2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN Light switch

observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windshield after the vehicle has been
washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Clean the windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash.
Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Intermittent wipe, low 93Å
Intermittent wipe, high 104°
Continuous wipe, slow5¯ Continuous wipe, fastBí Single wipe/ î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluidXSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the Ä or Å position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the Å position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the Ä position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently.
Switching the rear window wiper on/
off
Combination switch
:è Switch2ô To wipe with washer fluid3I To switch on intermittent wiping40 To switch off intermittent wiping5ô To wipe with washer fluidXTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XTurn switch : on the combination switch
to the corresponding position.
When the rear window wiper is switched on,
the icon appears in the instrument cluster.9 Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.
10 Rain sensor set to high sensitivity.Windshield wipers117Lights and windshield wipersZ

Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notesGWARNING
For safety reasons, switch off the windshield
wipers and remove the key from the ignition
lock before changing the wiper blades
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: make sure that
the on-board electronics are in state 0).
Otherwise, the wiper motor could be switched
on suddenly and cause injury.
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper.
! Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the
windshield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windshield.
Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release
the windshield wiper arm without a wiper
blade and it falls onto the windshield, the
windshield may be damaged by the force of
the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades replaced by a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Replacing the windshield wiper blades
Removing the wiper blades
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock or turn it to position 0 (KEYLESS-GO).XFold the wiper arm away from the
windshield until it engages.XSet the wiper blade at right angles to the
wiper arm.XRemove the wiper blade from the retaining
pin on the wiper arm in the direction of the
arrow.
Installing the wiper blades
XPush the new wiper blade onto the
retaining pin on the wiper arm in the
opposite direction to the arrow.
Make sure that the wiper blade slides fully
onto the retaining pin on the wiper arm.XTurn the wiper blade parallel to the wiper
arm.XFold the wiper arm back onto the
windshield.
Replacing the rear window wiper blade
Removing the wiper blade
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.XFold wiper arm : away from the rear
window until it engages.XPosition wiper blade ; at a right angle to
wiper arm :.118Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers

XHold wiper arm : and press wiper
blade ; in the direction of the arrow until
it releases.XRemove wiper blade ;.
Installing the wiper blade
XPlace new wiper blade ; onto wiper
arm :.XHold wiper arm : and press wiper
blade ; in the opposite direction to the
arrow until it engages.XMake sure that wiper blade ; is seated
correctly.XPosition wiper blade ; parallel to wiper
arm :.XFold wiper arm : back onto the rear
window.
Problems with the windshield wipers
The windshield wipers are obstructed
Leaves or snow, for example, may be
obstructing the windshield wiper movement.
The wiper motor has been deactivated.
XFor safety reasons, you should remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or
XSwitch off the engine using the Start/Stop
button and open the driver's door.XRemove the cause of the obstruction.XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.
The windshield wipers are inoperative
The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the
combination switch.XHave the windshield wipers checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.The spray nozzles are misaligned
The windshield washer fluid from the spray
nozzles no longer hits the center of the
windshield. The spray nozzles are misaligned.
XHave the spray nozzles adjusted at a
qualified specialist workshop.Windshield wipers119Lights and windshield wipersZ

USA only
:To set the temperature, left (Y page 128);To defrost the windshield ( Y page 129)=To switch maximum cooling MAX COOL on/off ( Y page 130)?To activate/deactivate cooling with air dehumidification ( Y page 126)ATo switch the rear window defroster on/off ( Y page 130)BTo set the temperature, right ( Y page 128)CTo activate/deactivate air-recirculation mode ( Y page 130)DTo set the air distribution ( Y page 128)ETo increase the airflow ( Y page 129)FTo reduce the airflow ( Y page 129)GTo switch climate control on/off ( Y page 126)HTo set climate control to automatic ( Y page 127)Notes on using dual-zone automatic
climate control
The following contains notes and
recommendations on optimum use of dual-
zone automatic climate control.
R Activate climate control using the à and
¿ buttons. The indicator lamps in the
à and ¿ buttons light up.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odorsor when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode, no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the ZONE function to adopt the
temperature settings on the driver's side
for the front-passenger side as well. The
indicator lamp in the á button goes out.124Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

Notes on using 3-zone automatic
climate control
The following contains instructions and
recommendations to enable you to get the
most out of your automatic climate control.
R Activate climate control using the à and
¿ buttons. The indicator lamps in the
à and ¿ buttons light up.
R In automatic mode, you can also use the
ñ button to set a climate mode
(FOCUS/MEDIUM/DIFFUSE). The
MEDIUM level is recommended.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odors
or when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode, no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the ZONE function to adopt the
temperature settings on the driver's side
for the front-passenger side and the rear
compartment as well. The indicator lamp in
the á button goes out.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off.
Operating the climate control system
Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information
GWARNING
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the à button ( Y page 127).
Activating/deactivatingXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XPress the ^ button.
The indicator lamp in the ^ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again.XTo switch off: press the ^ button.
The indicator lamp in the ^ button lights
up.
Activating/deactivating the cooling
with air dehumidification function
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
126Operating the climate control systemClimate control

iThe cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Activating/deactivatingXTo activate: press the ¿ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¿ button lights
up.XTo switch off: press the ¿ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¿ button goes
out. The cooling with air dehumidification
function has a delayed switch-off feature.
Problems with the cooling with air
dehumidification function
When you press the ¿ button, the
indicator lamp in the button flashes three
times or remains off. You can no longer switch
on the cooling with air dehumidification
function.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XSet the desired temperature.XTo activate: press the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are activated.
i 3-zone automatic climate control: when
automatic mode is activated, you can
select a climate mode setting
( Y page 127).
XTo switch off: press the _ button.
or
XPress the K or I button.
The indicator lamp in the à button goes
out. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are deactivated.
Adjusting the climate mode settings
(AIR FLOW)
This function is only available with 3-zone
automatic climate control.
The climate mode settings are especially
effective at high temperatures.
You can select the following climate mode
settings in automatic mode:
FOCUShigh airflow that is set slightly
coolerMEDIUMmedium airflow, standard settingDIFFUSElow airflow that is set slightly
warmer and with less draftXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the à button.XPress the ñ button repeatedly until the
desired climate mode appears in the
display.Operating the climate control system127Climate controlZ

XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the _ button repeatedly until the
desired symbol appears in the display.
The indicator lamp in the à button goes
out. Automatic control is deactivated and
the air distribution is controlled according
to the selected setting.
Setting the airflow
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: press the K or
I button.
i
You can use automatic climate control to
set the airflow in the rear compartment
separately.
Switching the ZONE function on/off
This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.
XTo switch on: press the á button.
The indicator lamp in the á button lights
up.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
not adopted for the front-passenger side.
3-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
not adopted for the front-passenger side
and the rear compartment.
When the buttons for temperature, airflow or
air distribution are activated, the temperature
setting for the driver's side is not adopted for
the other climate control zones.
XTo switch off: press the á button.
The indicator lamp in the á button goes
out.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
adopted for the front-passenger side.3-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
adopted for the front-passenger side and
the rear compartment.
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
i You should only select the defrosting
function until the windshield is clear again.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the ¬ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ button lights
up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow 13
R high temperature 13
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode offXTo switch off: press the ¬ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again. The cooling with air
dehumidification function remains on. Air-
recirculation mode remains deactivated.
or
XPress the à button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ button goes
out. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XTurn temperature control : or B
clockwise or counter-clockwise
( Y page 123), ( Y page 125).13
Depending on the outside temperature.Operating the climate control system129Climate controlZ

orXPress the K or I button.
MAX COOL maximum cooling
The MAX COOL function is only available in
vehicles for the USA.
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 on
XTo 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 129).
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 defroster
Activating/deactivatingGWARNING
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 defroster 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 defroster 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
defroster
The rear window defroster 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 defroster 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.
The operation of air-recirculation mode is the
same for all control panels.
GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
130Operating the climate control systemClimate control