low-beam headlamps ....................113
Overview ........................................ 112
Parking lamps ................................ 114
Rear fog lamp ................................ 115
Replacing ....................................... 114
Side marker lamp .......................... 115
Standing lamps (front) ...................114
Tail lamp ........................................ 115
Turn signal lamp ............................ 115
Turn signals (front) ......................... 114C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........21
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................19
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Care
Carpets .......................................... 249
Car wash ........................................ 244
Display ........................................... 247
Gear or selector lever ....................248
Headlamps ..................................... 246
Matte finish ................................... 245
Notes ............................................. 243
Paint .............................................. 245
Plastic trim .................................... 247
Power washer ................................ 244
Rear view camera .......................... 247
Roof lining ...................................... 249
Seat belt ........................................ 249
Seat covers .................................... 248
Sensors ......................................... 247
Steering wheel ............................... 248
Tail pipes ....................................... 247
Trim strips ..................................... 248
Washing by hand ........................... 244
Wheels ........................................... 245
Windows ........................................ 246
Wiper blades .................................. 246
Wooden trim .................................. 248
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 219
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 175
Center console ..................................... 29
Central locking Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 181
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Changing bulbs
Headlamps ..................................... 111
Changing gears .................................. 139
Changing the programming SmartKey ......................................... 73Index5BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 5

Correct usage .................................. 51
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 54
Fastening ......................................... 52
Important safety guidelines .............50
Releasing ......................................... 53
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Special seat belt retractor ...............58
Warning lamp ................................. 204
Warning lamp (function) ................... 54
Seat heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ............98
Seats
Adaptive seat backrests (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 97
Adjusting (electrically) .....................94
Adjusting (manually and
electrically) ...................................... 94
Adjusting the head restraint ............95
Adjusting the lumbar support ..........97
Cleaning the cover .........................248
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety notes ....................93
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Switching seat heating on/off .........97
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 247
Service indicator see Service interval display
Service interval display .................... 242
Displaying a service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 243
Service menu (on-board computer) . 178
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 309
Capacities ...................................... 305
Coolant (engine) ............................ 310
Engine oil ....................................... 308
Fuel ................................................ 306
Important safety notes ..................304
Notes ............................................. 304
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 309
Washer fluid ................................... 310
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........182
On-board computer .......................178
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 171
Shift ranges ....................................... 141Shift recommendation ...................... 138
Side impact air bag ............................. 39
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 193
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............84
Convenience opening feature ..........84
Important safety information ...........83
Opening/closing .............................. 84
Resetting ......................................... 85
Troubleshooting ............................... 86
Sliding sunroof
Important safety information ...........86
Troubleshooting ............................... 90
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
see Tilt/sliding sunroof
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................74
Changing the programming .............73
Checking the battery .................70, 74
Convenience closing feature ............84
Convenience opening feature ..........84
Display message ............................ 201
Important safety notes ....................70
Malfunction ...................................... 76
Starting the engine ........................133
Snow chains ...................................... 154
Socket ................................................ 224
Dashboard ..................................... 224
Rear compartment .........................225
SOS
see mbrace
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 298
Storage location ............................ 254
see Emergency spare wheel
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating
additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 179
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 171
Segments ...................................... 167
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 178Index13BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 13

The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 1 or 2 or start the engine.
XPull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on:
Rif an air bag is deployed
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamp switches off
automatically after full brake application if the
vehicle then reaches a speed above
6 mph (10 km/h) again.
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 116). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated
while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
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XTo open: turn release knob : 90° in the
direction of the arrow and remove side trim
panel ;.
XTo close: insert side trim panel ; and turn
release knob : 90° in the opposite
direction to the arrow.
Tail lamp
XSwitch off the lights.XOpen the trunk.XOpen the side trim panel (Y page 114).XSimultaneously press retaining lugs : in
the direction of the arrow and slightly pull
out the bulb holder with the bulbs.
XVehicles with LED turn signals:
disconnect the cables of the LED turn
signal from the bulb holder connectors.
XPull the bulb holder out with the bulbs.
Bulb holder without LED turn signal lamp
:Rear fog lamp/side marker lamp ;Side marker lamp =Turn signals ?Parking lamp/standing lamp/brake
lamp/tail lamp
ABrake lamp/tail lamp BBackup lamp XRear fog lamp/turn signal lamp/
parking lamp/standing lamp/brake
lamp/tail lamp/backup lamp: press the
respective bulb back and turn it counter-
clockwise to remove it from the bulb
holder.
XSide marker lamp: remove bulb ; from
the bulb holder.
XRear fog lamp/turn signal/parking
lamp/standing lamp/brake lamp/tail
lamp/backup lamp: insert the new bulb
into the bulb holder and turn it clockwise.
XSide marker lamp: insert the new bulb
into the bulb holder and press it in.
XInsert the bulb holder again and lock it in.XClose the side trim panel (Y page 114).
Windshield wipers
Important safety notes
GWarning!
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windshield will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always
use washer fluid when operating the
windshield wipers.
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Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the cargo on the brakes by shifting
to a lower gear in good time. This allows
you to take advantage of engine braking
and helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine
braking, a drive wheel may not turn for
some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface.
This could cause damage to the drive train.
Such damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWarning
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
cargo, do not stop the vehicle immediately,
but drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
GWarning
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt
treated roadsGWarning
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Maintenance of the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. This work
should be carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
152Driving tipsDriving and parking
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GWarning
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: a function or
performance test may only be carried out
on a two-axle dynamometer. If you are
planning to have the vehicle tested on such
a dynamometer, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further
information first. Otherwise, the drive train
or the brake system may suffer damage.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or
1 ) while the parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or Start/Stop button in
position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
the front axle raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should regularly test
your brake system's function by forcefully
depressing the brake pedal when driving at
high speed. This will give the brake pads
better grip.
GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 62).
High-performance brake system for
AMG vehicles
The high-performance brake system is only
installed on the C 63 AMG.
GWarning
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is
designed for heavy loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
R speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
ABS and ESC
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
, BAS and hill start assist are unavailable due to a
malfunction. 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.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
EBD, ABS, and ESC
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ABS, ESP ®
, BAS and hill
start assist are unavailable due to a malfunction. In addition, the
ä , å and ! warning lamps in the instrument cluster light
up and a warning tone sounds.
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.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.#
Check Brake Pad
WearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Release Park. BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake engaged. A warning tone
also sounds.XRelease the parking brake.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.190Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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GWarning
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Lights
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Check Left
Cornering Light
or
Check Right
Cornering LightThe left or right-hand cornering light is faulty. XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 111).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Left Low Beam
or
Check Right Low
BeamThe left or right-hand low-beam headlamp is faulty. XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 111).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Rear Left
Turn Signal
or
Check Rear Right
Turn SignalThe rear left-hand or rear right-hand turn signal is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 111).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Check Front Left
Turn Signal
or
Check Front Right
Turn SignalThe front left-hand or front right-hand turn signal is faulty.XCheck whether you are permitted to change the bulb yourself
( Y page 111).
or
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages191On-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 191Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Key Detected in
VehicleThe KEYLESS-GO key has been detected inside the vehicle during
locking.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO key from the vehicle.+
Remove 'Start'
Button and Insert
KeyKEYLESS-GO is temporarily malfunctioning or is defective. A
warning tone also sounds.XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock and turn it to the
desired position.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.+
Close Doors to
Lock VehicleAt least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.XClose all doors and lock the vehicle again.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Brakes
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the vehicle is
moving. A warning tone
also sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.
The warning lamp goes out and the warning tone ceases.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the fluid reservoir.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
Do not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the problem.
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GWarning
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. Do not add brake fluid before checking
the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.
Seat belts
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up for 6 seconds.The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger
to fasten their seat belts.XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 50).7
After starting the
engine, the red seat
belt warning lamp lights
up. In addition, a
warning tone sounds
for up to 6 seconds.GRisk of injury
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 50).
The warning tone ceases.7
The red seat belt
warning lamp lights up
after the engine starts,
as soon as the driver's
or the front-passenger
door is closed.GRisk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 50).
The warning lamp goes out.GRisk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out.204Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
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