2001 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 241

Instruments and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index Starting and turning off the enginge Starting and turning off the engine Before starting Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector lever is in position "P" or "N" (gearshift lever in neutral). Turn electronic key in starter switch to position 2. Starting Vehicles with automatic transmission: Do not depress accelerator. Briefly turn electronic key in starter switch clockwise to the stop and release. The starter will engage until the engine is running. If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops, turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat starting the engine. After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 232 Vehicles with manual transmission: Do not depress accelerator. Fully depress clutch pedal, otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the integrated safety interlock. Turn electronic key in starter switch clockwise to the stop. Release only when the engine is firing regularly. Important! Due to the installed starter non-repeat feature, the electronic key must be turned completely to the left before attempting to start the engine again. In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -4°F (-20°C) we recommend that an engine block heater be installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will advise you on this subject, see page 251. Turning off Turn the electronic key in the starter switch to position 0 to stop the engine. Vehicles with automatic transmission: The electronic key can only be removed with the selector lever in position "P".