2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS COUPE service indicator

250 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
?
The yellow “CHECK ENGINE”
malfunction indicator lamp
comes on while driving.
There is a malfunction in:

The fuel management system


The ignition system


The emission control system


Systems which impact emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive
emissions values and may switch the engine
to its limp-home (emergency operation)
mode.

Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
An on-board diagnostic connector is
used by the service station to link the
vehicle to the shop diagnostics sys-
tem. It allows the accurate identifica-
tion of system malfunctions through
the readout of diagnostic trouble
codes. It is located in the front left
area of the footwell next to the park-
ing brake pedal.
The fuel cap is not closed tight.

Check the fuel cap.
Your gas tank is empty.

After refuelling start the engine three
or four times in succession.
The limp-home mode is canceled. You do
not need to have your vehicle checked.
<
The red seat belt warning lamp
blinks for a brief period after
starting the engine.
The warning lamp reminds you to fasten seat
belts.

Fasten your seat belt.
The yellow fuel tank reserve warning lamp
lights up while driving.
The fuel level has gone below the reserve
mark.

Refuel at the next gas station
(page 224).

327
Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.
BabySmart
TM
airbag deactivation
system This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed (indicator
lamp
7
in the center console lights
up). See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability. BabySmart
TM
compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger side airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.
BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bi-Xenon headlamps* Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam. CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter, which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.
CAN system (C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping.
Cockpit All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.

328 Technical termsCollapsible tireAn especially compact spare tire that
must be inflated with a provided air
pump before using. It should only be
used to bring the vehicle to the nearest
service station.
COMAND* (C
ockpit M
anagement and D
ata Sys-
tem)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and navi-
gation system, as well as for other op-
tional equipment (CD changer,
telephone, etc.).
Control system The control system is used to call up
vehicle information and to change
component settings. Information and
messages appear in the multifunction
display. The driver uses the buttons on
the multifunction steering wheel to
navigate through the system and to ad-
just settings. Cruise control
Driving convenience system for auto-
matically maintaining the vehicle speed
set by the driver.
Engine number The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine pro-
duced.
Engine oil viscosity Measurement for the inner friction (vis-
cosity) of the oil at different tempera-
tures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can tol-
erate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP (E
lectronic S
tability Pr
ogram)
Improves vehicle handling and direc-
tional stability. ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRS
FSS (F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Service indicator in the multifunction
display that informs the driver when
the next vehicle maintenance service is
due.
Gear range Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.

335
Index
Program mode selector switch 136
Selector lever position 132
Starting with 45
Transmission fluid 229
Winter program mode 136
Auxiliary fuse box 304
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 67
Compatible child seats 67, 327
Self-test 68
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system
327
Backrest Folding forward 193
Folding rearward 193
BAS 74, 327 Messages in display 254
Batteries, SmartKey Changing 276
Check lamp 83
Checking 84
Battery discharged Jump starting 297 Battery, vehicle 231, 294
Charging 295
Disconnecting 295
Messages in display 270
Reconnecting 295
Reinstalling 295
Removing 295
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 327
Bi-Xenon type Front lamp bulbs 283
Block heater 237
Bolts For spare wheel 273
Brake assist system (BAS) 327
Brake fluid 225, 319
Brake lamp bulbs 281
Brake lamp, high mounted 281
Brake pads Message in display 256
Brakes 216 Warning lamp 249
Break-in period 214
Bulbs, replacing 280 Additional turn signals 280
Brake lamps 281
Fog lamps 280 Front lamps 280
High beam 280
High mounted brake lamp 281
License plate lamps 281, 286
Low beam 280
Parking lamps 280, 281, 283, 284
Rear fog lamp 281
Rear fog lamps 285
Side marker lamps 280, 285
Standing lamps 280, 281, 283, 284
Tail lamp assemblies 281, 285
Turn signal lamps 280, 281
Button Audio system 162
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 327
Calling up Range (distance to empty) 126
Service indicator 239
CAN system 327
Capacities Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 317
Cargo compartment Lighting 101
Casette mode Playing cassettes 168

338 Index
Front fog lamps 120
Hazard warning flasher 99
Headlamps 52
Immobilizer 78
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 121
Rear window defroster 147, 156
Residual heat 158
Seat heater 92
Tow-away alarm 80
Deep water see Standing water 221
Defogging Windshield 145, 153
Defrosting 146, 154
Delayed shut-off Exterior lamps 120
Interior lighting 121
Dialing A number (telephone) 128
Difficulties While driving see Problems while driving 50
With starting 45
Digital speedometer 110
Direction of rotation (tires) 234
Discharged battery
Jump starting 297 Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 295
Display Selecting 118
Display elements Audio system 160
Displays Digital speedometer 110
Messages 229, 252
Selecting 118
Service indicator 238
Showing malfunctions 113
Distance to empty (range) Calling up 125
Door control panel 27
Door handle 27
Door unlock With Tele Aid* 208
Doors Message in display 260
Opening from inside vehicle 85
Opening from outside 83
Downhill driving Cruise control 190
Downshifting 131, 133
Drink holder see Cup holder 196 Drinking and driving 215
Driving
Aquaplaning 219
General instructions 41, 215
In winter 220
Problems 50
Safety systems 73
Through standing water 221
Driving abroad 221
Driving instructions 215
Driving off 217
Driving safety systems ABS 73
BAS 74
ESP 75
Driving systems 189 Cruise control 189
Driving safety systems 73
E
Easy-entry/exit feature 89 Activating 123
Interrupting movement 123
Electrical fuses 303
Electrical system
Technical data 314

343
Index
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 247
Airbag Off 61
Battery (SmartKey) 83
Brakes 249
CHECK ENGINE 250
Coolant 257
Engine diagnostics 250
ESP 246
Fuel reserve 250
Instrument cluster 246–250
Seat belts 250
Service indicator 238
SRS 57
Turn signals 23
Language Multifunction display 118
Setting 118
LATCH child seat mounts 70 Folding back 70
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 309
Leather upholstery Cleaning 244
License plate lamps Messages in display 266
Replacing bulbs 281, 286 Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 243
Technical data 311
Light sensor 263
Lighter see Cigarette lighter 199
Lighting 96 Automatic headlamp mode 97
Combination switch 99
Daytime running lamp mode 98
Exterior lamp switch 96
Front fog lamps 98
High beam flasher 99
High beams 99
Instrument cluster illumination 102
Interior 100
Locator lighting 98
Low beam 96
Manual headlamp mode 97
Night security illumination 98
Parking lamps 96
Rear fog lamp 98
Settings (control system) 119
Trunk 101
Limiting the gear range 134
Limp Home Mode 137 Loading 192
Instructions 194
Roof rack 192
Split rear bench seat 192
Locator lighting 98 Setting 120
Lock button 329
Lock buttons 329
Locking 51, 82 Fuel filler flap 224
Global, SmartKey 83
Vehicle in an emergency 275
Loss of keys 84
Loss of Service and Warranty Information Booklet 307
Low beam headlamps Messages in display 264
Replacing bulbs 280, 282
Lowering Vehicle 291
Lubricants Technical data 317
Luggage cover 192
M
Main dimensions 315
Maintenance 238

346 Index
Telephone 159
Telephone* 126, 176
Operating safety Audio system 159
Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings 242
Outside temperature indicator 104
Overdue service 238
Overhead control panel 26
Overspeed range 329
P
Paintwork 241
Panic alarm 72 Panic button on SmartKey 72
Parcel net In front passenger footwell 198
Parking 51, 217
Parking brake 46, 51 Engaging 51
Message in display 267
Releasing 46
Parking lamps Replacing bulbs 280, 281, 283, 284
Switching on 96
Parking position Exterior rear view mirrors 95, 124 Parts see Spare parts service 306
Passenger compartment 221
Fuse box in 303
Inside rear view mirror 39
Interior lighting 100
Parcel net in front passenger footwell 198
Passenger safety see Occupant safety 56
Pedals 215
Phone book* Loading 128
Quick search 128
Phone number* Dialing 128
Redialing 129
Plastic and rubber parts Cleaning 244
Playing CDs 173
Poly-V-belt drive 330 Layout 309
Positions (Memory function*) Recalling from memory 94
Storing into memory 94
Power assistance 216 Power seat*
Adjusting backrest tilt 35
Adjusting head restraint height 35
Adjusting head restraint tilt 35
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 35
Adjusting seat height 35
Front seat head restraints 90
Seat fore and aft adjustment 34
Power steering fluid Message in display 268
Power train 330
Power washer 241
Power windows 182 Side windows 182
Practical hints First aid kit 271
Fuses 303
Lamp in center console 251
Lamps in instrument cluster 246
Messages in the display 252
Spare wheel 271
Spare wheel bolts 273
Towing the vehicle 299
Vehicle jack 272
Vehicle tool kit 272
Premium unleaded gasoline 320

348 Index
Rear turn signal bulbs 285
Side marker lamp bulbs 285
Standing lamp bulbs 283, 284
Wiper blades 287
Reset knob in the instrument cluster 114
Resetting All functions (control system) 114
All functions of a submenu 115
Fuel consumption 125
Service indicator (FSS) 239
Trip odometer 103
Residual heat utilization 158, 330
Residual ventilation 158
REST (Residual engine heat utilization) 330
Restraint system see Infant and child re- straint systems 65, 69
Reverse (manual transmission) Shifting into 131
Rims 311
Roadside assistance Tele Aid* 204
Rolling code programming 211
RON 225
RON (Research Octane Number) 330
Roof rack 192
Rotating wheels 235 Rubber parts
Cleaning 244
S
Safety Occupant 56
Safety belts see Seat belts 41
Safety systems Driving 73
Saving current speed 190
Searching Radio station 111
Seat belt force limiter 64
Seat belt outlet height adjustment 43
Seat belts 62 Cleaning 244
Fastening 41
Height adjustment 43
Proper use of 43, 63
Safety guidelines 60
Warning lamp 250
Seat heater* Switching off 92
Switching on 92
Seats 89
Adjusting 32
Easy entry/exit feature 89 Heater 91
Manual 33
Rapid seat heating 92
Split rear bench seat 192
Selecting Display 118
Selector lever 23 Lock 45
Position (automatic transmission) 23, 132
Self-test BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation sys-
tem 68
Tele Aid* 202
Service Calling up the service indicator 239
Major service (Service B) 238
Minor service (Service A) 238
Overdue 238
Spare parts 306
Types 238
When due 238
Service and Warranty Booklet Loss of 307