2000 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 93

Instruments and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display 90 Practical hints Car care Technical data Index Instrument cluster Coolant temperature gauge (3) During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red marking. The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause serious engine damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Warning! • Driving when your engine is badly overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned. • Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns and can occur just by opening the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until it cools down. Outside temperature indicator (5) The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper area. Due to its location, the sensor can be affected by road or engine heat during idling or slow driving. This means that the accuracy of the displayed temperature can only be verified by comparison to a thermometer placed next to the sensor, not by comparison to external displays (e.g. bank signs etc.). Adaption to ambient temperature takes place in steps and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop-and-go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of temperature change. Warning! The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an Ice-Warning Device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice.