2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC Engine

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?Coolant
Low Stop
Vehicle!
Turn
Engine OffThe poly-V-belt could be broken.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XCheck the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XIf it is intact: 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.XObserve the coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.XDrive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.?The radiator cooling fan is malfunctioning.XObserve the coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.
If the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you may
continue driving to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XAvoid placing heavy loads on the engine (e.g. by driving
uphill) as well as stop-and-go traffic.XHave the fan replaced as soon as possible.#The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
R alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronic systemXStop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so and check the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XIf it is intact: Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent
with reduced braking responsiveness.290Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4Check
Engine
Oil At
Next
RefuelingThe engine oil has dropped to a critical level.XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 225) and add engine oil
as required ( Y page 226).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.If the message Check Engine Oil At Next
Refueling appears while the engine is
running and at operating temperature, the
engine oil level has dropped to approximately
the minimum level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle
status message memory after you have
cleared it from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no
obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest service
station to refill your engine oil to the required
level.For information on approved engine oils
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8Fuel
Level LowThe fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.8Gas Cap
LooseA loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The
fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may
be leaking.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 222).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display291Practical hints204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 291Z

BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has detected a malfunction and switched off. The BAS,
the ESP ®
, and the EBP are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, other systems such as
the navigation system or the automatic transmission may also be
malfunctioning.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 270).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has switched off due to insufficient power supply.
The battery might not be charged sufficiently.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS is
operational again. The ABS indicator lamp should go out.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 270).XIf the ABS indicator lamp does not go out: Have the alternator
and the battery checked.298What to do if …Practical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS is temporarily not available. The ESP ®
, the BAS, and the
EBP are also unavailable.
The self-diagnosis has not been completed yet.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above.
The indicator lamp will go out after driving a short distance at a
vehicle speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out:XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 270).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
!
d
The yellow ABS
indicator lamp and the
yellow ESP ®
warning
lamp come on while the
engine is running and
an acoustic warning
sounds.The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the EBP, and the ESP ®
are
unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 270).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
What to do if …299Practical hints204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 299Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!
d
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving. In addition, the
yellow ABS indicator
lamp, and the yellow
ESP ®
warning lamp
come on and an
acoustic warning
sounds.The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) switched off due to a
malfunction.
The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 270).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving and an acoustic
warning sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running.There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 270).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp
illuminated can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and
the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.300What to do if …Practical hints
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Safety systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine.The seat belt telltale reminds you and your passengers to fasten
your seat belts before driving off.XFasten your seat belts.
Regardless of whether the seat belts are fastened or not, the seat
belt telltale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds after
starting the engine.
7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on. In addition
you hear a
warning chime
for a maximum
of 6 seconds
after starting the
engine.You have forgotten to fasten your seat belt.XFasten your seat belt.
The warning chime stops sounding.7The red seat belt
telltale comes
on while the
vehicle is
standing still
and the engine is
running or while
driving.You and/or your front passenger have forgotten to fasten your
seat belts.XFasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out.There are items placed on the front passenger seat and therefore
the system senses the front passenger seat as being occupied.XRemove the items from the front passenger seat and put them
in a safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out.7The red seat belt
telltale flashes
while driving. In
addition, an
intermittent
warning chime
sounds with
increasing
intensity.The vehicle’s speed once exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) and you
and/or your front passenger have forgotten to fasten your seat
belts.XFasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding.There are items placed on the front passenger seat and therefore
the system senses the front passenger seat as being occupied.XRemove the items from the front passenger seat and put them
in a safe place.
The seat belt telltale goes out and the warning chime stops
sounding.What to do if …301Practical hints204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 301Z

iAfter 60 seconds with an unfastened seat belt the warning chime stops sounding and the
seat belt telltale illuminates continuously. The seat belt telltale will only go out if both, the
driver and front passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front
door is opened.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions6The red SRS
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving.There is a malfunction in the restraint systems. The air bags or
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly
or fail to activate in an accident.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not
be operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it
might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily
which could also result in injury.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsdAll models,
except
C 63 AMG:
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESP ®
is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESP ®
back on.
Exceptions: ( Y page 63).XIf leaving the ESP ®
switched off, adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESP ®
cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.dC 63 AMG only:
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.ESP ®
SPORT is activated.
Risk of accident!
When ESP ®
SPORT is activated it will only stabilize the vehicle to
a limited extent if the system recognizes that the vehicle starts to
skid or that a wheel is spinning.XSwitch the ESP ®
SPORT off ( Y page 64).
The message ESP On appears in the multifunction display.302What to do if …Practical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsd
åC 63 AMG only:
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
and the yellow
ESP OFF
warning lamp
come on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESP ®
is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESP ®
back on.
Exceptions: ( Y page 64).XIf leaving the ESP ®
switched off, adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESP ®
cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.dAll models,
except
C 63 AMG:
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
is not operational due to a malfunction.
Risk of accident!XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.d
åC 63 AMG only:
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
and the yellow
ESP OFF
warning lamp
come on while
the engine is
running.The ESP ®
is not operational due to a malfunction.
Risk of accident!XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.What to do if …303Practical hints204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 303Z