2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN check engine light

Problems with the seat heating or seat ventilation
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Seat heating or seat ven-
tilation has been
switched off prematurely
or cannot be switched
on.The on-board voltage is too low because too many electrical consum-
ers are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers that you do not need, such as the
rear window defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the seat heating or seat
ventilation can be switched back on manually.
Steering wheel
Important safety notes
GWARNING
You could lose control of your vehicle if you do the following while driving:
Radjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors
Rfasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirror and fasten your seat belt before starting the engine.
GWARNING
Children could injure themselves if they
adjust the steering wheel. There is a risk of
injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
The electrically adjustable steering wheel can
still be adjusted when there is no key in the igni-
tion lock.
Adjusting the steering wheel man-
ually
:Release lever
;To adjust the steering wheel height
=To adjust the steering wheel position (fore-
and-aft adjustment)
XPush release lever :down completely.
The steering column is unlocked.
XAdjust the steering wheel to the desired posi- tion.
XPush release lever :up completely.
The steering column is locked.
XCheck if the steering column is locked. When
doing so, try to push the steering wheel up or
down or try to move it in the fore-and-aft
direction.
110Steering wheel
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

Problems with the windshield wipers
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The windshield wipers
are jammed.Leaves or snow, for example, may be obstructing the windshield wiper
movement. The wiper motor has been deactivated.
XFor safety reasons, you should remove the SmartKey from the igni-
tion lock.
or
XSwitch off the engine using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door.
XRemove the cause of the obstruction.
XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.
The windshield wipers
fail completely.The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the combination switch.
XHave the windshield wipers checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
The windshield washer
fluid from the spray noz-
zles no longer hits the
center of the windshield.The spray nozzles are misaligned.
XHave the spray nozzles adjusted at a qualified specialist workshop.
128Windshield wipers
Lights and windshield wipers

Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Ropen the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
Rget out and disrupt traffic.
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
RStart the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
GWARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or
parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system.
!Do not depress the accelerator when start-
ing the engine.
General notes
The catalytic converter is preheated for up to
30 seconds after a cold start. The sound of the
engine may change during this time.
Automatic transmission
XShift the transmission to position P
(Ypage 156).
The transmission position display in the mul-
tifunction display shows P(
Ypage 157).
iYou can start the engine in transmission
position Pand N.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
To start the engine using the SmartKey instead
of the Start/Stop button, pull the Start/Stop
button out of the ignition lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 3in the ignition
lock and release it as soon as the engine is
running (
Ypage 146).
If the engine will not start:
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XReinsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock
after a short waiting period.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 146).
The indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
light up (
Ypage 286).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 3in the ignition
lock (Ypage 146) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
Starting procedure with the Start/Stop
button
The Start/Stop button is only available on vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEYLESS-GO start
function.
The Start/Stop button can be used to start the
vehicle manually without inserting the SmartKey
into the ignition lock. The Start/Stop button
must be inserted in the ignition lock and the
SmartKey must be in the vehicle. This mode for
starting the engine operates independently of
the ECO start/stop automatic engine start func-
tion.
You can start the engine if a valid SmartKey is in
the vehicle. Switch off the engine and always
take the SmartKey with you when leaving the
148Driving
Driving and parking

Problems with the engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard.RThere is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
RThere is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
Before attempting to start the engine again:
XTurn the SmartKey back to position 0in the ignition lock.
or
XPress the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
XTry to start the engine again (Ypage 148). Avoid excessively long
and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain the
battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor.The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak or
discharged.
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 352).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.
XTry to start the engine again (Ypage 148).
If the engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine is not running
smoothly and is misfir-
ing.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter
and damage it.
XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
The coolant temperature
gauge shows a value
above 248 ‡ (120 †).The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no
longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 333). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and add coolant if necessary.
Driving153
Driving and parking
Z

In addition, the;Check Engine warning
lamp may light up (Ypage 293).
For further information on warning and indi-
cator lamps in the instrument cluster, see
(
Ypage 293).
Refueling167
Driving and parking
Z

RIn order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
Rif the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and
Ryou hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately. Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
!A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified spe- cialist workshop in advance. You could oth-
erwise damage the drive train or the brake
system.
!The ESP®system operates automatically.
The engine and the ignition must therefore be
switched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-
tion 0or 1in the ignition lock or the Start/
Stop button must be in position 0or 1) if the
electric parking brake is tested on a brake
dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP
®may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) (
Ypage 68)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) (Ypage 69). For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings:
Rbrake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz
Rbrake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equivalent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake disks and brake pads/ linings on an axle at the same time. Always
install new brake pa
ds/linings when replacing
brake disks.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight brake
disks to which the wheel assembly with rim and
threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake disks other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz can change the
track width and is subject to approval, if appli-
cable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
disks, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake disks. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake disks, particularly on the
brake plate.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
High-performance and ceramic brakes
(Mercedes AMG vehicles)
The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This
will depend on:
RSpeed
RBraking force
REnvironmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake
system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An
Driving tips183
Driving and parking
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The yellow!warning lamp lights up and th ered F (USAonly)
or ! (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes .
It is no tpossibl eto apply th eelectric parking brak emanually.
XShift th etransmission to position P.
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
$(USA
only)
J( Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level
There is no tenough brak eflui din th ebrak efluid reservoir .
In addition ,th e$ (USAonly) or J(Canada only) warning lamp
lights up in th einstrumen tcluste rand awarning tone sounds.
GWARNIN G
The braking effec tmay be impaired.
There is aris kof an accident.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions. Do no tcontinu edrivin g
under any circumstances.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 177).
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
XDo notadd brak efluid .This does no tcorrec tth emalfunction .
#
CheckBrakePadWear
The brak epads/linings hav ereached their wear limit.
US Aonly: th e$ red brak esystem warning lamp is lit while th e
engin eis running.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
G
Inoperative
Oneor mor emain features of th embrace system are malfunctioning .
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
Collision Preven‐tionAssist Plu sCurrently Unavaila‐ble See Operator' sManual
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU Sis temporarily no toperational.
Possibl ecauses are:
Rth eradar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to elec -
tromagneti cradiation emitted by nearby TV or radi ostation sor
other source sof electromagneti cradiation .
Rthesystem is outside th eoperating temperature range.
Rth eon-boar dvoltag eis to olow.
Whe nth ecauses state dabov eno longer apply, th edisplay message
disappears.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU Sis operational again .
If th edisplay message does no tdisappear :
XPull overand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 177).
XRestart th eengine.
Display messages26 1
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
#
StopVehicl eSeeOperator' sManual
The battery is no longer bein gcharged and th ebattery charg elevel is
to olow.
A warning tone also sounds.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely and switch off th eengine, pay-
ing attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 177).
XObserv eth einstruction sin th e# See Operator' sManualdisplay message .
XConsultaqualified specialist workshop .
#
StopVehicl eLeaveEngine Runnin g
The battery charg elevel is to olow.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions. Do no tcontinu edrivin g
under any circumstances.
XLeav eth eengin erunning.
XWait until th edisplay message disappear sbefore pullin gaway.
#
Start Engine SeeOperator' sManual
The engin eis switched off and th ebattery charg elevel is to olow.
XSwitc hoff electrical consumer sthat you do no tneed, suc has th e
rear window defroste rand interior lighting .
XLeaveth eengin erunnin gfor afew minute sor drive alon gdistance.
The battery is bein gcharged.
4
CheckEngineOilAtNex tRefueling
The engin eoil level has dropped to th eminimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.
!Avoid lon gjourneys wit hto olittl eengin eoil. The engin ewill oth-
erwise be damaged.
XChec kth eoil level when next refueling, at th elatest (Ypage 332).
XIf necessary, add engin eoil (Ypage 332).
If th eengin eoil need stoppin gup mor eoften:
XContac t aqualified specialist workshop and hav eth eengin e
checked.
Information on approve dengin eoils can be obtained from aqualified
specialist workshop or on th eInternet at http://bevo.mercedes -
benz.com.
270Display messages
On-board computer and displays