2004 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 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: 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. Traction and driving stability are improved on icy roads. Upshifts occur earlier even when you give more gas. The engine then operates at lower rpms and the wheels are less likely to spin. 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 More throttle 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. Earlier upshifting Later upshifting Emergency operation (Limp Home Mode) If vehicle acceleration worsens or the transmission no longer shifts, the transmission 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. 147