2006 Mercedes-benz CL Class Owners Manual

Warning!

If you use your spare tire when winter tires are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that the difference in tire characteristics may very well impair turning stability and that overall driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your driving style accordingly.

Have the spare tire replaced with a winter tire at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

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Operation Winter driving

Block heater (Canada only)

The engine is equipped with a block heater. The electrical cable may be installed at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Snow chains

Snow chains should only be driven on snow-covered roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow.

When driving with snow chains, you may wish to deactivate the ESP® (컄 page 83) before setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve the vehicle’s traction.

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Please observe the following guidelines when using snow chains: 앫 Use of snow chains is not permissible

with all wheel/tire combinations.

앫 Snow chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow the manufac- turer’s mounting instructions. 앫 Only use snow chains that are

approved by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to advise you on this subject.

앫 Use of snow chains may be prohibited depending on location. Always check local and state laws before installing snow chains.

Even on vehicles with all-wheel-drive use snow chains on rear tires only. Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clearance for snow chains. To help avoid serious damage to your vehicle or tires, use of snow chains is not permis- sible with the following tire sizes: 앫 245/45 R18 100V XL (Extra Load)

M+S.on 8.5 x 18 rims

앫 245/45 R18 96H M+S.on

8.5 x 18 rims

앫 245/45 R18 100Y XL (Extra Load)

on 8.5 x 18 rims

앫 245/45 R18 96Y on 8.5 x 18 rims 앫 265/40 R18 101Y XL (Extra Load) 앫 265/40 R18 97Y 앫 245/40 ZR19 98Y XL (Extra Load) 앫 245/40 ZR19 앫 275/35 ZR19 100Y XL (Extra Load) 앫 275/35 ZR19

왔 Maintenance We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet at the times called for by the maintenance service indi- cator. Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet and maintenance service indicator at the designated times/mileage will result in ve- hicle damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Maintenance service indicator message

The maintenance service indicator will no- tify you when your next maintenance ser- vice is due. Starting approximately 1 month before your next maintenance service is due, one of the following messages will appear in the multifunction display while you are driving or when you switch on the ignition (example service A):

'A' SERVICE IN XXXXX MI (Canada: IN XXXXX KM)

'A' SERVICE IN XXX DAYS

'A' SERVICE IN X DAY

'A' SERVICE DUE NOW

Operation Maintenance

The type of maintenance service due is in- dicated in the multifunction display: 9 Basic service (A) ´ Extended service (B)

Vehicles equipped with FSS (Flexible Service System) only (Canada vehi- cles): The interval between services depends on your driving habits. A gentle driving style, moderate engine speeds and the avoidance of short-distance trips will lengthen the interval between services.

315

Calling up the maintenance service indicator

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 34). 왘 Press button è or ÿ on the mul-

tifunction steering wheel repeatedly until the standard display appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 142).

왘 Press button k or j until the

maintenance service indicator display with the service symbol 9 or ´ and the service deadline appears in the multifunction display.

Operation Maintenance

Clearing the maintenance service indicator The maintenance service indicator mes- sage is automatically cleared after approx- imately 30 seconds when you switch on the ignition or when reaching the service threshold while driving. You can also clear it yourself.

1 Reset button J 왘 Press reset button J 1 on the instru-

ment cluster. The maintenance service indicator message is cleared and the standard display appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 142).

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Maintenance service term exceeded If you have exceeded the suggested main- tenance service term, you will see the fol- lowing message in the multifunction display:

'A' SERVICE EXCEEDED BY XXXX MI (Canada: XXXX KM)

'A' SERVICE EXCEEDED BY XXX DAYS

'A' SERVICE EXCEEDED BY X DAY In addition, a signal sounds when the mes- sage appears. Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will reset the maintenance service indicator following a completed maintenance ser- vice.

i If the battery is disconnected, the days of disconnection will not be included in the count shown by the maintenance service indicator. To arrive at the true maintenance service deadline, you will need to subtract these days from the days shown in the maintenance service indicator. Do not confuse the maintenance ser- vice indicator with the engine oil level indicator N.

Resetting the maintenance service indicator

In the event that the maintenance service on your vehicle is not carried out by an au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Center, you can have the maintenance service indicator re- set. The automotive maintenance facility carrying out the maintenance service will find the information for resetting the main- tenance service indicator in the mainte- nance-relevant information for your vehicle. Such information is available from either your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Operation Maintenance

If the maintenance service indicator was inadvertently reset, have an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center correct it. Only reset if the proper maintenance service has been performed. Resetting the system without performing the proper service as called for by the maintenance service indicator will re- sult in engine damage and/or other ve- hicle damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

317

Operation Vehicle care

Cleaning and care of vehicle

Warning!

Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow the instructions on the partic- ular container. Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the inside.

Never use fluids or solvents that are not de- signed for cleaning your vehicle.

Always lock away cleaning products and keep them out of reach of children.

While in operation, even while parked, your vehicle is subjected to varying external in- fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at- tack the paintwork as well as the vehicle underbody and cause lasting damage.

318

Such damage is caused not only by ex- treme and varying climatic conditions, but also by: 앫 Air pollution 앫 Road salt 앫 Tar 앫 Gravel and stone chipping To avoid paint damage, you should imme- diately remove: 앫 Grease and oil 앫 Fuel 앫 Coolant 앫 Brake fluid 앫 Bird droppings 앫 Insects 앫 Tree resins, etc. Frequent washing reduces and/or elimi- nates the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse influences.

More frequent washings are necessary to deal with unfavorable conditions: 앫 near the ocean 앫 in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust

emissions)

앫 during winter operation You should check your vehicle from time to time for stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent corrosion. In doing so, do not neglect the underbody of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor- ough check is a washing of the underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Dam- aged areas need to be re-undercoated. Your vehicle has been treated at the facto- ry with a wax-base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last for the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility of incompatibility between materials used in the production process and others ap- plied later.

We have selected car-care products and compiled recommendations which are specially matched to our vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology. You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care products at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed or repaired with the car-care products recommended here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at an au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of your vehicle and give important “how-to” information as well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care products.

Power washer

Follow the instructions provided by the power washer manufacturer on main- taining a distance between the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer. Never use a round nozzle to power-wash tires. The intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire. Always replace a damaged tire. Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface. Do not aim directly at electrical parts, electrical connec- tors, seals, or other rubber parts.

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is in close proximity, i.e. within approximately 3 ft. (approxi- mately 1 m), the vehicle could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.

Operation Vehicle care

Tar stains Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become more difficult to remove. A tar remover is recommended.

Paintwork, painted body components

Affixing stickers, adhesive tape or sim- ilar materials to painted body compo- nents may damage the paintwork.

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”. This should normally be done every 3 to 5 months, de- pending on the climate and washing deter- gent used. Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be applied if the paint surface shows signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of gloss). Do not apply any of these products or wax if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.

319

Operation Vehicle care

왘 Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up

Stick for quick and provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle doors, etc.).

Engine cleaning Prior to cleaning the engine compartment, make sure to protect electrical compo- nents and connectors from contact with water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax, should be applied to the engine compartment after every en- gine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lu- bricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax.

Vehicle washing In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt as soon as possible. When washing the vehicle underbody, do not forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.

320

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is in close proximity, i.e. within approximately 3 ft (approxi- mately 1 m), the vehicle could be inad- vertently locked or unlocked.

Hand-wash Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct sunlight. 왘 Only use a mild car wash detergent,

such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.

왘 Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a dif-

fused jet of water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the ventilation intake.

왘 Use plenty of water and rinse the sponge and chamois frequently.

왘 Rinse with clean water and thoroughly

dry with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the finish.

Automatic car wash You can have your car washed in an auto- matic car wash from the start. Automatic car washes without brushes are prefera- ble. If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it be- fore running it through the automatic car wash.

Operation Vehicle care

Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in exterior rear view mirrors prior to run- ning the vehicle through an automatic car wash to prevent damage to the mirrors. Make sure that the windshield wiper switch is set to 0 (컄 page 54). Other- wise, the rain sensor could activate and cause the wipers to move unintention- ally. This may lead to vehicle damage.

After running the vehicle through an au- tomatic car wash, wipe any wax off of the windshield (컄 page 323). This will prevent smears and reduce wiping noise which can be caused by residual wax on the windshield. When leaving the car wash, make sure that the mirrors are folded out. Other- wise they may vibrate.

Ornamental moldings For regular cleaning and care of ornamen- tal moldings, use a damp cloth.

Headlamps, tail lamps, side markers, turn signal lenses 왘 Use a mild car wash detergent, such as

Do not use chrome cleaner on orna- mental moldings. Although ornamental moldings may have chrome appear- ance, they could be made of anodized aluminum that will be damaged when cleaned with chrome cleaner. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean those orna- mental moldings. For very dirty ornamental moldings of which you are sure are chrome-plated, use a chrome cleaner. If in doubt whether an ornamental molding is chrome-plated, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.

Only use window cleaning solutions that are suitable for plastic lamp lens- es. Window cleaning solutions which are not suitable may damage the plas- tic lamp lenses of the headlamps. Therefore, do not use abrasives, sol- vents or cleaners that contain solvents. Never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when clean- ing the lenses. Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or sponge. Otherwise you may scratch or damage the lens surface.

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Operation Vehicle care

Cleaning the Distronic* system sensor cover

1 Distronic system sensor cover 왘 Switch off the ignition (컄 page 34). 왘 Use a mild car wash detergent, such as

Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water and a non-scratching cloth to clean sensor cover 1.

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To prevent scratches or damage, never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when cleaning the sensor cover 1. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth or sponge.

Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors

1 Parktronic system sensors in front

bumper

왘 Use a mild car wash detergent, such as

Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water and a soft, non-scratching cloth to clean sensors 1 on the bumpers.

Do not apply strong pressure to the sensor covers. Applying strong pres- sure may damage the sensor covers. Follow the instructions provided by the power washer manufacturer on main- taining a distance between the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer.

To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when cleaning the sensors. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth or sponge.

Cleaning the windows and the wiper blades

Warning!

The windshield wipers must be in a ver- tical position before folding them away from the windshield. They could other- wise damage the hood. Never open the hood when the wiper arms are folded forward.

For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re- move SmartKey from starter switch (vehi- cles with KEYLESS-GO*: Make sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0) before cleaning the windshield the windshield and/or the wiper blades. Other- wise, the wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause injury.

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 34). 왘 Turn combination switch to wiper

setting II (컄 page 54).

왘 With wiper arms in vertical position, switch off the ignition (컄 page 384).

왘 Fold the wiper arms forward until they

snap into place.

왘 Clean the wiper blade inserts with a

clean cloth and detergent solution.

왘 Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild win-

dow cleaning solution on all outside and inside glass surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is recom- mended.

Operation Vehicle care

Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto the windshield before turning the SmartKey in the starter switch or pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*). Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper arm back. If released, the force of the impact from the tensioning spring could crack the windshield.

To clean the window interior, do not use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or cleaners containing solvents. Do not touch the inside of the front, rear or side windows with hard objects such as an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may damage the windows.

323

Operation Vehicle care

Light alloy wheels If possible, clean wheels once a week. 왘 Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong spray of water for cleaning the light al- loy wheels.

Only use acid-free cleaning materials. Acid may cause corrosion or damage the clear coat.

The vehicle should not be parked for an extended period of time immediately after it has been cleaned, especially not after the wheel rims have been cleaned with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim cleaners can lead to increased corro- sion of the brake disks and brake pads. Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system should always be warmed-up before it is parked after cleaning. To do so, please drive your vehicle for several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.

324

When applying Mercedes-Benz ap- proved Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care products, take care not to spray them on the brake disks.

Plastic and rubber parts 왘 Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing solution.

Do not use oil or wax on these parts.

Instrument cluster and cup holders 왘 Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing solution.

왘 Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-

warm solution.

To prevent scratches, do not use scour- ing agents.

Hard plastic trim items 왘 Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.

To prevent scratches, do not use scour- ing agents.

Steering wheel and gear selector lever 왘 Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thor- oughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.

Upholstery Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that have the tendency to give off coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause the upholstery to become permanently dis- colored. By lining the seats with a proper intermediate cover, contact-discoloration will be prevented.

Leather upholstery 왘 Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.

Exercise particular care when cleaning per- forated leather as its underside should not become wet.

Carpets 왘 Use Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet and Fabric Care for cleaning the car- pets.

Headliner and shelf below rear window 왘 Use a soft bristle brush or a dry-sham- poo cleaner in case of excessive dirt.

Seat belts 왘 Only use clear, lukewarm water and

soap.

The webbing must not be treated with chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above 176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.

Warning!

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

Operation Vehicle care

Wood trims 왘 Dampen cloth using water and use

damp cloth to clean wood trims in your vehicle.

Do not use solvents like tar remover or wheel cleaner nor polishes or waxes as these may be abrasive.

325

326

Practical hints What to do if …?

Where will I find ...?

Unlocking/locking in an emergency

Opening/closing in an emergency

Replacing SmartKey batteries

Replacing bulbs

Replacing wiper blades

Flat tire

Battery

Jump starting

Towing the vehicle

Fuses

327

Practical hints What to do if …?

Lamps in instrument cluster

General information:

Problem - The yellow Antilock Brake

System (ABS) indicator lamp comes on while driving.

328

If any of the following lamps in the instru- ment cluster fails to come on during the lamp self-check when switching on the

Possible cause/consequence The ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. The BAS and the ESP® are also switched off (see messages in multi- function display). The brake system is still functioning nor- mally but without the ABS available. If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, other systems such as Parktronic*, Distronic*, and the automatic transmission may also be malfunctioning.

The charging voltage has fallen below 10 volts and the ABS has switched off. The battery may not be charged sufficiently.

ignition, have the respective bulb checked and replaced if necessary.

Suggested solution 왘 Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability.

왘 Read and observe messages in the mul-

tifunction display (컄 page 337).

왘 Have the system checked at an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increas- es the risk of an accident. 왘 Switch off electrical consumers that are

currently not needed, e.g. seat heat- ing*.

왘 If necessary, have the generator (alternator) and battery checked.

When the voltage is above this value again, the ABS is operational again.

Problem (USA only) (Canada only)

The red brake warning lamp comes on while driving and you hear a warning sound. The red brake warning lamp comes on while driving.

Warning!

Driving with the brake warning lamp illumi- nated can result in an accident. Have your brake system checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot en- gine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Possible cause/consequence You are driving with the parking brake set. 왘 Release the parking brake (컄 page 50).

Suggested solution

There is insufficient brake fluid in the reser- voir.

Risk of accident! 왘 Carefully stop the vehicle in a safe loca-

tion and notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the prob- lem.

If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.

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Possible cause/consequence There is a malfunction in: 앫 The fuel management system 앫 The ignition system 앫 The emission control system 앫 Systems which affect emissions Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and may switch the en- gine to its limp-home (emergency opera- tion) mode. Your fuel tank is empty.

Suggested solution 왘 Have the vehicle checked as soon as

possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. An on-board diagnostic connector is used by the service station to link the vehicle to the shop diagnostics system. It allows the accurate identification of system malfunctions through the read- out of diagnostic trouble codes. It is lo- cated in the front left area of the footwell next to the parking brake pedal.

왘 After refuelling, start, turn off, and re- start the engine three or four times in succession.

The limp-home mode is canceled. You do not need to have your vehicle checked.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Problem (USA only) ± (Canada only)

The yellow engine malfunc- tion indicator lamp comes on while driving.

330

Problem (USA only) ± (Canada only)

The yellow engine malfunc- tion indicator lamp comes on while driving.

Possible cause/consequence A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Suggested solution 왘 Check the fuel cap (컄 page 270). If it is not closed properly: 왘 Close the fuel cap. If it is closed properly: 왘 Have the fuel system checked by an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

The yellow fuel tank reserve warning lamp comes on while driving.

The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.

왘 Refuel at the next gas station

(컄 page 270).

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Practical hints What to do if …?

Problem l Only vehicles with Distronic*: The red distance warning lamp comes on while driving.

l Only vehicles with Distronic*: The red distance warning lamp comes on while driving and you hear a warning sound.

v The yellow ESP® warning lamp

flashes while driving.

332

Possible cause/consequence You are too close to the vehicle in front of you to maintain selected speed.

Suggested solution 왘 Apply the brakes immediately to in-

crease the following distance.

앫 You are gaining too rapidly on the vehi-

cle ahead of you.

앫 The distance warning system has recog-

nized a stationary obstacle on your probable line of travel.

The ESP® or traction control has come into operation because of detected traction loss in at least one tire. Distronic* is deactivated.

왘 Apply the brakes immediately. 왘 Carefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.

왘 When driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

왘 While driving, ease up on the accelera-

tor.

왘 Adapt your speed and driving to the pre-

vailing road and weather conditions.

왘 Do not deactivate the ESP®. Exceptions:

(컄 page 83).

Failure to follow these instructions increas- es the risk of an accident.

Problem v The yellow ESP® warning lamp

comes on while driving.

Possible cause/consequence The ESP® switched off.

< The red seat belt telltale illumi- nates briefly after starting the engine.

The driver has not fastened his or her seat belt.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Suggested solution Risk of accident! 왘 Switch the ESP® back on (컄 page 84). 왘 Adapt your speed and driving to the pre-

vailing road and weather conditions. If the ESP® cannot be switched back on, have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. 왘 Fasten your seat belt.

The warning lamp goes out.

333

Practical hints What to do if …?

Problem H The yellow warning lamp for the

tire inflation pressure monitor comes on.

Possible cause/consequence The tire inflation pressure monitor detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.

Suggested solution 왘 Bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding

abrupt steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you. 왘 Read and observe messages in the mul-

tifunction display.

The warning lamp goes out once the tire in- flation pressure monitor has been reactivat- ed after the tire inflation pressures have been corrected.

Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi- cle’s handling and stopping ability. Each tire, including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and set to the recom- mended inflation pressure as specified in the vehicle placard and owner’s manual.

The recommended tire inflation pres- sures for your vehicle can be found on the tire placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the inside of the fuel filler flap, not in the owner’s manual.

Warning!

When the tire inflation pressure monitoring system warning light is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tire in- formation placard. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over- heat and can lead to tire failure.

334

Problem 1 The red Supplemental Restraint

System (SRS) indicator lamp comes on while driving.

Possible cause/consequence There is a malfunction in the restraint sys- tems. The air bags or emergency tensioning devices (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly or fail to activate in an accident.

Suggested solution 왘 Drive with added caution to the nearest

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Warning!

In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indi- cated as outlined above, the SRS may not be operational. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed in an acci- dent, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could result in an acci- dent and/or injury to you or to others.

335

Practical hints What to do if …?

Lamp in center console

Problem The indicator lamp comes on and remains illuminat- ed. The indicator lamp comes on and remains illuminated if there is no BabySmartTM child seat installed on the front passenger seat. The indicator lamp does not come on or does not remain illuminated with a BabySmartTM child seat properly installed on the front passenger seat.

Possible cause/consequence A BabySmartTM child seat is installed on the front passenger seat. Therefore the passenger front air bag is switched off. The system is malfunctioning.

Suggested solution

왘 Have the system checked as soon as

possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

The system is malfunctioning.

왘 Make sure there is nothing between seat

cushion and child seat and check installation of the child seat.

왘 If the front passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains out, have the system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Do not use the BabySmartTM restraint to transport children on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Lamp

336

Vehicle status messages in the multi- function display

Warning and malfunction messages ap- pear in the multifunction display located in the instrument cluster. Certain warning and malfunction messag- es are accompanied by an audible signal. Address these messages accordingly and follow the additional instructions given in this Operator’s Manual. Selecting the vehicle status message memory menu in the control system (컄 page 153) displays both cleared and uncleared messages. High-priority messages appear in the mul- tifunction display in red color.

Certain messages of high priority cannot be cleared from the multifunction display using the reset button J (컄 page 134) or button j, k, ÿ, or è on the multifunction steering wheel (컄 page 138). Other messages of high priority and mes- sages of less immediate priority can be cleared from the multifunction display us- ing the reset button J or button j, k, ÿ, or è on the multifunction steering wheel. They are then stored in the vehicle status message memory (컄 page 153). Remember that clearing a message will only make the message dis- appear. Clearing a message will not cor- rect the condition that caused the message to appear.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Warning!

All categories of messages contain impor- tant information which should be taken note of and, where a malfunction is indicated, ad- dressed as soon as possible at an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Failure to repair condition noted may cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty, or result in property dam- age or personal injury.

Warning!

No messages will be displayed if either the instrument cluster or the multifunction dis- play is inoperative. Contact your nearest au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

337

Practical hints What to do if …?

Switching on the ignition causes all in- strument cluster lamps (except high beam headlamp indicator lamp and turn signal indicator lamps unless acti- vated) as well as the multifunction dis- play to come on. Make sure the lamps and multifunction display are in work- ing order before starting your journey.

On the pages that follow, you will find a compilation of the most important warning and malfunction messages that may ap- pear in the malfunction display. For your convenience the messages are di- vided into two sections: 앫 Text messages (컄 page 339) 앫 Symbol messages (컄 page 345)

338

Practical hints What to do if …?

Text messages

Display ABC

ACTIVE BODY CONTROL DRIVE CAREFULLY

Possible cause/consequence The capability of the ABC system is restrict- ed. This can impair the handling.

Possible solution 왘 Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). 왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as

The vehicle is losing oil.

왘 Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do

soon as possible.

ACTIVE BODY CONTROL STOP, CAR TOO LOW

The vehicle is parked on an extremely uneven surface and/or is heavily laden.

so.

왘 Press the vehicle level control button to se-

lect level 2 (컄 page 222). You can continue to drive, if the vehicle raised and the message disappears.

왘 Set the desired vehicle level using the vehicle

level control button.

339

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display ABC

ACTIVE BODY CONTROL STOP, CAR TOO LOW

Possible cause/consequence ABC is malfunctioning.

Possible solution 왘 Stop and press the vehicle level control but-

ton to select a higher vehicle level (컄 page 222). If the vehicle is not raised, observe the fol- lowing when you continue to drive: 왘 Do not turn steering wheel too far to

avoid damaging the front fenders.

왘 Listen for scraping noises. 왘 Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph

(80 km/h).

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as

soon as possible.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as

soon as possible.

왘 Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). 왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as

soon as possible.

DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP ACTIVE BODY CONTROL VISIT WORKSHOP

The display for ABC or the ABC system itself is malfunctioning. The capability of the ABC system is restrict- ed.

ABC

340

Display ABS

MALFUNCTION VISIT WORKSHOP

Possible cause/consequence The ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. The ESP® and the BAS are also deactivated. The brake system is still functioning nor- mally but without the ABS available.

DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP

The ABS or the ABS display is malfunction- ing.

AIR CLEANER CHANGE CARTRIDGE

VISIT WORKSHOP

The air filter is clogged.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Possible solution 왘 Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steer- ing capability.

왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident. 왘 Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steer- ing capability.

왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident. 왘 Have the air filter checked by an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center.

341

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display DISTRONIC EXTERNAL MALFUNCTION

Possible cause/consequence Distronic* is switched off and is temporarily unavailable.

Possible solution 왘 Try activating Distronic* again later.

REACTIVATE DISTRONIC CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

SEE OPERATORS MANUAL DISTRONIC

DRIVE TO WORKSHOP ESP

MALFUNCTION VISIT WORKSHOP

Distronic* is switched off because the Dis- tronic* cover in the radiator grille is dirty.

왘 Clean the Distronic* cover in the radiator

grille (컄 page 322). 왘 Restart the vehicle.

Distronic* is malfunctioning or the display is malfunctioning.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as

soon as possible.

The ESP® has detected a malfunction and switched off. The ABS may still be operational.

왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident. 왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident.

DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP

The ESP® or the ESP® display is malfunc- tioning.

342

Display ESP

UNAVAILABLE SEE OPERATORS MANUAL

Possible cause/consequence The ESP® was deactivated because the power supply has been interrupted. The ABS is still operational.

When synchronizing the ESP®, make sure you can turn the steering wheel in both directions as far as it will go with- out the wheel hitting any objects, e.g. a road curb.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Possible solution 왘 Synchronize the ESP®. With the vehicle sta-

tionary and the engine running, turn the steering wheel completely to the left and then to the right to synchronize the ESP®.

If the ESP® message does not go out: 왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an accident.

343

Possible cause/consequence You have tried to turn off the engine with the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button (컄 page 35) with the gear selector lever not in P.

Possible solution 왘 Place the gear selector lever in position P.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display MOVE SELECTOR LEVER TO PARK

344

Symbol messages

Display

BATTERY CHARGE VISIT WORKSHOP

Possible cause/consequence The battery is no longer charging. Possible causes: 앫 alternator malfunctioning 앫 broken poly-V-belt Do not forget that the brake system re- quires electrical energy and may be oper- ating with restricted capability. Considerably greater brake pedal force is required and the stopping distance is longer.

(USA only) (Canada only)

RELEASE PARKING BRAKE

You are driving with the parking brake en- gaged.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Possible solution 왘 Stop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do so and check the poly-V-belt. If it is broken: 왘 Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the engine. Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If it is intact: 왘 Drive immediately to the nearest autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center. Adjust driv- ing to be consistent with reduced braking responsiveness.

왘 Release the parking brake (컄 page 50).

345

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display

(USA only) (Canada only)

BRAKE PAD WEAR VISIT WORKSHOP BRAKE FLUID VISIT WORKSHOP

Possible cause/consequence The brake pads have reached their wear limit. There is insufficient brake fluid in the res- ervoir.

Possible solution 왘 Have the brake pads replaced as soon as

possible.

왘 Risk of accident! Stop the vehicle in a safe location and notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of accident.

If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.

Brake pad thickness must be visually checked by a qualified technician at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Booklet.

Warning!

Driving with the message BRAKE FLUID VISIT WORKSHOP displayed can result in an accident. Have your brake system checked immediately. Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be serious- ly burned.

346

Display ±

VISIT WORKSHOP

COOLANT CHECK LEVEL

Warning!

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.

Possible cause/consequence There may be a malfunction in the: 앫 Fuel injection system 앫 Ignition system 앫 Exhaust system 앫 Fuel system The coolant level is too low.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Possible solution 왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

왘 Add coolant (컄 page 280). 왘 If you have to add coolant frequently,

have the cooling system checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Do not ignore the low engine coolant level warning. Extended driving with the message and symbol displayed may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Do not drive without a sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling sys- tem. The engine will overheat, causing major engine damage.

347

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display Ï

COOLANT STOP, ENGINE OFF

Possible cause/consequence The coolant is too hot.

Possible solution 왘 Stop the vehicle in a safe location and

turn off the engine.

왘 Only start the engine again after the mes-

sage disappears. You could otherwise damage the engine.

During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop-and-go traffic, the coolant tem- perature may rise close to 248°F (120°C).

The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature above 248°F (120°C). Doing so may cause serious engine damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Warning!

Driving when your engine is badly overheat- ed can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.

Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns and can occur just by opening the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.

Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.

348

Display Ï

COOLANT STOP, ENGINE OFF

Possible cause/consequence The poly-V-belt could be broken.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Possible solution 왘 Stop the vehicle in a safe location and im-

mediately turn off the engine.

왘 Check the poly-V-belt. If it is broken: 왘 Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the engine. Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If it is intact: 왘 Restart the engine only after the message

disappears from the multifunction dis- play. Doing so could result in serious en- gine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

왘 Observe the coolant temperature gauge

in the instrument cluster (컄 page 24).

왘 Drive immediately to the nearest autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center. Adjust driv- ing to be consistent with reduced braking responsiveness.

349

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display Ï

Î

±

DOOR OPEN

350

COOLANT VISIT WORKSHOP

Possible cause/consequence The cooling fan for the coolant is malfunc- tioning.

Possible solution 왘 Observe the coolant temperature display. 왘 Have the fan replaced as soon as possi-

CRUISE CONTROL DRIVE TO WORKSHOP

Cruise control or Distronic* is malfunc- tioning.

DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP

The instrument cluster display is malfunc- tioning.

DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP

Certain electronic systems are unable to relay information to the control system. The following systems may have failed: 앫 Coolant temperature display 앫 Tachometer 앫 Cruise control display You are attempting to drive with one or more doors open.

ble.

왘 Have cruise control or Distronic*

checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

왘 Have the electronic systems checked by

an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Close the doors.

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display

ADD 1.0 QT. OIL AT FILLING STATION (Canada: 1.0 LITER) ENGINE OIL LEVEL STOP, ENGINE OFF

Possible cause/consequence The engine oil level is too low.

Possible solution 왘 Add engine oil (컄 page 278) and check

the engine oil level (컄 page 275).

There is no oil in the engine.

There is a danger of engine damage. 왘 Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt as

soon as possible.

왘 Turn off the engine. 왘 Add engine oil (컄 page 278) and check

the engine oil level (컄 page 275).

ENGINE OIL LEVEL REDUCE OIL LEVEL

You have added too much engine oil. There is a risk of damaging the engine or the catalytic converter.

왘 Have excess oil siphoned or drained off.

Observe all legal requirements with re- spect to its disposal.

351

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display

ENGINE OIL LEVEL VISIT WORKSHOP

Possible cause/consequence The engine oil has dropped to a critical level.

Possible solution 왘 Check the engine oil level (컄 page 275)

and add engine oil as required (컄 page 278).

왘 If you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine checked for possible leaks.

OIL SENSOR MALFUNCT. VISIT WORKSHOP

There is water in the engine oil. The measuring system is malfunctioning. 왘 Have the measuring system checked by

왘 Have the engine oil checked.

an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

When the message:

ADD 1.0 QT. OIL AT FILLING STATION (Canada: 1.0 LITER) appears while the engine is running and at operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped to approximately the mini- mum 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 specified in the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet.

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.

352

Display

ENTRY POSITION DO NOT DRIVE

Possible cause/consequence Seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel have not yet moved to their preset driving positions.

HOOD OPEN REMOVE KEY

REPLACE KEY DRIVE TO WORKSHOP AUTOMATIC LIGHT ON REMOVE KEY KEY CHECK BATTERY KEY NOT RECOGNIZED

You are driving with the hood open. You have forgotten to remove the SmartKey. The SmartKey is malfunctioning.

SmartKey in starter switch position 1 or 2. The battery in the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is discharged. SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is not rec- ognized while the engine is running be- cause 앫 the SmartKey is not in the vehicle 앫 there is strong radio-frequency inter-

ference

Practical hints What to do if …?

Possible solution 왘 Wait until the seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel have moved to their driv- ing positions. The message will disappear. 왘 Close the hood (컄 page 274). 왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch.

왘 Replace the battery (컄 page 377).

왘 Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon

as it is safe to do so.

왘 Search for the SmartKey. Otherwise the vehicle cannot be centrally locked nor can the engine be started again after it has been stopped.

353

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display

KEY NOT RECOGNIZED

Possible cause/consequence The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is mo- mentarily not recognized.

Possible solution 왘 Change the position of the SmartKey with

KEYLESS-GO* in the vehicle.

KEY STILL IN VEHICLE

KEYLESS-GO DRIVE TO WORKSHOP 3RD BRAKE LIGHT CHECK LIGHT STOP LAMP VISIT WORKSHOP

A SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* left in the vehicle was recognized while locking the vehicle from the outside. The KEYLESS-GO* system is malfunction- ing. The high mounted brake lamp is malfunc- tioning. Brake lamp illumination is delayed or lamp is permanently on.

왘 Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in

the starter switch if necessary.

왘 Take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*

out of the vehicle.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

354

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display

BRAKE LIGHT LEFT SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON BRAKE LIGHT RIGHT SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP FRONT FOGLAMP, LEFT CHECK LIGHT FRONT FOGLAMP, RIGHT CHECK LIGHT HIGH BEAM, LEFT CHECK LIGHT HIGH BEAM, RIGHT CHECK LIGHT LICENSE PLATE L, L CHECK LIGHT LICENSE PLATE L, R CHECK LIGHT

Possible solution 왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Possible cause/consequence The left brake lamp is malfunctioning. A substitute bulb is being used. The right brake lamp is malfunctioning. A substitute bulb is being used. The display for the lamps or the system is malfunctioning. The left front fog lamp is malfunctioning. 왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

Center as soon as possible.

Center as soon as possible.

The right front fog lamp is malfunctioning. 왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

The left high beam lamp is malfunction- ing. The right high beam lamp is malfunction- ing. The left license plate lamp is malfunction- ing. The right license plate lamp is malfunc- tioning.

Center as soon as possible.

왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

355

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display

LIGHT SENSOR DRIVE TO WORKSHOP

Possible cause/consequence The lamp sensor is malfunctioning. The headlamps switch on automatically.

Possible solution 왘 In the control system, set lamp operation

to manual (컄 page 159).

왘 Switch on headlamps using the exterior

lamp switch.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

LOW BEAM, LEFT CHECK LIGHT LOW BEAM, RIGHT CHECK LIGHT MARKER LIGHT, FL CHECK LIGHT MARKER LIGHT, FR CHECK LIGHT

The left low beam lamp is malfunctioning. 왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

The right low beam lamp is malfunction- ing. The front left side marker lamp is mal- functioning. The front right side marker lamp is mal- functioning.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

356

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display

REAR FOGLIGHT CHECK LIGHT REVERSE LIGHT, LEFT CHECK LIGHT REVERSE LIGHT, RIGHT CHECK LIGHT STANDING LIGHT, L CHECK LIGHT STANDING LIGHT, R CHECK LIGHT STANDING LIGHT, L SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON STANDING LIGHT, R SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON TAIL LIGHT, LEFT SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON TAIL LIGHT, RIGHT SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON

Possible cause/consequence The rear fog lamp is malfunctioning.

Possible solution 왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

The left reverse lamp is malfunctioning. 왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

The right reverse lamp is malfunctioning. 왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

The left front standing lamp is malfunc- tioning. The right front standing lamp is malfunc- tioning. The left rear standing lamp is malfunc- tioning. A substitute bulb is being used. The right rear standing lamp is malfunc- tioning. A substitute bulb is being used. The left tail lamp is malfunctioning. A sub- stitute bulb is being used. The right tail lamp is malfunctioning. A substitute bulb is being used.

왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

357

Practical hints What to do if …?

Display

TURN OFF LIGHTS

FRONT TURN SIGNAL, L CHECK LIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL, R CHECK LIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL, L SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON REAR TURN SIGNAL, R SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON MIRROR TURN SIG., L CHECK LIGHT

MIRROR TURN SIG., R CHECK LIGHT

358

Possible cause/consequence You have removed the SmartKey from the starter switch and opened the driver’s door or removed the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the vehicle and left the headlamps on. The left front turn signal lamp is malfunc- tioning. The right front turn signal lamp is malfunc- tioning. The left rear turn signal lamp is malfunc- tioning. A substitute bulb is being used. The right rear turn signal lamp is malfunc- tioning. A substitute bulb is being used. The left turn signal in the side mirror is malfunctioning. This message will only ap- pear if all light emitting diodes have stopped working. The right turn signal in the side mirror is malfunctioning. This message will only ap- pear if all light emitting diodes have