MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS CABRIOLET 2016 Owners Manual

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Without changing
Without changing
gear, consult work‐ gear, consult work‐
shop shop You cannot change the transmission position due to a malfunction.
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position
Dis selected:
X Drive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the trans-
mission from position D.
If transmission position R,Nor Pis selected:
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 159).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Reversing Reversing
not
not poss.
poss.
Consult workshop
Consult workshop You can no longer shift to transmission position
Rdue to a malfunc-
tion.
The transmission positions P,Nor Dcontinue to be available.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Transmission Mal‐ Transmission Mal‐
function Stop function Stop A malfunction has occurred in the mechanical transmission compo-
nents.
A warning tone also sounds. The transmission shifts automatically to position N.
X Stop the vehicle, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 159).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Stop vehicle Leave Stop vehicle Leave
engine engine
running
running Wait
Wait
Transmission cool‐
Transmission cool‐
ing ing The transmission has overheated. Pulling away can be temporarily
impaired or not possible.
X Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving.
X Leave the engine running.
X Wait until the display message disappears before pulling away. Depress clutch
Depress clutch
fully to start fully to start
engine engine You have attempted to start the engine without depressing the clutch
pedal.
X Depress the clutch pedal.
X Restart the engine. The engine has stalled while pulling away, e.g. because the clutch
pedal was released too quickly.
X Depress the clutch pedal again.
The engine starts automatically.
X Slowly release the clutch pedal to pull away. 268
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Clutch overheated
Clutch overheated
Avoid pulling away Avoid pulling away
Engage/disengage Engage/disengage
clutch quickly if clutch quickly if
req. req. The clutch is under considerable load and the permitted operating
temperature has been exceeded. A warning tone also sounds.
Avoid frequent pulling away and driving at walking pace over longer
distances.
X Stop the vehicle, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 159).
X Leave the engine running.
The clutch is cooled more quickly with the engine running.
or X If possible, drive on at a steady speed.
X Remove your foot from the clutch pedal and do not allow the clutch
to slip.
The clutch may also cool down during the journey.
It may take several minutes for it to cool down. When the clutch has
cooled down, the display message disappears. The clutch is fully
operational again. N The boot lid is open.
X Close the boot lid. M The bonnet is open. A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
The open bonnet may then block your view when the vehicle is in
motion.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 159).
X Close the bonnet. Active bonnet mal‐ Active bonnet mal‐
function See Own‐ function See Own‐
er's Manual er's Manual The active bonnet (pedestrian protection) is not active due to a mal-
function or because it has already been triggered.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. C At least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.
X Close all doors. _
Front left seat Front left seat
backrest backrest
not
notlocked
locked
or Front right seat
Front right seat
backrest not locked
backrest not locked The driver's or front-passenger's seat backrest is not engaged. A
warning tone also sounds.
X Push the backrest back until it engages. Display
messages
269On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions j
Check Check
trailer
trailer hitch
hitch
lock
lock The trailer tow hitch is not correctly engaged.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
If the ball coupling is not engaged, the trailer may come loose. There
is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 159).
X Engage the ball coupling of the trailer tow hitch in the end position
(Y page 214). Ð
Power steering mal‐ Power steering mal‐
function See Own‐ function See Own‐
er's Manual er's Manual The power steering assistance is faulty.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
You will need to use more force to steer.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Check whether you are able to apply the extra steering force
required.
If you are able to steer safely:
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
If you are unable to steer safely:
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Ð
Steering malfunc‐ Steering malfunc‐
tion See Owner's tion See Owner's
Manual Manual Vehicles with manual transmission:
The electric steering lock is malfunctioning.
G WARNING
The steering may be locked by the electric steering lock.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 159).
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. _
Before Before
starting
starting the
the
engine, turn the
engine, turn the
steering wheel. steering wheel. Vehicles with manual transmission:
The electric steering lock is malfunctioning.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X To unlock the steering, move the steering wheel slightly.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock again. 270
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Telephone
Telephone
No
Noservice
service Your vehicle is outside the mobile phone network provider's trans-
mitter/receiver range.
X Wait until the mobile phone operational readiness symbol appears
on the multifunction display. J
Close Close
boot
bootseparator
separator The boot separator is open.
X Close the boot separator (Y page 96).K
While stationary, While stationary,
apply the brakes apply the brakes
before operating before operating
the soft top. the soft top. The vehicle is stationary and you try to open or close the soft top.
X
Depress the brake pedal.
X Push or pull the convertible top switch again until the convertible
top is fully open or closed (Y page 95).K
Convertible Top Convertible Top
Operation possible Operation possible
to 35 mph to 35 mph At speeds of more than 60 km/h, you cannot open or close the soft
top.
X Do not drive at speeds greater than 60 km/h.
X Fully open or close the convertible top (Y page 95).K
Top lowering Top lowering The convertible top is not fully opened or closed. The hydraulics are
depressurised.
X Fully open or close the convertible top (Y page 95).K
Open/close top com‐ Open/close top com‐
pletely pletely The convertible top is not locked.
At speeds of more than 60 km/h, you cannot open or close the soft
top.
X Stop the vehicle, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Push or pull and hold the convertible top switch until the convertible
top is fully open or closed (Y page 95).K
Start engine See Start engine See
Owner's Manual Owner's Manual The on-board voltage is too low.
X Start the engine. ¥
Top up washer fluid Top up washer fluid The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped below
the minimum.
X Top up the washer fluid (Y page 312). Display
messages
271On-board computer and displays Z

Key
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Â
Key Key
does
does not
notbelong
belong
to vehicle
to vehicle You have put the wrong key in the ignition lock.
X Use the correct key. Â
Replace key Replace key The key needs to be replaced.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Â
Change Change
key
keybatteries
batteries The key battery is discharged.
X Replace the batteries (Y page 84).Â
Key not detected Key not detected
(white display message) The key is currently undetected.
X Change the location of the key in the vehicle.
If the key still cannot be detected:
X Insert the key into the ignition lock and turn it to the desired posi-
tion. Â
Key not detected Key not detected
(red display message) The key is not in the vehicle.
A warning tone also sounds.
If the engine is switched off, you can no longer lock the vehicle cen-
trally or start the engine.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling (Y page 159).
X Locate the key.
X Press aon the steering wheel to confirm the display message. Because there is interference from a strong source of radio waves, the
key is not detected whilst the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling (Y page 159).
X Insert the key into the ignition lock and bring into key mode. Â
Remove Remove
starting
starting but‐
but‐
ton,
ton, then
theninsert
insert key
key The key is continually undetected.
The key detection function has a temporary malfunction or is faulty. A
warning tone also sounds.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock and turn it to the desired posi-
tion.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 272
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
General notes
Some systems carry out a self-diagnosis when the ignition is switched on. In the process, several
warning and indicator lamps may temporarily light up or flash. This is not an indication of any
problem. These warning and indicator lamps only indicate a malfunction if they light up or flash after
the engine is started or during a journey. Safety
Seat belts Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions ü
N
Only for certain countries: the red seat belt warning lamp lights up for 6 seconds
after the engine starts.
The seat belt warning lamp reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their
seat belts.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 46).ü
N
Only for certain countries: the red seat belt warning lamp lights up after the
engine starts. In addition, a warning tone sounds for up to 6 seconds.
The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 46).
The warning tone ceases. ü
N
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.
The driver or passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 46).
The warning lamp goes out.
There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow them in a secure
place.
The warning lamp goes out. ü
N
The red seat belt warning lamp flashes and an intermittent audible warning
sounds.
The driver or passenger has not fastened their seat belt. At the same time, you are
driving faster than 25 km/h or have briefly driven faster than 25 km/h.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 46).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone ceases.
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. At the same time, you are driving
faster than 25 km/h or have briefly driven faster than 25 km/h.
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow them in a secure
place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone ceases. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
273On-board computer and displays Z

Safety systems
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions J
N
The yellow brake system warning lamp lights up while the engine is running or
the ECO start/stop function is switched on.
G WARNING
The brake system is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be affec- ted.
There is a risk of an accident.
X If the multifunction display shows a display message, please observe this.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. J
N
The red brake system warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be
affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions. Do not continue driving.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 159).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display. J
N
The red brake system warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
Braking efficiency may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions. Do not continue driving.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 159).
X Do not top up the brake fluid. Topping up will not correct the fault.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display. 274
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions !
N
The yellow ABS warning lamp lights up while the engine is running.
The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is malfunctioning.
An additional warning tone indicates that EBD (electronic brake force distribution) is malfunctioning.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore lock if you brake hard, for exam-
ple.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking
distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Increased risk of skidding and/or accident!
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other systems, such
as the navigation system or the automatic transmission, will be unavailable. J÷
!
N
The red brake system warning lamp and the yellow ESP ®
and ABS warning lamps
are on while the engine is running.
ABS and ESP ®
are malfunctioning.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore lock if you brake hard, for exam-
ple.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking
distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Increased risk of skidding and/or accident!
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
275On-board computer and displays Z

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
M Solutions ÷
N
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP ®
or traction control has intervened due to a risk of skidding or because at least
one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
X Depress the accelerator pedal only as far as necessary when pulling away.
X Accelerate more gently while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
In rare cases, it may be better to deactivate ESP ®
in the following situations:
R when snow chains are used
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
Observe the important safety notes on ESP ®
(Y page 72). ÷
N
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp is on while the engine is running.
ESP ®
is malfunctioning.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be malfunctioning.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above.
The braking distance may thus increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Increased risk of skidding and/or accident!
X Observe the additional display messages on the multifunction display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 276
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions å
N
The yellow ESP ®
OFF warning lamp is on while the engine is running or the ECO
start/stop function is switched on.
ESP ®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is deactivated, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Further driving systems or driving safety systems are thus restricted, e.g. Active
Blind Spot Assist. The system does not perform braking actions.
Increased risk of skidding and/or accident!
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
In rare cases, it may be better to deactivate ESP ®
in the following situations:
R when snow chains are used
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
Observe the important safety notes on ESP ®
(Y page 72).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Contact a qualified specialist workshop immediately and have the ESP ®
system
checked. M
N
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
The yellow SPORT handling mode warning lamp lights up while the engine is run-
ning.
SPORT handling mode is activated.
G WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
Increased risk of skidding and/or accident!
X Activate SPORT handling mode only in accordance with the conditions descri-
bed in the "Activating/deactivating ESP ®
" section (Y page 74). Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
277On-board computer and displays Z