power steering MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2013 Owners Manual

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
Modifications to electronic components, their
software as well as wiring could effect their
function and/or the operation of other net-
worked components. This could in particular
also be the case for systems relevant to
safety. They might not function properly any
more and/or jeopardise the operational
safety of the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of an accident and injury.
Do not attempt to modify the wiring as well as
electronic components or their software.
Always have work on electrical and electronic
components carried out at a qualified special-
ist workshop.
! There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
R the vehicle makes contact with the
ground, e.g. on a high kerb or a loose
road surface
R you drive too quickly over an obstacle,
e.g. a kerb or a pothole
R a heavy object hits the underbody or
chassis component
In these or similar situations, the vehicle
body, the underbody, chassis components,
wheels or tyres could be damaged even if
this is not visible. Components that have
been damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail or no longer be able to assimilate
the loads occurring in the event of an acci-
dent.
If the underbody panelling is damaged,
flammable material, such as leaves, grass
or twigs, could collect between the under-
body and underbody panelling. These
materials could ignite if they remain in con-
tact with hot components of the exhaust
system for an extended period.
Have the vehicle checked and repaired
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop. If you become aware when continu-
ing the journey that driving safety has been
effected, stop as soon as possible in
accordance with the traffic conditions. In
such cases, consult a qualified specialist
workshop.
Declarations of conformity
Wireless vehicle components
The following information applies to all com-
ponents of the vehicle and the information
systems and communication devices integra-
ted into the vehicle which receive and/or
transmit radio waves:
The components of this vehicle that receive
and/or transmit radio waves are compliant
with the basic requirements and all other rel-
evant conditions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
You can obtain further information from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Electromagnetic compatibility
The electromagnetic compatibility of the vehi-
cle components has been checked and certi-
fied according to the currently valid version
of Regulation ECE-R 10.
Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended
for the connection of diagnostic equipment at
a qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
If you connect equipment to a diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it can affect the
operation of the vehicle systems. This may
affect the operating safety of the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
Introduction23Z

ESP®
trailer stabilisation
General notes
If your vehicle/trailer combination begins to
swerve, ESP ®
assists you in this situation.
ESP ®
slows the vehicle down by braking and
limiting the engine output until the vehicle/
trailer combination has stabilised.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If road and weather conditions are poor,
trailer stabilisation will not be able to prevent
the vehicle/trailer combination from swerv-
ing. Trailers with a high centre of gravity can
tip over before ESP ®
can detect this. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
If your vehicle/trailer combination begins to
lurch, you can only stabilise the vehicle/
trailer combination by depressing the brake
firmly.
ESP ®
trailer stabilisation is active above
speeds of about 65 km/h.
ESP ®
trailer stabilisation does not work if
ESP ®
is deactivated or disabled because of a
malfunction.
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
General notes
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems
( Y page 64).
GWARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps ( Y page 256) as well as dis-
play messages ( Y page 229).
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In addi-
tion to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE
also has the HOLD function (Y page 181) and
hill start assist ( Y page 147). For further
information, see Driving tips ( Y page 166).
STEER CONTROL
General notes
STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a
noticeable steering force to the steering
wheel in the direction required for vehicle
stabilisation.
This steering support is provided in particular
if:
R both right wheels or both left wheels are on
a wet or slippery road surface when you
brake.
R the vehicle starts to skid.
Important safety notes
If there is an ESP ®
malfunction, you will not
receive any steering support from STEER
CONTROL. Power steering will, however, con-
tinue to function.
70Driving safety systemsSafety

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos-
sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: ( Y page 24).
Running-in notes
Important safety notes
New or replaced brake pads/linings and
discs only reach their optimum braking effect
after several hundred kilometres of driving.
Compensate for the reduced braking effect
by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
The first 1,500 km
If you treat the engine with sufficient care
from the very start, you will be rewarded with
excellent performance for the remainder of
the engine's life.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1,500 km.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, before the rev
counter needle is Ô of the way to the red
area of the rev counter.
R Do not shift down a gear manually in order
to brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
R Try to avoid depressing the accelerator
pedal beyond the point of resistance (kick-
down).
After 1,500 km, you may gradually bring the
vehicle up to full road and engine speeds.
i You should also observe these notes on
running-in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardised. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Fit the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats.
GWARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinder correct usage
of the pedals, e.g.:
R shoes with thick soles
R shoes with high heels
R slippers
There is a risk of an accident.
Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct
usage of the pedals.
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.
144DrivingDriving and parking

GWARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
R overheat and cause a fire
R lose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only set the automatic transmission to the
respective drive positions when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. Otherwise, you could damage the
drive train.
Key positions
gTo remove the key1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windscreen wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
Vehicles with manual transmission: the
steering is locked when the key is taken out
of the ignition lock.
i If the key does not belong to the vehicle,
it can still be turned in the ignition lock.
However, the ignition will not be switched
on. The engine cannot be started.
Starting the engine
Important safety notesGWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
GWARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or
parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
i Vehicles with a petrol engine: the
engine runs at a higher engine speed during
the cold start procedure so that the cata-
lytic converter can reach operating tem-
perature more quickly. The sound of the
engine may change as a result.
Manual transmission
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XDepress the clutch pedal fully.XShift to neutral N.
i
You can only start the engine when the
clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Automatic transmission
XShift the transmission to position P.
Transmission position display P is shown in
the multifunction display.Driving145Driving and parkingZ

Shifting to neutral (N)XDepress the clutch pedal fully.XMove the gear lever to position N : .
Engaging reverse gear
! Only shift into reverse gear R when the
vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, you could
damage the transmission.
XPull the gear lever up, push it to the left and
then pull it back.
i The ECO start/stop function is not avail-
able when reverse gear is engaged.
For further information on the ECO start/
stop function, see ( Y page 148).
Gearshift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
XShift gear according to gearshift recom-
mendation : when shown in the multi-
function display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position D or
R , the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There
is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position D or R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when 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.
i Bear in mind that the power transmission
between the engine and the transmission
is interrupted when the engine is switched
off.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling away:
R when the engine is switched off and the
vehicle is stationary, shift the automatic
transmission to park position P and
R apply the electric parking brake
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
152Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Driving tips
General notes
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.
ECO display
The ECO display provides feedback on how
economical your driving characteristics are.
The ECO display assists you in achieving the
most economical driving style for the selec-
ted settings and existing conditions. Con-
sumption can be significantly influenced by
your driving style.
Example: ECO display
The ECO display consists of three bars:
R Acceleration
R Constant
R Coasting
The percentage count is the mean value of the
three bar values. The three bars and the mean
value begin at the value of 50%. A higher per-
centage count indicates a more economical
driving style.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual
fuel consumption and a fixed percentage
count in the ECO display does not indicate a
fixed consumption figure.
In addition to driving style, the consumption
is affected by many 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 in the ECO dis-
play.
The evaluation of your driving style takes the
following three categories into consideration:
R Acceleration (evaluation of all accelera-
tion processes)
- The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds
- The bar empties: sporty acceleration
R Constant (assessment of driving behav-
iour at all times)
- The bar fills up: constant speed and
avoidance of unnecessary acceleration
and deceleration
- The bar empties: fluctuations in speed
R Coasting (assessment of all deceleration
processes)
- The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,
keeping your distance and early release
of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast
without use of the brakes.
- The bar empties: frequent braking
i An economical driving style involves driv-
ing with 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 (vehi-
cles with automatic transmission).
i On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g.
on the motorway, only the bar for Con‐
stant will change.
i The ECO display summarises the driving
characteristics from the start of the journey
to its completion. Therefore, there areDriving tips165Driving and parkingZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsj
Check trailer
hitch lockThe trailer tow hitch is not correctly engaged.
A warning tone also sounds.XStop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.XApply the electric parking brake.XEngage the trailer coupling's ball coupling in the end position
( Y page 203).
Otherwise, the trailer may detach itself.
Ð
Power steering mal‐
function See Own‐
er's ManualThe power steering assistance is faulty.
A warning tone also sounds.GWARNING
You will need to use more force to steer.
There is a risk of an accident.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.XIf you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.XIf you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.&
inoperative Bat‐
tery lowYou have attempted to switch on the auxiliary heating or to acti-
vate a departure time using the on-board computer after operating
the auxiliary heating twice.XLet the engine run for 10 seconds.
The auxiliary heating is operational again.The on-board voltage is too low. The auxiliary heating has switched
itself off or cannot be switched on ( Y page 136).XDrive for a longer distance.
The battery is being charged. The auxiliary heating is operational
again as soon as the on-board electrical system voltage is suf-
ficient.&
inoperative Refuel
vehicleThere is too little fuel in the fuel tank. The auxiliary heating cannot
be switched on ( Y page 136).XRefuel at the nearest filling station.Display messages253On-board computer and displaysZ

Position number B identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.XPress together cover : of positive clamp ; and slide it back.XConnect positive terminal ; on your vehicle to positive terminal = of donor battery B
using the jump lead. beginning with your own battery.XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.XConnect negative terminal ? of donor battery B to earth point A of your vehicle using
the jump lead, connecting the jump lead to donor battery B first.XStart the engine.XBefore disconnecting the jump leads, let the engines run for several minutes.XFirst, remove the jump leads from earth point A and negative terminal ?, then from pos-
itive clamp ; and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own vehicle
first.XClose cover : of positive clamp ; after removing the jump leads.XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jump-starting cables and further information regarding jump starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Safety-relevant functions are restricted or not
available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning
R the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical
system is malfunctioning.
If your vehicle is towed, significantly greater
force may be required to steer the vehicle or
to brake. There is a risk of an accident.
In such circumstances, use a towing bar.
Make sure that the steering is moving freely
before towing.
GWARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could over-
turn.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate ( Y page 336).
308Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance