2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS SALOON ignition

boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a riskof an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
R overheat and cause a fire
R lose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only set the automatic transmission to the
respective drive positions when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. Otherwise, you could damage the
drive train.
Hybrid vehicles: observe the safety instruc-
tions for hybrid vehicles (Y page 269).Key positions
Key g
To remove the key
1 Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windscreen wipers 2
Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3 Starting the engine
i If the key does not belong to the vehicle, it
can still be turned in the ignition lock. How-
ever, the ignition will not be switched on
The engine cannot be started.
Vehicles with AIRPANEL: you can open the
shutters in the radiator trim by turning the key to position 2in the ignition lock. After approx-
imately 120 seconds the shutters open auto-
matically. Further information on opening and cleaning the shutters (Y page 400).
Start/Stop button General notes
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the key
determines whether a valid key is in the vehi-
cle. This occurs, for example, when starting
the engine.
To start the vehicle without actively using the key:
R the Start/Stop button must be inserted in
the ignition lock
R the key must be in the vehicle
R the vehicle must not be locked with the key
or KEYLESS-GO (Y page 91)
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-
ately.
Do not keep the key:
R with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile
phone or another key
R with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal
film
R inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case
This can affect the key's functionality. Driving
181Driving and parking Z

If you lock the vehicle with the key's remote
control or with KEYLESS-GO, after a short
time:
R you will not be able to switch on the ignition
with the Start/Stop button
R you will not be able to start the engine with
the Start/Stop button until the vehicle is
unlocked again
If you lock the vehicle centrally using the but-
ton on the front door (Y page 97), you can
continue to start the engine with the Start/
Stop button.
The engine can be switched off while the vehi-
cle is in motion by pressing and holding the
Start/Stop button for three seconds. This
function operates independently of the ECO
start/stop automatic engine switch-off func-
tion.
Key positions with the Start/Stop button If Start/Stop button
:has not yet been
pressed, this corresponds to the key being
removed from the ignition.
X To switch on the power supply: press
Start/Stop button :once.
The power supply is switched on. You can
now activate the windscreen wipers, for
example.
The power supply is switched off again if:
R the driver's door is opened and
R you press Start/Stop button :twice when
in this position X
To switch on the ignition: press Start/
Stop button :twice.
The ignition is switched on.
The power supply is switched off again if:
R the driver's door is opened and
R you press Start/Stop button :once when
in this position
Removing the Start/Stop button You can remove the Start/Stop button from
the ignition lock and start the vehicle as nor-
mal using the key.
It is only possible to switch between Start/
Stop button mode and key operation when
the transmission is in position P.
When you insert Start/Stop button :into
ignition lock ;, the system needs approx-
imately two seconds recognition time. You
can then use Start/Stop button :.
X Remove Start/Stop button :from ignition
lock ;.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. 182
DrivingDriving and parking

Starting the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they could:
R open doors, thereby endangering other per-
sons or road users
R get out and be struck by oncoming traffic
R operate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
In addition, the children could also set the
vehicle in motion, for example, if they:
R release the parking brake
R shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P or shift manual transmission into
neutral
R start the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children and animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Keep the keys out of the reach of children. G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation. G
WARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system.
! Do not depress the accelerator when
starting the engine. General notes Vehicles with a petrol engine:
the catalytic
converter is preheated for up to 30 seconds
after a cold start. The sound of the engine may
change during this time.
Manual transmission You can only start the engine when the clutch
pedal is fully depressed.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
X Shift to neutral N.
Automatic transmission X
Shift the transmission to position P
(Y page 193).
The transmission position indicator in the
multifunction display shows P
(Y page 195).
You can also start the engine when the trans- mission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the key To start the engine using the key instead of
the Start/Stop button, pull the Start/Stop
button out of the ignition lock.
X To start a petrol engine: turn the key to
position 3in the ignition lock (Y page 181)
and release it as soon as the engine is run- ning.
X To start a diesel engine: turn the key to
position 2in the ignition lock (Y page 181).
The % preglow indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X When the %preglow indicator lamp
goes out, turn the key to position 3
(Y page 181) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
You can start the engine without preglow if
the engine is warm. Driving
183Driving and parking Z

If the engine will not start:
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Reinsert the key into the ignition lock after
a short waiting period.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock (Y page 181).
The indicator lamps in the instrument clus-
ter light up (Y page 351).
X Turn the key to position 3in the ignition
lock (Y page 181) and release it as soon as
the engine is running.
Starting procedure with the Start/Stop button The Start/Stop button is only available on
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEYLESS-
GO start function.
The Start/Stop button can be used to start
the vehicle manually without inserting the key
into the ignition lock. The key must be in the
vehicle and the Start/Stop button must be
inserted in the ignition lock. This mode for
starting the engine operates independently of the ECO start/stop automatic engine start
function.
You can start the engine if a valid key is in thevehicle. Switch off the engine and always take
the key with you when leaving the vehicle,
even if you only leave it for a short time. Pay
attention to the important safety notes.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X To start a petrol engine: press the Start/
Stop button once (Y page 181).
The engine starts.
X To start a diesel engine: press the Start/
Stop button once (Y page 181).
Preglow is activated and the engine starts. Pulling away
Manual transmission !
Change gear in good time and avoid spin-
ning the wheels. Otherwise, you could dam- age the vehicle.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Shift to either first gear or reverse gear R.
X Release the electric parking brake
(Y page 209).
X Release the brake pedal.
X Slowly release the clutch pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal.
Follow the shift recommendations in the mul- tifunction display for an economical driving
style (Y page 191).
The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at any
time.
You can also deactivate the automatic locking feature, see the Digital Owner's Manual.
Automatic transmission G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
! If a warning tone sounds and the
Release park. brake Release park. brake message appears
in the multifunction display, the parking
brake is still applied. Release the parking
brake. 184
DrivingDriving and parking

ECO start/stop function
Introduction The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is stop-
ped under certain conditions.
When pulling away again, the engine starts
automatically. The ECO start/stop function
thereby helps you to reduce the fuel con-
sumption and emissions of your vehicle.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the engine is switched off automatically and you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted
automatically. The vehicle may begin moving. There is a risk of accident and injury.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the ignition and secure the vehicle against
rolling away.
General notes :
ECO start/stop display
If the è ECO symbol is shown in green in
the multifunction display, the ECO start/stop
function switches the engine off automati-
cally once the vehicle stops moving.
The ECO start/stop function is activated
whenever you switch on the engine using the key or the Start/Stop button.
If the ECO start/stop function has been man-
ually deactivated (Y page 187) or a malfunc-
tion has caused the system to be deactivated,
the è ECO symbol is not displayed. Automatic engine switch-off General notes
The ECO start/stop function is operational
and the
èECO symbol is shown in green in
the multifunction display, if:
R the indicator lamp in the ECO button lights
up green
R the outside temperature is within the range
that is suitable for the system
R the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature
R the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached
R the battery is sufficiently charged
R the system detects that the windscreen is
not misted up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on
R the bonnet is closed
R no electrical connection is established
between the vehicle and the trailer or
another carrier system (e.g. bicycle rack)
R the driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened
If the conditions for automatic engine switch- off are not all fulfilled, the èECO symbol is
shown in yellow.
All of the vehicle's systems remain active
when the engine is switched off automati-
cally.
Vehicles with manual transmission 186
DrivingDriving and parking

Problems with the engine
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The engine does not
start. The HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.
X Deactivate the HOLD function (Y page 232) or DISTRONIC
PLUS (Y page 222).
X Try to start the engine again (Y page 183).The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard. R
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
X Before attempting to start the engine again, turn the key in the
ignition back to position 0or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.
X Try to start the engine again (Y page 183). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine, as this will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard. The
reserve fuel warning
lamp is lit and the fuel
gauge display is at the
reserve level. The fuel tank is empty.
X Refuel the vehicle. The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor. The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak or
discharged.
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 418).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.
X Try to start the engine again (Y page 183).
If the engine still does not start: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Driving
189Driving and parking Z

Shifting to neutral N
X
Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Move the gear lever to position N:. Engaging reverse gear
! Only shift into reverse gear
Rwhen the
vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, you could
damage the transmission.
X Move the gear lever firmly to the left,
beyond the point of resistance, then for-
wards.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when reverse gear is engaged. For further
information on the ECO start/stop function;
see (Y page 186). Gearshift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec- ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
X Shift gear according to gearshift recom-
mendation :when shown in the multi-
function display of the instrument cluster. C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition:
in drive
program Ethe accelerator pedal also trans-
mits double pulses. Additional information
for drive programs (Y page 192). AGILITY SELECT switch
Use the AGILITY SELECT switch to change the drive program. Depending on the drive pro-
gram selected, the following vehicle charac-
teristics will change:
R the drive (engine and transmission man-
agement)
R the suspension
R the steering
R the availability of the ECO start/stop func-
tion (Y page 186)
R the climate control settings
- THERMATIC (Y page 153)
- THERMOTRONIC (Y page 156)
R the rear window heating operation period
(Y page 164)
R the performance of the seat heating
(Y page 123)
If the ignition is switched off for less than four hours, the previously selected drive program
is activated when the engine is next started. If
the ignition is switched off for more than four hours, drive program Cis activated when the
engine is next started. Manual transmission
191Driving and parking Z

i
Neutral
h Drive
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direc-
tion of arrow P.
Engaging park position P automatically Park position
Pis automatically engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the key and
remove the key
R you switch off the engine using the Start/
Stop button and open the driver's door
R you open the driver's door when the vehicle
is stationary or driving at very low speed
and the transmission is in position Dor R
Engaging reverse gear R !
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary.
X If the transmission is in position Dor N:
push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT
SELECT lever up past the first point of
resistance.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when reverse gear is engaged. For further
information on the ECO start/stop function,
see (Y page 186).
Shifting to neutral N G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they can:
R open doors and endanger other persons or
road users
R climb out and be injured by the traffic
R operate vehicle equipment and, for exam-
ple, trap themselves. Children could also set the vehicle in motion,
for example by:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R starting the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle. Always
keep the key out of reach of children.
X If the transmission is in position Dor R:
push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the first point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT
SELECT lever up or down to the first point of resistance.
If you switch the engine off with the trans-
mission in position Ror D, the automatic
transmission shifts to Nautomatically.
With the key: if you then open one of the
front doors or remove the key from the igni-
tion, the automatic transmission shifts to P.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then
open one of the front doors, the automatic
transmission shifts to P.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the
vehicle cleaned in an automatic car wash with
a towing system:
With the key:
X Switch the ignition on.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in
the ignition lock. 194
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking