2000 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Sound

Drinking and Driving


Warning !
Drinking and driving can be a very dangerous combination. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgement. The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is
sharply increased when you drink and drive. Please don't drink and drive or allow anyone to drive after
drinking.


Parking Brake
To engage, firmly depress parking brake pedal. When the electronic key is in steering lock position 2, the brake
warning lamp in the instrument cluster should come on brightly. To release the parking brake, pull handle on
instrument panel. The brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster should go out. A warning sounds, if you start
to drive without having released the parking brake. Also see Brake Warning Lamp Test in Index.


Driving Off
Apply the service brakes to test them briefly after driving off. Perform this procedure only when the road is clear
of other traffic. Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has
been reached. When starting off on a slippery surface, do not allow one drive wheel to spin for an extended period
with the ASR or ESP switched off. Doing so may cause serious damage to the drive train which is not covered by
the Mercedes - Benz Limited Warranty.


Warning !
Keep driver's foot area clear at all times. Objects stored in this area may impair pedal movement.

Engine Oil Consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made after the break-in period. During the breaking period, higher oil
consumption may be noticed and is normal. Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in increased consumption.


Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap Placement Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the fuel reserve warning lamp comes on. It should go out
immediately when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates that the fuel
level is down to the reserve quantity of approximately 2.1 gal (8 liters).
The warning lamp blinks when the fuel c ap is not closed, or a fuel system leak has been detected. Retighten cap and
see if lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp continues to blink after closing the fuel cap correctly, hav e the fuel system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can cause the "Check Engine" lamp to illuminate).


Tachometer
Red marking on tachometer: Excessive engine speed. Avoid th is engine speed, as it may result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. For engine protection, the fuel supply is
interrupted if the engine is operated within the red marking.


Seat Belt Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the warning lamp comes on, and a warning sounds for a short time
if the drivers seat belt is not fastened. After starting the engine, the warning lamp blinks for a brief period to remind
the driver and passengers to fasten seat belts.

Flexible Service System (FSS)





The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is directly related to the operating conditions of the vehicle.
The symbol or appears in the main odometer field prior to the next suggested service. Depending on operating
conditions throughout the year, the next service is calculated and displayed in days or distance remaining.
The message is displayed for approx. 10 seconds when turning the electronic key in steering lock to position 2, or
while driving when reaching the service warning threshold. It can be cancelled manually by pressing button 0.
Once the suggested term has passed, the message plus symbol or , preceded by a - (minus symbol) blinks for
approx 20 seconds and a signal sounds every time when turning the electronic key in steering lock to position 2. The
FSS display
can also be called up for approx.10 seconds with display illuminated by pressing button 0 twice within 1 second.
Following a completed service the Mercedes-Benz dealer sets the counter to 10.000 miles (Canada: 15.000 km) and
365 days.

The counter can also be set by any individual. To do so:
1. Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
2. Within 4 seconds press button 0 twice.
3. The present status for days or distance is displayed. Within 10 seconds turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 0.
4. Press and hold button 0, while turning electronic key in steering lock to position 2 again. The present status for
days
or distance is displayed once more. Continue to hold button 0 After approx. 10 seconds a signal sounds, and the
display shows 10 000 miles (Canada: 15000 km) for approx. 10 seconds.
5. Release button 0. If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have a Mercedes -Benz dealer correct it.

Notes:
When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or more days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any such days not
counted by the FSS can be added by your Mercedes-Benz dealer. The interval between services is determined by
the kind of vehicle operation. Driving at extreme speeds, and cold starts combined with short distance driving in which
the engine does not reach normal operating temperature, reduce the interval between services.

Model C 230 Kompressor:
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles (Canada: 16 000 krn) and 15 000 miles (Canada: 25 000 km), or
from 365 to 730 days between services.

Models C 280 and C 43 AMG:
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) and 20 000 miles (Canada: 30 000 km), or
from 365 to 730 days between services. However you choose to set your reference numbers, the scheduled services
as posted in the Service Booklet must be followed to properly care for your vehicle.

Odometer Display Field
(Models C 280 and C 43 AMG)

Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2 and wait until the symbols and appears in the
odometer display field. Within 1 second press button 0 twice.


The following messages are available:
"OK"
"-1.0 Q" (Canada: -1.0 L)
"-1.5 Q" (Canada: -1.5L)
"-2.0 Q" (Canada: -2.0 L)
If the message "-2.0 Q" (Canada: -2.0 L) blinks and a signal sounds, add oil to upper (max) mark of the dipstick.
"HI"
The message "Hi" blinks and a signal sounds.


Do not overfill the engine.

Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and catalytic converter not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The symbol flashes in the odometer field if a proper oil level check cannot be performed. The oil level check
can be repeated after a short while. Perform the oil level check with the dipstick, if it cannot be completed via the
odometer display field. In this case we recommend that you have the system checked at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Notes:
If the symbols and are continuously illuminated after pressing button 0 twice and there is no change in the
odometer display field or the low engine oil level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction has occurred to the system .
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick. If no oil leaks are noted continue to drive to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the system checked.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic transmission fluid. Regular automatic transmission fluid
level checks and changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted. If you notice fluid leaks or
gear shifting malfunctions, have your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer check the transmission fluid level.