2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C280 fog lights

119 Controls in detail
Lighting
Manual headlamp mode
The low beam headlamps and the parking
lamps can be switched on and off with the
exterior lamp switch.
Automatic headlamp mode
The following lamps switch on and off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light:

Low beam headlamps


Tail and parking lamps


License plate lamps


Side marker lamps

Turn the exterior lamp switch to
positionU.
With the SmartKey in starter switch
position1, only the parking lamps will
switch on and off automatically.
When the engine is running, the low
beam headlamps, the tail and parking
lamps, the license plate lamps, and the
side marker lamps will switch on and
off automatically.
iWith the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch and the driver’s door
open, a warning sounds if the parking
lamps or low beam headlamps are
switched on.
The message
Switch off lights.

appears in the multifunction display.
Warning!
G
If the exterior lamp switch is set toU,

the headlamps may switch off unexpect-
edly when the system senses bright
ambient light, for example light from
oncoming traffic.


the headlamps will not be automatically
switched on under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others,
activate headlamps by turning exterior lamp
switch toB when driving or when traffic
and / or ambient lighting conditions require
you to do so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only
switch from positionU toB with the
vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching fromU toB will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions
may result in an accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid to the driver. The driver is responsible for
the operation of the vehicle’s lights at all
times.

379 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
.
Low beam right
The right low beam lamp is
malfunctioning.
Halogen headlamp:
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Bi-Xenon* headlamp:

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Parking lamp
left front
The left front parking lamp is
malfunctioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Parking lamp
right front
The right front parking lamp is
malfunctioning.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Rear fog lamp
Substit. bulb on
The rear fog lamp is malfunctioning.
A substitute bulb is being used.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Switch off lights
Headlamps have been turned on with the
driver’s door opened and the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch.

Switch off the headlamps.
Taillamp left
Substit. bulb on

The left tail lamp is malfunctioning.
A substitute bulb is being used.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Taillamp right
Substit. bulb on

The right tail lamp is malfunctioning.
A substitute bulb is being used.

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

397 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Replacing bulbs
Safe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling. It is there-
fore essential that all bulbs and lamp
assemblies are in good working order at all
times.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for headlamp
adjustment.
iIf the headlamps or front fog lamps are
fogged up on the inside as a result of
high humidity, driving the vehicle a
distance with the lights on should clear
up the fogging.
iSubstitute bulbs will be brought into
use when lamps malfunction. Observe
the messages in the multifunction
display (
page 377).

399 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Rear lamps Notes on bulb replacement


Only use 12 volt bulbs of the same type
and with the specified watt rating.


Switch lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.


Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.


Your hands should be dry and free of oil
and grease.


If the newly installed bulb does not
come on, visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Lamp
Type
7
High mounted brake
lamp
LED
8
Brake lamp
P21W
9
Turn signal lamp
PY 21 W
a
Parking and side
marker lamp
P21/5W
b
Backup lamp
P21W
c
License plate lamps
C5W
d
Rear fog lamp (driver’s
side only), tail and
standing lamp
P21/4W
Warning!
G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot.
Allow the lamp to cool down before
changing a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas.
A bulb can explode if you

touch or move it when hot


drop the bulb


scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.