ESP MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 1999 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 1999, Model line: C-CLASS, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 1999Pages: 122, PDF Size: 1.66 MB
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Storage Compartments and Cupholder
Glove Box
1. Unlocking: Turn mechanical key to vertical position and remove.
2. Locking: Turn mechanical key to the right and remove.
3. Opening: Pull on handle.
Caution!
Keep compartment lids closed. This will prevent stored objects from being thrown about and
injuring vehicle occupants during an accident.
Storage Compartments in Center Console
To open compartment in armrest: Lift lid with handle (4).
To open compartment under armrest: Lift lid with handle (5).
To close: Lower lid until it engages in lock.
Cupholder in Center Console
To open cover:
Touch top of cover (6) slightly. The cover opens automatically.
To open cup holder:
Briefly press button (7). The cup holder opens automatically.
To store cup holder:
Push button (7) down until cup holder engages. Close cover (6).
Caution !
Keep cup holder closed while travelling. Place only containers that fit into the cup holder to
prevent spills. Do not fill contai ners to a height where the conten ts could spill during vehicle
maneuvers, especially hot liquids.
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Instrument Lamps
Press + or - button to vary intensity of instrument lamps.
Display illumination
The display for temperature, odometer, oil level indicator, FSS indicator and clock is illuminated briefly when
opening the driver door. The display illumination brightness responds automatically according to changes in the
surrounding light sensitivity. To briefly illuminate the display (with electronic key
removed or in steering lock position 0 or 1), press button O, +,- , h or m.
Trip Odometer
• To reset:
• Press button O once and hold (with display illuminated).
• Press button O twice and hold (with display not illuminated).
Clock
Adjusting clock (display illuminated): Press button m or h briefly. The disp lay flashes to indicate that the clock
can be adjusted.
Minute: Press button m briefly.
Minutes: Press and hold button m.
Hour: Press button h briefly.
Hours: Press and hold button h .
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6. Wrap strap with snap hook
around ski sack.
7. Fold back the reinforced ski
sack tip (8), then continue to
roll up the ski sack tightly.
8.
Place rear strap in fold of ski
sack.
9. Place folded ski sack
insiderecess of backrest.
10.
Close ski sack compartment cover (2) respectively (3).
Removal of Ski Sack
For removal of the ski sack we recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
Warning !
Never drive vehicle with trunk lid open while the ski sack is removed. Deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death.
Note:
To prevent unauthorized persons from access to the trunk, always close the pass-through.
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Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission selects individual gears automatically, dependent upon
• Selector lever position
• Program mode selector
• Accelerator position
• Vehicle speed
Important !
When parking the car or before working on the vehicle with the engine running, firmly depress the parking brake
pedal and shift the selector lever into "P".
Driving
The selector lever is automatically locked while in position "P". To move the selector lever out of position "P", the
service brake pedal must be firmly depressed before the shift lock will release. Shift selector lever to the desired
position only when the engine is idling normally and the service brake is applied. Do not release the brake until
ready to drive. The vehicle may otherwise start creeping when the selector lever is in drive or reverse position.
Warning !
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of "P" or "N" if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the car could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the car and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling
normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Important !
After selecting any driving position from "N" or "P", wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage before
accelerating, especially when the engine is cold.
Accelerator Position
Partial throttle = early upshifting = normal acceleration
Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid acceleration
Kickdown (depressing the accelerator beyond full throttle) = downshifting to a lower gear = maximum acceleration.
Once the desired speed is attained, ease up on t he accelerator - the transmission shifts up again.
Selector Lever Positions
The automatic gear shifting process can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.
P - Parking position.
The parking position is to be used when parking t he vehicle. Engage only with the car stopped. The parking
position is not intended to serve as a brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always use
the parking brake in addition to placing the selector lever in park to secure the vehicle.
Note:
The electronic key can be removed from the steering lo ck only with the foot off the brake pedal and the selector
lever in position "P". With the electronic key removed, the selector lever is locked in position "P".
R - Reverse gear. Shift to reverse gear only with the car stopped.
N - Neutral.
No power is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be
moved freely (pushed or towed). Do not engage "N" while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of
skidding (e.g. on icy roads, see Winter driving Instructions in Index).
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Important !
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during braking maneuvers. Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use
firm, steady brake pedal pressure. Pu mping the brake pedal defeats the pur pose for ABS and significantly reduces
braking effectiveness.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a vehicl e speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of
road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the
ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re spond even with light brake pedal pressure because of the increased
likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.
ABS Control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cl uster comes on with the electronic key in steering lock
position 2 and should go out when the engine is running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is switched off.
When the voltage is above this value again, the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the ABS is operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ASR or ESP, if vehicl e so equipped, are also switched off. Both malfunction
indicator lamps come on with the engine running. If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp does not go out or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without antilock assistance.
Have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
Warning !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
made available by the road conditions. The ABS ca nnot prevent accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too cl osely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped car must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.
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Brake Assist System (BAS)
Warning !
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The
BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another
vehicle too closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, at tentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped car must never be explo ited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.
The Brake Assist System is designed to maximize the vehicle's braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers by having maximum power boost applied to the br akes more quickly in emergency braking conditions
than might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver's braking style. This can help reduce braking distances over
what ordinary driving and braking style might do. The BAS complements the Antilock Brake System (ABS).
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply continuous full braking power during the stopping sequence. Do
not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivat ed The indicator lamps for the ASR and ESP are combined
with the BAS indicator lamp.
The BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster corne on with the electronic key in
steering lock position 2 and should go out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp co mes on permanently while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected in either system. As a result, it is possible that now only partial engine output will be
available, and pressing the accelerator pedal will require more effort. If the BAS malfunctions. The brake system
functions in the usual manner, but wi thout BAS. If the charging voltage falls be low 10 volts, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on and the BAS is switched off. When the volt age is above this value again, the malfunction indicator
lamp should go out and the BAS is operational. With t he ABS malfunctioning, the BAS, ASR or ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on with the engine running. Have the BAS, ASR or ESP checked
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible .
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Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (optional)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving wheel spin of the vehicle under any driving condition.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
counterpointing vehicle movement. The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, starts to flash.
Important !
If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
Caution !
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in Index), t he engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steer ing lock position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the el ectronic stability program will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Notes:
The indicator lamp for the ESP is combined with that of the BAS. The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning lamp in the speedometer di al come on with the electronic key
in steering lock position 2. They should go out with th e engine running. If the BAS/ESP multifunction indicator lamp
comes on permanently with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either system.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine output will be available. If the BAS
malfunctions, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS. Have the BAS or ESP checked at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off. Driving the vehicle with varied size ti res will cause the wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the electronic
stability program may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer dial comes on).
For this reason, all wheels, including the spare wheel, must have the same tire size. When testing the parking brake
on a brake test dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, t he electronic stability program will
immediately
be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes. In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the electronic
stability program is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz reco mmended M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.
ESP Control Switch
ESP control switch located on center co
nsole To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains, or
starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press the upper half of the ESP switch. The ESP warning lamp, located in
the speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque reduction
feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditio ns. A portion of the ESP system remains ac tive, even with the switch in the OFF
position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin , the brake is applied until the wheel regains sufficient
traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at 50
mph (80 km/h).
Note:
Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. Doing so may cause seriou s damage to the drive train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedome ter dial, starts to flash at any
vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. To return to the enhanced vehicle
stability
offered by ESP: press lower half of the switch (the ESP warning lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).
Important !
If the ESP warning lamp flashes:
• during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,
• while driving, ease up on the accelerator.
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Winter Driving
Have your car winterized at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer before the onset of winter.
• Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil which is not approved for winter operation.
For viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity, see Capacities: Fuels, Coolants,
Lubricants etc. in Index.
• Check engine coolant anticorr osion/antifreeze concentration.
• Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp cleani ng system: Add MB Concentrate "S" to a premixed
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze which is form ulated for below freezing temperatures (see Index).
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops with dec reasing ambient temperature. A well charged
battery helps to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low ambient temperatures.
• Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.
Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effect iveness of the acceleration slip regulation or of the electronic traction system
can only be achieved with M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Snow
chains maximize performance.
Snow Chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
will be glad to advise you on this subject. Chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer's
mounting instructions. Snow chains should only be driven on snow covered roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow. For tips on driving on slippery
winter roads, refer to Index. Vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP):
When driving with snow chai ns, press the ASR or ESP control switch, refer to Index.
Model C 43 AMG
Important!
Use of snow chains is permissible only on winter tire size 215/45 R 17 H M+S. Refer to "Rims - Tires" in section
"Technical Data" (see Index).
Travelling Abroad
Abroad, there is a widely-spread Mercedes-Benz service network at your disposal. If you plan to travel into areas
which are not listed in the index of your dealer directory, you should request pertinent information from your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
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Vehicle Jack
1. Jack arm
2. Jack base
See illustration for proper storage of jack. Before storing the jack on the felt in the spare wheel well, the jack arm
must be lowered almost to the base of the jack.
Warning !
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the vehicle at the jack tubes built into either side of the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel change. Never
get beneath the vehicle while it is supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from the area under the
lifted vehicle. Always firmly set parking brake and blo ck wheels before raising vehicle with jack. Do not
disengage parking brake while the vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is always vertical when in use,
especially on hills. Always try to use the jack on level surface. Be sure that the jack arm is fully inserted in
the jack tube. Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before working under the vehicle.
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Spare Wheel for Model C 43 AMG
The spare wheel rim size is 71/2Jx17H2 In the case of a flat tire or break- down, you may temporarily use a 71/2Jx17
H 2 instead of the 81/2J x 17 H 2 wheel rim on the rear axle, when observing the following restrictions:
• Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Drive to the nearest repair facility to have the fl at tire repaired or replaced as appropriate.
For additional information, refer to "Technical Data".
1. Wheel bolt for model C 43 AMG
2. Wheel bolt for model 230 und C 28
Replace rims or tires with the same designation, manufa cturer and type as shown on the original part. See your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for further information.
Warning !
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the vehicle at the jack tubes built into either side of the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel change. Never get
beneath the vehicle while it is supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from the area under the lifted
vehicle. Always firmly set parking brake and block whee ls before raising vehicle with jack. Do not disengage
parking brake while the vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is always vertical when in use, especially on
hills. Always try to use the jack on level surface. Be sure that the jack arm is fully inserted in the jack tube.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before working under the vehicle.
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