tow MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-CLASS 2011 Owner's Manual

X
Insert mechanical key ; into the driver’s
door lock.
X Turn mechanical key ; clockwise to
position 1.
The driver’s door is locked.
X Turn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
i This procedure does not arm the anti-
theft alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel
filler flap. Manually unlocking the gear selector
lever
If the vehicle’s electrical system is
malfunctioning, the gear selector lever could
remain locked in park position P. In this case
the gear selector lever can be unlocked
manually, e.g. to tow the vehicle.
X Engage the parking brake. !
Do not use sharp objects to loosen the
gear selector lever cover in the center
console, as this could damage the gear
selector lever cover or the center console.
X Insert a flat, blunt object into the left edge
of gear selector lever cover : at the
positions indicated by the arrows.
X Loosen gear selector lever cover : using
this object. X
Pull gear selector lever cover : out and
remove.
X Simultaneously push down release ; and
move the gear selector lever out of park
position P.
The gear selector lever is unlocked.
i The gear selector lever is locked again as
soon as you move it back to park position
P. Fuel filler flap
G
Warning!
Avoid contact with the vehicle walls as they
may contain sharp edges. Otherwise, you
could injure yourself while releasing the fuel
filler flap.
In case the central locking system does not
release the fuel filler flap, you can open it
manually.
The fuel filler flap release is located on the
passenger side in the trunk behind the side
trim panel.
X Open the trunk (Y page 71).
X Remove side trim panel.
i Removing the side trim panel is a
demanding process. We recommend that
you contact Roadside Assistance
(Y page 166) if you do not feel to have the
ability to perform this process. Unlocking/locking manually
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X
Pull fuel filler flap release : in direction of
arrow.
The fuel filler flap is unlocked.
X Open the fuel filler flap ( Y page 176).
X Reinstall side trim panel.
X Close the trunk. Resetting activated NECK-PRO active
front head restraints
If the NECK-PRO active front head restraints
have been triggered in a rear-end collision,
they must be reset.
You can tell that the NECK-PRO active front
head restraints have been triggered when
they have been moved forward and cannot be
adjusted. G
Warning!
For safety reasons, have the NECK-PRO active
front head restraints checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center after a
rear-end collision. G
Warning!
When pushing back the head restraint
cushion, make sure your fingers do not
become caught between the head restraint
cushion and the cover. Failing to do so may
lead to injury.
! Be careful not to damage upholstery.
i For your convenience, we recommend
that you have this work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. X
Take reset tool : out of the Mercedes-
Benz literature pouch.
X Guide reset tool : into rectangular
opening = between head restraint
cushion ; and head restraint cover.
X Press reset tool : downward in direction
of arrow until you hear the head restraint
release mechanism audibly engage.
X Pull out reset tool :.
X Firmly press the head restraint
cushion ; backward towards the head
restraint cover in direction of arrow until it
engages.
X Repeat this procedure for the second front
seat.
X After resetting the NECK-PRO active front
head restraints store reset tool : in the
Mercedes-Benz literature pouch.
For information on NECK-PRO active front
head restraints, see “NECK-PRO active front
head restraints” ( Y page 50).
For information on head restraint adjustment,
see “Seats” ( Y page 77). Replacing SmartKey batteries
If the batteries in the SmartKey are
discharged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. 264
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battery yourself, follow the operating
instructions for your charging device.
Only use a battery charge unit with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
X
Charge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer. Jump starting
G
Warning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never
lean over batteries while connecting or
jump starting. You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can
result in it exploding, causing personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
! Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the automatic
transmission which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start terminals located in
the engine compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick-charge unit. If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and may
present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have
loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch
any

other metal part while the other end is
still attached to a battery.
If the battery is discharged, the engine can be
started with jumper cables and the fully
charged battery of another vehicle or an
equivalent starter pack. Observe the
following:
R Access to the battery is not possible on all
vehicles. If you cannot access the battery
of the other vehicle, provide jump start
power by an external battery or starter
pack.
R Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic converter
are cold.
R Do not jump start the engine or charge the
battery if the battery is frozen. Let the
battery thaw out first.
R Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump starting
with a more powerful battery could damage
the vehicle’s electrical system. Such
damage will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
R Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R Always make sure the jumper cables are
not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts
that move when an engine is started or
running.
R Should the battery be drained completely,
let the donating power source charge the 280
Jump starting
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vehicle for several minutes before
reattempting the starting process.
The battery is located in the trunk underneath
the luggage box ( Y page 227).
X Make sure the two vehicles do not touch.
X Switch off all electrical consumers. X
Engage the parking brake.
X Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
X Open the trunk. Position
A represents the charged battery of
another vehicle or an equivalent starter pack.
X Remove cover from battery positive
terminal ;.
! Never invert the terminal connections!
X Connect positive terminal : of charged
battery A with positive terminal ; with a
jumper cable. Clamp the cable to positive
terminal : of charged battery A first.
X Start engine of the vehicle with charged
battery A and run at idle speed.
X Connect negative terminal = of charged
battery A with negative terminal ? with
a jumper cable. Clamp the cable to
negative terminal = of charged battery
A first. X
Start engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery and run at idle speed.
You can now turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not switch on the
headlamps under any circumstances.
X Remove the jumper cables from negative
terminals = and ? first.
X Remove the jumper cables from positive
terminals : and ;.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
X Have the battery checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Towing the vehicle
Safety notes
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle
be transported with all wheels off the ground Towing the vehicle
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using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly
equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
!
To prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
If circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
or one axle raised only so far as necessary to
have the vehicle moved to a safe location
where the recommended towing methods
can be employed.
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
R Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts. G
Warning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery, as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane. i
If the battery is disconnected or
discharged
R the SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
R the automatic transmission will remain in
park position P
For more information see “Battery”
(Y page 278) or “Jump starting”
(Y page 280).
For information on manually unlocking the
gear selector lever, see ( Y page 263). Installing towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle or you are being towed, the towing eye
bolt can be screwed into threaded holes
which are located behind covers on each
bumper.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
vehicle tool kit, located underneath the trunk
floor ( Y page 224).
X Take the vehicle tool kit out of the trunk.
Removing cover in front bumper X
Press mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.
X Lift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt. 282
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Removing cover in rear bumper
G
Warning!
In order to avoid possible serious burns or
injury, use extreme caution when removing
the rear cover, because the rear exhaust pipe
is extremely hot. X
Press on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.
X Fold cover : down to reveal the threaded
hole for the towing eye bolt.
Fixing towing eye bolt Example illustration front bumper
X
Take the towing eye bolt and, if so
equipped, the wheel wrench from the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 224).
X Screw towing eye bolt ; clockwise into
threaded hole to its stop. X
Insert wheel wrench into towing eye and
tighten towing eye bolt ; by turning it
clockwise.
or
X If your vehicle is not equipped with a wheel
wrench, use a suitable object to turn the
towing eye bolt.
Removing towing eye bolt X
Loosen towing eye bolt ; by turning it
counterclockwise.
X Unscrew towing eye bolt ;.
X Reinstalling cover: Fit cover :
(Y page 282) and snap it into place.
X Store the towing eye bolt ; and wheel
wrench back into the vehicle tool kit. Towing with front axle raised
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
X Make sure the ignition is switched on.
X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X If engaged, release the parking brake.
X Switch off the automatic central locking
(Y page 123).
X Switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
X Switch on the hazard warning flasher
(Y page 90).
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the vehicle
is being towed with the front axle raised. Towing the vehicle
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Active braking action through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Towing with all wheels on the ground
G
Warning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with
all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
If the SmartKey is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert. G
Warning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
X Make sure the ignition is switched on.
X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X If engaged, release the parking brake.
X Switch on the hazard warning flasher
(Y page 90). !
The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i While being towed with the hazard
warning

flasher in use, use the combination
switch in the usual manner to signal turns.
Only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again. Fuses
Introduction
The electrical fuses in your vehicle serve to
switch off malfunctioning power circuits.
If a fuse is blown, the components and
systems secured by that fuse will stop
operating. G
Warning!
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with
the specified amperage for the system in
question and do not attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse. Using other than
approved fuses or using repaired or bridged
fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire,
and/or cause damage to electrical
components and/or systems. Have the cause
determined and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
A blown fuse must be replaced by an
appropriate spare fuse (recognizable by its
color or the fuse rating given on the fuse) of
the amperage recommended in the fuse
chart. Any Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to advise you on this subject.
i In case of a blown fuse contact Roadside
Assistance or an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If a newly inserted fuse blows again, have the
cause determined and rectified by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The fuse chart is located in the fuse box in the
passenger compartment. The fuse chart 284
Fuses
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