key MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class 2012 W218 Workshop Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2012, Model line: CLS-Class, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class 2012 W218Pages: 356, PDF Size: 14.25 MB
Page 116 of 356

Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Intermittent wipe, low 83Å
 Intermittent wipe, high 94°
 Continuous wipe, slow5¯ Continuous wipe, fastBí Single wipe/  î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluidXSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
!  Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the  Ä or Å  position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the  Å  position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the  Ä position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently.
Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notesGWARNING
For safety reasons, switch off the windshield
wipers and remove the key from the ignition
lock before changing the wiper blades
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: make sure that
the on-board electronics are in state  0).
Otherwise, the wiper motor could be switched
on suddenly and cause injury.
!  To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper.
Replacing the wiper blades
Removing the wiper blades
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock or turn it to position  0 (KEYLESS-GO).XFold the wiper arm away from the
windshield until it engages.XSet the wiper blade at right angles to the
wiper arm.XRemove the wiper blade from the retainer
on the wiper arm in the direction of the
arrow.
Installing the wiper blades
XSlide the new wiper blade into the retainer
on the wiper arm in the opposite direction
to the arrow.8 Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.
9 Rain sensor set to high sensitivity.114Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers   
Page 117 of 356

Make sure that the wiper blade slides fully
into the retainer on the wiper arm.XTurn the wiper blade parallel to the wiper
arm.XFold the wiper arm back onto the
windshield.
Problems with the windshield wipers
The windshield wipers are obstructed
Leaves or snow, for example, may be
obstructing the windshield wiper movement.
The wiper motor has been deactivated.
XFor safety reasons, you should remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or
XSwitch off the engine using the Start/Stop
button and open the driver's door.XRemove the cause of the obstruction.XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.
The windshield wipers are inoperative
The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the
combination switch.XHave the windshield wipers checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
The spray nozzles are misaligned
The windshield washer fluid from the spray
nozzles no longer hits the center of the
windshield. The spray nozzles are misaligned.
XHave the spray nozzles adjusted at a
qualified specialist workshop.Windshield wipers115Lights and windshield wipersZ 
Page 124 of 356

Notes on using 3-zone automatic
climate control
The following contains instructions and
recommendations to enable you to get the
most out of your automatic climate control.
R Activate climate control using the  Ã and
¿  buttons. The indicator lamps in the
à  and ¿  buttons light up.
R In automatic mode, you can also use the
ñ  button to set a climate mode
(FOCUS/MEDIUM/DIFFUSE). The
MEDIUM level is recommended.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odors
or when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode, no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the ZONE function to adopt the
temperature settings on the driver's side
for the front-passenger side and the rear
compartment as well. The indicator lamp in
the  á  button goes out.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off.
Operating the climate control system
Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information
GWARNING
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the  Ã  button ( Y page 123).
Activating/deactivatingXTurn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on:  press the à button.
The indicator lamp in the  Ã button lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XPress button  ^.
The indicator lamp in the  ^ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again.XTo switch off:  press the ^ button.
The indicator lamp in the  ^ button lights
up.
Activating/deactivating the cooling
with air dehumidification function
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
122Operating the climate control systemClimate control 
Page 125 of 356

iThe cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Activating/deactivatingXTo activate:  press the ¿ button.
The indicator lamp in the  ¿ button lights
up.XTo switch off:  press the ¿ button.
The indicator lamp in the  ¿ button goes
out. The cooling with air dehumidification
function has a delayed switch-off feature.
Problems with the cooling with air
dehumidification function
When you press the  ¿ button, the
indicator lamp in the button flashes three
times or remains off. You can no longer switch
on the cooling with air dehumidification
function.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
Adjusting the climate mode settings
(AIR FLOW)
This function is only available with automatic
climate control.
The climate control settings are especially
effective at high temperatures.
You can select the following climate control
settings in automatic mode:FOCUShigh airflow that is set slightly
coolerMEDIUMmedium airflow, standard settingDIFFUSElow airflow that is set slightly
warmer and with a lower rate of
airflowXTurn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the  Ã button.XPress the  ñ button repeatedly until the
desired climate mode appears in the
display.
Setting the temperature
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Different temperatures can be set for the
driver's and front-passenger sides.
XTurn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce:  turn controls : and
B  clockwise or counter-clockwise
( Y  page 119).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 † ).Operating the climate control system123Climate controlZ 
Page 126 of 356

3-zone automatic climate control
Automatic climate control climate zones
You can select different temperature settings
for the driver's and front-passenger sides as
well as for the rear compartment.
XTurn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce the temperature in 
the front:  turn controls  : and  B
clockwise or counter-clockwise
( Y  page 121).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 † ).XTo increase/reduce the temperature in 
the rear compartment using the front 
control panel:  press the á button.
The indicator lamp in the  á button goes
out.XTurn control  : clockwise or counter-
clockwise ( Y page 121).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 † ).
The temperature setting for the driver's
side is adopted for the rear compartment
and the front-passenger side.XTo increase/reduce the temperature in 
the rear compartment using the rear 
control panel:  press the r or s
button on the rear control panel.
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 † ).i If you leave the vehicle parked for longer
than 30 minutes, the temperature setting
for the rear compartment then switches
back to 72 ‡.
Setting the air distribution
PDirects the airflow through the center
and side air ventsODirects the airflow through the
footwell air ventsSDirects the airflow through the center
and side air vents as well as the
footwell air vents¯Directs the airflow through the
defroster ventsbDirects the airflow through the
defroster, center and side air vents. 11aDirects the airflow through the
footwell and defroster vents_Directs the airflow through the
defroster, center and side air vents as
well as the footwell air vents 11
i
Regardless of the air distribution setting,
airflow is always directed through the side
air vents. The side air vents can only be
closed when the controls on the side air
vents are turned downwards.
XTurn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the  _ button repeatedly until the
desired symbol appears in the display.
Setting the airflow
XTurn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase:  press the K button.XTo reduce:  press the I button.11
Canada only.124Operating the climate control systemClimate control  
Page 127 of 356

iYou can use automatic climate control to
set the airflow in the rear compartment
separately.
Switching the ZONE function on/off
XTo switch on:  press the á button.
The indicator lamp in the  á button lights
up.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
not adopted for the front-passenger side.
3-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
not adopted for the front-passenger side
and the rear compartment.
When the buttons or controls for
temperature, airflow or air distribution are
activated, the temperature setting for the
driver's side is not adopted for the other
climate control zones.
XTo switch off:  press the á button.
The indicator lamp in the  á button goes
out.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
adopted for the front-passenger side.
3-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
adopted for the front-passenger side and
the rear compartment.
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
i You should only select the defrosting
function until the windshield is clear again.
XTurn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate:  press the ¬ button.
The indicator lamp in the  ¬ button lights
up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow 12
R high temperature 12
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode offXTo switch off:  press the ¬ button.
The indicator lamp in the  ¬ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again. The cooling with air
dehumidification function remains on. Air-
recirculation mode remains deactivated.
or
XPress the  Ã button.
The indicator lamp in the  ¬ button goes
out. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XTurn controls  : or  B clockwise or
counter-clockwise ( Y page 119),
( Y  page 121).
or
XPress the  K or I  button.
MAX COOL maximum cooling
The MAX COOL function is only available in
vehicles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
12 Depending on the outside temperature.Operating the climate control system125Climate controlZ 
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When you activate MAX COOL, climate
control switches to the following functions:
R maximum cooling
R maximum airflow
R air-recirculation mode onXTo activate:  press the Ù button.
The indicator lamp in the button lights up.XTo deactivate:  press the Ù button
again.
The indicator lamp goes out. The previously
selected settings come into effect again.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the  ¿ cooling with air
dehumidification function.XActivate automatic mode  Ã.XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate
the defrosting function ( Y page 125).
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XSwitch on the windshield wipers.XPress the  _ button repeatedly until the
P  or O  symbol appears in the
display.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear as it only switches
off automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.XTurn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the  ¤ button.
The indicator lamp in the  ¤ button lights
up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
The rear window defroster has deactivated
itself prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.
The operation of air-recirculation mode is the
same for all control panels.
GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the  ¬
button.
126Operating the climate control systemClimate control 
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XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate:  press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the  g button lights
up.
i In the event of high pollution levels 13
 or at
high outside temperatures, air-
recirculation mode is automatically
activated. When air-recirculation mode is
activated automatically, the indicator lamp
in the  g button is not lit.
Outside air is added after about 30
minutes.
XTo switch off:  press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the  g button goes
out.
i Air-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes if
outside temperatures are less than about
41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes if outside
temperatures are over about
41 ‡ (5 †)
Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
The residual heat function is only available in
vehicles for Canada with automatic climate
control.
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the temperature that has
been set.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
i If you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated. The blower runs at
medium speed.XTurn the SmartKey to position  0 in the
ignition lock or remove it.XTo activate:  press the Ì button.
The indicator lamp in the  Ì button lights
up.XTo switch off:  press the Ì button.
The indicator lamp in the  Ì button goes
out.
i Residual heat is deactivated
automatically:
R after about 30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops
R if the coolant temperature is too low
Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
Always keep sufficient distance between
unprotected parts of the body and the air
vents. If necessary, use the air distribution
adjustment to direct the air to air vents in the
vehicle interior that are not in the immediate
area of unprotected skin.
13 Automatic climate control only.Setting the air vents127Climate controlZ 
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Useful information
i This 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.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 22).
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position  P or
neutral position  N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
!  Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
!  AMG vehicles: at low engine oil
temperatures (below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the
maximum engine speed is restricted in
order to protect the engine. To protect the
engine and maintain smooth engine
operation, avoid driving at full throttle when
the engine is cold.
SmartKey positions
SmartKey
gTo remove the SmartKey(shift the transmission to position  P)1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
If the SmartKey is in position  0 in the ignition
lock for an extended period of time, it can no
132DrivingDriving and parking  
Page 135 of 356

longer be turned in the ignition lock. The
steering is then locked. To unlock, remove the
SmartKey and reinsert it into the ignition lock.
The steering is locked when you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
i The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO
General information
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
a SmartKey featuring an integrated KEYLESS-
GO function and a detachable Start/Stop
button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted into
the ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in
the vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
SmartKey positions in the ignition lock. This
is only the case if you are not depressing the
brake pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
The Start/Stop button can be removed from
the ignition lock. Then, you can insert the
SmartKey into the ignition lock.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. However, you should
always take the SmartKey with you when
leaving the vehicle. The vehicle can be
started with the Start/Stop button and the
electrical equipment can be operated while
the SmartKey is in the vehicle.
:Start/Stop button;Ignition lockXInsert Start/Stop button  : into ignition
lock  ;.
i
When you insert Start/Stop button  :
into ignition lock  ;, the system requires a
detection time of approximately two
seconds before you can use Start/Stop
button  :.
Start/Stop button
=USA only?Canada onlyXPosition  0: if Start/Stop button  : has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
SmartKey being removed from the ignition.XPosition  1: press Start/Stop button  :.
You can now activate the windshield
wipers, for example.
i If you then open the driver's door when in
this position, the power supply is
deactivated.
Driving133Driving and parkingZ