check engine MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class 2016 W218 Owner's Guide

Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
?NThe red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running.
The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator may be blocked or
the electric engine radiator fan may be malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 146).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning notes
(Ypage 276).
XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by snow,
slush or ice.
XDo not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is below 248 ‡
(120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain,
and stop-and-go traffic.
?N The red coolant warning lamp comes on while the engine is running. A warning
tone also sounds.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡(120 †). The airflow to the engine
radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may be too low.
GWARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some fluids which
may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 146).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until the engine has
cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning notes
(Ypage 276).
XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by snow,
slush or ice.
242Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
XPull release lever:on the hood.
The hood is released.
XReach into the gap, pull hood catch handle ;
up and lift the hood.
If you lift the hood by approximately 15 in
(40 cm), the hood is opened and held open
automatically by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the hood
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. Open it again and close it
with a little more force.
Engine oil
General notes
Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per
600 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 dipstick may be
in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
Rif the engine is not at normal operating tem-
perature, e.g. if the engine was only started
briefly, wait about 30 minutes before carrying
out the measurement.
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, 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.
Example
XPull oil dipstick :out of the dipstick guide
tube.
XWipe off oil dipstick :.
XSlowly slide oil dipstick :into 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 1.0 l of engine oil.
Engine compartment275
Maintenance and care
Z

Adding engine oil
GWARNING
Certain component sin th eengin ecompart-
ment, suc has th eengine, radiato rand part s
of th eexhaust system, can become ver yhot .
Working in th eengin ecompartmen tposes a
ris kof injury.
Wher epossible, let th eengin ecool down and
touch only th ecomponent sdescribed in th e
following.
GWARNIN G
If engin eoil comes int ocontact wit hhot com-
ponents in th eengin ecompartment, it may
ignite. There is aris kof fir eand injury.
Mak esur ethat engin eoil is no tspilled next to
th efiller neck .Let th eengin ecool down and
thoroughly clean th eengin eoil off th ecom-
ponents before starting th eengine.
HEnvironmenta lnot e
When addin goil, tak ecar eno tto spil lany. If
oil enters th esoil or waterways, it is harmful to
th eenvironment.
!Only use engin eoils and oil filters that hav e
been approve dfor vehicles wit h aservic esys-
tem. You can obtain alist of th eengin eoils
and oil filters tested and approve din accord -
anc ewit hth eMercedes-Benz Specification s
for Service Products at any Mercedes-Benz
Service center.
Damage to th eengin eor exhaust system is
caused by th efollowing:
Rusin gengin eoils and oil filters that hav eno t
been specifically approve dfor th eservic e
system
Rreplacing engin eoil and oil filters after th e
interval for replacemen tspecifie dby th e
servic esystem has been exceeded
Rusin gengin eoil additives.
!Do no tadd to omuc hoil. addin gto omuc h
engin eoil can result in damag eto th eengin e
or to th ecatalytic converter. Hav eexcess
engin eoil siphoned off .
Example
XTurn cap :counter-clockwise and remove it .
XAddengin eoil.
If th eoil level is at or belo wtheMIN mar kon
th eoil dipstick ,add 1. 1US qt (1.0l)of engine
oil.
XReplace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place securely.
XCheck the oil level again with the oil dipstick
(Ypage 275).
Further information on engine oil (
Ypage 333).
Additional service products
Checking coolant level
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, 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
The cooling system is pressurized, particularly
when the motor is warm. If you open the cap,
you could be scalded if hot coolant sprays out.
There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before you open the
cap. Wear gloves and eye protection. Slowly
open the cap to relieve pressure.
276Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehicleis on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 127).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (
Ypage 127).
XCheck the coolant temperature display in the
instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0in the ignition
lock (Ypage 127).
XSlowly turn cap :half a turn counter-clock-
wise to allow excess pressure to escape.
XTurn cap :further 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 ;.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar =in the filler neck
when warm, there is enough coolant in expan-
sion tank ;.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace cap :and turn it clockwise as far as
it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(
Ypage 334).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlamp cleaning
system
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, 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
Windshield washer concentrate could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents or the exhaust system. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
XTo open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
If the washer fluid level drops below the recom-
mended minimum of 1 liter, a message appears
in the multifunction display prompting you to
add washer fluid (
Ypage 234).
Further information on windshield washer fluid/
antifreeze (
Ypage 335).
Maintenance
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance Book-
let).
Maintenance277
Maintenance and care
Z

You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
iThe ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the engine
oil level. Observe the notes on the engine oil
level (
Ypage 275).
The multifunction display shows a service mes-
sage 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 letter A
orB, possibly in connection with a
number or another letter, indicates the type of
service. A
stands for a minor service and Bfor a
major service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display does
not take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service sched-
ule:
XNote down the service due date displayed in
the multifunction display before disconnect-
ing the battery.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract the
battery disconnection periods from the ser-
vice date shown on the display.
Hiding a service message
XPress the aor% button on the steering
wheel.
Displaying service messages
XSwitch on the ignition.
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Serv.menu.
XPress the9or: button to select the
ASSYSTPLUSsubmenu and confirm by press-
ing the abutton.
The service due date appears in the multi-
function display.
Information about Service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service inter-
val display
!If the ASSYST PLUS service interval display
has been inadvertently reset, this setting can
be corrected at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
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.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center, 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.
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.
278Maintenance
Maintenance and care

iExample: equipment and country-specific
variations possible.
Vehicles with alloy wheels and hub caps
On vehicles with alloy wheels and hub caps, a
socket is also provided.
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
RMOExtended tires (tires with run-flat proper-
ties) (Ypage 287)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on vehi-
cles with MOExtended tires
Ra TIREFIT kit (Ypage 286)
Ran emergency spare wheel (Ypage 326)
Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires are
not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It
is therefore recommended that you additionally
equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not feature run-flat properties, e.g.
winter tires. A TIREFIT kit may be obtained from a qualified specialist workshop.
Information on changing and mounting wheels
(
Ypage 320).
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 146).
XIf possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
XVehicles with AIRMATIC: make sure that "nor-
mal" level is selected (Ypage 166).
XSwitch off the engine.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS ‑GO:
XOpen the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0.
This is the same as the SmartKey having been
removed.
XRemove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 127).
XMake sure that the passengers are not endan-
gered as they do so. Make sure that no one is near the danger area while a wheel is being changed. Anyone who is not directly assisting
in the wheel change should, for example,
stand behind the barrier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traffic
conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat char-
acteristics), you can continue to drive your vehi-
cle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one
or more tires. The affected tire must not show
any clearly visible damage.
You can recognize MOExtended tires by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the
sidewall of the tire. You will find this marking
next to the tire size designation, the load-bear-
ing capacity and the speed index (
Ypage 315).
MOExtended tires may only be used in conjunc-
tion with an active tire pressure loss warning
system or with an active tire pressure monitor.
If a pressure loss warning message appears
in the multifunction display:
Robserve the instructions in the display mes-
sages (Ypage 230).
Rcheck the tire for damage.
Rif driving on, observe the following notes.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is
approximately 50 miles (80 km) when the vehi-
cle is partially laden. When the vehicle is fully
laden it is approximately 19 miles (30 km).
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving dis-
tance possible depends upon:
Rvehicle speed
Rroad condition
Routside temperature
The driving di stance p
ossible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving conditions
or maneuvers, or it can be increased through a
moderate style of driving.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is
counted from the moment the tire pressure loss
warning appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
Flat tire287
Breakdown assistance

RMake sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con-
tact with vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a bat-tery.
RIt is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
HEnvironmental note
Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separately and recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
!Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop. Observe the service intervals in the Mainte-
nance Booklet or contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information.
!Always have work on batteries carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop. Should it, in
exceptional circumstances, be absolutely
necessary to disconnect the 12-volt battery
yourself, observe the following:
Rsecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
Rswitch off the ignition.
Ralways disconnect the negative terminal
clamp first, followed by the positive termi-
nal clamp.
After the battery has been disconnected, the
transmission is locked in position P.
After the work has been done, install the bat-
tery and replace the cover of the positive ter-
minal clamp firmly.
Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries.
Risk of explosion.
Fire, open flames and smoking are
prohibited when handling the bat-
tery. Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective clothing,
especially gloves, apron and face-
guard.
Rinse any acid spills immediately
with clear water. Contact a physician
if necessary.
Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Operator's Manual.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use batteries which have
been tested and approved for your vehicle by
292Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

Mercedes-Benz. These batteries provide
increased impact protection to prevent vehicle
occupants from suffering acid burns should the
battery be damaged in the event of an accident.
In order for the battery to achieve the maximum
possible service life, it must always be suffi-
ciently charged.
Like other batteries, the vehicle battery may
discharge over time if you do not use the vehicle.
In this case, have the battery disconnected at a
qualified specialist workshop. You can also
charge the battery with a charger recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Contact a qualified special-
ist workshop for further information.
Have the battery condition of charge checked
more frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for a
lengthy period. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle
parked for a long period of time.
Remove the SmartKey if you park the vehicle
and do not require any electrical consumers.
The vehicle will then use very little energy, thus conserving battery power.
If the power supply has been interrupted, e.g. if
you reconnect the battery, you will have to:
Rset the clock. Information on setting the clock
can be found in the Digital Operator's Manual
On vehicles with a multimedia system, the
time is set automatically.
Rreset the function for folding the exterior mir-
rors in/out automatically, by folding the mir-
rors out once (
Ypage 104)
Charging the battery
GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of
an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
!Only use battery chargers with a maximum
charging voltage of 14.8 V.
!Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment (
Ypage 294).
XOpen the hood.
XConnect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground point in the same order
as when connecting the donor battery in the
jump-starting procedure (
Ypage 294).
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up at
low temperatures, it is very likely that the dis-
charged battery has frozen. In this case, you
may neither charge the battery nor jump-start
the vehicle. The service life of a thawed-out bat-
tery may be shorter. The starting characteristics
may be impaired, especially at low tempera-
tures. Have the thawed-out battery checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Never charge a battery still installed in the vehi-
cle unless a battery charger unit approved by
Mercedes-Benz is being used . A battery charger
unit specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles and tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz is available as an accessory. It permits the charging of the battery in its installed position.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for further information and availability. Read the
battery charger's operating instructions before
charging the battery.
Battery (vehicle)293
Breakdown assistance
Z

Jump-starting
For the jump-starting procedure, use only the jump-starting connection point in the engine com-
partment, consisting of a positive terminal and a ground point.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over the
battery. Keep children away from batteries. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of
clean water and seek medical attention.
GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient ven-
tilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery.
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a battery.
RIt is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion. Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could be
damaged by the non-combusted fuel.
If, at low temperatures, the indicator lamps/warning lamps in the instrument cluster do not light up,
it is highly likely that the discharged battery has frozen. In this case, you may neither charge the
battery nor jump-start the vehicle. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The
starting characteristics can be impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have the thawed-out
battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
294Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance

XConnect negative terminal?of donor battery Bto ground point Aof your vehicle using the
jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to battery of other vehicle Bfirst.
XStart the engine.
XBefore disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
XFirst, remove the jumper cables from ground pointA and negative terminal ?, then from pos-
itive clamp ;and positive terminal =. Begineach time at the contacts on your own vehicle first.
XClose cover :of positive clamp ;after removing the jumper cables.
XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Jump-starting isnot cons idered to bea normal operating condition.
iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer availab leif:
Rthe engine isnot running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere isa malfunction inthe voltage supply
or the veh icle's electrical system.
If your veh icle is bein g towed, much more
force may benecessary to steer or brake.
There isa risk of an acc ident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before to wing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWAR NING
When to wingor tow-starting another veh icle
and its weight isgreater than the permis sible
gross weight of your veh icle, the:
Rthe to wingeye could detach itself
Rthe veh icle/trailer co mbination could roll-
over.
There isa risk of an acc ident.
When to wingor tow-starting another veh icle,
its weight should not begreater than the per-
mis sible gross weight of your veh icle.
Details on the permis siblegross veh icleweight
of your veh iclecan befound on the veh icle iden-
tification plate (
Ypage 330).
!When COLLIS ION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLU S,DIST RONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically
in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the foll owing or similar sit-
uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
to wing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could be
damaged.
!Do not use the to wingeye for recovery, this
could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover
the vehicle with a crane.
!When to wing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could bedamaged.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
!When towing vehicles with KEYLESS -GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop button.
Otherwise, the automatic transmission may
shift to position Pwhen the driver's or front-
passenger door are opened, which could lead
to damage to the transmission.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 mile s (50km). The to wingspeed of 30 mph
(50 km/ h)must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
296Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance