steering MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430 CABRIOLET 2003 C208 Owner's Manual

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 6
Operator’s manual ............................. 7
Where to find it ................................ 12
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 14Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 16
Center console .............................. 18
Overhead control panel ............... 19OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 22
Start lock-out .................................... 24
General notes on the central locking
system ........................................... 24
Central locking system ................... 25
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 25
Opening and closing windows from
outside ........................................... 29
Panic button .................................. 30Mechanical keys .......................... 30
Doors ..................................................31
Central locking switch .................... 33
Automatic central locking .......... 34
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................ 34
Trunk ................................................. 35
Trunk lamp ....................................... 36
Trunk lid release switch ................ 37
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 38
Antitheft alarm system ................... 39
Tow-away alarm ............................... 40
Power seats, front ............................. 41
Front head restraints .................. 46
Roll bar and head restraints,
rear ............................................... 47
Backrest ............................................ 49
Multicontour seat ............................ 50
Heated seats ......................................51
Seat belts and integrated restraint
system .......................................... 52
Seat belts .......................................... 53
Seat belt nonusage warning
system ............................................ 54BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system ........................................... 59
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 59
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) ............................................. 60
Emergency tensioning device
(ETD) ............................................. 60
Airbags .............................................. 61
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning device and
airbag ............................................. 67
Infant and child restraint
systems .......................................... 69
Child seat anchors- "LATCH",
type ............................................... 71
Adjusting telescoping steering
column .......................................... 73
Inside rear view mirror .................. 74
Antiglare night position .............. 74
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 75
Instrument cluster ........................... 78
Indicator lamps in the instrument
cluster ........................................... 80

2 ContentsMultifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 84
Trip and main odometer and sub
menu ............................................. 88
Audio systems .................................. 89
Radio .............................................. 89
CD player ....................................... 90
Cassette player ............................. 91
Telephone .......................................... 92
Telephone book ............................ 92
Redialing ....................................... 94
Incoming call ................................ 96
Navigation system ............................ 97
Trip computer ................................... 98
Malfunction/warning message
memory ...................................... 100
Individual settings ......................... 102
Setting the audio volume .............. 104
Flexible service system (FSS) ...... 105
Engine oil level indicator .............. 108
Engine oil consumption ................ 109
Exterior lamp switch ......................110
Night security illumination ..........111
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 112Combination switch ....................... 113
Hazard warning flasher switch .... 115
Automatic climate control ............. 116
Display and controls .................. 118
Basic setting ................................ 118
Economy ....................................... 119
Special settings ........................... 119
Rear window defroster .............. 120
Air recirculation .........................121
Residual engine heat
utilization .....................................121
Dust filter .................................... 122
Audio and telephone, operation .. 123
Power windows .............................. 142
Interior lighting ............................. 145
Sun visors ....................................... 146
Illuminated vanity mirrors .......... 146
Interior ............................................ 147
Storage compartments, armrest and
cup holder .................................. 147
Glove box ..................................... 147
Ashtray .............................................150
Lighter .............................................. 151
Cargo tie down rings .....................152Parcel net in front passenger
footwell ....................................... 152
Armrest, rear bench ...................... 152
Telephone, general ........................ 153
Cellular telephone ......................... 153
Garage door opener ....................... 154
Soft top ............................................ 158
Wind screen .................................... 166
Roller blind (horizontal) ............... 170
Roller blind (vertical) .................... 171
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

3 ContentsParking brake .................................200
Driving instructions ...................... 201
Drive sensibly – save fuel ......... 201
Drinking and driving ................. 201
Pedals ........................................... 201
Power assistance ........................202
Brakes ..........................................202
Driving off ...................................203
Parking ........................................204
Tires .............................................204
Snow chains ................................207
Winter driving instructions ......207
Standing water ...........................209
Passenger compartment ...........209
Traveling abroad ........................209
Cruise control ................................. 210
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 212
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 214
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 216
What you should know at the gas
station .........................................220
Check regularly and before a long
trip ...............................................222
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster ............. 224
On-board diagnostic system Check
engine malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 224
Brake warning lamp .................. 225
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ................. 226
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ................... 226
Electronic stability program (ESP)
— warning lamp .......................... 227
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 227
ABS malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 227
Telescoping steering column –
indicator lamp ............................ 228
Seat belt warning lamp ............. 228
Malfunction and indicator lamps in
the center console .................... 228
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 228
Roll bar warning lamp .............. 229Malfunction and warning messages
in the multifunction display ...230
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine
control unit) ................................ 231
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several
systems) ....................................... 231
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ...........232
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................233
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................233
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............234
BRAKE FLUID .............................234
PARKING BRAKE .......................235
ENGINE FAN ...............................235
COOLANT (coolant level) ..........236
COOLANT TEMP. (coolant
temperature) ...............................237
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................238
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................239
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. ...........239
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................240
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. (Electronic
stability program) ...................... 241
REMOVE KEY ............................. 241
WASHER FLUID .........................242

4 ContentsTELE AID .....................................243
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................246
Shelf below rear window ..............246
Stowing things in the vehicle ......246
Luggage cover .................................246
Fuses ................................................248
Hood .................................................250
Checking engine oil level .............252
Automatic transmission fluid
level .............................................253
Coolant level ...................................253
Adding coolant ...........................254
Windshield washer / headlamp
cleaning system .........................255
Windshield and headlamp washer
fluid mixing ratio .......................255
Spare wheel, vehicle tools, storage
compartment .............................256
Vehicle jack .....................................257
Wheels .............................................258
Tire replacement ........................258
Rotating wheels ..........................259Spare wheel .................................... 260
Spare wheel bolts .......................... 260
Spare wheel bolts ...................... 260
Spare wheel .................................... 260
Changing wheels ........................... 263
Tire inflation pressure ................. 268
Battery ............................................. 270
Jump starting ..................................271
Towing the vehicle ........................ 273
Exterior lamps ............................... 277
Headlamp assembly .................. 278
Taillamp assemblies .................. 280
Adjusting headlamp aim .............. 282
Changing batteries in the electronic
key .............................................. 285
Synchronizing remote
control ........................................ 287
Raising soft top manually ............ 288
Antenna .......................................... 295
Manual release for fuel filler
flap .............................................. 296
Replacing wiper blade insert ...... 296
Vehicle careCleaning and care of the
vehicle ........................................300
Power washer .............................. 301
Paintwork, painted body
components ................................. 301
Engine cleaning ..........................302
Tar stains .....................................302
Vehicle washing .........................302
Ornamental moldings ................302
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal
lenses ...........................................303
Window cleaning .......................303
Plastic and rubber parts ............303
Wiper blade .................................303
Light alloy wheels ......................303
Instrument cluster .....................304
Steering wheel and gear selector
lever ..............................................304
Cup holder ...................................304
Seat belts .....................................304
Headliner .....................................304
Upholstery ...................................305

17 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index For more detailed descriptions see Index on page 324.
For adjustment of air outlets, refer to automatic climate
control, see page 116.
1Side air outlet, adjustable
2Air volume control for side air outlet
3Exterior lamp switch, see page 110
4Parking brake release, see page 200
5Parking brake pedal, see page 200
6Hood lock release, see page 250
7Combination switch, see page 113
8Cruise control switch, see page 210
9Multifunction steering wheel, see page 84
Horn (with electronic key in steering lock
position 1 or 2)
10Instrument cluster, see page 78
11Voice control system lever, 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 51
16Headlamp washer switch, see page 112
17Roll bar switch, see page 48
Roll bar warning lamp, see page 229
18Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 115
19Central locking switch, see page 33
20Switch for tow-away alarm, see page 40
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system, see
page 39
21Right front seat heater switch, see page 51
22Automatic climate control, see page 116
Rear window defroster switch, see page 120
23Glove box (illuminated with electronic key in
steering lock position 1 or 2), see page 147
24Audio system, see page 123
25Storage compartment
26Ashtray with lighter, see page 150

20
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 22
Start lock-out .................................... 24
General notes on the central locking
system ........................................... 24
Central locking system ................... 25
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 25
Opening and closing windows from
outside ........................................... 29
Panic button .................................. 30
Mechanical keys ........................... 30
Doors .................................................. 31
Central locking switch .................... 33
Automatic central locking .......... 34
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................ 34
Trunk ................................................. 35
Trunk lamp ....................................... 36
Trunk lid release switch ................. 37
Trunk lid emergency release ......... 38
Antitheft alarm system ................... 39
Tow-away alarm ................................ 40Power seats, front ............................. 41
Front head restraints .................. 46
Roll bar and head restraints,
rear ............................................... 47
Backrest ............................................ 49
Multicontour seat ............................ 50
Heated seats ......................................51
Seat belts and integrated restraint
system .......................................... 52
Seat belts .......................................... 53
Seat belt nonusage warning
system ............................................ 54
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system .......................................... 59
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 59
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) ............................................. 60
Emergency tensioning device
(ETD) ............................................ 60
Airbags ............................................... 61
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning device and
airbag ............................................. 67Infant and child restraint
systems .......................................... 69
Child seat anchors- "LATCH",
type ............................................... 71
Adjusting telescoping steering
column .......................................... 73
Inside rear view mirror .................. 74
Antiglare night position .............. 74
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 75
Instrument cluster ........................... 78
Indicator lamps in the instrument
cluster ........................................... 80
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 84
Trip and main odometer and sub
menu ............................................. 88
Audio systems .................................. 89
Radio .............................................. 89
CD player ....................................... 90
Cassette player ............................. 91
Telephone .......................................... 92
Telephone book ............................ 92
Redialing ....................................... 94
Incoming call ................................ 96

22 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Ve h i c l e k e y s
Included with your vehicle are 2 electronic keys with
integrated radio frequency and infrared remote controls
plus removable mechanical key.
The locking tabs for the mechanical key portion of the
two electronic keys are a different color to help
distinguish it.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
electronic key from the steering lock, and lock your
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause
an accident and/or serious personal injury.

24 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Start lock-out
Important!
Removing the electronic key from the steering lock
activates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be
started.
Inserting the electronic key in the steering lock
deactivates the start lock-out.
Note:
In case the engine cannot be started (vehicle’s battery is
in order), the system is not operational. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes (in the USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).General notes on the central locking system
If the electronic key is inserted in the steering lock, the
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote
control.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked:
•Aim transmitter eye at a receiver of either door
handle. Check the batteries of the electronic key, see
page 285, or synchronize the remote control, see
page 287.
•Use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door.
To start the engine, insert the electronic key in the
steering lock. There could be a slight delay until the
electronic key can be turned in the steering lock.
Important!
When unlocking the driver’s door with the mechanical
key, the exterior lamps will flash and the alarm will
sound.
To cancel the alarm, insert the electronic key in the
steering lock or press buttonŒ or‹ on the
electronic key.

25 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Central locking system
Radio frequency and infrared remote control
The electronic key has an integrated radio frequency
and infrared remote control.
Due to the extended operational range of the remote
control, it could be possible to unintentionally lock or
unlock the vehicle by pressing the transmit button. If
one of the transmit buttons is pressed, the battery check
lamp lights up briefly – indicating that the batteries are
in order. See page 285 for checking batteries.
The vehicle doors, trunk and fuel filler flap can be
centrally locked and unlocked via remote control.
Opening and closing the windows remotely can only be
done with the infrared portion of the remote control.
Aim transmitter eye at a receiver (6 or 7), press and
hold transmit button Œ or ‹.
If the electronic key is inserted in steering lock, the
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote
control.1Transmit button
‹ Locking
ΠUnlocking
Š Opening trunk
2Lamp for battery check (see page 285 for changing
batteries if it does not light up briefly)
3PANIC button
4Transmitter eye
5Locking tab for mechanical key
P80.35-2032-26
24
3
5
1

27 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Locking and unlocking with remote control
Unlocking:
Press transmit button Œ. All turn signal lamps blink
once to indicate that the vehicle is unlocked.
The remote control can be programmed for two kinds of
unlocking modes (see below):
Selective unlocking mode –
Press transmit button Œ o nce to un lock dr iver’s d oor
and fuel filler flap.
Press transmit button Πtwice to unlock both doors,
fuel filler flap, and trunk.
Global unlocking mode –
Press transmit button Πonce to unlock both doors,
fuel filler flap, and trunk.
Notes:
The presently active unlocking mode (selective or
global) can only be determined by unlocking the vehicle
with the remote control (see below for changing mode).If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the remote
control, neither door nor trunk is opened, the electronic
key is not inserted in the steering lock, or the central
locking switch is not activated, the vehicle will
automatically lock.
Locking:
Press transmit button ‹ once. All turn signal lamps
blink three times to indicate that the vehicle is locked.
If they do not blink three times, a door or trunk is not
properly closed.
Note:
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked by pressing
the transmit button, then it may be necessary to change
the batteries in the electronic key (if ok, battery check
lamp in electronic key will light briefly when pressing
transmit button) or to synchronize the remote control,
see pages 285 and 287.