lighting MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2011 W204 User Guide

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey.The on-board voltage is too low.XSwitch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
XCheck the starter battery and charge it if necessary
( Y page 259).
or
XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 262).
or
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey.The steering lock is mechanically blocked.XRemove the SmartKey and re-insert it into the ignition lock.
While doing this, turn the steering wheel in both directions.The engine cannot be
started using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey is in
the vehicle.A door is open. Therefore, the SmartKey cannot be detected as
easily.XClose the door and try to start the vehicle again.There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.XStart your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.Doors
Important safety notes
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch. Always
take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
starter switch or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned by these
parts.GWarning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or trunk unless they
are firmly secured in place.
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XMake sure that the key is in position 2 in
the ignition lock.
XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired heating level is set.
XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
Problems with the seat heating
The seat heating has switched itself off
prematurely or cannot be switched on. The
vehicle's electrical system voltage is too low
because too many electrical consumers are
switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Steering wheel
Important safety notes
GWarning
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the steering wheel adjustment
feature locked could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Adjusting the steering wheel
manually
:Release lever;To adjust the steering wheel height=To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
XPush release lever : down completely.
The steering column is unlocked.
XAdjust the steering wheel to the desired
position.
XPush release lever : up completely.
The steering column is locked.
XCheck if the steering column is locked.
When doing so, try to push the steering
wheel up or down or try to move it in the
fore-and-aft direction.
Adjusting the steering wheel
electrically
:To adjust the steering wheel height;To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
98Steering wheelSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
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Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
automatically
This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.
If the "Fold in mirrors when locking" function
is activated in the on-board computer
(Y page 182):
Rthe exterior mirrors fold in automatically as
soon as you lock the vehicle from the
outside.
Rthe exterior mirrors fold out again
automatically as soon as you unlock the
vehicle and then open the driver's or front-
passenger door.
iThe mirrors do not fold out if they have
been folded in manually.
Exterior mirror out of position
If an exterior mirror has been pushed out of
position, proceed as follows:
X Vehicles without electrically folding
exterior mirrors: move the exterior mirror
into the correct position manually.
XVehicles with electrically folding
exterior mirrors (only vehicles for
Canada): press the mirror-folding button
(Y page 100) repeatedly until you hear the
mirror engage in position.
The mirror housing is engaged again and
you can adjust the exterior mirrors as usual
(Y page 100).
Automatic anti-glare mirrors
GWarning!
The auto dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors
in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver's side do not
react, for example, if the rear window
sunshade is in raised position.
Light hitting the mirror(s) at certain angles
(incident light) could blind you. As a result,
you may not be able to observe traffic
conditions and could cause an accident.
The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror
on the driver's side automatically go into anti-
glare mode if the ignition is switched on and
incident light from headlamps strikes the
sensor in the rear-view mirror.
The mirrors do not go into anti-glare mode if
reverse gear is engaged or the interior lighting
is switched on.
Parking position for the exterior
mirror on the front-passenger side
Setting and storing the parking position
You can position the front-passenger side
exterior mirror in such a way that you can see
the rear wheel on that side as soon as you
engage reverse gear. You can store this
position.
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the key is in position 2 in the ignition
lock.
XPress button ; for the exterior mirror on
the front-passenger side.
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Vehicle equipment ............................106
Exterior lighting ................................ 106
Interior lighting ................................. 110
Changing bulbs ................................. 111
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Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations. In these countries, the daytime
running lamps are automatically switched on
when the engine is started.
Notes on driving abroad
Converting to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road to the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents oncoming traffic
from being dazzled. Symmetrical lights do not
illuminate as large an area of the edge of the
road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, as close to the border
as possible before driving in these countries.
Converting to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, as soon as
possible after crossing the border when
returning.
Light switch
Operation1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument lighting4 cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlampsBRRear fog lampCNFront fog lamps
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 108).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking
lamps/standing lamps) switches off
automatically if you:
R remove the key from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the key in
position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
XTurn the light switch to c.106Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers
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Low-beam headlampsXTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the key in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
In Canada, the "daytime running lamps"
function is required by law. It can therefore
not be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to c.
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, either the daytime running
lamps or the low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
If the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
With the engine running while the vehicle is
stationary: if you shift the selector lever to P
from a driving position (vehicles with
automatic transmission), or if the parking
brake is applied, the low-beam headlamps
switch off automatically after 3 minutes.
With the engine running while the vehicle is
stationary: if you set the light switch to
T , the parking lamps and the low-beam
headlamps switch on.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
This function is only available on vehicles
equipped with daytime running lamps.
The daytime running lamps are deactivated
ex works on vehicles for the USA.
XTo switch on the daytime running
lamps (vehicles with luxury
multifunction steering wheel): switch onthe "daytime running lamps" function via
the on-board computer ( Y page 180).XTurn the light switch to c.
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, either the daytime running
lamps or the low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
If the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps if there is little ambient light.
However, the headlamp flashers can always
be applied.
If you set the light switch to T or L
while the engine is running, the manual
setting overrides the daytime running lamps.
Automatic headlamps
GRisk of accident
If the light switch is set to c, the low-beam
headlamps will not come on automatically if
it is foggy. This could endanger you and
others. Therefore, turn the light switch to
L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to c.
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 9
or the low-beam headlamps
are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.9 Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.Exterior lighting107Lights and windshield wipersBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 107Z

Fog lamps and rear fog lamps
Front fog lamps
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
"fog lamps" function.
GWarning!
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the key in the ignition lock to position 2 or
start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.XPress the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
key in the ignition lock to position 2 or start
the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.
When the light switch is set to c, the
rear fog lamp only lights up if the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XPress the R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Combination switch
Turn signals
:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
High-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the key in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
In the c position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.
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The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 1 or 2 or start the engine.
XPull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on:
Rif an air bag is deployed
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamp switches off
automatically after full brake application if the
vehicle then reaches a speed above
6 mph (10 km/h) again.
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 116). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated
while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
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Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Active: if you are driving at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signal or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive with the headlamps switched on.
The headlamps clear up after a short
distance.
If the moisture does not disappear, the
headlamp casing is not sealed correctly and
moisture has been able to enter.
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
:u To switch the rear interior lighting
on/off
;| To switch the automatic interior
lighting control on/off
=p To switch the right-hand front
reading lamp on/off
?c To switch the front interior lighting
on/off
Ap To switch the left-hand front reading
lamp on/off
BFront reading lampsCFront interior lighting110Interior lightingLights and windshield wipers
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Rear-compartment overhead control panel
:p To switch the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
;p To switch the left-hand reading lamp
on/off
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the key is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
When the automatic interior lighting
control is activated, the button is flush with
the overhead control panel.
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
Runlock the vehicle
Ropen a door
Rremove the key from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. You can activate this delayed switch-off
using the on-board computer (Y page 180).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the c button.
XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the u button.
XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.
Crash-responsive emergency lighting
If the interior lighting is set to automatic, the
interior lighting is activated automatically if
the vehicle is involved in an accident.
XTo switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
XLock and then unlock the vehicle using the
key.
Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
GWarning!
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
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