2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class starting the engine

Vehicle equipment
iThis manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood
GWarning
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
GWarning
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWarning
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual and observe the relevant safety notes.
GWarning
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage,
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system:
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.
GWarning
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. Remove the SmartKey or make
sure that no ignition position has been
selected with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator
lamps must be off in the instrument cluster.
238Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 238

switched off. Check that all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster are off. You
may otherwise destroy electronic
components, such as the alternator.
! Like other batteries, the vehicle battery
may discharge over time if you do not use
the vehicle. In this case, have the battery
disconnected at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. You can also charge the
battery with a charger recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.
The battery, breather hose and cover of the
positive terminal clamp must be installed
securely during operation.
i Remove the key if you park the vehicle
and do not require any electrical
consumers. The vehicle will then use very
little energy, thus conserving battery
power.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you do not
carry out work on batteries yourself, e.g.
removing, charging or replacing. Always have
this work performed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
i If the power supply has been interrupted,
e.g. if the battery has been reconnected,
you must carry out the following tasks:
R set the clock ( Y page 179).
R reset the function for automatically
folding the exterior mirrors in/out by
folding the mirrors out once
( Y page 100).
Charging the battery
GWarning
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during
charging and cause explosions that may
result in paint damage, corrosion or personal
injury.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability.
Charge the battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.GWarning!
There is a risk of acid burns during the
charging process due to the gases which
escape from the battery. Do not lean over the
battery during the charging process.
GWarning!
Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact with the
skin, eyes or clothing.
! Only charge the installed battery with a
battery charger which has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. These battery
chargers allow the battery to be charged
while still installed.
! Only use battery chargers with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
! Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment ( Y page 262).
XOpen the hood ( Y page 238).XConnect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and earth point in the same order
as when connecting the donor battery in
the jump-starting procedure
( Y page 262).Battery261Breakdown assistanceBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 261Z

Jump-startingGWarning
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 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. Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may
damage the catalytic converter 31
and create a risk of fire.
Do not use a rapid-charging device to start the engine.
Make sure the jumper cables are not damaged.
Make sure the jumper cables are not touching any other metal objects when they are
connected to the battery.
If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle
or from a second battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points:
XThe battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,
jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.XOnly jump-start the vehicle when the engine is cold and the catalytic converter system has
cooled down 32
.XDo not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.XJump-starting may only be performed from batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
If you jump-start using a battery with higher voltage, it may damage the electrical systems
of the vehicle.XOnly use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.XMake sure that the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts, such as the pulley
or the fan. These parts move when the engine is started and while it is running.XIf the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery a little.
i Jumper cables and further information about jump-starting can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
XMake sure that the two vehicles do not touch.XApply the parking brake firmly.31 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.
32 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.262Jump-startingBreakdown assistance
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 262

XManual transmission: engage neutral.XAutomatic transmission: move the selector lever to P.XSwitch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower etc.).XOpen the hood ( Y page 238).
Position number B identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
! Never swap the terminal connections.
XSlide cover : of positive terminal ; in the direction of the arrow.XConnect positive terminal ; on your vehicle to positive terminal = of donor battery B
using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.XConnect negative terminal ? of donor battery B to earth point A of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery B first.XStart the engine.XFirst remove the jumper cable from earth point A and negative terminal ?, then from
positive terminal ; and positive terminal =, each time disconnecting from the battery on
your own vehicle first.XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.Jump-starting263Breakdown assistanceBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 263Z

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWarning
If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid
towing bar if:
R the engine will not run.
R there is a malfunction in the brake system.
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. You will then need considerably
more force to steer and to brake and the
brake pedal travel will be longer. If necessary,
depress the brake pedal with maximum force.
Before towing away, make sure that the
steering can be moved and is not locked.
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of your
vehicle.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
! You may only tow the vehicle a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be
exceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles
(50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a
transporter.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! Drive slowly and smoothly when towing.
Excessive tractive power could otherwise
damage the vehicles.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop
button. Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in
the ignition lock and shift the automatic
transmission to N. Then, turn the SmartKey
back to 0 and leave it in the ignition lock.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be started by tow-starting. This
could otherwise damage the transmission.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with the front or rear axle raised. This could
otherwise damage the transmission.
The automatic transmission must be in
position N while the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise:
R you will not be able to turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock.
R you will not be able to shift the automatic
transmission to position N.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
manually release the selector lever lock in
position P(Y page 144).
i Switch the automatic lock ( Y page 181)
off before towing. Otherwise, you could
lock yourself out of the vehicle when
pushing or towing the vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
XRemove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit ( Y page 253).GWarning
The exhaust tail pipe may be hot. You could
burn yourself if you touch the tail pipe. Be
particularly careful when removing the rear
cover.
The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, behind the covers.
264Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 264

XPress the mark on cover : inwards, in the
direction of the arrow.
XTake cover : off the opening.XScrew in and tighten the towing eye
clockwise to the stop.
Removing the towing eye
XUnscrew and remove the towing eye.XAttach cover : to the bumper and press
until it engages.
XPlace the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.
Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
Only possible for vehicles without
4MATIC.
When having your vehicle towed with the rear
axle raised, observe the important safety
notes (Y page 264).
! The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP® could
otherwise damage the brake system.
XSwitch on the hazard warning flashers
(Y page 109).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey.
XWhen leaving the vehicle, take the
SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO key with you.
Towing vehicles with both axles on
the ground
When having your vehicle towed, observe the
important safety notes (Y page 264).
GWarning
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and hold it down.
XVehicles with manual transmission:
depress the clutch pedal.
XShift to neutral.
or
XVehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
XRelease the brake pedal.XRelease the parking brake.XSwitch on the hazard warning flashers
(Y page 109).
iWhen towing with the hazard warning
flashers switched on, use the combination
switch as usual to signal in which direction
you are changing. In this case, only the
indicator lamps for the direction of travel
flash. When you reset the combination
switch, the hazard warning flashers start
flashing again.
Towing and tow-starting265Breakdown assistanceBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 265Z

Transporting the vehicle
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.XVehicles with manual transmission:
shift to neutral.XVehicles with automatic transmission:
turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XShift the selector lever to N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the parking brake.XVehicles with manual transmission:
shift to first gear or reverse gear.XVehicles with automatic transmission:
move the selector lever to P.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey.XSecure the vehicle.
! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
When tow-starting, observe the important
safety notes ( Y page 264).
! Vehicles with an automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission.
Before tow-starting:
R the battery must be connected
R the engine must be cold
R the catalytic converter must be cold
XSwitch on the hazard warning
lamps( Y page 109).XInstall the towing eye ( Y page 264).XDepress and hold the brake pedal.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XDepress and hold the clutch pedal.XShift to neutral.XRelease the brake pedal.XShift to second gear.XTow-start the vehicle.XRelease the clutch pedal slowly and do not
depress the accelerator pedal when doing
so.
The engine is started.XDepress the clutch pedal and shift to
neutral.XEngage the parking brake.XStop the vehicle in a suitable location to
remove the tow bar or the tow rope.XRemove the towing eye ( Y page 265).XSwitch off the hazard warning lamps.
Fuses
Important safety notes
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
will fail.
GWarning
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with the specified amperage for the system in
question and do not attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse. Using other than
approved fuses or using repaired or bridged
fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire,
and/or cause damage to electrical
components and/or systems. Have the cause
determined and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart. An authorized
266FusesBreakdown assistance
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 266

into contact with your skin. Before refueling,
extinguish all naked flames. Never allow
sparks or smoking materials near ethanol.
Changing the fuel type
For best performance and driveability, it is
recommended that you use either one or the
other fuel. Avoid alternating regularly
between the two different types of fuel.
When changing the fuel type, make sure:
R the fuel level is below half full.
R the fuel level is above the reserve level. This
is identifiable by the fuel tank reserve
warning lamp not being lit.
R you add more than 5 gallons (20 liters) of
fuel.
R before refueling, you switch off the engine.
R the engine is started and operated for at
least five minutes immediately after
refueling.
These precautions and recommendations
should prevent any difficulties when starting
and operating the engine which otherwise
may be experienced before the engine has
fully adapted to the different fuel.
If, in spite of these recommendations, the
engine does not perform properly, add at
least 3 gallons (12 liters) of gasoline. This may
improve the running of the engine.
Fuel consumption
Ethanol fuel (E85) contains less energy per
gallon than gasoline. To ensure that the
engine performance with ethanol fuel (E85) is
similar to that when using gasoline, the
engine must burn more ethanol fuel. As a
result, it is to be expected that the fuel
consumption will increase when using
ethanol fuel (E85), compared to gasoline.
Maintenance
When you bring your vehicle for maintenance
or repairs, please inform your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center if you use or have
used ethanol fuel (E85).Low outside temperatures
It is possible that the time required for the
starting procedure will significantly increase
at outside temperatures below 32 ‡ (0 †).
At low outside temperatures, Mercedes-Benz
recommends the use of an auxiliary heater.
For further information, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Rough idling may also be experienced at low
outside temperatures until the engine is fully
warmed up.
Ethanol fuel (E85) is unsuitable for use when
outside temperatures fall below 14 ‡
(-10 †).
High outside temperatures
At outside temperatures above 95 ‡ (35 †),
the time required for the starting procedure
may increase and be accompanied by rough
idling following the start.
Fuel requirements
Use only premium-grade unleaded gasoline.
The octane number should be at least 91.
Details can be found on the gas pump. The
octane number is the average value of the
Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor
Octane Number (MON): (RON + MON) / 2,
also known as knock resistance.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline with additives can be used
if the concentration of the additives in the fuel
does not exceed 10%, e.g.:
R Ethanol
R TAME
R ETBE
R IPA
R TBA
For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol in gasoline
including other additives must not exceed 3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded gasoline can be used.
Service products and capacities307Technical dataBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 307Z