2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC fuel

Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
position N or declutch in case of manual
transmission. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 253).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can
bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency
back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on
salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency
should be tested as soon as possible after
driving is resumed.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel you should:
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Remove roof rack when not in use.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance system. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning!
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
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To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Grease and oil
R Fuel
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Bird droppings
R Insects
R Tree resins etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above
adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
R near the ocean
R in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
R during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage. Any
damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody of
the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thorough
check is a washing of the underbody followed
by a thorough inspection. Damaged areas
need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory
with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of the
vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither
necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-
Benz because of the possibility of
incompatibility between materials used in the
production process and others applied later.
We have selected vehicle-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and which
always reflect the latest technology. You can
obtain Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care
products at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or
damage due to negligent or incorrect care
cannot always be removed or repaired with
the vehicle-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references to
Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care
products.
Power washer
! Follow the instructions provided by the
power washer manufacturer on
maintaining a distance between the vehicle
and the nozzle of the power washer.
Never use a round nozzle to power-wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across
the surface. Do not aim directly at electrical
parts, electrical connectors, seals, or other
rubber parts.
i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the vehicle, it
could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.
Tar stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and
become more difficult to remove. A tar
remover is recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
! Affixing stickers, magnets, adhesive tape
or similar materials to painted body
components may damage the paintwork.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should
be applied when water drops on the paint
surface do not “bead up”. This should
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCorrect
Tire
PressureThe tire inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
or
The tire inflation pressures of the individual tires differ from
each other significantly.
The tire inflation pressure values are shown in the
multifunction display.XCheck and correct tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 232).XRestart the Advanced TPMS ( Y page 236).Caution
Tire
DefectAt least one tire is deflating.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 317).Check
TiresThe tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly
below the reference value.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 317).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
278Vehicle 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
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GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
What to do if …
Lamps in instrument cluster
Notes
If any of the following lamps in the instrument
cluster fails to come on during the bulb self-
check when switching on the ignition, have
the respective bulb checked and replaced if
necessary.
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps in
the instrument cluster come on. The low-
beam headlamp indicator lamp, high-beam
headlamp indicator lamp, turn signal
indicator lamps, and the indicator lamps for
the fog lamps will only come on if activated.
If a lamp in the instrument cluster fails to
come on when the ignition is switched on,
have it checked and replaced if necessary.What to do if …297Practical hints204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 297Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsdThe yellow ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.The ESP ®
or the ETS/4-ETS has come into operation because of
detected traction loss in at least one tire.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not deactivate the ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 63).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
At least one wheel is spinning and the Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) has switched off to prevent overheating of the drive
wheel brakes.XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.
As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) switches on again.
The message in the multifunction display disappears and the
ESP ®
warning lamp d goes out.
Vehicle
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.304What to do if …Practical hints
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EngineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions;
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.There may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the emission control system
R systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and
may switch the engine to limp-home (emergency operation) mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as
soon as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check
local requirements.
;
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel
cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.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 by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.?The red coolant
temperature
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently, there is a leak in the
cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric radiator fan may be
broken.XImmediately add coolant to prevent engine from overheating
( Y page 227).XHave the cooling system checked.XIf the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you can
continue driving to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XAvoid high engine loads (e.g. driving uphill) and stop-and-go
driving.What to do if …305Practical hints204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 305Z

GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately 1 minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of
incompatible replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
Lamp in center console
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCanada only:
45
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated
( Y page 47).A BabySmart TM
child seat is installed on the front passenger seat.
Therefore the front passenger front air bag is switched off.The system is malfunctioning when there is no BabySmart TM
child
seat installed on the front passenger seat.XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
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