1999 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS stop start

Starting and Turning Off the Engine

Before Starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector lever is in position "P" or "N".
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2. The charge indicator lamp should come on.

Starting (Model C 230)

Do not depress accelerator. Turn electronic key in steering lock clockwise to the stop.
Release electronic key only when the engine is firing regularly.


Starting
(Models C 280, C 43 AMG)
Do not depress accelerator. Briefly turn electronic ke y in steering lock clockwise to the stop and release.
The starter will engage until the engine is running. If engi ne will not run, and the starting procedure stops,
turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat star ting the engine. After several unsuccessful attempts,
have the system checked at the near est authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.


Important!
Due to the installed starter non- repeat feature, the electronic key must be turned completely to the left before
attempting to start the engine again. The battery charge indicator lamp should go out as soon as the engine
has started. In areas where temperat ures frequently drop below -4°F (-20°C) we recommend that an engine block
heater be installed. Your authorized Mercedes -Benz dealer will advise you on this subject.

Turning Off


Turn the electronic key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop the engine.
The electronic key can only be removed with your foot off the brake pedal and the selector lever in position "P".


ProCarManuals.com

Armrest (Rear Bench Seat)

Pull down the armrest. For removal of rear seat cushion, see Index.


Cup Holder in Rear Bench Armrest

Briefly press drawer and pull out to its detent.

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


Adjusting Telescoping Steering Column (optional)


Warning!

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The telescoping
adjustment must be locked while driving. Adjusting the steering
wheel while driving, or driving without the telescoping adjustment
locked could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Unlocking:
Pull handle (1) out to its stop. The indicator lamp comes on.
Adjusting:
To lengthen or shorten the steering column, pull out or push in steering wheel.
Locking:
Push handle (1) in until it engages.
The indicator lamp goes out.

Important!
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, an indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running. If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the engine, the adjustable steering
column is not locked properly. Do not drive the vehi cle until you have properly locked the steering column.


ProCarManuals.com

Steering Lock

0 - The electronic key can be withdrawn in this position only. The steering is locked with the electronic key removed
from the steering lock. The electronic key an be removed only with the selector lever in position "P" and the foot
off the brake pedal. After removing the electronic key or with the electronic key in steering lock position 0, the
selector lever is locked in position "P".
1 - Steering is unlocked. (If necessary, move steering wheel s lightly to allow the electronic key to be turned clockwise
to position 1.) Most electrical consumers can be operated. For detailed information see respective subjects.
2 - Driving position.
3 - Starting position.
Refer to Index for Starting and turning off the engine.


Warning !

When leaving the vehicle always remove the electroni c key from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause serious personal injury.


Important !
If the electronic key is left in the steering lock position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in
the lock. In this case, remove electron ic key from steering lock and reinsert.

Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver's door is opened with the el ectronic key in steering lock position 1 or 0. With the
engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the alternator (output) is limited. It is therefore recommended to turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of the
battery. Unnecessary strain on the batte ry and charging system may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window defroster. In addition, the automatic climate air volume control
should be set to the lowest position. The steering lock can only be unlocked with the vehicle battery properly
connected.

Caution !
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
steering lock. Do not leave the electronic key in steering lock position 0.


ProCarManuals.com

Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission selects individual gears automatically, dependent upon
• Selector lever position
• Program mode selector
• Accelerator position
• Vehicle speed

Important !

When parking the car or before working on the vehicle with the engine running, firmly depress the parking brake
pedal and shift the selector lever into "P".


Driving
The selector lever is automatically locked while in position "P". To move the selector lever out of position "P", the
service brake pedal must be firmly depressed before the shift lock will release. Shift selector lever to the desired
position only when the engine is idling normally and the service brake is applied. Do not release the brake until
ready to drive. The vehicle may otherwise start creeping when the selector lever is in drive or reverse position.

Warning !
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of "P" or "N" if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the car could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the car 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.

Important !
After selecting any driving position from "N" or "P", wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage before
accelerating, especially when the engine is cold.


Accelerator Position
Partial throttle = early upshifting = normal acceleration
Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid acceleration
Kickdown (depressing the accelerator beyond full throttle) = downshifting to a lower gear = maximum acceleration.
Once the desired speed is attained, ease up on t he accelerator - the transmission shifts up again.




Selector Lever Positions

The automatic gear shifting process can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.

P - Parking position.
The parking position is to be used when parking t he vehicle. Engage only with the car stopped. The parking
position is not intended to serve as a brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always use
the parking brake in addition to placing the selector lever in park to secure the vehicle.

Note:
The electronic key can be removed from the steering lo ck only with the foot off the brake pedal and the selector
lever in position "P". With the electronic key removed, the selector lever is locked in position "P".


R - Reverse gear. Shift to reverse gear only with the car stopped.
N - Neutral.
No power is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be
moved freely (pushed or towed). Do not engage "N" while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of
skidding (e.g. on icy roads, see Winter driving Instructions in Index).





ProCarManuals.com

Important !
Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with selector lever in "N" can result in transmission damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


D - The transmission automatically upshifts through 5th gear . Position "D" provides optimum driving characteristics
under all normal operating conditions.
4 - Upshift through 4th gear only.
Suitable for performance driving. To shift from position "D" to "4", push selector lever to the left.
3 - Upshift through 3rd gear only.
Suitable for moderately steep hill s. Since the transmission does not shift hi gher than 3rd gear, this gear selection
will allow use of the engine's braking power downhill.
2 - Upshift through 2nd gear only.
For driving in mountainous regions or under extreme operating conditions. This gear selection will allow use of the
engine's braking power when descending steep grades.
1 - In this position, the engine's
braking effect is utilized by shifting into 1 st gea r. Use this position while descending very steep or lengthy
downgrades and only at speeds below 40 mph (60 km/h).


Important !
With selector lever in position "D", "4" or "3", upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear is delayed depending on vehicle
speed and engine temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more quickly to operating temperatures.
During the brief warm-up period this delayed upshift and increased engine noise might be perceived as a malfunction.
However, neither the engine nor transmission are negatively affected by this mode of operation.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C). To avoid overrevving the engi ne when the selector lever is moved to a lower driving
range, the transmission will not shift to a lower gear as l ong as the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit of that gear.
To prevent the engine from laboring at low RPMs, do not allow the engine speed to drop too low on uphill gradients.
Depending on the degree of the incline, shift selector feve r to a lower gear range early enough to maintain engine
RPM within the best torque range.

Warning!

On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in rear wheel
slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's AB S will not prevent this type of loss of control.

Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a parki ng space, control the car speed by gradually releasing the
brakes. Accelerate gently and never abr uptly step on the accelerator. To rock a car out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying slight partial throttle. Rocking a car free in this manner may
cause the ABS malfunction indicator lamp to come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the malfunction
indication.

Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service brake. For longer
stops with the engine idling, shift into "N" or "P" and hold t he vehicle with the service brake. When stopping the car on
an uphill incline, do not hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat build
up.

Warning !

Getting out of your car with the selector lever not fully engaged in position "P" is dangerous. Also, when
parked on an incline, position "P" alone may not pr event your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people
or objects. Always set the parking brake in addition to sh ifting to position "P". When parked on an incline,
also turn front wheel against curb.

ProCarManuals.com

Program Mode Selector Switch
The transmission is provided with a selector switch for Standard "S" and Winter/Wet
(snow and ice) "W" program modes.



Important !
Always be certain of the program mode se lected since the vehicle driving characteristics change with the selection of
the program mode.


S Standard mode
Press switch on symbol "S". Use this mode for a ll regular driving. The vehicle starts out in 1st gear.
W Winter/Wet (snow and ice) mode Press switch on symbol "W". The vehicle starts out in 2nd gear, except
lever in 1st gear, or with accelerator pedal in kick-dow n position. The "W" mode helps to imp upshifts occur at lower
vehicle and engine speeds than in the "S" program mode.


Caution !
Never change the program mode? when the selector lever is out of position "P". It could result in a change of driving
characteristics for which you may not be prepared.

Emergency Operation (Limp Home Mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no longe r shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in Limp
Home Mode which engages when there is a malfunction at the transmission. This condition may be accompanied by
the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the 2nd gear or reverse gear can be activated.

To engage 2nd gear or reverse:
1 . Stop the vehicle.
2 . Move selector lever to position "P".
3 . Turn off the engine.
4 . Wait 10 seconds.
5 . Restart the engine.
6 . Move selector lever to position "D" (for 2nd gear), or move selector lever to position "R" (for reverse gear).

Have the transmission checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.


ProCarManuals.com

Charge Indicator Lamp
Should the charge indicator lamp fail to come on prior to starting when the electronic key is in steering lock position 2
or should it fail to go out after starting or during operati on, this indicates a fault which must be repaired at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.
If the charge indicator lamp comes on while the engine is ru nning, this may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken.
Should this condition occur, the poly-V-bel t must be replaced before continuing to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the engine.
Do not continue to drive the vehicle with the charge indicator lamp illuminated. Doing so could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the o il level warning lamp comes on. It should go out immediately
when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engi ne, or comes on with the engine running and at operating
temperature, the engine oil level has dropped to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning lamp will first come on intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest service station where the engine oil should be topped to the
"full" mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The low engine oil level warning light should not be ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated could result in
serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes -Benz Limited Warranty. In addition to the warning lamp,
the engine oil level should be periodically checked with the di pstick (or via the odometer display - Model 280 only), for
example during a fuel stop, or before a long trip (see Index)


ProCarManuals.com

Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, an indicator lamp comes on. It should go out when the engine is
running. If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving, this lamp
indicates a failure in the parking lamp, taillamp, stop lamp, or low beam headlamp. If an exterior lamp fails, the
indicator lamp will come on only when that lamp is switched on. If a brake lamp fails, the lamp failure indicator will
come on when applying the brake and st ay on until the engine is turned off.

Note:
If additional lighting equipment is installed (e.g. auxiliary headl amps etc.) be certain to connect into the fuse before
the failure indicator monitoring unit in order to avoid damaging the system.


Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the brake pad wear indicator lamp comes on for approximately 30
seconds. It goes out when the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp lights up during braking, this indica tes that the brake pads are worn down. Have the brake
system checked at your authorized Mercedes- Benz dealer as soon as possible.


Brake Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the brake warning lamp will come on. It should go out when the
engine is running. The brake warning lamp will come on:

• when there is insufficient brake fluid in the rese rvoir (engine running and parking brake released), or
• when the parking brake is set (engine running).

Warning !
Driving with the brake warning lamp on can result in an accident. Have your brake system checked
immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Don't add brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid
catching fire. You can be seriously burned.

If you find that the minimum mark on the brake fluid reserv oir is reached, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks. To test the brake warning lamp, turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2. The brake
warning lamp comes on, and should go out when the engine is running.


ProCarManuals.com