Mercedes-Benz 300SD 1981, Owner'S Manual

Page: 52 / 97

S afe Driving
instrument cluster comes on, the
brake fluid level in the reservoir is too
low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the
system may be the reason for loss of
brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at a
MERCEDES-BENZ service station
without delay.
Install only brake pads recommended
by us.
If other than recommended brake
pads are installed, the braking pro­
perties of the vehicle can be affected
to an extent that the safety is
substantially impaired.
Brake Pad Wear indicator Lamp
The brake pad wear indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on
when the key in the steering lock is
turned to driving position “ 2” and it
must go out when the engine is
running. If the indicator lamp lights up
during braking, this shows that the
front wheel brake pads are worn
down.
Have brake system checked in a
MERCEDES-BENZ service station as
soon as possibile.
Brake Fluid
During the course of the operation of
the vehicle, the boiling point of the
brake fluid is continuously being
reduced through the absorption of
moisture from the atmosphere. Under
extremely hard operating conditions,
this moisture content can lead to the
formation of vapor in the system thus
reducing the system’s efficiency. The
brake fluid must therefore be re­
placed annually, preferably in the
spring. It is recommended to use only
brake fluid approved by MERCEDES-
BENZ.
Your MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will
provide you with additional informa­
tion.
Charge Indicator Lamp
Should the charge indicator lamp fail
to come on prior to starting when the
ignition key is in position “ 2 ” or
should it fail to go out after starting or
during operation, this indicates a fault
which must be repaired at a
MERCEDES-BENZ service station as
soon as possible.
Oil Pressure Gauge
The oil pressure may drop at idle
speed to 0.5 bar/7.1 psi if the engine
is at operating temperature. This will
not jeopardize its operational reliabil­
ity. Pressure must, however, rise
immediately upon acceleration.
The oil pressure gauge does not
provide any information concerning
the oil level in the engine.
Coolant Temperature Gauge
Due to the pressurized cooling
system, the coolant only starts boiling
at a temperature of approx. 125° C/
257° F with an antifreeze-blended
coolant fill protecting down to
— 30° C/ —22° F (see also “ Fuels,
Coolants, Lubricants, etc.” ).
During severe operating conditions
and stop-and-go city traffic, the
coolant temperature must not rise
above the red marking.