2005 Mercedes-benz E Class Wagon Owners Manual

336

Winter tires

Always use winter tires at temperatures below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires is the only way to achieve the maximum ef- fectiveness of the ABS, ESP and 4MATIC in winter operation. For safe handling, make sure that all mounted winter tires are of the same make and have the same tread design.

Warning!

Winter tires with a tread depth of less than 1/6 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no longer suitable for winter operation.

왔 Winter driving Before the onset of winter, have your vehicle winterized at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. This service includes: 앫 Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze

concentration.

앫 Addition of cleaning concentrate to the water of the windshield and headlamp cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate “S” to a premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze which is formulated for below freezing temperatures (컄 page 456).

앫 Battery test. Battery capacity drops

with decreasing ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps to make sure that the engine can be started, even at low ambient temperatures. 앫 Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-

mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the winter season.

Operation Winter driving

Always observe the speed rating of the winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the maximum speed for which your tires are rated is below the speed rating of your ve- hicle, you must place a notice to this effect where it will be seen by the driver. Such no- tices are available at your tire dealer or any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

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 heat- er. The electrical cable may be installed at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

When driving with snow chains, you may wish to deactivate the ESP (컄 page 91) before setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve the vehi- cle’s traction.

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.

Snow chains

When driving with snow chains, always select the raised level of the level con- trol system Airmatic* (컄 page 245). Other settings may result in damage to your vehicle.

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

338

앫 Only use snow chains that are ap-

proved by Mercedes-Benz. Your autho- rized 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. Use of snow chains is not permissible with tire sizes: 앫 265/35 ZR18 XL 앫 T 155/70 R17 110 M

Operation Maintenance

Service A in XXXX miles (km) Service A in XX days Service A in X day Service A due now! The maintenance services will be indicated by showing a service type A through type H in the multifunction display. Types A through H are classified based on estimat- ed time needed to perform the mainte- nance service, ranging: from

Service A (approx. one hour)

to

Service H (approx. eight hours)

When the service type appears, you can use the vehicle’s control system to view a list of the service items (1-14) that need to be performed at the called for service type (컄 page 343).

The additional + after the type of ser- vice indicates the degree of wear of the brake pads. The brake pads may reach their wear limit in the time period up to the next service interval. Have the brake pads checked and, if necessary, replaced by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center during your next service appointment.

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

339

Operation Maintenance

Vehicles equipped with FSS PLUS (Flexible Service System PLUS) only (Canada vehicles): The interval be- tween maintenance 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.

Clearing the maintenance service indicator

You can clear the maintenance service in- dicator.

왘 Press the reset button 1 on the left

side of the instrument cluster. The maintenance service indicator is cleared and the standard display ap- pears in the multifunction display.

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:

Service A exceeded by XXXXX miles (km) Service A exceeded by XXX days Service A 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 service.

340

Calling up the maintenance service indicator

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.

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 34).

The standard display of the control sys- tem appears (컄 page 153).

왘 Press button k or j on the mul-

tifunction steering wheel until the maintenance service indicator with the service symbol 9 or ´ and the service deadline appears in the multi- function display.

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 :.

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.

341

Operation Maintenance

Setting the date for special works

왘 Select the Addit. Work menu with the

왘 Press the ÿ button.

You can enter appointments for exhaust gas analysis and general inspection using the maintenance system. 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 34).

The standard display of the control sys- tem appears (컄 page 153).

왘 Press button k or j on the mul-

tifunction steering wheel until the maintenance indicator appears in the multifunction display.

왘 Press the reset button (컄 page 24) for

about five seconds. The Service menu appears in the multi- function display.

+ or - button. 왘 Press the ÿ button.

The service indicator now displays the Addit. Work menu.

The service indicator now displays the Next due date menu.

왘 Select the Month and Year with the

+ or - button.

왘 Select the Exh.-gas analysis or

왘 Press button k or j on the mul-

General inspection menu with the + or - button.

tifunction steering wheel to set the month and year.

왘 Select Confirm with the + or -

button.

왘 Press the ÿ button.

The new date is set.

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Calling up the service item menu 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 34).

The standard display of the control sys- tem appears (컄 page 153).

왘 Press button k or j on the mul-

tifunction steering wheel until the maintenance service indicator appears in the multifunction display.

왘 Press the reset button (컄 page 24) for

about five seconds. The Service menu appears in the multi- function display (컄 page 153).

왘 Select the Items menu with the +

or - button.

왘 Press the ÿ button.

왘 Press the è button on the multi-

function steering wheel until the stan- dard display appears in the multifunction display.

The maintenance service system now re- calculates the values. You cannot call up the service display or the service menu during this time.

Calling up the maintenance service data information

The maintenance service indicator shows the maintenance service type (letters A-H) in the multifunction display approximately one month before the service appointment is due in miles (distance criterion) or in days (time criterion). This maintenance service type is based on the service items to be carried out. The service items are described in the Mainte- nance Booklet. The service items to be carried out under the corresponding service type can be dis- played in the multifunction display.

Operation Maintenance

The service indicator now displays the Items menu.

The service items to be carried out are shown in this menu. Please refer to the Maintenance Book- let for a description of each service item.

왘 Press button è on the multifunction

steering wheel until the standard display appears in the multifunction display.

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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.

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.

344

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 your 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 your authorized 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 prod- ucts.

Operation Vehicle care

Power washer When using a power wash for cleaning the vehicle, always observe the manufactur- er’s operating instructions.

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.

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.

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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 Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”, normally every three to five months, depending on climate and washing detergent 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. Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehi- cle 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 Anticor- rosion Wax should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bush- ings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be pro- tected from any wax.

Vehicle washing Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz ap- proved Car Shampoo. Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a dif- fused jet of water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the sponge and chamois frequently.

Rinse with clear water and thoroughly dry with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the finish. Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in exterior rear view mirrors prior to running the vehicle through an automatic car wash to prevent damage to the mirrors. 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.

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.

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Ornamental moldings For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-plated parts, use a chrome clean- er.

Headlamps, tail lamps, side markers, turn signal lenses Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water. To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the lenses. Do not at- tempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or sponge.

Cleaning the Distronic* system sensor cover

1 Distronic system sensor cover Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water to clean sensor cover 1. To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the sensor cover. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth or sponge.

Operation Vehicle care

Restart the engine after cleaning sen- sor cover 1.

Wiper blades

The windshield wipers must be in a ver- tical position before folding them away from the windshield. They could other- wise damage the hood.

왘 Turn on the wipers and place it in a ver-

tical position.

For information on placing the wipers in a vertical position, see “Replacing wiper blades” (컄 page 416).

컄컄

347

Operation Vehicle care

컄컄

Warning!

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 wiper blades. Otherwise, the wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause injury.

왘 Clean the wiper blade inserts with a

clean cloth and detergent solution.

Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto the windshield before turning the SmartKey in the starter switch. 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.

348

Window cleaning

The windshield wipers must be in a ver- tical position before folding them away from the windshield. They could other- wise damage the hood.

왘 Turn on the wipers and place it in a ver-

tical position.

For information on placing the wipers in a vertical position, see “Replacing wiper blades” (컄 page 416).

Warning!

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. Otherwise, the wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause injury.

Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is recommended.

Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto the windshield before turning the SmartKey in the starter switch. 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.

Light alloy wheels Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels. If possible, clean wheels once a week with Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us- ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray of water. Follow the instructions on the container.

Operation Vehicle care

Use only acid-free cleaning materials. Acid could lead to corrosion.

Instrument cluster Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist- ened in a lukewarm solution. Do not use scouring agents.

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

Cup holder Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist- ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use scouring agents.

Seat belts The webbing must not be treated with chemical cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above 176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.

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

Headliner and shelf below rear window Clean with a soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive dirt.

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.

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Operation Vehicle care

Leather upholstery Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that has 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. 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.

MB Tex upholstery Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto a soft, lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.

Plastic and rubber parts Do not use oil or wax on these parts.

Wood trims 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.

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Practical hints What to do if …

Where will I find ...?

Unlocking/locking in an emergency

Opening/closing in an emergency

Replacing bulbs

Replacing wiper blades

Flat tire

Batteries

Jump starting

Towing the vehicle

Fuses

351

Practical hints What to do if …

Lamps in instrument cluster

Problem - The yellow ABS malfunction

indicator lamp comes on while driving.

352

General information: If any of the following lamps in the instru- ment cluster fails to come on during the

bulb self-check when switching on the igni- tion, have the respective bulb checked and replaced if necessary.

Possible cause The ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. The BAS and the ESP are also switched off (see messages in display). The SBC brake system is still functioning nor- mally but without the ABS available. If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, oth- er systems such as Distronic*, or the auto- matic transmission may also be malfunctioning.

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

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

왘 Read and observe messages in the

display (컄 page 362).

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

Failure to follow these instructions in- creases the risk of an accident. 왘 Switch off electrical consumers that

are currently not needed, e.g. seat heating.

왘 If necessary, have the generator and

battery checked.

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

Problem v The yellow ABS/ESP warning lamp comes on while driving.

v The yellow ABS/ESP warning

lamp flashes while driving.

Possible cause The ESP is deactivated. Risk of accident! Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail- ing road, weather, and traffic conditions.

The ABS, ESP or traction control has come into operation because of detected traction loss in at least one tire. Distronic* is deacti- vated. Distronic* is switched off.

Practical hints What to do if …

Suggested solution 왘 Switch the ESP back on (컄 page 92). If the ESP cannot be switched back on, have the system checked at an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. 왘 When driving off, apply as little

throttle as possible.

왘 While driving, ease up on the acceler-

ator.

왘 Adapt your speed and driving to the

prevailing road and weather condi- tions.

왘 Do not deactivate the ESP.

Exceptions: (컄 page 91)

Failure to follow these instructions in- creases the risk of an accident.

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Practical hints What to do if …

Problem 3 (Canada only) ; (USA only)

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

3 (Canada only) ; (USA only)

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.

354

Possible cause You are driving with the parking brake set.

Suggested solution 왘 Release the parking brake. 왘 Observe the additional message in

the display.

앫 There is a malfunction in the SBC brake

왘 Risk of accident! Do not drive any fur-

system.

앫 There is insufficient brake fluid in the res-

ervoir.

Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can re- sult in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.

ther. Consult a Mercedes-Benz Service Center. Under no circum- stances should you top up the brake fluid. This will not solve the problem.

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.

Problem ±

(USA only) (Canada only) The yellow engine mal- function indicator lamp comes on while driving.

Possible cause There is a malfunction in: 앫 The fuel management system 앫 The ignition system (Gasoline engine) 앫 The emission control system 앫 Systems which affect emissions Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and may switch the engine to its limp-home (emergency operation) mode. 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.

Your fuel tank is empty.

Practical hints What to do if …

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 accu- rate identification of system malfunctions through the readout of diagnostic trouble codes. It is located in the front left area of the footwell next to the parking brake.

왘 Check the fuel cap. If it is not closed properly: 왘 Close the fuel cap. If it is closed properly: 왘 Have the fuel system checked by an autho-

rized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 After refuelling start, turn off and restart the

engine three or four times in succession. The limp-home mode is canceled. You do not need to have your vehicle checked.

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Practical hints What to do if …

Problem D The red coolant warning lamp comes on when the engine is running.

Possible cause There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.

Suggested solution 왘 Immediately add coolant to prevent

If this warning lamp comes on frequently, there is a leak in the cooling system. If the coolant level is correct, the electric ra- diator fan may be broken.

D The red coolant warning lamp

comes on while driving and you hear a warning sound.

The coolant temperature has exceeded 257°F (125°C).

engine from overheating (컄 page 303).

왘 Have the cooling system checked. 왘 If the coolant temperature is below

257°F (125°C), you can continue driving to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Avoid high engine loads (e.g. driving

uphill) and stop-and-go driving.

왘 Stop as soon as possible and allow

the engine and coolant to cool down.

l The red DTR warning lamp

comes on while driving.

You are too close to the vehicle in front of you to maintain selected speed.

왘 Apply the brakes immediately to in-

crease the following distance.

Warning!

catch fire. You could be seriously burned.

Driving when your engine is badly overheat- ed can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to

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.

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Practical hints What to do if …

Problem l The red DTR warning lamp

comes on while driving and you hear a warning chime sound.

W The yellow fuel tank reserve

warning lamp comes on while driving.

< The red seat belt telltale comes on after starting the engine with all doors closed. The red seat belt telltale flashes and you additionally hear an in- termittent warning signal with in- creasing intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).

Possible cause 앫 You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle

Suggested solution 왘 Apply the brakes immediately.

ahead of you.

앫 The distance warning system has recog- nized a stationary obstacle on your prob- able line of travel.

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

The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.

왘 Refuel at the next gas station

(컄 page 296).

The seat belt telltale reminds you and your front passenger to fasten your seat belts be- fore driving off. You and/or your front passenger have for- gotten to fasten your seat belts. There are items placed on the front passen- ger seat and therefore the system senses the front passenger seat as being occupied.

왘 Fasten your seat belts.

왘 Fasten your seat belts.

왘 Remove the items from the front pas-

senger seat and put them in a safe place.

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Practical hints What to do if …

Problem H The yellow warning lamp for the

tire pressure monitoring sys- tem* comes on.

Possible cause The tire pressure monitoring system* de- tects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.

Warning!

When the tire 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 possi- ble, and inflate them to the proper pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tire information placard.

Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Each tire, including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation pressure as speci- fied in the vehicle placard and owner’s manual.

358

Suggested solution 왘 Bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding

abrupt steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you. 왘 Take note of the messages in the multi-

function 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.

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

Problem 1 The red SRS indicator lamp

comes on while driving.

Possible cause 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 near-

est authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen- ter.

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 also result in an accident and/or injury to you or to others.

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Possible cause The system is malfunctioning.

Suggested solution 왘 Have the system checked as soon as

possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Also note any messages in the

multifunction display and follow cor- rective steps (컄 page 369).

Practical hints What to do if …

Lamp in center console

Problem 75

The indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated with the weight of a typical adult or someone larger than a small individual on the front passenger seat.

Warning!

If the 75 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated with the weight of a typical adult or someone larger than a small individual on the front passen- ger seat, do not have any passenger use the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

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Problem 75

The indicator lamp does not illuminate and/or does not remain illuminated with the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less on the front passenger seat.

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible cause The system is malfunctioning. 왘 Make sure that there is nothing between seat cush- ion and child seat and check installation of the child seat.

Suggested solution

왘 Make sure that no objects applying supplemental

weight onto the seat are present.

왘 Make sure that no objects which apply forces to the seat are present (e.g. objects such as books, brief- cases etc. lodged behind or around the seat, head restraints pushing against roof etc.). The system may recognize such forces as supplemental weight. 왘 If the light remains out, have the system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the front passen- ger seat until the system has been repaired.

왘 Also note any messages in the multifunction display

and follow corrective steps (컄 page 369).

Warning!

If the 75 indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the weight off

a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less on the front passenger seat, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

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Practical hints What to do if …

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 161) displays both cleared and uncleared messages. High-priority messages appear in the multifunction display in red color.

Certain messages of high priority cannot be cleared from the multifunction display using the reset button (컄 page 24) or but- ton j, k, ÿ, or è on the steering wheel. Other messages of high priority and mes- sages of less immediate priority can be cleared from the multifunction display using the reset button (컄 page 24) or but- ton j, k, ÿ, or è on the steering wheel. They are then stored in the vehicle status message memory (컄 page 161). 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.

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 the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

362

i Switching on the ignition causes all in- strument cluster lamps (expect low beam headlamp indicator lamp, 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 appear in the multifunction display. For your convenience the messages are devided into two sections: 앫 Text messages (컄 page 364) 앫 Symbol messages (컄 page 373)

Practical hints What to do if …

363

Practical hints What to do if …

Text messages

Display ABS

Display message Malfunction Visit workshop

Display malfunction Visit workshop

364

Possible cause The ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. The ESP and the BAS are also deac- tivated. The SBC brake system is still func- tioning normally but without the ABS available. The ABS or the ABS display is malfunctioning.

Possible solution 왘 Continue driving with added caution.

Wheels will lock during hard braking, reduc- ing steering 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 accident. 왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of accident.

Display Low Battery

Display message Conven. functions temporarily unavailable

Please note:

Cruise control

Conven. functions available again Drive to workshop

Possible cause The battery has insufficient voltage and can no longer supply conve- nience functions such as the rear window defroster. On-board voltage is sufficient; the consumers will switch on again. Cruise control or Distronic* is mal- functioning.

Distronic

External interference Reactivate Visit workshop

The Distronic* is switched off and is temporarily unavailable. The Distronic* is malfunctioning or the display is malfunctioning.

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible solution As soon as the on-board voltage is sufficient, the consumers will switch on again.

왘 Have the cruise control or Distronic*

checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Try activating the Distronic* again later.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

as soon as possible.

365

Practical hints What to do if …

Display Distronic

Display message Currently unavailable See Operator’s Manual

Possible cause DISTRONIC* is switched off if: 앫 the DISTRONIC cover in the area

of the radiator grille is dirty

앫 the functionality is impaired by

heavy rain or thick fog

Possible solution 왘 If necessary, clean the DISTRONIC cover in

the area of the radiator grille.

왘 Restart the vehicle. or DISTRONIC* becomes operational again with- out the engine being restarted when: 앫 dirt on the grille falls off while driving (e.g.

slush or snow)

앫 the system recognizes full sensor availabili- ty (due to lessening rain or the road surface drying)

앫 the message in the multifunction display

disappears

앫 the speed last stored flashes in the display

for five seconds.

You can operate DISTRONIC* as usual again.

366

Display ESP

Display message Malfunction Visit workshop

unavailable See Operator’s Manual

Possible cause The ESP has detected a malfunction and switched off. The ABS may not be operational. The SBC brake system is still func- tioning normally but without the ESP available. The ESP is deactivated because the power supply was interrupted. The SBC brake system is still func- tioning normally but without the ESP available.

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible solution 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 Synchronize the ESP. With the vehicle sta- tionary, turn the steering wheel completely to the left and then to the right to synchro- nize the ESP. If the ESP message does not go out: 왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of accident.

When synchronizing the ESP, make sure you can turn the steering wheel in

both directions as far as it will go with- out the wheels hitting any objects, e.g. a road curb.

367

Practical hints What to do if …

Display ESP

Display message Display malfunction Visit workshop

Possible cause The ESP or the ESP display is malfunctioning.

Gear selector lever in Park

You have attempted to turn off the engine with the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button with the gear se- lector lever not in P. You have opened the driver's door with the gear selector lever not in P.

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

as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of accident. 왘 Place the gear selector lever in position P.

P/N

Shift to Neutral or Park You have attempted to start the en-

왘 Place the gear selector lever in position P

gine with the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button while the gear se- lector lever was in position R or D.

or N. Make sure the brake pedal is de- pressed.

368

Display

Display messages Front passenger airbag activated see Oper.’s Man.

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible cause Front passenger front air bag is activated while driv- ing even though a child, small individual, or object below the system's weight threshold is on the front passenger seat, or the front passenger seat is empty. Objects on the seat or forces acting on the seat may make the system sense supplemental weight.

Possible solution Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and check the following: 왘 Make sure that there is nothing between seat cush- ion and child seat and check installation of the child seat.

왘 Make sure that no objects applying supplemental

weight onto the seat are present.

왘 Make sure that no objects which apply forces to the seat are present (e.g. objects such as books, brief- cases etc. lodged behind or around the seat, head restraints pushing against roof etc.). The system may recognize such forces as supplemental weight and sense that an occupant on the front passenger seat is of a heavier weight than actually present. (Continued on next page)

369

Practical hints What to do if …

Display

Display messages Front passenger airbag activated see Oper.’s Man.

Possible cause

Possible solution If performing any of the above corrective steps is suc- cessful, the message Front passenger airbag deacti- vated will appear in the multifunction display, confirming the situation has been remedied. Note that after performing the corrective steps, it may take up to 60 seconds for the message Front passenger airbag deactivated to appear. If the message Front passenger airbag activated remains on in the multifunction display and/or the 75 indicator lamp remains out even after performing the above corrective steps, have the system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not have any children12 years old and under and other small individuals use the front passenger seat un- til the system has been repaired.

Warning!

If the message Front passenger airbag activated remains on in the multifunction display and/or the 75 indicator

lamp remains out even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any children12 years old and under and other small individuals use the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

370

Display

Display messages Front passenger airbag deactivated see Oper.’s Man.

Possible cause Front passenger front air bag is deactivated while driving even though an adult or someone larger than a small individual is occupying the front pas- senger seat. Forces acting on the seat may make the system sense a decrease in weight.

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible solution Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and check the following: 왘 Do not lean on armrests or lift yourself up using han-

dle over the door.

왘 Adjust the seat in a height position (컄 page 39). 왘 Make sure that no objects which apply forces to the seat are present (e.g. objects such as books, brief- cases etc. lodged underneath, behind or around the seat). Such forces may cause the system to sense that an occupant of a lesser weight than actually present is on the front passenger seat.

왘 Re-position yourself. 왘 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright position with

your back against the seat backrest.

If performing any of the above corrective steps is successful, the message Front passenger airbag activated will appear in the multifunction display, confirming the situation has been remedied. (Continued on next page)

371

Possible solution Note that after performing the corrective steps, it may take up to 60 seconds for the message Front passen- ger airbag activated to appear. If the message Front passenger airbag deactivated remains on in the multifunction display and/or the 75 indicator lamp remains on even after performing the above corrective steps, have the system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not have any passenger use the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Practical hints What to do if …

Display

Display messages Front passenger airbag deactivated see Oper.’s Man.

Possible cause

Warning!

If the message Front passenger airbag deactivated remains on in the multifunc- tion display and/or the 75 indica- tor lamp remains illuminated even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the front pas- senger seat until the system has been re- paired.

372

Symbol messages

Display symbol

Display messages Undervoltage Switch off consumers Visit workshop

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible cause The battery has insufficient voltage.

Possible solution 왘 Turn off unnecessary electrical con-

sumers.

The battery was charged with a battery charger or jump started. 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 in- creased.

왘 Have the battery checked at a service

station.

왘 Stop immediately and check the

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

If it is intact: 왘 Drive immediately to the nearest

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Adjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking responsiveness.

373

Practical hints What to do if …

Display symbol

Display messages Battery/Alternator Stop vehicle

Low voltage Start engine Malfunction Electrical consumers switched off

Backrest, right rear not locked Backrest, left rear not locked

374

Possible cause The battery is malfunctioning. The SBC brake system requires electrical energy and therefore has only limited op- eration. Considerably greater brake pedal force is required and the stopping dis- tance is increased. The battery has insufficient voltage.

Possible solution 왘 Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Adjust driving to be consis- tent with reduced braking responsive- ness.

왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

왘 Start the engine (컄 page 47).

The consumer battery has insufficient voltage and can no longer supply the con- venience functions such as seat ventila- tion*. The rear seat backrest is not engaged.

The electrical consumers will come back online as soon as on-board voltage is suf- ficient.

왘 Adjust the rear seat backrest until it is

fully engaged in position.

The rear seat backrest is not engaged.

왘 Adjust the rear seat backrest until it is

fully engaged in position.

Display symbol

Display messages Brake wear Visit workshop

Possible cause The brake pads have reached their wear limit.

Reduced braking power Depress brake pedal fully

The SBC brake system is in emergency operation mode. Considerably greater brake pedal force is required and the stopping distance is increased. The maximum speed is limited to 55 mph (90 km/h).

(USA only) (Canada only)

Reduced braking power Start engine

The battery has insufficient voltage and cannot supply sufficient power to the SBC brake system.

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

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible solution 왘 Brake pad thickness must be visually inspected at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Booklet.

왘 Have the brake pads replaced as soon

as possible.

왘 Do not drive any further. 왘 Stop the vehicle and notify an autho-

rized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Significantly greater force must be ap-

plied to the brake pedal.

왘 Call for Roadside Assistance. 왘 Start the engine.

The message disappears when suffi- cient voltage is available.

375

Practical hints What to do if …

Display symbol (USA only) (Canada only)

Display messages Reduced braking power Visit workshop

Possible cause The SBC brake system is in emergency operation mode. Considerable brake ped- al force is required and the stopping dis- tance is increased.

Service brake Visit workshop Brake overheated Drive carefully

There are malfunctions, but the SBC brake system is operating normally. The brake system is overheated due to an excessive load on the brakes.

Possible solution 왘 Continue driving with added caution. 왘 Adjust driving to be consistent with

reduced braking responsiveness.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

왘 Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center as soon as possible.

왘 Relieve the load on the brake system. 왘 Drive more smoothly and think ahead

to avoid unnecessary braking.

왘 When driving down slopes, shift into a lower gear to use the engine’s braking power (컄 page 185).

왘 Cautiously continue driving so that

the air stream will cool down the brakes.

Release parking brake

You are driving with the parking brake set.

왘 Release the parking brake

(컄 page 49).

376

Display messages Brake fluid Visit workshop

Possible cause There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.

Display symbol (USA only) (Canada only)

Warning!

Driving while these messages are displayed can result in an accident. Have your brake system checked immediately.

If there is a malfunction in the SBC brake system, we recommend that the vehicle be transported with all wheels off the ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly equipment.

A tow bar must be used if circumstances do not permit the use of the recommended towing methods and the vehicle requires towing with all four wheels on the ground.

Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground is only permissible for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more infor- mation, refer to “Towing the vehicle” (컄 page 430). If the SBC brake system enters its emergen- cy operation mode, the driver must apply significantly greater brake pedal pressure and depress the pedal much further than normal to obtain braking effect. If neces- sary, apply full pressure to the brake pedal. Brakes may only be applied to the front wheels. Stopping distance is increased!

Practical hints What to do if …

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

Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid res- ervoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.

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.

377

Practical hints What to do if …

Display symbol ±

(USA only) (Canada only)

Display messages Visit workshop

Coolant Check level

Possible cause 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.

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.

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.

Possible solution 왘 Have the measuring system checked

by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Add coolant (컄 page 303). 왘 If you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling system checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Do not drive without sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. The engine will overheat causing major en- gine damage.

378

Display symbol Ï

Display messages Coolant Stop, engine off

Possible cause The coolant is too hot.

During severe operation conditions and stop-and-go city 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 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.

Practical hints What to do if …

Possible solution 왘 Stop the vehicle. 왘 Only start the engine again after the message disappears. You could other- wise damage the engine.

379

Practical hints What to do if …

Display symbol Ï

Display messages Coolant Stop, engine off

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

Coolant Visit workshop

The cooling fan for the coolant is malfunc- tioning.

380

Possible solution 왘 Stop immediately and check the

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

If it is intact: 왘 Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this message displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Warranty.

왘 Drive immediately to the nearest au-

thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Observe the coolant temperature dis-