maintenance MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2014 User Guide

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
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multifunction display in the assistance
graphics display.
For further information about ATTENTION
ASSIST, see (Ypage 186).
Activating/deactivating Blind Spot
Assist
XPress theorbutton on the
steering wheel to select theDriveAssist
menu.
XPress theorbutton to select
Blind Spot Assist.
XPress thebutton.
The current selection is displayed.
XTo activate/deactivate:press the
button again.
For further information about Blind Spot
Assist, see (Ypage 188).
When theBlind Spot Assist: Sensors
Deactivatedmessage is shown, the radar
sensors are deactivated.
XSwitch on the radarsensor system
(Ypage 208).
Activating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist
XPress theorbutton on the
steering wheel to select theDriveAssist
menu.
XPressorto selectLane
Keeping Assist.
XPress thebutton.
The currentselection is displayed.
XPressto confirm.
XPress theorbutton to setOff,
StandardorAdaptive.
XPress thebutton to save the setting.
When Lane Keeping Assist is activated, the
multifunction display shows the lane
markings as bright lines in the assistance
graphic.
For further information about Lane Keeping
Assist, see (Ypage 190).
Maintenance menu
In theServicemenu, you have the following
options:
RCalling up display messages in message
memory (Ypage 212)
RChecking the tire pressure electronically
(Ypage 320)
Restarting the tire pressure loss warning
system (Canada only) (Ypage 319)
RCalling up the service due date
(Ypage 284)
Settings menu
Introduction
In theSettingsmenu, you have the following
options:
RChanging the instrument cluster settings
RChanging the light settings
RChanging the vehicle settings
RChanging the convenience settings
RRestoring the factory settings
Menus and submenus205
On-board computer and displays
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However, only the law enforcement agency
is informed of the location of the vehicle.
iIf the anti-theft alarm system is activated
for longer than 30 seconds,the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center is
automatically informed.
Vehicle remote malfunction diagnosis
With the vehicle remote malfunction
diagnosis (Vehicle Health Check), the
Customer Assistance center can provide
improved support for problems with your
vehicle. During an existing call, vehicle data
is transferred to the Customer Assistance
center. The customer service representative
can use the received data to decide what kind
of assistance is required.You are then, for
example, guided to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or a recovery vehicle
is called.
If vehicle data needs to be transferred during
an MB Info call or a Roadside Assistance call,
this is initiated by the Customer Assistance
center. You will see theRoadside
Assistance Connectedmessage in the
COMAND display.Ifthe vehicle remote
malfunction diagnosis can be started, the
Request for vehicle diagnosis
received. Start vehicle diagnosis?
message appears in the display.
XConfirm the message withYes.
XWhen theVehicle Diagnosis Please
start ignitionmessage appears, turn
the SmartKey to position2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 137).
XWhen thePlease follow the
instructionsreceivedbyphoneand
move your vehicle to a safe
position.message appears, follow the
customer service representative's
instructions.
The message in the display disappears.
If you selectCancel, the vehicle remote
malfunction diagnosis is canceled
completely.
The vehicle operating state check begins.
You will see theVehicle diagnosis
activated.message.
When the diagnosis is completed, theSend
vehicle diagnostics data//(Voice
connection may be//interrupted
duringdatatransfer)message appears.
The vehicle data can now be sent to the
Customer Assistance center.
XPressOKto confirm the message.
The voice connection with the Customer
Assistance center is terminated.
You will see theVehicle Diagnosis:
Transferring data...message.
The vehicle data is sent to the Customer
Assistance center.
Depending on what the customer service
representative agreed with you, the voice
connection is re-established after the transfer
is complete. If necessary, you will be
contacted at a later time by another means,
e.g. by e-mail or phone.
Further functions of the vehicle remote
malfunction diagnosis include, for example:
Rtransfer of service data to the Customer
Assistance center. Ifaservice is overdue,
the COMAND display shows a message
about various special offers at your
workshop.
Rmonthly status information e-mail on oil
level, air pressure, maintenance, brakes,
etc.Ifapplicable, you will receive
information on special offers in the e-mail.
USA only: this information can also be
called up under "Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com.
Information on the data stored in the vehicle
(Ypage 26).
Information on Roadside Assistance
(Ypage 23).
Features271
Stowage and features
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Useful information............................280
Engine compartment........................280
Maintenance......................................284
Care....................................................285
279
Maintenance and care

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).
Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when
the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving.
GWARNING
When opening and closing the hood, it may
suddenly fall into the closed position.There is
a risk of injury to persons within range of
movement of the hood.
Open and close the hood only when no one is
within its range of movement.
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine
compartment, such as the engine, radiator
and parts of the exhaust system, can become
very hot. Working in the engine compartment
poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is
overheated or when there is a fire in the
engine compartmentcould expose you to hot
gases or other service products. There is a
risk of injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
GWARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There
is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment,
Rswitch off the ignition
Rnever reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
Rkeep clothing away from moving parts
GWARNING
The ignition system and the fuel injection
system work under high voltage. If you touch
components which are under voltage, you
could get an electric shock. There is a risk of
injury.
Never touch components of the ignition
system or fuel injection system when the
ignition is switched on.
Opening the hood
GWARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion,you can be injured
by the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
280Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

!Make sure that the windshieldwipers are
not folded away fromthe windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.
XPull release leveron the hood.
The hood is released.
XReach into the gap between the hood and
the radiator trim and press hood catch
leverto the left.
XRaise the hood.
XPull support strut!out of bracket.
XLift up support strut!and insert it into
yellow retaining clip".
Closing the hood
XRaise the hood slightly and, at the same
time, remove support strut!from yellow
retaining clip".
XSwing support strut!down and press it
into bracketuntil it engages.
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Do not press the hood
closed. Open the hood again and close it
with a little more force.
Engine oil
General notes
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil
overadistanceof600 miles(1,000 km). The
oil consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstickmay
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
Rif the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g.ifthe engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
Engine compartment281
Maintenance and care
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Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
ExampleXPull oil dipstickout of the dipstick guide
tube.
XWipe off oil dipstick.
XSlowly slide oil dipstickinto the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark"and
MAX mark, the oil level is correct.
XIf the oil level has dropped to MIN mark
"or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of
engine oil.
Adding engine oil
GWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
components in the engine compartment, it
may ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is notspilled next
to the filler neck. Let the engine cool down
and thoroughly clean the engine oil off the
components before starting the engine.
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
!Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
Rusing engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
Rreplacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacementspecified by
the service system has been exceeded
Rusing engine oil additives.
!Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off.
Example: engine oil capXTurn capcounter-clockwise and remove
it.
XAdd engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt(1.0 liter)
of engine oil.
XReplace capon the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
XCheck the oil level againwith the oil
dipstick (Ypage 282).
Further information on engine oil
(Ypage 348).
282Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Checking and adding other service
products
Checking coolantlevel
GWARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized,
particularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hot
coolant spraying out.There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape.
!The coolant may only be checked and
corrected when the engine is cool (coolant
temperature below 104 ‡ (40 †).
Checking the coolant when the coolant
temperature is above 104 ‡ (40 †) may
result in damage to the engine or to the
engine cooling system.
Example
XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the
vehicle is on a level surface and the engine
has cooled down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 137).
XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
104 ‡ (40 †).
XTurn the SmartKey to position
0(Ypage 137) in the ignition lock.
XSlowly turn caphalf a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
XTurn capfurther counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
"in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace capand turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Ypage 349).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlampcleaning
system
GWARNING
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable. If it comes into contact with hot
engine components or the exhaust systemit
could ignite. There is a riskoffire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer
concentrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
Example
XTo open:pull capupwards by the tab.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close:press caponto the filler neck
until it engages.
Engine compartment283
Maintenance and care
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The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
If the washer fluid level drops below the
recommended minimum of1liter, a message
appears in the multifunction display
prompting you to refill the washer fluid
(Ypage 239).
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (Ypage 350).
Maintenance
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the nextservice due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
iThe ASSYST PLUS serviceinterval display
does not show any informationonthe
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (Ypage 281).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
RService A in .. Days
RService A Due
RService A Exceeded by .. Days
Depending on the operating conditions of the
vehicle, the remaining time or distance until
the next service due date is displayed.
The letterAorB, possibly in connection with
a number or another letter, shows the type of
service.Astands for a minor service andBfor
a major service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-BenzCenter.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into accountany periods of
time during which the battery is
disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
XNote down the service due date displayed
in the multifunctiondisplay before
disconnecting the battery.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods fromthe
service date shown on the display.
Hidingaservice message
XPressor.
Displaying service messages
XSwitch on the ignition.
XUsingor, selecttheServ.
menu.
XPressorto select theASSYST
PLUSsubmenu and pressto confirm.
The service due date appears in the
multifunction display.
Information about Service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display
!If the ASSYST PLUS service interval
display has been inadvertently reset, this
setting can be corrected at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Have service work carried out as described
in the Maintenance Booklet. This may
otherwise lead to increased wear and
damage to the major assemblies or the
vehicle.
Aqualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-BenzCenter, will reset
the ASSYST PLUS service interval display
after the service work has been carried out.
You can also obtain further information on
maintenance work, for example.
284Maintenance
Maintenance and care

Special service requirements
The specified maintenance interval takes only
the normal operation of the vehicle into
account. Under arduous operating conditions
or increased load on the vehicle,
maintenance work must be carried out more
frequently, for example:
Rregular city driving with frequent
intermediate stops
Rif the vehicle is primarily used to travel
short distances
Ruse in mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
Rif the engine is often left idling for long
periods
Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must
be checked more often. Further information
can be obtained at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Care
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
!For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
Rdry, rough or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rsolvents
Rcleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Exterior care
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
Care285
Maintenance and care
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