ESP MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS CABRIOLET 2016 Service Manual

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The starter motor was exposed to excessively high thermal load.
X Start the engine again (Y page 134).
If the engine still does not start: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Vehicles with a petrol
engine:
The engine is not running
smoothly and is misfir-
ing. The engine electronics or a mechanical component of the engine
management system are/is malfunctioning.
X Depress the accelerator pedal only slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter
and damage it.
X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop. The coolant temperature
display is showing more
than 120 †. A display
message may also
appear on the multifunc-
tion display and a warn-
ing tone may sound. The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is not
being cooled sufficiently.
X Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down.
X Check the coolant level (Y page 312). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and top up the coolant if necessary. If the coolant level is correct, the engine radiator fan may be faulty. The
coolant is too hot and the engine is not being cooled sufficiently.
X If the coolant temperature is below 120 †, you can continue driving
to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain and stop-start traffic. DYNAMIC SELECT switch
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
General information Use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to select the
drive program.
Available drive programs:
RACE
(S‑MODEL)
Driving characteristics suit-
able for a race circuit
S+
Sport Plus Particularly sporty driving
characteristics
S
Sport Sporty driving characteris-
tics
C
Comfort Comfortable and economi-
cal driving characteristics
I
Individual Individual settings Depending on the drive program selected, the
following vehicle characteristics will change:
R the engine management
R the transmission management
R the suspension
R the position of the exhaust flap
R the steering
R the availability of the ECO start/stop function
R climate control
R the driver assistance systems
R the availability of gliding mode
Further information for automatic drive program
characteristics (Y page 148).
Additionally, in drive program Iyou can config-
ure the respective vehicle characteristics via the
multimedia system. You can find information
about this in the Digital Owner's Manual.
If the ignition is switched off for less than four
hours, the previously selected drive program is DYNAMIC SELECT switch
141Driving and parking Z

activated when the engine is next started. If the
ignition is switched off for more than four hours,
drive program Cis activated when the engine is
next started.
Selecting the drive program X
Push DYNAMIC SELECT switch :forwards
or back until the desired drive program is
selected.
The status icon of the selected drive program
is shown on the multifunction display.
In addition, the current drive program settings are shown briefly on the multimedia system
display.
You can also shift gears yourself using the steer-
ing wheel gearshift paddles. Further information
on manual gearshifting (Y page 150).
Additional settings :
Position of the exhaust flap (Y page 139)
; ECO start/stop function (Y page 137)
= ESP ®
(Y page 72)
? Suspension (Y page 182)
A To permanently activate manual gearshift-
ing (Y page 150) When you press buttons
:–A, the corre-
sponding setting is selected. The DYNAMIC
SELECT switch setting is overwritten.
If you switch to drive program I, all stored char-
acteristics are applied. This is also the case if
you have previously pressed buttons :–A.
i Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC:
in a few
countries, the ECO start/stop function is
deactivated at the factory due to the quality of the available fuel. In this case, the ECO start/
stop function is not available in any drive pro-
gram, regardless of what is shown on the mul- timedia system display. All other models
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to change the
drive program.
Depending on the drive program selected, the
following vehicle characteristics will change:
R the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
R the suspension
R the steering
R the availability of the ECO start/stop function
R the climate control
- The climate control settings
- The rear window heating operation period
- The performance of the seat heating
If the ignition is switched off for less than four
hours, the previously selected drive program is
activated when the engine is next started. If the
ignition is switched off for more than four hours,
drive program Cis activated when the engine is
next started. DYNAMIC SELECT switch (example)142
DYNAMIC SELECT switchDriving and parking

X
Push DYNAMIC SELECT switch :forwards
or backwards until the desired drive program is selected.
The status icon of the selected drive program
is shown on the multifunction display.
In addition, the current drive program settings are shown briefly on the multimedia system
display.
i In a few countries, the ECO start/stop func-
tion is deactivated at the factory due to the
quality of the available fuel. In this case, the
ECO start/stop function is not available in any
drive program, regardless of what is shown on
the multimedia system display.
Available drive programs: I
Individual Individual settings
S+
Sport Plus Particularly sporty driving
characteristics
S
Sport Sporty driving characteris-
tics
C
Comfort Comfortable and economi-
cal driving characteristics
E
Economy Particularly economical
driving characteristics
Additional information on drive programs for:
R vehicles with manual transmission
(Y page 144)
R vehicles with automatic transmission
(Y page 148)
Vehicles with automatic transmission: you
can also shift gears yourself using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles. Further information on
manual gearshifting (Y page 150).Manual transmission
Gear lever
! Only engage gear when the clutch pedal is
depressed.
! When shifting between
5thand 6thgear,
you should always push the gear lever all the
way to the right. Otherwise, you could shift
unintentionally into 3rdor4th gear and dam-
age the transmission. If you shift down at too high a speed (trans-
mission braking), this can cause the engine to
overrev, leading to engine damage.
Do not use the clutch bite point to keep the
vehicle stationary on uphill gradients. There is otherwise a risk of damaging the clutch.
! On long and steep downhill gradients, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must shift into gear 1, 2or3in good time.
This uses the engine's braking effect. This
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly. k
Reverse gear
1 -6
Forward gears Shifting to neutral N
X
Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Shift the gear lever to position N:. Engaging reverse gear
! Only shift into reverse gear
Rwhen the vehi-
cle is stationary. Otherwise, you could dam-
age the transmission. Manual transmission
143Driving and parking Z

Transmission positions
B Park position
This secures the vehicle against roll-
ing away when stopped.
Only shift the transmission to posi-
tion
Pwhen the vehicle is stationary
(Y page 145). The parking lock
should not be used as a brake when
parking. In order to secure the vehi-
cle, always apply the electric parking brake in addition to the parking lock.
Park position Pis automatically
engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the
key and remove the key
R you switch off the engine using the
key or using the Start/Stop button
and open the driver's door or front- passenger door
R you open the driver's door when
the vehicle is stationary or when
driving at a very low speed and the
transmission is in position Dor R
In the event of a malfunction of the
vehicle's electronics, the transmis-
sion may lock in position P. Have the
vehicle electronics checked immedi-
ately at a qualified specialist work-
shop. C Reverse gear
You can shift the transmission to
position
Ronly when the vehicle is
stationary (Y page 145). A Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brake pedal will allow
you to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty: shift
the transmission to position Nif the
vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.
on icy roads.
If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position Ror D, the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
! Rolling in neutral
Ncan lead to
damage to the transmission. 7 Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear automatically. All forward gears
are available. Driving tips
Changing gear The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position
D. Gearshifting is determined
by:
R the selected drive program
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
Accelerator pedal position Your driving style influences how the automatic
transmission shifts gear:
R little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts
Double-clutch function When shifting down, the double-clutch function
is active regardless of the drive program. The
double-clutch function reduces load change Automatic transmission
147Driving and parking Z

R
gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive program S+is characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later.
fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
R the suspension exhibits particularly firm
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIRMATIC).
R gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive program Sis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later.
fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
R the suspension exhibits firm springing and
damping settings (vehicles with AIRMATIC).
R gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program C (Comfort) Drive program Cis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical
driving characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.
on slippery road surfaces.
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed
range and the wheels are less likely to spin.
R gliding mode is available.
R the ECO start/stop function is available. Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program I, the following properties of
the drive program can be selected:
R the drive (engine management)
R the transmission management
R ESP ®
(Y page 72)
R the suspension
R activation of the exhaust flap
Information on configuring drive program Iwith
the multimedia system can be found under
"DYNAMIC SELECT" in the vehicle's Digital Own- er's Manual.
i To permanently shift the gears manually in
drive program Iusing the steering wheel gear-
shift paddles, select the M(Manual) setting
for the transmission. Manual gearshifting
General notes You can shift gears yourself using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles. The transmission must
be in position Dto do this.
Depending on which steering wheel gearshift
paddle is pulled, the automatic transmission
immediately shifts into the next gear up or
down, if permitted.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: to use manual gear-
shifting, you have two options:
R temporary setting
R permanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-
function display will show the current gear
instead of transmission position D.
If you deactivate manual gearshifting, the gears will be shifted automatically again. 150
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Problems with the transmission
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. The acceleration charac-
teristics are deteriorat-
ing.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is possible to shift only into
secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Transfer case
This section only applies to vehicles with all-
wheel drive (4MATIC). The front and rear axles
are constantly driven.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a two-axle roller dynamometer. Otherwise,
the braking system or the transfer case could be damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information on perform-
ance tests.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the key or Start/
Stop button must be in position 0or 1) if:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
using a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with
4MATIC).
The brake system could otherwise be dam-
aged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with the front or rear axle raised; otherwise,
the transmission may be damaged. Refuelling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, naked flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before refuelling. G
WARNING
Fuels are poisonous and hazardous to health. There is a danger of injury.
Do not swallow fuel or let it come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale fuel
vapours. Keep fuels out of the reach of chil-
dren. Refuelling
153Driving and parking
Z

To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
R the electric parking brake must be applied
R on vehicles with manual transmission, engage
first gear or reverse gear
R on vehicles with automatic transmission, the
transmission must be in position Pand the
key must be removed from the ignition lock
R the front wheels must be turned towards the
kerb on steep uphill or downhill gradients
R the empty vehicle must be secured at the
front axle with a wheel chock or similar
object, for example, on uphill or downhill gra-
dients
R on uphill or downhill gradients the laden vehi-
cle must also be secured at the rear axle, for
example with a wheel chock or similar object Switching off the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position Nwhen you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
Vehicles with manual transmission X
Shift to either 1st gear or reverse gear R.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition lock
and remove it.
The immobiliser is activated.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission X
Apply the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position P.X
With the key: turn the key to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobiliser is activated.
X With the Start/Stop button: press the
Start/Stop button (Y page 133).
The engine stops and all the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
When the driver's door is closed, this corre-
sponds to key position 1. When the driver's
door is open, this corresponds to key position
0: "key removed".
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position Ror D, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to Nautomatically.
With the key: if you then open the driver's door
or the front-passenger door or remove the key
from the ignition, the automatic transmission
shifts to Pautomatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to Pautomat-
ically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system:
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-
GO start function:
remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
X All vehicles: switch the ignition on.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the
ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off while the vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding the Start/
Stop button for about three seconds. This func- tion operates independently of the ECO start/
stop automatic engine switch-off function. 160
ParkingDriving and parking

The ECO display consists of three sections, with
an inner and outer area. The sections corre-
spond to the following three categories: :
Acceleration
(evaluation of all accel-
eration processes):
R The outer area fills up and the inner
area lights up green: moderate
acceleration, especially at higher
speeds.
R The outer area empties and the
inner area is grey: sporty acceler-
ation. ;
Coasting
(evaluation of all decelera-
tion processes):
R The outer area fills up and the inner
area lights up green: anticipatory
driving, keeping your distance and early release of the accelerator.
The vehicle can coast without use
of the brakes.
R The outer area empties and the
inner area is grey: frequent heavy
braking. =
Constant
(continuous evaluation
over the entire journey):
R The outer area fills up and the inner
area lights up green: constant
speed and avoidance of unneces-
sary acceleration and decelera-
tion.
R The outer area empties and the
inner area is grey: fluctuations in
speed. The three inner areas display the current driving
style and light up green as a result of a particu-
larly economical driving style. Depending on the driving situation, up to two areas may light up
simultaneously.
At the beginning of the journey, the three outer
areas are empty and fill up as a result of eco-
nomical driving. A higher level indicates a more
economical driving style. If the three outer areas
are completely filled at the same time, the driver
has adopted the most economical driving style
for the selected settings and prevailing condi-
tions. The ECO display border lights up.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual fuel consumption. The additionally achieved range displayed under
Bonus fr. start
Bonus fr. start does not
indicate a fixed consumption reduction.
In addition to driving style, the actual consump- tion is affected by other factors, such as:
R load
R tyre pressure
R cold start
R choice of route
R the use of electrical consumers
These factors are not included on the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style involves driving at a
moderate engine speed.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant":
R observe the gearshift recommendation.
R drive the vehicle in drive program E(vehicles
with DYNAMIC SELECT switch)
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the motorway, only the outer area for "Constant"
will change.
The ECO display summarises the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. During a prolonged driving time, these changes are
smaller. For more marked changes, perform a
manual reset (Y page 226).
Further information on the ECO display
(Y page 225). Braking
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. Take particular164
Driving tipsDriving and parking

High-performance and ceramic brakes
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This
is dependent on:
R speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual brake system compo-
nents such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs depends on individual driving style and
operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age (service life) that will be valid under all cir-
cumstances. An aggressive driving style will
lead to high wear. You can obtain more infor-
mation on this from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Brake pads/linings and discs that are either new or have been replaced only achieve optimum
braking effect after several hundred kilometres
of driving. Compensate for the reduced braking
effect by applying greater force to the brake
pedal. Always be aware of this and adapt your
driving and braking accordingly during the run-
ning-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake wear
warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note
any brake status messages in the multifunction
display. If you regularly drive at high speeds, it is particularly important to have the brake system
checked and maintained regularly. Driving on wet roads
Aquaplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of aquaplan-
ing occurring, even if:
R you are driving at low speeds
R the tyres have adequate tread depth
For this reason, drive in the following manner in
the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which aquaplaning can occur:
R lower your speed
R avoid tyre ruts R
avoid sudden steering movements
R brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads !
Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in front
or in the opposite direction create waves. This may cause the maximum permissible water
depth to be exceeded.
These notes must be observed under all cir-
cumstances. You could otherwise damage
the engine, the electronics or the transmis-
sion.
If you must drive on stretches of road on which
water has collected, please bear in mind that:
R in the case of standing water, the water level
must be no higher than the lower edge of the vehicle body
R you should drive no faster than walking pace Winter driving
G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter. 166
Driving tipsDriving and parking

You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration,
steering and braking manoeuvres. Do not use
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Vehicles with manual transmission: shift
to neutral.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position
N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control by using
corrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always adapt your driving style and drive at a speed to
suit the prevailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Further information on driving with snow chains
(Y page 345).
Further information on driving with summer
tyres (Y page 344).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion (Y page 344). Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for inno-
vative driver assistance and safety systems
which enhance comfort and support the driver in critical situations. With these intelligent co-ordi-
nated systems Mercedes-Benz has set a mile-
stone on the path towards autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive embraces all
elements of active and passive safety in one well
thought-out system – for the safety of the vehi-
cle occupants and that of other road users.
Further information on driving safety systems
(Y page 66). Cruise control
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceeding the set speed. Shift to a lower gear in
good time on long and steep downhill gradients.
Take particular note of this when driving a laden vehicle and when towing a trailer. By doing so,
you will make use of the braking effect of the
engine. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions are appropriate for maintaining a steadyspeed for a prolonged period. You can store anyroad speed above 30 km/h. If you have set a
permanent limit speed, you cannot set the
speed any higher than the fixed limit speed
(Y page 171).
Important safety notes Cruise control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident if you fail to adapt your driving style nor
override the laws of physics. Cruise control can- not take into account road, weather or traffic
conditions. Cruise control is only an aid. You are
responsible for maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for brak-
ing in good time and for staying in lane.
Do not use cruise control:
R in road and traffic conditions that do not allow
you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads.
R on smooth or slippery roads. Braking or accel-
erating can cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid.
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow.
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
i The speed indicated in the speedometer
may differ slightly from the speed stored. Driving systems
167Driving and parking Z