2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS light

Problems with the charging process Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The charge socket flap
cannot be opened. The charge socket flap is not unlocked. X
Unlock the vehicle ( Y
page 81).
If the key battery is discharged: X
Unlock the driver's door using the mechanical key ( Y
page 83).
or X
Unlock the vehicle centrally from the inside ( Y
page 88).
The charge socket flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed. X
Lock the vehicle and unlock it again.
If, after that, the opening mechanism is still jammed: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The high-voltage battery
is not being charged. The indicator lamp on the vehicle socket does not light up or flashes
red.
A malfunction has occurred during the initialization of the charging
process or during charging. X
Disconnect the charging cable connector from the vehicle socket
and plug it back into the vehicle socket.
If the problem persists: X
Use a different charging station.
or X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The high-voltage battery
is not charged during the
charging process when
connected to a power
socket. The electrical outlet is faulty. X
Have the electrical outlet checked to test if it is functioning prop-
erly.
or X
Use a different electrical outlet.
The charging cable con-
nector cannot be
removed from the vehi-
cle socket. The snap fastener on the charging cable connector is locked. X
Press and hold the button on the charging cable connector. The
snap fastener on the vehicle socket is unlocked. X
Remove the charging cable connector from the vehicle socket.
If the snap fastener on the charging cable connector is locked: X
Press and hold the button on the charging cable connector and try
to release the lock.Charging the high-voltage battery (PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles) 175
Driving and parking Z

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 SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in an emergency
while the vehicle is in motion by pressing and
holding the Start/Stop button for three sec-
onds. This function operates independently of
the ECO start/stop automatic engine switch-off
function.
Electric parking brake
General notes
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or there is a malfunction in
the system, it may not be possible to apply the
released parking brake. X
If this is the case, only park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it to prevent it rolling
away. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
P .
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or
there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
The electric parking brake performs a function
test at regular intervals while the engine is switched off. The sounds that can b e heard while
th
is is occurring are normal.
Applying or releasing manually X
To apply: push handle C .
When the electric parking brake is applied,
the red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp lights up in the instru-
ment cluster.
The electric parking brake can also be applied
when the SmartKey is removed. X
To release: pull handle C .
The red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
The electric parking brake can only be released: R
when the SmartKey is in position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock ( Y
page 146) or R
if the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button
Applying automatically The electric parking brake is automatically
applied when the transmission is in position P
and: R
the engine is switched off or R
the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened.
To prevent the electric parking brake from being
automatically applied, pull handle C .178
Parking
Driving an d parking

In addition to driving style, the actual consump-
tion is affected by other factors, such as: R
load R
tire pressure R
cold start R
choice of route R
electrical consumers switched on
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant": R
observe the gearshift recommendations. R
drive in drive program E .
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
highway, only the outer area for "constant" will
change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. On lon-
ger journeys, there are fewer changes. For more
marked changes, perform a manual rest
( Y
page 241).
For further information on the ECO display, see
( Y
page 240).
Braking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early
to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive wear
of the brakes. When you take advantage of the engine brak-
ing effect, a drive wheel may not turn for some
time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This
could cause damage to the drive train. This
type of damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance.182
Driving tips
Driving and parking

R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop in advance. You could oth-
erwise damage the drive train or the brake
system.
! The ESP ®
system operates automatically.
The engine and the ignition must therefore be
switched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-
tion 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or the Start/
Stop button must be in position 0 or 1 ) if the
electric parking brake is tested on a brake
dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) ( Y
page 68)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 69). For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings: R
brake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz R
brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equivalent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake disks and brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time. Always
install new brake pa ds/linings when replacing
bra
ke disks.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight brake
disks to which the wheel assembly with rim and
threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake disks other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz can change the
track width and is subject to approval, if appli-
cable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
disks, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake disks. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake disks, particularly on the
brake plate.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
High-performance and ceramic brakes
(Mercedes AMG vehicles) The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This
will depend on: R
Speed R
Braking force R
Environmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake
system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An Driving tips 183
Driving and parking Z

For more information on driving with snow
chains, see ( Y
page 363).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see ( Y
page 362).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion ( Y
page 362).
Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for inno-
vative driver assistance and safety systems
which enhance comfort and support the driver in
critical situations. With these intelligent co-ordi-
nated systems Mercedes-Benz has set a mile-
stone on the path towards autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive embraces all
elements of active and passive safety in one well
thought out system – for the safety of the vehi-
cle occupants and that of other road users.
Further information on driving safety systems
( Y
page 67).
Cruise control
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceeding the set speed. Change into a lower
gear in good time on long and steep downhill
gradients. This is especially important if the
vehicle is laden. By doing so, you will make use
of the braking effect of the engine. This relieves
the load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady
speed for a prolonged period. You can store any
road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise con-
trol can neither reduce the risk of an accident
nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control
cannot take into account the road, traffic and
weather conditions. Cruise control is only an
aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in
good time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control: R
in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads R
on slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid R
when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
i The speed indicated in the speedometer
may differ slightly from the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
C
Activates or increases speed D
Activates or reduces speed

Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is especially
impo rtant if the veh icle is laden. By doin g so, you
will make use of the braking effect of the engine.
This relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and wear-
ing too quic kly.
If DI ST RONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk of
a co llisio n, you will be warned visually and
acoustically. DI ST RONIC PLUS cannot prevent a
co llisio n wit hout your intervention. An intermit-
tent warning tone will then sound and the dis-
tance warning lamp will light up in the instru-
ment cluster. Brake immediately in order to
increase the dist ance to the veh icle in front or
take evasive action pro vide d it is safe to do so.
DI ST RONIC PLUS operates in range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h).
Do not use DI ST RONIC PLUS while driv ing on
roads wit h steep gradients.
As DI ST RONIC PLUS transmits radar waves, it
can resemble the radar detectors of the respon-
sible authorities. You can refer to the relevant
chapter in the Operator's Manual if questions
are asked about this.
i USA only: This device has been appr oved by
the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor is intended for use in an auto-
motive radar system only. Removal, tamper-
in g , or altering of the device will void any war-
ranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do
not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized mod ific ation to th is device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipm ent.
i Canada only: This device co mplie s wit h
RSS -210 of In dustry Canada. Operation is
subject to the foll owin g two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
2. This device must accept any interference
receive d, inc ludin g interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the device
will void any warranties, and is not permitte d.
Do not tamper wit h, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized mod ific ation to th is device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipm ent. Important safety notes
G WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to: R
people or animals R
stationary obstacles on the road, e.g. stop-
ped or parked vehicles R
oncoming and crossing traffic
As a result, DI ST RONIC PLUS may neither give
warnings nor intervene in such situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
Alwa ys pay careful attention to the traff ic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
G WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly iden-
tify other road users and co mple x traffic sit-
uations.
In such cases, DI ST RONIC PLUS may: R
give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle R
neither give a warning nor intervene R
accelerate or brake unexpect edly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLU S.
G WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up
to 50 %o f the maximum possible deceleration.
If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC
PLUS warns you visually and audibly. There is
a risk of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function is
activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in
certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car washDriving systems 187
Driving and parking Z

DISTRONI C PLUS display s in th e instru -
ment cluste rDisplay s in th e speedometer
If DISTRONIC PLU S detects a vehicle in front,
segments between th e speed of th e vehicle in
fron t C and stored speed D ligh t up.
Vehicles wit h th e Drivin g Assistance Plu s
package: th e segments likewis e ligh t up if a
vehicle in fron t is detecte d in th e fas t lane.
i Fo r design reasons, th e speed displaye d in
th e speedometer may diffe r slightly from th e
speed set fo r DISTRONIC PLUS.
Display when DISTRONI C PLUS is deacti -
vate d
C
Vehicle in front, if detecte d
D
Distanc e indicator , curren t distanc e to th e
vehicle in fron t

multifunction display for approximately five sec-
onds.
i The last speed stored remains stored until
you switch off the engine.
i DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal.
DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactivated
if: R
you engage the electric parking brake or if the
vehicle is automatically secured with the elec-
tric parking brake R
ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
R
the transmission is in the P , R or N positionR
you pull the cruise control lever towards you
in order to pull away and the front-passenger
door or one of the rear doors is open R
the vehicle is skidding R
you activate Active Parking Assist
If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will hear
a warning tone. You will see the DISTRONIC
PLUS Off message in the multifunction display
for approximately five seconds.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
General notes Pay particular attention in the following traffic
situations: R
Cornering, entering and exiting a bend: the
ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect vehicles
when cornering is limited. Your vehicle may
brake unexpectedly or late. R
Driving on a different line: DISTRONIC PLUS
may not detect vehicles which are not driving
in the middle of their lane. The distance to the
vehicle in front will be too short. R
Other vehicles changing lane: DISTRONIC
PLUS has not detected the vehicle cutting in
yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too
short. R
Narrow vehicles: DISTRONIC PLUS does not
detect the vehicle in front on the edge of the
road because of its narrow width. The dis-
tance to the vehicle in front will be too short. R
Obstacles and stationary vehicles:
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obsta-
cles or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the
detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC
PLUS will not brake for these. R
Crossing vehicles: DISTRONIC PLUS may mis-
takenly detect vehicles that are crossing your
lane. Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic
lights with crossing traffic, for example, could
cause your vehicle to pull away unintention-
ally.
In such situations, brake if necessary.
DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist
and Stop&Go Pilot General notes
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot aids you in keeping the vehicle in
the center of the driving lane by means of mod-
erate steering interventions at speeds of
0 - 125 mph (0 - 200 km/h).
It monitors the area in front of your vehicle by
means of multifunction camera C , at the top of
the windshield.
In a speed range from 0 - 37 mph (0 - 60 km/h),
Stop&Go Pilot focuses on the vehicle in front,
taking into account lane markings, e.g. when
following vehicles in a traffic jam.
At speeds of more than 37 mph (60 km/h),
Steering Assist focuses on clear lane markings
(left and right), only focusing on the vehicle in
front if clear lane markings are not present.
Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot do not pro-
vide any support if these conditions do not exist.
DISTRONIC PLUS must be active in order for the
function to be available.
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DISTRONIC
PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot
can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor192
Driving systems
Driving and parking