2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C230 catalytic converter

ContentsLoading .............................................. 250
Roof rack* .................................... 250
Ski sack* (Canada only) ............... 250
Split rear bench seat* .................. 253
Loading instructions ..................... 255
Cargo tie-down rings* .................. 256
Useful features .................................. 257
Storage compartments................. 257
Cup holders .................................. 259
Ashtrays ....................................... 261
Cigarette lighter ........................... 262
Power outlet ................................. 263
Telephone*................................... 264
Tele Aid* ...................................... 265
Garage door opener* ................... 273
Operation......................................... 281
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)......... 282
Driving instructions............................ 283
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 283
Drinking and driving ..................... 283
Pedals .......................................... 283
Power assistance ......................... 283
Brakes .......................................... 284
Driving off .................................... 285
Parking ......................................... 285
Tires ............................................. 286
Hydroplaning ................................ 287
Tire traction.................................. 287
Tire speed rating .......................... 288
Winter driving instructions ........... 289
Standing water ............................. 290
Passenger compartment .............. 290
Driving abroad.............................. 290
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ................................. 291
Catalytic converter ....................... 291
Emission control .......................... 292
Coolant temperature .................... 293At the gas station .............................. 294
Refueling ...................................... 294
Check regularly and before
a long trip..................................... 295
Engine compartment ......................... 297
Hood ............................................ 297
Engine oil ..................................... 298
Transmission fluid level ................ 300
Coolant level ................................ 301
Battery ......................................... 302
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 303
Tires and wheels................................ 304
Important guidelines .................... 304
Tire care and maintenance........... 305
Direction of rotation..................... 307
Loading the vehicle ...................... 307
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 314
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 316
MOExtended system*
(Canada only) ............................... 320
Tire labeling ................................. 321
Load identification ....................... 325
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 326

56 Getting startedDrivingProblems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires

An ignition cable may be damaged.


The engine electronics may not be op-
erating properly.


Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it.

Give very little gas.

Have the problem repaired by an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.The coolant temperature is
above 248°F (120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.

Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as possible and turn off the en-
gine. Allow engine and coolant to cool.

Check the coolant level and add
coolant if necessary (
page 301).In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:

Do not start the engine under any cir-
cumstances.

Notify local fire and/or police authori-
ties.
If the extent of the damage cannot be de-
termined:

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If no damage can be determined on the


Major assemblies


Fuel system


Engine mount

Start the engine in the usual manner.

162 Controls in detailAutomatic transmission*Automatic transmission is standard
equipment on select models and available
as optional equipment on select other
models.
For more information on driving with an
automatic transmission see “Automatic
transmission*” (
page 49).
Your vehicle’s transmission adapts its gear
shifting process to your individual driving
style by continually adjusting the shift
points up or down. These shift point adjust-
ments are performed based on current
operating and driving conditions.
If the operating conditions change, the
automatic transmission reacts by
adjusting its shift program.
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission
The automatic transmission selects indi-
vidual gears automatically, depending on:

the gear selector lever
positionD(
page 164) with
gear ranges (page 166)


the selected program mode (C/S)
(page 167)


the position of the accelerator pedal
(page 165)


the vehicle speed
iDuring the brief warm-up, transmission
upshifting is delayed. This allows the
catalytic converter to heat up more
quickly to operating temperature.

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.

300 OperationEngine compartmentAdding engine oil
1Filler cap

Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.

Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.

Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 440) and
(
page 442).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the transmission.
!Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada vehicles). For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet in your vehicle
literature portfolio, or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those
expressly required for the Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada
vehicles), or changing of oil and oil filter
at change intervals longer than those
called for by the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada
Vehicles) will result in engine damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

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.

457 Index
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses 344
Messages in display 377
Replacing bulbs 403
Brake pads
Message in display 370
Brakes 284
Warning lamp 25, 351
Break-in period 282
Bulbs, replacing see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC 449
California retail buyers and lessees,
important notice 11
CAN system 449
Cargo area see Trunk
Cargo tie-down rings* 256
Carpets, cleaning 347
Catalytic converter 291
CD changer* 216
CD player* 137, 216
Centigrade see Temperature display
mode 142Central locking
Automatic 107, 152
From inside 107
Locking/unlocking from inside 107
Switch 107
Certification label 428
Charcoal filter
Automatic climate control*
(Canada only) 194
Children in the vehicle 74
Air bags 64
Blocking rear door window
operation 85
Indicator lamp, front passenger
air bag 80, 356
Infant and child restraint systems 74
LATCH-type child seat anchors 83
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 77
Cigarette lighter 262
Climate control system 176
Control panel 177
Defrosting, Front 181
Rear window defroster 175Clock 25, 130
Setting time 145, 146
Cockpit 22, 449
Cockpit Management and Data System
see COMAND
Cold tire inflation pressure 331
Collapsible wheel chock 386
COMAND* 449
COMAND* see separate COMAND
operating instructions
Combination switch 52, 122
Control system 130, 450
Multifunction display 130
Multifunction steering wheel 131
Resetting to factory default 140
Control system menu 130, 450
AUDIO 136
Menus overview 133
NAV* 138
Settings 140
Standard display 135
TEL* 157
Trip computer 155
Vehicle status message
memory 138