2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS key

273
Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
DrivingInstrument
cluster display Practical 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 287.
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.
ProCarManuals.com

274
Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
DrivingInstrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Electronic stability program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces
driving wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving
conditions.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
countervailing vehicle movement. Engine torque is also
limited. The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash when ESP is in
operation. Important!
If the ESP warning lamp
v flashes:
• During take-off apply as little throttle as possible.
• While driving ease up on the accelerator.
• Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
• Do not switch off the ESP.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
page 341, “Towing the vehicle”), the engine must be
shut off (electronic key in starter switch position 0 or 1).
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and
will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Wa r n i n g !
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, or aquaplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
ProCarManuals.com

275
Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
DrivingInstrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Notes:
The yellow ESP warning lamp
v 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 288.
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
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including 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.
ProCarManuals.com

281
Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the instrument
cluster ......................................... 282
On-board diagnostic system ......... 283 Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp............................. 283
Brake warning lamp .................. 284
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) indicator lamp .... 285
Fuel reserve warning................. 286
ABS malfunction indicator
lamp.............................................. 287
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 288
Seat belt nonusage warning lamp ............................................288 Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console...... 289
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 289
Malfunction and warning messages in the
multifunction display .............. 290
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE................ 291
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR ....... 292
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM .... 293
BRAKE ASSIST........................... 293
BRAKE PAD WEAR.................... 294
BRAKE FLUID ............................ 294
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 295
SEAT BELT SYSTEM .................. 295
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program).. 296
COOLANT (coolant level).......... 297 COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................ 298
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 299
LIGHTING SYSTEM .................... 300
LIGHT SENSOR........................... 302
DOOR............................................ 302
TRUNK OPEN ............................. 303
HOOD ........................................... 303
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION ....... 304
TELE AID ..................................... 304
WASHER FLUID.......................... 305
RESTRAINT SYSTEM ................. 306
KEY............................................... 306
FUEL RESERVE .......................... 307
UNDERVOLTAGE ........................ 307
STEERING WHEEL ADJUST. ..... 308
ProCarManuals.com

282
Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up
during the bulb self-check when turning the electronic
key in starter switch to position 2, have it checked and
replaced if necessary.
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,
therefore, be carried out only by authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center qualified 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.
Wa r n i n g !
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.
ProCarManuals.com

285
Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) indicator lamp
When turning the electronic key in starter
switch to position 1 the indicator lamp “SRS”
in the instrument cluster comes on. If no
fault is detected, the lamp will go out after
approximately 4 seconds.
When turning the electronic key in starter switch to
position 2 the indicator lamp “SRS” in the instrument
cluster comes on. If no fault is detected, the lamp will go
out when the engine is running.
The operational readiness of the airbag system is
verified by the indicator lamp “SRS” in the instrument
cluster when turning the electronic key in starter switch
to position 1 or 2.
After the lamp goes out, the system continues to
monitor the components and circuitry of the airbag
system and will indicate a malfunction by coming on
again. See page 72 for notes on airbags, see page 70 for belt
tensioners and page 62 for infant and child seat
restraint.
Wa r n i n g !
In the event a malfunction of the “SRS” is indicated
as outlined above, the “SRS” may not be
operational. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the
system checked; otherwise the “SRS” may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which could
result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy
unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also
result in injury.
ProCarManuals.com

286
Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Fuel reserve warning
1 Fuel reserve indicator When the warning lamp (1) comes on 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 US gal (8 liters). In addition to the
warning lamp, the message “RESERVE FUEL” –“VISIT
FUEL STATION” appears in the multifunction display.
See page 278 for notes on refueling the vehicle.
After refueling the vehicle, the message
“1 MALFUNCTION” appears in the multifunction
display when turning the electronic key in starter
switch to position 2. This malfunction message has to be
cleared, see page 119 for notes on the malfunction /
warning message memory.
P54.30-4541-26
ProCarManuals.com

287
Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical 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 off. 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 272 for notes on antilock brake system (ABS).
ABS
ProCarManuals.com