airbag off MERCEDES-BENZ CL55AMG 2001 C215 Owner's Manual

2 Contents
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag .................................. 100
Infant and child
restraint systems ....................... 102
Steering wheel adjustment .......... 105
Rear view mirrors .......................... 106
Rear view mirror,
automatic antiglare ................... 106
Memory function ............................111
Instrument cluster ..........................114
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ............... 120
Trip and main odometer,
FSS, tire inflation pressure
monitor and
engine oil level indicator ......... 124
Audio systems ................................ 125
Radio ............................................ 125
CD player ..................................... 126
Cassette player ........................... 127
Telephone ........................................ 128
Telephone book .......................... 128
Redialing ..................................... 130Incoming call ...............................131
Navigation system ..........................132
Distronic (DTR) ...............................133
Trip computer .................................134
Malfunction/warning
message memory ......................136
Individual settings .........................138
Setting the audio volume ............. 146
Flexible service system
(FSS) ........................................... 147
Tire inflation
pressure monitor .......................150
Engine oil level indicator ..............154
Engine oil consumption ................155
Exterior lamp switch ......................156
Headlamp mode ..............................157
Night security illumination ..........158
Headlamp cleaning system ...........159
Combination switch .......................160
Hazard warning flasher
switch ..........................................163
Automatic climate control .............164
Display and controls ..................166
Dust filter .....................................167Basic setting ............................... 168
Special settings .......................... 169
Air recirculation ......................... 171
Activated charcoal filter ............ 172
Economy mode ........................... 173
Residual engine heat
utilization .................................... 174
Switching the automatic
climate control on and off ......... 175
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .......... 175
Rear window defroster .................. 176
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ................ 177
Power windows ............................... 178
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 181
Interior lighting ............................. 184
Rear window sunshade ................. 186
Sun visors ....................................... 187
Vanity mirrors ................................ 187
Interior ............................................ 188
Storage compartments
and armrests .............................. 188
Glove box ..................................... 189

4 Contents
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............295
Distronic (DTR) —
warning lamp ..............................295
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ..............................296
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console ......296
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....296
Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display ...............297
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ..................298
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ........................298
BATTERY /ALTERNATOR ..........299
ENTRANCE POSITION ..............300
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................300
BRAKE LINING WEAR .............. 301
BRAKE FLUID ............................. 301
PARKING BRAKE .......................302
TRUNK OPEN .............................302ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability
program) ..................................... 303
COOLANT (coolant level) ......... 304
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ............... 305
LIGHTING SYSTEM ................... 306
LIGHT SENSOR .......................... 308
SEAT BELT SYSTEM .................. 308
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION ....... 309
CRUISE CONTROL ..................... 309
ACTIVE BO DY CO NTROL
(ABC) ............................................ 310
TIRE PRESSURE .........................312
ENGINE OIL LEVEL .................... 314
SEAT BACKREST ......................... 315
KEY ...............................................316
DOOR ............................................ 316
HOOD ............................................ 317
TELE AID ......................................317
ENGINE OIL LEVEL .................... 318
WASHER FLUID ..........................319
LIGHT SENSOR .......................... 320
DISTRONIC (DTR) ...................... 321
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................324
Fuses ................................................325
Shelf below rear window ..............327
Hood .................................................328
Checking engine oil level ............. 331
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................332
Active b od y control
(ABC) fluid level ........................332
Coolant level ...................................333
Adding coolant ...........................333
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ...........................334
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........334
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ................335
Jack ...................................................336
Wheels .............................................337
Tire Replacement .......................337
Rotating wheels ..........................338
Spare wheel ....................................338

25 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 12Ashtray, see page 196
Lighter, see page 198
13Start-/Stop button
Starter switch for KEYLESS-GO only, see page 224
14Automatic transmission, see page 22915AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp, see page 296
16Distronic (DTR) – switch for distance notification
function, see page 265
17Distronic (DTR) – thumbwheel for setting distance,
seepage265

52 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Automatic central locking
Wit h th e automa tic central locking system activated, t he
doors and trunk are locked at vehicle speeds of approx.
9 mph (15 km/h) or more. The fuel filler f lap remains
unlocked.
The automatic central locking function can be switched
on or off. See page 138 for “Individual settings”.
Notes:
If doors are unlocked with the central locking switch
after activating the automatic central locking, and
neither door is opened, then the doors remain unlocked
even at vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more.
If a door is opened from the inside at speeds of approx.
9 mph (15 km/h) or less with the automatic central
locking activated, the door will again be automatically
locked at speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
Important!
When towing the vehicle, or with the vehicle on a
dynamometer test stand, please, note the following:With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in starter sw itch position 2 (veh ic les w it h
KEYLESS-GO: operation position, see page 224), the
vehicle doors will lock if the left front wheel as well as
the right rear wheel spin at vehicle speeds of approx.
9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking. See page 138
for “Individual settings”.
Emergency unlocking in case of accident
The doors unlock automatically a short time after an
accident in which an airbag or emergency tensioning
retractor deploys (this is intended to aid rescue and
exit).

86 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Operation of seat belts
The inertia reel stops the belt from unwinding during
sudden stops or when quickly pulling on the belt.
The locking function of the reel may be checked by
quickly pulling out the belt.
Caution!
For safety reasons, avoid adjusting the seat or seat back
into positions which could affect the correct seat belt
positioning.
Unfastening of seat belts
Press release button (3) in the belt buckle (2).
Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by
guiding the latch plate (1).
Wa r n i n g !
USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY.• Seat belts can only work when used properly.
Never wear seat belts in any other way than as
described in this section, as that could result
in serious injuries in case of an accident.• Each occupant should wear their seat belt at all
times, because seat belts help reduce the
likelihood of and potential severity of injuries
in accidents, including rollovers. The
integrated restraint system includes “SRS”
(driver airbag, front passenger airbag, side
impact airbags, head protection window
curtain airbags for side windows), “ETR” (seat
belt emergency tensioning retractors), and
front seat knee bolsters. The system is
designed to enhance the protection offered to
properly belted occupants in certain frontal
(front airbags) and side (side impact and
window curtain airbags) impacts which exceed
preset deployment thresholds.

98 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
• Occupants, especially children, should never
lean their heads in the area of the door or rear
quarter interior trim panel where the side
airbag inflates. This could result in serious
injuries or death should the airbag be
triggered. Always sit upright, properly use the
seat belts and appropriate size infant or child
restraint system.• Children 12 years old and under must never
ride in the front seat, except in a
Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat, which operates with the
BabySmart
TM system installed in the vehicle to
deactivate the passenger side front airbag
when it is properly installed. Otherwise they
will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in
a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury
can result.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe injuries to you or other occupants.
Wa r n i n g !
Accident research shows that the safest place for
children in an automobile is in the rear seat.
Should you choose to place a child 12 years old or
under in the front passenger seat of your vehicle,
you must properly use a BabySmart
TM
child
restraint which will turn off the passenger side
airbag. BabySmart
TM will not, however, turn off any
side impact airbag.
It should be noted that with respect to both front
and rear side impact airbags there is a possibility
for a side airbag related injury if occupants,
especially children, are not properly seated or
restrained when next to a side airbag which needs
to deploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its
job.

289 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................290
On-board diagnostic system .....290
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................290
Brake warning lamp ..................292
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)
indicator lamp .............................293
Fuel reserve warning .................293
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................294
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............295
Distronic (DTR) —
warning lamp ..............................295
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ..............................296Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console ...... 296
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 296
Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display .............. 297
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ................. 298
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ....................... 298
BATTERY /ALTERNATOR ......... 299
ENTRANCE POSITION .............. 300
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 300
BRAKE LINING WEAR .............. 301
BRAKE FLUID ............................ 301
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 302
TRUNK OPEN ............................. 302
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability
program) ..................................... 303
COOLANT (coolant level) ......... 304COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................305
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................306
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................308
SEAT BELT SYSTEM ...................308
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION .......309
CRUISE CONTROL .....................309
ACTIV E BO DY CO NTROL
(ABC) ............................................ 310
TIRE PRESSURE ......................... 312
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 314
SEAT BACKREST ........................ 315
KEY ............................................... 316
DOOR ........................................... 316
HOOD ........................................... 317
TELE AID ..................................... 317
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 318
WASHER FLUID ......................... 319
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................320
DISTRONIC (DTR) ...................... 321

296 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Seat belt nonusage warning lamp
With the electronic key in starter switch
position 2, the seat belt nonusage warning
lamp comes on, and a warning sounds for a
short time if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
After starting the engine, the seat belt nonusage
warning lamp blinks for a brief period to remind the
driver and passengers to fasten seat belts.Malfunction and indicator lamp in the center
console
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
The 7 indicator lamp will light up for approximately
6 seconds when you turn the electronic key in starter
switch to position 1 or 2.
It does not light up if there is a fault in the system.
The 7 indicator lamp stays lit as long as a
BabySmart
TM ch il d sea t is properly insta lled on th e front
passenger seat. It indicates that the front passenger
airbag is switched off.
See page 88 for BabySmart
TM airbag and its deactivation
system.
Baby Smart
TM is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.

401 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) .......................................269
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................294
ACTIV E BODY CONTRO L -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 310
Active body control (ABC) ............................................275
Active body control (ABC) fluid level .........................332
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........................................395
Air distribution, manual ............................................... 169
Air volume, manual ....................................................... 169
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 88
Airbag OFF indicator lamp ...........................................296
Airbags .............................................................................. 92
Front airbags ............................................................... 92
Side impact airbags .................................................... 95
Window curtain airbags ............................................. 95
Alarm system ............................................................. 62, 64
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ................... 247, 333, 393, 398
Antiglare night position ............................................... 106
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......................................269
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................294
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 62Aquaplaning .................................................................. 244
Armrest, rear bench ....................................................... 195
Ashtrays ........................................................................... 196
Center console, front ................................................ 196
Rear seats ................................................................... 197
Audio systems .................................................................125
Cassette player ..........................................................127
CD player ....................................................................126
Radio ...........................................................................125
Automatic central locking ..............................................52
Automatic climate control ............................................ 164
Activated charcoal filter ...........................................172
Adjustable air outlets,
rear passenger compartment .............................177
Air distribution, manual .......................................... 169
Air recirculation ........................................................ 171
Air volume, manual .................................................. 169
Basic setting ............................................................... 168
Defogging windows ...........................................170, 171
Defrosting ...................................................................170
Display and controls ................................................. 166
Dust filter ................................................................... 167
Economy mode ..........................................................173
Front center console
storage compartment ventilation .......................175
Rear window defroster ............................................. 176

402 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Residual engine heat utilization ............................ 174
Special settings ......................................................... 169
Switching on and off ................................................ 175
Windows fogged on the inside ................................ 170
Windows fogged on the outside .............................. 171
Automatic transmission ...............................................229
Emergency operation ...............................................237
Fluid level ...................................................................332
Program mode selector switch ...............................236
Selector lever position ..............................................232
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 88
Self-test ......................................................................... 89
Backrest ............................................................................. 72
BAS (Brake assist system) ............................................268
Battery .............................................................................346
Battery recycling .......................................................348
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR -
malfunction and warning messages ......................299
Block heater ....................................................................249
BRAKE ASSIST - malfunction
and warning messages ............................................300
Brake assist system (BAS) ............................................268Brake fluid ...........................................240, 292, 393, 395
BRAKE FLUID -
malfunction and warning messages ......................301
BRAKE LINING WEAR -
malfunction and warning messages ......................301
Brake pad wear ...............................................................301
Brake warning lamp ..................................................... 292
Brake fluid low ......................................................... 292
Brakes ...................................................238, 240, 268, 272
CCapacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .............................. 393
Card, KEYLESS-GO ..........................................................28
Cargo tie-down hooks ................................................... 200
Catalytic converter ........................................................ 220
Center console .................................................................. 24
Center console lighting ................................................. 185
Central locking switch .................................................... 50
Central locking system .................................................... 34
Automatic central locking .........................................52
Central locking switch ............................................... 50
Choosing global or selective mode .....................37, 43
Electronic main key .................................................... 29