steering MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2019 Owner's Manual

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The engine does notstart. You cannot hearthe starter motor.
The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak ordischarged.
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 282).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.
XAllow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two minutes.
XTry to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine is not runningsmoothly and is misfir-ing.
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanicalcomponent of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converterand damage it.
XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-shop.
The coolant temperaturegauge shows a valueabove 248 ‡ (120 †).The coolant warninglamp may also be on anda warning tone maysound.
The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is nolonger being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant tocool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 263). Observe the warning notesas you do so and add coolant if necessary.
Notes on towing vehicles
The vehicle is not suitable for attaching tow barsystems, such as those used for flat towing ordinghy towing.
Attaching or using tow bar systems may result indamage to the vehicle.
When towing a vehicle with tow bar systems,safe driving characteristics cannot be guaran-teed for the towing vehicle or the towed vehicle.
The vehicle/trailer combination may swerve.
Observe the permissible towing methods(Ypage 287) and the notes on towing with bothaxles on the ground (Ypage 286).
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles
except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to change thedrive program. Depending on the drive programselected the following vehicle characteristicswill change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-ment)
Rthe suspension (vehicles with damping sys-tem or AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-tem)
Rthe sound of the exhaust system (vehicleswith sports exhaust system)
Rthe steering
Rthe availability of the ECO start/stop function
Rthe climate control
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button, drive programCis
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)129
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Z

activated. For further information about startingthe engine, see (Ypage 124).
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCas manytimes as necessary until the desired driveprogram is selected.The selected drive program appears in themultifunction display. After five seconds, thedisplay goes out and the status symbol of theselected drive program appears.
In addition, the current drive program settingsare displayed briefly in the multimedia systemdisplay.
iIn a few countries, the ECO start/stop func-tion is deactivated at the factory due to theavailable fuel grade. In this case, the ECOstart/stop function is not available in anydrive program, regardless of the display in themultimedia system display.
Available drive programs:
CComfortComfortable and economi-cal driving characteristics
SSportSporty driving characteris-tics
IIndividualIndividual settings
EEconomyParticularly economicaldriving characteristics
Additional information for drive programs(Ypage 135).
You can also change gear yourself using thesteering wheel paddle shifters. For further infor-mation on the manual drive program(Ypage 137).
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to changethe drive program. Depending on the drive pro-gram selected the following vehicle character-istics will change:
Rthe drive
Rthe transmission management
RESP®
Rthe suspension (vehicles with AMG adaptivesport suspension system)
Rthe sound of the exhaust system
Rthe availability of the ECO start/stop function
Rthe availability of gliding mode
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button, drive programCisactivated. For further information about startingthe engine, see (Ypage 124).
XTurn DYNAMIC SELECT controllerCas manytimes as necessary until the desired driveprogram is selected.The selected drive program appears in themultifunction display. After five seconds thedisplay goes out and the symbol of the selec-ted drive program appears.
The drive program indicator on DYNAMICSELECT controllerClights up in red.
Available drive programs:
IIndividualIndividual settings
CComfortComfort-oriented, opti-mum-economy engine andtransmission settings
SSportSporty engine and trans-mission settings
130DYNAMIC SELECT controller (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
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S+Sport PlusParticularly sporty trans-mission settings
RaceMaximum sportiness andengine and transmissionsettings suitable for theracetrack
Additional information for drive programs(Ypage 135).
You can also change gear yourself using thesteering wheel paddle shifters. For further infor-mation on the manual drive program(Ypage 137).
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position:
orF, the vehicle could pull away suddenly.
There is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position:or
F, always firmly depress the brake pedal
and do not simultaneously accelerate.
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral positionNwhen 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 positionP. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
]Park position with parking lock
^Reverse gear
\\Neutral
[Drive
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-cles):the DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right ofthe steering column.
For information on the selector lever inMercedes-AMG vehicles (Ypage 133).
The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns to itsoriginal position. The current transmission posi-tion],^,\\or[is shown in the transmis-sion position display in the multifunction display(Ypage 131).
Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display
The current transmission position and drive pro-gram appear in the multifunction display.
CTransmission position display
DGear

Drive program I (Individual)
In drive programIthe following properties of thedrive program can be selected:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-ment)
Rthe suspension (vehicles with damping sys-tem or AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-tem)
Rthe steering
Rthe availability of the ECO start/stop function
Rthe climate control
Information about configuring drive programIwith the multimedia system can be found in theDigital Operator's Manual.
iTo permanently select the gears in driveprogramIusing the steering wheel paddleshifters, select theM(manual) setting for thedrive.
Drive program E (Economy)
Drive programEis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rcomfort-oriented engine settings.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from theautomatic transmission shifting up sooner.
Rthe vehicle pulls away more gently in forwardand reverse gears, unless the acceleratorpedal is depressed fully.
Rthe vehicle has improved driving stability, forexample on slippery road surfaces.
Rthe automatic transmission shifting upsooner. This results in the vehicle being drivenat lower engine speeds and the wheels beingless likely to spin.
Rgliding mode is activated automatically whenengine-internal conditions are fulfilled andthe accelerator is not depressed. At the sametime the transmission’s clutch opens and thevehicle rolls freely using its kinetic energy. Asa result great distances can be completedwithout the engine brake and fuel consump-tion reduced.
iThe availability of gliding mode depends onvarious factors, including the following:
Rthe engine and transmission temperature
Rthe downhill gradient
Rthe vehicle speed
Rperforming regular adaptation functions
When you depress the brake pedal, glidingmode is deactivated, depending on pedalpressure.
When you activate cruise control or ActiveDistance Assist DISTRONIC, gliding mode isnot available.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive programIthe following properties of thedrive program can be selected:
Rthe drive (engine management)
Rthe transmission management
Rthe suspension (vehicles with AMG adaptivesport suspension system)
RESP®
Information about configuring drive programIwith the multimedia system can be found in theDigital Operator's Manual.
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive programCis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rthe vehicle delivers comfortable, economicalhandling characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulls away more gently in forwardand reverse gears, unless the acceleratorpedal is depressed fully.
Rthe vehicle has improved driving stability, forexample on slippery road surfaces.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from theautomatic transmission shifting up sooner.The vehicle is driven in the low engine speedrange and the wheels are less likely to spin.
Rgliding mode is available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is available.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive programSis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-istics.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.The fuel consumption possibly being higheras a result of the later automatic transmissionshift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits stiff springing anddamping settings (vehicles with AIR adaptivesport suspension system).
136Automatic transmission
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Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive programS+is characterized by the fol-lowing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits particularly sporty drivingcharacteristics.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.
Rthe fuel consumption possibly being higher asa result of the later automatic transmissionshift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits particularly stiffspringing and damping settings (vehicles withAMG adaptive sport suspension system).
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program RACE (vehicles with AMG
adaptive sport suspension system)
TheRACEdrive program is characterized by thefollowing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits driving characteristicssuitable for the racetrack.
Rall vehicle systems are set for maximumsportiness.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.
Rthe fuel consumption possibly being higher asa result of the later automatic transmissionshift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits particularly stiffspringing and damping settings.
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is not available.
Manual gear shifting
General notes
You can change gear yourself using the steeringwheel paddle shifters. The transmission must bein position[to do this.
Depending on which steering wheel paddleshifter is pulled, the automatic transmissionimmediately shifts into the next gear down orup, if permitted.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:to use manual shift-ing, you have two options:
Rtemporary setting
Rpermanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-function display will show the current gearinstead of transmission position[.
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gearswill be selected automatically.
Temporary setting
XTo activate:shift the DIRECT SELECT lever toposition[.
XPull steering wheel paddle shifterCorD.
Temporary setting will be active for a certainamount of time. Under certain conditions theminimum amount of time is extended, e.g. in thecase of lateral acceleration, during an overrunphase or when driving on steep terrain.
XTo deactivate:pull steering wheel paddleshifterDand hold it in place.
or
XUse the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch thetransmission position.
or
XAll vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to changethe drive program.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: use the DYNAMICSELECT controller to change the drive pro-gram.
Automatic transmission137
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Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
XTo activate:shift the selector lever to[.
XPress buttonC.
XTo deactivate:press buttonC.
or
XIf position D (automatic transmission) isselected for the transmission in drive pro-gramI: shift to drive programIwith theDYNAMIC SELECT controller.
Shifting gears
!Mercedes-AMG vehicles:the automatictransmission does not shift up automaticallyeven when the engine limiting speed for thecurrent gear is reached. When the engine lim-iting speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut toprevent the engine from overrevving. Alwaysmake sure that the engine speed does notreach the red area of the tachometer. There isotherwise a risk of engine damage.
XTo shift up:pull steering wheel paddleshifterD.The automatic transmission shifts up to thenext gear.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-cles):if the maximum engine speed on thecurrently engaged gear is reached and youcontinue to accelerate, the automatic trans-mission automatically shifts up in order toprevent engine damage.
XTo shift down:pull steering wheel paddleshifterC.The automatic transmission shifts down tothe next gear.
Automatic down shifting occurs when coast-ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum enginespeed when shifting down, the automatictransmission protects against engine damageby not shifting down.
Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you inadopting an economical driving style. The rec-ommended gear is shown in the multifunctiondisplay.
XShift to recommended gearDaccording togearshift recommendationCwhen shown inthe multifunction display.
Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
!In manual mode, the automatic transmis-sion does not shift up automatically evenwhen the engine limiting speed for the currentgear is reached. When the engine limitingspeed is reached, the fuel supply is cut toprevent the engine from overrevving. Alwaysmake sure that the engine speed does notreach the red area of the tachometer. There isotherwise a risk of engine damage.
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Driving and parking

Before the engine speed reaches the red area,an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-function display.
XShift to recommended gearCwhen mes-sageDis shown in the multifunction display.
Kickdown
XFor maximum acceleration, depress theaccelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.The automatic transmission shifts to a lowergear depending on the engine speed.
XShift back up once the desired speed isreached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears usingthe steering wheel paddle shifters.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-mission shifts up to the next gear when themaximum engine speed is reached. This pre-vents the engine from overrevving.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:it is only possible touse kickdown in temporary manual drive pro-gramM. When manual drive programMis per-manently activated, kickdown is not possible.
Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The transmission hasproblems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshopimmediately.
The acceleration abilityis deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-ger shifts into all of thegears.
Reverse gear can no lon-ger be engaged.
The transmission is in emergency mode.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to position].
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to position[.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshopimmediately.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. Risk of fire and
explosion by improper handling of fuel.
You must avoid fire, open flames, smoking
and creating sparks. Switch off the ignition
before refueling and, if present, switch off the
auxiliary heating.
GWARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
Refueling139
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Releasing automatically
Your vehicle's electric parking brake is auto-matically released if all of the following condi-tions are met:
RThe engine is running.
RThe transmission is in position[or^andyou depress the accelerator pedal or shiftfrom position]to[or^.
RThe seat belt has been fastened.
If the transmission is in position^, the trunk lidmust be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the followingconditions must be fulfilled to automaticallyrelease the electric parking brake:
RThe driver's door is closed.
RYou are shifting from transmission position]or have previously driven at speedsgreater than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Ensure that you do not depress the acceleratorpedal unintentionally. Otherwise, the parkingbrake will be released and the vehicle will startto move.
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-gency by using the electric parking brake.
XWhile driving, push handleCof the electricparking brake (Ypage 144).The vehicle is braked as long as you keephandleCof the electric parking brakepressed. The longer the electric parking brakehandleCis depressed, the greater the brak-ing force.
During braking:
Ra warning tone sounds
RtheRelease Parking BrakeRelease Parking Brakemessageappears
Rthe redI(USA only) or$(Canadaonly) indicator lamp in the instrument clusterflashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-still, the electric parking brake is applied.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer thanfour weeks, the battery may be damaged byexhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than sixweeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as aresult of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and seekadvice.
iYou can obtain information about tricklechargers from a qualified specialist work-shop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety 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.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment when driving, you may be distracted
from the traffic situation. 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 countryin which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-hibit the driver from using a mobile phone whiledriving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always usehands-free mode. Only operate the telephonewhen the traffic situation permits. If you areunsure, pull over to a safe location and stopbefore operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers adistance of 44 ft (approximately 14m)per sec-ond.
Driving tips145
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For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or inconditions in which hydroplaning may occur,you must drive in the following manner:
Rlower your speed
Ravoid ruts
Ravoid sudden steering movements
Rbrake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through flooded areas. Checkthe depth of any water before driving throughit. Drive slowly through standing water. Oth-erwise, water could enter the vehicle interioror engine compartment. It can then damagethe engine's or automatic transmission'selectronic components. It can also be suckedin by the engine's air intake connection andcause engine damage.
Winter driving
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 brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
GDANGER
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 winter-proofed at a qualifiedspecialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road sur-faces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering andbraking maneuvers. Do not use cruise control orActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot bestopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position\\.
XTry to bring the vehicle under control usingcorrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is notdesigned to serve as an ice-warning device andis therefore unsuitable for that purpose.Changes in the outside temperature are dis-played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezingpoint do not guarantee that the road surface isfree of ice. The road may still be icy, especially inwooded areas or on bridges.
You should pay special attention to road condi-tions when temperatures are around freezingpoint.
For more information on driving with snowchains, see (Ypage 293).
For more information on driving with summertires, see (Ypage 292).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-tion (Ypage 292).
Driving systems
Cruise control
General notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road speedfor you. It brakes automatically in order to avoidexceeding the set speed. On long and steepdownhill gradients, especially if the vehicle isladen, you must select a low gear in good time.You need to shift manually using the steeringwheel paddle shifters beforehand. By doing so,you will make use of the braking effect of theengine. This relieves the load on the brake sys-tem and prevents the brakes from overheatingand wearing too quickly.
When the engine is running, you can use thecruise control lever to limit the speed to anyspeed between 20 mph (30 km/h) and the tech-nically permitted maximum speed of the vehicle.
Use cruise control if road and traffic conditionsmake it appropriate to maintain a steady speedfor a prolonged period.
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road surface is required and the vehicle and tiresmust be in good working order.
Do not activate start-off assist on public roads.
Observe the safety notes on driving safety sys-tems (Ypage 61).
Be sure to read the safety notes and information
on ESP®(Ypage 64).
Activating start-off assist
XDeactivate ESP®(Ypage 187).
XTurn the steering wheel to the straight-aheadposition.
XFirmly depress the brake pedal with your leftfoot and keep it depressed.
XShift the transmission to position[.
XUse the DYNAMIC SELECT button to selecttheSdrive program (Ypage 129).
XQuickly depress the accelerator pedal fully.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep theaccelerator pedal depressed.The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-ation.
iActivate ESP®as soon as the acceleration
process has ended. ESP®will otherwise notbe able to stabilize the vehicle if the vehiclestarts to skid or a wheel starts to spin.
Canceling start-off assist
XRemove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
XReactivate ESP®.
RACE START (Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles)
Important safety notes
iRACE START must not be used on normalroads. RACE START must only be activatedand used on dedicated road circuits, outsideof public road use.
iRACE START is only available inMercedes‑AMG vehicles.
GWARNING
If you use RACE START, individual tires may
start to spin and the vehicle could skid.
Depending on the selected ESP®mode, there
is an increased risk of skidding and having an
accident. Make sure that no persons, animals
or obstacles are within range of the vehicle.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration froma standing start. For this, a suitably high-griproad surface is required and the vehicle and tiresmust be in good working order.
iObserve the safety notes on driving safetysystems (Ypage 61).
Be sure to read the safety notes and informa-
tion on ESP®(Ypage 64).
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 atoperating temperature.
Rthe steering wheel is in the straight-aheadposition.
Rthe vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal isdepressed (left foot).
Rthe transmission is in position[.
Rdrive programS,S+orRACEis selected(Ypage 130)
Activating RACE START
XDepress the brake pedal with your left footand keep it depressed.
XPull and hold both steering wheel paddle shift-ers.
XTheRACE START Confirm: Paddle UPRACE START Confirm: Paddle UPCancel: Paddle DOWNCancel: Paddle DOWNmessage appears inthe multifunction display.
XRelease both steering wheel paddle shifters.
iIf the activation conditions are no longer ful-filled, RACE START is canceled. TheRACERACESTART Not Possible See Operator'sSTART Not Possible See Operator'sManualManualmessage appears in the multifunctiondisplay.
XTo cancel:pull the left steering wheel paddleshifter (Ypage 137).
or
XTo confirm:pull the right steering wheel pad-dle shifter (Ypage 137).TheRACERACESTARTSTARTAvailableAvailableDepressDepressgasgaspedalpedalmessage appears in the multifunctiondisplay.
160Driving systems
Driving and parking