engine MERCEDES-BENZ CLK-CLASS 2001 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2001, Model line: CLK-CLASS, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ CLK-CLASS 2001Pages: 325, PDF Size: 8.4 MB
Page 177 of 325

174 Control and operation of radio transmitters
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Control and operation of radio transmitters
COMAND, radio and telephone
1 Observe all legal requirements.
Telephones and two-way radio
Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a 
citizens band unit should only be used inside the 
vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is 
installed on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions 
regarding use of an external antenna.
Wa r n i n g !
Please do not forget that your primary 
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. Only operate 
the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data 
System), radio or telephone
1 if road and traffic 
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph 
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is covering 
a distance of approximately 50 feet (approximately 
14 m )  e v e r y  s e c o n d .
Wa r n i n g !
Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a 
built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being 
connected to an external antenna) from inside the 
vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could 
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic 
system, possibly resulting in an accident and 
personal injury.
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Page 178 of 325

175 The first 1 000 miles
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the 
break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its 
performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle 
during the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) at moderate 
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle 
driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended 
to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear. 
We recommend that you select positions “3”, “2” or “1” 
only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) speeds may be gradually 
increased to the permissible maximum.Maintenance
Approximately 30 days or 2 000 miles ( 2000 km) prior 
to the next recommended service, the remaining 
distance or days are displayed in the multifunction 
indicator. See Flexible service system (FSS) on 
page 109.
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle 
serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, in 
accordance with the Service Booklet at the times called 
for by the FSS.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance 
with the Service Booklet at the designated times/
mileage may result in vehicle damage not covered by 
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Check regularly and before a long trip, see page 223.
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Page 179 of 325

176 Catalytic converter
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Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with monolithic type 
catalytic converters, an important element in 
conjunction with the oxygen sensors to achieve 
substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust 
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper operating 
condition by following our recommended maintenance 
instructions as outlined in your Service Booklet.Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use only 
premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation should 
be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned 
fuel may reach the catalytic converter causing it to 
overheat, which could start a fire.
Wa r n i n g !
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate 
this vehicle in areas where combustible materials 
such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact 
with the hot exhaust system, as these materials 
could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
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Page 180 of 325

177 Emission control
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Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic 
components of the exhaust gases within permissible 
limits required by law.
These systems, of course, will function properly only 
when maintained strictly according to factory 
specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should, 
therefore, be carried out only by qualified Mercedes-
Benz authorized center technicians. Engine adjustments 
should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the 
specified service jobs must be carried out regularly 
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements. 
For details refer to the Service Booklet.
Wa r n i n g !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your 
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, 
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and 
lead to death.Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a 
garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you 
think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the 
vehicle while driving, have the cause determined 
and corrected immediately. If you must drive under 
these conditions, drive only with at least one 
window fully open.
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Page 191 of 325

188 Steering lock
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Steering lock
0The electronic key can be withdrawn in this position 
only. The steering is locked when the electronic key 
is removed from the steering lock. If necessary, 
move steering wheel slightly to allow the locking 
mechanism to engage. The electronic key can only 
be removed with the selector lever in position “P”. 
After removing the electronic key or with the 
electronic key in steering lock position 0, the 
selector lever is locked in position “P”.1Steering is unlocked.
(If necessary, move steering wheel slightly to allow 
the electronic key to be turned clockwise to 
position 1.) Most electrical consumers can be 
operated. For detailed information see respective 
subjects.
2Driving position.
3Starting position.
See page 190 for starting and turning off the engine.
P82.00-2073-26
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the 
electronic key from the steering lock, and lock the 
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the 
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. 
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause 
serious personal injury.
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Page 192 of 325

189 Steering lock
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
If the electronic key is left in the steering lock position 0 
for an extended period of time, it can no longer be 
turned in the lock. In this case, remove electronic key 
from steering lock and reinsert.
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible 
dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the 
steering lock. Do not leave the electronic key in steering 
lock position 0.Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened 
while the electronic key is in steering lock position 1 
or 0.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the 
alternator (output) is limited.
It is therefore recommended that you turn off 
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of 
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system 
may be minimized by turning off the following power 
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window 
defroster. In addition, the automatic climate air volume 
control should be set to the lowest position.
The steering lock can only be unlocked with the vehicle 
battery properly charged and connected.
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Page 193 of 325

190 Starting and turning off the engine
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Starting and turning off the engine
Before starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector 
lever is in position “P” or “N”. Turn electronic key in 
steering lock to position 2.
Starting
Do not depress accelerator.
Briefly turn electronic key in steering lock clockwise to 
the stop and release. The starter will engage until the 
engine is running.
If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops, 
turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat 
starting the engine.
After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system 
checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat feature, the 
electronic key must be turned completely to the left 
before attempting to start the engine again.
In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -4°F 
(-20°C) we recommend that an engine block heater be 
installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will 
advise you on this subject.
Turning off
Turn the electronic key in the steering lock to position 0 
to stop the engine.
The electronic key can only be removed with the 
selector lever in position “P”.
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Page 194 of 325

191 Automatic transmission
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Automatic transmissionThe automatic transmission selects individual gears 
automatically, dependent upon
•Selector lever position
•Program mode selector
•Accelerator position
•Vehicle speed
The gear shifting process is continuously adapted, 
dependent on the driving style, the driving situation 
and the road characteristics.
Important!
When parking the vehicle or before working on the 
vehicle with the engine running, firmly depress the 
parking brake pedal and shift the selector lever into “P”.
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Page 195 of 325

192 Automatic transmission
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Driving
The selector lever is automatically locked while in 
position “P”. To move the selector lever out of 
position “P”, the service brake pedal must be firmly 
depressed before the shift lock will release.
Shift selector lever to the desired position only when the 
engine is idling normally and the service brake is 
applied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive. 
The vehicle may otherwise start creeping when the 
selector lever is in drive or reverse position.Important!
After selecting any driving position from “N” or “P”, 
wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage before 
accelerating, especially when the engine is cold.
Accelerator position
Partial throttle = early upshifting = normal acceleration
Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid acceleration
Kickdown (depressing the accelerator beyond full 
throttle) = downshifting to a lower gear = maximum 
acceleration. Once the desired speed is attained, ease up 
on the accelerator – the transmission shifts up again.
Wa r n i n g !
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P” 
or “N” if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. 
If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the 
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in 
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and 
hit someone or something. Only shift into gear 
when the engine is idling normally and when your 
right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
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Page 196 of 325

193 Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the 
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service 
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into “N” 
or “P” and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not 
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids 
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a 
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually 
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never 
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow), 
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying 
slight partial throttle.Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the 
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to 
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the 
malfunction indication.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever 
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous. 
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone 
may not prevent your vehicle from moving, 
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting 
to position “P”, see page 200 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel 
against curb.Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the 
electronic key from the steering lock, and lock the 
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the 
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. 
Children could move the gear selector lever from 
position “P”, which could result in an accident or 
serious personal injury.
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