Page 236 of 330
233 Malfunction and warning messages
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine control unit)
This message is displayed to indicate that the
information being relayed by the engine control unit is
no longer complete. The coolant temperature gauge,
tachometer, or the cruise control may have failed.DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several systems)
The displays for several systems have failed. Some
systems themselves may also have failed.
Line 1 Line 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
Line 1 Line 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
J_C208_II.book Seite 233 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 10:13 10
Page 240 of 330
237 Malfunction and warning messages
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index PA R K I N G B R A K E
Parking brake, see page 202.ENGINE FAN
1 The cooling fan for the coolant is faulty. Observe coolant
temperature gauge while driving, see page 88. Line 1 Line 2
PARKING BRAKE RELEASE BRAKE!Line 1 Line 2
ENGINE FAN VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
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Page 241 of 330

238 Malfunction and warning messages
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
COOLANT (coolant level)
When 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.
Notes:
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 255 for instructions on adding coolant.
Line 1 Line 2
COOLANT CHECK LEVEL!
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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Page 242 of 330

239 Malfunction and warning messages
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index COOLANT TEMP. (coolant temperature)
1 Observe coolant temperature gauge, see page 88.
Check coolant level, see page 254.
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.
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red
marking.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1 Line 2
COOLANT TEMP. VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
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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Page 250 of 330

247 Contents – Practical hints
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................248
Shelf below rear window ..............248
Stowing things in
the vehicle ..................................248
Fuses ................................................249
Hood ................................................. 251
Checking engine oil level .............253
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................254
Coolant level ...................................254
Adding coolant ...........................255
Windshield washer / headlamp
cleaning system .........................256
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........256Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ............... 257
Vehicle jack .................................... 258
Wheels ............................................ 259
Tire replacement ....................... 259
Rotating wheels ......................... 260
Spare wheel .................................... 261
Changing wheels ........................... 262
Tire inflation pressure ................. 267
Battery ............................................. 268
Jump starting ................................. 270
Towing the vehicle ........................ 272
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ...................274
Exterior lamps ............................... 275
Headlamp assembly ...................276
Taillamp assemblies .................. 278Adjusting headlamp aim ...............280
Changing batteries in
the electronic key .....................283
Synchronizing remote
control ..........................................285
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof ...................286
Manual release for
fuel filler flap .............................287
Replacing wiper
blade insert ................................287
Roof rack .........................................289
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Page 254 of 330

251 Engine compartment
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index 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.
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.If you see flames, steam 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.
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Page 257 of 330
254 Engine compartment
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Automatic transmission fluid level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic
transmission fluid.
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid leaks or gear shifting malfunctions,
have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission fluid level.Coolant level
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked
on level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when coolant is cold.
The coolant level should reach the black top part of the
reservoir.
P20.30-2032-26
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Page 258 of 330

255 Engine compartment
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Adding coolant
If coolant has to be added, a 50/50 mixture of water and
MB anticorrosion / antifreeze should be added.
The drain plugs for the cooling system are located on
the right side of the engine block and at the bottom of
the radiator.
Anticorrosion / antifreeze mixture, see page 310.
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid possible serious burns or injury:
• 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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