2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C230 Electronic system

291 Operation
Driving instructions
Control and operation of radio transmitters
COMAND*, radio and telephone*Telephones* and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable
telephone or a citizens band unit should
only be used inside the vehicle if they are
connected to an antenna that is installed
on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended maintenance instructions
as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Warning!
G
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle safely.
Only operate the COMAND (Cockpit
Management and Data System), radio or
telephone
1 if road, weather and traffic
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.
1Observe all legal requirements.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system,
possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.

361 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
ESP
unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
The ESP
® was deactivated because of a
malfunction or interrupted power supply. The
BAS and the Run Flat Indicator* are also deac-
tivated.
The ABS might not be operational.
The brake system is still functioning normally
but without the systems specified above.

Continue driving with added caution.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.
If the yellow ESP
® warning lampv flashes
while driving and this message appears, the
electronic traction system has switched off to
prevent overheating of the drive wheel brakes.
As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the
electronic traction system switches on
again.
The self-diagnosis has not been completed
yet.
The ESP
®, BAS and the Run Flat Indicator* are
temporarily deactivated.
The brake system is still functioning normally
but without the systems specified above.
The display will clear after driving a short
distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h).

374 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Ñ
Cruise contr.
Drive to workshop
Cruise control is malfunctioning.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
G
Display malfunction
Visit workshop
The instrument cluster display is
malfunctioning.

Continue driving with added caution.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
The displays for several systems have
malfunctioned. Some systems them-
selves may also have malfunctioned.

Have the electronic systems checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
±
Display malfunction
Visit workshop
Certain electronic systems are unable to
relay information to the control system.
The following systems may have failed:

Coolant temperature display


Tachometer


Cruise control display

Have the electronic systems checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
J
Doors open
You are attempting to drive with one or
more doors open.

Close the doors.

415 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the
battery of another vehicle. Observe the
following:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic con-
verter are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump
starting with a more powerful battery
could damage the vehicle’s electrical
system, which will not be covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans, or oth-
er parts that move when an engine is
started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine
using a battery quick charge unit.
If engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and
may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.

450 Technical termsControl 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
adjust settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system that
automatically maintains the vehicle
speed set by the driver.
Curb weight
(
page 331)
DOT
(Department o
f Transportation)
(
page 331)Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine
produced.
Engine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction
(viscosity) of the oil at different temper-
atures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can
tolerate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP
®(Electronic S
tability P
rogram)
Improves vehicle handling and
directional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the
system’s threshold to tighten the
seat belts.
->SRSFSS (Canada vehicles)
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. FSS evaluates
engine temperature, oil level, vehicle
speed, engine speed, distance driven
and the time elapsed since your last
maintenance service, and calls for the
next maintenance service accordingly.
GAWR
(G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
(
page 331)
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 gear selector
lever.

459 Index
DOT 331
Downhill driving
Cruise control 248
Drinking and driving 283
Driving
Abroad 290
Hydroplaning 287
In winter 289
Instructions 45, 283
Problems 56
Safety systems 87
Systems 247
Through standing water 290
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 92
ABS 87
BAS 88
ESP
®
89E
Easy-entry/exit feature* 42, 153
Electrical fuses see Fuses
Electrical outlet 263
Electrical system, Technical data 437
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
®
Emergency calls
911 calls 237
Tele Aid* calls 267, 268, 271
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 169
Emergency operations
Fuel filler flap 391
Gear selector lever, Unlocking 392
Locking/unlocking the vehicle 389
Power tilt/sliding sunroof*,
Manual operation 393
Remote door unlock 272
Trunk lid, Releasing from inside 105
Trunk lid, Unlocking 390
Emergency Tensioning Device see ETDEmergency, in case of
Battery, Jump starting 415
First aid kit 350, 383
Flat tire, Changing 406
Fuses 421
Hazard warning flasher 124
Instrument cluster,
Indicator lamps 350–355
Roadside Assistance 12, 268
Towing the vehicle 417
Emission control 292
Information label 428
System warranties 10
Engine
Belt layout 429
Block heater (Canada only) 337
Brake-in recommendations 282
Cleaning 343
Compartment 297
Malfunction indicator lamp 25, 352
Maximum engine speed 430

460 Index
Number 428
Starting 49
Tachometer 25
Technical data 430
Turning 59
Engine coolant see coolant
Engine number 450
Engine oil 298, 442
Adding 300
Additives 442
Changing 440
Checking level (Dipstick) 299
Consumption 298
Filler neck 300
Recommended engine and
oil filter 375
Viscosity 450
ESP®
89, 450
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP
®
92
Messages in display 361–362
Warning lamp 25, 354ETD 72, 450
Safety guidelines 66
Exterior lamp switch 52, 118
Exterior rear view mirrors 43
Parking position* 172
F
Fahrenheit see Temperature display
mode 142
Filler neck, Engine oil 300
First aid kit 383
Flat tire 406
Jacking up the vehicle 407
Lowering the vehicle 410
Minispare wheel 386
Mounting the spare wheel 406
Preparing the vehicle 406
Flexible Service System see FSS
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid 300,
440
Brake fluid 295, 442
Capacities 440Engine coolant 295, 444
Engine oil 298, 442
Power steering fluid 441
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system* 303, 448
Fog lamps 121, 122
Message in display 377, 379
Replacing bulbs 398, 399
Four wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC) with ESP
®
92
4MATIC 92
Front air bags 67
Front lamps see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag 67
Messages in display 364–367
Front passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 27, 80, 356, 357
Front seat head restraints see Head
restraints 109
FSS (Flexible Service System)
(Canada vehicles) 338, 450