2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS battery

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Servic e Required Do
Not Shift Gears
Visit Dealer You canno t chang e th e transmission position due to a malfunction .
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position D is selected:X
Drive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting th e trans -
mission from position D .
If transmission position R , N or P is selected:X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 141).X
Notify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
Reversing Not Poss.
Servic e Required You canno t shift int o th e transmission position R due to a malfunction .
The transmission position s P , N or D continu e to be available.
A warning tone also sounds. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop .
Transmission Mal ‐
function Sto p A malfunction has occurred in th e mechanical transmission compo -
nents.
A warning tone also sounds. The gearbox automatically shift s to posi-
tion N . X
Pull ove r and stop th e vehicl e safely as soo n as possible, payin g
attention to roa d and traffic conditions.X
Shift th e transmission to position P .X
Secur e th e vehicl e against rollin g away ( Y
page 141).X
Notify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
Auxiliary Batter y
Malfunction The auxiliary battery for th e transmission is no longer bein g charged.X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop at th e next opportunity.X
Unti l then , set th e transmission to position P before you switch off
th e engine. X
Befor e leaving th e vehicle, apply th e parking brake.

Your attention must always be focused on the
traffic conditions. Only use the cigarette lighter
when road and traffic conditions permit.
Cigarette lighter in the front compart-
ment
Mercedes-AMG vehicles X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock ( Y
page 123).X
To open: briefly press the trim on cover C .
The stowage compartment opens. X
Press in cigarette lighter D .
Cigarette lighter D will pop out automatically
when the heating element is red-hot.
All other models X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock ( Y
page 123).X
To open: slide cover C forwards until it
engages. X
Press in cigarette lighter D .
Cigarette lighter D will pop out automatically
when the heating element is red-hot. X
To close: briefly press cover C at the front.
The cover moves back. 12 V sockets
General notes X
Turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the ignition
lock ( Y
page 123).
The sockets can be used for accessories with a
maximum draw of 180 W (15 A). Accessories
include such items as chargers for mobile
phones.
If you use the sockets for long periods when the
engine is switched off, the battery may dis-
charge.
An emergency cut-out ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the on-
board voltage is too low, the power to the sock-
ets is automatically cut. This ensures that there
is sufficient power to start the engine.
Socket in the front center console
Mercedes-AMG vehicles X
To open: briefly press the trim on cover C .
The stowage compartment opens. X
Lift up the cover of socket D .X
To close: fold down cover C .
All other models Features 253
Stowage and features Z

X
If necessary, add coolant that has been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz. X
Replace cap C and turn it clockwise as far as
it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
( Y
page 326).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlamp cleaning
system
G WARNING
Windshield washer concentrate could ignite if
it comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents or the exhaust system. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
Example X
To open: pull cap C upwards by the tab.X
Add the premixed washer fluid. X
To close: press cap C onto the filler neck
until it engages.
If the washer fluid level drops below the recom-
mended minimum fluid level of 1.1 US qt
(1.0 liter), a message appears in the multifunc-
tion display prompting you to add washer fluid
( Y
page 225).
Further information on washer fluid
( Y
page 327). Maintenance
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance Book-
let).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display does
not show any information on the engine oil level.
Observe the notes on the engine oil level
( Y
page 267).
The multifunction display shows a service mes-
sage for several seconds, e.g.: R
Service A in .. Days R
Service A Due R
Service A Overdue by .. Days
Depending on the operating conditions of the
vehicle, the remaining time or distance until the
next service due date is displayed.
The letter A or B , possibly in connection with a
number or another letter, shows the type of ser-
vice. A stands for a minor service and B for a
major service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display does
not take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service sched-
ule: X
Note down the service due date displayed in
the multifunction display before disconnect-
ing the battery.
or X
After reconnecting the battery, subtract the
battery disconnection periods from the ser-
vice date shown on the display.
Hiding a service message X
Press the v or 8 button on the steering
wheel.Maintenance 269
Maintenance and care Z

to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. 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 imme-
diately.
! 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 equip-
ment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around when
cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following: R
Tires R
Door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc. R
Electrical components R
Battery R
Connectors R
Lamps R
Seals R
Trim R
Ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components can
lead to leaks or failures.
! Vehicles with decorative film: parts of your
vehicle are covered with a decorative film.
Maintain a distance of at least 27.5 in (70 cm)
between the parts of the vehicle covered with
the film and the nozzle of the high pressure
cleaner.
Information about the correct distance is
available from the equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around when
clea ning your vehicle.
Cleaning the paintwork
! Do not affix: R
stickers R
films R
magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by
corrosion and damage caused by inadequate care cannot always be completely repaired. In
such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop. X
Remove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard. X
Soak insect remains with insect remover and
rinse off the treated areas afterwards. X
Soak bird droppings with water and rinse off
the treated areas afterwards. X
Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin, oils,
fuels and greases by rubbing gently with a
cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter
fluid. X
Use tar remover to remove tar stains. X
Use silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products recommen-
ded 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 dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if the
paint has become dull, the pai nt cleaner recom-
me
nded and approved by Mercedes-Benz
should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or on
the hood while the hood is hot. X
Use a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB Touch-
Up Stick, to repair slight damage to the paint-
work quickly and provisionally.
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: R
strong rubbing of the paintwork with
unsuitable materials R
frequent use of automatic car washes R
washing the vehicle in direct sunlight
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polishing
products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax, for the
purpose of paintwork care. These products
are only suitable for high-gloss surfaces. Their
use on vehicles with matte paintwork leads to
considerable surface damage or, more spe-
cifically, to shiny, spotted areas.
Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.272
Care
Maintenance and care

X
To reduce the tire pressure: depress pres-
sure release button m next to pressure gauge
n . X
When the tire pressure is correct, unscrew the
filler hose from the valve of the sealed tire.
Tire sealant may escape when the filler hose is
unscrewed. X
Screw the valve cap onto the tire valve of the
sealed tire. X
Pull the tire sealant bottle out of the tire infla-
tion compressor.
The filler hose remains attached to the tire
sealant bottle. X
Drive to the nearest qualified specialist work-
shop and have the tire changed there. X
Have the tire sealant bottle and the filler hose
replaced as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop. X
Have the tire sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist workshop.
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes Special tools and expert knowledge are required
when working on the battery, e.g. removal and
installation. You should therefore have all work
involving the battery carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
G WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can
lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g the lighting sys-
tem, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) or the ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program). The oper-
ating safety of your vehicle may be restricted.
You could lose control of the vehicle, for
example: R
when braking R
in the event of abrupt steering maneuvers
and/or when the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a short circuit or a similar inci-
dent, contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Do not drive any further. You
should have all work involving the battery car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
For further information about ABS ( Y
page 64)
and ESP ®
( Y
page 69).
G WARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation
of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle
body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The highly flammable gas mixture forms when
charging the battery as well as when jump-start-
ing.
Always make sure that neither you nor the bat-
tery is electrostatically charged. A build-up of
electrostatic charge can be caused, for exam-
ple: R
by wearing clothing made from synthetic
fibers R
due to friction between clothing and seats R
if you push or pull the battery across the car-
pet or other synthetic materials R
if you wipe the battery with a cloth
G WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.282
Battery (vehicle)
Breakdo wn assis tance

R
Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con-
tact with vehicle parts. R
Never place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery. R
It is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery. R
When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected. R
It is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables. R
Never connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
G WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
H Environmental note
Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separately
and recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop. Observe the service intervals in the Mainte-
nance Booklet or contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information.
! Always have work on batteries carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop. Should it, in
exceptional circumstances, be absolutely
necessary to disconnect the 12-volt battery
yourself, observe the following: R
secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away. R
switch off the ignition. R
always disconnect the negative terminal
clamp first, followed by the positive termi-
nal clamp.
After the battery has been disconnected, the
transmission is locked in position P .
After the work has been done, install the bat-
tery and replace the cover of the positive ter-
minal clamp firmly.
Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries.
Risk of explosion.
Fire, open flames and smoking are
prohibited when handling the bat-
tery. Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective clothing,
especially gloves, apron and face-
guard.
Rinse any acid spills immediately
with clear water. Contact a physician
if necessary.
Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Operator's Manual.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use batteries which have
been tested and approved for your vehicle byBattery (vehicle) 283
Breakdown assistance Z

Mercedes-Benz. These batteries provide
increased impact protection to prevent vehicle
occupants from suffering acid burns should the
battery be damaged in the event of an accident.
In order for the battery to achieve the maximum
possible service life, it must always be suffi-
ciently charged.
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. You can also
charge the battery with a charger recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Contact a qualified special-
ist workshop for further information.
Have the battery condition of charge checked
more frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for a
lengthy period. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle
parked for a long period of time.
Remove the SmartKey if you park the vehicle
and do not require any electrical consumers.
The vehicle will then use very little energy, thus
conserving battery power.
If the power supply has been interrupted, e.g. if
you reconnect the battery, you will have to: R
set the clock; see the Digital Operator's Man-
ual
On vehicles with a multimedia system, the
time is set automatically. R
reset the function for folding the exterior mir-
rors in/out automatically, by folding the mir-
rors out once ( Y
page 101).
Charging the battery
! Only use battery chargers with a maximum
charging voltage of 14.8 V.
G WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery.
G WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
G WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery, gases
can escape from the battery. There is a risk of
an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
! Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment ( Y
page 285).X
Open the hood. X
Connect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground point in the same order
as when connecting the donor battery in the
jump-starting procedure ( Y
page 285).
Keep away from fire and open flames. Do not
lean over a battery. Never charge the battery if it
is still installed in the vehicle, unless you use a
battery charger which has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. A battery charger
unit specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles and tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz is available as an accessory. It permits the
charging of the battery in its installed position.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for further information and availability. Read the
battery charger's operating instructions before
charging the battery.
If the warning and indicator lamps do not light up
on the instrument cluster when temperatures
are low, it is probably because the discharged
battery has frozen. In this case, you may neither
charge the battery nor jump-start the vehicle.
The service life of a thawed-out battery may be
shorter. The starting characteristics can be
impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have
the thawed-out battery checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.284
Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

Jump-starting For the jump-starting procedure, use only the jump-starting connection point in the engine com-
partment, consisting of a positive terminal and a ground point.
G WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over the
battery. Keep children away from batteries. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of
clean water and seek medical attention.
G WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk
of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient ven-
tilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery.
G WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion. R
Make sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts. R
Never place metal objects or tools on a battery. R
It is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
and disconnecting a battery. R
When jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected. R
It is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
the jumper cables. R
Never connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
G WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could be
damaged by the non-combusted fuel.
If the indicator and warning lamps do not light up at low temperatures, it is very likely that the
discharged battery has frozen. In this case, you may neither charge the battery nor jump-start the
vehicle. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The starting characteristics can be
impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have the thawed-out battery checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Jump-starting 285
Breakdown assistance Z