MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class 2001 R170 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2001, Model line: SLK-Class, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class 2001 R170Pages: 273
Page 191 of 273

188 First aid kit
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
First aid kit
The first aid kit is located in the left side panel of the 
trunk.
Stowing things in the vehicleFuses
Before replacing a blown fuse, determine the cause of 
the short circuit.
Spare fuses are supplied inside the main and auxiliary 
fuse boxes. Observe amperage and color of fuse.
A special fuse puller is supplied with the vehicle tools.
Always use a new fuse for replacement. Never attempt to 
repair or bridge a blown fuse.
After replacing a blown fuse, close fuse box cover.
A fu se  ch art ca n be fou nd  insid e t he correspond ing  f use 
box cover.
Wa r n i n g !
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or 
sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing 
things. Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if 
possible. 
Page 192 of 273

189 Fuses
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index 1Main fuse box in engine compartment (contains 
fuses for interior consumers)
To gain access to the main fuse box (1), release 
clamp (arrow), lift the fuse box cover up and 
remove it.
To c lose t he ma in fu se box , engage ba ck end of  cove r 
and let front end snap into place.2Auxiliary fuse box to left of exterior lamp switch 
(fuses for lights)
To gain access, turn locks (arrows) using a coin, and 
remove cover.
1
P82.00-2050-26
P82.00-2064-26
2 
Page 193 of 273

190 Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Hood
Wa r n i n g !
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of 
moving parts wh en t he hood is open and th e engine 
is running. Be sure the hood is properly closed 
before driving. When closing hood, use extreme 
caution not to catch hands or fingers.The radiator fan may continue to run for 
approximately 30 seconds or even restart after the 
engine has been turned off. Stay clear from fan 
blades.
The engine is equipped with a transistorized 
ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is 
dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils, 
spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the 
ignition system
• with the engine running,
• while starting the engine,
• if ignition is “on” and the engine is turned 
manually.If you see flames, steam or smoke coming from the 
engine compartment, or if the coolant temperature 
gauge indicates that the engine is overheated, do 
not open the hood. Move away from vehicle and do 
not open the hood until the engine has cooled. If 
necessary, call a fire department. 
Page 194 of 273

191 Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index To  o pen :
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1) under the 
driver’s side of the instrument panel.
Caution!
To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or hood, open 
the hood only with wipers in the parked position.Pull handle (2) up and open hood.
Lower hood and let it drop into lock from a height of 
approxima tely 1 f t. (30 cm), assisting w it h ha nds pl aced  
flat on edges of hood (3).
To avoid hood damage, please make sure that hood is 
fully closed. If not, repeat closing procedure. Do not 
push down on hood to attempt to fully close it.
P88.40-2065-26
3
3
2 
Page 195 of 273

192 Engine compartment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Automatic transmission fluid level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic 
transmission fluid.
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and 
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is 
omitted.
If you notice f luid loss or gear shifting malfunctions, 
have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the 
transmission fluid level. 
Page 196 of 273

193 Checking engine oil level
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Checking engine oil level
1Oil dipstick
2Oil filler cap
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level 
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check engine oil level approximately 5 minutes after 
stopping the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the 
oil pan.Wipe oil dipstick clean prior to checking the engine oil 
level. Fully insert dipstick in tube, and remove after 
three seconds to obtain accurate reading.
Oil level must be between the lower 
(min) and upper (max) mark of the 
dipstick.
Fill qu antity b etween u pper a nd l ower dipstick m arking  
level is approximately 2.1 US qt (2.0l).
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could 
cause engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty.
For low engine oil level warning, see page 184.
P18.40-2047-262
1 
Page 197 of 273

194 Coolant level
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Coolant level
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked 
on level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when coolant is cold.
Adding coolant
If  coolant has to be add ed, a  50/50 mix ture of water and  
MB anticorrosion / antifreeze should be added. Refill 
coolant until the float in the reservoir reaches and 
closes the filler opening. Anticorrosion / antifreeze, see page 256. The drain plugs for the cooling system are 
located on the right side of the engine block and at the 
bottom of the radiator.
P20.20-2052-26
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid possible serious burns or injury:
• Use extreme caution when opening the hood if 
there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking 
from the cooling system, or if the coolant 
temperature gauge indicates that the engine is 
overheated.• Do not remove pressure cap on coolant 
reservoir if engine temperature is above 194°F 
(90°C). Allow engine to cool down before 
removing cap. The coolant reservoir contains 
hot fluid and is under pressure.• Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately 
1/2 turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened 
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will 
be blown out under pressure.
• Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. 
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may 
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine 
parts. 
Page 198 of 273

195 Windshield and headlamp washer system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Windshield and headlamp washer system
1Windshield and headlamp washer fluid reservoir
Capacity approximately 7.4 US qt (7.0 l)
The reservoir should be refilled with MB Windshield 
Washer Concentrate and water (or concentrate 
commercially available premixed windshield washer 
solvent / antifreeze, depending on ambient 
temperatures).Windshield and headlamp washer fluid mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing:
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water.
1 part “S” to 100 parts water
(40 ml “S” to 1 gallon water)
For temperature below freezing:
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and 
commercially available premixed windshield washer 
solvent / antifreeze.
1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
(40 ml “S” to 1 gallon solvent).
1
P82.35-2051-26 
Page 199 of 273

196 Air pump, spare wheel, vehicle tools, storage compartment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Air pump, spare wheel, vehicle tools, storage 
compartment1Ve h i c l e   t o o l s
2Wheel bolt wrench
3Spare wheel and wheel bolts
4Air pump (electric. 12 V), Bolts for spare wheel rim
5Vehicle jack
Raise roof, open luggage cover, and move aside trunk 
floor.
To remove air pump:
Unbuckle strap and remove air pump from holder.
To remove spare wheel:
First remove air pump, then turn pump holder 
counterclockwise and remove spare wheel.
To store spare wheel:
Place spare wheel in wheel well and secure it with 
pump holder. Turn pump holder clockwise to its stop. 
Reinstall air pump.
P58.10-2025-27
43
2
15 
Page 200 of 273

197 Vehicle jack
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Ve h i c l e   j a c k
1Jack base
2Handle
3Pin 
See illustration for proper storage of jack.
Before storing the jack in its holder in the spare wheel 
well, lower jack arm and fold in handle and pin.
1
0
456max. 6 min
A 170 584 01 38 AIR COMPRESSOR 23
Mercedes-Benz2
3
2 1
12,5 bar
36 psi1
0 23
4
5
620PSI
BAR40
60
80LUFTPRESSER 1
2
P58.10-2019-261
2
3
Wa r n i n g !
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the 
veh icle at th e jack tu bes bu ilt into eit her side of th e 
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the jack 
only to lift the vehicle during a wheel change. 
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is supported 
by  t he jack. Keep hands and feet away from th e area 
under the lifted vehicle. Always firmly set parking 
brake and block wheels before raising vehicle with 
jack.Do not disengage parki ng brake wh ile th e vehi cle i s 
raised. Be certain that the jack is always vertical 
when in use, especially on hills. Always try to use 
the jack on level surface. Be sure that the jack arm 
is fully inserted in the jack tube. Always lower the 
vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before 
working under the vehicle.