2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA maintenance

Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
ExampleXPull oil dipstickout of the dipstick guide
tube.
XWipe off oil dipstick.
XSlowly slide oil dipstickinto the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark"and
MAX mark, the oil level is correct.
XIf the oil level has dropped to MIN mark
"or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of
engine oil.
Adding engine oil
GWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
components in the engine compartment, it
may ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is notspilled next
to the filler neck. Let the engine cool down
and thoroughly clean the engine oil off the
components before starting the engine.
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
!Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
Rusing engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
Rreplacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacementspecified by
the service system has been exceeded
Rusing engine oil additives.
!Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off.
Example: engine oil capXTurn capcounter-clockwise and remove
it.
XAdd engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt(1.0 liter)
of engine oil.
XReplace capon the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
XCheck the oil level againwith the oil
dipstick (Ypage 282).
Further information on engine oil
(Ypage 348).
282Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Checking and adding other service
products
Checking coolantlevel
GWARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized,
particularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hot
coolant spraying out.There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape.
!The coolant may only be checked and
corrected when the engine is cool (coolant
temperature below 104 ‡ (40 †).
Checking the coolant when the coolant
temperature is above 104 ‡ (40 †) may
result in damage to the engine or to the
engine cooling system.
Example
XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the
vehicle is on a level surface and the engine
has cooled down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 137).
XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
104 ‡ (40 †).
XTurn the SmartKey to position
0(Ypage 137) in the ignition lock.
XSlowly turn caphalf a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
XTurn capfurther counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
"in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace capand turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Ypage 349).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlampcleaning
system
GWARNING
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable. If it comes into contact with hot
engine components or the exhaust systemit
could ignite. There is a riskoffire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer
concentrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
Example
XTo open:pull capupwards by the tab.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close:press caponto the filler neck
until it engages.
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Maintenance and care
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The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
If the washer fluid level drops below the
recommended minimum of1liter, a message
appears in the multifunction display
prompting you to refill the washer fluid
(Ypage 239).
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (Ypage 350).
Maintenance
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the nextservice due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
iThe ASSYST PLUS serviceinterval display
does not show any informationonthe
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (Ypage 281).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
RService A in .. Days
RService A Due
RService A Exceeded by .. Days
Depending on the operating conditions of the
vehicle, the remaining time or distance until
the next service due date is displayed.
The letterAorB, possibly in connection with
a number or another letter, shows the type of
service.Astands for a minor service andBfor
a major service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-BenzCenter.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into accountany periods of
time during which the battery is
disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
XNote down the service due date displayed
in the multifunctiondisplay before
disconnecting the battery.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods fromthe
service date shown on the display.
Hidingaservice message
XPressor.
Displaying service messages
XSwitch on the ignition.
XUsingor, selecttheServ.
menu.
XPressorto select theASSYST
PLUSsubmenu and pressto confirm.
The service due date appears in the
multifunction display.
Information about Service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display
!If the ASSYST PLUS service interval
display has been inadvertently reset, this
setting can be corrected at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Have service work carried out as described
in the Maintenance Booklet. This may
otherwise lead to increased wear and
damage to the major assemblies or the
vehicle.
Aqualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-BenzCenter, will reset
the ASSYST PLUS service interval display
after the service work has been carried out.
You can also obtain further information on
maintenance work, for example.
284Maintenance
Maintenance and care

Special service requirements
The specified maintenance interval takes only
the normal operation of the vehicle into
account. Under arduous operating conditions
or increased load on the vehicle,
maintenance work must be carried out more
frequently, for example:
Rregular city driving with frequent
intermediate stops
Rif the vehicle is primarily used to travel
short distances
Ruse in mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
Rif the engine is often left idling for long
periods
Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must
be checked more often. Further information
can be obtained at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Care
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
!For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
Rdry, rough or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rsolvents
Rcleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Exterior care
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
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!Make sure that the automatic
transmission is in positionNwhen washing
your vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The
vehicle could be damaged if the
transmission is in another position.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
Rthe ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed/the
airflow control is set to position0).
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at wash bays that are specially
designed for this purpose. Observe the legal
requirements in all countries concerned.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Powerwashers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisibleexterior damage
to the tires or chassis components.
Components damaged in this way may fail
unexpectedly.There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced
immediately.
!Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
Rtires
Rdoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
Relectrical components
Rbattery
Rconnectors
Rlights
Rseals
Rtrim
Rventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
286Care
Maintenance and care

Cleaning the wheels
!Do notuse acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similaritems
to painted surfaces.You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to
the paintwork quickly and provisionally.
The following cannot always be completely
repaired:
Rscratches
Rcorrosive deposits
Rareas affected by corrosion
Rdamage caused by inadequate care
In such cases, visit a qualified specialist
workshop.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.This is the case approximately every
three to five months, depending on the
climate conditions and the care product used.
If the dirt has penetrated the paint surface or
if the paintwork has become dull, then the
paintwork should be cleaned. For cleaning,
please use the paint cleaner recommend and
approved by Mercedes Benz.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
Matte finish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to
shine.
!The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
RVigorous rubbing with unsuitable
materials.
RFrequent use of car washes.
RWashing the vehicle in direct sunlight.
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or
polishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matte finish leads to considerable
surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
!Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a
clear matte finish. This will help you to avoid
damage to the paintwork due to incorrect
treatment.
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These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
with a clear matte finish.
iThe vehicle should preferably be washed
by hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo
and plenty of water.
iUse only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Only fold the windshield wipers away from
the windshield when vertical. Otherwise,
you will damage the hood.
!Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not touch the insides of the windows
with hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or
ring. There is otherwise a risk of damaging
the windows.
!Clean the water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals
and pollen may under certain
circumstances prevent water from draining
away.This can lead to corrosion damage
and damage to electronic components.
XCleanthe inside and outside of the
windows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
product that is recommended and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning wiper blades
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Only fold the windshield wipers away from
the windshield when vertical. Otherwise,
you will damage the hood.
!Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper blade could be damaged.
!Do not clean wiper blades too often and
do not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the
graphite coating could be damaged. This
could cause wiper noise.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away from
the windshield.
XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a
damp cloth.
XFold the windshield wiper arms back again
before switching on the ignition.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if
the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
Cleaning the exterior lighting
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning
cloths which are suitable for plastic light
lenses. Unsuitable cleaning agents or
cleaning cloths could scratch or damage
the plastic light lenses.
XCleanthe plastic lenses of the exterior
lighting using a wet sponge and a mild
cleaning agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benzcar
shampoo or cleaning cloths.
288Care
Maintenance and care

Cleaning the mirror turn signals
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning
cloths that are suitable for plastic lenses.
Unsuitable cleaning agents or cleaning
cloths could scratch or damage the plastic
lenses of the mirror turnsignals.
XClean the plastic lenses of the mirror turn
signals in the exterior mirror housing using
a wet sponge and a mild cleaning agent,
e.g. Mercedes-Benzcar shampoo or
cleaning cloths.
Cleaning the sensors
!If you clean the sensorswith a power
washer, make sure that you keep a
distance of at least 11.8in(30 cm) between
the vehicle and the power washer nozzle.
Information about the correct distance is
available from the equipment
manufacturer.
XClean sensorsof the driving systems
with water, car shampoo and a soft cloth.
Cleaning the rear view camera
!Do not cleanthe camera lens and the area
around the rear view camera with a power
washer.
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the SmartKey is in position2in the
ignition lock.
XTo open the cover of the rear view
camera:with the audio system/COMAND
activated, press thebutton.
XSelectSystemby turning\rthe audio
system/COMAND controller and press\n
to confirm.
XSelectRearviewcameraand press\nto
confirm.
XSelectOpen camera coverand confirm
with\n.
The cover of the 360° camera opens.
XTo clean the rear view camera:use clear
water and a soft cloth to clean camera
lens.
Cleaning the exhaust pipes
Impurities combined with the effects of road
grit and corrosive environmental factors may
cause flash rust to form on the surface. You
can restore the original shine of the exhaust
pipe by cleaning it regularly, especially in
winter and after washing.
!Do not clean the exhaust pipe with acid-
based cleaning agents such as sanitary
cleansers or wheel cleaners.
XCleanthe exhaust pipe with a care product
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
!AMG vehicles with black exhaust pipes:
do not use chrome polish to polish black
chromed screens. They will otherwise lose
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