2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SALOON heating

and wheels" section in the "Technical data"
chapter.
R snow chains must not be fitted to emer-
gency spare wheels, e.g. a "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel.
R Only fit snow chains in pairs and to the rear
wheels, even on vehicles with 4MATIC*.
Comply with the manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions.
On vehicles with AIRMATIC*, if snow chains
have been fitted, you may only drive at raised
vehicle level (Y page 154).
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 km/h.
i You may wish to deactivate ESP ®
when
pulling away with snow chains fitted
(Y page 60). This way, you can allow the
wheels to spin in a controlled manner, ach-
ieving an increased driving force (cutting
action). Winter driving
G
Risk of accident
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid.
You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion, steering and braking manoeuvres.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Vehicles with manual transmission: engage
neutral.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
shift the selector lever to N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control by
using corrective steering. Driving tips
Rolling with the engine switched off
G
Risk of accident
Never switch the engine off while the vehicle
is in motion.
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the service brake when the engine is not
running.
You will require considerably more effort to
steer and brake and you could therefore lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident. Brakes
G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. G
Risk of accident
Make sure that other road users are not
endangered by your braking.
Downhill gradients On long and steep downhill stretches, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must shift to a lower gear in good time or,
on vehicles with automatic transmission*,
select shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic
Plus*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. Driving tips
231Operation
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i
On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
Coupling up a trailer G
Risk of injury
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
Driving tips G
Risk of accident
If the Check trailer hitch locking
mechanism message appears in the multi-
function display while the vehicle is in motion,
pull over immediately and check whether the
ball coupling is correctly engaged.
i Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 60).
In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on
the type of trailer and is either 80 km/h or
100 km/h. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. G
Risk of accident
Always observe the maximum speed permit-
ted in Germany for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions, even in countries where higher speeds are permitted. This lowers the risk of an acci-
dent.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients you
must select a lower gear in good time, or on
vehicles with automatic transmission*, select
shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic
Plus*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely. 236
Trailer towingOperation
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If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. There is otherwise a risk of dam-
age to the exterior mirrors.
! When washing your vehicle in a tow-
through car wash, make sure that the auto-
matic transmission* is in position N. The
vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
R Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever and
key:
Do not remove the key from the ignition
lock. Do not open the driver's or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off, as this automatically shifts
the automatic transmission to park posi-
tion Pand locks the wheels, unless you
have previously shifted the automatic
transmission to N.
R Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever and
KEYLESS GO*:
Do not open the driver's or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off, as this shifts the automatic
transmission to park position Pand locks
the wheels.
! Make sure that the side windows are
closed completely, that the blower for the
ventilation/heating is switched off and that
the windscreen wiper switch is in position
0. The rain/light sensor could otherwise be
activated and thereby cause unintentional
wiping. This could result in damage to the
vehicle.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax and drying agents from the windscreen
and the wiper blades. This will prevent smears
and reduce wiping noises caused by residue
on the windscreen. High-pressure cleaners G
Risk of accident
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your
vehicle, in particular the tyres. You could oth-
erwise damage the tyres and cause an acci-
dent.
! Observe the instructions issued by the
equipment manufacturer concerning the
distance to be maintained between the
nozzle of the high-pressure cleaner and the
vehicle (at least 30 cm).
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tyres
R door joint
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to failures or leaks.
Care and treatment of matt paint-
work* Your vehicle has a clear matt finish. For this
reason, you should make sure that you
adhere to the following instructions to avoid
damage to paintwork due to improper treat-
ment.
!
Under no circumstances should you pol-
ish the vehicle. Polishing will make the
paintwork shine.
! When caring for your paintwork, do not
use paint cleaner, grinding or polishing Care
241Operation
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions h Tyre pres‐
sure Cau‐
tion,
tyre malf.
G
Risk of accident
Vehicles with the tyre pressure monitor*: the pressure is
dropping rapidly in one or more of the tyres. A warning tone
also sounds.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or
braking manoeuvres. Pay attention to traffic conditions as
you do so.
X Repair the faulty tyre or replace the wheel ( Ypage 309). h Tyre pres‐
sure
Check
tyre(s)
G
Risk of accident
Vehicles with tyre pressure monitor*: the tyre pressure has
dropped significantly in one or more of the tyres. A warning
tone also sounds.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or
braking manoeuvres. Pay attention to traffic conditions as
you do so.
X Correct the tyre pressure (Y page 225).
X If necessary, repair any defective tyres or change the wheel
(Y page 309). & inopera‐
tive Bat‐
tery low The on-board voltage is too low. The auxiliary heating/venti-
lation* has switched off or cannot be switched on.
X
Drive for a longer distance.
The battery is being charged. The auxiliary heating/venti-
lation *can be reactivated as soon as there is sufficient on-
board voltage. & inopera‐
tive
Refuel
vehicle The fuel level in the fuel tank is too low. The auxiliary heat-
ing* cannot be switched on.
X
Refuel at the nearest filling station. & inopera‐
tive See
Owner's
Man.
The auxiliary heating
*is temporarily malfunctioning or is
defective.
X When the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down, make up to four attempts to switch on the
auxiliary heating*, waiting several minutes between each
attempt.
X If the auxiliary heating* does not switch on, visit a qualified
specialist workshop. 276
Display messagesPractical advice
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions 6 Rear
centre
malfunc‐
tion Con‐
sult work‐
shop
G
Risk of injury
SRS has malfunctioned at the rear centre*. The 6warning
lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 6 Left
windowbag
malfunc‐
tion Con‐
sult work‐
shop
or
Right
windowbag
malfunc‐
tion Con‐
sult work‐
shop
G
Risk of injury
There is a malfunction in the left-hand or right-hand window-
bag. The 6warning lamp also lights up in the instrument
cluster.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. C There is only a small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.
X
Refuel at the nearest filling station. 8 Reserve
fuel level The fuel level has fallen below the reserve range. The opera-
tion of the auxiliary heating* can no longer be guaranteed.
X
Refuel at the nearest filling station. ¥ Top up
washer
fluid The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has drop-
ped below the minimum.
X
Top up the windscreen washer fluid (Y page 222).Troubleshooting
Points to remember
G
Risk of accident and injury
The operating safety of the vehicle can be compromised if maintenance work is carried out
incorrectly. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. The safety
systems may also not be able to protect you or others as they are designed to do.
Always have maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. The qualified spe-
cialist workshop must have the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop. 278
TroubleshootingPractical advice
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Warning and indicator lamps in switches, buttons and exterior mirrors
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions The seat ventilation*
has switched off pre-
maturely or cannot be
switched on. The on-board voltage is too low, because too many consumers are
switched on.
X
Switch off consumers that are not required, e.g. rear window
heating or interior lighting. The seat heating* has
switched off prema-
turely or cannot be
switched on. The on-board voltage is too low, because too many consumers are
switched on.
X
Switch off consumers that are not required, e.g. rear window
heating or interior lighting. The steering wheel
heating* indicator lamp
on the lower left lever of
the steering column is
flashing. The on-board voltage is too low, because too many consumers are
switched on. The steering wheel heating* has switched off auto-
matically.
X
Switch off consumers that are not required, e.g. rear window
heating or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the steering wheel
heating* will switch back on automatically. When you press the
¿
button on the
control panel for
Thermatic 2-zone auto-
matic climate control/
Thermotronic luxury 3-
zone automatic climate
control*, the indicator
lamp in the button
flashes three times or
remains off. The cool-
ing system cannot be
switched on. Cooling has been deactivated due to a malfunction.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. The rear-window heat-
ing has switched off
prematurely or cannot
be switched on. The on-board voltage is too low, because too many consumers are
switched on.
X
Switch off consumers that are not required, e.g. seat heating*
or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear window heating
will switch back on automatically. Troubleshooting
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Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions 7
The red seat belt
warning lamp
flashes and an
intermittent
audible warning
sounds. G
Risk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. At
the same time, you are driving faster than 25 km/ho r have briefly
driven faster than 25 km/h.
X Fasten your seat belt (Y page 89).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent audible warning
ceases. G
Risk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. At the same time,
you are driving faster than 25 km/h or have briefly driven faster
than 25 km/h.
X Remove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them safely.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent audible warning
ceases. 8
The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running. The fuel level has fallen below the reserve range. The operation of
the auxiliary heating* can no longer be guaranteed.
X
Refuel at the nearest filling station. Warning tones
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions The anti-theft warning
alarm* is triggered. You have opened the vehicle with the anti-theft alarm system still
activated*.
X Switch off the alarm (Y page 65). You hear a warning
tone. A message appears in the multi-function display.
X
See the explanations for the display message (Y page 251). You are driving with the parking brake applied.
X
Release the parking brake. The lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle.
X
Turn the light switch to c. Troubleshooting
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Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions You have lost a key.
X
Have the key cancelled at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
X Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the manual locks changed too. You have lost the emer-
gency key element.
X
Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the manual locks changed too. The engine cannot be
started using the key. The on-board voltage is too low.
X Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating* or inte-
rior lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
X Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
(Y page 319).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 323).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine cannot be
started using the key.
The steering lock is mechanically blocked.
44
X Remove the key and reinsert it into the ignition lock. While doing
this, turn the steering wheel in both directions. The engine cannot be
started using KEYLESS
GO*. The key is in the
vehicle. A door is open. Therefore, the key cannot be detected as easily.
X
Close the door and try to start the vehicle again. There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
X
Start your vehicle using the key in the ignition lock. 44
Not vehicles with DIRECT SELECT selector lever. Troubleshooting
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