2001 MERCEDES-BENZ CL600 ABS

269 Driving systems
Te ch n ica 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.

270 Driving systems
Te ch n ica 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 294.
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
sw itched of f. W he n t he voltage is a bove this val ue again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.If th e ABS ma lfu nction indicator la mp stays ill uminated ,
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.

272 Driving systems
Te ch n ica 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. 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 303.
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 ia l com es on). For t his reason, al l wh eels, inclu ding the
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.

289 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................290
On-board diagnostic system .....290
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................290
Brake warning lamp ..................292
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)
indicator lamp .............................293
Fuel reserve warning .................293
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................294
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............295
Distronic (DTR) —
warning lamp ..............................295
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ..............................296Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console ...... 296
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 296
Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display .............. 297
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ................. 298
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ....................... 298
BATTERY /ALTERNATOR ......... 299
ENTRANCE POSITION .............. 300
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 300
BRAKE LINING WEAR .............. 301
BRAKE FLUID ............................ 301
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 302
TRUNK OPEN ............................. 302
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability
program) ..................................... 303
COOLANT (coolant level) ......... 304COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................305
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................306
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................308
SEAT BELT SYSTEM ...................308
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION .......309
CRUISE CONTROL .....................309
ACTIV E BO DY CO NTROL
(ABC) ............................................ 310
TIRE PRESSURE ......................... 312
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 314
SEAT BACKREST ........................ 315
KEY ............................................... 316
DOOR ........................................... 316
HOOD ........................................... 317
TELE AID ..................................... 317
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 318
WASHER FLUID ......................... 319
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................320
DISTRONIC (DTR) ...................... 321

294 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica 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. Parktronic,
Navigation, Automatic transmission). Be guided
a ccord ingly w ith respect to t he u se of th ose 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
sw itched of f. Wh en t he voltage is a bove th is value a gain,
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 269 for notes on antilock brake system (ABS).
ABS

325 Fuses
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Fuses
Most of your vehicle’s electrical components are fused
w ith safety fuses. Wit h th e exc eption of t he brake lig hts,
all individual lighting system components are
electronically fused. Before replacing a blown safety
fuse, determine the cause of the short circuit. Always
observe amperage and color of fuse.
The circuit for components is protected by a cycled
circuit breaker interrupted if too much current is being
drawn. The circuit closes automatically after a short
time; the circuit is broken again if the malfunction
reoccurs.
A l ways u s e a n ew f u s e f o r r e pl a c e m e nt . N eve r a t te mp t to
repair or bridge a blown fuse.
A fuse chart, spare fuses and a fuse extractor are located
in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage bowl under the
trunk floor. See page 335 for notes on the vehicle tool
kit.Fuse boxes in the engine compartment
1Fuse box in engine compartment, left-hand side
3Tabs
3
3
1
P54.15-2064-26

326 Fuses
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
2 Fuse box in engine compartment, right-hand side
3Ta bs
To gain access to fuse box:
Slide both tabs (3) on fuse box forward to the Œ
symbol and remove the cover.To close the fuse box:
Ensure that the sealing rubber is properly positioned
when you replace the cover. Press the cover down by
ha nd . Slide bot h tabs (3) back to th e ‹ symbol on th e
fuse box.
Note:
The fuse box cover must be properly positioned and
both tabs pushed forward to prevent moisture entering
the fuse box.
2
3
3
P54.15-2065-26

395 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their suitability in
our engines. Therefore, use only engine oils
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Information on
recommended brands is available at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Please follow Service Booklet recommendations for
scheduled oil changes. Failure to do so could result in
engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil. They may be
harmful to the engine operation.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
War ra nt y.Air conditioner refrigerant
R-134a (H FC) ref rigerant a nd special PAG l ubricating oil
is used in the air conditioner system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lubricating oil,
otherwise damage to the system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of the brake
fluid is continuously reduced through the absorption of
moisture from the atmosphere. Under extremely hard
operating conditions, this moisture content can lead to
the formation of bubbles in the system thus reducing
the system’s efficiency.
The brake fluid must therefore be replaced every two
years, preferably in the spring.
It is recommended to use only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
will provide you with additional information.