ECO mode MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2014 User Guide

Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and
Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.
The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer shifts into all of
the gears.
Reverse gear can no
longer be engaged.
The transmission is in emergency mode.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to positionD.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and
explosion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
GWARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
RWash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
RIf fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance
without delay.
RIf fuel is swallowed, seek medical
assistance without delay.Donot induce
vomiting.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
GWARNING
Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and
ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening
the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. Any existing electrostatic buildup is
thereby discharged.
!Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the
ignition if you accidentally refuel with the
wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter
the fuel system. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel could result in damage to the
fuel system and the engine. Notify a
qualified specialist workshop and have the
fuel tank and fuel lines drained completely.
Refueling151
Driving and parking
Z

If yourseat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parkingbrake:
Rthe driver's door is closed.
Ryou have shifted out of transmission
positionPor you have previously driven
faster than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency by using the electric parking
brake.
XWhile driving, push handleof the electric
parking brake (Ypage 154).
iThe vehicle is braked for as long as
handleof the electric parking brake is
pressed. The longer electric parking brake
handleis depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
Ra warning tone sounds
RtheRelease Park. Brakemessage
appears
Rthe red(USA only) or (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a
standstill, the electric parking brake is
engaged.
Parking the vehicle foralong period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
iYou can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignitionwhile 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 you operate mobile communication
equipment while driving, you will be
distracted from traffic conditions. You could
also lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk
of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are driving. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per
second.
156Driving tips
Driving and parking

Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.:
Rload
Rtire pressure
Rcold start
Rchoice of route
Relectrical consumers switched on
These factors are not taken into
considerationby the ECO display.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried
out using the following three categories:
RAcceleration(evaluation of all
acceleration processes):
-The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds
-The bar empties: sporty acceleration
RConstant(assessmentofdriving behavior
at all times):
-The bar fills up: constant speed and
avoidance of unnecessary acceleration
and deceleration
-The bar empties: fluctuations in speed
RCoasting(assessment of all deceleration
processes):
-The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,
keeping yourdistance and early release
of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast
without use of the brakes.
-The bar empties: frequent braking
iAn economical driving style specially
requires driving at moderate engine
speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
AccelerationandConstant:
Robserve the gearshift recommendations.
Rdrive in drive programE.
iOn long journeys at a constant speed, e.g.
on the highway, only the bar forConstant
will change.
iThe ECO display summaries the driving
characteristics fromthe start of the journey
to its completion. For this reason, the bars
change dynamically at the beginning of the
journey. On longer journeys, there are
fewer changes. For more dynamic changes,
carry out a manual reset.
Further information on the ECO display
(Ypage 198).
Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to
a lower gear in good time. This allows you
to take advantage of the engine's braking
effect.For this, you need to have selected
manual drive programM.This helps you to
avoid overheating the brakes and wearing
them out excessively.
When you take advantage of the engine's
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benzwarranty.
iBriefly depressing the acceleratorpedal
on downhill gradients while the manual
drive programMis temporarily activated:
the automatic transmission may switch to
the last active automatic drive programE
orS.The automatic transmission may shift
to a higher gear. This can reduce the
engine's braking effect.
158Driving tips
Driving and parking

Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only beensubjectto
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of yourbrakes at regular
intervals.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on (Ypage 62).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond
to an equivalent quality standard.Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your
vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for yourvehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benzvehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Checking brake lining thickness
You can measure the break pad/lining
thickness using a test gauge. Color-coding
(green or red) on the test gauge allows you to
determine whether the brake pad/lining
thickness is still sufficient. The test gauge is
in the vehicle documentwallet in the glove
box.
Frontwheel
Rear wheel
XBring the vehicle and wheels into a suitable
position so that you can attach test gauge
.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 153).
XMove the selector lever to positionP.
XSwitch off the engine.
XPlace test gaugebetween the wheel's
spokes on brake pad/lining".
160Driving tips
Driving and parking

Activating the HOLD function
Example: vehicles with a color multifunctiondisplay
XMake sure that the activation conditions
are met.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XQuickly depress the brake pedal further
untilappears in the multifunction
display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
iIf depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
Ryou accelerate.Onvehicles with automatic
transmission:only when the transmission
is in positionDorR.
Rthe transmission is in positionPon vehicles
with automatic transmission.
Ryou depress the brake pedal againwith a
certain amountofpressure until
disappears from the multifunction display.
Ryou secure the vehicle using the electric
parking brake.
Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
iAfter a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
The electric parking brake automatically
secures the vehicle if the HOLD function is
activated and:
Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's
seat beltis unfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
Ra system malfunction occurs.
Rthe power supply is not sufficient.
If a malfunction occurs, then the transmission
may be shifted into positionPautomatically.
RACE START
Important safety notes
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
from a standing start. The precondition for
this is a suitable high-grip road surface.
RACE START is intended solely for activation
on dedicated race circuits.
iRACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
Conditions for activation
You can activate RACE START if:
Rthe doors, hood and the trunk lid are
closed.
Rthe engine is running and the transmission,
all-wheel drive clutch and the engine are at
operating temperature.
RSPORT handling mode is activated.
(Ypage 66)
Rthe steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position.
Rthe vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
Rthe transmission is in positionD.
Rdrive programMis selected (Ypage 146).
Driving systems173
Driving and parking
Z

Activating RACE START
XDepress the brake pedal withyour left foot
and keep it depressed.
XPull and hold both steering wheel shift
paddles.
XTheRACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWNmessage appears
in the multifunction display.
XRelease both steering wheel shift paddles.
iIf the activation conditions are no longer
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
RACE START Not Possible See
Operator's Manualmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XTo cancel:pull the left steering wheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 147).
or
XTo confirm:pull the right steering wheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 147).
TheRACE START Available Depress
gas pedalmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf you do not depress the accelerator
pedal within a few seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The multifunction display shows
theRACE START Canceledmessage.
XFully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed is increased.
TheRACE START Release brake to
startmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf you do not release the brake pedal
within a short time, RACE START will be
canceled. The multifunction display shows
theRACE START Canceledmessage.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
TheRACESTARTActivemessage appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h). Drive programSis
activated. SPORT handling mode remains
activated.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation
conditions are no longer fulfilled. TheRACE
START Not PossibleorRACE START
Canceledmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf RACE START is used repeatedly within
a short period of time, it is only available
again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance.
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP®, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficientgrip.
If you fail to adapt yourdriving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. 4MATIC is only an aid.You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
ROnly depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
RAccelerate less when driving.
!Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
iIn wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires(M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
174Driving systems
Driving and parking

Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 25).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and
communication equipment integrated in the
vehicle while driving, you will be distracted
from traffic conditions. You could also lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situationpermits.Ifyou are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the
equipment when the vehicle is stationary.
GWARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or
malfunctioned, you may not recognize
function restrictions in systems relevant to
safety. The operating safety of your vehicle
may be impaired. There is a risk of an
accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating the on-board computer.
The on-board computer only shows messages
or warnings from certain systems in the
multifunction display.You should therefore
make sure your vehicle is operating safely at
all times. Otherwise, a vehicle that is not
operating safely may cause an accident.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration (Ypage 29).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle
interior can be adjusted using the brightness
control knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the
bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Ypage 29).
XTurn the brightness control knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
If the light switch is set to,or
, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
iThe light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated.
Coolant temperature display
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is
overheated 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.
!Adisplay message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
194Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

thesymbol in the multifunction
display are shown in orange.
XPress thebutton to save the setting.
Further information on daytime running
lamps (Ypage 105).
Switching Adaptive HighbeamAssist on/
off
This function is only available on vehicles with
the Intelligent Light System.
XPress theorbutton on the
steering wheel to select theSettings
menu.
XPress theorbutton to select the
Lightssubmenu.
XPressto confirm.
XPress theorbutton to select the
Adaptive Highbeamfunction.
If theAdaptive Highbeamfunction has
been switched on, the cone of light and the
symbol in the multifunction display
are shown in orange.
XPress thebutton to save the setting.
For further information about Adaptive
Highbeam Assist, see (Ypage 108).
Setting the brightness of the ambient
lighting
XPress theorbutton on the
steering wheel to select theSettings
menu.
XPress theorbutton to select the
Lightssubmenu.
XPressto confirm.
XPress theorbutton to select the
Amb. Light +/-function.
You will see the selected setting.
XPressto confirm.
XPress theorbutton to adjust the
brightness to any level fromDisabled
toLevel 5(bright).
XPress theorbutton to save the
setting.
Activating/deactivating surround
lighting and exterior lighting delayed
switch-off
If you have activated theSurround
Lightingfunction and the light switch is set
to, the following functions are activated
when it is dark:
Rsurround lighting:the exterior lighting
remains lit for 40 seconds after unlocking
with the key. If you start the engine, the
surround lighting is switched off and
automatic headlamp mode is activated
(Ypage 105).
Rexterior lighting delayed switch-off:the
exterior lighting remains lit for
60 seconds after the engine is switched off.
If you close all the doors and the trunklid,
the exterior lighting goes off after
15 seconds.
XPress theorbutton on the
steering wheel to selecttheSettings
menu.
XPress theorbutton to select the
Lightssubmenu.
XPressto confirm.
XPress theorbutton to select the
Surround Lightingfunction.
When theSurround Lightingfunction is
activated, the light cone and the area
around the vehicle are displayed in orange
in the multifunction display.
XPress thebutton to save the setting.
Deactivating delayed switch-off of the
exterior lighting temporarily:
XBefore leaving the vehicle, turn the
SmartKey to position0in the ignition lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock.
The exterior lighting delayed switch-off is
deactivated.
Delayed switch-off of the exterior lighting is
reactivated the next time you start the
engine.
Menus and submenus207
On-board computer and displays
Z

SETUP
Drive program (C/S/M)
ESP®mode (ON/OFF) or SPORT handling
mode (SPORT)
SETUP shows the drive program, the ESP®
(Electronic Stability Program) mode and the
SPORT handling mode.
XPress theorbutton on the
steering wheel to select theAMGmenu.
XPress thebutton repeatedly until
SETUP is displayed.
RACETIMER
Displaying and starting RACETIMER
The RACETIMER is only intended for use on a
closed race circuit. Do not use the function
on publicroads.
Lap
RACETIMER
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if the SmartKey is in
position2in the ignition lock.
XPressoron the steering wheel
to select theAMGmenu.
XPress thebutton repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.
XTo start:press thebutton to start the
RACETIMER.
Displaying the intermediate time
XPress theorbutton to select
Interm. Time.
XPressto confirm.
The intermediate time is displayed for five
seconds.
Starting a new lap
RACETIMER
Fastest lap time (best lap)
"Lap
XPressto confirmNew Lap.
iIt is possible to store a maximum of
sixteen laps. The 16th lap can only be
completed withFinish Lap.
Stopping the RACETIMER
XPress thebutton on the steering
wheel.
XPressto confirmYes.
The RACETIMER interrupts timing when you
stop the vehicle and turn the SmartKey to
position1in the ignition lock. If you turn the
210Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 25).
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.
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
Certain components in the engine
compartment, 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
Opening the hood when the engine is
overheated or when there is a fire in the
engine compartmentcould 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
Rkeep clothing away from moving parts
GWARNING
The ignition system and the fuel injection
system work under high voltage. If you touch
components which are under voltage, you
could get an electric shock. There is a risk of
injury.
Never touch components of the ignition
system or fuel injection system when the
ignition is switched on.
Opening the hood
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.
280Engine compartment
Maintenance and care