warning light MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN 2012 W204 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 263
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 175
4MATIC off-road system ................... 175
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 214
Function/notes ................................ 59
Important safety notes ....................59
Warning lamp ................................. 242
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 126
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Function/information ....................187
Active Driving Assistance package . 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Display message ............................ 229
Function/information ....................190
Active light function ......................... 110
Active Light System Display message ............................ 224
Active service system PLUS
see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 64
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 225
Function/notes ............................. 110
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 349
Air bags Display message ............................ 221
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Pelvis air bag ................................... 41
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................40
Window curtain air bag ....................42
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIR FLOW ........................................... 127
Air pressure see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 132
Important safety notes ..................131
Rear ............................................... 133
Setting ........................................... 131
Setting the center air vents ...........132
Setting the side air vents ...............132
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 210
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 262
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 204
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................67
Function ........................................... 67
Switching off the alarm ....................67
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................205
Display message ............................ 228
Function/notes ............................. 182
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 201
Audio system see separate operating instructions 4Index

Authorized Mercedes-Benz Centersee Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 225
see Lights
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 108
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............146
Changing gear ............................... 144
Display message ............................ 236
Driving tips .................................... 144
Emergency running mode ..............149
Kickdown ....................................... 144
Manual drive program ....................147
Problem (malfunction) ...................149
Program selector button ................144
Pulling away ................................... 139
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 149
Selector lever ................................ 142
Shift ranges ................................... 146
Starting the engine ........................139
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......145
Transmission position display ........143
Transmission positions ..................143
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 149
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Display message ............................ 224
Bag hook ............................................ 258
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 59
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 60
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 74
Important safety notes ....................74
Replacing ......................................... 74
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 300
Display message ............................ 227
Important safety notes ..................298
Jump starting ................................. 301
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................205
Notes/function .............................. 183
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 217
Notes ............................................. 350
Brake fluid level ................................ 282
Brake lamps Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Display message ............................ 223
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 59
BAS .................................................. 59
BAS PLUS ........................................ 60
Brake fluid (notes) .........................350
Display message ............................ 214
Driving tips .................................... 156
High-performance brake system ....158
Important safety notes ..................156
Maintenance .................................. 157
Parking brake ................................ 154
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Index5

COMANDsee separate operating instructions
Combination switch .......................... 109
Compass Calibrating ..................................... 276
Calling up ....................................... 275
Setting ........................................... 275
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 199
Convenience closing feature .............. 84
Convenience opening feature ............ 84
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................280
Display message ............................ 225
Notes ............................................. 350
Temperature (on-board computer) . 210
Temperature gauge ........................ 194
Warning lamp ................................. 247
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering light function
Changing bulbs .............................. 115
Display message ............................ 222
Function/notes ............................. 110
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 113
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................160
Deactivating ................................... 161
Display message ............................ 233
Driving system ............................... 159
Function/notes ............................. 159
Important safety notes ..................159
LIM indicator lamp .........................160
Setting a speed .............................. 160
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 160
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 260
Important safety notes ..................259
Rear compartment .........................260
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 25
Customer Relations Department ....... 25D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data
see Technical data
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Switching on/off (switch) ..............107
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Interior lighting .............................. 208
Digital speedometer ......................... 199
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 288
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....213
Driving systems ............................. 228
Engine ............................................ 225
General notes ................................ 213
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........213
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 238
Lights ............................................. 222
Safety systems .............................. 214
Service interval display ..................282
SmartKey ....................................... 238
Tires ............................................... 233
Vehicle ........................................... 236
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 204
Distance recorder ............................. 199
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 249
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 169
Display message ............................ 231
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 168
Driving tips .................................... 170
Function/notes ............................. 161
Important safety notes ..................161
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 168
Warning lamp ................................. 249Index7

E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................209
Function/notes ............................. 100
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 101
Function/notes ............................. 100
Switching on/off ........................... 209
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 216
Function/notes ................................ 64
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 79
Fuel filler flap ................................. 151
Trunk ............................................... 82
Vehicle ............................................. 79
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 293
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 52
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 246
Display message ............................ 225
Emergency starting ........................305
Engine number ............................... 344
Irregular running ............................ 141
Starting problems ..........................141
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 139
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............139
Switching off .................................. 153
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................141Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 279
Additives ........................................ 349
Checking the oil level ..................... 279
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 279
Display message ............................ 227
Filling capacity ............................... 346
Notes about oil grades ................... 349
Notes on oil level/consumption ....279
Temperature (on-board computer) . 210
Viscosity ........................................ 349
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) AMG menu (on-board computer) ...210
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 62
Deactivating/activating (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 204
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ......................62
Display message ............................ 214
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 61
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety information ...........61
Warning lamp ................................. 243
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 61
Exhaust check ................................... 156
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 287
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 101
Dipping (automatic) .......................102
Folding in/out (automatically) .......102
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........101
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...102
Setting ........................................... 102
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 103
Storing the parking position ..........102
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 255Index9

High-beam headlampsChanging bulbs .............................. 115
Display message ............................ 223
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 110
Switching on/off ........................... 109
Hill start assist .................................. 140
HOLD function Display message ............................ 228
Function/notes ............................. 172
Hood
Closing ........................................... 279
Display message ............................ 237
Opening ......................................... 278
Hydroplaning ..................................... 158
I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 66
Indicator lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Instrument cluster
Overview .......................................... 29
Settings ......................................... 206
Warning and indicator lamps ...........30
Instrument cluster lighting ................ 29
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster lighting
Interior lighting ................................. 112
Automatic control ..........................112
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Emergency lighting ........................113
Manual control ............................... 113
Overview ........................................ 112
Reading lamp ................................. 112
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 292
Using ............................................. 295
Jump starting (engine) ...................... 301
K
Key see SmartKey
KEYLESS-GO
Convenience closing feature ............85
Display message ............................ 238
Locking ............................................ 71
Start/Stop button .......................... 137
Starting the engine ........................139
Unlocking ......................................... 71
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 137
SmartKey ....................................... 137
Kickdown
Driving tips .................................... 144
Manual drive program ....................148
Knee bag .............................................. 40
L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Lane-change assistant
see Blind Spot Assist
Lane detection (automatic)
see Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating .................205
Display message ............................ 229
Function/information ....................185
Lane Tracking package ..................... 183
Lap time (RACETIMER) ...................... 211
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 55
Lighting see Lights
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off . 208
Active light function .......................110
Automatic headlamp mode ............108
Cornering light function .................110
Display message ............................ 222
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Fog lamps ...................................... 108
Hazard warning lamps ...................109
High beam flasher .......................... 109
Index11

Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 258
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 312
Sun visor ............................................ 260
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 207
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 130
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 67
T
Tachometer ........................................ 195
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 223
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Technical data
Notes ............................................. 342
Tires/wheels ................................. 335
Vehicle data ................................... 351
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 268
Display message ............................ 218
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 269
Emergency call .............................. 266
Important safety notes ..................264
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............270
MB info call button ........................268
Remote vehicle locking ..................270
Roadside Assistance button ..........267
Search & Send ............................... 269
Self-test ......................................... 265
System .......................................... 265
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............269
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 203
Display message ............................ 237
Menu (on-board computer) ............202
Number from the phone book ........ 203
Redialing ........................................ 203
Rejecting/ending a call .................203
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 194
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 210
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 210
Outside temperature ...................... 195
Setting (climate control) ................128
Theft deterrent systems
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........67
Immobilizer ...................................... 66
Through-loading feature ................... 256
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Sliding sunroof
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 211
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....319
Checking manually ........................317
Display message ............................ 233
Maximum ....................................... 316
Notes ............................................. 315
Pressure loss warning ....................317
Recommended ............................... 313
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 319
Restarting ...................................... 321
Warning lamp ................................. 250
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................333
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................331
Bar (definition) ............................... 331
Characteristics .............................. 331
Checking ........................................ 311
Definition of terms .........................331
Direction of rotation ......................334
Display message ............................ 233
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................334
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 330
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............331
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 332Index17

CockpitFunctionPage:Steering wheel paddle
shifters
145
;Cruise control lever160=Instrument cluster29?HornAPARKTRONIC warning
display (Canada only)
175
BOverhead control panel33CClimate control systems122DIgnition lock137Start/Stop button137FunctionPageEAdjusts the steering wheel
manually
99
FAdjusts the steering wheel
electrically
99
GCombination switch109HParking brake154IOn-board diagnostic
interface
24
JOpens the hood278KReleases the parking brake154LLight switch10628CockpitAt a glance

Center consoleFunctionPage:Audio system/COMAND;
see the separate operating
instructions;c Seat heating98=s Seat ventilation98?5 PARKTRONIC
(Canada only)
175
A£ Hazard warning
lamps
109
B45 Indicator lamp42Cu Rear window roller
sunblind
261
FunctionPageDM Dynamic driving
package with sports mode
171
EStowage compartment254Ashtray262Cigarette lighter262Power socket263FSelector lever142GCup holder259HStowage compartment254IAudio/COMAND controllerJSelects the drive program14432Center consoleAt a glance

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 24).
Occupant safety
Overview of occupant safety
In this section, you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint system consists of:
R seat belts
R child restraint systems
R LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors
Additional protection is provided by:
R SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
R NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints
R Air bag system components with:
- PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
- front-passenger seat with Occupant
Classification System (OCS)
The different air bag systems work
independently of each other. The protective
functions of the system work in conjunction
with each other. Not all air bags are deployed
in an accident.
GWARNING
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See "Children in the vehicle"
( Y page 53) for more information on
infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle and restraints for infants and
children.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction
SRS consists of:
R the 6 SRS warning lamp
R air bags
R air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
R Emergency Tensioning Devices
R belt force limiters
SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming
into contact with the vehicle's interior in the
event of an accident. It can also reduce the
effect of the forces to which occupants are
subjected during an accident.
SRS warning lamp
SRS functions are checked regularly when
you switch on the ignition and when the
engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions
can be detected in good time.
The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the 6 SRS warning lamp
is not lit while the engine is running .
36Occupant safetySafety

Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air
bags. In the event of a collision, the air bag
control unit evaluates the vehicle
deceleration. In the first deployment stage,
the front air bag is filled with enough
propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries.
The front air bag is fully deployed if a second
deployment threshold is exceeded within a
few milliseconds.
The deployment of the front-passenger front
air bag is also influenced by the weight
category of the front passenger, which is
determined by the Occupant Classification
System (OCS) ( Y page 42).
The lighter the passenger side occupant, the
higher the vehicle deceleration rate required
(predicted at the start of the impact) for
second stage inflation of the front-passenger
front air bag. In the second stage, the front
air bags are inflated with the maximum
amount of propellant gas available.
The front air bags are not deployed in
situations where a low impact severity is
predicted. You will then be protected by the
fastened seat belt.
The front-passenger front air bag will only
deploy if:
R the system, based on the OCS weight
sensor readings, detects that the front-
passenger seat is occupied.
R the 45 indicator lamp in the center
console is not lit, ( Y page 42).
R the air bag control unit predicts a high
impact severity.Driver's knee bag
Driver's knee bag : provides additional
protection for the driver against:
R knee injuries
R thigh injuries
R lower leg injuries
Driver's knee bag : deploys below the
steering wheel. During a frontal impact, if the
system determines that air bag deployment
can offer additional protection to that
provided by the seat belt, driver's knee
bag : is deployed along with the driver's air
bag. The driver's knee bag : operates best
in conjunction with a properly positioned and
fastened seat belt.
Side impact air bags
GWARNING
The pressure sensors for side impact air bag
control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to the
doors create a risk of rendering the side
impact air bags inoperative or causing
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
doors must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
40Occupant safetySafety