ABS MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS 2004 User Guide

201 Practical hints
What to do if …
Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS malfunction indi-
cator lamp and warning comes
on while driving.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
The brake system is still functioning normally
but without the ABS available.

Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels will lock during hard braking
reducing steering capability.

Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts and the ABS has switched off.

When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.

If necessary, have the alternator and
battery checked.

202 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
¿
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while
driving.
The ESP is deactivated because of an inter-
rupted power supply. The ABS may still be
operational.

Synchronize the ESP. With vehicle sta-
tionary and the engine running, turn
the steering wheel completely to the
left and then to the right to synchro-
nize the ESP.
The BAS has detected a malfunction and
switched off. The brake system is still func-
tioning normally but without the BAS avail-
able.

Continue driving with added caution.

Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of accident.
!When synchronizing the ESP, make
sure you can turn the steering wheel in
both directions as far as it will go with-
out the wheels hitting any objects, e.g.
a road curb.

229 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Parking, standing and turn signal lamp
Switch off the lights.

Open the hood (
page 174).
1Release opening

Insert the screwdriver from the vehicle
tool kit into release opening1.

Press the top of the screwdriver toward
the middle of the vehicle and toward
the rear.
The turn signal lamp will be lifted out.

Pull the turn signal lamp slightly out of
its mounting.

Pull off the electrical connector from
the turn signal lamp.

Take the turn signal lamp completely
out of its mounting.

Twist bulb socket counterclockwise
and pull out.

Gently push bulb into socket, turn
counterclockwise and remove.

Insert new bulb in socket, push in and
twist clockwise.

Reinstall bulb socket, push in and twist
clockwise.

Plug electrical connector back into the
turn signal lamp.2Guides
3Tabs

Slide the turn signal lamp with tabs3
into guides2 and press it toward the
rear into the mounting until it engages.

233 Practical hints
Replacing wiper blades
Replacing wiper blades
Removing wiper blades

Fold the wiper arm forward.

Press safety tab1down.

Push wiper blade2downward and re-
move.Replacing wiper blade insert

Place wiper blade on firm support.

Press down both tabs.

Slide (in direction of arrow) the wiper
blade insert out of the retainer claws.

Slide (in direction of arrow) the new
wiper blade insert into retainer claws
until tabs are engaged.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, remove key from steer-
ing lock before replacing a wiper blade, oth-
erwise the motor could suddenly turn on and
cause injury.

236 Practical hintsFlat tirePreparing TIREFIT
Take the TIREFIT kit out of the trunk
(page 214).
1Filler hose
2TIREFIT container

Shake contents of TIREFIT
container2.

Screw hose1 on to TIREFIT
container2.
TIREFIT is now ready for use.
Warning!
G
Take care not to allow the contents of
TIREFIT to come in contact with hair, eyes or
clothing. TIREFIT is harmful if inhaled, swal-
lowed or absorbed through the skin. It caus-
es skin, eye and respiratory irritation.
Any contact with eyes or skin should be
flushed immediately with plenty of water.
If clothing comes in contact with TIREFIT,
change clothing as soon as possible.
In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult a
physician immediately.
Warning!
G
Keep TIREFIT out of reach of children.
If swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with
plenty of water and drink plenty of water.
Do not induce vomiting!
Consult a physician immediately.
Keep away from open flame or heat source.

240 Practical hintsFlat tire

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible to obtain a
new TIREFIT container and/or filler
hose.

Bring used TIREFIT materials to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
proper disposal.

Replace your TIREFIT container every
four years. Containers are available at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 2
Small tire punctures, only those in the
tread, can be sealed with TIREFIT.
TIREFIT can be used in ambient tempera-
tures down to -4°F (-20°C).
Warning!
G
Follow recommend tire pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes
etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indicat-
ed by the label on the driver’s door latch
post). Overloading the tires can overheat
them, possibly causing a blowout.
Warning!
G
Keep TIREFIT away from sparks, open flame
or heat source.
Do not smoke.
Warning!
G
Take care not to allow the contents of
TIREFIT to come in contact with hair, eyes or
clothing. TIREFIT is harmful if inhaled, swal-
lowed or absorbed through the skin. It caus-
es skin, eye and respiratory irritation.
Any contact with eyes or skin should be
flushed immediately with plenty of water.
If clothing comes in contact with TIREFIT,
change clothing as soon as possible.
In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult a
physician immediately.Warning!
G
Keep TIREFIT out of reach of children.
If swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with
plenty of water and drink plenty of water.
Do not induce vomiting!
Consult a physician immediately.
Keep away from open flame or heat source.

279 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines. Therefore, use
only engine oils recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Information on approved
engine oils is available in the Factory Ap-
proved Service Products pamphlet, or at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Please follow FSS or Service Booklet rec-
ommendations for scheduled oil changes.
Failure to do so could result in engine dam-
age not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
blending oil additives are not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special
PAG lubricating oil is used in the air condi-
tioning system.Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil, otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere. Under extremely strenu-
ous operating conditions, this moisture
content can lead to the formation of bub-
bles in the system, thus reducing the sys-
tem’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be re-
placed every two years, preferably in the
spring.
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.
!Always check the oil filler cap
(page 171) for important informa-
tion pertaining to the engine oil need-
ing to meet a specific Mercedes-Benz
specification (e.g. MB 229.5). If such
information is printed on the oil filler
cap, only use an engine oil from the list
of approved engine oils in the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet
that meets the specification indicated
on the oil filler cap.
Using engine oils of other specification
may cause the FSS to incorrectly deter-
mine the next service interval and will
result in engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

287 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the passenger seat. The sys-
tem will automatically deactivate the
passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed (indicator
lamp7 in the center console lights
up). See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.BabySmart
TM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger front airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter, which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.
Collapsible tire
An especially compact spare tire that
must be inflated with a provided air
pump before using. It should only be
used to bring the vehicle to the nearest
service station.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for auto-
matically maintaining the vehicle speed
set by the driver.

293 Index
A
ABS 22, 66, 287
Malfunction indicator lamp 201
Warning lamp 201
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 98
Accident
In case of 46
Activating
Air conditioning 107
Air recirculation mode 106
Anti-theft alarm system 71
Climate control 103
ESP 70
Exterior headlamps 43
Hazard warning flasher 86
Headlamps 43
High beams 85
Ignition 29
Immobilizer 71
Rear window defroster 101
Residual heat 107
Seat heater* 82
Tow-away alarm 72
Windshield wipers 44Activating automatic central locking 80
Adding
Coolant 181
Engine oil 179
Additional turn signals 226
Adjusting 30
Air distribution 105
Air volume 105
Backrest tilt 32, 33
Exterior rear view mirror 35
Head restraint height 32
Inside rear view mirror 35
Instrument cluster illumination 89
Manual seat 31
Mirrors 35
Seat cushion tilt 33
Seat fore and aft adjustment 31, 33
Seat height 31, 33
Seats 30
Telescoping steering column* 34
Adjusting headlamp aim
Horizontal headlamp aim 232
Vertical headlamp aim 231
Air conditioning 106Activating 107
Deactivating 107
Air conditioning refrigerant 279
Air distribution
Adjusting 105
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 186
Air recirculation mode 106
Activating 106
Deactivating 106
Air volume
Adjusting 105
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 211
Airbags 53
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 287
BabySmartTM deactivation
system 62
Children 54
Front 56
Passenger 56
Safety guidelines 55
Side impact 57

294 IndexAlarm
Audible 65, 71, 72
Canceling 71, 72
Visual 71
Alarm system
Anti-theft 71
Alignment bolt 246
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 287
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 282
Antiglare
Automatic 99
Antilock brake system (ABS) 287
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 71
Canceling alarm 71, 72
Disarming 71
Anti-theft systems 71
Anti-theft alarm system 71
Immobilizer 71
Tow-away alarm 72
Armrest
Storage compartment 141
Ashtray 142
ATF (automatic transmission fluid)* 180
Audio system 121Audio and telephone, operation 111
Button and soft key operation 115
Cassette mode 118
Operating and display elements 112
Operating safety 111
Operation 115
Radio mode 116
Switching off 115
Switching on 115
Telephone operation 125
Audio systems 111
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 99
Automatic central locking
Activating 80
Deactivating 80
Automatic lighting control
Deactivating 87
Automatic locking when driving 79
Automatic transmission 93
Accelerator position 98
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 98
Gear ranges 95Gear selector lever position 95
Gear shifting malfunctions 98
Kickdown 98
Manual shifting 94
One-touch gearshifting 94
Program mode selector switch 97
Selector lever position 93
Winter program mode 97
Automatic transmission*
Fluid level 180
Starting with 41
Transmission fluid 180
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 62
Compatible child seats 62, 287
Self-test 63
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 287
Backrest tilt 31
Backup lamps 227, 230
Bulbs 227
BAS 67, 287