abs MERCEDES-BENZ C300 2008 W204 Owner's Guide

398 Practical hints
What to do if …?
-ABS and ESP
Inoperative
See Operator’s ManualABS and ESP® are switched off due to a
malfunction. BAS and the hill start assist
are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning nor-
mally but without the ABS available.Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking, re-
ducing steering capability.
Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possi-
ble.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.
Display Possible cause/consequencePossible solution

401 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display Possible cause/consequencePossible solution
;ReleaseYou are driving with the parking brake set.Release the parking brake (page 130).
(USA only)Parking Brake
!
(Canada only)
;
(USA only)
3
EBR, ABS, and ESP
Inoperative
See Operator’s Manu-
alEBP, ABS and ESP® are switched off due to
a malfunction. BAS and the hill start assist
are also switched off.
The brake system still functions normally
but without the ABS and ESP
® available.
Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking, re-
ducing steering capability.
Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.
(Canada only)

423 Practical hints
Where will I find ...?
Removing the Minispare wheel
Remove vehicle tool kit1
(
page 421).
Turn luggage bowl2 counterclock-
wise and remove it.
Remove Minispare wheel3.Setting up the collapsible wheel chock
The collapsible wheel chock serves to
additionally secure the vehicle, e.g. while
changing the wheel.
1Tilt the plates upward
2Fold the lower plate outward
3Insert the plate
Tilt both plates upward1.
Fold the lower plate outward2.
Guide the tabs of the lower plate all the
way into the openings of the base
plate3.
For information on where to place wheel
chocks when changing a wheel, see “Lift-
ing the vehicle” (
page 441).

437 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Tail lamp unit
Open trunk lid.
For driver side: Lift up the bottom and
pull out the trim panel covering the
driver side rear light.
For passenger side: Open the fuse box
in the trunk (
page 458).
1Tabs
2Connector
Disconnect electrical connector2.
Pull tabs1 in direction of arrows.
Remove the bulb carrier.1Side marker lamp
2Rear fog lamp (driver’s side)/Side
marker lamp
3Backup lamp
4Brake lamp/tail lamp
5Parking and standing lamp, brake
lamp/tail lamp
6Turn signal lamp
Press gently onto the respective bulb
and turn counterclockwise out of its
bulb socket.
Side marker lamp1: Turn the bulb
socket on backside of tail lamp unit
counterclockwise and removes side
marker lamp1 with bulb socket
Press the new bulb gently into its bulb
socket and turn clockwise until it
engages.
Side marker lamp1: Turn the new
bulb with socket on backside of tail
lamp unit clockwise until it engages.
Reinstall the bulb carrier.
Let tabs1 (
page 437) engage.
Connect the electrical connector2
(
page 437) until it engage.
Reinstall trim panel.
License plate lamp
Since replacing the license plate lamp
bulbs is a technically highly demanding
process, we recommend you have the li-
cense plate lamp bulbs replaced at an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

467 Technical data
Rims and tires
Rims and tires
!Only use tires which have been tested and
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
Tires approved by Mercedes-Benz are developed
to provide best possible performance in conjunc-
tion with the driving safety systems on your
vehicle such as ABS or ESP
®. Tires specially
developed for your vehicle and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz can be identified by
finding the following on the tire’s sidewall:

MO = Mercedes-Benz Original equipment
tires
Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz may result in damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz can have detrimental effects,
such as

poor handling characteristics

increased noise

increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may, under load, exhibit dimen-
sional variations and different tire deformation
characteristics that could cause them to come
into contact with the vehicle body or axle parts.
Damage to the tires or the vehicle may be the
result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. A placard with the recommended tire
inflation pressures is located on the driver’s door
B-pillar (
page 334). Some vehicles may have
supplemental tire inflation pressure information
for driving at high speeds (
page 340) or for
vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded
vehicle condition (
page 348). If such informa-
tion is provided, it can be found on the tire infla-
tion label located on the inside of the fuel filler
flap. The tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly and should only be adjusted on cold
tires. Follow tire manufacturer’s maintenance
recommendation included with vehicle.
iThe following pages also list the approved
wheel rim and tire sizes for equipping your
vehicles with winter tires. Winter tires are not
available as standard or optional factory equip-
ment, but can be purchased from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Depending on vehicle model and the standard or
optional factory-equipped wheel rim/tire
configuration on your vehicle (Appearance
Package, Sport Package etc.), equipping your
vehicle with winter tires approved for your
vehicle model may also require the purchase of
two or four wheel rims of the recommended size
for use with these winter tires. Contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for more informa-
tion.

480 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters
required for vehicles with Maintenance
System.
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil
filters, refer to the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet (USA only), or con-
tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
blending oil additives are not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
ing system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. An
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
provide you with additional information.
!Using engine oils and oil filters of specifica-
tion other than those expressly required for the
Maintenance System, or changing of oil and oil
filter at change intervals longer than those called
for by the Maintenance System will result in
engine or emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil changes.
Failure to do so will result in engine or emission
control system damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
Under extremely strenuous operating condi-
tions, this moisture content can lead to the
formation of bubbles in the system, thus re-
ducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Mainte-
nance Booklet for replacement interval.

487 Index
A
ABS 27, 59
Indicator lamp 59, 374
Messages in display 389, 398
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 142
Accessory weight 356
Accident 132
Air bags 36
Children 51
Front 39
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 29, 45
OCS 41
Safety guidelines 38
Side impact 40
Window curtain 40, 41
Air conditioning system see Climate con-
trol system
Air conditioning, Cooling 258, 267
Air conditioning, Refrigerant 478, 480
Air distribution 254, 263
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 257, 265Air vents 247
Center air vents 248
Rear center console air vents 249
Air volume 254, 263, 268
Alarm
Audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps (Panic alarm) 58
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Antiglare
Rear view mirrors 100
Anti-theft systems 66
Alarm, visual and audible 66
Anti-theft alarm system 66
Immobilizer 66
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest 284, 286
Ashtrays 291, 292
Aspect ratio 356
Audio Aux mode 220
AUDIO menu (Control system) 158Audio system 176
“911” emergency call 231
Audio and telephone, operation 176
Audio Aux mode 220
Audio control unit 177
Audio display 180
Bluetooth
® operation 222
Call lists 236
CD changer* 208, 214
CD operation 208
CD player 160, 208
CD, fast forward/rewind 219
CD, pause function 218
CD, submenu overview 208
Components 177
Controller 182
Example, how to use 187
Functions during a single call 240
Making calls 237
On/Off 188
Operating 185
Operating and display elements 178
Operating CD player 213
Operating safety 177
Operation 188
Overview 176

491 Index
D
Date display, setting 170
Daytime running lamp mode 110
Setting 171
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging
Windshield 255
Defrosting 264
Defrosting, Front 255
Delayed shut-off
Interior lighting 173
Department of Transportation see DOT
Difficulties
While driving 132
While starting 129
Digital clock see clock
Digital speedometer 158
Additional speedometer 169, 170
Permanent display 169
Dimensions, Vehicle 474
Direction of rotation, Tires 334Displays
Additional speedometer 169, 170
Digital speedometer 158
Maintenance service indicator 362
Multifunction display 151
Outside temperature 158
Permanent display 169
Vehicle status message see
Multifunction display messages
Vehicle status messages
memory 165
Distance to empty (range),
Trip computer 157
Document holder 289
Door
Control panel 32
Entry lamps 116
Inside door handle 79
Locking 72, 77
Locking with Tele Aid* 302
Messages in display 406
Opening from inside vehicle 79
Opening from outside 72, 77
Unlocking 71, 76
Unlocking with Tele Aid* 301
DOT 357Downhill driving
Cruise control 243
Drink holder see Cup holder
Drinking and driving 311
Driving 126
Abroad 318
Hydroplaning 315
In winter 317
Instructions 126, 311
Problems 132
Safety systems 59
Through standing water 318
Driving off 314
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 65
ABS 59
BAS 60
EBP 61
Electronic traction system 63
ESP
®62
Driving systems 241
Cruise control 241
Driving safety systems 59
Driving tips 142
Accelerator position 142
Kickdown 142

497 Index
L
Labels 462
Certification 462
Emission control information 463
Tire and Loading Information 335
Lamps, exterior 431
Light sensor 409
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 27, 59, 374
Air bag Off 40
Battery check lamp (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 77
Battery check lamp (SmartKey) 72
Brake warning lamp 27
Brakes 376
Engine diagnostics 27, 378
Engine malfunction 27, 378
ESP
®27, 376, 379, 380
Front passenger front air bag off 29,
45, 385, 386
Fuel reserve 380
High beam headlamps 27
Instrument cluster 374–383
Maintenance service indicator 362
Seat belt telltale 27, 380
SRS 27, 382Turn signals 27
Language 193
Language, Setting 168
LATCH-type child seat anchors see
Children in the vehicle
Lever
For cruise control 242
License plate lamps
Messages in display 411
Replacing bulbs 431, 437
Light alloy wheels, Cleaning 370
Light sensor
Message in display 409
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting 108
Automatic headlamp mode 109
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 112
Daytime running lamp mode 110
Door entry lamps 116
High beam flasher 112
Instrument cluster illumination 148
Interior 114
Manual headlamp mode 108
Trunk 116
Limp-home mode 146Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting 172
Lock button
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*, Canada
only) 76, 125
Key, SmartKey 70
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
(Canada only) 73
Locking 133
Vehicle in an emergency 425
Locking knob 79
Loss of
Key, Mechanical 79
Key, SmartKey 79
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
(Canada only) 79
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 461
Low beam headlamps
Replacing bulbs (Bi-Xenon*) 431
Replacing bulbs (Halogen) 431, 433
Lowering
Vehicle 445
Lubricants 476
Lumbar support* 91

498 Index
M
Maintenance 11, 362
Automatic Call (Tele Aid*) 302
Calling up service indicator
display 363
Clearing service indicator
message 362
Maintenance System 362
Resetting service indicator 363
Service indicator message 362
Service term exceeded 363
Vehicles with E85 fuel 483
Manual headlamp mode 108
Manual transmission 136, 137
Gearshift lever 126, 137
Shift positions 137
Starting the engine 127
Maximum load rating, Tires 357
Maximum loaded
vehicle weight 340, 357
Maximum tire
inflation pressure 354, 357
Maximum tire load rating 353
Memory function* (Canada only) 102
Menus see Control systemMessages in display see
Multifunction display messages
Microphone, Hands-free 31
Minispare wheel 422, 471
Mounting 441
Mirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position*
(Canada only) 101
Adjusting 97
Auto-dimming* for rear view
mirrors 100
Exterior rear view mirrors 97
Interior rear view mirror 97
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety 15
MON 478
MP3
Playback options 220
Selecting a folder 219
Selecting a track 219
Multifunction display 151
Changing settings see Control system
menus and Control system sub-
menusMultifunction display messages
ABS 389, 398
Battery, vehicle 399
Brake fluid 400
Brake pads 399
Coolant 402
Coolant level 405
Doors 406
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) 401
ESP
®389, 397, 398
Fog lamps 410
Front passenger front air bag 393
Fuel cap 406
Gear selector lever 392
Headlamps 411
Hood 406
Key, SmartKey 408
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
(Canada only) 407
Lamps, exterior 409
License plate lamps 411
Light sensor 409
Low tire pressure 418
Parking brake 401
Parking lamps 411