warning MERCEDES-BENZ CLK CABRIOLET 2001 A208 Owner's Manual

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our prod uct is a de monstration of you r tru st in our company na me. Fu rt her, it exemplif ies you r desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 7
Operator’s manual ............................. 8
Where to find it ................................ 13
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 15Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Center console .............................. 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 27
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 27
Central locking system ................... 28
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 28
Opening and closing
windows from outside ................. 32Panic button ................................. 33
Mechanical keys .......................... 33
Doors ................................................. 34
Central locking switch .................... 36
Automatic central locking .......... 37
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 37
Trunk ................................................. 38
Trunk lid release switch ................ 40
Trunk lid emergency release .........41
Antitheft alarm system ................... 42
Tow-away alarm ............................... 44
Power seats, front ............................ 45
Front head restraints ...................51
Roll bar and
head restraints, rear .................. 52
Backrest ............................................ 54
Multicontour seat ............................ 55
Heated seats ..................................... 56
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 58
Seat belts .......................................... 58
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 59BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system .................... 64
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 64
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 65
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 65
Airbags .............................................. 66
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 72
Infant and child
restraint systems .......................... 74
Adjusting telescoping
steering column .......................... 76
Inside rear view mirror .................. 77
Antiglare night position .............. 77
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 78
Instrument cluster ........................... 82
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ...................... 84
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 88

2 Contents
Trip and main odometer,
vehicle speed, FSS and
engine oil level indicator ........... 92
Audio systems .................................. 93
Radio .............................................. 93
CD player ....................................... 94
Cassette player ............................. 95
Telephone .......................................... 96
Telephone book ............................ 96
Redialing ....................................... 98
Incoming call .............................. 100
Navigation system .......................... 101
Trip computer ................................. 102
Malfunction message
memory ...................................... 104
Individual settings ......................... 106
Setting the audio volume .............. 108
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................ 109
Engine oil level indicator .............. 112Engine oil consumption ................ 113
Exterior lamp switch ...................... 114
Night security illumination .......... 115
Headlamp cleaning system ........... 116
Combination switch ....................... 117
Hazard warning flasher
switch .......................................... 119
Automatic climate control ............ 120
Display and controls ................. 122
Basic setting ............................... 122
Economy ...................................... 123
Special settings .......................... 123
Rear window defroster .............. 124
Air recirculation ........................ 125
Residual engine
heat utilization ........................... 125
Dust filter .................................... 126
Audio and telephone,
operation .................................... 127
Power windows .............................. 146Interior lighting ............................. 149
Sun visors ....................................... 150
Illuminated vanity mirrors ........... 150
Interior ............................................ 151
Storage compartments,
armrest and cup holder ........... 151
Glove box ..................................... 151
Ashtray ............................................ 154
Lighter ............................................. 155
Cargo tie down rings ..................... 156
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell .................... 156
Armrest, rear bench ...................... 156
Telephone, general ........................ 157
Cellular telephone ......................... 157
Garage door opener ....................... 158
Soft top ............................................ 162
Wind screen .................................... 170

3 Contents
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 178
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 179
Maintenance ................................... 179
Catalytic converter ........................ 180
Emission control ............................ 181
Tele Aid ........................................... 182
Steering lock ................................... 192
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 194
Automatic transmission ............... 195
Parking brake .................................204
Driving instructions ......................205
Drive sensibly – save fuel .........205
Drinking and driving .................205
Pedals ...........................................205
Power assistance ........................206Brakes .......................................... 206
Driving off ................................... 207
Parking ........................................ 207
Tires ............................................. 208
Snow chains ................................210
Winter driving instructions ...... 211
Deep water ...................................212
Passenger compartment ............213
Traveling abroad .........................213
Cruise control .................................214
Brake assist system
(BAS) ...........................................216
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ...........................................218
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 220
What you should know
at the gas station ...................... 224
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 226
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and
indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................228
On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................228
Brake warning lamp ..................229
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)
indicator lamp .............................230
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ....................230
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 231
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 231
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 231
Telescoping steering column –
indicator lamp .............................232
Seat belt warning lamp .............232

4 Contents
Malfunction and indicator
lamps in the
center console ...........................233
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .............................233
Roll bar warning lamp ...............233
Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display ...............234
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ..................235
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ........................235
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ...........236
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................237
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................237
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............238
BRAKE FLUID .............................238PARKING BRAKE ....................... 239
ENGINE FAN ............................... 239
COOLANT
(coolant level) ............................. 240
COOLANT TEMP.
(coolant temperature) ............... 241
LIGHTING SYSTEM ................... 242
LIGHT SENSOR .......................... 243
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. .......... 243
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 244
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability
program) ..................................... 245
REMOVE KEY ............................. 245
WASHER FLUID ......................... 246
TELE AID ..................................... 247
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................250
Shelf below rear window ..............250
Stowing things in
the vehicle ..................................250
Luggage cover .................................250
Fuses ................................................252
Hood .................................................254
Checking engine oil level .............256
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................257
Coolant level ...................................257
Adding coolant ...........................258
Windshield washer / headlamp
cleaning system ........................259
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........259

8 Introduction
Operator’s manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize
yourself with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations
for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment,
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
•New Car Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

13 IntroductionWhere to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
• Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
• Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

19 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index For more detailed descriptions see Index on page 325.
For adjustment of air outlets, refer to automatic climate
control, see page 120.
1Side air outlet, adjustable
2Air volume control for side air outlet
3Exterior lamp switch, see page 114
4Parking brake release, see page 204
5Parking brake pedal, see page 204
6Hood lock release, see page 254
7Combination switch, see page 117
8Cruise control switch, see page 214
9Multifunction steering wheel, see page 88
Horn (with electronic key in steering lock
position 1 or 2)
10Instrument cluster, see page 82
11Voice recognition system switch, see separate
operating instructions
12Steering lock with ignition/starter
switch, see page 19213Center air outlets, adjustable
14Air volume control for center air outlets
15Left front seat heater switch, see page 56
16Headlamp washer switch, see page 116
17Roll bar switch, see page 53
Roll bar warning lamp, see page 233
18Hazard warning f lasher switch, see page 119
19Central locking switch, see page 36
20Switch for tow-away alarm, see page 44
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system, see
page 42
21Right front seat heater switch, see page 56
22Automatic climate control, see page 120
Rear window defroster switch, see page 124
23Glove box (illuminated with electronic key in
steering lock position 1 or 2), see page 151
24Audio system, see page 127
25Storage compartment
26Ashtray with lighter, see page 154

22 Contents – Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 27
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 27
Central locking system ................... 28
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 28
Opening and closing
windows from outside ................. 32
Panic button .................................. 33
Mechanical keys ........................... 33
Doors .................................................. 34
Central locking switch .................... 36
Automatic central locking .......... 37
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 37
Trunk ................................................. 38
Trunk lid release switch ................. 40
Trunk lid emergency release ......... 41
Antitheft alarm system ................... 42
Tow-away alarm ................................ 44Power seats, front ............................ 45
Front head restraints ...................51
Roll bar and
head restraints, rear .................. 52
Backrest ............................................ 54
Multicontour seat ............................ 55
Heated seats ..................................... 56
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 58
Seat belts .......................................... 58
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 59
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 64
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 64
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ............................... 65
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................ 65
Airbags .............................................. 66
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 72Infant and child
restraint systems .......................... 74
Adjusting telescoping
steering column .......................... 76
Inside rear view mirror .................. 77
Antiglare night position .............. 77
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 78
Instrument cluster ........................... 82
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ...................... 84
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 88
Trip and main odometer,
vehicle speed, FSS and
engine oil level indicator ........... 92
Audio systems .................................. 93
Radio .............................................. 93
CD player ....................................... 94
Cassette player ............................. 95
Telephone .......................................... 96
Telephone book ............................ 96
Redialing ....................................... 98
Incoming call .............................. 100
Navigation system .......................... 101

23 Contents – Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Trip computer ................................. 102
Malfunction message
memory ...................................... 104
Individual settings ......................... 106
Setting the audio volume .............. 108
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................ 109
Engine oil level indicator .............. 112
Engine oil consumption .................113
Exterior lamp switch ......................114
Night security illumination ..........115
Headlamp cleaning system ...........116
Combination switch .......................117
Hazard warning flasher
switch ...........................................119Automatic climate control ............ 120
Display and controls ................. 122
Basic setting ............................... 122
Economy ...................................... 123
Special settings .......................... 123
Rear window defroster .............. 124
Air recirculation ........................ 125
Residual engine
heat utilization ........................... 125
Dust filter .................................... 126
Audio and telephone,
operation .................................... 127
Power windows .............................. 146
Interior lighting ............................. 149
Sun visors ........................................150Illuminated vanity mirrors ........... 150
Interior ............................................ 151
Storage compartments,
armrest and cup holder ........... 151
Glove box ..................................... 151
Ashtray ............................................ 154
Lighter ............................................. 155
Cargo tie down rings ..................... 156
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell .................... 156
Armrest, rear bench ...................... 156
Telephone, general ........................ 157
Cellular telephone ......................... 157
Garage door opener ....................... 158
Soft top ............................................ 162
Wind screen .................................... 170