Definition - w, Bold - w, Item - winter/wet (snow and ice) mode – Mercedes-Benz 2001 C 320 User Manual
Page 251: Itempara - press switch, Itempara - the, Caution - caution, Blocktitle - caution, Important - important, Blocktitle - important, Subsection - emergency operation (limp home mode)
 
242
Automatic transmission
Technical
data
Instruments 
and controls
Operation
Driving
Instrument
cluster display
Practical hints
Car care
Index
W
Winter/ Wet (snow and ice) mode
Press switch. “W” is displayed in the gear range 
indicator display, see page 237. The vehicle starts 
out in 2nd gear, except with selector lever in 1st 
gear, or with accelerator pedal in kick-down 
position.
The “W” mode helps to improve traction and 
driving stability of the vehicle.
The gear shifting process occurs 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.
Important!
Always be certain of the program mode selected since 
the vehicle driving characteristics change with the 
selection of the program mode.
Dependent on the program mode selector switch 
position “S” or “W” and the gear selector lever in 
position “R”, the ratio of power transmission changes.
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 of the transmission. This condition may be 
accompanied 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 approximately 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 Center as soon as possible.