MERCEDES-BENZ CL500 2002 C215 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2002, Model line: CL500, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ CL500 2002 C215Pages: 430
Page 311 of 430

308 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
PA R K I N G   B R A K E
* C = Category, see page 303
TRUNK OPEN* C = Category, see page 303 Line 1 Line 2 C*
PARKING BRAKE RELEASE PARKING BRAKE! 1Line 1 Line 2 C*
TRUNK OPEN! 2
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Page 312 of 430

309 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ELEC. STABIL. PROG. 
(Electronic stability program)
* C = Category, see page 3031 The display or the system is malfunctioning.
2 A ma lfun ction  has been detected in  the s ystem. On ly partial engine 
output will be available.
3 The enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP and the torque 
reduction feature are unavailable.
4 This message may be displayed if the power supply was 
interrupted (battery disconnected or empty). Synchronize ESP, see 
page 279.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
ESP VISIT WORKSHOP!
2, 3, 4
2
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Page 313 of 430

310 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
COOLANT (coolant level)
* C = Category, see page 303When this message appears while driving, the coolant 
level has dropped below the required level. If no leaks 
are noticeable and the engine temperature does not 
increase, continue to drive to the nearest service station 
and have coolant added to the coolant system.The low engine coolant level warning should not be 
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol displayed 
may cause serious engine damage not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have 
the cooling system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Notes:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. The 
engine will overheat causing major engine damage.
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving, 
see page 117.
See page 339 for instructions on topping up the coolant.Line 1 Line 2 C*
COOLANT CHECK LEVEL! 2
Wa r n i n g !
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. 
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may 
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. 
You can be seriously burned.
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Page 314 of 430

311 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index COOLANT (coolant temperature)
* C = Category, see page 303
1 This may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken. Should this 
con dition o ccur, the poly-V-belt must be repla ced befo re co ntin uin g 
to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to 
an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the 
engine. Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this message 
displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine damage that is 
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
2 The cooling fan for the coolant is faulty. Observe the coolant 
temperature gauge. See page 117
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city 
traf f ic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red 
marking.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant 
temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause 
serious engine damage which is not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
COOLANT STOP, ENGINE OFF!
1
1
COOLANT VISIT WORKSHOP!
2
2
Wa r n i n g !
Driving when your engine is badly overheated can 
cause some fluids which may have leaked into the 
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be 
seriously burned.Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious 
burns and can occur just by opening the engine 
hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear 
steam coming from it.Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do 
not stand near the vehicle until it cools down.
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Page 315 of 430

312 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
LIGHTING SYSTEM
* C = Category, see page 303Line 1 Line 2 C*
LOW BEAM,L CHECK LAMPS! 2
LOW BEAM,R CHECK LAMPS! 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
TURN SIGNAL LR CHECK LAMPS!  2
TURN SIGNAL RR CHECK LAMPS!  2
Line 1 Line 2 C*
TURN SIGNAL IN MIRROR, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
TURN SIGNAL IN MIRROR, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
TURN SIGNAL LF CHECK LAMPS!  2
TURN SIGNAL RF CHECK LAMPS!  2
BRAKE LIGHT
2
VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
BRAKE LAMP, L
3
CHECK LAMPS!  2
BRAKE LAMP, R
3
CHECK LAMPS!  2
3RD BRAKE LAMP
3
CHECK LAMPS! 2
HIGH BEAM, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
HIGH BEAM, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
LICENSE PLATE LAMP, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
LICENSE PLATE LAMP, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
TURN OFF LAMPS! 1
FRONT FOG LAMPS, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
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Page 316 of 430

313 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexIn t he case of bulb failures in certain lamps, ot her lamps 
will substitute. See page 360 for instructions on 
replacing bulbs.
* C = Category, see page 303
1 The display or the system is malfunctioning.
2 The brake lamps are switching on after a delay or are permanently 
on – visit workshop immediately.
3 The brake lamps comprise several light emitting diodes. The 
warning message will only appear if all light emitting diodes have 
stopped working.
4 Other bulbs will be brought into use as replacements when certain 
lamps blow. FRONT FOGLAMP, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
REAR FOGLAMP CHECK LAMPS! 2
REVERSE LAMP, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
REVERSE LAMP, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
TAIL LAMP, L CHECK LAMPS! 
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2
TAIL LAMP, R CHECK LAMPS! 
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2
STANDING LAMP, L CHECK LAMPS! 
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2
STANDING LAMP, R CHECK LAMPS! 
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2 Line 1 Line 2 C*
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Page 317 of 430

314 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
LAMP SENSOR
* C = Category, see page 303The headlamps will be switched on automatically if the 
light sensor malfunctions.
To deactivate the daylight running lamp mode, see the 
individual setting menu “LIGHTING” –
“LAMP CIRCUIT HEADLAMP” on page 144. It will then 
be  pos sib le to s witch t he headlamps on an d  of f  us ing t he 
exterior lamp switch. See page 159 for notes on the 
exterior lamp switch. SEAT BELT SYSTEM
* C = Category, see page 303 Line 1 Line 2 C*
LAMP SENSOR VISIT WORKSHOP! 2Line 1 Line 2 C*
SEAT BELT SYSTEM VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
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Page 318 of 430

315 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index TELEPHONE – FUNCTION
* C = Category, see page 303The display appears if button í or ì on the 
multifunction steering wheel is pressed and the vehicle 
is not equipped with a telephone.CRUISE CONTROL
* C = Category, see page 303.
1 Cruise control is malfunctioning. Line 1 Line 2 C*
FUNCTION NOT AVAILABLE! 3Line 1 Line 2 C*
CRUISE CONTROL VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
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Page 319 of 430

316 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC)
* C = Category, see page 303
1 The display or the system is malfunctioning.2 The capability of the system is restricted.
Important!
When the message “ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – DRIVE 
CAREFULLY!” appears, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph 
(80 km/h). The vehicle driving characteristics are 
changed due to a noticeably softer suspension.
In this case visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as 
possible.
Do not continue to drive if loss of hydraulic fluid or 
leaks are noticed. Doing so could result in subsequent 
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL DRIVE CAREFULLY!
2
1
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL STOP, CAR TOO LOW!
3
1
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL VISIT WORKSHOP!
4
2
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317 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
3 The ABC is defective. Stop the vehicle. 
Press upper half of level control switch, see page 283 
- system selects raised level mode.
The vehicle chassis is raised depending on the kind of defect.Important!
The wheels may not have sufficient clearance when the 
steering wheel is turned beyond a certain angle if the 
“ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – STOP, CAR TOO LOW!” 
message appears. The front fenders will be damaged if 
the steering wheel is turned too far. Watch and listen for 
scraping noises. 
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
4 The capability of the system is restricted.Important!
When the message “ACTIVE BODY CONTROL – VISIT 
WORKSHOP!” appears, do not exceed a speed of 50 mph 
(80 km/h). Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as 
possible.
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