key MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 1999 Owner's Manual
[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
Page 32 of 122
Seat Belts
Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts for all seats, emergency tensioning retractors for the front
seats, as well as front and side impact airbags and knee bolsters for driver and front passenger.
Important !
Laws in most states and all Canadian provinces require seat belt use. All states and provinces
require use of child restraints that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1.
For your safety and that of your pass engers we strongly recommend their use.
Warning !
Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz
authorized BabySmart? compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmart? system
installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly
installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this
happens, serious or fatal injury will result. The back seat is the safest place for children.
Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or
child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, fully in
accordance with the seat manufacturer's instructions. A child's risk of serious or fatal
injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle
and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.
Warning !
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat back reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined
position can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even
fatal injuries. The seat back and seat belts provide the best restraint when the wearer is in an
upright position and belts are properly positioned on the body.
Seat Belt Warning System
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, a warning sounds for a short time if the driver's
seat belt is not fastened.
Warning !
Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of
injuries and their likely severity in an accident. You and your passengers should always wear
seat belts.
If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your
seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely
to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.
In the same crash, the possibility for injury or death is lessened with your seat belt
buckled.
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BabySmart™ Airbag Deactivation System
Special child seats, designed for use with the Mercedes-Benz system and available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer are required for use with the BabySmart™ airbag deactivation
system. With the special child seat properly insta lled, the passenger front airbag will not deploy. The
indicator lamp located on the center console will be illuminated, except with electronic key
removed or in steering lock position 0. The system does not deactivate the door mounted side
impact airbag.
Warning !
The BabySmart™ Airbag Deactivation System will ONLY work with a special seat designed to
operate with it. It will not work with seats which are not BabySmart™ compatible. Never place
anything between seat cushion and child seat (e .g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness
of the deactivation system. Follow the manufacture r's instructions for installation of special
child seats. The passenger side front airbag will not deploy only if the
indicator lamp
remains illuminated. Please be sure to check the indicator every time you use the special
system child seat. Should the light go out while the restraint is installed, please check
installation. If the light remains out, do not use the BabySmart™ restraint to transport
children, or otherwise do not transport child restraints on the front passenger seat until the
system has been repaired.
Self-Test BabySmart™ Without Special Child Seat Installed
After turning electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2, the
indicator lamp located on
center console comes on for approx. 6 seconds.
If the lamp should not come on or is continuously li t, the system is not functioning. You must see an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer before using any child seat.
BabySmart is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.
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Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR)
The seat belts for the front seats are equipped with emergency tensioning retractors. These tensioning retractors are
located in each belt's inertia reel and become operationally ready with the electronic key in steering lock position 1 or
2. The emergency tensioning retractors are designed to acti vate only when the seat belts are fastened during frontal
impacts exceeding the first threshold of the SRS and in rear impacts exceeding a preset security level. They remove
slack from the belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body restricting its forward movement
as much as possible.
In cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, roll-overs, certain side impacts, or other accidents without sufficient
frontal or rear impact forces, the emergency tensioning re tractors will not be activated. The driver and passengers will
then be protected by the fastened seat belts and inertia reel in the usual manner. For seat belt and emergency
tensioning retractor safety guidelines see Safety Guidelines in Index.
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Airbags
1. Driver airbag
2. Front passenger airbag
3. Side impact airbag
The most effective occupant restraint system yet developed fo
r use in production vehicles is the seat belt. In some
cases, however, the protective effect of a seat belt can be further enhanced by an airbag. The driver airbag is located
in the steering wheel hub. The passenger airbag is located in the dashboard ahead of the passenger.
The side impact airbags are located in the front doors. In conjunction with wearing the seat belts with emergency
tensioning retractors, the airbags can provide increased protection for the driver and passenger in certain major
frontal or rear impacts (for front airbags) and side impacts (for side impact airbags). The operational readiness of the
airbag system is verified by the indicator lamp "SRS" in the instrument cluster. If no fault is detected, the lamp will go
out after approximately 4 seconds; after the lamp goes out, the system continues to monitor the components and
circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a malfunction by coming on again.
The following system components are monitored or undergo a self-check: crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition circuits,
front seat belt buckles, emergency tensioning retractors, seat sensor (when present). Initially, when the electronic key
is turned from steering lock position 0 to positions 1 or 2, malfunctions in the crash-sensor are detected and indicated
(the "SRS" indicator lamp stays on longer than 4 seconds). In the operational mode, after the indicator lamp has gone
out following the initial check, interruptions or short circ uits in the airbag ignition circuit and in the driver and
passenger seat belt buckle harnesses, and low voltage in the entire system are detected and indicated.
Warning !
In the event a malfunction of the "SRS" is indicated as outlined above, the "SRS" may not be operational. For
your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately to have
the system checked; otherwise the "SRS" may not be activated when needed in an accident, which could
result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and unneccesarily which could also result in
injury.
Front Airbags
The driver and passenger front "SRS" airbags are designed to activate only in certain frontal or rear impacts.
The front passenger airbag deploys only if the passenger seat is occupied.
Note:
Heavy objects on passenger seat can cause the front airbag to deploy in a crash.
Side Impact Airbags
The side impact "SRS" airbags are designed to activate onl y in certain side impacts. Only the side airbag on the
impacted side of the vehicle deploys. The side impact ai rbag for the front passenger deploys only if the seat is
occupied. Side impact airbags operate best in conjunct ion with a properly positioned and fastened seat belt.
Note:
Heavy objects on passenger seat can cause the side impact airbag to deploy in a crash
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Steering Lock
0 - The electronic key can be withdrawn in this position only. The steering is locked with the electronic key removed
from the steering lock. The electronic key an be removed only with the selector lever in position "P" and the foot
off the brake pedal. After removing the electronic key or with the electronic key in steering lock position 0, the
selector lever is locked in position "P".
1 - Steering is unlocked. (If necessary, move steering wheel s lightly to allow the electronic key to be turned clockwise
to position 1.) Most electrical consumers can be operated. For detailed information see respective subjects.
2 - Driving position.
3 - Starting position.
Refer to Index for Starting and turning off the engine.
Warning !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the electroni c key from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause serious personal injury.
Important !
If the electronic key is left in the steering lock position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in
the lock. In this case, remove electron ic key from steering lock and reinsert.
Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver's door is opened with the el ectronic key in steering lock position 1 or 0. With the
engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the alternator (output) is limited. It is therefore recommended to turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of the
battery. Unnecessary strain on the batte ry and charging system may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window defroster. In addition, the automatic climate air volume control
should be set to the lowest position. The steering lock can only be unlocked with the vehicle battery properly
connected.
Caution !
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
steering lock. Do not leave the electronic key in steering lock position 0.
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Windshield Washer Fluid Mixing Ratio
For temperatures above freezing: MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and water 1 part "S" to 100 parts water
(40 ml "S" to 1 gallon water). For temperature below freezing: MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and
commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/ antifreeze 1 part "S" to 100 parts solvent (40 ml "S" to 1
gallon solvent).
Windshield Wiper Smears
If the windshield wiper smears the windshield, even during rain, activate the washer system as often as necessary.
The fluid in the washer reservoir sh ould be mixed in the correct ratio.
Blocked Windshield Wiper
If the windshield wiper becomes blocked (for example, due to snow), switch off the wiper. For safety reasons before
removing ice or snow, remove key from steering lock. Remove blockage. Activate combination switch again
(electronic key in steering lock position 1).
Turn Signal Failure
If one of the turn signals fails, the turn signal indicator system flashes and sounds at a faster than normal rate.
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Exterior Lamp Switch
Off
Parking lamps (also side marker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the engine is running, the low beam is additionally switched on.
Parking lamps plus low beam or high beam headlamps (combination switch pushed forward).
Standing lamps, right (turn left one stop).
Standing lamps, left (turn left two stops).
Front fog lamps (pull out one stop) with parking and/or head lamps on.
Rear fog lamp (pull out to 2nd detent) in addition to fog lamps Indicator lamp in lamp switch comes on.
Standing Lamps
When the vehicle is parked on the stre et the standing lamps (right or left side parking lamps) can be turned on,
making the vehicle more visible to passing vehicles The standing lamps cannot be operated with the key in
steering lock position 2
Note:
With the key removed and a front door open, a warnin g sounds if the vehicle's exterior lamps (except
standing lamps) are not switched off. Fog lamps will oper ate with the parking lamps and the low or high
beam headlamps Fog lamps should only be used in conjunction with low beam headlamps
Consult your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulati ons regarding allowable lamp operation. Fog lamps are
automatically switched off when the exte rior lamp switch is turned to position
Daytime Running Lamps
Canada only
When the engine is running and the selector lever is in a driving position, the low beam (includes parking lamps, side
marker lamps, taillamps and licen se plate lamps) are automatically switched on. When shifting from a driving position
to position "N" or "P", the low beam switches off (2 seconds delay)
For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should be turned to position
to permit activation of the high beam
headlamps
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Night Security Illumination
(Vehicles with Antitheft AlarmSystem)
When exiting the vehicle after driving with the exterior lamps on, they switch on again for added illumination for
approximately 30 seconds after closing the last door. The lamp-on time period can be changed at your
Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Inside Rear View Mirror
Manually adjust the mirror.
Use your inside mirror to determine the size and distan ce of objects seen in the passenger side convex mirror.
Antiglare Night Position
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the mirror reflection brightness responds to changes in light
sensitivity. With gear selector lever in position "R", or wi th the interior lamp switched on, the mirror brightness does
not respond to changes in light sensitivity.
Note:
The automatic antiglare function is restricted, if incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the mirror.
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Exterior Rear View Mirrors
The switch is located on the center console.
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
First select the mirror to be adjusted - press button:
Left mirror
Right mirror
To adjust, toggle the switch forward, backward or to eit her side. Vehicles with automatic brightness response
of inside rear view mirror: With the electronic key in st eering lock position 2, the driver's side mirror reflection
brightness responds to changes in light sensitivity. With gear selector lever in position "R", or with the interior
lamp switched on, the driver's side mirror brightne ss does not respond to changes in light sensitivity.
Notes:
The exterior mirrors have electrically heated glass. The heater switches on automatically, depending on outside
temperature. If an exterior mirror housing is forcibly pivot ed from its normal position, it must be repositioned by
applying firm pressure until it snaps into place.
Warning !
Exercise care when using the passenger-side mirror. The passenger-side exterior mirror is convex
(outwardly curved surface for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
Check your inside rear view mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
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Lighter
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2.
Push in lighter (1); it will pop out automatically when hot.
Warning !
Never touch the heating element or sides of the lighter, they are extremely hot, hold at knob only.
Note:
The lighter socket can be used to accommodate electrical accessories up to maximum 85 W
Sun Visors
Swing sun visors down to protect against sun glare.
If sunlight enters through a side window, disengage visor from inner mounting and pivot to the side.
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
With the visor engaged in its inner mounting, the lamp can be switched on by opening the cover.
Warning !
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
The lamp goes out automatically after approximately 5 minutes.
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