Emission System Maintenance

Emission System Maintenance:

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and, in California, the Air Resources Board have certified that the emission control system of your vehicle meets exhaust emission standards for 2001. This vehicle also complies with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Emission Standards.

To be certain that the emission control system functions as designed, regular maintenance is necessary for all components of the vehicle which affect exhaust emission composition.

The vehicle owner is responsible for the regular maintenance of the emission control system, as well as the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an anti-knock index of at least 91 (displayed on the pump) in all models.

Refer to your Service and Warranty Information booklet and Operator's Manual for additional information.

Failure to properly maintain the emission system may result in repairs not being covered by the emission systems warranty.

Explanations of each maintenance job are given in Emission System Maintenance Jobs.
Emission System Maintenance Jobs

Emission Control System Caution:

Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with both a three-way catalyst and a closed loop oxygen sensor system to comply with current exhaust emission regulations. Keep your vehicle in proper operating condition by following our recommended maintenance instructions as outlined.

The following has to be adhered to:

a. In all models, use only premium unleaded gasoline with an anti-knock index of at least 91 (as displayed on the pump). Damage to the engine could occur if premium unleaded fuel is not use(l. Refer to the Operator's Manual for special precautions.

b. Leaded gasoline should not be used under any circumstances. Damage to the emission control components will result.

c. The specified engine maintenance jobs have to be performed completely and at the required intervals. Correct ignition timing and properly functioning spark plugs for instance are important for the service life of the catalysts. Failure to properly perform the specified maintenance jobs may adversely affect the emission control system on the vehicle and reduce its service life.

d. The operation of the emission control system must not be altered in any way. Alterations are not permissible by law. In addition, alterations may result in damage to the catalysts, increased fuel consumption and impaired engine running conditions.

e. Irregular engine running conditions should be corrected immediately by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Such irregular running conditions can influence the proper function of the emission control system.

"CHECK ENGINE" indicator lamp in the instrument cluster: If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it indicates a malfunction of the engine management system or emission control system.

We recommend that you have the malfunction checked as soon as possible.