2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC parking brake

Automatic transmission:Current
transmission
position
Warning indicatorDFront area activatedR or NFront and rear area
activated
As your vehicle approaches an object, one or
more distance segments will illuminate,
depending on the distance. When the seventh
distance segment illuminates, you have
reached the minimum distance.
RFront area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red distance
segment illuminates and a constant
acoustic warning lasting a maximum of
2 seconds will sound for the second red
distance segment. Vehicles with automatic
transmission: The signal is canceled when
the automatic transmission is shifted into
park position P or the parking brake is
engaged. Vehicles with manual
transmission: The signal is canceled when
the parking brake is engaged.
RRear area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red distance
segment illuminates and a constant
acoustic warning lasting a maximum of
2 seconds will sound for the second red
distance segment. Vehicles with automatic
transmission: The signal is canceled when
the automatic transmission is shifted into
drive position D, or park position P, or the
parking brake is engaged. Vehicles with
manual transmission: The signal is
canceled when the manual transmission is
shifted into neutral position, or in a forward
gear, or the parking brake is engaged.
Switching the Parktronic system on/
off
The Parktronic system switches on
automatically when the ignition is switched
on.
XSwitching off: Press Parktronic
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
XSwitching on: Press Parktronic switch :
again.
Parktronic system malfunction
There is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system, if only the red distance segments
illuminate and an acoustic warning sounds.
The Parktronic system will switch off
automatically after 20 seconds and indicator
lamp ; in Parktronic switch : comes on.
XHave the Parktronic system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
If only the red distance segments illuminate
and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g. dirt,
ice, snow and slush). Another cause could be
interference from other radio or ultrasonic
signals (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers). The Parktronic system will
switch off automatically after 20 seconds and
indicator lamp ; in Parktronic switch :
comes on.
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obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Power assistance
GWarning!
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Brakes
Downhill grades
! When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes by
shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces
wear.
When using the engine’s braking power, a
drive wheel may not spin for an extended
period of time, e.g. on slippery road
surfaces. This may cause serious damage
to the drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Continuous or hard braking
GWarning!
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their
effectiveness. It may not be possible to stop
the vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an
accident.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on
for some time, rather than immediately park,
so that the air stream will cool down the
brakes faster.
Wet roadsGWarning!
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may be
necessary to obtain expected brake effect.
Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in
front.
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet or salt-covered roads, it is
advisable to brake the vehicle with
considerable force prior to parking. The heat
generated serves to dry the brakes.
Salt-covered roads
GWarning!
A layer of salt on the brake discs and the brake
linings may cause a delay in the braking
effect, resulting in a significantly increased
braking distance, which could lead to an
accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully when you are
driving on salt-covered roads, so that any
layer of salt that may have built up on the
brake discs and the brake linings is
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removed without putting other road users
at risk
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake disc
Brake service
! The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be too low if the red brake warning lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on while the
engine is running and an acoustic warning
sounds. Observe additional messages in
the multifunction display that may appear.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
GWarning!
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Because the ESP ®
operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESP ®
operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer
or the vehicle is being towed with the front
axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should occasionally test
the effectiveness of the brakes by applying
above-normal braking pressure at higher
speeds. This will also enhance the grip of the
brake pads.GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) ( Y page 61).
High-performance brake system
The high-performance brake system is only
available on C 63 AMG.
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Text messages
Safety systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront
Passenger
Airbag
Enabled
See
Operator’s
ManualUSA only:
The front passenger front air bag is activated while driving
even though a child, small individual, or object below the
system’s weight threshold is on the front passenger seat, or
the front passenger seat is empty. Objects on the seat or
forces acting on the seat may make the system sense
supplemental weight.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the front passenger door.XRemove child and child restraint from front passenger seat
and properly secure the child in rear seat employing the
child restraint if necessary.XMake sure no objects which apply supplemental weight to
the seat are present. The system may recognize such
supplemental weight and sense that an occupant on the
front passenger seat is of a greater weight than actually
present.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front passenger door
and switch on the ignition.
Monitor the 45 indicator lamp in the center console
( Y page 45) and the multifunction display in the instrument
cluster ( Y page 28) for the following:
With the seat unoccupied and the ignition switched on,
R the 45 indicator lamp in the center console should
illuminate and remain illuminated, indicating that the OCS
( Y page 42) has deactivated the front passenger front air
bag.
R the message Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See
Operator’s Manual or the message Front Passenger
Airbag Disabled See Operator’s Manual should not
appear in the multifunction display at any time the seat is
unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the system to
complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure
neither message appears in the multifunction display.
If above conditions are met, you can occupy the front
passenger seat again. Depending on the front passenger
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront
Passenger
Airbag
Disabled
See
Operator’s
ManualUSA only:
The front passenger front air bag is deactivated while driving
even though an adult or someone larger than a small
individual is occupying the front passenger seat. Forces
acting on the seat may make the system sense a decrease in
weight.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XHave the front passenger vacate the seat and exit the
vehicle.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front passenger door
and switch on the ignition.
Monitor the 45 indicator lamp in the center console
( Y page 45) and the multifunction display in the instrument
cluster ( Y page 28) for the following:
With the seat unoccupied and the ignition switched on,
R the 45 indicator lamp in the center console should
illuminate and remain illuminated, indicating that the OCS
( Y page 42) has deactivated the front passenger front air
bag.
R the message Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See
Operator’s Manual or the message Front Passenger
Airbag Disabled See Operator’s Manual should not
appear in the multifunction display at any time the seat is
unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the system to
complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure
neither message appears in the multifunction display.
If above conditions are met, you can occupy the front
passenger seat again. Depending on the front passenger
classification sensed by the OCS, the 45 indicator
lamp will remain illuminated or go out.
If above conditions are not met, the system is not working
properly. Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)ABS and
ESC
Currently
Unavailabl
e See
Operator’s
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESP ®
warning lamp d and the
yellow ABS indicator lamp ! come on.
The brake system still functions normally but due to
insufficient power supply, the ABS, the BAS, the ESP ®
, and
the hill-start assist system are unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS,
the BAS, the ESP ®
, and the hill-start assist system are
operational again and the message should disappear.
If the message does not disappear:
XHave the alternator and the battery checked.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)EBD, ABS,
and ESC
Inoperativ
e See
Operator's
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESP ®
warning lamp d and the
yellow ABS indicator lamp ! come on.
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.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.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)
!
(Canada
only)Release
Parking
BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake engaged. In addition
an acoustic warning sounds.XRelease the parking brake.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display281Practical hints204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 281Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Check
Brake
Fluid
LevelThere is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XDo not drive any further.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
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.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+Close
Doors To
Lock
VehicleYou tried to lock the vehicle but not all doors were closed.XClose doors and lock the vehicle again.+Key Does
Not
Belong to
VehicleThe SmartKey in the starter switch does not belong to the
vehicle.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter switch.+Replace
Key
BatteryThe batteries in the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO are
discharged.XReplace the batteries ( Y page 312).+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
red)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the
engine is running because the SmartKey is not in the vehicle.XStop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XSearch for the SmartKey.
The vehicle cannot be locked centrally nor can the engine
be started again after the engine is stopped.+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
red)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the
engine is running because there is strong radio-frequency
interference.XStop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO button from the starter switch
( Y page 78).XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
white)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is momentarily not detected.XChange the position of the SmartKey in the vehicle.XIf necessary, remove the KEYLESS-GO button from the
starter switch ( Y page 78).XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.+Remove
'Start'
Button
and
Insert KeyThe KEYLESS-GO system is malfunctioning.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO button from the starter switch
( Y page 78).XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display287Practical hints204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 287Z