traction control MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2014 Owners Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
12Vsocket
see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
TractionSystem)
4MATIC (permanent all-wheel
drive)
Displaymessage............................238
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive)..................................................174
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message............................213
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes....................61
Warning lamp ................................. 242
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification.................125
Active Parking Assist
Canceling .......................................182
Detecting parking spaces..............179
Display message............................231
Exitingaparking space..................181
Function/notes.............................178
Important safety notes..................178
Parking..........................................180
ADAPTIVE BRAKE................................. 69
Adaptive Brake Assist
Function/notes ................................ 63
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message............................226
Function/notes.............................108
Switching on/off...........................109
Switching on/off (on-board
computer)......................................207
Additional speedometer...................206
Additives (engine oil)........................348
Airbags
Deployment.....................................39
Display message............................222
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger).......................................43
Important safety notes....................41
Knee bag .......................................... 43
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp..................................45
Safety guidelines.............................40
Side impact airbag..........................44
Windowcurtain air bag....................45
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Airvents
Important safetynotes..................132
Rear...............................................133
Setting...........................................132
Setting the center air vents...........132
Setting the side air vents...............132
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer)......................................207
AMG
Menu (on-board computer)............209
Performance Seat............................96
Anti-lockbraking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray...............................................262
Assistance display (on-board
computer)..........................................203
Assistance menu (on-board
computer)..........................................202
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message........284
Hiding a service message..............284
Notes.............................................284
Resetting the service interval
display...........................................284
Service message ............................ 284
Special service requirements ......... 285
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating...................70
Function ...........................................70
Switching off the alarm....................70
ATTENTIONASSIST
Activating/deactivating.................204
Display message............................229
Function/notes.............................186
Audio menu (on-board computer)....200
4Index

Safety systems..............................213
SmartKey.......................................240
Tires ............................................... 234
Vehicle ...........................................236
Distance recorder.............................197
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning function
Activating/deactivating.................204
Function/notes ................................ 62
Warning lamp ................................. 250
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activationconditions.....................166
Cruise control lever.......................166
Deactivating ................................... 169
Display message............................232
Displays in the multifunction
display...........................................170
Driving tips....................................170
Function/notes.............................164
Important safety notes..................164
Setting the specified minimum
distance.........................................168
Warning lamp ................................. 250
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer)......................................208
Automatic locking (switch) ...............79
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) .......................................72
Control panel...................................35
Display message............................239
Emergency locking ........................... 79
Emergency unlocking.......................79
Important safety notes....................77
Opening (from inside)......................77
Drinking and driving.........................157
Drinks holder
see Cupholder
Drive program
Automatic......................................147
Display...........................................144
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever)......143
Manual ...........................................148
SETUP (on-board computer)..........210
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service.................285
Symmetrical low beam..................104
Driving on flooded roads..................161
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).......61
ADAPTIVE BRAKE.............................69
Adaptive Brake Assist......................63
BAS (Brake Assist System)..............62
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST....62
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS................................................64
Distance warning function...............62
Electronic brake force distribution...69
ESP®(Electronic Stability
Program)....................................65, 66
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System)...........................................65
Important safety information...........61
Overview..........................................61
STEER CONTROL.............................69
Driving systems
Active Parking Assist.....................178
ATTENTION ASSIST........................186
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 188
Cruise control................................162
Display message............................229
DISTRONICPLUS...........................164
HOLD function...............................172
Lane Keeping Assist......................190
Lane Tracking package..................188
PARKTRONIC.................................175
RACESTART (AMG vehicles)..........173
Rearview camera..........................182
Speed LimitAssist.........................187
Driving tips
Automatic transmission.................145
Brakes...........................................158
Break-in period..............................136
Checking brake lining thickness....160
DISTRONICPLUS...........................170
Downhill gradient...........................158
Drinking and driving.......................157
Driving abroad...............................104
Driving in winter .............................161
Driving on flooded roads................161
Driving on wet roads......................161
Exhaustcheck...............................157
8Index

Fuel ................................................ 157
General..........................................156
Hydroplaning.................................161
Icy road surfaces...........................161
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads...................................159
Snow chains..................................315
Symmetrical low beam..................104
Wet road surface...........................159
DVD audio (on-board computer)......200
DVD video (on-board computer)......201
E
EASY-VARIO-PLUS system
Cargo compartment enlargement..257
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message............................215
Function/notes ................................ 69
ECO display
Function/notes.............................157
On-board computer.......................198
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start..................140
Automatic engine switch-off..........139
Deactivating/activating.................140
General information.......................139
Important safety notes..................139
Introduction...................................139
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP®(ElectronicStability Program)
Emergencyrelease
Driver's door....................................79
Trunk...............................................82
Vehicle.............................................79
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 39
Function ...........................................53
Safety guidelines.............................40
Emissions control
Service and warranty information....22
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 248
Display message............................227
ECO start/stop function................139
Engine number ............................... 345
Irregularrunning............................141
Jump-starting.................................303
Starting problems..........................141
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey.......................................138
Switching off..................................154
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 308
Engine, jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction)...................141
Engine oil
Adding...........................................282
Additives........................................348
Checking the oil level ..................... 281
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick..........................................282
Display message............................228
Filling capacity...............................348
Notes about oil grades ................... 348
Notes on oil level/consumption....281
Temperature (on-board computer).209
Viscosity........................................348
ESP®(Electronic Stability
Program)
AMG menu (on-board computer)...210
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles)..........................................66
Deactivating/activating (except
AMG vehicles)................................203
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles)......................68
Display message............................213
ETS/4ETS........................................65
Function/notes.........................65, 66
General notes..................................65
Important safety information...........65
Trailer stabilization ........................... 69
Warning lamp ................................. 244
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System)................................................65
Exhaustcheck...................................157
Exhaustpipe (cleaning instructions)289
Exterior lighting
Settingoptions..............................104
see Lights
Index9

braking function. COLLISION PREVENTION
ASSIST PLUS can help you to minimize the
risk of a front-end collision with a vehicle
ahead or reduce the effects of such a
collision. If COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS detects that thereis a risk of a collision,
you will be warned visually and acoustically.
In critical situations COLLISION PREVENTION
ASSIST PLUS also initiates automatic
braking.
Function
XTo activate/deactivate:activate or
deactivate COLLISION PREVENTION
ASSIST PLUS in the on-board computer
(Ypage 204).
If COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is
deactivated, the
symbol appears in the
assistance graphics display.
If the driver's seat belt is fastened,
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS can
brake automatically withinaspeed range of
between 4 mph (7 km/h) and 124 mph
(200 km/h).
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSISTPLUS can
also react to stationary obstacles with
automatic braking within a speed range of
between 4 mph (7 km/h) and 19 mph
(30 km/h).
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radarsources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensor checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 61).
ESP®monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP®detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP®assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 61).
ETS/4ETS traction control is part of ESP®.
ETS brakes the drive wheels individually if
they spin. This enables you to pull away and
accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example
if the road surface is slippery on one side. In
addition, more drive torque is transferred to
the wheel or wheels with traction.
ETS remains active when you deactivate
ESP®.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If ESP®is malfunctioning, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Driving safety systems65
Safety
Z

Only activate SPORT handling mode in the
situations described in the following.
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP®, ESP®no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP®in the situations
described in the following.
In the following situations, it may be better to
activate SPORT handling mode or deactivate
ESP®:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Ron designated roads when the vehicle's
own oversteering and understeering
characteristics are desired
Driving in SPORT handling mode or without
ESP®requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver.
iActivate ESP®as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP®will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the
vehicle if the vehicle starts to skid or a
wheel starts to spin.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
XTo activate SPORT handling mode:
briefly press button.
TheSPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
TheSPORT handling modemessage
appears in the multifunction display.
XTo deactivate SPORT handling mode:
briefly press button.
TheSPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
XTo deactivate ESP®:press buttonuntil
theESP®OFF warning lamp lights up
in the instrument cluster.
TheOFFmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
XTo activate ESP®:briefly press button.
TheESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The
ESP®ONmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
Characteristics of activated SPORT
handling mode
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, theESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP®only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
RESP®only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
Rtraction control is still activated.
Rengine torque is only restricted to a limited
degree, and the drive wheels are able to
spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a
cutting action for better traction on loose
surfaces.
RESP®still provides support when you
brake.
Driving safety systems67
Safety
Z

Characteristics when ESP®is deactivated
If ESP®is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, theESP®warning lamp in
the instrumentcluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability.
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a
cutting action for better traction on loose
surfaces.
Rtraction control is still activated.
RPRE-SAFE®is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP®
intervenes.
RCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSISTis no
longer available; nor is it activated if you
brake firmly with assistance from ESP®.
RCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST is no
longer available; nor is it activated if you
brake firmly with assistance from ESP®.
RESP®still provides support when you
brake.
Deactivating/activating ESP®(except
AMG vehicles)
Important safety notes
You can select between the following states
of ESP®:
RESP®is activated.
RESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP®, ESP®no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP®in the situations
described in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP®in the
following situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
iActivate ESP®as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply.ESP®will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the
vehicle if the vehicle starts to skid or a
wheel starts to spin.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
You can deactivate or activate ESP®via the
on-board computer.
XTo deactivate:(Ypage 203).
TheESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo activate:(Ypage 203).
TheESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Characteristics when ESP®is deactivated
If ESP®is deactivated and one or more wheels
startto spin, theESP®warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability.
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a
cutting action for better traction on loose
surfaces.
Rtraction control is still activated.
RESP®still provides support when you
brake.
68Driving safety systems
Safety

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to positionN.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces.Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
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
displayed 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. You
should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
iFor more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Ypage 315).
Driving systems
Cruise control
General notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you.Itbrakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select a low gearin
good time. For this, you will need to have
selected manual drive program
M(Ypage 148). By doing so, you will make
use of the braking effect of the engine, This
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control 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.
Do not use cruise control:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen 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.
Cruise control lever
To activate or increase speed
To activate or reduce speed
"To deactivate cruise control
!To activate at the current speed/last
stored speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the multifunction display
for five seconds.
162Driving systems
Driving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and
Solutions
Check TiresThe tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
The wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
Awarning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a riskofthe
following hazards:
Rthey may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
Rthey may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
Rthe driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 153).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, follow the instructions for a
flat tire (Ypage 295).
XCheck the tire pressure (Ypage 320).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
Warning Tire
Malfunction
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly. The
wheel position is shown in the multifunction display.
GWARNING
If you drive with a flat tire, there is a risk of the following hazards:
Ra flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
RYou could lose control of the vehicle.
Rcontinued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 153).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, follow the instructions for a
flat tire (Ypage 295).
Display messages235
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and
Solutions

The yellow ESP®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
ESP®or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
XWhen pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.
XEase off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
XDo not deactivate ESP®.
For exceptions, see: (Ypage 65).

The yellow ESP®OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.
ESP®and ESP®trailer stabilization are deactivated. ESP®will not
stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
GWARNING
If ESP®is switched off, ESP®is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XReactivate ESP®.
For exceptions, see: (Ypage 65).
XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP®cannot be activated:
XHave ESP®checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

AMG vehicles only:
The yellow SPORT
handling mode warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
SPORT handling mode is activated.
GWARNING
When SPORT handling mode is switched on, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
XOnly switch on SPORT handling mode in certain situations
(Ypage 66).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster245
On-board computer and displays
Z

the unusual handling characteristics.Ifyou
find no signs of damage, have the wheels
and tires checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
RWhen parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over curbs, speed humps or similar
elevations, try to do so slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires,
particularly the sidewalls, may be
damaged.
Regular checking of wheels and tires
GWARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There is a risk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Regularly check the wheels and tires of your
vehicle for damage at least once a month, as
well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss of
tire pressure. Pay particular attention to
damage such as:
Rcuts in the tires
Rpunctures
Rtears in the tires
Rbulges on tires
Rdeformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width
of the tire (Ypage 313). If necessary, turn
the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect
the inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve other than the
standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
Do not use any other valve caps or systems,
e.g. tire pressure monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire
pressure as necessary (Ypage 316).
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors:
RDriving style
RTire pressure
RDistance covered
Important safety notes on the tire
tread
GWARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
RSummer tires: in (3 mm)
RM+S tires:\nin (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached.
Operation313
Wheels and tires
Z