2001 MERCEDES-BENZ C240 Abs

252 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
•Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.
Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
antilock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability
program (ESP) can only be achieved with M+S rated
radial-ply tires and / or snow chains recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Deep water
Caution!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown
depth.
If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or
passenger compartment, being ingested by the air
intake, possibly causing damage to electrical
components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

257 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Brake assist system (BAS)
The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers by
having maximum power boost applied to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s
braking style. This can help reduce braking distances
over what ordinary driving and braking style might do.
The BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS).Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
BAS assistance.
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply
continuous full braking power during the stopping
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
If the BAS warning message is displayed, a malfunction
has been detected in the system. The brake system
functions in the usual manner, but without BAS.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS is also switched
off.
If a BAS warning message is displayed, have the BAS
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Wa r n i n g !
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent
ac c id ent s, i nc l udi ng t hose resul tin g from exc es si ve
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

258 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during
hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km / h)
independent of road surface conditions.At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal,
indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure results in
applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking
power and ability to steer the vehicle.
In the case of an emergency brake maneuver keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake
pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.

259 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on with the electronic key in
starter switch position 2 and should go out with the
engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a
malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without
antilock assistance.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 272.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated,
have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a ABS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

261 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The yellow ESP warning lampv in the speedometer
dial comes on with the electronic key in starter switch
position 2. It should go out with the engine running.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, a malfunction
has been detected in the system. Pressing the
accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial
engine output will be available.
Have the ESP checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
For ESP warning message, see page 273.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
d ial com es on ). For t his reas on, all wheels, in cludin g t he
spare wheel, must have the same tire size. When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the ESP warning message may
be displayed with the engine running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The ESP warning message should go out.

267 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster .............268
On-board diagnostic system .........268
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................268
Brake warning lamp ..................270
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp .................. 271
Fuel reserve warning ................. 271
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................272
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............273
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp .............................273Malfunction and indicator lamp in
the center console .................... 273
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 273
Malfunction and warning messages
in the multifunction display ....274
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................ 275
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR ........276
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM .... 277
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 277
BRAKE LINING WEAR .............. 278
BRAKE FLUID ............................ 278
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 279
SEAT BELT SYSTEM .................. 279
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) . 280
COOLANT (coolant level) ......... 281COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................282
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................283
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................284
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................286
DOOR ...........................................286
TRUNK OPEN .............................287
HOOD ...........................................287
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION .......288
TELE AID .....................................288
WASHER FLUID .........................289
RESTRAINT SYSTEM .................290
KEY ...............................................290
FUEL RESERVE .......................... 291
UNDERVOLTAGE ........................ 291
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. ...........292
ENTRANCE POSITION ..............292

272 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ABS malfunction indicator lamp
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on with the
electronic key in starter switch position 2
and should go out with the engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp symbol and
warning in the instrument cluster remains illuminated
while the engine is running, it indicates that the ABS
has detected a malfunction and has switched off. In this
case, the brake system functions in the usual manner,
but without antilock assistance.
A malfunctioning ABS control unit can possibly affect
the operation of other systems (e.g. Navigation,
Automatic transmission). Be guided accordingly with
respect to the use of those systems and have the system
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. The malfunction indicator lamps and
malfunction messages in the multifunction display
come on with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched of f. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.
Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
See page 258 for notes on antilock brake system (ABS).
ABS

277 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
* C = Category, see page 274See page 258 for notes on the antilock brake system
(ABS).1 The display or the system is malfunctioning
BRAKE ASSIST* C = Category, see page 274A malfunction has been detected in the system. The
brake system functions in the usual manner, but
without brake assist system (BAS).
See page 257 for notes on the brake assist system (BAS).
Line 1 Line 2 C*
ABS SYSTEM VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
Line 1 Line 2 C*
BRAKE ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE! 2
BRAKE ASSIST VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP! 2