2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS coolant temperature

291
Malfunction and warning messages
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DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine control unit)
* C = Category, see page 290This message is displayed to indicate that the
information being relayed by the engine control unit is
no longer complete. The display for coolant temperature
gauge, tachometer, or the cruise control may have failed.
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several systems)
* C = Category, see page 290The displays for several systems have failed. Some
systems themselves may also have failed.
Line 1
Line 2C*
VISIT WORKSHOP! DISPLAY FAULTY2
Line 1Line 2C*
VISIT WORKSHOP! DISPLAY FAULTY2
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COOLANT (coolant level)
* C = Category, see page 290When this message appears while driving, the coolant
level has dropped below the required level. If no leaks
are noticeable and the engine temperature does not
increase, continue to drive to the nearest service station
and have coolant added to the coolant system.
The low engine coolant level warning should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol displayed
may cause serious engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have
the cooling system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. The
engine will overheat causing major engine damage.
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving,
see page 137.
See page 319 for instructions on topping up the coolant.Line 1
Line 2C*
COOLANT CHECK LEVEL! 2
Wa r n i n g !
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.
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COOLANT (coolant temperature)
* C = Category, see page 290
1 This may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken. Should this condition occur, the poly-V-belt must be replaced before continuing
to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to
an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the
engine. Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this message
displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine damage that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
2 The cooling fan for the coolant is faulty. Observe the coolant temperature gauge. See page 137
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 120
°C.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature above 120
°C. Doing so may cause serious
engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1 Line 2C*
COOLANT STOP, ENGINE OFF!
1
1
COOLANT VISIT WORKSHOP!
2
2
Wa r n i n g !
Driving when your engine is badly overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be
seriously burned.Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious
burns and can occur just by opening the engine
hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it.Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do
not stand near the vehicle until it cools down.
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Engine compartment
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Hood
Wa r n i n g !
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the engine
is running. Be sure the hood is properly closed
before driving. When closing hood, use extreme
caution not to catch hands or fingers.The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or even restart after the
engine has been turned off. Stay clear from fan
blades.If you see flames or smoke coming from the engine
compartment, or if the coolant temperature gauge
indicates that the engine is overheated, do not open
the hood. Move away from vehicle and do not open
the hood until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call a fire department.
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils,
spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the
ignition system
• with the engine running,
• while starting the engine,
• if ignition is “on” and the engine is turned manually.
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319
Engine compartment
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Coolant level
1 Coolant expansion tank
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked
on level ground an d the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when coolant is cold.
The coolant level should reach the black top part of the
reservoir.
See page 381 for antifreeze / anticorrosion mixture. Adding coolant
If coolant has to be added, a 50/50 mixture of water and
MB anticorrosion / antifreeze should be added.
Wa r n i n g !
• In order to avoid possibly serious burns: Use extreme caution when opening the hood if
there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking
from the cooling system, or if the coolant
temperature gauge indicates that the coolant is
overheated.• Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if engine temperature is above 194
°F
(90
°C). Allow engine to cool down before
removing cap. The coolant reservoir contains
hot fluid and is under pressure.
• Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately
1/2 turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will
be blown out under pressure.• Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine
parts.
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377
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
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Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must
match. Therefore use only brands tested and recommended
by us. Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your Mercedes-Benz Center.
Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Engine with oil filter 7.4 US qt (7.0 l) Recommended engine oils
Automatic transmission 8.5 US qt (8.0 l) Automatic transmission fluid
Rear axle 1.2 US qt (1.1 l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Power steering approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l) MB Power steering fluid
Front wheel hubs approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 l) MB Brake fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling system approx. 6.4 US qt (6.0 l) MB Anticorrosion / antifreeze
Fuel tank
including a reserve of 16.4 US gal (62.0 l)
2.1 US gal (8.0 l)Premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON / 86 MON)
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Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
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Air conditioner system R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant (Never R-12)
Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system Vehicles without headlamp
cleaning system:
Capacity approx. 3.2 US qt
(3.0 l)
Vehicles with headlamp
cleaning system:
Capacity approx. 6.4 US qt
(6.0 l)MB Windshield washer concentrate1
1 Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and

commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze for temperatures below freezing. Follow suggested mixing r atios, see
page 320.
Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
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Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
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Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufacturers is carbon
build up caused by gasoline. Mercedes-Benz
recommends the use of only quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build up of carbon deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels without such
additives, carbon deposits can build up especially on the
intake valves and in the combustion area, leading to
engine performance problems such as:
• warm-up hesitation,
• unstable idle,
• knocking / pinging,
• misfire,
• power loss.
Do not blend other specific fuel additives with fuel.
They only result in unnecessary cost, and may be
harmful to the engine operation.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from poor fuel
quality or from blending specific fuel additives are not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion / antifreeze, which provides:
• corrosion protection,
• freeze protection,
• boiling protection (by increasing the boiling point).
The cooling system was filled at the factory with a
coolant providing freeze protection to approximately
- 22
°F (- 30
°C) and corrosion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to - 22
°F (- 30
°C),
the boiling point of the coolant in the pressurized
cooling system is reached at approximately 266
°F
(130
°C).
The coolant solution must be used year round to provide
the necessary corrosion protection and increase in the
boil-over protection. You should have it replaced every
3years.
To provide the important corrosion protection, the
solution must be at least 45% anticorrosion / antifreeze
(equals a freeze protection to approximately - 22
°F
(- 30
°C). If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion /antifreeze (freeze protection to
approximately - 49
°F (- 45
°C), the engine temperature
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