1999 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS center console

Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp

High beam
Battery not being charged properly.
See Index


Warning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless)
Exterior lamp failure. See Index

ASR or ESP.
Adjust driving to road condition. See Index
BAS malfunction. See Index
ASR malfunction. See Index


Fluid level for windshield and headlamp
washer system low. See Index


BAS malfunction. See Index
ESP malfunction. See Index

Coolant level low. See Index
ABS malfunction. See Index
Engine oil level low. See Index Fasten seat belts. See Index
Brake pads worn down. See Index SRS malfunction. See Index

Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged. See Index

Telescoping steering column not locked.
See Index


Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged.
See Index

Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel
management system or emission control
system, or the fuel cap is not closed tight. In
all cases, we recommend that you have the
malfunction checked as soon as possible.
See Index


Additional Function Indicator Lamps in
the Instrument Cluster

Function Indicator Lamp on
the Center Console


FSS indicator (distance).
See Index


Passenger Airbag automatically switched
off. See Index


FSS indicator (days).
See Index



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Panic Button

To activate press and hold button (1) for at least one second. The
alarm will last for approximately 3 minut es in form of blinking exterior
lamps, and an additional horn will sound intermittently
To deactivate press button (1) again, or insert electronic key in
steering lock.



Note:
For operation in the USA only: This devise complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause har mful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any unauthorized modification to
this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.


Mechanical Keys

The entire vehicle may be locked or unlocked by using either t he mechanical key in driver's door or trunk lock, or
central locking switch located in center console. The central locking system also locks or unlocks the fuel filler flap.

Note:
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, refer to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual Release (see Index).


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Antitheft Alarm System

1. Indicator lamp in switch located in center console

The antitheft alarm is automatically armed or disarmed with the remotecontrol or
any of your vehicle's mechanical keys by locking or unlocking the driver's door or the trunk.
A blinking lamp (1) indicates that the alarm is armed.

Operation
Once the alarm system ha s been armed, the exterior vehicle la mps will flash and the horn will sound
intermittently when someone:
• opens a door,
• opens the trunk,
• opens the hood.

The alarm will last approximately 21/2 minutes in the form of blinking exterior lamps. At the same time an additional
horn will sound intermittently for 60 seconds, pause for 30 seconds, and repeat for another 60 seconds.
The alarm will stay on even if the activating element (a door, for example) is immediately closed.

Note:
We recommend that you carry the electronic reserve key with mechanical key with you and keep it in a safe place
(e.g. your wallet) so that it is always handy. Ne ver leave the electronic reserve key in the vehicle.


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Heated Seats (optional)

The front seat heater switches are located in the center console. The front seat heaters
can be switched on with the electronic key in steering lock positions 1 or 2.

Press switch to turn on heater:
1. Normal heating mode. One indicator lamp in the switch lights up.
2. Rapid heating mode. Bo indicator lamps in the switch light up. After approximately
5 minutes in the rapid heating mode, the heater automatically witches to normal
operation and only one indicator lamp will stay on.


Turning off heater:
If one indicator lamp is on, press upper half of switch.
If both indicator lamps are on, press lower half of switch.
If left on, the heater automatically turns off after approximately 30 minutes of operation.

Note:
When in operation, the seat heater consumes a large amount of electrical power. It is not advisable to use the seat
heater longer than necessary. The seat heaters may automatically switch off if too many power consumers are
switched on at the same time, or if the battery charge is lo w. When this occurs, the indicator lamp in the switch will
blink (both indicator lamps blink during rapid seat heating) . The seat heaters will switch on again automatically as
soon as sufficient voltage is available. If the blinking of the indicator lamps is distracting to you, the seat heaters can
be switched off.


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BabySmart™ Airbag Deactivation System

Special child seats, designed for use with the Mercedes-Benz system and available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer are required for use with the BabySmart™ airbag deactivation
system. With the special child seat properly insta lled, the passenger front airbag will not deploy. The
indicator lamp located on the center console will be illuminated, except with electronic key
removed or in steering lock position 0. The system does not deactivate the door mounted side
impact airbag.

Warning !

The BabySmart™ Airbag Deactivation System will ONLY work with a special seat designed to
operate with it. It will not work with seats which are not BabySmart™ compatible. Never place
anything between seat cushion and child seat (e .g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness
of the deactivation system. Follow the manufacture r's instructions for installation of special
child seats. The passenger side front airbag will not deploy only if the
indicator lamp
remains illuminated. Please be sure to check the indicator every time you use the special
system child seat. Should the light go out while the restraint is installed, please check
installation. If the light remains out, do not use the BabySmart™ restraint to transport
children, or otherwise do not transport child restraints on the front passenger seat until the
system has been repaired.


Self-Test BabySmart™ Without Special Child Seat Installed
After turning electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2, the
indicator lamp located on
center console comes on for approx. 6 seconds.
If the lamp should not come on or is continuously li t, the system is not functioning. You must see an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer before using any child seat.


BabySmart is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.


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Exterior Rear View Mirrors

The switch is located on the center console.
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
First select the mirror to be adjusted - press button:

Left mirror
Right mirror

To adjust, toggle the switch forward, backward or to eit her side. Vehicles with automatic brightness response
of inside rear view mirror: With the electronic key in st eering lock position 2, the driver's side mirror reflection
brightness responds to changes in light sensitivity. With gear selector lever in position "R", or with the interior
lamp switched on, the driver's side mirror brightne ss does not respond to changes in light sensitivity.

Notes:
The exterior mirrors have electrically heated glass. The heater switches on automatically, depending on outside
temperature. If an exterior mirror housing is forcibly pivot ed from its normal position, it must be repositioned by
applying firm pressure until it snaps into place.

Warning !

Exercise care when using the passenger-side mirror. The passenger-side exterior mirror is convex
(outwardly curved surface for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
Check your inside rear view mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.


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Ashtrays

Center Console, Front


To remove ashtray:
Push sliding knob (1) toward the right to eject the insert.
To install ashtray:
Install insert into ashtray frame and push down to engage.

By touching the top of the cover light ly, the ashtray opens automatically.
Prior to removing the ashtray insert, move the gear selector lever to position "N".

Warning!
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle standing still. Wi th the gear selector lever in position "N", turn
off the engine and set the parking brake. Otherwise the vehicle might move as a result of unintended
contact with the gear selector lever.



Center Console, Rear

To remove ashtray:
Push center bar down and pull out the ashtray.
To install ashtray:
Install bottom of ashtray, push center bar down, and close ashtray.


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Storage Compartments and Cupholder




Glove Box
1. Unlocking: Turn mechanical key to vertical position and remove.
2. Locking: Turn mechanical key to the right and remove.
3. Opening: Pull on handle.

Caution!
Keep compartment lids closed. This will prevent stored objects from being thrown about and
injuring vehicle occupants during an accident.


Storage Compartments in Center Console
To open compartment in armrest: Lift lid with handle (4).
To open compartment under armrest: Lift lid with handle (5).
To close: Lower lid until it engages in lock.

Cupholder in Center Console
To open cover:
Touch top of cover (6) slightly. The cover opens automatically.

To open cup holder:
Briefly press button (7). The cup holder opens automatically.
To store cup holder:
Push button (7) down until cup holder engages. Close cover (6).

Caution !
Keep cup holder closed while travelling. Place only containers that fit into the cup holder to
prevent spills. Do not fill contai ners to a height where the conten ts could spill during vehicle
maneuvers, especially hot liquids.


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