Note. There must not be any foreign objects in the driver's footwell that could restrict the freedom of movement of the pedals! When using non-standard mats or mats, it is necessary to ensure sufficient pedal travel.
Full load on the engine should be given only after it has been preheated to normal operating temperature, which occurs quite quickly during movement.
When starting off on a slippery road surface, avoid turning any of the drive wheels for a long time, as this may damage the power unit.
Models with manual transmission
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The gearshift pattern is printed on the end surface of the gear lever handle
Change gears while driving in accordance with the technical characteristics of the transmission - try not to allow an excessive increase in speed. IN Specifications to the present Chapter the table of high-speed modes of a gear change is resulted.
Engaging reverse gear should only be done after the vehicle has come to a complete stop - before engaging, the lever handle should be pulled up.
Note. When driving on slippery road surfaces, do not brake with the transmission, as this may lead to loss of traction of the wheels with the road! Remember that engine braking is always associated with a sharp increase in its speed, which is fraught with serious internal damage to the power unit.
Models with AT
Gear shifting while the car is moving is performed automatically depending on the position of the AT selector lever, the position of the program switch, the position of the accelerator pedal and the current speed.
Automatic transmission shifts are automatically adapted to individual driving habits by adjusting shift points. The adaptation process goes on continuously, taking into account the current values of the operating parameters of the power unit, the characteristics of the movement, as well as the actions of the driver. The AT responds to changes in driving characteristics with an adapted gearshift program.
Before driving, depress the foot brake pedal to unlock the AT selector lever, then release the parking brake (see Section car parking) and switch the selector lever to one of the travel positions. Wait until the gear is fully engaged, especially when the engine is cold, then release the foot brake and depress the accelerator pedal.
Remember that until the engine is fully warmed up, gear shifting is carried out at a slightly higher speed, which ensures that the catalytic converter warms up to normal operating temperature more quickly.
When driving, keep in mind that light pressure on the gas pedal ensures an earlier upshift of the transmission, while with a strong pressure, shifts occur later.
Squeezing the gas pedal to the floor leads to automatic switching of the AT to a lower gear (kickdown mode), providing the car with increased dynamic qualities. When the pedal is released, the transmission returns to a higher gear that meets the characteristics of the current speed mode.
When stopping, leave the selector lever in the driving position and, using the foot or parking brake, insure the car from moving forward, on the rise - from rolling back.
When maneuvering in tight spaces, adjust your speed by gradually releasing the foot brake. Depress the accelerator pedal only lightly and do not play with it.
Trailer towing should be done in the standard AT mode, - move the mode switch to the left of the selector lever to the position «S».
Selector lever positions AT
Note. When driving on slippery road surfaces, do not brake with the transmission by moving the selector lever to limited range modes «D2» And «D1», as this can lead to loss of traction of the wheels with the road! Remember that engine braking is always associated with a sharp increase in its speed, which is fraught with serious internal damage to the power unit.
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The transmission range selector lever can be in one of seven detent positions. The engine can only be started in positions «P» or «N» lever. If the stop is made when the AT is in one of the ranges of motion «D4», «D3», «D2», «D1», «R», or «N», you must fully release the gas pedal and depress the brake pedal for reliable braking of the car.
When switching AT, move the lever along the guide groove. When the key is removed from the ignition lock, the selector lever is locked in position «R». In this case, the withdrawal of the lever from the position «R» impossible even when depressing the brake pedal. To avoid damage to the AT, move the lever to the position «R» only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Note. Removing the key from the ignition lock becomes possible only after moving the selector lever to the position «R» and releasing the foot brake pedal.
Position «R»
In this position of the selector lever, the transmission is locked, providing additional protection for the parked vehicle. Always move the selector lever to the position «R» when turning off or starting the engine. To move the range selector lever out of position «R», it is necessary to depress the brake pedal, after releasing the gas pedal. Move the selector lever to the right and move it out of position «R».
Position «R»
Techniques for controlling the range selector lever when moving it out of position «R» into position «R» (Reverse) described above. Switching the lever to position «R» out of position «N» (neutral) do it only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. If reverse gear does not engage after the vehicle has come to a complete stop, depress the foot brake pedal and slowly move the selector lever first to the «N», then to position «R».
Position «N»
use position «N» (neutral) when starting a stalled engine while driving and during short stops of a car with a running engine. If for any reason you need to move away from the vehicle, first move the range selector lever to the position «R». When pulling the lever out of position «N» depress the foot brake pedal.
Note. Translation of the transmission into position «N» while driving, there is a risk of serious internal damage! Use this position only if the vehicle is in danger of skidding when driving on slippery road surfaces.
Position «D4»
The range selector lever must be in this position at all times when the vehicle is moving under normal road conditions.
In the range «D4» (Movement) automatic shifting of forward gears is provided depending on the speed of the car and the degree of depressing the gas pedal.
Position «D3»
If the range selector lever is in the «D3», the automatic transmission functions in the same way as the case of switching the range «D4» (Movement).
The difference is that the transition to fourth gear is excluded. Range «D3» recommended for towing a trailer in hilly terrain or for engine braking on steep downhill grades. Turning on the range «D3» also useful for avoiding unnecessary automatic transmission cycling between third and fourth gears - such cyclic transmission shifts can occur, for example, when driving in heavy traffic with frequent slowdowns and stops.
For a sharp acceleration of the car when the transmission is operating in the range «D4» or «D3» squeeze the gas pedal to the stop. The transmission will then automatically shift to the next lower gear (kickdown mode).
If the vehicle speed is low, the shift may occur two steps down at once.
Position «D2»
When the range is turned on «D2» the automatic transmission will always operate in second gear.
When the vehicle is stopped, the transmission does not shift into first gear. The constant engagement of the second gear provides good traction dynamics of the car on the slopes and the possibility of intensive engine braking on steep descents.
Range «D2» can be used as an alternative to winter mode (W, - see below) when driving on slippery road surfaces, as well as when driving in deep snow. This helps to prevent severe slippage of the vehicle's drive wheels.
It is recommended to use the range «D2» when driving over steep passes, when towing a trailer in hilly terrain, and for engine braking on particularly steep descents.
When the range is turned on «2» while the vehicle is moving, the activation of the second gear in the transmission is automatically delayed and occurs only after the vehicle speed has decreased to a safe level at which the engine speed does not exceed the maximum allowable value.
Position «D1»
When the range is turned on «D1» the automatic transmission will always operate in first gear.
If the inclusion of the range «D1» produced at speeds over 50 km/h, the transmission will first shift to second gear. The inclusion of an intermediate stage allows you to eliminate sharp and unexpected engine braking.
The mode can be used when driving with a trailer on particularly steep descents and long passes.
Switching modes of operation of AT
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The AT operating mode switch is located on the left of the gear selector lever and is indicated by the letters «W» And «S».
Standard mode «S»
Standard mode is activated in the position «S» switch and is intended for driving in normal road conditions.
Winter mode «W»
To switch to the winter mode of operation of the AT, click on the section «W» switch.
In winter mode, the vehicle starts off in second gear - except when driving at full load or in the «D1» selector lever AT.
The transmission is shifted by strongly depressing the accelerator pedal at a lower road speed with a lower engine speed than in the position «S».
Note. Reverse gear ratio in position «W» decreases.
Emergency mode
The transition of the transmission to the emergency mode of operation is evidenced by the deterioration of the dynamic characteristics and the failure of the transmission to switch. It is not excluded the possibility of switching to 2nd gear or reverse gear.
In such a situation, stop driving, park in a safe place, move the selector lever to the position «R» and turn off the engine.
After waiting at least 10 seconds, restart the engine and move the selector lever to the «D» - 2nd gear is engaged. Moving the lever to position «R» causes reverse gear to be engaged.
The car should be immediately driven to the nearest Mercedes-Benz service station for a detailed diagnosis of the AT and the necessary remedial repairs.