2000 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class headlamp

Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam
Battery not being charged properly.
See Index

Warning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless)


Exterior lamp failure. See Index

ASR or ESP.
Adjust driving to road condition. See Index

BAS malfunction. See Index
ASR malfunction. See Index

Fluid level for windshield and headlamp
washer system low. See Index
BAS malfunction. See Index
ESP malfunction. See Index
Coolant level low. See Index ABS malfunction. See Index
Engine oil level low. See Index Fasten seat belts. See Index
Brake pads worn down. See Index SRS malfunction. See Index

Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged. See Index
Telescoping steering column not locked.
See Index

Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged.
See Index
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel
management system or emission control
system, or the fuel cap is not closed tight. In
all cases, we recommend that you have the
malfunction checked as soon as possible.
See Index
Additional Function Indicator Lamps in
the Instrument Cluster Function Indicator Lamp on
the Center Console

FSS indicator (distance).
See Index
Passenger Airbag automatically switched
off. See Index

FSS indicator (days).
See Index

Combination Switch

1. Low beam (exterior lamp switch position )
2. High beam (exterior lamp switch position )
3. High beam flasher (high beam available independent of exterior lamp switch position)
4. Turn signals, right
5. Turn signals, left
To signal minor directional changes, such as changing lanes on a highway, move combination switch to the point
of resistance only and hold it there. To operate the turn signals continuously, move the combination switch past the
point of resistance (up or down). The switch is automatically cancelled when the steering wheel is turned to a large
enough degree.

6 Control for windshield wiper/washer system:
Push briefly for a single wipe without adding washer fluid (use only when windshield is wet)
Push past detent point:
• windshield washer system
• optional headlamp cleaning system (only in exterior lamp positions or ).
When the washer system is activated, the wipers also operate for a limited time.
7 Windshield wiper
0 Wiper off
I Intermittent wiping (optional rain sensor:
One initial wipe, pauses between wipes are automatically controlled by a rain sensor
monitoring the wetness of the windshield.)
II Normal wiper speed
III Fast wiper speed

Note:
The windshield washer reservoir, hoses and nozzles are automatically heated.

Exterior Lamp Switch
Off
Parking lamps (also side marker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the engine is running, the low beam is additionally switched on.
Parking lamps plus low beam or high beam headlamps (combination switch pushed forward).
Standing lamps, right (turn left one stop).
Standing lamps, left (turn left two stops).
Front fog lamps (pull out one stop) with parking lamps and/or low beam headlamps on.
Rear fog lamp (pull out to 2nd detent) in addition to fog lamps. Yellow indicator lamp in lamp switch
comes on.

Standing Lamps
When the vehicle is parked on the street the standing lamps (right or left side parking lamps) can be turned on,
making the vehicle more visible to passing vehicles The standing lamps cannot be operated with the electronic key in
steering lock position 2.

Note:
With the electronic key removed and a front door open, a warning sounds if the vehicle's exterior lamps (except
standing lamps) are not switched off. Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps and the low or high
beam headlamps Fog lamps should only be used in conjunction with low beam headlamps
Consult your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulations regarding allowable lamp operation. Fog lamps are
automatically switched off when the exterior lamp switch is turned to position .


Daytime Running Lamps
Canada only

When the engine is running and the selector lever is in a driving position, the low beam (includes parking lamps,
side marker lamps, taillamps and license plate lamps) are automatically switched on.
When shifting from a driving position to position "N" or "P", the low beam switches off (2 seconds delay).

For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should be turned to position to permit activation of the high beam
headlamps.

Low Engine Coolant Level Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the warning lamp comes on.
It should go out when the engine is running. If the warning la mp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it
comes on while driving, then the coolant level has dropped below the required level. If no leaks are noticeable and
the engine temperature does not increase, continue to driv e to the nearest service station and have coolant added to
the coolant system (see Index).
The low engine coolant level warning light should not be ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated may
cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have t he cooling system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer as soon as possible.

Note:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. T he engine will overheat causing major engine damage. Monitor
the coolant temperature gauge while driving.

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.


Low Windshield and Headlamp Washer System Fluid Level Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the warning lamp comes on. It should go out when the engine is
running. If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving, the level of the
reservoir has dropped to approx.1/4 of the total volume. T he reservoir should be refilled with MB Windshield Washer
Concentrate "S" and water (or commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze, depending on
ambient temperature - see Index) at the next opportunity. The reservoir fo r the windshield and headlamp washer
systems is located in the engine compartment.

Exterior Lamp Failure indicator Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, an exterior lamp comes on. It should go out when the engine is
running. If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving, this lamp
indicates a failure in the parking lamp, taillamp, stop la mp, or low beam headlamp. If an exterior lamp fails, the
indicator lamp will come on only when that lamp is switched on. If a brake lamp fails, the lamp failure indicator will
come on when applying the brake and stay on until the engine is turned off.

Note:
If additional lighting equipment is installed (e.g. auxiliary headl amps etc.) be certain to connect into the fuse before
the failure indicator monitoring unit in order to avoid damaging the system.


Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the brake pad wear indicator lamp comes on .
It goes out when the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp lights up during braking, this indica tes that the brake pads are worn down. Have the brake
system checked at your authorized Mercedes- Benz dealer as soon as possible.


Brake Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the brake warning lamp will come on. It should go out when the
engine is running. The brake warning lamp will come on:
• when there is insufficient brake fluid in the rese rvoir (engine running and parking brake released), or
• when the parking brake is set (engine running).

Warning !
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake system checked
immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Don't add brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in sp illing brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid
catching fire. You can be seriously burned.

If you find that the minimum mark on the brake fluid reserv oir is reached, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks. To test the brake warning lamp, turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2. The brake
warning lamp comes on, and should go out when the engine is running.

Exterior Lamps
Headlamp Adjustment

Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely important. Check and readjust headlamps at regular intervals and
when a bulb has been replaced.




Headlamp Assembly
1. Cover for low beam headlamp bulb, fog lamp, and level for vertical adjustment
2. Latch for cover (1)
3. Cover for high beam headlamp bulb
4. Clamp for cover (3)
5. Headlamp vertical adjustment screw

6. Headlamp horizontal adjustment screw
7. Scale for horizontal adjustment
8. Electrical connector for low beam headlamp bulb
9. Electrical connector for fog lamp bulb
10.Electrical connector for high beam headlamp bulb



Replacing Bulb:
To prevent a possible electrical short circuit, switch off lamp prior to replacing a bulb. When replacing bulbs,
install only 12 volt bulbs with the specified watt rating. When replacing halogen bulbs do not touch glass
portion of bulb with bare hands. Use plain paper or a clean cloth.

Warning !
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas. A bulb can explode if you:
• touch or move it when hot,
• drop the bulb,
• scratch the bulb.
Wear eye and hand protection.

Bulb for Low Beam H7 (55 W) Bulb for Fog Lamp H1 (55 W)

Open hood.
Depress latch (2) and remove cover (1). Pull of electrical connector (8) or (9). Unhook clamping ring and
removes bulb. Insert new bulb (seating properly in cutouts of bulb socket), and mount clamping ring.
Reinstall and push electrical connector on securely. Reinstall bottom end of cover (1) and push against top
end of cover until properly seated. Check lamp for proper operation.

Xenon (optional)
Bulb for Low Beam

Warning !
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the lamp and its
components. We recommend that you have such work done by a qualified technician.

Adjusting Headlamp Aim (Halogen)











Correct headlamp adjustment is
extremely important. To check and
readjust a headlamp follow steps 1
through 7. Please note:
• Horizontal aim will change and
must be corrected as described
below, whenever a vertical
adjustment is made.
• Low beam adjustments
simultaneously aim the high
beam and fog lamp.
• Vehicle should have a normal
trunk load.


1. Park vehicle on level surface approximately 25 ft. (7.6 m)
from a vertical test screen or wall. The centerline of the
vehicle must be at a 90° angle to the test screen.
2. (low beams on):
Using a carpenter's level, align and mark a vertical centerline
(8) on the test screen using the vertex of the angle formed in
each beam image. As a check, the distance between centerlines
should be 47 1/4 inches (1198 mm). If the distance does not check,
have the system verified at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
3. Open hood, depress latch (1), and remove access cover (2) from
the headlamp.
4. Vertical headlamp aim
(low beams on): Turn adjusting screw (3) (counterclockwise to adjust
headlamp downward, clockwise upward) until bubble in the level (4) is
centered on the "0" mark.
Graduations: 0.18° pitch.



5. Horizontal headlamp aim (low beams on):
Turn adjusting screw (5) (Right front headlamp: counterclockwise
to adjust to the left, clockwise to the right; left front head-
lamp: counterclockwise to adjust to the right, clockwise to the
left.) until the headlamps (low beam) illuminate the test screen
as shown. The vertex of the angle formed in each beam
image should align with the vertical centerline (8) of each lamp.
The left and right headlamps must be adjusted individually.
6. The indicator (6) in the sight glass should align with the
"0" mark after any horizontal adjustment. If it does not, slide
the "0" mark on the scale (7) until it aligns with the indicator (6).
Graduations: 0.38° pitch.
7. Reinstall access cover(2).

Note:
If it is not possible to obtain a proper headlamp adjustment, have
the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Adjusting Headlamp Aim
(Xenon)





Correct headlamp adjustment is
extremely important. To check and
readjust a headlamp, follow steps 1
through 5. Please note:
• Low beam adjustments
simultaneously aim the high
beam and fog lamp.
• Vehicle should have a normal
trunk load.
• Vertical aim adjustments
change horizontal aim.


1. Park vehicle on level surface approximately 25 ft. (7.6 m) from a vertical
test screen or wall. The centerline of the vehicle must be at a 90° angle
to the test screen.
2. (Low beams on):
Using a carpenter's level, align and mark a vertical centerline
(8) on the test screen using the vertex of the angle formed in
each beam image. As a check, the distance between center-
lines should be 47 1/4 inches (1198 mm). If the distance does not check,
have the system verified at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
3. (Low beams off):
Measure the vertical height from the floor to reference point (10)
on low beam lens. Subtract approx. 2 inches (53 mm) from
measurement, and mark a horizontal centerline (9) on the
test screen at the resulting height from the floor. It must be
at a 90° angle to the vertical centerline.
4. Open hood.





5. Vertical headlamp aim (low beams on):
Simultaneously turn adjusting screws (1 and 2) equally in the
same direction (counterclockwise to adjust headlamp downward,
clockwise upward) until the headlamp (low beam)
illuminates the test screen as shown.
The left and right headlamps must be adjusted individually.
Note:
If it is not possible to obtain a proper headlamp adjustment, have
the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.