warning MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 2001 A208 Owner's Manual

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your 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
and sliding/pop-up roof
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
Head restraints, rear ................... 52
Backrest ............................................ 53
Multicontour seat ............................ 54
Heated seats ..................................... 55
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 57
Seat belts .......................................... 57
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 58BabySmart
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 .......................... 77
Inside rear view mirror .................. 78
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 79
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 .............. 112
Engine oil consumption .................113Exterior 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 .............................. 146
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 148
Interior lighting ..............................150Rear window sunshade ................. 151
Sun visors ....................................... 151
Illuminated vanity mirrors ........... 152
Interior ............................................ 152
Storage compartments,
armrest and cup holder ........... 152
Glove box ..................................... 153
Storage compartments
in center console ........................ 153
Ashtrays .......................................... 156
Lighter ............................................. 158
Enlarged cargo area –
split folding rear
seat backrest .............................. 159
Loading instructions ..................... 160
Cargo tie down rings ..................... 162
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell .................... 162
Telephone, general ........................ 163
Cellular telephone ......................... 163
Garage door opener ....................... 164
Ski sack ........................................... 168

3 Contents
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 174
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 175
Maintenance ................................... 175
Catalytic converter ........................ 176
Emission control ............................ 177
Tele Aid ........................................... 178
Steering lock ................................... 188
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 190
Automatic transmission ............... 191
Parking brake .................................200
Driving instructions ......................201
Drive sensibly – save fuel .........201
Drinking and driving ................. 201
Pedals ........................................... 201
Power assistance ........................202Brakes .......................................... 202
Driving off ................................... 203
Parking ........................................ 203
Tires ............................................. 204
Snow chains ............................... 206
Winter driving instructions ..... 207
Winter driving ............................ 208
Deep water .................................. 208
Passenger compartment ........... 209
Traveling abroad ........................ 209
Cruise control .................................210
Brake assist system
(BAS) ...........................................213
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ...........................................215
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ............................................217
What you should know
at the gas station ...................... 221
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 223
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and
indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................226
On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................226
Brake warning lamp ..................227
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................228
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ....................228
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............229
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp .............................229
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................229
Telescoping steering column –
indicator lamp .............................230
Seat belt warning lamp .............230

4 Contents
Malfunction and indicator lamps in
the center console .....................230
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .............................230
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display ............... 231
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ..................232
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ........................232
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ...........233
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................234
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................234
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............235
BRAKE FLUID .............................235PARKING BRAKE ....................... 236
ENGINE FAN ............................... 236
COOLANT
(coolant level) ............................. 237
COOLANT TEMP.
(coolant temperature) ............... 238
LIGHTING SYSTEM ................... 239
LIGHT SENSOR .......................... 240
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. .......... 240
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 241
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability
program) ..................................... 242
REMOVE KEY ............................. 242
WASHER FLUID ......................... 243
TELE AID ..................................... 244
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................246
Shelf below rear window ..............246
Stowing things in the vehicle ......246
Fuses ................................................247
Hood .................................................249
Checking engine
oil level ....................................... 251
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................252
Coolant level ...................................252
Adding coolant ...........................253
Windshield washer/headlamp
cleaning system ........................254
Windshield and
headlamp washer
fluid mixing ratio .......................254

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 309.
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 200
5Parking brake pedal, see page 200
6Hood lock release, see page 249
7Combination switch, see page 117
8Cruise control switch, see page 210
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 18813Center air outlets, adjustable
14Air volume control for center air outlets
15Left front seat heater switch, see page 55
16Headlamp washer switch, see page 116
17Switch for rear seat head restraints, see page 52
18Hazard warning flasher 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 55
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 153
24Audio system, see page 127
25Storage compartment
26Ashtray with lighter, see page 156

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
and sliding/pop-up roof
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 ................... 42Tow-away alarm ............................... 44
Power seats, front ............................ 45
Front head restraints ...................51
Head restraints, rear ................... 52
Backrest ............................................ 53
Multicontour seat ............................ 54
Heated seats ..................................... 55
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 57
Seat belts .......................................... 57
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 58
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) ............................ 65Airbags .............................................. 66
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 72
Infant and child
restraint systems .......................... 74
Adjusting telescoping
steering column .......................... 77
Inside rear view mirror .................. 78
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 79
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

23 Contents – Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 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 .............. 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
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 148
Interior lighting ..............................150
Rear window sunshade .................151
Sun visors ........................................151
Illuminated vanity mirrors ...........152
Interior .............................................152Storage compartments,
armrest and cup holder ........... 152
Glove box ..................................... 153
Storage compartments
in center console ........................ 153
Ashtrays .......................................... 156
Lighter ............................................. 158
Enlarged cargo area –
split folding rear
seat backrest .............................. 159
Loading instructions ..................... 160
Cargo tie down rings ..................... 162
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell .................... 162
Telephone, general ........................ 163
Cellular telephone ......................... 163
Garage door opener ....................... 164
Ski sack ........................................... 168