heating MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS 2016 User Guide

Problems with the rear window defroster Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The rear window
defroster has deactiva-
ted prematurely or can-
not be activated. The battery has not been sufficiently charged. X
Switch off any consumers that are not required, e.g. reading lamps,
interior lighting or the seat heating.
When the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear window defroster
can be activated again.
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off
General notes You can also temporarily deactivate the flow of
fresh air manually if unpleasant odors are enter-
ing the vehicle from outside. The air already
inside the vehicle will then be recirculated.
If you switch on air-recirculation mode, the win-
dows can fog up more quickly, in particular at
low temperatures. Only use air-recirculation
mode briefly to prevent the windows from fog-
ging up.
Switching on/off X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition
lock ( Y
page 146).X
To activate: press the r rocker switch up
or down.
The indicator lamp above the r rocker
switch lights up.
Air-recirculation mode switches on automati-
cally: R
at high outside temperatures R
at high levels of pollution (3-zone automatic
climate control only) R
in a tunnel (vehicles with a navigation system
only)
The indicator lamp above the r rocker
switch is not lit when automatic air-recirculation
mode is activated. Outside air is added after
about 30 minutes. X
To deactivate: press the r rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp above the r rocker
switch goes out. Air-recirculation mode deactivates automati-
cally: R
after approximately five minutes at outside
temperatures below approximately 41 ‡
(5 †) R
after approximately five minutes if cooling
with air dehumidification is deactivated R
after approximately 30 minutes at outside
temperatures above approximately 41 ‡
(5 †) if the "Cooling with air dehumidifica-
tion" function is activated
Switching the residual heat on or off
General notes The residual heat function is only available with
3-zone automatic climate control on vehicles for
Canada.
Once the engine is switched off, it is possible to
make use of the residual heat of the engine to
continue heating or ventilating the front com-
partment of the vehicle for approximately
30 minutes. The heating or ventilation time
depends on the interior temperature that has
been set.
Switching on/off X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition
lock or remove it ( Y
page 146).X
To switch on: press the ! rocker switch
up or down.
The indicator lamp above the ! rocker
switch lights up.
The blower will run at a low speed regardless of
the airflow setting.
If you activate the residual heat function at high
temperatures, only the ventilation will be acti-
vated. The blower runs at medium speed.Operating the climate control systems 137
Climate control

Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey
General notes The "Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey" function is only available in PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles.
Before getting in, the driver's seat area or the whole interior can be briefly warmed or ventilated in
advance with the air from the air vents being pre-cooled.
The high-voltage battery must be sufficiently charged before "Pre-entry climate control via Smart-
Key" can be activated.
When the vehicle is pre-cooled, the following functions are activated if required: R
Climate control system R
Blower R
Seat ventilation
When the vehicle is pre-heated, the following functions are activated if required: R
Climate control system R
Blower R
Seat heating R
Steering wheel heating R
Exterior mirror heating R
Rear window defroster
If you have switched on the perfume atomizer or ionization using the multimedia system, these will
be activated together with pre-entry climate control.
Activate the perfume atomizer ( Y
page 303).
Activate ionization ( Y
page 303).
Activating or deactivating "Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey" Before "Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey" can be activated, you must activate the function via
the multimedia system ( Y
page 303).X
To activate pre-entry climate control via SmartKey: unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey or
KEYLESS-GO.
The climate control functions are activated for up to 5 minutes for pre-heating and pre-cooling.
To deactivate "Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey": "Pre-entry climate control via Smart-
Key" switches off automatically when the engine is started.
The following functions remain active after the engine is started: R
Seat heating (heating) R
Seat ventilation (ventilation) R
Perfume atomizer R
Ionization
An activated "Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey" function can be deactivated using the rocker
switch ( Y
page 143). Operating the climate control systems 141
Climate control Z

Problems with "Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey" Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
"Pre-entry climate con-
trol via SmartKey" can-
not be switched on or
has switched itself off. The condition of charge of the high-voltage battery is under the speci-
fied minimum condition of charge. X
Start the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill.
The engine powers the electric motor. The electric motor operates
as a generator. The high-voltage battery is being charged.
Further information on charging the high-voltage battery via: R
a mains socket ( Y
page 171)R
a charging station ( Y
page 174)R
a wallbox ( Y
page 173)
"Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey" has been started more than
twice with the engine switched off. X
Switch on the engine and let it run for more than ten seconds. X
Try again to switch on "Pre-entry climate control via SmartKey".
Pre-entry climate control at time of
departure
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
General notes The "Pre-entry climate control at departure
time" function is only available in PLUG-IN
HYBRID vehicles.
You can use the "Pre-entry climate control at
departure time" function to cool or heat the
vehicle interior if the engine is not running.
The "Pre-entry climate control at departure
time" function can be activated regardless of
whether or not the vehicle is connected to an
electric power supply. The condition of charge of
the high-voltage battery must be higher than the
specified minimum condition of charge, how-
ever.
When the vehicle is connected to an electric
power supply, priority is given to charging the
high-voltage battery to the specified minimum charge. "Pre-entry climate control at departure
time" is only activated subsequently.
The running time of the "Pre-entry climate con-
trol at departure time" function may be reduced
if: R
the vehicle is not connected to an electric
power supply and R
the high-voltage battery is not fully charged
With active "Pre-entry climate control at depar-
ture time" the condition of charge of the high-
voltage battery can be reduced, even if the
charge cable connector is connected.
When the vehicle is cooled, the following func-
tions are activated if required: R
Climate control system R
Blower R
Seat ventilation
When the vehicle is heated, the following func-
tions are activated if required: R
Climate control system R
Blower R
Seat heating R
Steering wheel heating R
Exterior mirror heating R
Rear window defroster
If you have switched on the perfume atomizer or
the ionization using the multimedia system,
these will be activated together with the "Pre-
entry climate control at departure time".142
Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

Activate the perfume atomizer ( Y
page 303).
Activate ionization ( Y
page 303).
Setting the departure time You can set the departure time using the on-
board computer or via the online access to the
vehicle. The activation of the "Pre-entry climate
control at departure time" function can be linked
to this departure time. Your vehicle will then be
cooled or heated until the desired temperature
is reached in time for the set departure time.
"Pre-entry climate control at departure time" will
be activated a maximum of 55 minutes before
departure. If the departure is delayed, the vehi-
cle will be heated or cooled for another five
minutes. X
To set the departure time: set the departure
time using the on-board computer
( Y
page 249). Set the departure time via the
online access to the vehicle ( Y
page 176).X
To activate or deactivate "Pre-entry cli-
mate control at departure time": activate
or deactivate "Pre-entry climate control at
departure time" via the multimedia system
( Y
page 303). Set the "Pre-entry climate con-
trol at departure time" via the online access to
the vehicle ( Y
page 176).
When activating the "Pre-entry climate control
at departure time" function: you can select
whether only the driver's area or also the front-
passenger area should be heated or cooled.
The "Pre-entry climate control at departure
time" function switches off automatically when
the
vehicle is started. The following functions
remain active: R
Seat heating R
Seat ventilation R
Steering wheel heating R
Perfume atomizer R
Ionization
Switching off "Pre-entry climate control at
departure time": the activated "Pre-entry cli-
mate control at departure time" can be switched
off using the rocker switch ( Y
page 143).
Activating or deactivating "Immediate
pre-entry climate control" using the
rocker switch
You can activate "Immediate pre-entry climate
control" even if the vehicle interior is already at the desired temperature. This means, for exam-
ple, that the vehicle interior continues to be
cooled or heated if the journey is interrupted for
up to 50 minutes and the interior temperature is
kept constant.
X
To activate or deactivate "Immediate pre-
entry climate control": press rocker
switch C up or down.
The blue or red indicator lamp above the
rocker switch lights up or goes out.
The colors of the indicator lamps in rocker
switch C have the following meanings: R
blue: cooling activated R
red: heating activated R
yellow: departure time is preselected
Air vents
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air
vents. This could result in burns or frostbite in
the immediate vicinity of the air vents. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that all vehicle occupants always
maintain a sufficient distance to the air out-
lets. If necessary, redirect the airflow to
another area of the vehicle interior.
In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes: R
keep the air inlet between the windshield and
the hood free of blockages, such as ice, snow
or leaves. R
never cover the air vents or air intake grilles in
the vehicle interior. Air vents 143
Climate control Z

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation ( Y
page 233).
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be in position 0 or 1 )
if: R
the electric parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer R
the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with
4MATIC).
The brake system could otherwise be dam-
aged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission. Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.164
Refueling
Driving and parking

Display D
Light s up
green There are no malfunctions.
The high-voltage battery can
be charged.
Light s up red An impermissible curren t is
bein g supplied to th e control
unit. The high-voltage battery
canno t be charged.
i Fo r information on problem s relating to th e
charging process, see ( Y
page 175).
Setting th e maximum charg e curren t
G WARNIN G
If th e charg e curren t draw via a main s socke t
is to o high during th e charging process, th e
external electrical system may overheat.
There is a ris k of fire.
Befor e beginning th e charging process, chec k
th e maximum permissibl e charg e curren t
locally. Consult a qualified exper t to do so
wher e necessary.
If necessary, adjust your vehicle's settings.
! An excessive charg e curren t can blow a fus e
or lead to overheating of th e external powe r
supply. Chec k whether th e external powe r
supply is compatible wit h th e set charg e cur -
rent. If necessary, lower th e set charg e cur -
ren t or use another powe r socket.
You can set a limi t for th e value s of th e charg e
curren t used in charging th e high-voltage bat -
tery. This act s as a mean s of preventing th e
powe r supply from overloading. You can set this
limi t by usin g th e control s on th e charging cable
or in th e on-boar d computer' s menu. Only set
th e maximum charg e curren t in th e on-boar d
computer men u if there are no charg e curren t
setting s on th e charging cable.
The default standard value in th e vehicl e corre-
spond s to th e maximum charg e curren t value .
The default standard value on th e cha rging cable
i
s th e minimum charg e curren t setting . This cor-
responds to th e minimum available charg e cur -
ren t from th e powe r supply. The value on th e
charging cable can be increased and is descri-
bed in th e followin g section . i The value of th e maximum setting and th e
adjustmen t value may var y depending on th e
country.
Befor e charging th e high-voltage battery, chec k
th e maximum permissibl e charg e curren t for th e
relevan t powe r socket. X
To adjust th e setting: press butto n

In addition to driving style, the actual consump-
tion is affected by other factors, such as: R
load R
tire pressure R
cold start R
choice of route R
electrical consumers switched on
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant": R
observe the gearshift recommendations. R
drive in drive program E .
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
highway, only the outer area for "constant" will
change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. On lon-
ger journeys, there are fewer changes. For more
marked changes, perform a manual rest
( Y
page 241).
For further information on the ECO display, see
( Y
page 240).
Braking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early
to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive wear
of the brakes. When you take advantage of the engine brak-
ing effect, a drive wheel may not turn for some
time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This
could cause damage to the drive train. This
type of damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance.182
Driving tips
Driving and parking

aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.
You can obtain more information on this from a
qualified specialist workshop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several
hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake wear
warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note
any brake status messages in the multifunction
display. Especially for high performance driving,
it is important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing occurring, even if: R
you drive at low speeds. R
the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner: R
lower your speed. R
avoid ruts. R
avoid sudden steering movements. R
brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
! Bear in mind that vehicles traveling in front
or in the opposite direction create waves. This
may cause the maximum permissible water
depth to be exceeded.
Failure to observe these notes may result in
damage to the engine, electrical systems and
transmission.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on which
water has collected, please bear in mind that: R
in the case of standing water, the water level
may be no higher than the lower edge of the
vehicle body R
you should drive no faster than at a walking
pace Winter driving
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
G DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road sur-
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and
braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise con-
trol or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed: X
Shift the transmission to position N .
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in
wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always
adapt your driving style an d drive at a speed to
suit
the prevailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.184
Driving tips
Driving and parking

For more information on driving with snow
chains, see ( Y
page 363).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see ( Y
page 362).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion ( Y
page 362).
Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for inno-
vative driver assistance and safety systems
which enhance comfort and support the driver in
critical situations. With these intelligent co-ordi-
nated systems Mercedes-Benz has set a mile-
stone on the path towards autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive embraces all
elements of active and passive safety in one well
thought out system – for the safety of the vehi-
cle occupants and that of other road users.
Further information on driving safety systems
( Y
page 67).
Cruise control
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceeding the set speed. Change into a lower
gear in good time on long and steep downhill
gradients. This is especially important if the
vehicle is laden. By doing so, you will make use
of the braking effect of the engine. This relieves
the load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady
speed for a prolonged period. You can store any
road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise con-
trol can neither reduce the risk of an accident
nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control
cannot take into account the road, traffic and
weather conditions. Cruise control is only an
aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in
good time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control: R
in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads R
on slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid R
when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
i The speed indicated in the speedometer
may differ slightly from the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
C
Activates or increases speed D
Activates or reduces speed

Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is especially
impo rtant if the veh icle is laden. By doin g so, you
will make use of the braking effect of the engine.
This relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and wear-
ing too quic kly.
If DI ST RONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk of
a co llisio n, you will be warned visually and
acoustically. DI ST RONIC PLUS cannot prevent a
co llisio n wit hout your intervention. An intermit-
tent warning tone will then sound and the dis-
tance warning lamp will light up in the instru-
ment cluster. Brake immediately in order to
increase the dist ance to the veh icle in front or
take evasive action pro vide d it is safe to do so.
DI ST RONIC PLUS operates in range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h).
Do not use DI ST RONIC PLUS while driv ing on
roads wit h steep gradients.
As DI ST RONIC PLUS transmits radar waves, it
can resemble the radar detectors of the respon-
sible authorities. You can refer to the relevant
chapter in the Operator's Manual if questions
are asked about this.
i USA only: This device has been appr oved by
the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor is intended for use in an auto-
motive radar system only. Removal, tamper-
in g , or altering of the device will void any war-
ranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do
not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized mod ific ation to th is device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipm ent.
i Canada only: This device co mplie s wit h
RSS -210 of In dustry Canada. Operation is
subject to the foll owin g two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
2. This device must accept any interference
receive d, inc ludin g interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the device
will void any warranties, and is not permitte d.
Do not tamper wit h, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized mod ific ation to th is device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipm ent. Important safety notes
G WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to: R
people or animals R
stationary obstacles on the road, e.g. stop-
ped or parked vehicles R
oncoming and crossing traffic
As a result, DI ST RONIC PLUS may neither give
warnings nor intervene in such situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
Alwa ys pay careful attention to the traff ic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
G WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly iden-
tify other road users and co mple x traffic sit-
uations.
In such cases, DI ST RONIC PLUS may: R
give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle R
neither give a warning nor intervene R
accelerate or brake unexpect edly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLU S.
G WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up
to 50 %o f the maximum possible deceleration.
If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC
PLUS warns you visually and audibly. There is
a risk of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function is
activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in
certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car washDriving systems 187
Driving and parking Z