2013-2018 Mercedes CLA 4 Door Driving and parking -> Automatic transmission User Manual
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Driving and parking -> Automatic transmission for Your Mercedes CLA 4 Door First Generation (2013-2018)

Gearshift recommendation
The gearshift recommendation assists you in
adopting a fuel-efficient driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown on the multifunction
display.
X
Shift gear according to gearshift recommen-
dation : when shown in the multifunction
display of the instrument cluster.
Drive programs
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive program C is characterised by the follow-
ing:
R
the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical
driving characteristics.
R
the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.
on slippery road surfaces.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive program S is characterised by the follow-
ing:
R
sporty engine settings.
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program I, the following properties of
the drive program can be selected:
R
the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
R
the suspension (vehicles with adjustable
damping)
R
the steering
R
the availability of the ECO start/stop function
R
the climate control
Information on configuring drive program I with
the multimedia system can be found in the Dig-
ital Owner's Manual.
Drive program E (Economy)
Drive program E is characterised by the follow-
ing:
R
the vehicle exhibits particularly economical
driving characteristics.
R
the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.
on slippery road surfaces.
R
the performance of the air-conditioning and
heating systems is reduced.
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position D or R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position D or R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
G
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
Automatic transmission
143
Driving and parking
Z
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
j
Park position with parking lock
k
Reverse gear
i
Neutral
h
Drive
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): the DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of
the steering column.
For information on the selector lever in
Mercedes-AMG vehicles (Y page 146).
The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns to its
original position. The current transmission posi-
tion P, R, N or D appears on the transmission
position readout on the multifunction display
(Y page 144).
Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display
The current transmission position and drive pro-
gram appear on the multifunction display.
:
Transmission position
;
Gear
=
Drive program display
The arrows in the transmission position display
show how and into which transmission positions
you can shift using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
If the transmission position display on the mul-
tifunction display is not working, you should pull
away carefully to check whether the desired
transmission position is engaged. Ideally, you
should select transmission position D and drive
program E or S.
Engaging park position P
!
If the engine speed is too high, do not shift
the automatic transmission directly from D to
R, from R to D or directly to P. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission could be damaged.
X
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direction
of arrow P.
Transmission position display P is shown in
the multifunction display.
When you have engaged park position P, make
sure that the transmission position display
shows P in the multifunction display.
You can only engage park position P when the
vehicle is stationary.
Depressing the brake and pushing the DIRECT
SELECT lever up or down disengages the park-
ing lock. The transmission is in neutral N.
At transmission fluid temperatures below
Ò20 †, you can only shift out of park position P
into another transmission position when the
engine is running.
In order to shift from park position P directly into
R or D:
R
depress the brake pedal and
R
push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
past the first point of resistance
Engaging park position P automatically
Park position P is automatically engaged if:
R
you switch off the engine using the key and
remove the key
R
you switch off the engine using the key or
using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door or front-passenger door
R
you open the driver's door when the vehicle is
stationary or when driving at a very low speed
and the transmission is in position D or R
Under certain conditions, the automatic trans-
mission shifts automatically to transmission
position P if the HOLD function or Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC is activated. Observe the informa-
tion on the HOLD function (Y page 173) and on
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC (Y page 170).
144
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
Engaging reverse gear R
!
Only shift the automatic transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when reverse gear is engaged. Further informa-
tion on the ECO start/stop function
(Y page 137).
Shifting to neutral N
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they can:
R
open doors and endanger other persons or
road users
R
climb out and be injured by the traffic
R
operate vehicle equipment and, for exam-
ple, trap themselves.
Children could also set the vehicle in motion,
for example by:
R
releasing the parking brake
R
shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R
starting the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle. Always
keep the key out of reach of children.
X
If the transmission is in position D or R: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the
first point of resistance.
X
If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position R or D, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically.
With the key: if you then open the driver's door
or the front-passenger door or remove the key
from the ignition, the automatic transmission
shifts to P automatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to P automat-
ically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system:
X
Vehicles with the Start-Stop button:
remove the Start-Stop button from the igni-
tion lock.
X
Insert the key into the ignition lock.
X
All vehicles: switch the ignition on.
X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X
Engage neutral N.
X
Release the brake pedal.
X
Release the electric parking brake.
X
Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the
ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D
X
If the transmission is in position R or N: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first
point of resistance.
X
If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever down past the first point of resistance.
Automatic transmission
145
Driving and parking
Z
Selector lever (Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles)
Overview of transmission positions
j
Park position with parking lock
k
Reverse gear
i
Neutral
h
Drive
Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display
The current transmission position and drive pro-
gram appear on the multifunction display.
:
Transmission position display
;
Drive program display
If the transmission position display on the mul-
tifunction display is not working, you should pull
away carefully to check whether the desired
transmission position is engaged. Ideally, you
should select transmission position D and drive
program C or S.
Engaging park position P
X
When the vehicle is stationary, press but-
ton :.
Engaging reverse gear R
!
Only shift the automatic transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X
Push the selector lever forwards past the first
point of resistance.
146
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
Transmission positions
B
Park position
This safeguards the vehicle against
rolling away when stopped.
Only shift the transmission into posi-
tion P when the vehicle is stationary.
The parking lock should not be used
as a brake when parking. In order to
secure the vehicle, always apply the
electric parking brake in addition to
the parking lock.
In the event of a malfunction of the
vehicle's electronics, the transmis-
sion may lock in position P. Have the
vehicle electronics checked immedi-
ately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Park position P is automatically
engaged if:
R
you switch off the engine using the
key and remove the key
R
you switch off the engine using the
key or using the Start/Stop button
and open the driver's door or front-
passenger door
R
you open the driver's door when
the vehicle is stationary or when
driving at a very low speed and the
transmission is in position D or R
C
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission into posi-
tion R when the vehicle is stationary.
A
Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you to
move the vehicle freely, e.g. to push
it or tow it.
If ESP
®
is deactivated or faulty: shift
the transmission to position N if the
vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.
on icy roads.
If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position R or D, the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
!
Rolling in neutral N can lead to
damage to the transmission.
7
Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear automatically. All forward gears
are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D. Gearshifting is determined
by:
R
the selected drive program
R
the position of the accelerator pedal
R
the road speed
Accelerator pedal position
Your driving style influences how the automatic
transmission shifts gear:
R
little throttle: early upshifts
R
more throttle: late upshifts
Automatic transmission
147
Driving and parking
Z
Holding the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients
G
WARNING
If the clutch overheats, the electronic man-
agement system is automatically deactivated.
This interrupts the power transmission. The
vehicle may, for example, roll backwards on
gradients. There is a risk of an accident.
Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator.
The clutch may overheat if you hold the vehicle
stationary on uphill gradients by depressing the
accelerator pedal. If the clutch overheats, a
warning tone sounds.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): the StopStop vehiclevehicle ShiftShift toto PP LeaveLeave
engine running
engine running display message appears in
the multifunction display. You will only be able to
continue your journey once the clutch has
cooled down and the display message in the
multifunction display has disappeared.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the Trans. oilTrans. oil
overheated Drive on with care
overheated Drive on with care display
message appears in the multifunction display.
Do not hold the vehicle stationary on uphill gra-
dients by depressing the accelerator pedal.
Instead, only ever hold the vehicle stationary on
uphill gradients by:
R
depressing the brake pedal
R
activating the HOLD function
R
applying the electric parking brake
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
X
Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: it is only possible to
use kickdown in the automatic drive programs
and in temporary manual drive program M.
When manual drive program M is selected per-
manently, kickdown is not possible.
For further information on kickdown in manual
drive program M (Y page 152).
Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer is not possible with all models.
For further information, see (Y page 196).
X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed range
on uphill gradients.
X
Depending on the uphill or downhill gradient,
select a lower gear (Y page 160), even if
cruise control, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC or
the speed limiter are activated.
Drive programs
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive program C is characterised by the follow-
ing:
R
the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical
driving characteristics.
R
the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R
the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.
on slippery road surfaces.
R
optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed
range and the wheels are less likely to spin.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive program S is characterised by the follow-
ing:
R
sporty engine settings.
R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
Fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program I, the following properties of
the drive program can be selected:
R
the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
R
the suspension (vehicles with adjustable
damping or AMG RIDE CONTROL)
R
the steering
148
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
R
the availability of the ECO start/stop function
R
the climate control
Information on configuring drive program I with
the multimedia system can be found in the Dig-
ital Owner's Manual.
i
To permanently shift the gears manually in
drive program I using the steering wheel gear-
shift paddles, select the M (Manual) setting
for the drive.
Drive program E (Economy)
Drive program E is characterised by the follow-
ing:
R
comfort-oriented engine settings.
R
optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
R
the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R
the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.
on slippery road surfaces.
R
the automatic transmission shifts up sooner.
This results in the vehicle being driven at
lower engine speeds and the wheels being
less likely to spin.
R
gliding mode is activated automatically when
engine-internal conditions are fulfilled and
the accelerator is not depressed. At the same
time the transmission’s clutch opens and the
vehicle rolls freely using its kinetic energy. As
a result great distances can be completed
without the engine brake and fuel consump-
tion reduced.
i The availability of gliding mode depends on
various factors, including the following:
R
the engine and transmission temperature
R
the downhill gradient
R
the vehicle speed
R
performing regular adaptation functions
When you depress the brake pedal, gliding
mode is deactivated, depending on pedal
pressure.
When you activate cruise control or Distance
Pilot DISTRONIC, gliding mode is not availa-
ble.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program I, the following properties of
the drive program can be selected:
R
the drive (engine management)
R
the transmission management
R
the suspension (vehicles with AMG RIDE
CONTROL)
R
ESP
®
Information on configuring drive program I with
the multimedia system can be found in the Dig-
ital Owner's Manual.
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive program C is characterised by the follow-
ing:
R
the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical
driving characteristics.
R
the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R
the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.
on slippery road surfaces.
R
optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed
range and the wheels are less likely to spin.
R
gliding mode is available.
R
the ECO start/stop function is available.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive program S is characterised by the follow-
ing:
R
the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics.
R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
Fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
R
the suspension exhibits stiff springing and
damping settings (vehicles with AIR RIDE
CONTROL).
R
gliding mode is not available.
R
the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Automatic transmission
149
Driving and parking
Z
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive program S+ is characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R
the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
R
fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIR RIDE CONTROL).
R
gliding mode is not available.
R
the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program RACE (vehicles with AMG
RIDE CONTROL)
Drive program RACE is characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R
the vehicle exhibits driving characteristics
suitable for the racetrack.
R
all vehicle systems are set for maximum
sportiness.
R
the automatic transmission shifts up later.
R
fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
R
the suspension exhibits particularly rigid
springing and damping settings.
R
gliding mode is not available.
R
the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Manual gearshifting
General notes
You can shift gears yourself using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles. The transmission must
be in position D to do this.
Depending on which steering wheel gearshift
paddle is pulled, the automatic transmission
immediately shifts into the next gear up or
down, if permitted.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: to use manual shift-
ing, you have two options:
R
temporary setting
R
permanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-
function display will show the current gear
instead of transmission position D.
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gears
will be selected automatically.
Temporary setting
X
To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position D.
X
Pull steering wheel gearshift paddle : or ;.
The temporary setting will remain active for a
certain amount of time. Under certain condi-
tions, the minimum amount of time is extended,
e.g. in the case of lateral acceleration, during an
overrun phase or when driving on steep terrain.
X
To deactivate: pull steering wheel gearshift
paddle ; and hold it in place.
or
X
Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to shift the
transmission position.
or
X
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to change
the drive program.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: use the DYNAMIC
SELECT controller to change the drive pro-
gram.
150
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
X
To activate: shift the selector lever to posi-
tion D.
X
Press button :.
X
To deactivate: press button :.
or
X
If position D (automatic transmission) is
selected for the transmission in drive pro-
gram I: shift to drive program I with the
DYNAMIC SELECT controller.
Shifting gears
!
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the automatic
transmission does not shift up automatically
even when the engine limiting speed for the
current gear is reached. When the engine lim-
iting speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to
prevent the engine from overrevving. Always
make sure that the engine speed does not
reach the red area of the rev counter. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
X
To shift up: pull steering wheel gearshift pad-
dle ;.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): if the maximum engine speed in the
currently engaged gear is reached and you
continue to accelerate, the automatic trans-
mission automatically shifts up in order to
prevent engine damage.
X
To shift down: pull steering wheel gearshift
paddle :.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic downshifting occurs when coast-
ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage
by not shifting down.
Gearshift recommendation
The gearshift recommendation assists you in
adopting a fuel-efficient driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown on the multifunction
display.
X
Shift to recommended gear ; according to
gearshift recommendation : when shown in
the multifunction display.
Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
!
The automatic transmission does not shift
up automatically even when the engine limit-
ing speed for the current gear is reached.
When the engine limiting speed is reached,
the fuel supply is cut to prevent the engine
from overrevving. Always make sure that the
engine speed does not reach the red area of
the rev counter. There is otherwise a risk of
engine damage.
Automatic transmission
151
Driving and parking
Z
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown on the multi-
function display.
X
Shift to recommended gear : when mes-
sage ; is shown in the multifunction display.
Kickdown
X
For maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
X
Shift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel gearshift paddles.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: it is only possible to
use kickdown in temporary manual drive pro-
gram M. When manual drive program M is selec-
ted permanently, kickdown is not possible.
Problems with the transmission
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.
The transmission is losing oil.
X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger shifts into all of the
gears.
Reverse gear can no lon-
ger be engaged.
The transmission is in emergency mode.
X
Stop.
X
Shift the transmission to position P.
X
Switch off the engine.
X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X
Shift the transmission to position D.
X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Refuelling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, naked flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refuelling.
G
WARNING
Fuels are poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a danger of injury.
152
Refuelling
Driving and parking

Related Topics

Driving and parking
Running-in notes Driving DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles) DYNAMIC SELECT controller (Mercedes-AMG vehicles) Manual transmission Refuelling Parking Driving tips Driving systems Towing a trailer

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