service MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS 2000 Owner's Guide

194 Automatic transmission
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Driving
The selector lever is automatically locked while in
position “P”. To move the selector lever out of
position “P”, the service brake pedal must be firmly
depressed before the shift lock will release.
Shift selector lever to the desired position only when the
engine is idling normally and the service brake is
applied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive.
The vehicle may otherwise start creeping when the
selector lever is in drive or reverse position.Important!
After selecting any driving position from “N” or “P”,
wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage before
accelerating, especially when the engine is cold.
Accelerator position
Partial throttle = early upshifting = normal acceleration
Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid acceleration
Kickdown (depressing the accelerator beyond full
throttle) = downshifting to a lower gear = maximum
acceleration. Once the desired speed is attained, ease up
on the accelerator — the transmission shifts up again.
Wa r n i n g !
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P”
or “N” if the engine speed is higher than idle speed.
If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when your
right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
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195 Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into “N”
or “P” and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
slight partial throttle.Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the
malfunction indication.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone
may not prevent your vehicle from moving,
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting
to position “P”, see page 202 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
against curb.Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move
the gear selector lever from position “P”, which
could result in an accident or serious injury.
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198 Automatic transmission
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Press and hold selector lever in the æ direction:
The transmission will shift from the current gear
directly to gear range “D”.
Important!
With transmission in gear range “D”, “4” or “3”,
upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear is delayed
depending on vehicle speed and engine temperature.
This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more
quickly to operating temperatures.
During the brief warm-up period this delayed upshift
and increased engine noise might be perceived as a
malfunction. However, neither the engine nor
transmission are negatively affected by this mode of
operation.The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50km / h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C).
To avoid overrevving the engine when the selector lever
is moved to a lower gear range, the transmission will not
shift to a lower gear, if the engine’s revolutions per
minute limit would be exceeded. In this case there will
be no downshift, even when the vehicle speed reaches
the engine’s RPM limit of that gear, e.g. by applying the
service brakes.
To prevent the engine from laboring at low RPM when
driving uphill gradients or with your vehicle heavily
loaded, the automatic transmission will downshift when
necessary to maintain engine RPM within the best
torque range.
Wa r n i n g !
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order
to obtain braking action. This could result in drive
wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your
vehicle’s ABS will not prevent this type of loss of
control.
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204 Driving instructions
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Power assistance
BrakesThe condition of the parking brake system is checked
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required
maintenance service.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the
reason for low brake f luid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
All checks and service work on the brake system should
be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by
Mercedes-Benz.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep enough
to wet brake components, the first braking action
may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal
pressure may be necessary to obtain expected
braking effect. Be sure to maintain a safe distance
from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time
to avoid an accident.
Wa r n i n g !
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake fluid
is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be
degraded to an extent that safe braking is
substantially impaired. This could result in an
accident.
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205 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Caution!
When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the
load on the brakes by shifting into a lower gear to use
the engine’s braking power. This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some
time, rather than immediately parking, so the air stream
will cool down the brakes faster.
Driving off
Apply the service brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only when the road
is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place full load on
the engine until the operating temperature has been
reached.
When starting off on a slippery surface, do not allow one
drive wheel to spin for an extended period with the ESP
switched off. Doing so may cause serious damage to the
drive train which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.Parking
Important!
It is advisable to set the parking brake whenever
parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, move
selector lever to position “P”.
When parking on hills, always set the parking brake.
Wa r n i n g !
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of
vehicle movement, before
turning off the engine
and leaving the vehicle, always:
1. Keep right foot on the service brake pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to position “P”.
4. Slowly release the service brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards the road curb.
6. Turn the electronic key to steering lock
position 0 and remove.
7. Take the electronic key and lock vehicle when
leaving.
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211 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Deep water
Caution!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown
depth.
If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or
passenger compartment, being ingested by the air
intake, possibly causing damage to electrical
components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Passenger compartmentTraveling abroad
Abroad, there is a widely-spread Mercedes-Benz service
network at your disposal. If you plan to travel into areas
which are not listed in the index of your Mercedes-Benz
Center directory, you should request pertinent
information from your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Wa r n i n g !
Always fasten items being carried as securely as
possible.In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are securely fastened in
the vehicle.The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.
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230 What you should know at the gas station
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Fuel tank capacity approximately 21.1 US gal (80.0 l).
This includes approximately 2.6 US gal (10.0 l) reserve.
Use premium unleaded gasoline:
Posted Octane Index 91 (Average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Engine oil
Engine oil level check, see page 260.
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking
level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
Recommended engine oils, see Approved Service
Products sheet.
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water
quality).
For further information (e.g. anticorrosion /antifreeze),
see page 322.
Spark plugs
Approved spark plugs, see page 316.Tire pressure
For tire pressure, refer to tire pressure label inside the
fuel filler flap.
Air conditioner
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant, see
page 318.
Bulbs
High and low beams: H7 (55 W),
low beam: Xenon (optional)
fog lamps: H1 (55 W),
turn signal lamps,
front 1156 NA (26.9 / 5 W / 32 / 4 cp),
parking and standing lamps, front: H 6W (6 W)
side marker lamps, front: 5 W / 4 cp,
turn signal lamps, rear: 21 W / 24 cp,
stop, tail and parking lamp: 21 W / 4 cp,
tail, parking and side marker lamp: 5 W / 4 cp,
rear fog lamp, driver´s side: 21 W / 32 cp,
backup lamps: 21 W / 32 cp,
license plate lamps: 5 W / 4 cp
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245 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index COOLANT (coolant level)
When 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 90.
See page 261 for instructions on topping up the coolant.
Line 1 Line 2
COOLANT CHECK LEVEL!
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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250 Malfunction and warning messages
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ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1 The engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil
level indicator on page 117.
2 There is no oil in the engine. There is a danger of engine damage.3 There is a risk of damaging the engine or catalytic converter. The
engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil level
i n d i c a t o r o n p a g e 117 .
4 The engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
Check the engine oil level immediately. See Engine oil level
indicator on page 117 and check the engine for visible leakage (loss
of oil).
5 The measuring system is malfunctioning.
6 It may be that there is water in the engine oil. Have the engine oil
che cked.
When the “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – CHECK LEVEL”
message appears while the engine is running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning will first come on
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops
further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
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.
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ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK LEVEL!
1
ENGINE OIL LEVEL STOP, ENGINE OFF!
2
ENG INE OIL LEVE L REDU CE OIL LEVEL!
3
ENGINE OIL LEVEL VISIT WORKSHOP!
4
ENGINE OIL SENSOR VISIT WORKSHOP!
5
ENGINE OIL VISIT WORKSHOP!
6
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266 Tires, Wheels
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Wheels
Replace rims or tires with the same designation,
manufacturer and type as shown on the original part.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information on tested and recommended rims and tires
for summer and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and purchase.
Tire replacement
Front tires should be replaced in sets. Rims and tires
must be of the correct size and type. For dimensions,
see page 313.
We recommend that you break in new tires for
approximately 60 miles (100 km) at moderate speed.
It is imperative that the wheel mounting bolts be
fastened to a tightening torque of 80 ft.lb. (110 Nm)
whenever wheels are mounted.
For rim and tire specifications, see 313.
Wa r n i n g !
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread
is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained
damage, replace them.When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result in
the bolts loosening and possibly an accident.
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