start MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2000 W202 Owner's Manual

Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Index.
For adjustments of air outlets, refer to Automatic
Climate Control (see Index).
1. Side air outlet, adjustable
2. Air volume control for side air outlet
3. Exterior lamp switch
4. Parking brake release
5. Hood lock release
6. Parking brake pedal
7. Steering wheel adjustment lever
8. Combination switch
9. Cruise control switch
10. Horn, airbag
11. Instrument cluster
12. Steering lock with ignition/starter switch
13. Center air outlets, adjustable
14. Air volume control for center air outlets
15. Glove box (illuminated with electronic
key in steering lock position 1 or 2)
16. Left front seat heater switch

17. ASR or ESP control switch
18. Switch for rear seat head restraints
19. Hazard warning flasher switch
20. Central locking switch,
21. Switch for Tow-Away Protection
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system
22. Right front seat heater switch
23. Climate control (C 230)
Automatic climate control (C 280,
C43 AMG)
Rear window defroster switch
24. Audio system
25. Open storage compartment
26. Ashtray with lighter
27. Storage/eyeglasses compartment
28. Power window switches, front doors
29. Power window safety switch, rear doors
30. Airbag off indicator lamp
31. Power window switches, rear doors
32. Trunk lid release switch
33. Mirror adjustment switch

Catalytic Converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with monolithic type catalytic converters, an important element in
conjunction with the oxygen sensors to achieve substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicl e in proper operating condition by following our recommended
maintenance instructions as outlined in your Service Booklet.


Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use on ly premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation shou ld be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive
unburned fuel may reach the catalytic converter causing it to overheat, which could start a fire.



Warning!
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate this vehicle in areas where combustible
materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system,
as these materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

Starting and Turning Off the Engine

Before Starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector lever is in position "P" or "N". Turn electronic
key in steering lock to position 2. The charge indicator lamp should come on.


Starting
Do not depress accelerator. Brie fly turn electronic key in steering lock clockwise to the stop and
release. The starter will engage until the engine is running. If engine will not run, and the starting
procedure stops, turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat starting the engine. After
several unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer.


Important!
Due to the installed starter nonrepeat feature, t he electronic key must be turned completely to the
left before attempting to start the engine again. The battery charge indicator lamp should go out as
soon as the engine has started. In areas where te mperatures frequently drop below -4°F (-20°C) we
recommend that an engine block heater be installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will
advise you on this subject.

Turning Off


Turn the electronic key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop the engine.
The electronic key can only be removed with your foot off the brake pedal and the selector lever in
position "P".

Basic Setting - Heater

Select temperature for each side of the passenger compartment.
Select air volume with control switch, set at least to position 2 to
prevent windows from fogging up. Set air distribution control switch to
position shown above.
Turn side air outlets (4) to the detent position.
Open center air outlets as desired.


Basic Setting - Air Conditioner

Select temperature for each side of the passenger compartment.
Select air volume with control switch, at least to position 1 to start
the air conditioner. Set air distribution control switch to position
Open center air outlets .
Open left and right side air outlets .


Special Settings (use only for short duration)

Defrosting
Set temperature selectors and switches for air volume and air distribution to position
.

Close center air outlets.
Turn wheels (2) to position to open left and right side air outlets (4).
Adjust side air outlets upward.

Defogging Windows

Windows fogged up on inside
Switch off economy mode Indicator lamp goes out.
Switch off air recirculation . Indicator lamp goes out.
Set air distribution control switch to position .
Increase air volume with control switch.
Close center air outlets.
Turn wheels (2) to position to open left and right side
air outlets (4). Adjust side air outlets upward.

Windshield fogged up on outside
Switch on windshield wipers. Set air distribution control switch to position or


Economy
The function of this setting corresponds to the air conditioning mode. However, because the air
conditioning compressor will not engage (fuel savings), it is not possible to air condition in this setting.
Press button to activate.
Press button once again to return to previous setting.


Climate Control - OFF
To switch the climate control off, set air volume control switch to position 0.
The fresh air supply to the vehicle interior is shut off. While driving, use this setting only
temporarily, otherwise the windshield could fog up.


Rear Window Defroster
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
To select, press button.
To cancel, press button again.
Note:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed before activating the defroster.
The rear window defroster uses a large amount of power. To keep the battery drain to a minimum,
turn off the defroster as soon as the window is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after a maximum of 12 minutes of operation.
If several power consumers are turned on simultaneously, or the battery is only partially charged, it is possible
that the defroster will automatically turn itself off. When this happens, the indicator lamp inside the switch starts
blinking. As soon as the battery has sufficient voltage, the defroster automatically turns itself back on.

Special Settings
(use only for short duration)
Defogging Windows
Switch off button.
Press . button.
Press button repeatedly until
air is directed upward.
Turn wheels (2) to position
to open left and right air outlets (4).
Adjust air outlets upward.

Defrosting
Turn wheels (2) to position to
open left and right air outlets (4).
Adjust air outlets upward.
Press button. Maximum heat-
ed and automatically controlled
amount of air is directed to the
windshield and side windows.
Press button once again to
return to previous setting.
Rear Window Defroster
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
To select, press button.
To cancel, press button again.
Note:
Heavy accumulation of snow and
ice should be removed before
activating the defroster.
The rear window defroster uses a
large amount of power. To keep
the battery drain to a minimum, turn
off the defroster as soon
as the window is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned
off after a maximum of
12 minutes of operation.
If several power consumers are
turned on simultaneously, or the
battery is only partially charged, it
is possible that the defroster will
automatically turn itself off. When
this happens, the indicator lamp
inside the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has
sufficient voltage, the
defroster automatically turns
itself back on.
Air Distribution
Press button repeatedly until
the requested symbol is displayed.

Air Volume
Press - or + side of rocker switch
until the requested blower
speed is attained.
A choice of 7 blower speeds is
available. To switch the
automatic climate control off,
press - side of rocker switch
until symbol OFF is displayed.
The fresh air supply to the car
interior is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only
temporarily, otherwise the
windshield could fog up.
To switch the automatic climate
control on again, press
or + side of

Start Lock-Out

Important !
Removing the electronic key from the steering lock ac tivates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.
Inserting the electronic key in the steer ing lock deactivates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be started. Inserting
the electronic key in the steering lock deactivates the start lock-out.

Note:
In case the engine cannot be started, the system is not operational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or
call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.

Multicontour Seat (optional)

We recommend to adjust the multicontour seat in the following order:
1. Seat cushion depth
2. Backrest bottom
3. Backrest center
4. Side bolster adjustment

Some models may be equipped with multicontour seats. These seats have movable seat cushions,
and inflatable air cushions built into the backrest to provide additional lumbar and side support.
The seat cushion movement and amount of backrest cushion height and curvature can be
continuously varied with regulators (1, 2 and 3) after turning the electronic key in steering lock to
position 2.

The side bolsters of the backrest can be adjusted with rocker switch (4):
• press down forward end-increase side support,
• press down rearward end-decrease side support.

If the engine is turned off, the last cushion setting is retained in memory, and automatically adjusts
the cushion to this setting when the engine is restarted.

Armrest (Rear Bench Seat)

Pull down the armrest. For removal of rear seat cushion, see Index.

Cup Holder in Rear Bench Armrest

Briefly press drawer and pull out to its detent.

Caution !
Keep cup holder closed while travelling. Place only containers
that fit into the cup holder to prevent spills.
Do not fill containers to a height where the contents could spill
during vehicle maneuvers, especially hot liquids.


Adjusting Telescoping Steering Column (optional)


Warning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The telescoping
adjustment must be locked while driving. Adjusting the steering
wheel while driving, or driving without the telescoping adjustment
locked could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.


Unlocking:
Pull handle (1) out to its stop. The indicator lamp, located in the instrument cluster, comes on.
Adjusting:
To lengthen or shorten the steering column, pull out or push in steering wheel.
Locking:
Push handle (1) in until it engages. The indicator lamp, located in the instrument cluster, goes out.

Important!
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, an indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running. If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the engine, the adjustable steering
column is not locked properly. Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked the steering column.

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 slightly 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 electronic 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 electronic key from steering lock and reinsert.

Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver's door is opened with the electronic 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 battery 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.