«R» (reverse gear). To engage this gear, the vehicle must be stationary and the engine must be idling. If, while moving forward, the lever is accidentally moved to the position «R», a special safety valve that reacts to movement blocks the reverse gear.
«N» (neutral gear). In this position of the selector lever, the connection between the driving gears and the engine is open. But unlike the regime «P» the gears are not locked as all clutches are disengaged and no gear is being held.
«D» (movement). In this position, hydraulic pressure begins to act on the forward clutch, due to which the torque from the engine is transmitted to the drive gears. The car then starts to move forward. You can stop it by lightly pressing the brake. When you press the accelerator pedal, the normal driving mode with all gears operates.
«2» (2nd gear). This mode is designed for climbing slopes and hills or driving on snow and ice. When you press the accelerator pedal, 2nd gear remains engaged. When the pedal is released, the engine brakes.
«1» (1st gear). This mode is only used for steep climbs and slopes. When you press the accelerator pedal, 1st gear remains engaged. When the pedal is released, strong engine braking occurs.
Selector lever lock. To switch the lever to modes «R» And «2» (except for the translation from the position «1» into position «2»), as well as turning the mode on and off «P» press the button on the side of the selector lever. The engine can only be started in position «R» or «N». With modes enabled «R», «D», «1» or «2» the safety device in the automatic transmission prevents the engine from starting (rice. 6.12).
Two reverse gears. A switch in the center console can be used by the driver to activate the special winter mode. It differs significantly from the standard mode «S». (So, for example, if necessary, the start on snow or ice is carried out in 2nd gear). For the same smooth ride in reverse, 2nd reverse gear is engaged with an increased gear ratio. Gear changes take place in winter mode («W») at lower engine speeds. The main reactions of the automatic transmission to driving conditions (her switching), for example, when driving uphill, are saved. And vice versa, the dynamic responses of the AKP built into the program to «full throttle» («Kick-fast») or abrupt release of the accelerator pedal («Fast-off») electronic automatic transmission system in mode «W» blocks.
Caution when towing
If your Mercedes won't start, pushing or towing it won't help start the engine. The torque converter cannot provide feedback to the engine when the engine is not running. Therefore, you should first try to start the engine using the jumper wires.
The vehicle can only be towed forward by setting the automatic transmission selector lever to the position «N». During towing, the automatic transmission oil pump does not rotate, while the planetary gears are driven by the cardan shaft. Therefore, the car can only be towed for a distance of no more than 50 km and at a speed of no more than 50 km/h.