2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS cooling

155
Climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
DrivingInstrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Climate control
The system is always at operational readiness, except
when manually switched off.
The climate control only operates with the engine
running.
The temperature selector should be left at the desired
temperature setting. The temperature selected is
reached as quickly as possible.
The system will not heat or cool any quicker by setting a
higher or lower temperature.
The desired interior temperature can be selected
separately for the left and right side of the passenger
compartment. Adjust the temperature settings in small
increments.
The climate control removes considerable moisture from
the air during operation in the cooling mode. It is
normal for water to drip on the ground through ducts in
the underbody.
The air conditioning will not engage (no cooling) if the
economy mode S
is selected, see page 159. Notes:
Do not obstruct the air flow by placing objects on the air
flow-through exhaust slots below the rear window.
Also keep the air intake grill in front of the windshield
free of snow and debris.
The storage compartment between the front seats can be
ventilated. See page 171 for notes on ventilating the
storage space under the armrest in the center console.
The air conditioner switches itself off for its own
protection if refrigerant is lost. No cooling will then take
place. Economy mode
S cannot be switched off. Have
the air conditioner checked by a Mercedes-Benz Center
should this happen.
If the vehicle interior has been heated by direct sunlight
and is very hot, ventilate the interior (open door or
windows for a short period) before driving off.
Dust filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out
before outside air enters the passenger compartment
through the air distribution system.
ProCarManuals.com

163
Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
DrivingInstrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
1
Temperature, left
2 Temperature, right
3 Air volume
4 Automatic mode is selected Automatic climate control
The system is always at operational readiness, except
when manually switched off.
The automatic climate control only operates with the
engine running.
The temperature selector should be left at the desired
temperature setting. The temperature selected is
reached as quickly as possible.
The system will not heat or cool any quicker by setting a
higher or lower temperature.
The desired interior temperature and air distribution
can be selected separately for the left and right side of
the passenger compartment. Adjust the temperature
settings in small increments.
The automatic climate control removes considerable
moisture from the air during operation in the cooling
mode. It is normal for water to drip on the ground
through ducts in the underbody.
The air conditioning will not engage (no cooling) if the
economy mode
S is selected, see page 169.
ProCarManuals.com

164
Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
DrivingInstrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Notes:
Do not obstruct the air flow by placing objects on the air
flow-through exhaust slots below the rear window.
Also keep the air intake grill in front of the windshield
free of snow and debris.
The storage compartment between the front seats can be
ventilated. See page 171 for notes on ventilating the
storage space under the armrest in the center console.
The air conditioner switches itself off for its own
protection if refrigerant is lost. No cooling will then take
place. Economy mode S cannot be switched off. Have
the air conditioner checked by a Mercedes-Benz Center
should this happen.
If the vehicle interior has been heated by direct sunlight
and is very hot, ventilate the interior (open door or
windows for a short period) before driving off.
Dust filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out
before outside air enters the passenger compartment
through the air distribution system. Basic setting – automatic mode
In the automatic mode the automatic climate control
cools or heats the interior depending on the direction
and strength of the sunlight, outside temperature and
the selected interior temperature of the vehicle. With
the automatic mode switched off, the air volume and
distribution can still be set manually.
Briefly press left or right
U button. The h, j
and k symbols will no longer be visible.
The economy mode and air recirculation functions will
be switched off. The automatic blower will be activated
at the same time.
We recommend to set the temperature switches on the
left and right to 72
°F (22
°C). Please make changes from
this setting to suit your personal requirements.
Heating mode:
To lower headroom temperature, use thumbwheel
(4, page 160).
Air conditioning mode:
Open air outlets at dashboard top center (7, page 160)
for an even air distribution.
ProCarManuals.com

297
Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
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.
ProCarManuals.com

298
Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
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.
ProCarManuals.com

319
Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
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.
ProCarManuals.com

377
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
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)
ProCarManuals.com

381
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Te ch n i c a l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
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
ProCarManuals.com