MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430 2001 C208 Owner's Manual

218 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on with the electronic key in
steering lock position 2 and should go out with the
engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a
malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without
antilock assistance.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 231.
Wit h th e ABS m alf unctioning , t he BAS and ESP a re a lso
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched of f. W he n t he voltage is a bove this val ue again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.If th e ABS ma lfu nction indicator la mp stays ill uminated ,
have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

219 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Electronic stability program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces
driving wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving
conditions.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
countervailing vehicle movement. Engine torque is also
limited. The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash when ESP is in
operation.Important!
If the ESP warning lampv flashes:
•During take-off apply as little throttle as possible.
•While driving ease up on the accelerator.
•Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
•Do not switch off the ESP.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
towing the vehicle on page 272), the engine must be
shut off (electronic key in steering lock position 0 or 1).
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and
will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Wa r n i n g !
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, or aquaplaning. Only a safe,
at tentive, and ski llful driver can prevent ac cidents.
The capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.

220 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Notes:
The malfunction indicator lamp¿ for the ESP is
combined with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning
lampv in the speedometer dial come on with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2. They should
go out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, have the BAS
or ESP checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
For ESP warning message, see page 244.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the
spare wheel, must have the same tire outside diameter.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
should go out.

221 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ESP control switch
ESP control switch located on center console.
To switch ESP off, press upper half of the switch.
ESP warning lampv, located in speedometer dial,
comes on.
To switch ESP on again, press lower half of the switch.
ESP warning lampv, located in speedometer dial,
goes out.To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow cha ins, or sta rting of f in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off ESP by pressing the upper half of the ESP
switch. The ESP warning lampv, located in the
speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
A portion of the ESP system remains active, even with
the switch in the OFF position.
If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the
brake is applied until the wheel regains sufficient
traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds
up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off
at 50 mph (80 km/h).
P54.25-2037-26
Wa r n i n g !
When the ESP warning lamp is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Adapt you r speed and dri ving to th e prevailing road
conditions.

222 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Note:
Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This may cause
serious damage to the drive train which is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial,
starts to flash at any vehicle speed as soon as the tires
lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by
ESP: press lower half of the switch (the ESP warning
lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).
Important!
If the ESP warning lamp flashes:
•during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,
•while driving, ease up on the accelerator.
Wa r n i n g !
ESP should not be switched off during normal
driving other than in circumstances described
above. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle
stability in standard driving maneuvers.

223 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index What you should know at the gas station
Fuel supplyOpen flap by pushing near front (arrow). Turn fuel cap
to the left and hold on to it until possible pressure in
tank has been released, then remove cap. Failure to
remove slowly could result in personal injury.
Manual release of fuel filler flap, see page 287.
Fuel
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping into open air, fully
insert filler nozzle unit. Only fill fuel tank until the filler
nozzle unit cuts out – do not top up or overfill.
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can
cause the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp to illuminate.
Fuel tank capacity approx. 16.4 US gal (62.0 l).
This includes approx. 2.1 US gal (8.0 l) reserve. Use
premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane Index 91
(Average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Wa r n i n g !
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous. It
burns violently and can cause serious injury.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid inhaling
fumes and skin contact, extinguish all smoking
materials. Never allow sparks, flame or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Wa r n i n g !
Overfilling of fuel tank may result in creating
pressure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge such as the gas spraying back out upon
removing the filler nozzle which could cause
personal injury.

224 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
•Engine oil
Engine oil level check, see page 114 and page 253.
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick
marking level: 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
Recommended engine oils, see Approved Service
Products sheet.
• Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water
quality).
For further information (e.g. anticorrosion/
antifreeze), see page 305.
•Spark plugs
Approved spark plugs, see page 303.
• Tire pressure
For tire pressure, refer to tire pressure label inside
the fuel filler flap. See page 267 for further details.• Air conditioner
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant, see
page 305.
•Bulbs
High and low beams: H7 (55 W),
low beam: Xenon (optional)
fog lamps: H1 (55 W),
turn signal lamps,
front 1156 NA (26.9/5 W/32/4 cp),
parking and standing lamps, front: H 6W (6 W),
side marker lamps, front: 5 W/4 cp,
turn signal lamps, rear: 21 W/24 cp,
stop, tail, parking and side marker lamps: 21/4 W,
tail and parking lamp: 5 W/4 cp,
rear fog lamp, driver’s side: 21 W/32 cp,
backup lamps: 21 W/32 cp,
license plate lamps: 5 W/4 cp.

225 Check regularly and before a long trip
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Check regularly and before a long trip 1Engine oil level
See “Engine oil level, checking” on page 114 and
page 253.
2Coolant level
See “Coolant level” on page 254.
3Brake fluid
See “Brake fluid” on page 307.
4Windshield washer system
Headlamp cleaning system
For refilling reservoir see page 256.
Opening hood, see page 251.
Ve h i c l e l i g h t i n g : Check function and cleanliness. For
replacement of light bulbs, see “Exterior lamps” on
page 275.
Exterior lamps switch, see page 116.
Mercedes-Benz
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227 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 ....................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 ............................. 231ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 231
Telescoping steering column –
indicator lamp ............................ 232
Seat belt warning lamp ............. 232
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the center console ............... 232
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp ............................ 232
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display .............. 233
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ................. 234
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ....................... 234
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR .......... 235
ABS-SYSTEM .............................. 236
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 236BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............237
BRAKE FLUID .............................237
PARKING BRAKE .......................238
ENGINE FAN ...............................238
COOLANT
(coolant level) .............................239
COOLANT TEMP.
(coolant temperature) ................240
LIGHTING SYSTEM .................... 241
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................242
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. ...........242
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................243
ELEC. STABIL. PROGRAM.
(Electronic stability
program) ......................................244
REMOVE KEY .............................244
WASHER FLUID .........................245
TELE AID .....................................246