Mercedes-Benz 2004 C 320 Sport Automobile User Manual


 
147
Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
̈ Press program mode selector
switch 1 repeatedly until the letter of
the desired shift program appears in
the multifunction display (
page 113).
Select C for comfort driving:
ț The vehicle starts out in second
gear (both forward and reverse) for
gentler starts. This does not apply if
full throttle is applied or gear
range 1 is selected.
ț Traction and driving stability are
improved on icy roads.
ț Upshifts occur earlier even when
you give more gas. The engine then
operates at lower rpms and the
wheels are less likely to spin.
ț The power transmission ratio for
gear selector lever position R
changes depending on the program
mode selected (S or C).
Accelerator position
Your driving style influences the
transmission’s shifting behavior:
Less throttle Earlier upshifting
More throttle Later upshifting
Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
̈ Press the accelerator past the point of
resistance.
The transmission shifts into a lower
gear.
̈ Ease on the accelerator when you have
reached the desired speed.
The transmission shifts up again.
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens or the
transmission no longer shifts, the trans-
mission is most likely operating in limp
home (emergency operation) mode. In this
mode only second gear and reverse gear
can be activated.
̈ Stop the vehicle.
̈ Move gear selector lever to P.
̈ Turn off the engine.
̈ Wait at least ten seconds before
restarting.
̈ Restart the engine.
̈ Move gear selector lever to position D
(for second gear) or R.
̈ Have the transmission checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.