check engine MERCEDES-BENZ CL500 2004 C215 Owner's Guide

311 Practical hints
What to do if …?
When the message
ADD 1.0 QT. ENGINE
OIL AT NEXT REFUELING!
(Canada:
1 Liter
) appears while the engine is run-
ning and at operating temperature, the en-
gine oil level has dropped to approximately
the minimum level.When this occurs, the warning will first
come on intermittently and then stay on if
the oil level drops further.
Visually check for oil leaks. If no obvious oil
leaks are noted, drive to the nearest ser-
vice station where the engine oil should be
topped to the required level with an ap-
proved oil.
Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
:
ENGINE OIL
VISIT WORKSHOP!
It may be that there is water in the engine
oil.

Have the engine oil level checked
(page 262).
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The engine oil has dropped to a critical
level.

Check the engine oil level (
page 262)
and add engine oil as required
(
page 265).

If you must add engine oil frequently,
have the engine checked for possible
leaks.
ENGINE OIL SENSOR
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The measuring system is malfunctioning.

Have the measuring system checked by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
!The engine oil level warnings should
not be ignored. Extended driving with
the symbol displayed could result in
serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

313 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
F
KEY
CHECK BATTERY
The battery in the KEYLESS-GO* key is
discharged.

Change the battery (
page 332).
KEY
NOT RECOGNIZED!
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is not rec-
ognized while the engine is running be-
cause

the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is
not in the vehicle


there is strong radio-frequency inter-
ference

Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.

Search for the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*.
Otherwise the vehicle cannot be centrally
locked nor can the engine be started again
after it has been stopped.
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is momen-
tarily not recognized.

Change the position of the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* in the vehicle.

Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in
the starter switch if necessary.
KEY
DETECTED IN VEHICLE
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*left in the
vehicle was recognized while locking the
vehicle from the outside.

Take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
out of the vehicle.
KEY
DRIVE TO WORKSHOP!
The KEYLESS-GO* system is malfunction-
ing.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.

319 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
t

FUNCTION
NOT AVAILABLE!
This display appears if button t or
son the multifunction steering wheel
is pressed and the vehicle is not equipped
with a telephone.
Ê
TRUNK OPEN!
This message will appear whenever the
trunk lid is open.

Close the trunk lid.
W
WASHER FLUID
CHECK LEVEL!
The fluid level has dropped to about
1/3
of total reservoir capacity.
Add washer fluid (
page 269).
Warning!
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 could be seriously burned.

348 Practical hintsBattery
Battery
The battery is located in the trunk under
the right hand wheel well cover panel.
1Battery cover
2Locking knob
Rotate and loosen locking button2
approx. one-half turn.

Remove battery cover1.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting,
you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.Warning!
G
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof battery only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
!Never loosen or detach battery termi-
nal clamps while the engine is running
or the SmartKey is in the starter switch.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be se-
verely damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Service Booklet for mainte-
nance intervals or contact your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.Warning!
G
With a disconnected battery

you will no longer be able to turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch and
pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button on the gear selector lever will
have no effect


the gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP

351 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only use 12 volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Jump starting with a more
powerful battery could damage the ve-
hicle’s electrical system, which will not
be covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.


Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure that the jumper ca-
bles are not on or near pulleys, fans or
other parts that move when an engine
is started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If engine does not run after several un-
successful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and
may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.!Do not tow-start the vehicle.

352 Practical hintsJump startingThe battery is located on the right side of
the trunk under the battery cover
(page 348).

Make sure the two vehicles do not
touch.

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Apply parking brake.

Shift gear selector lever to positionP.

Open the trunk lid.

Remove battery cover.

Remove red cover from positive
terminal 1. 1Positive terminal of discharged battery
2Negative terminal of discharged bat-
tery
3Positive terminal of charged battery
4Negative terminal of charged battery

Connect positive terminals 1 and3
of the batteries with the jumper cable.
Clamp cable to charged battery3
first.

Start engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.

Connect negative terminals2 and4
of the batteries with the jumper cable.
Clamp cable to charged battery4
first.

Start the engine of the disabled vehi-
cle.
Now you can again turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not turn on the lights under
any circumstances.

Remove the jumper cables first from
negative terminals2 and4 and then
from positive terminals1 and3.
You can now turn on the lights.

Have the battery checked at the near-
est authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 268).
!Never invert the terminal connections.

374 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines. Therefore, use
only engine oils approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Information on approved
brands is available in the Factory Approved
Service Products pamphlet, or at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Please follow FSS recommendations for
scheduled oil changes. Failure to do so
could result in engine damage not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
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 is used in the air condition-
ing system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
!Always check the oil filler cap
(page 265) for important information
pertaining to the engine oil needing to
meet a specific Mercedes-Benz specifi-
cation (e.g. MB 229.5). If such informa-
tion is printed on the oil filler cap, only
use an engine oil from the list of ap-
proved engine oils in the Factory Ap-
proved Service Products pamphlet that
meets the specification indicated on
the oil filler cap.
Using engine oils of other specification
may cause the FSS to incorrectly deter-
mine the next service interval and will
result in engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

377 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Coolant system design and coolant used
stipulate the replacement interval. The re-
placement interval published in the Ser-
vice Booklet is only applicable if MB 325.0
anticorrosion / antifreeze solution or other
Mercedes-Benz approved products of
equal specification (see Factory Approved
Service Products pamphlet) are used to re-
new the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45%
anticorrosion / antifreeze [equivalent to
freeze protection to approx. –22°F
(–30°C)]. If you use a solution that is more
than 55% anticorrosion / antifreeze [freeze
protection to approx. –49°F (–45°C)], the
engine temperature will increase due to
the lower heat transfer capability of the so-
lution. Therefore, do not use more than
this amount of anticorrosion / antifreeze.If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 anticorrosion / antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage). Please make sure the
mixture is in accordance with label instruc-
tions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Anticorrosion / antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of alumi-
num parts. The use of aluminum compo-
nents in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion / anti-
freeze coolant used in such engines be
specifically formulated to protect the alu-
minum
parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion /
antifreeze coolant will result in a signifi-
cantly shortened service life.)
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz 325.0 Anticorrosion / An-
tifreeze Agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion / antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for service.

391 Index
Automatic headlamp mode 120
Automatic lighting control
Activating 124
Deactivating 125
Automatic locking when driving 105
Automatic transmission 157
Accelerator position 163
Deactivating steering wheel gearshift
control 166
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 166
Fluid level 266
Gear ranges 159
Gear selector lever position 160
Gear shifting malfunctions 166
Kickdown 163
Manual shift program mode
(CL 55 AMG Kompressor) 164
One-touch gearshifting 158
Program mode selector switch 163
Selector lever position 157
Starting the engine 45
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) CL 55 AMG 161
Transmission fluid 266
Winter program mode 163, 164B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 71, 383
Compatible child seats 71, 383
Self-test 72
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 112
Shoulder region 111
Backup lamps 337, 340
Bulbs 337
BAS 78, 383
Messages in display 302
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 333
Check lamp 90, 91
Replacing 332
Battery discharged
Jump starting 351
Battery, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
Check lamp 95
Battery, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 334
Checking the battery 95
Replacing 332Battery, vehicle 268, 348
Charging 349
Disconnecting 349
Reconnecting 350
Reinstalling 349
Removing 349
Bi-Xenon headlamps 383
Block heater (Canada only) 281
Blocking
Rear window operation 75
Brake assist system (BAS) 383
Brake fluid 258, 375
Brake lamp bulbs 337
Brake lamp, high mounted 337
Brake pads
Message in display 305
Brakes 248
Warning lamp 293
Break-in period 246
Bulbs, replacing 336
Additional turn signals 336
Backup lamps 337
Brake lamps 337
Fog lamps 336

392 Index
Front lamps 336
High beam 336
High mounted brake lamp 337
License plate lamps 337, 340
Low beam 336
Parking lamps 336, 337, 339
Rear fog lamp 337, 340
Side marker lamps 336, 339
Standing lamps 336, 337, 339
Tail lamp assemblies 337, 340
Turn signal lamps 336, 337
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 383
California
Important notice 11
Calling up
Distronic* settings 142
Range (distance to empty) 144
Service indicator 283
CAN system 383
Cargo tie-down hooks 220
Cassette player
Operating 136Catalytic converter 255
CD changer* 137
CD mode 137
CD player
Operating 136
Center console 25
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 298
Lower part 26
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 148
Central locking
Automatic 105
From inside 106
Switch 106
Switching on/off (control
system) 153
Unlocking from inside 106
Central locking switch 106
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 333
Battery (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 334
Key setting 154SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
setting 94
Vehicle level 212
Changing CDs 137
Charcoal filter 181
Activating 181
Deactivating 181
Charging
Vehicle battery 349
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 294
Checking
Coolant level 266
Oil level 259, 261
Oil level via control system 262
Tire inflate pressure 259
Vehicle lighting 259
Checking the batteries
SmartKey 91
Child safety 69
Airbags 62
Infant and child restraint systems 66,
69
LATCH child seat mounts 74