2002 MERCEDES-BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR COUPE Automatic

240 Starter switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Starter switch
0The electronic key can be withdrawn in this position
only. The steering is locked when the electronic key
is removed from the starter switch. If necessary,
move steering wheel slightly to allow the locking
mechanism to engage.
In vehicles with automatic transmission, the
electronic key can be removed only with the selector
lever in position “P”. After removing the electronic key or with the electronic key in starter switch
position 0 or 1 the selector lever is locked in
position “P”.
1Most electrical consumers can be operated. For
detailed information see respective subjects.
2Driving position.
Gear selector lever is unlocked.
To move the selector lever out of position “P” firmly
depress the service brake pedal.
3Starting position.
See page 242 for instructions on starting and turning off
the engine.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the
electronic key from the starter switch, 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.

241 Starter switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for a extended period of time, it can no longer
be turned in the lock. In this case, remove electronic key
from starter switch and reinsert.
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
starter switch. Do not leave the electronic key in starter
switch position 0.Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
with the electronic key is in starter switch position 1
or 0.
If the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter
switch, the vehicle battery may not be sufficiently
charged. See battery on page 336 or jump starting on
page 338.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the
alternator (output) is limited.
It is therefore recommended that you 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 battery 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.

242 Starting and turning off the engine
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Starting and turning off the engine
Before starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector
lever is in position “P” or “N” (gearshift lever in
neutral). Turn electronic key in starter switch to
position 2.
Starting
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Do not depress accelerator. Briefly turn electronic key in
starter switch clockwise to the stop and release. The
starter will engage until the engine is running.
If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops,
turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat
starting the engine.
After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system
checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Vehicles with manual transmission:
Do not depress accelerator. Fully depress clutch pedal,
otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the
integrated safety interlock.
Turn electronic key in starter switch clockwise to the
stop. Release only when the engine is firing regularly.

243 Starting and turning off the engine
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 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.
In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -4
°F
(-20
°C) we recommend that an engine block heater be
installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
advise you on this subject, see page 265.Turning off
Turn the electronic key in the starter switch to
position 0 to stop the engine.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
The electronic key can only be removed with the
selector lever in position “P”.

246 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Automatic transmission (optional)The automatic transmission selects individual gears
automatically, dependent upon
•Selector lever position
•Program mode selector
•Accelerator position
•Vehicle speed
The gear shifting process is continuously adapted,
dependent on the driving style, the driving situation
and the road characteristics.
Important!
When parking the vehicle or before working on the
vehicle with the engine running, firmly depress the
parking brake pedal and shift the selector lever into “P”.

247 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 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.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 the accelerator — the transmission shifts up again.
Wa r n i n g !
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
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.

248 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
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 the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
slight partial throttle.Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the
malfunction indication.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone
may not prevent your vehicle from moving,
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting
to position “P”, see page 256 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
towards the road curb.When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move
the selector lever from position“P”, which could
result in an accident or serious injury.

249 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Selector lever position
1Program mode indicator,
see page 253
2Gear range indicators
The current selector lever position is highlighted in the
gear range indicator display (2). The automatic gear
shifting process can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.3Light emitting gear range indicators
There is an additional indication of the current selector
lever position on the cover of the shifting-gate. The
indicators (3) come on when a switch is activated (e.g.
unlocking the vehicle or opening a door). It stays on for
approx. 15 minutes.
The automatic gear shifting process can be adapted to
specific operating conditions using the selector lever.
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