2001 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 245

Instruments and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index Automatic transmission Stopping For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service brake. For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into "N" or "P" and hold the vehicle with the service brake. When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat build up. Maneuvering To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never abruptly step on the accelerator. To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow), alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying slight partial throttle. 236 Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the malfunction indication. Warning! Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever not fully engaged in position "P" is dangerous. Also, when parked on an incline, position "P" alone may not prevent your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects. Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position "P", see page 243 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel against curb.