2000 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class window

Emission Control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic components of the exhaust gases within permissible limits
required by law. These systems, of course, will function properly only when maintained strictly according to factory
specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should, ther efore, be carried out only by qualified Mercedes-Benz
authorized dealer technicians. Engine adjustments should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly according to Mercedes -Benz servicing requirements. For details refer to the
Service Booklet.

Warning !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, and
inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and
corrected immediately. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with at least one window fully
open.


On-Board Diagnostic System
The Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI) control module monitors emission control components that either provide
input signals to or receive output sign als from the control module. Malfunctions resulting from interruptions or failure
of any of these components are indica ted by the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster and are simultaneously stored in the SFI control module. If the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp
comes on, have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. With some
exceptions the control module switches off the "CHECK ENGINE" indicator lamp if the condition, causing the lamp to
come on, no longer exists during three consecutive cycles. An on-board diagnostic connector is located in the
passenger compartment near to the parking brake pedal, allowi ng the accurate identification of system malfunctions
through the readout of diagnostic trouble codes.

Trunk Lamp
If the trunk is to remain open for a long period of time, the trunk lamp can be switched off by pulling out the plunger
in the switch (arrow). This prevents the vehicle battery from being discharged. When the trunk lid is closed, the switch
will reset and turn on the lamp next time the lid is opened.


Stowing Things in the Vehicle

Warning !
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing things.
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat backs.
Do not place anything on the shelf below the rear window.

First Aid Kit

1. Opening lid
The first aid kit is stored in the shelf below the rear window.


Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools,
Storage Compartment

1. Trunk floor
2. Handle
3. Luggage bowl
4. Vehicle tools
5. Tab

Lift trunk floor and engage handle in upper edge of the trunk. To remove spare tire: Turn luggage bowl
counterclockwise and remove. To store spare tire: Place spare tire in wheel well and secure it with luggage bowl.
Turn luggage bowl clockwise to its stop. The tab must point toward front of vehicle.

Note:
Always lower trunk floor before closing trunk lid.

Battery

Warning !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while
connecting, you might get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary. A battery will also produ ce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid im proper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc..

Important !
Battery maintenance information:
The battery is located in the trunk under the trunk floor. The fluid level must be checked at every A and B service.
Always insure that the fluid level is at the specified maximum level and that only distilled water is used. Failure to
maintain proper fluid level may result in cell deterioration and possible battery rupture. The service life of the battery is
dependent on its condition of charge. The battery should alwa ys be kept sufficiently charged, in order to last an
optimum length of time.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month, mostly for
short distance trips, or if it is not used for long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the battery has been disconnected from the vehicle electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and connect last. When removing and connecting the battery,
always make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the electronic key is in steering lock position 0. The battery
and its vent tube must always be securely installed when the car is in operation. While the engine is running the
battery terminal clamps must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the generator and other electronic components
would be damaged.

Note:
After reconnecting the battery also resynchronize the Express feature of the power windows, the
sliding/pop-up roof, and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (see Power seats, front, Head
restraints, Power windows, Sliding/pop-up roof, and Electronic stability program in Index).

Battery Recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment with improper disposal. Large 12 Volt storage batteries
contain lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of disposal. Many states require sellers of batteries to
accept old batteries for recycling.

Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle

Warning !
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the particular container. Always open your car's doors or
windows when cleaning the inside. Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed for
cleaning your car.

In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying external influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying climatic conditions, but also by air
pollution, road salt, tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, bird
droppings, insects, tree resins etc. should be removed immediately to avoid paint damage. Frequent
washing reduces and/or eliminates the aggr essiveness and potency of the above adverse
influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to deal with unfavorable conditions; for example, near the
ocean, in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or 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 the start of corrosion. In doing so, do not neglect
the underside of the car. A prerequisite for a t horough check is a washing of the underbody followed
by a thorough inspection. Damage d areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-base rustproofing in the body cavities which
will last for the lifetime of t he vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither necessary nor
recommended by Mercedes-Be nz because of the possibility of incompatibility between materials
used in the production proc ess and others applied later.
We have selected car care products and compiled recommendations which are specially matched to
our vehicles and which always reflect the late st technology. You can obtain Mercedes- Benz
approved car care products at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
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 dealer. The following topics deal with the cleaning and
care of your vehicle and give important "how-to" in formation as well as references to Mercedes-Benz
approved car care products. Additional information can be found in the booklet titled "Car Care".


Engine Cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical components and
connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the engine compartment
after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be
lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax.


Car Washing
Do not use hot water or wash your car in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such
as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the car with a diffused jet of wa ter. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water an d rinse the sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry
on the finish. If the vehicle has been run through an automatic car wash - in particular one of the
older installations - rewipe the recessed sections in the taillamps (designed to prevent soiling) if
necessary. No solvents (fuels, thi nners etc.) must be used. In the winter, thoroughly remove all
traces of road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.


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


Window Cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfac es. An automotive glass cleaner is recommended.

Wiper Blade
Clean the wiper blade rubber with a clean cloth and detergent solution. Replace blade twice a year;
once before and once after winter.


Headlamp Cleaning System
The condition of the wiper blades is important fo r satisfactory cleaning of the headlamp lenses.
We therefore recommend that the blades be insp ected regularly. Replace damaged wiper blades.


Paintwork. Painted Body Components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be a pplied when water drops on the paint surface do
not "bead up"; normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be ap plied if paint surface shows signs of dirt
embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your car 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, car doors etc.).


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.

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.


Hard Plastic Trim Items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto so ft lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.


Headliner and Shelf below Rear Window
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry- shampoo cleaner in case of excessive dirt.


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


Steering Wheel and Gear Selector Lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.


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 Merc edes-Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water. Follow instructions on container.

Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could lead to corrosion.


Ornamental Moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.