2005 Mercedes-benz C Class Owners Manual

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdo- men. If the belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects.

앫 Belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to distribute impact forces. The twisted belt against your body could cause injuries.

앫 Pregnant women should also use a

lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

앫 When using a seat belt to secure infant

or toddler restraints or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Emergency tensioning device (ETD), seat belt force limiter The seat belts for the front and rear outer seats are equipped with emergency tensioning devices and belt force limiters. The ETD is designed to activate in the following cases: 앫 in frontal or rear-end impacts

exceeding a preset severity level.

앫 if the restraint systems are operational

and functioning correctly, see 1 indicator lamp (컄 page 58).

The ETDs for the front seats will only activate if the front seat belts are fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle). The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate with or without the respective seat belts fastened.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

In an impact, emergency tensioning devices remove slack from the belts. Belt force limiters reduce the force exerted by the seat belts on occupants during a crash.

Warning!

An emergency tensioning device (ETD) that was activated must be replaced.

When disposing of the emergency tension- ing device, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Children in the vehicle

If an infant or child is traveling with you in the vehicle: 앫 Secure the child using an infant or child

restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child.

앫 Make sure that the infant or child is

properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

Infant and child restraint seats and information on choosing an appropriate restraint system can be obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Center.

Infant and child restraint systems We recommend all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All lap-shoulder belts except the driver‘s seat belt have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child restraints. To fasten a child restraint, follow child restraint instructions for mounting. Then pull the shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During seat belt retraction, a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack. To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Information on child seats with mount- ing fittings for tether anchorages (컄 page 77). For information on LATCH-type child seat mounts (컄 page 78).

The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territo- ries and all Canadian provinces. Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, properly secured by a lap/shoulder belt or, if so equipped, a top tether anchorage point and a child restraint lower anchorage system that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehi- cle Safety Standards 213 and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 210.2.

Warning!

Warning!

Never release the seat belt buckle while the vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will be deactivated.

A statement by the child restraint man- ufacturer of compliance with this stan- dard can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruc- tion manual provided with the restraint. When using any infant, or toddler re- straint, or booster seat, be sure to care- fully read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Please read and observe warning labels affixed to the inside of the vehicle and to infant or child restraints.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant or child restraint recom- mended for the size and weight of the child.

The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instruc- tions.

컄컄

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

컄컄

Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat: 앫 Your vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology designed to turn off the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the OCS senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front passenger seat.

앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on

the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat.

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앫 If you have to place a child in a

forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. For children larger than the typical 12-month-old child, the front passenger air bag may or may not be activated (컄 page 73).

앫 If you must install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure that the 56 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger air bag is deactivated. Should the 56 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 56 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 56 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 56 indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system. Unsupervised children in a child restraint system may use vehicle equipment and may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Warning!

Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt.

A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Posi- tion shoulder belt across chest and shoul- der, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Occupant Classification System The Occupant Classification System (OCS) automatically turns the front passenger front air bag on or off based on the classi- fied occupant weight category determined by weight sensor readings from the front passenger seat.

The system does not deactivate the front passenger side impact air bag, the window curtain air bag and the emergency tensioning device.

Occupants must sit properly belted in a nearly upright position with their back against the seat backrest and feet on the floor to be correctly classified. If the occupant’s weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant’s weight category.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

If your seat, including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way, take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Only seat accessories approved by Mercedes-Benz may be used.

Both driver and the front passenger should always use the 56 indicator lamp as an indication of whether or not the front passenger is properly positioned.

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Warning!

If the 56 indicator lamp illuminates when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front passenger seat, have the front passenger re-position himself or herself in the seat until the 56 indicator lamp goes out.

More information about air bag display messages (컄 page 354). In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit will not allow front passenger front air bag deployment when the OCS classified the front passenger seat occupant as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or if the front passenger seat is sensed as being empty.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat is classified as being empty, the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as being heavier than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint or as being a small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult), the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately six seconds when the engine is started and then, depending on occupant weight sensor readings from the seat, remain illuminated or go out. With the 56 indicator lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. With the 56 indicator lamp out, the front passenger front air bag is activated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as an adult or someone larger than a small individual, the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately six seconds when the engine is started and then go out, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is activated.

If the 56 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed. If the 56 indicator lamp is not illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is activated and will be deployed: 앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts 앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

앫 independently of the side impact air

bags.

If the front passenger front air bag is deployed, the rate of inflation will be influenced by: 앫 the rate of relevant vehicle deceleration as assessed by the air bag control unit 앫 front passenger’s weight category as

identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS).

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant or child restraint recom- mended for the size and weight of the child.

The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instruc- tions.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

컄컄

Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat: 앫 Your vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology designed to turn off the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropri- ate child restraint on the front passen- ger seat.

앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on

the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat.

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앫 If you have to place a child in a

forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. For children larger than the typical 12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activated (컄 page 73).

앫 If you must install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure that the 56 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 56 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 56 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 56 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 56 indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the passenger front air bag inflates.

앫 that the seat was occupied by a small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult) or a child weighing more than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint - instances where the system may suppress deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air bag.

Deployment of the driver front air bag does not mean that the front passenger front air bag also should have deployed. The Occupant Classification System (컄 page 71) may have determined: 앫 that the seat was empty or

occupied by the weight up to or less than that of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint - both instances where the system suppresses deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the impact met the cri- teria and was of sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air bag.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The 56 indicator lamp is located in the center console.

1 Front passenger front air bag off

indicator lamp

The 56 indicator lamp will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed or in starter switch position 0.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

If the 1 indicator lamp and the 56 indicator lamp are lit at the same time, there is a malfunction in the Occupant Classification System. The front passenger front air bag will be deactivated in this case.

In order to ensure proper operation of the air bag system and OCS: 앫 Have the system checked as soon as

possible by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the seat backrest.

앫 Do not lean on the armrests or lift your- self from the seat by using the handle over the door as this may cause the OCS to be unable to correctly approximate the occupant weight category.

앫 Only have the seat repaired or replaced

by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Read and observe all warnings in this

chapter.

Self-test Occupant Classification System After turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 or 2, the 56 indicator lamp located in the center console illuminates. If an adult occupant is properly sitting on the front passenger seat and the system senses the occupant as being an adult, the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate and go out after approximately six seconds. If the seat is not occupied and the system senses the front passenger seat as being empty, the 56 indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out.

Warning!

If the 56 indicator lamp should not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat.

More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 350).

Warning!

Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the Occupant Classifi- cation System. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protec- tion for the child.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of child seats.

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Installation of infant and child restraint systems This vehicle is equipped with tether anchorages for a top tether strap at each of the rear seating positions.

1 Cover of top anchorage ring 왘 Make sure the rear backrest is locked

in its upright position (컄 page 257).

Warning!

Always lock backrest in its upright position when rear seat bench is occupied by pas- sengers, or the extended cargo area is not in use. Check for secure locking by pushing and pulling on the backrest.

왘 Remove cover 1 from anchorage

ring 3.

왘 Guide tether strap between head

restraint and top of seat back. Head restraint must be positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of seat back. Make sure the tether strap is not twisted.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

2 Hook 3 Anchorage ring 왘 Securely fasten hook 2, which is part

of the tether strap, to anchorage ring 3.

Once the top tether anchorage hook is attached, the child restraint itself can be secured. Tighten the top tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

컄컄

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

컄컄

For safety, make sure the hook 2 has attached to the ring 3 beyond the safety catch, as illustrated.

To fold anchors out The foldable LATCH-type anchors are located between the seat cushion and the backrest.

왘 Reinstall cover 1 after removing the

tether strap.

Child seat anchors – LATCH-type This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH- (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) type anchors (at each of the outer rear seats) for the installation of a LATCH-type child seat with the matching mounting fittings.

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1 Anchors 2 Release button 왘 Grip inner side of anchors 1 and fold forward until they audibly lock in place.

왘 Install child seat according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

If a child seat is not installed, the LATCH-type anchors can be folded back between the seat cushion and the backrest (컄 page 79).

The child seat must be firmly attached in the right and left side anchors 1. With a child seat installed in the left rear seat, the seat belt for the center seat occupied by a passenger must op- erate freely. Guide seat belt between its seat cushion mount and backrest mount along outside of right side child seat anchor.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

To fold anchors back 왘 Press down button 2 on each anchor

and return anchor 1 to its catch.

Non-LATCH-type child seats may also be used and can be installed using the vehicle’s seat belt system. Install child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Warning!

Install child seat according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck.

A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.

Before installing the child seat, make sure anchors 1 are folded out and locked in place.

The child seat must be firmly attached in the right and left side anchors 1. An incorrectly mounted child seat may come loose during an accident which could result in serious injury or death to the child.

Damaged or impact damaged child seats or child seat mounting fittings must be replaced.

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system.

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Activating override switch 왘 Slide override switch 3 to the right. The rear door windows can no longer be operated using the respective switch located in the rear doors.

Operation of the rear door windows with the switches located on the door control panel of the driver’s door is still possible.

Deactivating override switch 왘 Slide override switch 3 to the left.

The rear door windows can be operated again using the respective switch located in the rear doors.

Warning!

Activate the override switch when children are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The children may otherwise injure them- selves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the win- dow opening.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsuper- vised use of vehicle equipment can cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

For more information, see “Power win- dows” (컄 page 241).

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Blocking of rear door window operation

You can block the rear door window operation (for instance when you have children riding in the rear passenger compartment). The override switch is located on the door control panel of the driver’s door.

1 Deactivating override switch 2 Activating override switch 3 Override switch

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Activating

왘 Press and hold button 1 for at least

one second.

Deactivating

왘 Press button 1 again. or 왘 Insert SmartKey in starter switch.

왔 Panic alarm* An audible alarm and flashing exterior lamps will operate for approximately 21/2 minutes.

1 Â button

Canada only: Only vehicles equipped with an anti-theft alarm system* have SmartKeys with integrated panic button 1.

Safety and Security Panic alarm*

USA only: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and

(2) this device must accept any inter-

ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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Safety and Security Panic alarm*

Canada only: This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interfer-

ence, and

(2) this device must accept any inter-

ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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왔 Driving safety systems In this section you will find information on the following driving safety systems: 앫 ABS (Antilock Brake System) 앫 BAS (Brake Assist System) 앫 ESP (Electronic Stability Program) 앫 4MATIC (Four Wheel Electronic

Traction System)

In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the ABS, ESP, and 4MATIC (if so equipped) is only achieved with winter tires (M+S tires), or snow chains as required.

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Warning!

ABS

The following factors increase the risk of accidents: 앫 Excessive speed, especially in turns 앫 Wet and slippery road surfaces 앫 Following another vehicle too closely The ABS, BAS, ESP, and 4MATIC (if so equipped) cannot reduce this risk.

Always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions.

Warning!

Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump- ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS and significantly reduces braking effectiveness.

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle. The ABS is functional above a speed of ap- proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions. On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even to light brake pressure. The - indicator lamp in the instrument cluster (컄 page 24) comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.

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Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. 왘 Keep firm and steady pressure on the

brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation.

Continuous steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and ability to steer the vehicle. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

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Emergency brake maneuver 왘 Keep continuous full pressure on the

brake pedal.

Warning!

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af- forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten- tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci- dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck- less or dangerous manner which could jeop- ardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 344) and (컄 page 358).

BAS

The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby poten- tially reducing the braking distance. Apply continuous full braking pressure until the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking. When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated.

Warning!

If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake sys- tem is still functioning normally, but without the additional brake boost available that BAS would normally provide in an emergen- cy braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase.

Warning!

ESP

The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent accidents, includ- ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or danger- ous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 359).

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is operational as soon as the engine is run- ning and monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of adhesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By applying brakes to the appropriate wheel and by limiting the engine output, the ESP works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially useful while driving off and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP also stabilizes the vehicle during braking maneuvers. The ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer flashes when the ESP is engaged. The ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Warning!

Never switch off the ESP when you see the ESP warning lamp v flashing in the speedometer. In this case, proceed as follows: 앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

앫 While driving, ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid.

The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

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Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Warning!

The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or danger- ous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

The ESP will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size (컄 page 424).

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Vehicles without 4MATIC: Because of the ESP’s automatic operation, the engine must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1) when 앫 the parking brake is being tested on

a brake test dynamometer

앫 the vehicle is being towed with the

front axle raised

Active braking action through the ESP may otherwise seriously damage the brake system. For information on vehicles with 4MATIC, see “Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC) with the ESP” (컄 page 88).

For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 348) and (컄 page 360).

Switching off the ESP

Warning!

The ESP should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circum- stances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in stan- dard driving maneuvers.

To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off the ESP in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: 앫 starting out on slippery surfaces and in

deep snow in conjunction with snow chains

앫 in sand or gravel

Turn on the ESP immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore.

When you switch off the ESP 앫 the ESP does not stabilize the vehicle 앫 the engine output is not limited, which

allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip 앫 the traction control will still brake a

spinning wheel

앫 the ESP continues to operate when you

are braking

When the ESP is switched off and one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP warning lamp v in the speed- ometer flashes. However, the ESP will then not stabilize the vehicle.

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

The switch is located on the center console.

Warning!

1 ESP switch (off/on) 왘 Press switch 1.

The ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer comes on. The ESP is deactivated.

When the ESP warning lamp v is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off.

Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail- ing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP.

Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period with the ESP switched off. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Switching on the ESP 왘 Press switch 1 again.

The ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer goes out. You are now again in normal driving mode with the ESP switched on.

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Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC) with the ESP

Models with all-wheel-drive only. The 4MATIC improves vehicle’s ability to use available traction, e.g. during winter operation in mountains under snowy conditions, by applying power to all four wheels.

Warning!

If you see the ESP warning lamp v flash- ing in the speedometer, proceed as follows: 앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible

앫 While driving, ease up on the accelera-

tor

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid.

The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

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Do not tow with one axle raised. Otherwise the transfer case can be damaged, which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Performance testing must only be con- ducted on a two-axle dynamometer. Otherwise the transfer case can be damaged, which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Because of the ESP’s automatic operation, the engine must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer. Active braking action through ESP may otherwise seriously damage the front or rear axle brake system. Operational tests with the engine running can only be conducted on a two-axle dynamometer.

At highly demanding operating condi- tions, the electronic traction system may temporarily switch off to prevent overheating of the drive wheel brakes. The message unavailable See Operator’s Manual will then appear in the multifunction display while the ESP warning lamp v is flashing. The ESP is still functioning normally.

왔 Anti-theft systems Immobilizer

The immobilizer prevents unauthorized persons from starting your vehicle.

Activating 왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch.

Deactivating 왘 Switch on ignition (컄 page 33).

Starting the engine will also deactivate the immobilizer. In case the engine cannot be started (yet the vehicle’s battery is charged), the system is not operational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).

Anti-theft alarm system*

Once the alarm system has been armed, a visual and audible alarm is triggered when someone opens 앫 a door 앫 the trunk lid 앫 the hood The alarm system will also be triggered when 앫 someone attempts to raise the vehicle

(컄 page 91)

앫 opening the vehicle with the

mechanical key

Safety and Security Anti-theft systems

The alarm will stay on, even if the activating element (a door, for example) is immediately closed.

If the alarm stays on for more than 30 seconds, a call to the Response Center is initiated automatically by the Tele Aid system* (컄 page 267) provid- ed Tele Aid service was subscribed to and properly activated, and that neces- sary cellular service and GPS coverage are available.

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Safety and Security Anti-theft systems

Arming the alarm system The indicator lamp is in the switch for the tow-away alarm* in the center console.

1 Indicator lamp 왘 Lock the vehicle with the SmartKey.

The turn signal lamps flash three times to indicate that the alarm system is activated. Indicator lamp 1 begins to flash after approximately 30 seconds after arming the alarm system.

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If the turn signal lamps do not flash three times, one of the following elements may not be properly closed: 앫 a door 앫 the trunk lid 앫 the hood Close the respective element and lock the vehicle again.

Disarming the alarm system 왘 Unlock your vehicle with the SmartKey.

The turn signal lamps flash once to indicate that the alarm system is deactivated.

The alarm system will rearm automati- cally after approximately 40 seconds if no door or the trunk lid was opened.

Canceling the alarm To cancel the alarm: 왘 Press the Œ or ‹ button on the

SmartKey.

or 왘 Insert the SmartKey in the starter

switch.

Safety and Security Anti-theft systems

Tow-away alarm*

Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual and audible alarm will be triggered when someone attempts to raise the vehicle.

Arming tow-away alarm 왘 Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey. The tow-away alarm is automatically armed after about 30 seconds.

The switch is located on the center console.

The tow-away protection alarm is triggered, for example, if the vehicle is lifted on one side. If the alarm stays on for more than 30 seconds, a call to the Response Center is initiated automatically by the Tele Aid system* (컄 page 267) provid- ed Tele Aid service was subscribed to and properly activated, and that neces- sary cellular service and GPS coverage are available.

When you unlock your vehicle, the tow-away protection disarms automatically. The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until you lock the vehicle again.

Disarming tow-away alarm To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm, switch off the tow-away alarm feature before towing the vehicle, or when parking on a surface subject to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.

1 Tow-away alarm off switch 2 Indicator lamp 왘 Switch off ignition.

You cannot disarm the tow-away alarm while the ignition is switched on.

컄컄

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Safety and Security Anti-theft systems

컄컄

왘 Press switch 1.

Indicator lamp 2 in switch comes on briefly.

왘 Exit and lock your vehicle with the

SmartKey.

The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until you lock your vehicle again.

Canceling the alarm To cancel the alarm: 왘 Press the Œ or ‹ button on the

SmartKey.

or 왘 Insert the SmartKey in the starter

switch.

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Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Seats

Memory function*

Lighting

Instrument cluster

Control system

Manual transmission

Automatic transmission*

Good visibility

Climate control

Automatic climate control*

Audio system

Power windows

Power tilt/sliding sunroof*

Driving systems

Loading

Useful features

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Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

In the “Controls in detail” section you will find detailed information on how to oper- ate the equipment installed on your vehi- cle. If you are already familiar with the basic functions of your vehicle, this section will be of particular interest to you. To quickly familiarize yourself with the ba- sic functions of the vehicle, refer to the “Getting started” section of this manual. The corresponding page numbers are giv- en at the beginning of each segment.

94

For more information on locking and unlocking, see “Getting started” (컄 page 32) and (컄 page 54).

SmartKey

Your vehicle comes supplied with two SmartKeys, each with remote control and a removable mechanical key. The locking tabs for the mechanical key portion of the two SmartKeys are a different color to help distinguish each SmartKey unit. The SmartKey provides an extended oper- ating range. To prevent theft, however, it is advisable to only unlock the vehicle when you are in close proximity to it. The SmartKey centrally locks and unlocks: 앫 the doors 앫 the trunk 앫 the fuel filler flap

SmartKey with remote control 1 ‹ Lock button 2 Š Opening button for the trunk lid 3 Mechanical key locking tab 4 Œ Unlock button 5 Battery check lamp 6  Panic button* (컄 page 81).

Canada only: Only vehicles equipped with an anti-theft alarm system* have SmartKeys with integrated panic button 6.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. It is possible for children to open a locked door from the inside, which could result in an accident and/or serious injury.

To prevent possible malfunction, avoid exposing the SmartKey to high levels of electromagnetic radiation.

USA only: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and

Canada only: This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interfer-

ence, and

(2) this device must accept any inter-

(2) this device must accept any inter-

ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation.

ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

You can also open and close the power windows (컄 page 243) and power tilt/sliding sunroof* (컄 page 247) from outside using the SmartKey.

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Global locking 왘 Press button ‹.

The SmartKey will then function as follows:

All turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs in the doors move down. The anti-theft alarm system* is armed.

Unlocking driver’s door and fuel filler flap 왘 Press button Œ once.

Selective setting If you frequently travel alone, you may wish to reprogram the SmartKey so that pressing Œ only unlocks the driver’s door and the fuel filler flap. 왘 Press and hold buttons Œ and ‹ simultaneously for about five seconds until battery check lamp 5 flashes twice.

All turn signal lamps flash once. The locking knob in the driver’s door moves up. The anti-theft alarm system* is disarmed.

Global unlocking 왘 Press button Œ twice.

All turn signal lamps flash once. The locking knobs in the doors move up. The anti-theft alarm system* is disarmed.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Factory setting

Global unlocking 왘 Press button Œ.

All turn signal lamps flash once. The locking knobs in the doors move up. The anti-theft alarm system* is disarmed.

The vehicle will lock again automatically and reactivate the anti-theft alarm system* within approximately 40 seconds of unlocking if: 앫 neither door nor trunk is opened 앫 the SmartKey is not inserted in the

starter switch

앫 the central locking switch is not

activated

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Global locking 왘 Press button ‹.

All turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs in the doors move down. The anti-theft alarm system* is armed.

Restoring to factory setting 왘 Press and hold buttons Œ and ‹ simultaneously for about six seconds until battery check lamp 5 flashes twice.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

If you can no longer lock or unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey, then either the batteries in the SmartKey are dis- charged, the SmartKey is malfunction- ing or the vehicle battery is drained. 앫 Check the batteries in the

SmartKey (컄 page 97) and replace them if necessary (컄 page 389).

앫 Use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door (컄 page 383) and the trunk lid (컄 page 384).

앫 Use the mechanical key to lock the

driver’s door (컄 page 384).

앫 Have the vehicle battery and the

battery connections checked (컄 page 404).

If the SmartKey is malfunctioning, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Checking the batteries 왘 Press button ‹ or Œ.

Battery check lamp 5 comes on briefly to indicate that the SmartKey batteries are in order.

If battery check lamp 5 does not come on briefly during check, then the SmartKey batteries are discharged. Replace the batteries (컄 page 389). You can obtain the required batteries at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If the batteries are checked within signal range of the vehicle, pressing the ‹ or Œ button will lock or unlock the vehicle accordingly.

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Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Unlocking and opening the trunk lid You can unlock and open the trunk separately. A minimum height clearance of 5.71 ft (1.74 m) is required to open the trunk lid. 왘 Press button Š until trunk lid

unlocks and begins to open.

The trunk lid swings open upwards automatically. Always make sure there is sufficient overhead clearance.

Loss of SmartKey or mechanical key If you lose a SmartKey or mechanical key, you should do the following: 왘 Have the SmartKey deactivated by an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Report the loss of the SmartKey or the

mechanical key immediately to your car insurance company.

왘 If necessary, have the mechanical lock

replaced.

Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to supply you with a replace- ment.

Opening the doors from the inside

You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so.

1 Locking knob 2 Inside door handle

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i If the vehicle has previously been locked from the outside with the SmartKey, opening a door from the inside will trigger the anti-theft alarm system*. To cancel the alarm, do one of the following: 앫 Press button Œ or ‹ on the

SmartKey.

앫 Insert the SmartKey in the starter

switch.

Front doors 왘 Pull on door handle 2 on the

respective front door to open door. If door was locked, locking knob 1 will move up.

Rear doors 왘 Pull up locking knob 1 on the

respective rear door to unlock door.

왘 Pull on door handle 2 on the

respective rear door to open door.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Opening the trunk

Opening the trunk from the outside A minimum height clearance of 5.71 ft (1.74 m) is required to open the trunk lid. The handle is located above the rear license plate recess.

1 Handle

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Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

The vehicle must be unlocked. 왘 Pull on handle 1.

The trunk lid unlocks and begins to open.

The trunk lid swings open upwards automatically. Always make sure there is sufficient overhead clearance.

The trunk can also be opened using button Š on the SmartKey or from its inside in an emergency, see “Trunk lid emergency release” (컄 page 102).

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Opening the trunk from the inside You can open the trunk from the inside if the vehicle is stationary. A minimum height clearance of 5.71 ft (1.74 m) is required to open the trunk lid. The remote trunk lid switch is located on the driver’s door.

왘 Press remote trunk lid switch 1 until

the trunk begins to open. The indicator lamp in the switch remains lit as long as the trunk is open.

The trunk lid swings open upwards automatically. Always make sure there is sufficient overhead clearance.

The trunk can also be opened using button Š on the SmartKey or from its inside in an emergency, see “Trunk lid emergency release” (컄 page 102).

1 Remote trunk lid switch with indicator

lamp

Closing the trunk

Depending on production date, your vehicle is equipped with either trunk design A or B.

Trunk design B 1 Handle 2 Handles 왘 Lower trunk lid by pulling firmly on

handle 1 or handles 2.

왘 Close trunk lid with hands placed flat

on the trunk lid.

Trunk design A 1 Handle 왘 Lower trunk lid by pulling firmly on

handle 1.

왘 Close trunk lid with hands placed flat

on the trunk lid.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Warning!

To prevent possible personal injury, always keep hands and fingers away from the trunk opening when closing the trunk. Be espe- cially careful when small children are around.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsuper- vised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Warning!

Only drive with the trunk closed as, among other dangers such as visibility blockage, exhaust fumes may enter the vehicle interior.

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Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Do not place the SmartKey in the open trunk. You may lock yourself out.

Trunk lid emergency release

The emergency release button is located on the inside of the trunk lid.

If the vehicle was previously centrally locked, the trunk lid will lock automati- cally after closing it. The turn signals will flash three times to confirm lock- ing.

1 Emergency release button 왘 Briefly press emergency release

button 1. The trunk lid unlocks and the trunk lid opens.

The trunk lid swings open upwards automatically.

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Illumination of the emergency release button: 앫 The button will flash for 30 minutes

after opening the trunk.

앫 The button will flash for 60 minutes

after closing the trunk.

The emergency release button unlocks and opens the trunk while the vehicle is standing still or in motion.

The emergency release button does not open the trunk lid if the vehicle battery is discharged or disconnected.

Automatic central locking

The doors and the trunk automatically lock when the ignition is switched on and the wheels are turning at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or more. You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so.

If the vehicle has previously been locked from the outside with the SmartKey, opening the trunk from the inside using the emergency release button will trigger the anti-theft alarm system*. To cancel the alarm, do one of the following: 앫 Press button Œ or ‹ on the

SmartKey.

앫 Insert the SmartKey in the starter

switch.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

The doors unlock automatically after an accident if the force of the impact exceeds a preset threshold. To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking, deactivate the automatic central locking when the vehicle 앫 is pushed or towed 앫 is on a test stand

You can deactivate the automatic locking mode using the control system, see “Set- ting automatic locking” (컄 page 153).

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Depending on production date, your vehicle is equipped with either switch design A or B. The switches are located in the center console.

Switch design A 1 Central locking switch 2 Central unlocking switch

Switch design B 1 Central locking switch 2 Central unlocking switch

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Locking and unlocking from the inside

You can lock or unlock the doors and the trunk from inside using the central locking or unlocking switch. This can be useful, for example, if you want to lock the vehicle before starting to drive. You cannot lock or unlock the fuel filler flap with the central locking or unlocking switch.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsuper- vised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

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Locking 왘 Press central locking switch 1.

If all doors are closed, the vehicle locks.

Unlocking 왘 Press central unlocking switch 2.

The vehicle unlocks.

You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so. If the vehicle was previously centrally locked using the SmartKey, it will not unlock using the central unlocking switch 2. If the vehicle was previously locked with the central locking switch 1
앫 while in the selective remote con- trol mode, only the door opened from the inside is unlocked.

앫 while in the global remote control

mode, the complete vehicle is unlocked when a door is opened from the inside.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

105

Controls in detail Seats

For information on seat adjustment, see “Adjusting” (컄 page 35).

Warning!

Easy-entry/exit feature*

This feature allows for easier entry into and exit from the vehicle. The easy-entry/exit feature can be activated or deactivated in the Convenience submenu of the control system (컄 page 154).

You must make sure no one can become trapped or injured by the moving steering wheel and driver’s seat when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated.

To cancel seat/steering wheel movement, do one of the following: 앫 Press seat adjustment switch*

(컄 page 30).

앫 Move steering column stalk*

(컄 page 40).

앫 Press memory position switch*

(컄 page 115).

Do not leave children unattended in the ve- hicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could open the driver’s door and unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit feature, which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

When exiting the vehicle, with the easy-entry/exit feature activated and depending on your selection, the steering wheel tilts upwards and/or the driver’s seat moves a few inches to the rear when you: 앫 remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch, or

앫 open the driver’s door with the

SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1.

If the current position for the steering wheel is in the uppermost tilt position, the steering wheel will no longer be able to move upward when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated.

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i For safety reasons, the driver’s seat will not return to its last set position with the easy-entry/exit feature activated if the system recognizes the last set posi- tion as an extreme forward position. Instead, the driver’s seat will remain at or move to a factory-set maximum forward position. To again fully return the driver’s seat to your last set posi- tion or to memory position, adjust the seat to the desired position or press and hold the respective memory position switch* (컄 page 115).

If the current seat position falls into a factory-set position range and the system recognizes the current seat position to be rearward enough for easy entry and exit, the driver’s seat will not move to the rear when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated.

When entering the vehicle, with the easy-entry/exit feature activated, the steering wheel or, depending on your selection, the steering wheel and driver’s seat will return to their last set position or a factory-set maximum forward position when you: 앫 close the driver’s door with the ignition

switched on

앫 insert the SmartKey into the starter switch with the driver’s door closed.

Controls in detail Seats

Removing and installing front seat head restraints

For information on head restraint adjustment, see “Seats” (컄 page 35).

Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it is as close to the head as possible.

Warning!

For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints.

Adjust head restraint so that the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level. This will reduce the poten- tial for injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.

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Controls in detail Seats

컄컄

Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intend- ed to help reduce injuries during an acci- dent.

Do not interchange head restraints from front and rear seat.

Tilt the backrest to the rear for easier removal and installation of the head restraints.

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Front seat head restraints, manual seat

Front seat head restraints, power seat*

1 Head restraint switch 왘 Switch on ignition (컄 page 33).

Removing front seat head restraints 왘 Press switch 1 upwards and hold until

head restraint is fully extended.

왘 Pull out head restraint.

1 Release button

Removing front seat head restraints 왘 Pull head restraint to its highest

position.

왘 Push release button 1 and pull out

head restraint.

Installing front seat head restraints 왘 Insert head restraint and push it down

until it engages.

왘 Push release button 1 and adjust head restraint to desired position.

Installing front seat head restraints 왘 Press switch 1 upwards and hold for

about five seconds.

왘 Push head restraint down until it

engages.

왘 Adjust head restraint to desired

position (컄 page 38).

Rear seat head restraints

Warning!