MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS 2002 Owners Manual

128 Luggage cover
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Luggage cover
1Handle
2HolderTo c l o s e c o mp a r t m e n t :
Pull out on handle and hook guide rod into left and right
side holders.
To open compartment:
Unhook guide rod from holders and guide luggage cover
into storage compartment.
Important!
To prevent damage to hardtop or luggage / cargo when
lowering the roof:
•load trunk only to the height of the luggage
cover (3),
•do not permit luggage / cargo to raise the closed
luggage cover (4),
•do not load anything on top of the luggage cover (5),
•do not place anything on shelf behind roll bars (6).
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129 Contents - Driving
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 130
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 131
Maintenance ................................... 131
Tele Aid ........................................... 132
Catalytic converter ........................ 140
Emission control ............................ 141
Steering lock ................................... 142
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 144
Manual transmission .................... 145
Automatic transmission ............... 147
Parking brake ................................. 156Driving instructions .......................157
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel ........157
Drinking and driving .................157
Pedals ...........................................157
Power assistance .........................158
Brakes ...........................................158
Driving off ....................................159
Parking .........................................159
Tires ..............................................160
Snow chains ................................163
Winter driving instructions ......163
Block heater .................................165
Deep water ...................................165
Passenger compartment ............165
Traveling abroad .........................165Cruise control ................................. 166
Brake assist system
(BAS) ........................................... 169
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 171
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 173
What you should know
at the gas station ....................... 177
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 179

130 Control and operation of radio transmitters
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Control and operation of radio transmitters
Radio and telephone
1 Observe all legal requirements.
Telephones and two-way radio
Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a
citizens band unit should only be used inside the
vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is
installed on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions
regarding use of an external antenna.
Wa r n i n g !
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. Only operate
the radio or telephone
1 if road and traffic
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km / h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of approximately 50 feet (approximately
14 m ) e v e r y s e c o n d .
Wa r n i n g !
Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a
built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being
connected to an external antenna) from inside the
vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.

131 The first 1 000 miles
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the
break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle
during the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) at moderate
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle
driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Manual transmission:
Downshift at proper engine speeds.
Automatic transmission:
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended
to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend that you select positions “3”, “2” or “1”
only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) speeds may be gradually
increased to the permissible maximum.Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle
serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, in
accordance with the Service Booklet at the times called
for by the FSS.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance
with the Service Booklet at the designated times /
mileage may result in vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For information on the Flexible service system (FSS),
see page 77.

132 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Te l e A i d
Important!
The initial activation of the Tele Aid system may only be
performed by completing the subscriber agreement and
placing an acquaintance call using the “SOS” button.
Failure to complete either of these steps will result in a
system that is not activated. If the system is not
activated the indicator lamp in the “SOS” button stays
on after turning electronic key in starter switch to
position 2.
If you have any questions regarding activation, please
call the Response Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
(Te l ematic Alarm Identification on Demand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three types of response;
automatic and manual emergency, roadside assistance
and information.
The Tele Aid system is operational providing that the
vehicle’s battery is charged and properly connected, not
damaged and cellular and GPS coverage is available. To
activate, press the “SOS” button, the Roadside
Assistance button• or the Information button¡,
depending on the type of response required.Shortly after the completion of your Acquaintance Call,
you will receive a user ID and password via first call
mail. By visiting www.mbusa.com and selecting
“Tele Aid” (USA only), you will have access to account
information, remote door unlock and more.
System self-check
Initially, after turning the key in steering lock to
position 2, malfunctions are detected and indicated (the
indicator lamps in the “SOS” button, the Roadside
Assistance button• and the Information
button¡ stay on longer than 10 seconds or do not
come on).
Important!
Always make sure that the indicator lamps in the
“SOS” button, in the “Roadside Assistance” button and
in the “Information” button do not remain illuminated
constantly in red after the system self check.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above, have the
system checked at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.

133 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Emergency calls
An emergency call is initiated automatically:
•following an accident in which the Emergency
Tensioning Retractors (ETR’s) or airbags deploy,
•if the antitheft alarm or the tow away alarm stays on
for more than 20 seconds, see pages 35 and 37.
An emergency call can also be initiated manually by
opening the cover next to the inside rear view mirror
labeled “SOS”, then briefly pressing the button located
under the cover. See below for instructions on initiating
an emergency call manually.
Once the emergency call is in progress, the indicator
lamp in the “SOS” button will begin to flash. All
information relevant to the emergency, such as the
location of the vehicle (determined by the GPS satellite
location system), vehicle model, identification number
and color are generated.
A voice connection between the Response Center and
the occupants of the vehicle will be established
automatically soon after the emergency call has been
initiated. When a voice connection is established the
audio system mutes. The Response Center will attempt
to determine more precisely the nature of the accident
provided they can speak to an occupant of the vehicle.The Tele Aid system is available if:
•it has been activated and is operational. Activation
requires a subscription for monitoring services and
cellular air time
•the relevant cellular phone network and GPS signals
are available and pass the information on to the
Response Center.
Note:
Location of the vehicle on a map is possible if the
vehicle is able to receive signals from the GPS satellite
network and pass the information on to the Response
Center.
Wa r n i n g !
If the indicator lamp in the “SOS” button is
illuminated continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Response Center established,
then the Tele Aid system could not initiate an
emergency call (e.g. the relevant cellular phone
network is not available).Should this occur, assistance must be summoned
by other means.

134 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Initiating an emergency call manually
Briefly press on cover (1) – the cover will open. Press the SOS button (2) briefly. The indicator lamp in
the SOS button (2) will flash until the emergency call is
concluded. Wait for a voice connection to the Response
Center.
Close the cover (1) after the emergency call is
concluded.
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135 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Roadside Assistance button •
Located below the center armrest cover is the Roadside
Assistance button•. Pressing and holding the
button (for longer than 2 seconds), will initiate a call to
a Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher. The
button will flash while the call is in progress. The
Tele Aid system will transmit data generating the
vehicle identification number, model, color and location
(subject to availability of cellular and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Roadside Assistance
dispatcher and the occupants of the vehicle will be
established. The nature of the need for assistance can
then be described. The Mercedes-Benz Roadside assistance dispatcher will
either dispatch a qualified Mercedes-Benz technician or
arrange to tow your vehicle to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center. For services such as labor and/
or towing charges may apply. Refer to the Roadside
Assistance manual for more information.
These programs are only available in the USA:
•Sign and Drive services: Services such as jump start,
a few gallons of fuel or the replacement of a flat tire
with the vehicle spare tire are obtainable,
•Remote Vehicle Diagnostics: This function permits
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher
to download malfunction codes and actual vehicle
data.
Notes:
The indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance
button• remains illuminated in red for
approximately 10 seconds during the system self-check
after turning key in steering lock to position 2 (together
with the “SOS” button and the Information
button¡).
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, vehicle in
a dangerous road location), please do not wait for
voice contact after you have pressed the emergency
button. Carefully leave the vehicle and move to a
safe location. The Response Center will
automatically contact local emergency officials
with the vehicle’s approximate location if they
receive an automatic “SOS” signal and cannot make
voice contact with the vehicle occupants.

136 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
See system self-check on page 132 when the indicator
lamp does not light up in red or stays on longer than
approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance
button• is illuminated continuously and there was
no voice connection to the Response Center established,
then the Tele Aid system could not initiate an Roadside
Assistance call (e.g. the relevant cellular phone network
is not available).
Information button ¡
Located below the center armrest cover is the
Information button¡. Pressing and holding the
button (for longer than 2 seconds), will initiate a call to
the Client Assistance Center. The button will flash while
the call is in progress. The Tele Aid system will transmit
data generating the vehicle identification number,
model, color and location (subject to availability of
cellular and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Client Assistance
Center representative and the occupants of the vehicle
will be established. Information regarding the operation
of your vehicle, the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or
Mercedes-Benz USA products and services is available
to you.For more details concerning Tele Aid, please visit
www.mbusa.com and use your ID and password, sent to
you separately, to learn more (USA only).
Notes:
The indicator lamp in the Information button¡
remains illuminated in red for approximately
10 seconds during the system self-check after turning
key in steering lock to position 2 (together with the
“SOS” button and the Roadside Assistance button•).
See system self-check on page 132 when the indicator
lamp does not light up in red or stays on longer than
approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Information button¡ is
illuminated continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Response Center established, then the
Tele Aid system could not initiate an Information call
(e.g. the relevant cellular phone network is not
ava i l ab le ).

137 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
If the indicator lamps do not start flashing after
pressing one of the buttons or remain illuminated (in
red) at any time, the Tele Aid system has detected a fault
or the service is not currently active, and may not
initiate a call. Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center and
have the system checked or contact the Response Center
at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or 1-888-923-8367 (in
Canada) as soon as possible.
Upgrade Signals
Tele Aid system processes calls using the following
priority.
•Automatic emergency – First priority
•Manual emergency – Second priority
•Roadside assistance – Third priority
•Information – Fourth priority
Should a higher priority call be initiated while you are
connected, an upgrade (alternating) tone will be heard,
and the appropriate indicator lamp will flash. If certain
information such as vehicle identification number or
client information is not available, the operator may
need to retransmit. During this time you will hear a chirp and voice contact will be interrupted. Voice
contact will resume once the retransmission is
completed. Once a call is concluded, a chirp will be
heard and the appropriate indicator lamp will stop
flashing. The audio system operation will resume.
Important!
If the indicator lamp continues to flash or the system
does not reset, contact the Response Center at
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or 1-888-923-8367 (in
Canada), or Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) in the USA or
Customer Service at 1-800-387-0100 in Canada.
Notes:
The indicator lamp in the respective button flashes until
the call is concluded and this can only be completed by
a Response Center or Client Assistance Center
representative.
When a Tele Aid call has been initiated, the audio
system is muted and the selected mode (radio, tape or
CD) pauses. The optional cellular phone (if installed)
switches off. If you must use this phone, the vehicle
must be parked. Disconnect the coiled cord and place
the call.