2018 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS CABRIOLET heating

Problems with the seat heating / seat ventilation
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The seat heating or seat
ventilation has switched
off prematurely or can-
not be switched on.The on-board voltage is too low because too many electrical consum-
ers are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers that you do not need, such as the
rear window defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the seat heating or seat
ventilation can be switched back on manually.
AIRSCARF
Switching on/off
GWARNING
When AIRSCARF is switched on, very hot air
can flow from the vents in the head restraints. This could result in burns in the immediate
vicinity of the air vents. There is a risk of injury.
Reduce the heater output before it becomes
too hot.
The AIRSCARF function warms the head and
neck area of vehicle occupants with warm air.
The warm air flows out of the holes in the head
restraints.
The three red indicator lamps in the button indi-
cate the heating level you have selected.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position 1
or 2 in the ignition lock.
XTo switch on: press button:.
Three red indicator lamps in the button light
up. The blower starts up after a preheating
phase of seven seconds.
XPress button :repeatedly until the desired
heating level is set.
XTo switch off: press button:repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
Adjust the height of the current of air blown out according to your height while adjusting the
height of the head restraint.
Make sure that there are no objects covering the
intake grille on the back of the driver's seat head
restraint.
iThe blower continues running for seven sec-
onds to cool down the heating elements.
iIf the battery voltage is too low, AIRSCARF
may switch off.
Steering wheel
Important safety notes
GWARNING
You could lose control of your vehicle if you do the following while driving:
Radjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors
Rfasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirror and fasten your seat belt before starting the engine.
GWARNING
Children could injure themselves if they
adjust the steering wheel. There is a risk of
injury.
100Steering wheel
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
The electrically adjustable steering wheel can
still be adjusted when there is no key in the igni-
tion lock.
Adjusts the steering wheel electri-
cally
:Adjusts the steering wheel height
;Adjusts the steering wheel position (fore-
and-aft adjustment)
iFurther related subjects:
REASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature (Ypage 101)
RStoring settings (Ypage 106)
Steering wheel heating
Switching on/off
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 123).
XTo switch on/off: turn the lever in the direc-
tion of arrow :or;.
Indicator lamp =lights up or goes out.
If you switch off the ignition, the steering wheel
heating is deactivated.
Problems with the steering wheel heating
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
The steering wheel heat-
ing has switched off pre-
maturely or cannot be
switched on.The on-board voltage is too low because too many electrical consum-
ers are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers that you do not need, such as the
rear window defroster or interior lighting.
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature adjusts
the steering wheel, you and other vehicle
occupants – particularly children – could
become trapped. There is a risk of injury.
While the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is mak-
ing adjustments, make sure that no one has
any body parts in the sweep of the steering
wheel.
Move the steering wheel adjustment lever if
there is a risk of entrapment by the steering
wheel. The adjustment process is stopped.
Steering wheel101
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
Z

?Sets climate control to automatic (Ypage 117)
ADefrosts the windshield (Ypage 118)
BCalls up the climate control menu of the multimedia system (Ypage 258)
CSwitches the rear window defroster on/off (Ypage 119)
DActivates or deactivates synchronization (Ypage 118)
ESwitches air-recirculation mode manually on/off (Ypage 120)
FSwitches cooling with air dehumidification on/off (Ypage 117)
GSets the temperature, right (Ypage 118)
Optimum use of automatic climate
control
Optimum use of the automatic climate
control
The following contains notes and recommenda-
tions on optimum use of dual-zone automatic
climate control.
XActivate climate control using the Ã
rocker switch. The indicator lamp above the
à rocker switch lights up. The "Cooling
with dehumidification" function is activated in
automatic mode.
XSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
iOnly use the "Windshield defrosting" func-
tion briefly until the windshield is clear again.
iOnly use air-recirculation mode briefly, e.g.
if there are unpleasant outside odors or when
in a tunnel. The windows could otherwise fog
up, since no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle in air-recirculation mode.
DYNAMIC SELECT switch (except
Mercedes-AMG C 63 /C63S)
You can choose between various drive programs
with the DYNAMIC SELECT switch
(
Ypage 130).
If you have selected drive program E:
Rwhen heating, the electrical heater booster is
deactivated and heat output is reduced as a
result
Rthe rear window defroster running time is
reduced If you have selected drive program
C,Sor S+,
the current climate settings are maintained.
ECO start/stop function
During automatic engine switch-off, the climate
control system only operates at a reduced capa-
city. If you require the full climate control output,
you can switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button (
Ypage 128).
Operating the climate control sys-
tems
Activating/deactivating climate con-
trol
General notes
When the climate control is switched off, the air
supply and air circulation are also switched off.
The windows could fog up. Therefore, switch off
climate control only briefly
Switch on climate control primarily using the
à rocker switch (
Ypage 117).
Activating/deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 123).
XTo switch on: set the airflow to level 1or
higher using the Hrocker switch.
XTo switch off: set the airflow to level 0using
the H rocker switch.
116Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

the indicator lamp above the¿rocker
switch remains switched off.
XTo switch off: press rocker switch ¬up or
down.
The indicator lamp above the ¬rocker
switch goes out. The previously selected set-
tings are restored. Air-recirculation mode
remains deactivated.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the "Cooling with air dehumidifica-
tion" function with the ¿rocker switch.
XSwitch on automatic mode using the Ã
rocker switch.
XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate the "Windshield defrosting" function using the
¬ rocker switch.
iYou should only select this setting until the
windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XActivate the windshield wipers.
XSwitch on automatic mode using the Ã
rocker switch.
iIf you clean the windows regularly, they do
not fog up so quickly.
Rear window defroster
General notes
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as soon
as the rear window is clear. Otherwise, the rear
window defroster switches off automatically
after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear window defroster may switch off.
Activating/deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 123).
XPress rocker switch ¤up or down.
The indicator lamp above rocker switch ¤
lights up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window defroster
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
The rear window
defroster has deactiva-
ted prematurely or can-
not be activated.The battery has not been sufficiently charged.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not required, e.g. reading lamps,
interior lighting or the seat heating.
When the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear window defroster
can be activated again.
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off
General notes
You can also temporarily deactivate the flow of
fresh air manually if unpleasant odors are enter-
ing the vehicle from outside. The air already
inside the vehicle will then be recirculated.
If you switch on air-recirculation mode, the win-
dows can fog up more quickly, in particular at low temperatures. Only use air-recirculation
mode briefly to prevent the windows from fog-
ging up.
Operating the climate control systems119
Climate control

if you have previously pressed one of buttons:
- A.
iMercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC In a few
countries, the ECO start/stop function is
deactivated at the factory due to the fuel
grade available. In this case, the ECO start/
stop function is not available in any drive pro-
gram, regardless of the display in the multi-
media system display.
All other models
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to change the
drive program.
Depending on the drive program selected the
following vehicle characteristics will change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe ECO start/stop function
Rthe climate control:
-the climate control settings
-the rear window defroster operation period
-the performance of the seat heating
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-
Key or the Start/Stop button, drive program Cis
activated. For further information about starting
the engine, see (
Ypage 125).
XPush DYNAMIC SELECT switch :forward or
back until the desired drive program is selec-
ted.
The status icon of the selected drive program
is shown in the multifunction display. In addition, the current drive program settings
are displayed briefly in the multimedia system
display.
iIn a few countries, the ECO start/stop func-
tion is deactivated at the factory due to the
available fuel grade. In this case, the ECO
start/stop function is not available in any
drive program, regardless of the display in the
multimedia system display.
Available drive programs:
I IndividualIndividual settings
S+ Sport PlusParticularly sporty driving
characteristics
SSportSporty driving characteris-
tics
C ComfortComfortable and economi-
cal driving characteristics
EEconomyParticularly economical
driving characteristics
Additional information for drive programs
(Ypage 136).
You can also change gear yourself using the
steering wheel paddle shifters. For further infor- mation on the manual drive program
(
Ypage 138).
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position Nwhen you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
132Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Kickdown
XFormaximum acceleration ,depress th e
accelerato rpedal beyon dth epressur epoint.
The automatic transmission shift sto alower
gear depending on th eengin espeed.
XShift bac kup once th edesire dspee dis
reached. If you apply full throttle, th
eautomatic trans -
mission shift sup to th enext gear when th e
maximum engin espeed is reached. This pre -
vents th eengin efrom overrevving .
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is only
possibl ein th etemporar ysetting .
Problems with the trans mission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
The transmission has
problemsshifting gear .The transmission is losing oil.
XHaveth etransmission checke dat aqualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration abilit y
is deteriorating .
The transmission no lon -
ger changes gear .The transmission is in emergenc ymode.
It is possibl eto shift to agear and revers egear only.
XStop th evehicle.
XShift th etransmission to position j.
XSwitchoff th eengine.
XWait at least te nseconds before restarting th eengine.
XShift th etransmission to position hork.
If h is selected, th etransmission only shift sto on egear ;if k is
selected, th etransmission shift sto revers egear .
XHaveth etransmission checke dat aqualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Transfer case
This section is only valid for vehicles wit h4-
whee ldrive (4MATIC). Powe ris always trans -
mitte dto bot haxles.
!Performance test smay only be carrie dout
on a2-axl edynamometer. The brak esystem
or transfer cas ecould otherwise be damaged.
Contac t aqualified specialist workshop for a
performance test .
!Since ESP®engagesautomatically, th eigni-
tion mus tbe switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Sto pbutto nmus tbe in position gor
1) if
Rtheelectrical parking brak eis bein gtested
usin g adynamometer
Rthevehicl eis bein gtowed wit honly on e
axl eraised (not permitte dfor vehicles wit h
4MATIC) Otherwise
,th ebrak esystem can be dam-
aged .
!Vehicles wit h4MATIC mus tno tbe towed
wit heither th efron tor th erear axl eraised, as
doin gso will damag eth etransmission .
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNIN G
Fue lis highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is aris kof fir eand explo-
sion .
You mus tavoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking .Switc hoff th eengin e
and ,if applicable, th eauxiliary heating before
refueling.
Refueling141
Driving and parking
Z

This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking, 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 war-
ranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
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.
RIn order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
Rif the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and
Ryou 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.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on a 2-
axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: the ESP®system
operates automatically. If the electric parking
brake is tested on a brake dynamometer, the
engine and ignition must be switched off: turn
the SmartKey in the ignition lock to position
u or1 or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly in accordance with the given
SmartKey positions.
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 System)
(
Ypage 65) and Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function (Ypage 71).
Driving tips149
Driving and parking
Z

Winter driving
GWARNING
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.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road sur-
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and
braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise control or
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position i.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in
wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always
adapt your driving style and drive at a speed to
suit the prevailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point. For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (
Ypage 315).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see (
Ypage 314).
Observe the notes i n the "Winter operation" sec-
tion (
Ypage 314).
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
(
Ypage 64).
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
Cruise control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident if you fail to adapt your driving style nor
override the laws of physics. Cruise control can-
not take into account the road, traffic and
weather conditions. Cruise control is only an
aid. You are responsible for maintaining a safe
distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
Driving systems151
Driving and parking
Z