2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class lighting

Fog lamps and rear fog lamps
Front fog lamps
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
"fog lamps" function.
GWarning!
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the key in the ignition lock to position 2 or
start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.XPress the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
key in the ignition lock to position 2 or start
the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.
When the light switch is set to c, the
rear fog lamp only lights up if the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XPress the R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Combination switch
Turn signals
:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
High-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the key in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
In the c position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.
108Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers
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The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 1 or 2 or start the engine.
XPull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on:
Rif an air bag is deployed
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamp switches off
automatically after full brake application if the
vehicle then reaches a speed above
6 mph (10 km/h) again.
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 116). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated
while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
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Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Active: if you are driving at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signal or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive with the headlamps switched on.
The headlamps clear up after a short
distance.
If the moisture does not disappear, the
headlamp casing is not sealed correctly and
moisture has been able to enter.
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
:u To switch the rear interior lighting
on/off
;| To switch the automatic interior
lighting control on/off
=p To switch the right-hand front
reading lamp on/off
?c To switch the front interior lighting
on/off
Ap To switch the left-hand front reading
lamp on/off
BFront reading lampsCFront interior lighting110Interior lightingLights and windshield wipers
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Rear-compartment overhead control panel
:p To switch the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
;p To switch the left-hand reading lamp
on/off
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the key is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
When the automatic interior lighting
control is activated, the button is flush with
the overhead control panel.
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
Runlock the vehicle
Ropen a door
Rremove the key from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. You can activate this delayed switch-off
using the on-board computer (Y page 180).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the c button.
XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the u button.
XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.
Crash-responsive emergency lighting
If the interior lighting is set to automatic, the
interior lighting is activated automatically if
the vehicle is involved in an accident.
XTo switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
XLock and then unlock the vehicle using the
key.
Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
GWarning!
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
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MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
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 124).
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
O or P symbol appears in the
display.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window heating
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 heating 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 heating 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 heating
The rear window heating 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 heating 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.
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.
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.Operating the control systems125Climate controlBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 125Z

Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
Further information about ESP ®
(Y page 63).
This function is not available in AMG vehicles.XStart the engine.XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the DriveAssist
menu.XPress 9 or : to select ESP.XPress a.XTo deactivate: press a again.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on.GWarning
When the å ESP OFF warning lamp lights
up, ESP is switched off.
When the ä ESP warning lamp and the
å ESP OFF warning lamp are on
continuously, ESP is not operational due to a
malfunction.
When ESP is switched off or not operational,
the vehicle's stability during standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road conditions/weather conditions and to
the non-operating status of ESP.
XTo activate: press a again.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Maintenance menu
In the Service menu you can:
R call up display messages ( Y page 183)
R restart the tire pressure loss warning
system (Canada only) ( Y page 275)
R check the tire pressure electronically (USA
only) ( Y page 277)
R call up the service due date ( Y page 243)
Settings menu
Introduction
In the Settings menu, you have the following
options:
R Changing the instrument cluster settings
R Changing the time/date settings 22
R Changing the lighting settings
R Changing the vehicle settings
R Changing the convenience settings
R Restoring the factory settings
Instrument cluster
Selecting the unit of measurement for
distance
The Display Unit Speed-/Odometer:
function allows you to choose whether
certain displays appear in km/h or mph in the
multifunction display.
The selected unit of measurement for
distance applies to:
R the digital speedometer in the Trip menu
R the odometer and the trip odometer
R the trip computer
R the navigation instructions in the Navi
menu
22 This function is not available in vehicles with COMAND.178Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
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c position the daytime running lamps are
switched on automatically when the engine is
running.
In the dark, the following also light up:
R the low-beam headlamps
R the parking lamps
R the tail lamps
R the license plate lamp
R the side marker lampsXPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Lights submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Daytime Running Lights: function.
You will see the selected setting: Enabled
or Disabled .XPress the a button to save the setting.
Activating/deactivating surround
lighting and exterior lighting delayed
switch-off
If you switch on the Locator Lighting:
function and the light switch is set to c,
R the exterior lighting switches on when it is
dark after unlocking the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The exterior lighting switches off when you
open the driver’s door.
R the exterior lighting remains on for 15
seconds when it is dark after closing the
doors.
If the engine is switched off and then none
of the doors are opened, or if an open door
is not closed, the exterior lighting goes out
after 60 seconds.
If you activate the Locator Lighting:
function, the following light up:
R the parking lamps
R the tail lamps
R the fog lamps 23
R the low-beam headlamps 24
R the license plate lamp
R the side marker lampsXPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Lights submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Locator Lighting: function.
You will see the selected setting: Enabled
or Disabled .XPress the a button to save the setting.
To deactivate the delayed shut-off
temporarily:
XBefore leaving the vehicle, turn the
SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock and back to position 0.
The delayed shut-off is deactivated.
The delayed shut-off is reactivated the next
time you start the engine.
Activating/deactivating the interior
lighting delayed switch-off
If the Interior Lighting Delay: function
is activated and you pull the SmartKey out of
the ignition lock, the interior lighting remains
on for around 10 seconds.
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Lights submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.23
Only for vehicles with front fog lamps.
24 Only for vehicles without front fog lamps.180Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
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XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Interior Lighting Delay: function.
You will see the selected setting: Enabled
or Disabled .XPress the a button to save the setting.
Vehicle
Activating/deactivating the automatic
locking feature
If you select the Automatic Door Lock:
function, the vehicle is centrally locked above
a speed of around 9 mph (15 km/h).
i Further information on the automatic
locking feature ( Y page 78).
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Vehicle submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Automatic Door Lock: function.
You will see the selected setting: Enabled
or Disabled .XPress the a button to save the setting.
Activating/deactivating the acoustic
locking confirmation
If you switch on the Acoustic Lock
Feedback: function, an acoustic signal
sounds when you lock or unlock the vehicle.
When unlocking, the signal sounds once.
When locking, it sounds three times.
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Vehicle submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Acoustic Lock Feedback: function.
You will see the selected setting: Enabled
or Disabled .XPress the a button to save the setting.
Convenience
Activating/deactivating the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature
You can use the Easy Entry/Exit: function
to activate or deactivate the easy-entry/exit
feature ( Y page 99).
GWarning!
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement, move
steering wheel adjustment lever or press one
of the memory position buttons.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver's door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Convenience submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Easy Entry/Exit: feature.
You will see the selected setting: Enabled
or Disabled .XPress the a button to save the setting.
Switching the fold in mirrors when
locking function on/off
This function is only available in Canada.
If you switch on the Fold Mirrors In when
Locking: function, the exterior mirrors fold
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