windshield wipers MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS 2018 User Guide

If the wiper blades are worn, the windshield will
no longer be wiped properly. This could prevent
you from observing the traffic conditions.
Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the windshield wipers begin to move while
you are changing the wiper blades, you could be trapped by the wiper arm. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
ignition before changing the wiper blades.
!Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the wind-
shield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without a
wiper blade back onto the windshield.
Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release the
windshield wiper arm without a wiper blade
and it falls onto the windshield, the windshield
may be damaged by the force of the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
!To avoid damaging the wiper blades, make
sure that you touch only the wiper arm of the
wiper.
Changing the windshield wiper blades
Moving the wiper arms to a vertical posi-
tion
On vehicles without KEYLESS-GO or KEY-
LESS‑GO start function:
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1or2 in the
ignition lock (Ypage 136).
XSet the windshield wipers to the °posi-
tion on the combination switch.
XWhen the wiper arms are vertical to the hood,
turn the SmartKey to position uin the igni-
tion lock and remove SmartKey.
XFold the wiper arm away from the windshield. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or KEY-
LESS‑GO start function:
XSwitch off the engine.
XRemove your foot from the brake pedal.
XSet the windshield wiper to the
°position
on the combination switch.
XPress the Start/Stop button repeatedly until
the windshield wiper starts.
XWhen the wiper arms are vertical to the hood,
press the Start/Stop button.
XFold the wiper arm away from the windshield.
Removing the wiper blades
XHold on to the wiper arm with one hand. With
the other hand, turn the wiper blade in the
direction of arrow :away from the wiper arm
as far as it will go.
XSlide the catch ;in the direction of arrow =
until it engages in the removal position with a
noticeable click.
XRemove the wiper blade in the direction of
arrow ?away from the wiper arm.
Windshield wipers121
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

Installing the wiper blades
XInsert the new wiper bladeinto thewiperarm
in the direction of arrow :.
XSlide the catch ;in the direction of arrow =
unt il it engages in the locking position with a
noticeable click.
XMake sure that the wiperblade is seated cor-
rectly.
XFo ldthe wiper arm back onto the windshield.
XRemo vethe protective film:from the ser-
vice indicator on the tip of the wiper blade.
If the color of the service indicator changes from
blac k to yellow, the wiper blades should be
replace d.
iThe duration of the color change varies
depending on the usage conditions.
122Windshield wipers
Lights and windshield wipers

Problems with the windshield wipers
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The windshield wipers
are jammed.Leaves or snow, for example, are obstructing windshield wiper move-
ment. The wiper motor has been deactivated.
XSwitch off the engine.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS ‑GO start function:
XOpen the driver's door.
The vehicle electronics are now in positionu. This means: "Key
removed".
XRemove the cause of the obstruction.
XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.
The windshield wipers
fail completely.The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the combination switch.
XHave the windshield wipers checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
The windshield washer
fluid from the spray noz-
zles no longer hits the
center of the windshield.The spray nozzles are misaligned.
XHave the spray nozzles adjusted at a qualified specialist workshop.
Windshield wipers123
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

iYou should only select this setting until the
windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XActivate the windshield wipers.
XSwitch on automatic mode using the Ã
rocker switch.
iIf you clean the windows regularly, they do
not fog up so quickly.
Rear window defroster
General notes
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as soon as the rear window is clear. Otherwise, the rear
window defroster switches off automatically
after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear window
defroster may switch off.
Activating/deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 136).
XPress rocker switch ¤up or down.
The indicator lamp above rocker switch ¤
lights up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window defroster
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
The rear window
defroster has deactiva-
ted prematurely or can-
not be activated.The battery has not been sufficiently charged.
XSwitch 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.
Activating/deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 136).
XTo activate: press thegrocker switch up
or down.
The indicator lamp above the grocker
switch lights up.
Air-recirculation mode switches on automati-
cally:
Rat high outside temperatures
Rat high levels of pollution (3-zone automatic
climate control only)
Rin a tunnel (vehicles with a navigation system
only)
The indicator lamp above the grocker
switch is not lit when automatic air-recirculation
mode is activated. Outside air is added after
about 30 minutes.
130Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
Roverheat and cause a fire
Rlose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
!Do not warm up the engine with the vehicle
stationary. Drive off immediately. Avoid high
engine speeds and driving at full throttle until
the engine has reached its operating temper-
ature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to the
desired drive position when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery roads.
You could otherwise damage the drive train.
!Mercedes-AMG vehicles: at low engine oil
temperatures below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the max-
imum engine speed is restricted in order to
protect the engine. To protect the engine and
maintain smooth engine operation, avoid driv-
ing at full throttle when the engine is cold.
Hybrid vehicles: It is essential to read the infor-
mation in the supplementary manual. Other-
wise, you may not recognize dangers.
Key positions
SmartKey
gTo remove the SmartKey
1Power supply for some consumers, such as
the windshield wipers
2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3To start the engine
iThe SmartKey can be turned in the ignition
lock even if it is not the correct SmartKey for
the vehicle. The ignition is not switched on.
The engine cannot be started.
Vehicles with AIRPANEL: you can open the
shutters in the radiator trim by turning the
SmartKey to position 2in the ignition lock.
After approximately 120 seconds the shutters
open automatically. Further information on
opening and cleaning the shutters
(
Ypage 312).
Start/Stop button
General notes
When you insert the Start/Stop button into the
ignition lock, the system needs approximately
two seconds recognition time. You can then use
the Start/Stop button.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times in
succession corresponds to the different Smart-
Key positions in the ignition lock. This is only the case if you are not depressing the brake pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-
ately.
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the Smart-
Key determines whether a valid SmartKey is in
136Driving
Driving and parking

the vehicle. This occurs, for example, when
starting the engine.
To start the vehicle without actively using the
SmartKey:
Rthe Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock.
Rthe SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
Rthe vehicle must not be locked with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO. (Ypage 79)
Do not keep the SmartKey:
Rwith electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another SmartKey.
Rwith metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil.
Rinside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case.
This can affect the functionality of the Smart-
Key.
If you lock the vehicle with the SmartKey remote control or with KEYLESS-GO, after a short time:
Ryou will not be able to switch on the ignition
with the Start/Stop button.
Ryou will no longer be able to start the engine
with the Start/Stop button until the vehicle is
unlocked again.
If you lock the vehicle centrally using the button
on the front door (
Ypage 84), you can continue
to start the engine with the Start/Stop button.
The engine can be switched off while the vehicle
is in motion by pressing and holding the Start/
Stop button for three seconds. This function
operates independently of the ECO start/stop
automatic engine switch-off function.
Key positions with the Start/Stop button
:Start/Stop button
;Ignition lock
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light up. Warning and indicator lamps: see
(
Ypage 258).
If Start/Stop button :has not yet been
pressed, this corresponds to the SmartKey
being removed from the ignition.
XTo switch on the power supply: press
Start/Stop button :once.
The power supply is switched on. You can now activate the windshield wipers, for example.
The power supply is switched off again if:
Rthe driver's door is opened and
Ryou press Start/Stop button :twice when in
this position
XTo switch on the ignition: press Start/Stop
button :twice.
The ignition is switched on.
The ignition is switched off again if:
Ryou do not start the engine from this position within 15 minutes
Ryou press Start/Stop button :once when in
this position
The power supply is switched off again if:
Rthe driver's door is opened and
Ryou press Start/Stop button :once when in
this position
Removing the Start/Stop button
You can remove the Start/Stop button from the ignition lock and start the vehicle as normal
using the SmartKey.
It is possible to switch between Start/Stop bu t-
to

n mode and key operation only when the
transmission is in position j.
XRemove Start/Stop button :from ignition
lock ;.
You do not have to remove the Start/Stop but-
ton from the ignition lock when you leave the
vehicle. You should, however, always take the
SmartKey with you when leaving the vehicle. As
long as the SmartKey is in the vehicle:
Rthe vehicle can be started using the Start/
Stop button
Rthe electrically powered equipment can be
operated
Driving137
Dr iving an d parking
Z

Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. Before
every trip, ensure that the hood is locked.
GWARNING
When opening and closing the hood, it may
suddenly fall into the closed position. There is a risk of injury to persons within range of
movement of the hood.
Open and close the hood only when no one is
within its range of movement.
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
GWARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment:
Rswitch off the ignition
Rnever reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
Rremove jewelry and watches
Rkeep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to observe the notes
in the supplementary instructions. Otherwise,
you may not recognize dangers.
Opening the hood
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by
the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
!Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield wip-
ers or the hood.
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
XPull release lever :on the hood.
The hood is released.
Engine compartment303
Maintenance and care
Z

Do not use these care products in the sun or on
the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB Touch-
Up Stick, to repair slight damage to the paint-work quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.
!The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
Rstrong rubbing of the paintwork with
unsuitable materials
Rfrequent use of automatic car washes
Rwashing the vehicle in direct sunlight
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polishing
products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax, for the
purpose of paintwork care. These products
are only suitable for high-gloss surfaces. Their
use on vehicles with matte paintwork leads to considerable surface damage or, more spe-
cifically, to shiny, spotted areas.
Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a clear
matte finish. This will help you to avoid damage to the paintwork due to incorrect treatment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels with
a clear matte finish.
The vehicle should preferably be washed by
hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo and
plenty of water.
Use only insect remove r a
nd car shampoo from
the range of approved Mercedes-Benz care
products.
Cleaning the vehicle parts
Cleaning the wheels
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
!Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
!Do not park your vehicle for a long period of
time directly after cleaning, particularly after
cleaning the wheel rim with wheel cleaner.
Wheel cleaner can lead to the increased cor-
rosion of the brake discs and pads. Therefore,
drive for a few minutes after cleaning. By
heating up the brakes, the brake discs and
pads dry. The vehicle can then be parked for a
long period of time.
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-
vents to clean the inside of the windows. Do
not touch the insides of the windows with
hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or ring. There
is otherwise a risk of damaging the windows.
!Clean the water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals and pollen may under certain circumstances pre-
vent water from draining away. This can lead
to corrosion damage and damage to elec-
tronic components.
XClean the inside and outside of the windows
with a damp cloth and a cleaning product that
is recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Care311
Maintenance and care
Z

Cleaning wiper blades
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper blade could be damaged.
!Do not clean wiper blades too often and do
not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the graph-
ite coating could be damaged. This could
cause wiper noise.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if the
wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away from the
windshield (Ypage 121).
XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a damp
cloth.
XFold the windshield wiper arms back again
before switching on the ignition.
Cleaning the exterior lighting
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
which are suitable for plastic light lenses.
Unsuitable cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
could scratch or damage the plastic light len- ses.
XClean the plastic lenses of the exterior light-
ing using a wet sponge and a mild cleaning
agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or
cleaning cloths.
Cleaning the mirror turn signals
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
that are suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
cleaning agents or cleaning cloths could
scratch or damage the plastic lenses of the
mirror turn signals.
XClean the plastic lenses of the mirror turn sig-
nals in the exterior mirror housing using a wet
sponge and mild cleaning agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or cleaning
cloths.
Cleaning AIRPANEL
!If you clean the sensors with a power
washer, make sure that you keep a distance
of at least 11.8 in (30 cm)betwee nthe vehicl e
and the power washer nozzle. Information
about the correct distance is available from
the equipment manufacturer.
Vehicles with AIRPANEL have shutters in the
radiator trim. If the vehicle is very dusty, the
adjustment range of the shutters may be restric-
ted. The actuation mechanics of the radiator
trim must then be cleaned with a power washer.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 136).
or
XPress the Start/Stop button twice on vehicles
with KEYLESS-GO or the KEYLESS-GO start
function (
Ypage 137).
Shutters :open automatically after approx-
imately 120 seconds.
XClean the location points of shutters ;in the
radiator trim with a power washer.
Cleaning the sensors
!If you clean the sensors with a power
washer, make sure that you keep a distance
of at least 11.8 in (30 cm)betwee nthe vehicl e
and the power washer nozzle. Information
about the correct distance is available from
the equipment manufacturer.
312Care
Maintenance and care

This could result in a fire. There is a risk of anaccident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same rating, which you can recognize by the
color and value. The fuse ratings are listed in the
fuse allocation chart.
The fuse allocation chart is on the fuse box in the
trunk (
Ypage 332).
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified special-
ist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
!Only use fuses that have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which have the
correct fuse rating for the system concerned.
Otherwise, components or systems could be
damaged.
!Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
!When closing the cover, make sure that it is
lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture seep-
ing in or dirt could otherwise impair the oper-
ation of the fuses.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the compo-
nents on the circuit and their functions stop
operating.
Before changing a fuse
Observe the important safety notes
(Ypage 330)
XSwitch off the engine.
XSwitch off all electrical consumers.
XMake sure that the ignition is switched off
(Ypage 137).
or
XWhen using the SmartKey, turn the SmartKey
to position uin the ignition lock and remove
it (
Ypage 136).
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 161).
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off. The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
RFuse box on the driver's side of the dashboard
RFuse box in the front-passenger footwell
RFuse box in the engine compartment on the
driver's side
RFuse box under the trunk floor on the right-
hand side of the vehicle, when viewed in the
direction of travel
Dashboard fuse box
The fuse box is under a cover on the side of the
dashboard. You can obtain further information
from an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuse box in the front-passenger foot-
well
XOpen the front-passenger door.
XTo open: fold cover :out towards the rear
and remove it.
XTo close: clip in cover :at the rear.
XFold cover :forwards until it engages.
Fuse box in the engine compartment
GWARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by
the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
Fuses331
Breakdown assistance
Z