check engine MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2014 User Guide

Useful information
iThis 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.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 25).
Correct driver's seat position
GWARNING
You could lose control of your vehicle if you
do the following while driving:
Radjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors
Rfastenthe seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel and mirror and fasten your
seat belt before starting the engine.
Observe the safety guidelines on seat
adjustment (Ypage 91).
XMake sure that seat"is adjusted
properly.
Manual seat adjustment (Ypage 92)
Electrical seat adjustment (Ypage 93)
When adjusting the seat, make sure that:
Ryou are as far away from the driver's air
bag as possible.
Ryou are sitting in a normal upright
position.
Ryou can fasten the seat belt properly.
Ryou have moved the backrest to an
almost vertical position.
Ryou have set the seat cushion angle so
that your thighs are gently supported.
Ryou can depress the pedals properly.
XCheck whether the head restraint is
adjusted properly (Ypage 93).
When doing so, make sure that you have
adjusted the head restraint so that the back
of your head is supported at eye level by
the center of the head restraint.
Observe the safety guidelines on steering
wheel adjustment (Ypage 96).
XMake sure that steering wheelis
adjusted properly.
Adjusting the steering wheel
(Ypage 97)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure that:
Ryou can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent.
Ryou can move your legs freely.
Ryou can see all the displays in the
instrumentclusterclearly.
Observe the safety guidelines for seat belts
(Ypage 50).
XCheck whether you have fastened seat
beltproperly (Ypage 51).
90Correct driver's seat position
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interiorlighting is activated automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
XTo switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting:press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
XLockand then unlock the vehicle using the
key.
Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
GDANGER
Xenonbulbs carry a high voltage. You can get
an electric shock if you remove the cover of
the Xenon bulb and touch the electrical
contacts. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Never touch the parts or the electrical
contacts of the Xenon bulb. Always have work
on the Xenon bulbs carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspectof
vehicle safety.You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs
GWARNING
Bulbs, lamps and connectors can get very hot
when operating. If you change a bulb, you
could burn yourself on these components.
There is a risk of injury.
Allow these components to cool down before
changing a bulb.
Do not use a bulb that has been dropped or if
its glass tube has been scratched.
The bulb may explode if:
Ryou touch it
Rit is hot
Ryou drop it
Ryou scratch it
Only operate bulbs in enclosed lamps
designed for that purpose. Only install spare
bulbs of the same type and the specified
voltage.
Marks on the glass tube reduce the service
life of the bulbs. Do not touch the glass tube
with your bare hands. If necessary, clean the
glass tube when cold with alcohol or spirit and
rub it off with a lint-free cloth.
Protectbulbs from moisture during
operation.Do not allow bulbs to come into
contact with liquids.
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Ypage 111). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
You can change the following bulbs. The bulb
type can be found in the legend.
Replacing bulbs111
Lights and windshiel dw ipers
Z

GWARNING
If you switch off the ignitionwhile driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect.You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
Roverheat and cause a fire
Rlose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident.Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
!Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
!AMG vehicles:avoid full-load operation
and engine speeds greater than 5000rpm
when the engine is cold. This helps to
protect the engine and avoids
uncomfortable driving.
Key positions
\rTo remove the SmartKey
(shift the transmission to positionP)
Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers
Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
To start the engine
iThe SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
GWARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or
parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
Driving137
Driving and parking
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and
Solutions
The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.
The coolant
temperature display is
showing more than
248 ‡ (120 †). The
coolant warning lamp
may also be lit and a
warning tone may
sound.
The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 283). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission positionDor
R, the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There
is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission positionDorR,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to
neutral positionNwhen you switch off the
engine. The vehicle may roll away.There is a
risk of an accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking positionP. Prevent the parked
vehicle from rolling away by applying the
parking brake.
DIRECTSELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
All vehicles (exceptAMG vehicles):the
DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
For information on the selector lever in AMG
vehicles (Ypage 144).
Park position with parking lock
Reverse gear
Neutral
Drive
iThe DIRECT SELECT leveralways returns
to its original position. The current
transmission positionP,R,NorDappears
142Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

in the transmission position display
(Ypage 143) in the multifunction display.
Transmission position and drive
program display
The current transmission position and drive
program appear in the multifunction display.
Transmission position display
Drive program display
iThe arrows in the transmission position
display show how and into which
transmission positions you can change
using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
!If the transmission position display in the
multifunction display is not working, you
should pull away carefully to checkwhether
the desired transmission position is
engaged. Ideally, you should select
transmission positionDand drive program
EorS.
Engaging parkposition P
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever in the
directionofarrowP.
Transmission position displayPis shownin
the multifunctiondisplay.
iWhen you engage park positionP, make
sure that the transmission position display
showsPin the multifunction display.
iYou can only engage park positionPwhen
the vehicle is stationary.
iThe automatic transmission shifts into
park positionPautomatically:
Rif you open the driver's door while the
vehicle is stationary in transmission
positionDorR
Rif you open the door while traveling at
very low speeds in transmission position
DorR
In addition, a warning tone sounds and a
display message is shown.
iDepressing the brake and pushing the
DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
disengages the parking lock.The
transmission is inNneutral.
At transmission fluid temperatures below
4‡(20 †), you can only shift out of park
positionPinto another transmission
position whenthe engine is running.
In order to shift from park positionP
directly intoRorD:
Rdepress the brake pedal and
Rpush the DIRECT SELECT lever up or
down past the first point of resistance
!If the engine speed is too high or the
vehicle is moving, do not shift the
automatic transmission directly fromDto
R, fromRtoDor directly toP.The
automatic transmission could otherwise be
damaged.
Engaging reverse gear R
!Only shift the automatic transmission to
Rwhen the vehicle is stationary.
iThe ECO start/stop function is not
available when reverse gear is engaged.
Further information on the ECO start/stop
function (Ypage 139).
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Automatic transmission143
Driving and parking
Z

Engaging park position P
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, pressP
button.
Transmission positions
Parkposition
Do not shift the transmission into
positionPunless the vehicle is
stationary (Ypage 153). The
parking lock should not be used as
a brake when parking.Always
apply the electronic parking brake
in additionto the parking lock in
order to secure the vehicle.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the transmission
may be locked in positionP.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission toR
when the vehicle is stationary.

Neutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP®is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
positionNif the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
When you switch off the engine, the
automatic transmission
automatically shifts into neutralN.
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission positionD.This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
Rthe selected drive program (Ypage 146)
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe road speed
Driving tips
Holding the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients
GWARNING
If the clutch overheats, the electronic
management system is automatically
deactivated. This interrupts the power
transmission. The vehicle may, for example,
roll backwards on gradients. There is a risk of
an accident.
Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator.
Automatic transmission145
Driving and parking
Z

Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and
Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.
The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer shifts into all of
the gears.
Reverse gear can no
longer be engaged.
The transmission is in emergency mode.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to positionD.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and
explosion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
GWARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
RWash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
RIf fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance
without delay.
RIf fuel is swallowed, seek medical
assistance without delay.Donot induce
vomiting.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
GWARNING
Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and
ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening
the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. Any existing electrostatic buildup is
thereby discharged.
!Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the
ignition if you accidentally refuel with the
wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter
the fuel system. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel could result in damage to the
fuel system and the engine. Notify a
qualified specialist workshop and have the
fuel tank and fuel lines drained completely.
Refueling151
Driving and parking
Z

!Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
!Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
!Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
Do not get into the vehicle againduring the
refueling process. Otherwise, electrostatic
charge could build up again.
If you overfill the fuel tank, fuel could spray
out when the fuel pump nozzle is removed.
Forfurther information on fuel and fuel quality
(Ypage 346).
Refueling
Opening/closing the fuel filler flap
To open the fuel filler flap
Tire pressure table
"To insert the fuel filler cap
!Fuel type to be used
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed

in the instrumentcluster.The arrow on
the filling pump indicates the side of the
vehicle.
Opening
XSwitch the engine off.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
XTurn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.
XInsert the fuel filler cap into holder on the
inside of fuel filler flap".
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place
and refuel.
XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
iDo not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,
fuel may leak out.
Closing
XReplace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
XClose the fuel filler flap.
iClose the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle.
iIf you are driving with the fuel filler cap
open, thereserve fuel warning lamp
flashes.Amessage appears in the
multifunction display (Ypage 228).
In addition, theCheck Engine warning
lamp may light up (Ypage 248).
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see (Ypage 248).
152Refueling
Driving and parking

Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest yourfoot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the
vehicle has been washed or driven through
deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
RBrake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distanceto the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out ona2-axle
dynamometer. If you are planning to have
the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain further information first.
Otherwise, you could damage the drive
train or the brake system.
!As the ESP®system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (theSmartKey must
be in position0or1in the ignitionlock) if:
Rthe electric parking brake is tested on a
brake dynamometer (for a maximum of
ten seconds)
Rthe vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP®
may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop to arrange this.
Driving tips159
Driving and parking
Z

Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only beensubjectto
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of yourbrakes at regular
intervals.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on (Ypage 62).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond
to an equivalent quality standard.Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your
vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for yourvehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benzvehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Checking brake lining thickness
You can measure the break pad/lining
thickness using a test gauge. Color-coding
(green or red) on the test gauge allows you to
determine whether the brake pad/lining
thickness is still sufficient. The test gauge is
in the vehicle documentwallet in the glove
box.
Frontwheel
Rear wheel
XBring the vehicle and wheels into a suitable
position so that you can attach test gauge
.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 153).
XMove the selector lever to positionP.
XSwitch off the engine.
XPlace test gaugebetween the wheel's
spokes on brake pad/lining".
160Driving tips
Driving and parking