check engine MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS SALOON 2014 Service Manual

Engine
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions ;
N
The yellow engine diagnostics 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 engine may be running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel tank has been run dry (Y page 203).
X Start the engine three to four times after refuelling.
If the yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp goes out, emergency running
mode is cancelled. The vehicle need not be checked. 8
N
The yellow reserve fuel warning lamp is on while the engine is running.
The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
Operation of the auxiliary heating is deactivated if the fuel level drops into the reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest filling station. ?
N
The red coolant warning lamp lights up while the engine is running and the
coolant temperature gauge is at the start of the bar display.
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 traffic condi-
tions, and switch off the engine. Do not continue driving under any circum- stances.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Y page 207).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 360
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 red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running.
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 malfunctioning.
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 traffic condi-
tions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Y page 207).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine
has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and top up the coolant, observing the warning notes
(Y page 393).
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 Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is below 120 †.
The engine may otherwise be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid putting the engine under heavy load as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-start traffic. ?
N
The red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running. A
warning tone also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 120 †. The airflow to the engine radi- ator may be blocked or the coolant level may be too low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Never drive with an overheated engine. Driving when your engine is overhea-
ted can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the engine compart-
ment to catch fire.
In addition, steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns, which
can occur just by opening the bonnet.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic condi-
tions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Y page 207).Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
361On-board computer and displays Z

Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions X
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine
has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and top up the coolant, observing the warning notes
(Y page 393).
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 below 120 †, you can continue driving to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid putting the engine under heavy load as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-start traffic. Hybrid system
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions J
N
The yellow RBS (Recuperative Brake System) warning lamp is on. In addi-
tion, a warning tone may sound.
G Risk of accident
RBS is malfunctioning. The automatic engine switch-off function may also be deactivated.
X Observe the messages in the multifunction display (Y page 314).
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 362
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Vehicle
Warning/
indicator
lamp
N N
Signal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
MSolutions Ð
N
The red power steering warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
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 force required.
X If you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified specialist
workshop.
X If you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the nearest
qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
365On-board computer and displays Z

Closing the bonnet
X
Lower the bonnet and let it fall from a
height of approximately 20 cm.
X Check that the bonnet has engaged prop-
erly.
If the bonnet can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Radiator
Do not cover up the radiator. Do not use ther-
mal mats, insect protection covers or any-
thing similar. Doing so can cause the Onboard Diagnostics System to display inaccurate val-
ues. Some of these values are legally required
and must always be correct. Engine oil
General notes Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.8 litres of oil per 1,000 km.
The oil consumption may be higher than this
when the vehicle is new or if you frequently
drive at high engine speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may be installed at a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, wait approximately
30 minutes before carrying out the meas-
urement. Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the components descri- bed in the following. Example
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the oil dipstick
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark =
or below, top up with 1.0 l of engine oil.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the components descri- bed in the following. 392
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil does not spill out
over the filler neck. Allow the engine to cool
down and thoroughly clean the components
that have come into contact with engine oil
before you start the engine. H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill
any. If oil enters the soil or waterways, it is
harmful to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a ser-
vice system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R changing the engine oil and oil filter after
missing the change interval required by
the service system
R using engine oil additives
! Do not add too much oil. Topping up with
too much engine oil can result in damage to
the engine or to the catalytic converter.
Have excess engine oil siphoned off. Example
X Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove it.
X Top up the engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on
the oil dipstick, top up with 1.0 lof engine
oil.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Make sure that the cap locks securely into place.
X Check the oil level again with the oil dip-
stick (Y page 392).
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 473). Other service products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the components descri- bed in the following. G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is under pressure, particularly if the engine is warm. You could
be scalded by hot coolant spraying out when
opening the cap. There is a danger of injury. Engine compartment
393Maintenance and care
Z

Allow the engine to cool before opening the
cap. Wear gloves and protective eyewear
when opening. Slowly turn the cap half a turn to allow pressure to escape. X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level if the vehicle is
on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock (Y page 181).
or
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 181).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
70 †.
X Turn the key to position 0(Y page 181) in
the ignition lock.
or
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, pull the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 181).
X Slowly turn cap :half a turn anti-clock-
wise to allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap :further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar =
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough coolant in coolant expansion tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately 1.5 cm above marker bar =in the filler neck when warm, there is enough coolant in coolant
expansion tank
;.
X If necessary, top up with coolant that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 475).
Topping up the windscreen washer sys-
tem G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the components descri- bed in the following. G
WARNING
If windscreen washer concentrate comes into contact with hot components of the engine or
the exhaust system, it can ignite. There is a
risk of fire and injury.
Make sure the windscreen washer concen-
trate does not come into contact with the filler neck. 394
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Have service work carried out as described
in the Service Booklet. This may otherwise
lead to increased wear and damage to the
major assemblies or the vehicle.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre, will reset the ASSYST PLUS service interval display after
the service work has been carried out. You
can also obtain further information on main-
tenance work, for example.
Special service requirements The prescribed service interval is based on
normal operation of the vehicle. Service work
will need to be performed more often if the
vehicle is operated under arduous conditions or increased loads, for example:
R regular city driving with frequent intermedi-
ate stops
R if the vehicle is primarily used for travelling
short distances
R for frequent operation in mountainous ter-
rain or on poor road surfaces
R if the engine is often left idling for long peri-
ods
In these or similar operating conditions, have
the air filter, engine oil and oil filter, for exam-
ple, changed more frequently. The tyres must be checked more frequently if the vehicle is
operated under increased loads. Further
information can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
Driving abroad An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Care
General notes
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man- ner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly after having cleaned the wheels with wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after the vehicle has been washed. There is a risk of an acci-
dent. 396
CareMaintenance and care

arately and disposed of in an
environmentally responsible
recycling system. Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally responsible
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or to a col-
lection point for used batter-
ies.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the Service
Booklet or contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information.
! Always have work on the batteries carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Should it, in exceptional circumstances, be absolutely necessary to disconnect the 12-
volt battery yourself, please observe the
following:
R secure the vehicle to prevent it from roll-
ing away.
R switch off the engine and remove the
key. Make sure the ignition is switched
off. Check that all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster are off. Otherwise,
you may damage electronic components such as the alternator, for example.
R first, disconnect the negative terminal
clamp, followed by the positive terminal
clamp. Never swap the terminal clamps.
The vehicle electronics may otherwise be
damaged.
R the transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. The vehi-
cle is secured against rolling away. You
can then no longer move the vehicle.
The batteries and the covers of the positive
terminal clamps must always be fitted
securely during operation.
Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries. Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries. WARNING
Fire, naked flames and smoking
are prohibited when handling the
battery. Avoid creating sparks. Battery acid is caustic. Avoid con-
tact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective clothing,
in particular gloves, an apron and a face mask.
Immediately rinse acid splashes
off with clean water. Consult a doc-tor if necessary. Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Owner's Manual.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use batteries which have been tested and approved for your vehicle by
Mercedes-Benz. These batteries provide
increased impact protection to prevent vehi-
cle occupants from suffering acid burns
should the battery be damaged in the event of
an accident.
In order for the battery to achieve the maxi-
mum possible service life, it must always be
sufficiently charged.
The vehicle battery, like other batteries, can
discharge over time if you do not use the
vehicle. In such cases, have the battery dis-
connected at a qualified specialist workshop. You can also charge the battery with a
charger recommended by Mercedes-Benz. 414
Battery (vehicle)Breakdown assistance

For more information, please contact a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Have the battery charge checked more fre-
quently if you use the vehicle mainly for short
trips or if you leave it standing idle for a
lengthy period. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle
parked up for a long period of time.
When you park the vehicle, remove the key if you do not require any electrical consumers.
The vehicle will then use very little energy,
thus conserving battery power.
Hybrid vehicles: if the battery charge is suf-
ficient, the high-voltage battery can also sup- ply the 12 V battery with energy. This only
happens if the battery charge of the 12 V bat-
tery requires this, e.g. after using electrical
consumers for an extended period with the
engine switched off. As the on-board voltage
is continuously monitored this can also be
performed when the engine is switched off.
The battery charge of the 12 V battery and the
on-board voltage are thereby kept stable for a
longer period. High-voltage battery - important
safety notes
Only hybrid vehicles are equipped with a high-
voltage battery. G
DANGER
The vehicle's high voltage electrical system is under high voltage. If you modify components
in the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system or touch damaged components, you may be
electrocuted. The components in the vehi-
cle's high-voltage electrical system may be
damaged in an accident, although the damage
is not visible. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Do not touch any high-voltage components
after an accident and never modify the vehi-
cle's high-voltage electrical system. Have the vehicle towed away after an accident and the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
checked by a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
In the event of a vehicle fire, the internal pres- sure of the high-voltage battery could exceeda critical value. In this case, flammable gas
escapes through a vent valve in the vehicle's
underbody. The gas can ignite. There is a risk
of injury.
Leave the danger area immediately. Secure
the danger area at a suitable distance, whilst
observing legal requirements. G
WARNING
If the housing of the high-voltage battery has
been damaged, electrolyte and gases may
leak out. These are poisonous and caustic.
There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing. Immediately rinse electrolyte splashes off
with water and seek medical attention
straight away.
! Only charge the high-voltage battery in
the "Charging when stationary" operating
mode. Do not connect a battery charger to
the high-voltage battery. Otherwise, the
vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
could be damaged.
! Exhaustive discharge caused by the vehi-
cle standing idle for lengthy periods can
damage the high-voltage battery.
If the vehicle is idle for lengthy periods, run
it for a few minutes once every six weeks to
charge up the high-voltage battery.
During the charging process, switch off all
electrical consumers, e.g. the automatic
climate control or the seat heating.
If you wish to park your vehicle for several
weeks, ensure that the battery is at least 30 %
charged. If necessary, charge the high-volt-
age battery while stationary before parking
the vehicle (Y page 416).
Consult a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre if
you wish to leave your vehicle parked up for a
long period of time. Battery (vehicle)
415Breakdown assistance Z