Mercedes-Benz S 320 1999, Owner'S Manual

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Program Mode Selector Switch
The transmission is provided with a
selector switch for Standard “S”
and W inter/W et (snow and ice) “W ”
program modes.
Important!
Always be certain of the program
mode selected since the vehicle
driving characteristics change with
the selection of the program mode.
S Standard mode
Press switch on symbol “S” .
Use this mode for all regular
driving.
The vehicle starts out in 1st
gear.
W W inter/Wet (snow and ice)
mode
Press switch on symbol “W ” .
The vehicle starts out in 2nd
gear, except with selector lever
in 1 st gear, or with accelerator
pedal in kick-down position.
The “W ” mode helps to improve
traction and driving stability of
the vehicle.
With hard acceleration the
upshifts occur at lower vehicle
and engine speeds than in the
“S” program mode.
Caution!
Never change the program mode
when the selector lever is out of
position “P”. It could result in a
change of driving characteristics
for which you may not be prepared.
Emergency Operation
(Limp Home Mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or
the transmission no longer shifts,
the transmission is most likely
operating in Limp Home Mode
which engages when there is a
malfunction at the transmission.
This condition may be accom pa­
nied by the “CHECK ENGINE”
malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the 2nd gear or
reverse gear can be activated.
To engage 2nd gear or reverse:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move selector lever to
position “ P” .
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move selector lever to
position “ D” (for 2nd gear), or
move selector lever to
position “ R” (for reverse gear).
Have the transmission checked at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer as soon as possible.
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