warning MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS SALOON 2011 Owners Manual

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
M
AMG vehicles only:
The yellow SPORT han-
dling mode warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
G
Risk of accident
SPORT handling mode is activated. ESP ®
only stabilises the vehi-
cle in extreme situations. ESP ®
intervention may not be able to
provide sufficient assistance in such situations, and the vehicle
may start to skid.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 75).
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. ֌
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
, BAS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function, hill start assist, the adaptive brake lights and ESP ®
trailer
stabilisation are not available due to a malfunction .ESP ®
will not
stabilise the vehicle if it starts to skid or if awheel starts to spin.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 296
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
֌
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start assist and
ESP ®
trailer stabilisation are temporarily not available.
The adaptive brake lights, BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
also have failed.
ESP ®
will not stabilise the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel
starts to spin.
Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
X Carefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight steer-
ing movements, at a speed above 20 km/h.
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. J
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 applied.
X
Release the parking brake.
The warning lamp goes out and the warning tone ceases. 6
The red SRS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
G
Risk of injury
The restraint systems are malfunctioning. The airbags or belt ten-
sioners may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the event of
an accident, may not be triggered at all.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
297On-board computer and displays Z

Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
;
The yellow engine diag-
nostics warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running. There may be a fault, for example:
R
in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system (for vehicles with petrol engines)
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engin emay
be running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop. Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel tan
khas been run dry
(Y page 173).
X Start the engine three to four times after refuelling.
If the yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp goes out, emer-
gency running mode is cancelled. The vehicle need no tbe
checked. 8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is run-
ning.
The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
Operation of the auxiliary heating is deactivated when the fuel level
drops into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest filling station. ?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the engine is running
and the coolant tem-
perature gauge is at the
star
toft he scale. The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
faulty.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a
risk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 298
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning.
The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be mal-
functioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Let the engine and coolant cool down.
X Check the coolant level and top up the coolant (Y page 324).
Observe the warning notes as you do so.
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine
cooling system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
X If the coolant temperature is less than 120 †, you can continue
driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving on
mountain roads and stop-start traffic. ?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning. A warning tone
also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 120 †. The airflow to the
engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may be too
low.
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Let the engine and coolant cool down.
X Check the coolant level and top up the coolant (Y page 324).
Observe the warning notes as you do so.
X If you have to top up the coolant frequently, have the engine
cooling system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
X If the coolant temperature is less than 120 †, you can continue
driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving on
mountain roads and stop-start traffic. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
299On-board computer and displays Z

Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
·
The red distance warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion. G
Risk of accident
The distance to the vehicle in fron tis too small for the speed
selected.
X Increase the distance. ·
The red distance warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion.
Aw arning tone also
sounds. G
Ris
kofa ccident
The warning is issued if you approach a stationary vehicle or a
vehicle driving ahead of you at too high a speed.
X Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
More information about DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 183) and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 78). Tyres
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
h
The yellow tyre pres-
sure monitor warning
lamp is on. G
Ris
kofa ccident
The tyre pressure monito rhas detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tyres.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudde nsteering or braking
manoeuvres .Pay attentio nto the traffic conditions as you do
so.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Check the tyre pressure. If necessary, correc tthe tyre pressure
(Y page 363).
X If necessary, change a wheel (Y page 365).300
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available to your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication of the Owner's Manual. Country-
specific deviations are possible. Please
note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all features described. This also
applies to safety-relevan tsystems and
functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 28).Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Secure and position the load as described in
the loading guidelines.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could
be injured by the load being throw naround in
the event of sharp braking, a sudden change
in direction or an accident.
You will find further informatio ninthe "Secur-
ing a load" section.
Even if you follow all the loading guidelines,
the load will increase the risk of injury in the
event of an accident. G
WARNING
Keep the boot lid/tailgate closed while the
vehicle is in operation. Otherwise, exhaust
fumes could enter the vehicle interior and poi-
son you.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehi-
cle are dependent on the distribution of the
load within the vehicle. For this reason, you
should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight or the permissible axle loads for the vehicle
(including occupants).
R position heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible and as low down in the boot/luggage
compartmenta s possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant lashing material. Pad sharp
edges for protection.
i Load restraints are available at any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre. Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The stowage compartments must be closed
when items are stored in them. Luggage nets
are not designed to secure heavy items of
luggage.
You or other vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Sharp-edged and fragile objects must not be
placed in the luggage net.
Do not place hard objects in the map pockets.
Objects must not protrude from the map
pockets. 302
Stowage areasStowing and features

X
To open: press left-hand button ;or right-
hand button :.
The stowage compartment opens.
Stowage compartment under the front
seats G
WARNING
Only load the stowage compartment with the
maximu mpermissible load of 1.5 kg. Other-
wise, the transported load could, for example,
be thrown out of the stowage compartment if
you change direction suddenly or brake
sharply and could injure you or others.
i On vehicles with a fire extinguisher
instead of a stowage compartment, the fire
extinguisher is installed under the driver's
seat. X
To open: pull handle :up and fold
cover ;forwards. Rear stowage compartments Stowage compartment in the rear com-
partment
X
To open: fold down seat armrest ;.
X Fold cover :of the armrest upwards. Luggage nets
G
WARNING
Only place lightweight objects in the luggage
net. Do not use it to transport heavy, sharp-
edged or fragile objects. The luggage net can-
not secure the objects sufficiently in the event
of an accident.
Luggage nets are located in the front-
passenger footwell, on the rear of the driver's
and front-passenger seat backrests and on
the left-hand side in the boot (Saloon) or on
the left and right-hand side of the luggage
compartment (Estate). Through-loading facility in the rear
bench seat
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects inside the
vehicle or in the boot unless they are secured.
Otherwise, you and other vehicle occupants
could be injured by objects being thrown
around the vehicle in the event of sharp brak- 304
Stowage areasStowing and features

ing, a sudden change in direction or an acci-
dent. G
WARNING
Always drive with the boot lid closed. Exhaust
fumes could otherwise enter the vehicle inte-
rior.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat backr-
ests can be folded down separately to
increase the boot capacity.
Folding the seat backrest forwards !
Before you fold down the rear seat back-
rest, remove the side head restraints for
the integrated child seat; see the "Side
head restraints for integrated child seat"
section. The side head restraints could oth-
erwise be damaged.
X Move the driver's or front-passenge rseat
forward if necessary.
X Open the boot.
X Pull right-hand or left-hand rear seat back-
rest release handle :.
The corresponding rear seat backrest is
released.
X Fully insert the rear seat backrest head
restraints. X
Fold rear seat backrest ;forwards.
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Folding back the seat backrest X
Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be dam-
aged.
X Fold rear seat backrest :back until it
engages. G
WARNING
Make sure that the rear seat backrest is cor-
rectly engaged. Otherwise, vehicle occupants
could be injured by objects being thrown
around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident Stowage areas
305Stowing and features
Z

If the rear seat backrest is not engaged, this
will be shown in the multifunction display in
the instrument cluster.
i You should always engage the rear seat
backrests if you do not need the through-
loading feature. This will prevent unauthor-
ised access to the boot from the vehicle
interior.
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 107).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. Enlarging the luggage compartment
(Estate)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects inside the
vehicle or in the luggage compartment unless
they are secured.
Otherwise, you and other vehicle occupants
could be injured by objects being thrown
around the vehicle in the event of sharp brak-
ing, a sudden change in direction or an acci-
dent.
When using the enlarged luggage compart-
ment, always clip in the safety net.
When transporting objects in the luggage
compartment, the combined luggage cover
and net (luggage compartment cover and
safety net) must be attached to the rear seat
backrest. G
WARNING
Always drive with the tailgate closed. Exhaust
fumes could otherwise enter the vehicle inte-
rior.
! Before you fold down the rear seat back-
rest, remove the side head restraints for
the integrated child seat; see the "Side
head restraints for integrated child seat" section. The side head restraints could oth-
erwise be damaged.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat backr-
ests can be folded forward sseparately to
increase the luggage compartment capacity.
Folding the rear seat backrest forward If the combined luggage cover and net is fit-
ted with the luggage compartment cover and
safety net, both rear seat backrests can be
folded forwards only if you first fold the right-
hand rear seat backrest forwards. Otherwise,
only the right-hand backrest can be folded
forwards individually.
X
Fully insert the backrest head restraints
(Y page 107).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
X Pull left-hand or right-hand release han-
dle ;of the seat backrest forwards.
Corresponding seat backrest :is
released.
X Fold seat backrest :forwards.
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. 306
Stowage areasStowing and features

Folding the rear seat backrest back
X
Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be dam-
aged.
X Fold seat backrest :bac kuntil it engages.
Red lock status indicator ;is no longer
visible. G
WARNING
Make sure that the seat backrest is correctly
engaged .The red lock verification indicators
on the left and right sides should no longer be
visible. If they are visible, the backrests are
not locked in position.
Occupants could otherwise be injured in the
event of an accident, e.g. by objects being
thrown forwards through the vehicle interior
from the luggage compartment.
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 107).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. Securing
aload
Lashing eyelets G
WARNING
Distribute the load on the lashing eyelets
evenly. Otherwise, vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
R
brake sharply
R change directio nsuddenly
R are involved in an accident
Please observe the loading guidelines.
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R secure the load using the lashing eyelets.
R do no tuse elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route lashing materials across sharp
edges or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
There are four lashing eyelets in the boot or
luggage compartment. Saloon with through-loading feature in the rear
bench seat
:
Lashing eyelets Estate without EASY-PACK load-securing kit
:
Lashing eyelets Stowage areas
307Stowing and features Z